MANILA — For the first time, the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, popularly known as Manila Cathedral in Intramuros will allow the public to visit areas that are not usually open to the people in the afternoon of Tuesday.
According to Fr. Reginald Malicdem, rector of the cathedral, the “open house” event will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., where the public will have a chance to see four areas in the Basilica that are restricted during ordinary days.
The places are: Cathedral crypt, which is situated at the lower ground of the church; choir loft, and pipe organ both located at the second floor of the Cathedral and Cathedral roof deck.
He noted that it will be the first time that such event will be conducted by the cathedral.
“Yes, it’ll be the first time,” said the Catholic priest in a text message.
Malicdem added that the reason for opening the Basilica to the public is part of the celebration of its Post War rebuilding anniversary.
“It is one of the activities for the 60th anniversary of the rebuilding of the Post War Manila Cathedral which we celebrate this year,” he said.
According to the Facebook account of the Manila Cathedral, there will be two free guided tours which the public can avail, to be more familiar with the basilica.
The scheduled guided tours are at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesday, which will start in front of the cathedral.
It added that the people “can take pictures and videos all they want.”
Prior to the scheduled open house event, there will be a holy mass to be held at 12:10 p.m. (Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
