Tondo Church shuts down Sto. Niño feast

TAKING a cue from the Quiapo Church, the Tondo Church in Manila has suspending all physical activities in the forthcoming feast day of the Sto. Niño on January 15 and 16.

In an announcement, the Archdiocesan Shrine of Sto. Niño de Tondo said there will be no physical Masses next week amid the surge in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in the country.

"Due to the continuing surge in Covid-19 cases in the country, especially in the National Capital Region (NCR), we are informing all devotees that the Archdiocesan Shrine of Sto. Niño will be closed for public Masses on January 15 and 16," said Tondo Church.

It said the suspension has been made to avoid mass gatherings, which may lead to the transmission of the virus.

"This step is being undertaken to prevent the gathering of devotees that may increase the threat of Covid-19 transmission," said Tondo Church.

Instead, the parish said it would be better if the devotees will attend the Masses to be held virtually.

"Let us celebrate the feast of the Sto. Niño in a safe and peaceful manner in our respective homes," said Tondo Church.

It also asked the faithful to include in their prayers the call for the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Let us all pray together for the end of this pandemic," the church added.

Earlier, the activities of the Quiapo Church related to the Feast of the Black Nazarene were suspended, except for the conduct of online Masses, also due to the recent rise in Covid-19 cases. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)