ALMOST 250 local and foreign bishops along with 2,250 priests from all over the country are expected to concelebrate the final Mass dubbed the “Mass of Mercy and Compassion” with Pope Francis in Luneta on Jan. 18.
A total of 18 LED walls will be installed around the venue to allow more people to view the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Rufino Sescon, executive secretary of the Steering Committee, said in a press conference Monday.
Some 5,000 people will be tapped to help distribute communion in 20 communion tents while another 5,000 will be deployed as ushers. Fr. Carmelo Arada, Jr. of the service committee on liturgy said the text to be read during the Mass would be based on the New English Translation of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal.
Readings in the final Mass will be read by a blind person and a youth representative, while the Responsorial Psalm will be led by a student from Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary.
Pope Francis is set to lead the Credo in Tagalog and the Prayers of the Faithful will be recited in the seven major Philippine languages.
“Our aim is to create a national consciousness of unity despite diverse cultural expressions and to create a sense of unity with the universal Church,” Fr. Genaro Diwa, head of the liturgical preparations, said in a letter read by Arada.
Since the Mass in Luneta Park will coincide with the Feast of the Sto. Niño, organizers had requested the attendees to bring their own images of the Sto. Niño.
Attendees will be permitted to stay in the Luneta Park at 6 a.m. No one would be allowed to camp in the area for the night, organizers said.
Pasig Bishop Mylo Vergara, chairman of the Committee on Information and Media Relations, said St. Paul Publishing would distribute more two million copies of Sambuhay missalette. It will also be uploaded online.
Health Assistant Secretary Gerardo Bayugo said his agency would provide at least 100 first aiders, 20 first aid stations and 20 ambulances in several tents in Luneta.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma reminded the public to also be mindful of their own security when attending events for the papal visit. Angeli Mae S. Cantillana and April Joy E. Dy
