Manila Cathedral starts Mass, candle offering for departed By Ferdinand Patinio MANILA – The Manila Cathedral has started the offering of Masses and lighting of candles for the dearly departed at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, and will run until Nov. 7. “From Oct. 18 to Nov. 07, the Blessed Souls Chapel inside the Manila Cathedral will be open to the public who may want to offer Mass intentions and light votive candles for the souls of the faithful departed,” it said in a social media post. “The cathedral is open from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.,” the cathedral added. *Road closures* Meanwhile, the City of Manila reminded the public that roads near the Manila North Cemetery will be temporarily closed starting Friday for the commemoration of All Souls’ Day (Nov. 1) and All Saints Day (Nov. 2). In a separate social media post, the Manila Public Information Office said the road closures will begin at 7 p.m. Oct. 30 until 7 p.m. Nov. 3, in the following areas, Stretch of Blumentritt Street from A. Bonifacio Avenue to Aurora Boulevard; stretch of Dimasalang Street to Retiro Street from Retiro Street to Calavite Street; stretch of Maceda Street from Makiling Street to Dimasalang Street; northbound lane of Dimasalang Bridge; Aurora Boulevard corner Leonor Rivera Street; and Blumentritt Road corner Leonor Rivera Street. It also released the traffic rerouting of vehicles. All vehicles coming from Dimasalang Road intending to use Blumentritt Road shall turn right on Simon Street to point of destination; all vehicles coming from Quezon City using A. Bonifacio Avenue shall turn left on Labo Street to point of destination; all vehicles coming from Maceda Street intending to use Dimasalang Street or Retiro Street shall turn right on Simon Street to point of destination; all vehicles coming from Aurora Boulevard intending to use Dimasalang Street shall turn right on Leonor Rivera Street to point of destination; and all vehicles coming from Blumentritt Road intending to use Aurora Boulevard shall turn right on Leonor Rivera Street to point of destination. At the same time, the city has designated the following as parking areas for those who will visit the cemetery: P. Guevarra Street from Blumentritt Road to Aurora Boulevard; Felix Huertas Street from Blumentritt Road to Aurora Boulevard; and Oroquieta Street from Blumentritt Road to Aurora Boulevard. Motorists are advised to plan their trips and take alternative routes to avoid inconvenience. (PNA) (Infographic from Manila Cathedral Facebook)