The National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Quezon City. Photo courtesy of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes on Facebook [@nsollqc]

MANILA — The National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes on Sunday opened to the public its renovated dome just in time for Simbang Gabi.  

Fr. Uldarico “Ding” Camus, OFMCap., its rector and parish priest, told ABS-CBN News the renovation took almost 3 months and it was opened as part of the church’s preparation for Christmas.  

This cost around P3 million, said Fr. Camus.  

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“Nagpapasalamat ako sapagkat naisagawa ang dapat na paghahanda na ito ng pisikal para sa Simbang Gabi. Bukod sa physical preparation, mas mahalaga din ang paghahanda ng mga tao sa pamamagitan ng sakramento ng pagbabalik-loob upang ipagdiwang itong Misa Novena sa Kapaskuhan,” said Fr. Camus.  

Aside from this, the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes and the wirings for the church, parish center, and convent are currently under renovation. 

“Isang malaking hamon para pagsikapan din ng mga parishioners at supporters paano maisasakatuparan itong proyekto na ito,” he added.  

The rector and parish priest also reminded the public to take care of the pews, avoid littering, and avoid bringing pets inside the church.  

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“Ang ating mga pews ay bagong varnish din. Iwasan para hindi masira. Ganoon din sa mga nagdadala ng pets, kung maaari ay iwasan din kasi nakaka-distract sa mga church goers. Yung mga dumi natin, basura, huwag natin iwanan sa loob ng simbahan at panatalihing kaaya-aya ang ating lugar ng dalanginan at pagsamba,” he said.  

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes will have its Simbang Gabi at 7:30 p.m. from Dec. 15 to 23. The Misa de Gallo, meanwhile, will be held at 4:30 a.m. from Dec. 16 to 24.