Culture & Entertainment · Philippines Bureau
Pampanga cathedral halts services as flooding inundates San Fernando
The Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando in Pampanga's capital suspended all Sunday Masses due to widespread flooding that compromised the church's structural integrity and safety.
LSN Philippines ·
MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga — The Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando closed its doors to worshippers on Sunday as floodwaters overwhelmed the historic religious site, forcing church authorities to suspend all scheduled services.
The cathedral announced the temporary closure on Saturday evening, citing concerns over water infiltration and silt accumulation throughout the interior of the church. The main patio, along with streets in the immediate vicinity, remained completely submerged following heavy rains that swept across the region.
Church officials prioritized public safety in making the decision to halt operations. The combination of rising waters and silt deposits posed risks to congregants and risked causing damage to the cathedral's interior furnishings and religious artifacts.
The suspension marked one of several disruptions to normal activities across Pampanga as heavy rainfall battered the province. Local authorities continued to monitor water levels and assess damage throughout the capital city as recovery efforts commenced.