Christmas celebrated under pandemic's shadow
Manila Bulletin|December 26, 2020
VATICAN CITY (AFP) - Christmas festivities began Friday, with hundreds of millions across the world under coronavirus restrictions celebrating a pareddown version of a holiday typically marked by travel and large gatherings.
Christmas celebrated under pandemic's shadow

The battle to halt the pandemic, which has claimed more than 1.7 million lives, is far from over despite the launching of mass vaccine campaigns that offer the promise of an eventual return to normalcy.

Churches across South Korea stood largely 1 empty, with worshippers congregating online as the country reported a new daily caseload record.

It really is heartbreaking to see, said Park Jae-woo, a member of the Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul which would usually expect up to 10,000 worshippers, but on Friday was only able to welcome 15 staff and choir members.

And in Catholic-majority Philippines, services were rocked when a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the country, capping off a troubled yuletide already muted by bans on parties and carol singing.

Despite warm weather, the usual picnicking crowds also avoided the sands of Sydney's Bondi Beach, while the waves were empty of surfing Santas and patrolling police officers enforced social distancing rules.

Pope Francis, spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics across the globe, celebrated Christmas Eve mass in St Peter's Basilica before fewer than 200 masked faithful, mostly employees of the tiny state of Vatican City.

This story is from the December 26, 2020 edition of Manila Bulletin.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 26, 2020 edition of Manila Bulletin.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MANILA BULLETINView All
Taking care of older persons is the collective concern of the citizenry
Manila Bulletin

Taking care of older persons is the collective concern of the citizenry

The International Day of Older Persons is observed on Oct. 1 each year.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 1, 2021
Promoting safe driving in the new normal
Manila Bulletin

Promoting safe driving in the new normal

Ford Driving Skills for Life

time-read
2 mins  |
October 1, 2021
ON MANNY PACQUIAO - You're the greatest – Roach
Manila Bulletin

ON MANNY PACQUIAO - You're the greatest – Roach

From one legend to another.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 1, 2021
NAT'L BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION - PAY CUTS FOR NO VAX PLAYERS
Manila Bulletin

NAT'L BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION - PAY CUTS FOR NO VAX PLAYERS

NBA poises crackdown on those who refuse to get vaccinated

time-read
1 min  |
October 1, 2021
Duterte renews commitment to infra dev't
Manila Bulletin

Duterte renews commitment to infra dev't

With only months left in his term, President Duterte reassured the public that his administration remains committed to its promise of infrastructure development aimed at making the Philippines a progressive nation.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 1, 2021
Sustain Our Teachers' Enthusiasm; Enable Young Learners To Hurdle The Learning Crisis
Manila Bulletin

Sustain Our Teachers' Enthusiasm; Enable Young Learners To Hurdle The Learning Crisis

For 10 years now, the period from Sept. 5 to Oct. 5 of every year has been observed as National Teachers Month (NTM), by virtue of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Proclamation No. 242. The observance culminates on Oct. 5 that, by virtue of Republic Act 10743, is observed as World Teachers Day (WTD) and National Teachers Day (NTD) pursuant to a UNESCO mandate.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 30, 2021
Love knows no borders
Manila Bulletin

Love knows no borders

Pangasinense couple weds at checkpoint

time-read
3 mins  |
September 30, 2021
The Next Election Is No Waste Of Time
Manila Bulletin

The Next Election Is No Waste Of Time

An appeal to the young who can influence the outcome of the upcoming elections

time-read
4 mins  |
September 29, 2021
US Olympian Biles Says She Should've Quit Earlier
Manila Bulletin

US Olympian Biles Says She Should've Quit Earlier

Gymnastics

time-read
1 min  |
September 29, 2021
Drones And Jets: China Shows Off New Air Power
Manila Bulletin

Drones And Jets: China Shows Off New Air Power

ZHUHAI, China (AFP) — China on Tuesday showed off its increasingly sophisticated airpower including surveillance drones and jets able to jam hostile electronic equipment, with an eye on disputed territories from Taiwan to the South China Sea and rivalry with the United States.

time-read
1 min  |
September 29, 2021