Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene - Quiapo Church (Facebook photo) MANILA - The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, otherwise known as Quiapo Church, will be closed for three days starting Monday for massive disinfection. Fr. Douglas Badong, parochial vicar, said the basilica will not accept devotees from January 3 to 6 to give way disinfection activities in support of efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Masses will continue to be aired online. "The leadership of Quiapo Church, led by Msgr. (Hernando) Coronel, due to the news of the sudden increase in Covid cases in Manila, we thought that temporarily, the Quiapo church will be closed," Badong said in a video message posted on social media. "This is the church's cooperation to prevent the spread of Covid infection and make way for the cleaning and disinfection of the church and its surroundings in preparation for this important day for our devotees," he added. Devotees may come back on January 7, two days before the Black Nazarene's feast. "We will make the necessary preparations and cleaning up as part of the preventive measures that we must take so that by January 7, when it reopens, the church will be safer for those who attend church here especially for the coming feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9," Badong said. He likewise urged the public to get vaccinated or avail of booster and additional doses against Covid-19. Pope Pius church shuts down, too Meanwhile, the Sta. Maria Goretti Parish Church and office at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center along United Nations Avenue in Paco, Manila will be closed until January 15 after two of its staff tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. In a statement, Fr. David Concepcion, parish priest, said thorough disinfection and intensive sanitation will be undertaken. Online masses will continue to be streamed live at 7 a.m. from Monday to Saturday and 9 a.m. on Sundays. (PNA) }