MANILA, Philippines -- Close to 10,000 people have converged early Thursday at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Divine Mercy in Mandaluyong City to get a glimpse of and be blessed by healing priest Fr. Fernando Suarez, a radio report said.As early as 10 p.m. Wednesday, devotees have been turning up in droves for a chance to attend the 9 a.m. healing Mass of the world renowned Catholic priest, a radio dzMM report said.
Organizers of the event have given priority to wheelchair-bound and gravely ill patients who were ushered inside the church, the report said.
Others who were not as seriously sick were issued tickets -- on a first come-first served basis -- and led into the nearby gym in the City Hall compound on Maysilo Circle where they will await their turn to enter the church, the report added.
Batches of only 500 persons will be allowed to enter the church.
From 6 a.m. up to 1 p.m., the street leading to the city hall -- San Francisco Street -- will remain closed to accommodate the more than 50,000 people expected to attend the healing event, the report said.
About 500 policemen were deployed to maintain peace and order.
-inquirer.net
