The Archdiocese of Manila will officially launch the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines on February 6.
Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo, apostolic administrator of the archdiocese, will lead the observance with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m., with papal nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown.
The five mayors of the cities in the archdiocese have been invited to join the celebration with all the bishops, priests, and religious leaders.
A “Mission Cross” will be unveiled during the event and pendant crosses will be available to encourage the tradition of wearing a cross as a sign of faith in Jesus and as a badge of missionary work.
“Wearing a cross, we are reminded that we are Christians, we are Catholics, and we say yes to God’s mission,” said Father Kali Pietre Llamado, vice rector of the Manila Cathedral.
Bishop Pabillo will open the jubilee door of the Manila Cathedral on Easter Sunday, April 4, and open the jubilee doors of the other churches during the Easter Week.
On February 7, there will be parochial launching of the celebrations in the different parishes in the archdiocese.
Parish priests will explain to the faithful the significance of the wearing of the “500 Years Mission Cross.”
“It is important for us to celebrate because Mission does not end in the time of pandemic, in fact missionary work is given more significance in times of difficulties,” said Father Llamado.
“Our frontliners, medical workers, and all of us who try our best to contribute in helping the country are ourselves doing and saying yes to the mission of Jesus,” he said.
