The Archdiocese of Manila opened the celebrations to mark the 500th year of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines on Saturday, February 6.
Among the highlights of the celebration was the raising of the 500 Years “Mission Cross” at the Manila Cathedral and the distribution of the “Mission Cross” bearing the name of Jesus inscribed in Roman characters and the Filipino Baybayin script to the faithful.
The cross is a “sign of our faith in Jesus, of protection from God, and most importantly, as a badge of our missionary work.”
“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 the archdiocese in a statement.
The cross also symbolizes the encounter of the faith from Western missionaries and the Filipino culture and life, resulting in a colorful and vibrant Filipino faith.
