Archbishop Jose Palma of the Archdiocese of Cebu called on the faithful to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the country by helping those most in need.
“There are many who are hungry, homeless, lonely, and afraid. Many who long for companions. Yes, we are gifted so that we can bring comfort, forgiveness, and love to others,” he said.
Archbishop Palma marked the official start of month-long activities for the Cebu leg of the celebration of the quincentennial of Christianity in the Philippines on Easter Sunday by opening the Jubilee Door of Cebu’s cathedral.
He said that through acts of charity “those who hunger for God and for His mercy may know that through us, indeed, Jesus has risen and is present in our midst.”
Dozens of people attended the opening of the Jubilee Door of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral that signaled the start of the celebrations.
A total of 12 heritage churches in the Archdiocese of Cebu simultaneously opened their Jubilee Doors on Easter Sunday.
In his homily during Mass, Archbishop Palma noted that the current health crisis also strengthened people’s faith in God.
“COVID brings fear but also deep in our hearts, our love for Christ strengthens our faith,” he said.
“COVID may bring death but the risen Lord brings us life. We profess that our faith is stronger than our fear. Our light in the midst of darkness, our light even in the midst of fear,” added the prelate.
