The people in the province of Palawan will be launching a year-long commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity on the island on August 28.
The celebration will take center stage at the St. Augustine Church in Cuyo town, the oldest parish in the entire province, said a report from CBCP News.
The parish, which is now administered by the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay, was established by Spanish Augustinian missionaries in 1622.
A Mass, which will be officiated by Bishop Broderick Pabillo and Bishop Socrates Mesiona of Puerto Princesa will kick off the celebration.
“Dakila ang pag-ibig ng Diyos na pati ang Palawan ay inabot niya. Nagpadala siya ng mga misyonero upang ipakilala sa atin ang kanyang pagmamahal,” said Bishop Pabillo in the CBCP News report.
“Hindi lang dumating ang pananampalataya. Ito ay nanatili at nagkaugat sa ating mga isla,” he added.
Dubbed “Demdemen, Icelebra, Ipadayon,” the year-long event will feature, among others, a pilgrimage of the Mission Cross across the island.
Cuyo is the oldest town in Palawan and home to more than 23,000 people.
The 17th century Cuyo Fort, which was built to protect the residents of the island from Moro attacks, remains to be an attraction in town.
The Spanish fortress is said to be unique because it also houses the parish church, convent, and an adoration chapel within its walls.
