Palma: Rise up, Philippines

CEBU, Philippines - There is no disaster strong enough to destroy the faith of Filipinos and the Cebuanos.

This was the message of Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma in yesterday's holy mass celebrated at the Fuente Osmeña Circle in time for the end of the Year of Faith, the Feast of Christ the King and the launch of the International Eucharistic Congress (IEC).

Palma, in his homily, pointed out the strong spirit seen among the Filipinos who have been striving to rise back from the recent catastrophes that struck the Visayas in particular, starting off with the 7.2 magnitude earthquake to the most recent super typhoon.

 â€œAng pagtoo nato lig-on sama sa bato ug dako nga dagat. Bisan ang linog wala nakahugno sa atong pagtoo. Bisan ang uwan ug baha wala nakalumos sa atong pagtoo,” Palma said.

Palma added that amidst sufferings and challenges, hope will still emerge and nothing can separate the people who are united in Christ.

He was also grateful that Cebu was chosen to host the great ecclesial event slated for January 25-31, 2016. The last time the Philippines hosted the event was in 1937.

Last June, Pope Francis approved holding the International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu with the theme “Christ in you, our hope and glory.”

Senior Inspector Errol Francis De Veyra estimated the crowd at Fuente Osmeña at around 4, 000.

After the mass, a procession going to Plaza Sugbo followed where devotees carried relief goods to be sent to victims of the super typhoon.

The Archdiocese of Cebu earlier announced that instead of just having a mass to launch the IEC, they organized the procession as another offering and prayer to the Lord especially with the recent disasters.

Devotees were asked to bring with them at least one canned food and bottled water which was to be deposited at the Plaza Sugbo by the end of the procession.

Also, during the mass, a miniature of the Basilica del Sto. Niño, the Magellan's Cross and the Holy Cross was also unveiled. 

Msgr. Dennis Villarojo explained that countries or cities that host the IEC always choose a symbol that best represents the host city's faith in God.

Palma further stressed that the end of the year of the faith does not mean that the people should stop strengthening their faith in God.

“On the contrary, let us intensify our faith,” said Palma, who pointed out that in a time where so many disasters are happening, it is important to intensify the faith in the Lord.

Palma further recalled the solidarity of the different organizations and people who endeavored to extend humanitarian aid, saying that charity was eminent amidst tears and sorrows.

“Lakat kita uban ang pagsalig ug pasalamat. Bangon Cebu, bangon Pilipinas,” he stressed. — (FREEMAN)