CEBU, Philippines - During his birthday last year, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma wished that the International Eucharistic Congress be held in Cebu. A year after, Palma is grateful that this wish came true.
In fact, Palma’s 64th birthday yesterday was spent in Rome where he attended the IEC preparatory meeting.
Palma and other local church leaders left for Rome last week to finalize matters on Cebu’s hosting of the 51st IEC on 2016.The IEC, an event held every four years, is expected to draw thousands of participants from around the world. Church officials have even expressed hope of Pope Francis’ presence during the event.
Palma and other church officials will return to Cebu next month to bring in more updates on the event.
Palma, a native of Dingle, Iloilo, was appointed as Archbishop of Cebu in 2010. Prior to this, he served as Archbishop of Palo in Leyte.
He is also the past president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.
Palma finished a philosophy course at St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary and theological studies at the St. Joseph Regional Seminary.
He received his licentiate in Sacred Theology at the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas in Manila, and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Jaro on August 21 1976. — (FREEMAN)