Archdiocese wraps up IEC preparations

CEBU, Philippines - The Archdiocese of Cebu is now on its final preparations for the International Eucharistic which will be held here beginning January 24. In fact some of the delegates will also be joining religious activities in the Sinulog festival this week.

Every night, various musical events are held in different venues and are open to the public including a fashion show and exhibit of liturgical garbs called Fabric of Faith. A play on the life of San Pedro Calungsod will also be portrayed by actor Makisig Morales as part of the IEC activity.

 The IEC will be formally opened with a Mass by Cardinal Maung Bo of Sri Lanka at the Plaza Independencia. The Pontifical Mass on January 24 will be celebrated by Cardinal Bo in behalf of Pope Francis who will not be able to make it to the IEC.

 Closed door meetings between officials from Archdiocese of Cebu and the LGUs involved in the preparations were held yesterday to wrap up its investigation. Among the daily speakers during the IEC week include Bishops Piero Marini of Rome, Diarmund Martin of Dublin, Joseph Cardinal Zen of Hong Kong, Timothy Cardinal Dolan of New York, Oswald Cardinal Garcias of Mumbai, John Cardinal Onayeikan of Abuja Nigeria, among others.

 Manila Archbishop Luis Cardinal Tagle will be the congress’ speaker on January 28 at the IEC Pavilion. A Visita Iglesia or church visit will also be held among parishes in Metro Cebu including the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Capitol, Redemptorist Church, Santo Rosario Church, Basilica del Santo Niño, Asilo dela Medalla Milagrosa, Sacred Heart Parish, and the Cebu Cathedral. These will also be the venues where the delegates will have encounters with local parishioners.   On January 29, the delegates will also be brought to their foster families as part of the immersion activity while a procession will be held from Capitol to Plaza Independencia in the afternoon.

 There will be Masses to be held on January 28 at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City, Capitol building quadrangle on January 29, and the closing ceremonies at the South Road Properties on January 31. — (FREEMAN)