Divine Mercy procession, mass gathers thousands

CEBU, Philippines — Thousands of devotees from Cebu and across Asia joined the Divine Mercy solemn foot procession early morning yesterday in Cebu City to conclude the weeklong fifth Asian Apostolic Congress on Mercy (AACOM).

Past 3 in the morning, people started to gather along Osmeña Boulevard for the procession joined by the images of St. John Paul II, St. Faustina Kowalska, and the Divine Mercy leading to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu for the grand mass.

It was the first time in Cebu City that the three important figures related to the Divine Mercy were showcased during the procession.

During the procession, devotees carried rosary beads and candles, reciting the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Antipolo, Most Rev. Ruperto Santos, D.D., presided the Holy Mass at the pilgrim of Basilica, wherein he instilled the significance of divine guidance in the lives of every individual who navigate life’s tribulations.

In his homily, Bishop Santos emphasized three things, to speak truth with love, to stand firm with faith, and to show mercy.

“In a world that often tests us, Jesus' words remind us that our faith is not just a personal issue but a public declaration of our trust in Him,” said Bishop Santos.

The bishop’s homily urged for a commitment to act as "messengers of hope and light", drawing strength from the Holy Spirit.

He reminded the devotees of the importance of living out faith not just as one's own self matter but as principle in how to treat others.

“In a world often marked by division and hardship, our merciful actions can bring healing and hope," he added, affirming the need for the Church to be the lamp of Christ’s love.

The gathering of delegates and devotees for the week-long AACOM signifies the deepening of understanding of God’s mercy and promoting the message within the Asian context.

The culmination was also attended by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, Bishop of the Diocese of Prosperidad in Agusan Ruben Labajo, and other visiting bishops, priests and other church leaders.

The AACOM is held every three years where Catholic faithful and leaders from various Asian countries come together to deepen the understanding of the profound truth of God's mercy and promote their own definition of divine mercy while recognizing diversity. — (FREEMAN)