At Chrism Mass, Palma tells faithful to ‘keep the faith’

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma led yesterday’s Chrism Mass and renewal of commitment to the priestly service of several priests at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

Chrism Mass involves the blessing of oil for baptism, matrimony, and anointing of the sick.

In his homily, the prelate praised the Catholic faithful’s drive to keep their faith despite the challenging times of COVID-19.

He reminded the faithful of God’s “love and mercy” for the people even if “they are not worthy” of such.

Palma said the people are sometimes not worthy of God’s love because of their propensity to follow their earthly desires and the teachings of God.

As to the priests, Palma said that their calling is not for themselves but for the faithful who are loved by God.

He said “the loving God has plans for everyone of us.”

Despite the pandemic, the archbishop lauded the people’s continued determination to conquer the health crisis and their will to continue living despite all the odds.

He said that the people have not only been blessed but have also become missionaries of the word of God.

Palma announced that there will be an afternoon Mass on Maundy Thursday but there won’t be any Visita Iglesia activity or processions.

This, he said, is pursuant to the call of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the Management of Infectious and Emerging Diseases. — JMD (FREEMAN)