Today, the San Roque Parish in Lipata, Minglanilla, Cebu celebrates its 40th Parish Fiesta with the theme: “Nagkahiusa sa Pagtuo ug Pagpaminaw uban ni Señor San Roque sa Pagtuman sa Misyon sa Diyos.”

Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the Solemn Pontifical Mass, together with Fr. Joseph Onesimo Zacarias (Parish Priest), Fr. Res Kenneth Arong (Parochial Vicar), and other visiting priests.

In his homily, the good Archbishop reminded the faithful, “In this world, the rich have the greater opportunity to help the poor; in heaven, the poor have the greater privilege to help the rich.”

Reflecting on the Gospel, he emphasized that God looks not only at what we possess, but at how we use the blessings entrusted to us. As Jesus reminds us, “Whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers, you did for me.” Whether rich or poor, we are all called to help one another and to recognize Christ in those who are in need.

Following the example of Christ, Señor San Roque lived out this call throughout his life. Born into a noble and privileged family, he could have chosen a life of comfort and security. Yet, during his pilgrimage to Rome, he encountered people suffering from the plague. Instead of turning away, he drew near to them, cared for the sick, and served those whom others feared to approach.

Though San Roque did not reach his earthly destination, he reached the ultimate destination of every pilgrim—heaven. His life reminds us that our journey is not measured by how much we gain, but by how much we give, how much we love, and how faithfully we serve others along the way.

Like San Roque, we too are pilgrims. We are only passing through this world, and at the heart of our synodal journey is the recognition that we do not walk alone. We journey together—accompanying, listening to, and helping one another as we make our way toward our true destination.