Today, the San Roque Parish in Subangdaku, Mandaue City, Cebu, joyfully celebrates its 62nd Parochial Fiesta with the theme: “San Roque: Admirable Model of a Listening Church.”

Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the 10:00 AM Fiesta Pontifical Mass, concelebrated by Fr. Francisco Ferreras, CM (Parish Priest); Fr. RC Lagamayo, CM (Assistant Parish Priest); Fr. Gerald Borja, CM (Local Superior of the San Roque–Subangdaku Community); priests from the Congregation of the Mission; and other visiting clergy.

In his homily, Archbishop Abet reminded the faithful that healing does not always come through medicine, but often through the simple yet powerful gift of love.

“Many wounds are healed not because of medicine but because of love,” he said.

The Archbishop also challenged the parish community to become a Church that listens with compassion, especially to those who are carrying heavy burdens and quietly struggling.

“Hinaot diri sa atong parokya, aduna kitay kasingkasing sa mga apiki,” Archbishop Abet said.

For a parish to truly become a listening Church, it must have the heart to hear not only the words but also the cries, struggles, and stories of those in need. Listening goes beyond simply hearing. It calls the Church to respond with compassion, presence, understanding, and love.

In a world where many long to be heard, the parish is called to be a place where wounded hearts find not judgment but welcome; not indifference but presence; and not merely words but the healing love of Christ.