Earlier today, Marian devotees joined the 41st Annual Walk with Mary, themed “With Mary, We Walk as One as Instruments of Christ’s Peace,” walking in prayer and bearing witness to their faith and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Organized by the Association of the Children of Mary – Vincentian Marian Youth, this year’s gathering featured 24 Marian images cared for by families and parishes that continue to promote Marian devotion in their communities, together with the Patrocinio de San Jose de Mandaue and the Santo Niño de Cebu, El Teniente General de la Guardia.
Beginning at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, the procession passed through Osmeña Boulevard before culminating at Plaza Independencia.
Upon arriving at the Plaza, Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” S. Uy presided over the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration, together with members of the clergy who joined the dawn procession.
Drawing his reflection from the day’s Gospel, Archbishop Abet underscored Jesus’ invitation to “look,” “consider,” and “pay attention,” saying that these words are especially important today as people live in a generation constantly looking at screens.
“We can spend hours scrolling through pictures of the world while failing to notice the beautiful world right in front of us,” Archbishop Abet said.
He described creation as a school of faith, where birds and flowers reveal God’s care and teach people to trust in Him. He reminded the faithful that they cannot protect what they do not appreciate, and they cannot appreciate what they fail to notice. He encouraged families to help children look beyond their screens, rediscover the beauty of nature, and grow in care for God’s creation.
Reflecting on Mary’s example, Archbishop Abet said that she appreciated creation because she lived close to nature. As the mother who guided Jesus, Mary helped Him value the beauty of creation, which He later used in His teachings through images of birds, trees, mountains, and rivers.
“As we walk with Mary, I hope maappreciate nato balik ang kinaiyahan and we work together… I don’t need your likes. I need you to follow what we show you as an example. Kining care for creation is not only about planting trees. We need conversion of our hearts. We need to appreciate again to live simply, to appreciate nature more,” urged the good Archbishop.