On Easter Sunday, Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma presided over the Holy Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral after the traditional “Sugat,” or the reenactment of the first encounter of the Risen Christ and the Virgin Mary.
The good Archbishop anchored his homily on the central message of the Easter Season, “Nabanhaw Ako, ug sugod karon, nag-uban kanimo,” emphasizing that Christ’s triumph over death and sin should be the source and cause of our joy as children of God.
He connected the message of Easter to the Church’s celebration of the Jubilee Year, saying that the Lord will never abandon us as we face the challenges in life.
“Ang kusog dili lamang gikan nato, ang kusog gikan sa Dios. Ang paglaum gikan sa Dios. Ang grasya gikan sa Dios. Kay kung atong kaugalingon ang atong saligan, maluya kita. Pero kung diha ang gugma sa Dios, makaingon kita, ‘Kaya nato kini. Pwede natong mabuhat,'” he said.
The faithful also renewed their Baptismal Promises, which is a highlight in today’s liturgy.