The faithful of the Our Lady of the Pillar Parish in Sibonga will celebrate the Feast of St. Philomena tomorrow, August 10.
The outgoing Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma presided over the Visperas Mass, together with Fr. Jose Joey Belciña (Parish Priest), Fr. Ryan Ferolino (Parochial Vicar), and other visiting priests.
Reflecting on the lives of young martyrs like St. Philomena who exemplified unwavering courage by offering their lives for their faith, the good Archbishop reminded the faithful in his homily that while not everyone is called to make the ultimate sacrifice, each of us is given a unique opportunity to live as bold witnesses to our faith every single day.
“Tanan nga mga martyr, para nila, life is a value, but to be with God is a more important value … Dili tanan mahimong martyr. Pero kita gihatagan og higayon sa pagsaksi sa atong pagtuo diha sa atong maayong buhat, pag-ampo, pagpuyo og kinabuhi nga makita ang kalinaw, panag-inigsuonay, paghatag og paglaum, paghatag og supporta, ug pagdala kaayohan sa katilingban,” said Archbishop Palma.
During the Mass, the good Archbishop formally installed Fr. Belciña as the new parish priest.