Today, San Roque de Montpellier Parish in Lipata, Minglanilla, Cebu celebrates its 38th Parish Fiesta.
The outgoing Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma presided over the Solemn Pontifical Mass, together with Fr. Joseph Onesimo Zacarias, Jr. (Parish Priest), Fr. Res Kenneth Arong (Parochial Vicar), and other visiting priests.
In a world filled with trials, illnesses, and difficulties, we often ask for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and saints like Snr. San Roque. The good Archbishop emphasized in his homily that as a people of faith, we acknowledge the advancement that science offers, and we also trust God as the ultimate healer.
“We trust in science and technology pero we [also] trust in the love and mercy of God … Unta kini magpahinumdom nato sa kaimportante sa kinabuhi. Kining gasa ni Lord pahinumdom nato nga gihatagan pa kita kay siguro duna pa kitay mission, duna pa kitay angay buhaton,” said Archbishop Palma.
Reflecting on our collective journey through adversity, he added that this resilience brings with it a responsibility—a mission that transcends individual efforts. We are called to collaborate, combining our strengths for a greater purpose.
“Unta kining atong pagtuo nga dunay maayong mga butang nga giandam ang Ginoo alang kanato madangat nato tungod sa atong pgsalig sa Diyos, pero tungod usab sa tabang sa tagsa-tagsa. If you try to collaborate, kon buhaton nato ang maayo, ako nagtuo nga ang umaabot mas malinawon, mas mabungahon, alang natong tanan,” he said.
Prior to the Holy Mass, the good Archbishop blessed the new parish’s candle area.
Just as San Roque devoted himself to healing others during times of plague and hardship, may we also navigate life’s challenges with grace and compassion, transforming trials into opportunities for growth and service to one another.