In celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the World Apostolate of Fatima Philippines – Cebu Archdiocesan Division holds a tribute entitled: “Gasa kang Mama Maria” at the City Wing Atrium of SM Seaside City Cebu.
The event began with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the outgoing Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.
In his homily, Archbishop Palma reflected on the many challenges the community has faced over the past years, and how Mama Mary remained present with us through those trying times.
“Having survived all of those (Covid-19 Pandemic, Typhoon Odette, etc.), there were moments of joy and moments of pain, yet all along we know we have a Mother who loves us. And so today, in union with the whole Church, we thank the Lord for sending to us this valiant woman, who first of all accepted Jesus in her heart and eventually in her womb, and gave Jesus to us,” Archbishop Palma said.
He further emphasized the significance of Mary’s role in God’s plan of salvation:
“You know, for Jesus to be a man, He needs a woman, and that’s Mama Mary who accepted him in faith, in her heart, in her home. And so today we thank God because we know by celebrating the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the plan of salvation has been announced in a way that the whole world knows this time, there’s no turning back,” Archbishop Palma exhorted.