Today, on the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, the parishioners of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral welcomed their new team of pastors led by the new team moderator, Msgr. Vicente Rey Penagunda.
Together with Msgr. Penagunda in the ministry are Msgr. Arturo Navales, Fr. Junly Cortes, Fr. Dante Carredo, Fr. Lydio Felizarta, Fr. Josephus Remonde, and Fr. Angelito Heraldez (Parochial Vicar).
The outgoing Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma presided over the Holy Mass and Installation Rites. With him were Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Antonio Rañola, the Cathedral’s outgoing team of pastors, and other visiting priests.
Anchoring his homily on the joy of today’s liturgical celebration and the installation of the Cathedral’s new pastoral team, Archbishop Palma urged the faithful to give thanks to the Lord for the gift of His Mother, whose obedience to God’s will brought salvation to the world.
“Gituyo sa Diyos pagpili ni Maria. Mao nga ang tibuok Simbahan nalipay sa pagsaulog sa iyang birthday kay pinaagi niini [niya], gipasiugdan na ang pagmantala, ang pag-abot sa Manunubos. Gipahinumduman kita, in order for Jesus to be a man to save mankind, He needs a woman. Ug gipili si Mama Mary,” he reflected.
The good Archbishop also remarked that the gathering is not only a way of showing our love and devotion to our Blessed Mother but also a personal renewal of our commitment to serve the Church.
“We are made to realize in this journey we do not walk alone, God walks with us. Mama Mary walks with us. Ang atong mga santos nga sangay uban sa atong panaw, kitang tanan dunay mga papel ug responsibilidad, tungod sa gasa ni Lord, aron motubo ang katilingban ug ang Simbahan. Mao nga kining atong panagtigum, is also a way of renewing, ang pagtuman sa atong buluhaton isip mga miyembro sa Simbahan,” he exhorted.