Today, the Society of the Holy Family celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the Thanksgiving Mass at the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Theotokos in Perrelos, Carcar City, Cebu.
In his homily, the good Archbishop reminded us that holiness is not about showing off our virtues, but about knowing our need for mercy.
“After 25 years of priestly community life, we can say that our greatest strength is not our perfection, but our dependence on God’s grace. When we acknowledge our weakness, God’s power shines even brighter. When we admit our sins, God’s mercy becomes our song,” said Archbishop Abet.
Reflecting on the congregation’s name, he added that like the Holy Family, may they let holiness grow in ordinary life.
“In Nazareth, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph lived in simplicity, silence, and humility. No grand miracles, no public applause — only love expressed in daily fidelity and quiet work. The Holy Family teaches us that holiness grows in ordinary life — in our meals shared together, in our prayers said together, in the patient forgiveness we offer each other in community,” said Archbishop Abet.
Lastly, the Archbishop emphasized that a silver jubilee is not merely a milestone of survival, but a celebration of grace upon grace.
“Think of the countless confessions heard, the Masses celebrated, the homilies preached, the people comforted, the poor served. Each act of love, no matter how small, is a seed of holiness. And yet, the more years we serve, the more we realize — everything is a gift. That is why, like the tax collector, the best prayer today is not, “Look at what we have achieved,” but “Thank You, Lord, for your mercy’,” he exhorted.