With a heart set on renewal and shared mission, Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy journeys onward in listening to his clergy—gathering today with the priests of District 8, or Near North Cebu.

The day started with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Archbishop Abet at San Vicente Ferrer Parish in San Vicente, Liloan, Cebu.

Reflecting on today’s Gospel, the good Archbishop called on the faithful to cast aside their fears and insecurities, drawing deep inspiration from the life of St. John the Baptist, who refused to place the spotlight on himself, choosing instead to point unwaveringly toward Jesus.

“John was not promoting himself. He was so secure. Ang tawo nga insecure mag-announce sa iyang kaugalingon, manghambog, magpakita. Si Juan, ang gi-promote, Ginoo ra gyod. Usahay mura ta’g ma offend if dili ta ma-recognize. We have to accept it, kay that is human weakness. But today, we are reminded to be like John. Iyang gi-promote si Kristo. Everything he did was not to make himself known but for Jesus to be known by all,” said Archbishop Abet.

Following the Mass, the priests and the Archbishop engaged in a collaborative conversation, discerning together the pastoral realities of their communities and envisioning ways to strengthen ministry and enrich their parishes.