On this Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, religious men and women from the different congregations across Cebu came together today at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral to celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life.
Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the Holy Mass
As the consecrated persons offer their lives in service to God, the Archbishop reminded them in his homily that the path they have chosen is not easy. Yet, he noted, it is through these very trials that the heart is gradually purified and faith made steadfast.
“Inside the seminary and the formation house, our patience is tested, our desires are restrained, our habits are corrected. We are asked to make sacrifices, and we are confronted with our failures and weaknesses. Yet, these slowly purify the heart. If we truly offer our life to God, He will slowly remove our pride, selfishness, and attachments. Holiness is not comfort. Holiness is purification,” said Archbishop Abet.
He also added that in a world that wants everything fast, religious life reminds us that some things in life can only be received slowly, especially God.
During the celebration, the Archbishop formally announced the appointment of Fr. Charles Louis Jayme as Vicar for Consecrated Life.
This gathering also serves as the opening celebration for the Vocation Promotion Month of the Archdiocese of Cebu.