With joy and thanksgiving, Cebu Archbishop – Emeritus Jose Palma presided over the Solemn Visperas Mass for the 461st Fiesta Señor at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu.
Together with him were Msgr. Jan Thomas Limchua (Counselor of the Apostolic Nunciature to the Kingdom of the Netherlands), Msgr. Vicente Rey Penagunda (Vicar General), Fr. Andrew Batayola, OSA (Prior Provincial of the Augustinian Province of Santo Niño de Cebu – Philippines), Fr. Andres Rivera Jr., OSA (Basilica Rector), Augustinian Friars of the Basilica, and other visiting priests.
Drawing from the words of Pope Francis, the Archbishop led the faithful in reflecting on the many gifts they had received over the past years.
He also recalled the challenges and calamities of the previous year, noting that their faith and devotion to the Holy Child sustained and helped them overcome these trials.
“We believe in the Niño, like the Little Boy who has confidence in his loving Father, I see in Cebu the great confidence. I see in Cebu this belief that the God who loves us will never abandon us. Hope is telling us: if He loved us when we were sinners, how much more now when we are His children,” said Archbishop Palma.
He added that life is a precious gift and urged the faithful to use it well—seizing every opportunity and living in a way that returns to God what has been entrusted to them.
“For all of us gathered here today, let us pray that because we are gifted with renewed life, energy, and conviction that we are dearly loved, may we see things more with hope and confidence. May we live that we will be able to share, and may we choose so that others may experience the bounty of the Lord,” he exhorted.
After the Eucharistic Celebration, the faithful took part in the traditional one-hour Sinulog dance, offering it in thanksgiving and supplication to the Santo Niño.
Tomorrow, January 18, Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy shall celebrate the 6:00 AM Pontifical Mass for the Feast of the Santo Niño.