Fr. Ramon Echica has officially launched his second book, “Was COVID-19 the Will of God?”, in a ceremony held earlier today at the Martin Family of Lisieux Chapel of San Carlos Seminary College.
Present at the event were Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy, Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Jose Palma, seminary priest-formators, and guests.
Amid moments of crisis, when many search for answers and are tempted to see God as the author of suffering, Archbishop Abet offered a deeper perspective rooted in Christian faith: God is not the source of evil.
“He is the one who enters into our suffering, walks with us, and brings good even out of the darkest moments,” he said.
He noted that the book by Fr. Echica does more than provide answers. It invites reflection, prayer, and a renewed encounter with a God who is present, compassionate, and faithful even in uncertainty.
Describing the work as timely in the face of a new global crisis, the Archbishop expressed hope that it will help readers find meaning, strengthen their faith, and rediscover God not as distant, but as Emmanuel—God with us.
Fr. Ramon Echica is a theology professor at Seminario Mayor de San Carlos. He obtained his licentiate and doctoral degrees in theology from the Catholic University of Leuven, and his master’s degree from Ateneo de Manila University.
His first book, Jesus for Filipinos, received the Cardinal Sin Book Award in the area of Spirituality.