The faithful are invited to enter into a deeper reflection on the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ through the sacred tradition of the Siete Palabras on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, at 12:00 noon at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
Held as part of the Church’s solemn observance of Good Friday, the Siete Palabras (Seven Last Words) offers a meditative encounter with Christ’s final words on the Cross—words that continue to reveal His love, mercy, and redemptive sacrifice.
The reflection will begin with an introduction by Rev. Msgr. Rogelio Fuentes, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cebu, and will conclude with a closing message from Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy.
Each of the Seven Last Words will be expounded through a combination of theological reflections and personal sharing from invited speakers, highlighting themes that call the faithful to become a more listening, missionary, compassionate, and hope-filled Church.
Priests, religious, and lay collaborators from various ministries will take part in guiding the faithful through these reflections, offering both doctrinal insights and lived experiences that connect Christ’s Passion to contemporary Christian life.
📌 First Word: “Amahan, pasayloa sila kay wala sila masayod sa ilang gibuhat” (Lc 23:34)
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Theme: Usa ka Simbahan nga Mapalawmong Naminaw ug Makanunayong Nag-ampo
Reflection: Fr. Samuel Mary Leidel, CSJ
Sharer: Sr. Ma. Corazon Talay, MCST
📌 Second Word: “Karong adlawa, uban ka kanako sa paraiso” (Lc 23:43)
“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise”
Theme: Usa ka Simbahan nga Malipayon nga Nagsangyaw
Reflection: Fr. Junly Cortes
Sharer: Bro. Jayson Vergara
📌 Third Word: “Babaye, ania ang imong Anak; ania ang imong inahan!” (Jn 19:26-27)
“Woman, behold your son! … Behold your mother!”
Theme: Usa ka Simbahan nga Mahunahunaon nga Nag-amuma sa Kabuhatan
Reflection: Fr. Joselito Gutierrez
Sharers: Bro. Antonio H. Bande Jr. and Sis. Irene H. Bande
📌 Fourth Word: “Diyos Ko, Diyos Ko, nganong gibiyaan Mo ako?” (Mt 27:46; Mc 15:34)
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Theme: Usa ka Simbahan nga Mapalawmong Nagkat-on ug Mapaubsanong Naglakaw
Reflection: Fr. Peter Monteron
Sharer: Mr. Eduardo Empelis Jr.
📌 Fifth Word: “Giuhaw Ako!” (Jn 19:28)
“I thirst”
Theme: Usa ka Simbahan nga Manggihatagong Nag-Alagad
Reflection: Fr. Rizalino Raypan Jr.
Sharer: Bro. Jose Ismael Icalina
📌 Sixth Word: “Natapos na.” (Jn 19:30)
“It is finished”
Theme: Usa ka Simbahan nga Maisogon nga Nagbag-o
Reflection: Fr. Joseph Yntig
Sharer: Ms. Brenette Abrenica
📌 Seventh Word: “Amahan, sa Imong mga kamot, itugyan ko ang akong espiritu.” (Lc 23:46)
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”
Theme: Usa ka Simbahan nga Mapailobon nga Nagtukod sa Komunyon
Reflection: Fr. Christian James Mayol
Sharer: Sis. Maria Soledad D. Velez
For those unable to attend in person, the Siete Palabras will be livestreamed through social media official platforms of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, and MyTV Cebu.
As the Church enters the silence and solemnity of Good Friday, this annual devotion remains a profound invitation for the faithful to pause, listen, and journey with Christ—standing at the foot of the Cross in prayerful remembrance and hope.