Solemnly beginning the Paschal Triduum, Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” S. Uy presided over the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
Together with him were Cebu Archbishop-Emeritus Jose S. Palma, the Cathedral’s team of pastors led by Vicar General Msgr. Vicente Rey Peňagunda, and visiting priests.
Just as Christ knelt before His disciples to wash their feet, Archbishop Abet, in his homily, reminded the faithful that discipleship is lived through concrete acts of love, especially toward those who suffer. He emphasized that Christ’s presence is not confined to the Eucharist alone, calling on the faithful to recognize Him in those most in need.
“Si Jesus dili lamang anaa sa Eyukaristiya kondili usab sa mga tawo nga kabus ug nag-antos. Sa dihang miluhod si Jesus aron maghugas og tiil, nagtudlo siya kanato nga dili mahadlok molikay sa kalisod, nga dili magpasagad sa mga nag-antos kay diha kanila ang dalan padulong sa langit,” Archbishop Abet said.
The good Archbishop also urged the faithful to offer their lives in humble service to their communities, drawing its deepest meaning from their love for Christ truly present in the Eucharist.
“Hinaot dili ta malimot, ang Eukaristiya nga way pagpanerbisyo, basiyo, empty, it has no meaning. Ang pagpanerbisyo nga walay Eyukaristiya, di madugay, maluya. Ug manerbisyo lang ta pero atong pagpangalagad wala magtubod sa altar, dili magdugay, maluya. Pero kung manerbisyo lang ta tungod kay adunay Ginoo nga nahigugma nato, di ta maluya,” he said.
During the celebration, Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy knelt before representatives from various sectors of the community to wash their feet, which echoed not only Christ’s humility but also honored their silent crosses.
Those chosen were not merely symbolic participants but living witnesses of suffering and resilience. Among them were survivors of the September 2025 Cebu earthquake, victims of Bagyong Tino, those affected by the Binaliw trash slide, individuals who endured tragic accidents, and a parent grieving the loss of a child to suicide.
After Communion, the consecrated hosts were placed inside a ciborium and were solemnly carried in procession to the Altar of Repose.