Tonight, on the holiest night of the Church, Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” S. Uy celebrated the Easter Vigil at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
He was joined by Cebu Archbishop-Emeritus Jose S. Palma, the Cathedral’s team of pastors led by Vicar General Msgr. Vicente Rey Peňagunda, and visiting priests.
In his homily, Archbishop Abet reminded the faithful that Christ brought light into the world by offering Himself to us. He urged them to share this light with others, saying that as more people carry His presence, His light will grow and reign in the world.
“Usahay magtuo ta nga gibiyaan tas Ginoo, pero wa gyod Siya mobiya. Sa dihang ang Iyang katawhan nahisalaag, wala mobiya ang Ginoo. Sa dihang Iyang pinangga mga anak nakasala, wa gyod mobiya ang Ginoo. Sa dihang giaway ang Iyang mga anak, wala Niya pasagdi. Ug sa dihang kita nawala—nagpakasala—Iya ganing gihatag ang Iyang kaugalingon alang sa atong kaluwasan,” he said.
The good Archbishop also reflected on how Christ transformed the darkness of the tomb into a place of light and holiness.
“Tungod sa pagkabanhaw, ang kangitngit dili na maoy maghari. Ang sala dili na maoy mopatigbabaw. Ang pag-antos ug kamatayon dili na maoy katapusan. Tungod sa pagkabanhaw, ang yawa dili maoy nagmadaugon,” he reflected.
During the liturgy, the Archbishop also administered the Sacraments of Christian Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist—to fourteen catechumens, and the Renewal of Baptismal Promises for the faithful.
Those who attended the Easter Vigil shall receive a Plenary Indulgence after fulfilling the required conditions set by the Church—remain in the state of grace through sacramental confession, receiving Holy Communion, praying for the intentions of the Pope, and having complete detachment from all sin.