Today, the Santa Monica Parish in Pinamungajan, Cebu, celebrates its 176th annual parochial fiesta.

Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the Fiesta Pontifical Mass. He was joined by Fr. Dave Villaceran (Parish Priest), Fr. Jerald Pinay (Parochial Vicar), and other visiting priests.

Reflecting on the life of Saint Monica, who expressed her deep love for the Lord through faithful obedience to His will, the good Archbishop, in his homily, called on the faithful to move beyond mere words. True love for God, he emphasized, must be made visible through concrete actions and the way one lives each day.

“Kon pangutanon ta, “Nahigugma ka sa Ginoo?” Moingon man gyod ta, “Oo, nahigugma.” Pero ang pangutana, tinuod ba? Ang pagmatuod sa atong gugma sa Ginoo mao ang pagsunod kaniya ug pagtuman sa iyang kasugoan,” said Archbishop Abet.

Known for her unwavering perseverance in prayer, St. Monica became an enduring witness of hope, especially in her long intercession for the conversion of her son, St. Augustine. Drawing from this, Archbishop Abet urged the faithful to remain steadfast in praying for their loved ones, even in the face of trials and seemingly impossible situations.

“Ayaw gyod og hunong sa pag-ampo, even when it is difficult, bisan atong mabati wa pa man ta tagda sa Ginoo. But please understand, God is already working. Bisan wa pay mausab, pero ang Diyos naglihok na. Mao nga ang atong pag-ampo di gyod masayang. Time spent with God is never wasted,” he said.

He further reminded everyone that St. Monica offered her tears and sufferings to God with trust and surrender. In the same spirit, the faithful are invited to offer their own difficulties to the Lord, confident that in His wisdom, He knows and wills what is truly best for each one.