Today, the Holy Family Parish in Maguikay, Mandaue City, celebrates its 34th Patronal Fiesta and Parish Founding Anniversary.

Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the Holy Mass. He was joined by Fr. Jean Pascal Ebonda, CICM (Parish Priest), the CICM community, and other visiting priests.

In his homily, the good Archbishop reflected on a painful reality affecting many families today: despite living under one roof, family members often no longer truly know what one another is going through. Immersed in gadgets and preoccupied with the demands of modern life, many have gradually lost meaningful connections with the people closest to them.

“Tungod kay sige tag tan-aw sa cellphone, di nata kahinung sa atong tapad. That is very sad. Kay ngano? We are supposed to relate with one another, especially people with us in the family,” Archbishop Abet said.

The Archbishop underscored how excessive attachment to worldly distractions can cause people to overlook the struggles, joys, and needs of their loved ones. He reminded the faithful that genuine relationships are built through presence, listening, and sincere concern for one another.

Drawing from the Gospel, Archbishop Abet emphasized that, like sheep, every person needs a shepherd—and that shepherd is God. At the same time, he encouraged the faithful to become shepherds to one another through the responsibilities entrusted to them, whether in the family, workplace, Church, or society.

By living lives marked by compassion, guidance, and selfless service, he said, each person can help lead others closer to God, the Good Shepherd who never abandons His flock.