“My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
This Sunday, we begin the celebration of Holy Week. We carry palms with joy. We sing, “Hosanna!” Yet deep in our hearts, we know that this journey will lead us to the Cross.
Palm Sunday is not only a celebration. It is an invitation—a call to walk with Jesus until the very end.
Jesus Enters Our Pain
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, He did not step into a perfect world. He entered a place filled with tension, fear, and hidden suffering. He entered the lives of people who were weary, anxious, and uncertain.
Is this not also our situation today?
Many of our families are burdened. The prices of basic goods have risen sharply. Many struggle to meet their daily needs.
There are parents who lie awake at night, quietly asking: “How will I feed my family in the coming days?”
Many suffer in silence—smiling outwardly, but crying within.
My dear brothers and sisters, As your Archbishop, I want you to feel that you are not alone in your struggles and pain. You have companions in your journey. This is a time for us to support one another.
Above all, Jesus our Lord is with us. He does not distance Himself from us, nor does He abandon us in our difficulties.
From “Hosanna” to the Cross
It is easy to carry palms. It is easy to say, “Hosanna!” But this Holy Week challenges us with a question: Will we remain with Jesus, even up to the Cross?
Following Jesus is not only about praising Him—it is about imitating Him and becoming like Him.
And what do we see in Jesus?
A love that is willing to give. A love that serves. A love that does not turn away from suffering. A love that remains faithful, especially to our poor brothers and sisters.
That is why we must take seriously His words: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink” (Matthew 25:35). These are not just beautiful words. They are our mission. They are our responsibility as followers of Christ.
A Call from the Heart
In this time of hardship, I encourage you as your Archbishop and spiritual father.
With humility, I ask that we unite in facing these challenges. Let every parish become a place where no one goes hungry, no one feels alone, and no one loses hope.
No One Goes Hungry
If Jesus gave His Body for us, can we not share the blessings we have received from God with others?
I urge all parishes, through their Parish Caritas or Commission on Service, to take concrete steps, such as:
- Organizing regular feeding programs for the hungry, especially children, the elderly, and the vulnerable
- Establishing parish community pantries
- Encouraging parishioners to share even a kilo of rice or a loaf of bread for those in need
My dear people, let us not allow anyone to remain hungry without care or assistance in our Christian community.
Let us share not only food—but also the mercy and love of God made visible through our actions.
No One Feels Alone
Many today are not only materially poor, but also emotionally burdened. They feel alone, forgotten, overwhelmed. Let us reach out to them, visit them, and listen to them.
Let us strengthen our Basic Ecclesial Communities. Let us create spaces where the sorrowful can speak and be heard. Sometimes, the greatest act of mercy is simply giving our time and attention.
No One Loses Hope
Even on the Cross, Jesus did not lose hope. He entrusted everything to the Father.
Today, many are weary. Some are close to losing hope.
As the Body of Christ, we are called to give hope to one another through prayer, encouragement, and acts of mercy.
Hope is not meant to be kept—it is meant to be shared.
Small Acts… Great Love
Perhaps we may say, “What I can do is only small.” But remember: in the eyes of God, no act of love is ever small.
A meal…A visit…A kind word…A prayer. These are ways by which we carry the Cross with Christ.
A Church Fully Alive
My dear people of God, this is a time of difficulty—but also a time full of grace. Why? Because we are given the opportunity to truly become the Church of Christ.
If we understand our faith deeply, if we celebrate it meaningfully, and if we live it faithfully, then we truly become a Church fully alive.
Final Words
As we begin this Holy Week, and as we navigate this global crisis, we do not walk alone.
Let us journey together as one. Let us support and care for one another. May no one take advantage of the moment, nor seek personal gain like Judas who betrayed. Instead, let us truly love one another, as Jesus has commanded us.
May every parish become a home. May every family become a place of prayer. May every heart become a source of mercy.
So that in our Archdiocese, we may truly say: No one is neglected. No one goes hungry. No one loses hope.
Yours faithfully in prayer,
+Alberto S. Uy
Archbishop of Cebu