The Archdiocese of Cebu joyfully celebrates 14 ye oars of faithful service of outgoing Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma as shepherd of the local Church.
Outgoing Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma presided over the Thanksgiving Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. He was joined by Cebu Auxiliary Bishop-Emeritus Antonio Rañola, Msgr. Jan Thomas V. Limchua (Counselor of the Apostolic Nunciature to the Kingdom of the Netherlands), the Team of Pastors from the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, and visiting priests.
In his homily, the outgoing Archbishop reflected on his journey before becoming the fifth Archbishop of Cebu, emphasizing how he is “happily stranded” in Cebu, a place he has come to love.
He recalled significant events that made him feel privileged to serve in Cebu: the canonization of San Pedro Calungsod in 2012, which showcased the Cebuanos’ spirit of celebration, togetherness and synodality; the announcement and preparation for the International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) which ignited a spirit of rejoicing and fervor; and the celebration of 500 Years of Christianity (YOC) in the country. These moments made him realize that Cebuanos are a people truly united in faith.
“Thank you so much for being the people who know because we are children of God, then it is our joyful responsibility to proclaim God’s love and to participate in the many activities, programs, and ways that the Church may grow in faith, hope, and love,” he expressed.
Commenting on today’s Gospel, which tells the story of a rich man and Lazarus whose fates were reversed after death, he borrowed the words of the late Pope Francis, urging the faithful to see other persons not just as “others” but as “brothers” to everyone.
“In today’s Gospel reading, those with plenty feel remorse because they realized they did nothing for those who have nothing. Here in Cebu, we have seen the sharing. The drug addicts are not others, they are brothers. Those in prison are not others; they are brothers. Those who are poor are not others, they are brothers… All of these are done because the other is a brother and a sister in the Lord,” reminding the faithful that true love is expressed in action.
Let us continue to pray for our outgoing Cebu Archbishop Palma, asking the Lord to bless him for his selfless service to the Church and to sustain him in his journey ahead.