Today, the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Minglanilla, Cebu celebrates its 169th Fiesta.

Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the Fiesta Pontifical Mass. He was joined by the parish team of pastors led by Fr. Benjamin Trazo (Team Moderator) and other visiting priests.

Amid a world increasingly focused on physical appearance and ever-changing beauty standards, Archbishop Abet, in his homily, reminded the faithful that true beauty is found not only in how a person looks, but more importantly, in what is nurtured within.

He emphasized that while external appearance may attract attention, God looks beyond what is visible—into the heart and the values that shape a person’s life, thus urging the faithful to give the same, if not greater, attention to their interior life as they do to their outward appearance

“Makalipay nga modaghan ang mga gwapo ug gwapa, pero unta modaghan pod ang mga maayo og batasan… Ang problema, if we spend much time and effort attending to our external appearances, we will lose time taking good care of our interior life,” said Archbishop Abet.

Drawing inspiration from the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Archbishop Abet encouraged the faithful to imitate her virtues: listening attentively to God, trusting Him even when His will is not yet fully understood, and generously offering oneself in the service of others.