Cebu Archbishop Alberto S. Uy presided over the 10:00 AM Opening Mass of the 2026 Fiesta Novena of the National Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Regla in Poblacion, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
Concelebrating with him were the Shrine’s team of pastors led by Fr. Benido Tumol, MSC (Shrine Rector), and other visiting priests.
Reflecting on the theme of this year’s patronal fiesta, Archbishop Abet reminded the faithful that our Christian faith must not remain confined within the walls of the church, but must be lived out in our everyday lives.
“Unta ang atong pagtuo’ng Kristiyano, ato gyod puy-an sa atong adlaw-adlaw nga kinabuhi. Dili lang unta diri sulod sa simbahan, bisan didto sa atong panimalay, sa atong barangay, sa atong sitio, sa atong opisina, ug sa mga lugar diin kita nagtrabaho. Unta tinud-anay ta nga Kristiyano. Mao ni ang dako kaayo nga kulang sa atong nasod sa Pilipinas. Because majority of us are Christians only by name, but not in life,” said Archbishop Abet.
He further invited the faithful to see the daily themes of the fiesta celebration as realities that touch our daily lives.
“Kanang gitawag nato og ‘langit,’ mao nay paghari sa Diyos. Kon ang Diyos, si Cristo mismo maghari gyud sa atong kinabuhi ug sa atong katilingban, naa na diha magsugod ang langit. From each one of us, kung ang atong kasing-kasing adunay langit, naa na usab ang langit sa atong kinabuhi,” said Archbishop Abet.
As the novena continues, various prelates will preside over the succeeding Novena Masses leading to Fiesta Day. Prosperidad Bishop Ruben Labajo will preside over the Solemn Pontifical Mass on November 21 at 10:00 AM.
Browse through the Novena Schedules here.