On the Feast of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the Eucharistic celebration at the Santuario di Padre Pio in Pulangbato, Cebu City.
He was joined by Vicar General Msgr. Rogelio Fuentes, Spiritual Director of the St. Pio Contemplative Community of Cebu, along with other visiting priests.
In his homily, Archbishop Abet reflected on how St. Padre Pio knew suffering, both visible and interior, yet remained steadfast in faith and trust in the Lord.
The Archbishop emphasized that through all the pains, trials, and difficulties he endured, St. Padre Pio continually drew himself closer to God. His suffering did not distance him from the Lord. Rather, it became a path toward deeper trust and communion with Him.
“Samad nga makita, samad nga di makita, pero wa maguba si Padre Pio. Misurvive man siya. Hinaot kita pod. Kon masamaran ta, magpabilin unta tang lig-on sama kang Padre Pio. Ang pangutana, how did he survive? Si Padre Pio misurvive sa iyang mga samad tungod kay duna siyay giduol kanunay nga Ginoo,” said Archbishop Abet.
Drawing inspiration from the saint, the Archbishop urged the faithful not to hide their wounds, but to allow themselves to be vulnerable and offer those wounds to the Lord.
“We do not have to carry our wounds alone,” the Archbishop reminded everyone, encouraging them to run to the Lord in moments of pain and difficulty, and to cherish the gift of people who can journey with them through life’s struggles.