The presbyterium of the Archdiocese of Cebu gathered today at the Pope John XXIII Minor Seminary for their monthly recollection.
The gathering began with a Holy Hour, followed by a talk on “Canonical Insights and Highlights on Safeguarding,” with the sub-theme “Shepherding God’s Children Today,” delivered by Fr. Jerome Rosalinda, JCD, Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Novaliches.
In the afternoon, Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the Eucharistic Celebration.
In his homily, he invited the clergy to reflect on a fundamental question: How prepared are we for the coming of the Lord?
Archbishop Abet observed that priests devote much of their time to preparing homilies, liturgies, meetings, projects, and pastoral plans, yet may sometimes overlook the more important task of preparing themselves for the Lord.
He offered three simple but profound reminders for the clergy: stay awake, stay faithful, and stay ready.
“At the end of our ministry, perhaps the Lord will not ask, ‘How impressive was your assignment?’ but simply, ‘Were you faithful to the people I entrusted to you?’ … One day the Lord whom we have served at His altar will welcome us to His table. And blessed indeed is that servant whom the Master finds waiting,” Archbishop Abet said.
During the Holy Mass, the Archbishop also officially signed the decree promulgating the Guidelines for the Creation of the Parish Pastoral Council, the Governance of Community Chapels, and the Archbishop’s Pastoral Visitation to the Parishes in the Archdiocese of Cebu.
The decree, read by Cebu Archdiocesan Chancellor Msgr. Renato Beltran, establishes the guidelines as the official norms of the Archdiocese governing these areas of pastoral concern. All parish priests, teams of pastors, chaplains, and other concerned pastoral leaders are directed to faithfully observe and implement the provisions.
As the clergy continue their journey of prayer, formation, and pastoral renewal, may these initiatives deepen their fidelity to the mission entrusted to them and strengthen the Archdiocese of Cebu’s commitment to becoming a Church that listens deeply, welcomes graciously, participates actively, serves generously, and journeys together in faith and mission.