Today, the Holy Cross Parish in Basak Pardo, Cebu City, celebrates its 50th Founding Anniversary with the theme: “Holy Cross Parish at 50: Through the Years — One People of Growing in Faith, Charity, and Hope.”
Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the Holy Mass. He was joined by Msgr. Vicente Rey Penagunda (Vicar General), Fr. Frumencio Mahusay (Parish Priest), Fr. Nomil Arsolon (Resident Priest), and other visiting priests.
Reflecting on the brevity of life, the good Archbishop reminded the faithful that God never imposes or coerces. He does not force the human heart; instead, He invites it. The choice, he emphasized, is always ours.
Yet in the face of life’s fleeting nature, he urged everyone to choose wisely—to choose what is good, to choose what leads to truth, and above all, to choose the love of God.
“Wa ta niya pugsa unsay atong gusto. Naa sa inyong atubangan, kinabuhi ug kamatayon; grasya ug katalagman. Kamo ang mopili. Pero miingon ang Ginoo, ‘pilia ang paghigugma sa Diyos’,” said Archbishop Abet.
In his letter to the faithful, Most Rev. Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, extended his warm greetings to the parish community, as read by Vicar General Msgr. Penagunda. He underscored that the parish’s milestone celebration is not only a moment of gratitude for the past, but also a renewed call to mission.
The Papal Nuncio reminded the faithful that every anniversary is an invitation to deepen their commitment to share the joy of the Gospel with others.
“Jesus Christ entrusted His Church with the mission of proclaiming this promise of hope. Our challenge, then, is not to remain in the safety of the shore, but to set out across oceans, carrying the joyful and hopeful message of the Risen Christ—especially to those neighbors who have been abandoned or forgotten,” he said.
Archbishop Abet declares a “Special Year of Grace” for Holy Cross Parish – Basak Pardo, Cebu City, beginning 19 February 2026 until 19 February 2027.
During this time, the Faithful may receive a Plenary Indulgence (the full remission of sins) once they make a Pilgrimage to the Chapel, and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father, the Apostles’ Creed, one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be. The usual conditions of Sacramental Confession and Communion must also be fulfilled.