The Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Punta Princesa, Cebu City, celebrates today its 69th Annual Fiesta.
Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the Solemn Pontifical Mass. He was joined by the shrine’s team of pastors led by Fr. Lamberto “Jhun” V. Paradiang, Jr., SDB (Parish Priest), the Salesian of Don Bosco (SDB) community, and other visiting priests.
Reflecting on the life of Saint Bernadette and the compassionate presence of Our Lady of Lourdes, the good Archbishop reminded the faithful that God draws near to the weak.
“Ang Mahal na Birhen wala nagpakita sa obispo. Dili pod sa mga pari, ni sa mga gobernador, mayor, o sa mga dato sa ilang panahon. Gipili sa Mahal nga Birhen ang usa ka kabus nga dalagita, ginganlan og Bernadette. Di lang siya kabus, huyang pa gyod ug masakiton. God’s heart is very close to those who are weak, lowly, and the sickly,” said Archbishop Abet.
In times of illness and weakness, we are reminded that we are not abandoned nor alone. Through prayer, compassion, and presence, we reflect God’s closeness and become instruments of His mercy to our suffering brothers and sisters.
Words by: Elizabeth Sasser, Noah Tan, Rykin Mercado (Ateneo de Cebu Work Immersion Students)
Photo by: Elyssa Nepomuceno, Florenda Pardo (STC), Isabelle Perez (Ateneo de Cebu) – Work Immersion Students | CADComM