On this Feast of St. Clare of Assisi, the outgoing Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma presides over the Holy Mass at the Poor Clare Monastery in Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu.
Reflecting on the theme of the fiesta celebration, “St. Clare of Assisi: A Clear Guide in Praising God with all Creation,” the good Archbishop, in his homily, reminded the faithful of our responsibility to nurture the world around us. He emphasized that nature is a shared gift that belongs to all—past, present, and future.
“The beauty of creation should be appreciated natong tanan. If we do not, it is we who will suffer. If we abuse creation, if we don’t take care of nature, then, in a sense, nature will get back at us. This is not only for us, but also for future generations. Kon kuhaon nato tanan, we steal, we rob from the future generations,” said Archbishop Palma.
He also highlighted how St. Clare embraced the vow of poverty with joy. In a world often fixated on power and wealth, St. Clare’s example reminds us that our deepest fulfillment comes not from what we possess but from our connection to God.
“The world believes that the source of joy, power, and strength is what the world can offer. [Magtuo kita nga] kon daghan kag kwarta, puder, impluwensya, mao kini og meaning sa kinabuhi. Dili. Ang atong paglaum pagsalig, kusog, ug tanang kalipay, kay sa Diyos lamang,” he said.