Cebu Archbishop Alberto S. Uy today resumed his District Consultation series, this time engaging with priests from District 1, or Metro Cebu North.
The gathering forms part of the Archdiocese’s ongoing effort to strengthen communion, foster dialogue, and prepare the local Church for its centennial celebration in 2034.
Archbishop Uy presided over the Holy Mass at the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish along Escario St., Cebu City.
Reflecting on the message of today’s Gospel which speaks of the call to interior conversion and living out the spirit of generosity, the good Archbishop emphasized that many societal struggles stem from a mindset rooted in self-interest rather than self-giving. He pointed out that a society governed by selfishness inevitably drifts into discord. When a person’s decisions are ruled by greed, division is never far behind.
“Ang tanan nga naa nato, ang tanan nga atong gihuptan, gasa sa Diyos. Wala nato hago-i, wala nato palita, wala ta moprove sa atong kaugalingon aron mahimo tang angayan nga makadawat ta ani. We all receive freely. That is why we are all called to give and receive freely,” exhorted Archbishop Uy.
The good Archbishop invited the clergy and the faithful to cultivate their interior life with God, warning that a life filled only with personal concerns leaves no room for grace. The human heart must be emptied of greed and pride so that God may enter and transform it.
“We fail always to seek God not because God is far from us. It is simply because we are so full. Ang Ginoo dili makasud nato ug kita sad dili makakita sa Diyos. Kinahanglan ta manghabwa,” he challenged them.
Looking ahead to the Archdiocese’s centennial journey, he underscored that authentic renewal requires genuine listening among priests, religious, and the laity—an essential element of the Church’s synodal path.
“I want our priests to experience the process para sa ilang mga lugar nga gialagaran, ang maong proseso sa pagpaminaway ila usab nga puy-an,” he explained.
During the consultation, the clergy engaged the Archbishop in a meaningful dialogue, sharing pastoral concerns, local realities, and their hopes for strengthening parish life. The exchange reflected a spirit of fraternity and mutual support, highlighting the Archbishop’s commitment to walk closely with his priests.
Through these encounters, the Archdiocese seeks to become a more compassionate, grounded, and synodal Church.