Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the 6:00 PM Vespers Mass for the 53rd Annual Fiesta Celebration of the Cebu Archdiocesan Shrine of San Roque in Mambaling, Cebu City with the theme, “A Listening Church: Hearing God’s Voice and Cries of the People.”
Together with him were Fr. Marvin Mejia (Parish Priest), Fr. Gilbert Ytang (Parochial Vicar), and visiting priests.
Drawing from this Sunday’s Gospel which calls the faithful to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Christ, Archbishop Abet led a reflection on the different kinds of “baggages” they carry in life.
The good Archbishop reminded the faithful that while material possessions are necessary for daily living, they should not become the center of one’s life.
He also urged them to let go of emotional burdens, emphasizing that the Lord calls us to learn forgiveness, find contentment in His blessings, and follow Christ’s example of love and humility.
Rather than carrying burdens that hinder their relationship with God, he encouraged the faithful to embrace their “baggages of love,” which are the people entrusted to their care, whom God calls them to love and serve as they follow Christ more faithfully.
“Dapat pas-anon gyod nato sila. Dili ta makasunod kang Kristo kung di ta magkalimot sa kaugalingon ug sa pagpas-an sa mga pas-unon, baggages of love. Mao ni paagi nga makasunod ta kang Kristo,” he said.
Reflecting on the life of Señor San Roque as a faithful disciple, he urged the faithful to embrace the call to serve others selflessly. Although the beloved patron came from a wealthy family, he willingly gave up his material possessions to follow Christ and dedicate his life to serving others.
“Wala ta ingna, wala ta sultihi nga si Señor San Roque adunay mga pagdumot ug kasina sa isigkatawo, tungod kay ang emotional baggages wala gyod niya taagi’g luna sa iyang kinabuhi. Apan nahimo siyang balaan nga santos tungod kay iyang “baggages of love” [nga] iyang gipas-an ug gidala hangtod sa iyang kamatayon.”
Tomorrow, the 10:00 AM Fiesta Mass shall be presided over by Vicar General Msgr. Rogelio Fuentes.