Today, the Prelature of Opus Dei commemorates the Feast of St. Josemaría Escrivá with a Holy Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

Calbayog Bishop Isabelo “Boy” Abarquez presided over the celebration together with Msgr. Rogelio Fuentes, Msgr. Vicente Rey Penagunda (Vicars General) the Priests of Opus Dei, the Numerary Priests of the Work here in Cebu, and other visiting priests.

In his homily, Bishop Abarquez highlighted the enduring message of Opus Dei, first proclaimed by St. Josemaria Escrivá: that holiness is not reserved for the extraordinary, but is attainable in the ordinary circumstances of daily life.

Drawing from the life and spirituality of St. Josemaria, the bishop emphasized that this call to holiness is lived by learning to listen to God—in prayer, in work, and in the ordinary rhythm of everyday life.

He noted that this resonates deeply with the Archdiocese of Cebu’s pastoral thrust this year of becoming a “Listening Church.”

“Listening is not merely hearing. It is trusting obedience even when experience suggests otherwise,” Bishop Abarquez said.

As Opus Dei looks ahead to its centenary in 2028, Bishop Abarquez reflected on the challenges of a world that is faster, noisier, and more complex than ever.

Amid these realities, he reminded the faithful that God continues to call every person to live fully in Him, to deepen their relationship with Christ, and to discover His presence in the ordinary moments of life.

“The challenge is not simply to do more apostolate, but to be more united with Christ in ordinary life … Fruitfulness comes not from efficiency, influence, or numbers, but from grace,” he said.

Concluding his homily, Bishop Abarquez underscored that a truly listening Church is always Marian. He pointed to the Blessed Virgin Mary as the perfect model of discipleship—one who listens attentively, trusts completely, and courageously says “yes” to God even amid uncertainty.