Today, the faithful of San Pedro Calungsod Parish in Cantabaco, Toledo City, gathered in thanksgiving for the Solemn Dedication of their Parish Church and Altar with the theme, “With Gratitude: Becoming a Listening Church Fully Alive with San Pedro Calungsod.”

This celebration coincided with a significant date in the life of St. Pedro Calungsod. On August 7, 1667, he departed from the Philippines together with Fr. Diego Luis de San Vitores and fellow missionaries to proclaim the Gospel in the Marianas.

Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the Rite of Dedication and the Eucharistic Celebration. He was joined by Fr. Ruel G. Marigomen (Parish Priest), along with other visiting priests.

In his homily, the Archbishop reminded the faithful that God has two special dwelling places here on earth.

The first is the Church, where, as he said, “Dinhi tapukon niya ang Iyang katawhan ug dinhi busgon, pakan-on, pinaagi sa Eukaristiya ug padaygan sa iyang dakong gugma pinaagi sa mga sakramento.”

He explained that the Church is the sacred place where Christ’s sacrifice is celebrated in the Holy Eucharist and where He continually nourishes His people with His very Body and Blood. While the Holy Mass may be celebrated in homes or other venues under extraordinary circumstances, the Church remains the proper and sacred place where the Eucharistic Sacrifice is offered.

The second dwelling place of God, he said, is His people. Through the Sacrament of Baptism, believers become children of God and temples of the Holy Spirit, with the Lord choosing to dwell in their hearts.

The Archbishop further encouraged the faithful to cherish both of these dwelling places, reminding them, “If you take good care of God’s house, God will take good care of your own house.”

He emphasized that by lovingly caring for the Church, the Lord faithfully watches over our homes and families. Likewise, when we serve the poor, the weak, the forgotten, and those who suffer, we serve Christ Himself, who lives in every person.

During the consecration, the relic of St. Mercurius, soldier and martyr, was encased in the altar.

May we remain united in caring for God’s house, preserving its sacredness with reverence and love, and living each day as faithful temples of His presence, so that generations to come may also encounter His enduring grace and abiding love.