On this Solemnity of Christ the King, Cebu Archbishop Alberto S. Uy presided over the Eucharistic Celebration for the faithful of San Fernando Rey Parish in Lilo-an, marking the joyful reconsecration and reopening of their parish church.
Together with him were Msgr. Juan Jose Dosado (Episcopal Vicar), Fr. Joseph Larida (Team Moderator), the Parish’s Team of Pastors, and other visiting priests.
Anchoring his homily on today’s solemnity, Archbishop Uy urged the faithful to seek leaders who model Christ, the Eternal and Universal King—leaders who place the needs of others before their own.
He explained that the nation continues to suffer, despite its wealth and resources, because many of its leaders–though not all–resemble the Jews in the Gospel who were concerned only with securing their own salvation rather than helping others.
“Kon ang atong mga pangulo maniguro sa ilang kaugalingon, ang katawhan maoy maglisod. Ang pangulo nga dili kahibaw mosakripisyo, dili kahibaw mag-antos, katawhan ang mag-antos,” he said.
Like the good thief who was crucified with Christ on Calvary, the good Archbishop urged the faithful to continue to hope and pray for the conversion of sinners, saying that salvation is possible for those who make an earnest effort to turn away from their selfishness.
“Mga iguson, dili lang para sa nagpasipala sa Simbahan, dili lamang sa kuratkot sa atong katilingban, kon dili para kanatong tanan katawhan sa Dios. We have to humble ourselves and be like that good thief. Let’s recognize our sins and salvation will be ours, not only in the future but today, as the Lord says, ‘You will be with Me in paradise,’ he encouraged them.
Before the Final Blessing, he led the faithful to the Consecration to the Sacred Heart.