Today, the San Isidro Labrador Parish in Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu holds its 9th Day Novena in preparation for its parish fiesta tomorrow, May 15.

Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the Holy Mass. He was joined by Fr. Nilo Sabellon (Parish Priest), Fr. Glicerio Tano (Parochial Vicar), and other visiting priests.

In his homily, the good Archbishop reflected on what it truly means for a man to be fully alive. He emphasized that life is not measured merely by one’s ability to move or speak, but by having a deep and living relationship with the Lord.

In the same way, a Church becomes fully alive not simply through structures or activities, but through a people rooted in faith, prayer, and communion with God.

“Unsay timailhan sa simbahan o katawhan sa Diyos nga buhi kaayo? Una, katawhan nga nakasabot sa iyang gituohan. Ikaduha, magsaulog sa pagtuo sa malipayon nga paagi. Ug ikatulo, magsaksi sa iyahang gituohan,” said Archbishop Abet.

Drawing inspiration from the life of San Isidro Labrador, the good Archbishop urged the faithful to always begin each day and every work with prayer, offering all efforts and labor for the greater glory of God.

He further emphasized that when a person begins with sincere prayer, the heart is guided toward what is good and righteous, for it is difficult to choose wrongdoing when one first entrusts every action to God.