Today, the Nuestra Señora de Regla Parish National Shrine in Poblacion, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, celebrates its 290th annual fiesta with the theme: “Journeying with Mary, Our Lady of Rule, in this Jubilee Year of Hope.”

Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the Fiesta Pontifical Mass. Together with him were Rev. Fr. Benido Tumol, MSC (Shrine Rector), the Shrine’s Team of Pastors, and visiting priests.

Being children of God and of Mary is a truth that must be made visible in daily life. The good Archbishop, in his homily, urged everyone that our faith—and our devotion to the Blessed Mother—should be reflected not only in our prayers, but in the way we live, the choices we make, and the compassion we show to others.

“Pagkanindot kon matag usa nato, liwat ta sa nanag-iya nato, sa Amahan nato. Kitang tanan mga anak ta sa Diyos, hinaot nga sama ta sa Diyos. Dili lang sa hulagway kondili sa kasingkasing usab. Lain man gud kon ingnon ta, “Anak ka ni Maria? Marites lagi ka. Nganong awayon man ka? Wa lagi kay silingan?’,” said Archbishop Abet.

He added that Mary is the Mother of Jesus not only because she carried Him in her womb, but because she first carried the will of God in her heart. In the same way, he encouraged the faithful to embrace God’s will with steadfast trust, and to strive to live it out each day of their lives.

Viva Mahal nga Birhen sa Regla!

Photo by: Sammy Navaja