Through the grace of God, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu rejoices in the Solemn Canonical Possession and Installation of Most Rev. Alberto “Abet” S. Uy as the fifth Metropolitan Archbishop of Cebu.
Present during this historic celebration in the life of the Church in Cebu was Most Rev. Charles John Brown, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, who served as the Installing Prelate, His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle as the homilist, and other visiting cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and priests.
Reflecting on the day’s readings, Cardinal Tagle emphasized that people today are searching for authenticity in their journey of faith. He urged the faithful of the archdiocese to give credible witness to God’s presence in their lives.
“I really hope and pray that people who are seeking God would take hold of a Cebuano Catholic and say, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you,’” he said.
The Cardinal also called for openness and creativity in mission, reminding the Archdiocese not to be discouraged by rejection but to continue finding new ways of journeying with others.
He urged families, parishes, schools, and institutions in Cebu to welcome Archbishop Uy and one another in the spirit of communion.
“I hope that all in the Archdiocese would welcome each other, talk with each other, learn from each other, especially from those who differ from us. Refrain from wishing ill on others. Jesus rebukes that attitude as contrary to pilgrimage in Jerusalem. Find new paths and walk together,” he said.
After Communion, Cebu Archbishop-Emeritus Jose S. Palma expressed his gratitude to the clergy, religious men and women, and lay faithful for their dedicated service in the various activities organized during his term as archbishop.
“My heart brims with gratitude for the incredible faith that the Cebuano people have consistently demonstrated. Their unwavering commitment to service and generosity has been nothing short of inspiring,” he said, citing the spirit of community shown in the Archdiocese’s many events.
With the installation of the new archbishop, he encouraged the faithful to embrace this moment of synodality as a beautiful opportunity to unite and grow together as a community.
“This journey is just beginning. May we continue to extend our love, generosity, and understanding to Archbishop Uy, perhaps even more than what you have shown me. Archbishop Abet, I assure you, in my own little way, I am just a text away. Expect our love and support in any way possible,” he affirmed.
Most Rev. Charles John Brown, in his message, echoed Cardinal Tagle’s reflections on pilgrimage and synodality, noting that they exist through time.
“We are walking in the footsteps of the saints, and you feel that strongly when you’re in Cebu. Walking in the footsteps of the saints gives us an idea of how the Church needs to reform herself: she becomes ever ancient, ever new, following in the footsteps of the saints,” the nuncio reflected.
He also urged the faithful to unite themselves with their new archbishop, whom the Holy Father has entrusted with the care of God’s people.
“I ask all of you to love, pray for, respect, and help your Archbishop. He has received from the Holy Father this mandate to lead you now, to be your shepherd, to guide you as you walk in the pathways of the saints,” the nuncio said.
In his message, Cebu Archbishop Uy expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he has received since his arrival in Cebu. He asked the faithful to pray for him as he begins his mission of bringing Christ to those who are seeking Him.
“My good people in Cebu, I am here, reporting for duty…. The Archdiocese of Cebu is so big and my capacity is so little. Please be good to me. I promise to give you my best, so we can walk closer to Christ, our true shepherd,” the Archbishop said.