Today, the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish (C. Padilla St., Cebu City) celebrates its 442nd Fiesta Celebration with the theme, “Sinodohanong Simbahan nga Maampuong Mag-aninaw ug Naminaw sa Diyos ug sa Iyang Katawhan.”
The 5:30 PM Pontifical Fiesta Mass was presided over by Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” S. Uy, together with Archbishop Osvaldo Padilla (Apostolic Nuncio Emeritus to South Korea), Fr. Eduardo Ventic (District 2 Episcopal Vicar and Team Moderator), the Shrine’s team of pastors, and visiting priests.
In his homily, Archbishop Abet emphasized the need for more holy and compassionate priests by pointing to the life and example of San Nicolas de Tolentino.
He reflected that as a priest, the beloved saint was known for being approachable and serving as a refuge for people carrying burdens and facing difficulties. More than simply being accessible, San Nicolas actively reached out to those who needed his presence.
The Archbishop lamented that society today suffers from a lack of leaders who inspire others to do what is good, urging the faithful to pray not only for more priestly vocations but also for priests who are holy, kind, and faithful in their ministry.
“Please help us pray for our priests. At this time, dili lang ang katilingban kondili ang simbahan nanginahanglan og mga pari nga sama kang San Nicolas,” Archbishop Abet urged the faithful.
The good Archbishop also called on the faithful to emulate the Christian witness of San Nicolas de Tolentino, explaining that the saint’s deep prayer life enabled him to become compassionate toward others while drawing closer to both God and His people.
He encouraged the faithful to seek personal renewal and become instruments of positive change instead of simply criticizing society and its leaders. Echoing the familiar saying to “light a candle instead of cursing the darkness,” he reminded them that prayer, personal holiness, and good examples are the most meaningful responses to the challenges facing the community.
“Ang pagdagkot og kandila nagpasabot mag-ampo, pero ang pagdagkot og kandila pwede sad nato sabton nga magbuhat ta og maayo, mahimo tang ehemplo sa uban. By doing so, we become like a lighted candle that can cast out the darkness,” he said.
Concluding his homily, he encouraged the faithful to let the life of Señor San Nicolas inspire their daily Christian witness by becoming beacons of hope and renewal for others.
“Sa atong pagpasidungog sa atong mahal nga patron San Nicolas de Tolentino, hinaot unta nga sa matag-adlaw sa atong kinabuhi maningkamot ta, nga mahimo tang kandila nga nagsiga aron maghatag og kabag-uhan ug lamdag sa atong katilingban,” he exhorted.