Today, the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish in Talaga, Argao, celebrates its 104th annual parochial fiesta.
Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the Holy Mass. He was joined by Fr. Milton Medida (Parish Priest) and other visiting priests.
Amid the challenges of the present time and the possibility of an impending drought, the good Archbishop, in his homily, urged the faithful to cultivate a heart like that of St. Thomas of Villanova—a heart that does not turn a blind eye to those in need.
“Niining panahon sa kalisod, unta kamao ta molingi sa atong mga tapad ug silingan. Karong panahona, daghang mga tawo di na makakita sa tapad. Ngano man? Sige man ta og dungo. Di ta kabantay sa kabantay sa atong silingan tungod kay we are so busy with our cellphones. Mga igsuon, dili na ang kasingkasing nga sama sa kasingkasing ni Santo Tomas,” said Archbishop Abet.
He underscored that the poor are not merely people in need, but a presence of God among us. In encountering them, we are given, each day, the privilege to serve, love, and encounter the Lord Himself.
Prior to the Holy Mass, Archbishop Abet blessed the image of the parish’s secondary patroness, Our Lady of Lourdes.