On the Feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the Holy Mass at the St. Joseph Chapel of the Archbishop’s Residence along D. Jakosalem Street, Cebu City.
Concelebrating with him were Cebu Archbishop-Emeritus Jose Palma, Fr. Ryan Cortes, Archdiocesan Vice-Chancellor, and the private secretaries of the Archbishop and the Archbishop-Emeritus.
In his homily, Fr. Ronmarth Reysan Cabase, one of the Archbishop’s private secretaries, invited the faithful to rediscover two essential childlike qualities: dependence on God and the ability to welcome everyone without prejudice.
He emphasized that these virtues help Christians remain faithful to their identity as children of God and live in the hope of Heaven.
First, he reminded the faithful of the importance of depending on God, even in a society that places great value on independence.
“Though we cannot blame our culture and society, because we are always told to practice to become independent, we need to stand on our feet. And yet the problem is that if we take it to the extreme, to the extent that we become independent from God, that would cause a problem because it will distort our Christian identity. As Christians, we are always sons and daughters of God,” he said.
Second, Fr. Cabase encouraged everyone to embrace the childlike openness to welcoming others, regardless of their differences.
“Like children, we have to welcome everyone without prejudice. Children welcome everyone and make friends easily. But as we grow older and are influenced by the people around us and by our society, we become choosier. We start choosing people we want to be with,” he said.
He further clarified that welcoming everyone does not mean tolerating mistakes or sin. Rather, it is an expression of the belief that God’s invitation to Heaven is extended to all.
“This is more about showing that Heaven is for everyone. Ang langit kay para sa tanan,” he emphasized.
During the Eucharistic celebration, the religious sisters of the Missionary Catechists of Saint Therese of the Infant Jesus (MCST) also renewed their vows.