Today, the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish in Danao City, Cebu, celebrates its 355th annual fiesta with the theme, “Sto. Tomas de Villanueva: A Model of Listening to the Word of God and the Cry of the People as the Living Church.”
Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the Solemn Pontifical Mass. He was joined by the parish team of pastors led by Fr. Lyndon Ruiz (District 7 Episcopal Vicar and Team Moderator), visiting monsignori, and priests.
Reflecting on St. Thomas of Villanova’s extraordinary love for the poor, Archbishop Abet, in his homily, urged the faithful to follow the saint’s example of compassion and generosity.
He emphasized that St. Thomas did not see the poor merely as a problem to be solved, but as persons to be encountered. He saw their names, their stories, their struggles, and, above all, their dignity.
“Daghan nato, kon makakita tag silingan nga naglisod, ang atong makita problemang dako. Kon makakita tag daghang makililimos, ang uban nato makonsumisyon kay ang nakita problema. Karong adlawa, si Sto. Tomas, nagdasig nato, tan-awon ang mga kabus dili problema, kondili mga anak sa Diyos … Ang kabus, presensya sa Diyos,” said Archbishop Abet.
The Archbishop also highlighted how St. Thomas lived and gave generously. The saint understood something we can easily forget: our blessings are not meant to stop with us. When God gives us more, He also gives us more opportunities to share.
“Naay daghan nato diri nagrasyahan sa kinabuhi. I hope inyo ng dalhon sa inyong kasingkasing, nga unsaon man nato ang naghinubra kon ato lang kanunay hawiran. Bug-at atong kinabuhi. Pagkanindot kon makat-on ta sa pagpaambit,” said Archbishop Abet.
For St. Thomas, charity was more than simply giving alms. As Archbishop Abet reminded the faithful, the poor do not need only our money. They also need our respect, our attention, our friendship, and our love.
Prior to the Holy Mass, Archbishop Abet also led the ceremonial tree planting at the parish site designated for the Laudate Deum Pocket Forest, another expression of the Church’s call to care for both people and our common home.