Today, members of the World Apostolate of Fatima (WAF) – Cebu Archdiocesan Division gather at the Cebu Coliseum to celebrate its 46th founding anniversary with the theme: “Mary, Model of the Listening Church.”

Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the Holy Mass. He was joined by Vicar General Msgr. Roger Fuentes and other visiting priests.

In his homily, Archbishop Abet urged everyone, especially adults, to continue nurturing devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and, more importantly, to pass on the faith to the younger generation.

Now on its 46th year, the Archbishop expressed hope that the devotion has inspired more people to learn how to pray the Rosary, grow closer to God, and become better neighbors to one another.

Reflecting on the theme, Archbishop Abet invited the faithful to draw inspiration from Mary, whom he described as an example of one who listens to God first.

“Being deaf is hard, but choosing to be deaf is harder,” he said, emphasizing the importance of listening to God amid the noise and distractions of the world. When we listen to Him, he said, God will eventually lead us toward the right path.

“Like Mary, we should learn to listen to God first before listening to anyone else … Tungod sa kadaghang gatingog, di na ta makapaminaw sa Diyos. Kon di ta maminaw sa Ginoo, dakong puruhan mawala gyod ta sa atong giagian nga dalan,” said Archbishop Abet.

He further reminded the faithful that, like Mary, they are called not only to allow the Word of God to transform their own lives but also to help others listen to and follow the Lord.