Vatican approves plans for new Cebu Pavilion

PART of the archdiocesan seminary grounds in barangay Mabolo, Cebu City has been cleared to make way for the construction of the Eucharistic Pavilion, a landmark venue for the 2016 International Eucharistic Congress (IEC).

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said the Pontifical Committee for the IEC, through its president,

Archbishop Piero Marini, has approved almost all of the plans they presented for the big event on Jan. 24 to 31, 2016.

“There were just some suggestions on how to improve the aspect of catechesis in consideration with many people around the world,” Palma told reporters on Wednesday.

The nationwide fundraising campaign called “Piso Para sa Misa ng Mundo” was also approved by the Vatican. Donation boxes will be placed in churches, commercial establishments and schools.

Msgr. Dennis Villarojo, IEC secretary-general, earlier said the cost of constructing the Pavilion may reach P380 million. The amount includes the cost of refurbishing and restructuring the seminary.

Villarojo said the archdiocese decided to build it within the seminary compound so it can be used for other activities of the local church. The Eucharistic Pavilion is expected to be finished by October 2015 or three months before the IEC.

“There’s no stopping the construction of the Pavilion. This is not like conducting raffles wherein we can move the deadline if there are only a few who submit entries. The IEC will definitely push through and the Pavilion should be finished before the event,” Palma said.

The prelate said there was no word has been received from the Vatican whether Pope Francis will attend the IEC in Cebu City.

“Rome won’t give a definite word in advance. They normally decide and make announcements a year before the event. (But) we’re very hopeful that Pope Francis will come ,” he said.