As this religiously festive month of May comes to a close the day after tomorrow, we look back at so many more events that have happened in these closing days, before we start the opening of classes in June.
Wednesday last week, the 21st, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma ordained seven new priests and four deacons in a ceremony at our Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. Then last Saturday, Pope Francis headed to the Holy Land in the Middle East with hope for Christian unity among the main branches of Christianity.
On Sunday in Bethlehem, the Pontiff celebrated Mass at the Manger Square, making an impassioned plea for unity. In Jerusalem, he met with Bartholomew I, the Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople, seeking to heal a nearly 1,000-year rift aimed at easing an ancient breach between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches and forging regional peace. At the Mass he invited Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to come to the Vatican to pray for peace.
On the third and final day of his Mid-East pilgrimage, the Pope visited the Dome of the Rock, the third holiest spot in Islam. It enshrines the rock where Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. The mosque complex is at the heart of the territorial and religious dispute between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Speaking to the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and other Muslim authorities, Pope Francis, in his remarks, referred to them as “dear brothers”.
Pope Francis then headed to the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City, the holiest place where Jews can pray. There he prayed and left an “Our Father” note in Spanish in one of the cracks between the stones. He also visited a memorial to Israeli victims of terrorism, laid a wreath at the grave of Zionist Theodor Herzl, and spoke at Yad Vashem where he kissed the hands of half-a-dozen Holocaust survivors.
On his last day, the Pope met with the chief rabbis of Israel, the Israeli president and prime minister, local priests, and finally, offered Mass in the Upper Room of the Last Supper where Jesus shared His final meal with His disciples before being crucified.
Before midnight, the Pope returned to Rome. I was fortunate to follow most of these activities covered by EWTN, the Eternal Word Television Network.
Back here in Cebu City, in one of my civic involvements, we of Zonta Club of Cebu 1, in cooperation with the Banilad Center for Professional Development (BCPD) and the Geo-rich Livelihood and Learning Foundation, Inc held the culminating activity of our livelihood skills training program in basic cooking, baking and housekeeping (BCBH) in Barrio Luz.
Fr. Chris Salonga, RCJ, delivered the opening prayer. BCPD Director Elizabeth Lopez welcomed guests and graduates, and inspirational messages were delivered by Zonta 1 president Lucille Colina and GLLFI vice president Marlinda Angbetic Tan. After thanking trainers and sponsors and acknowledging trainees’ testimonials, certificates were awarded by the three women to 26 BCBH graduates; 5 BCB graduates; and 3 BH graduates. The woman behind the foundation Felisa Chiongbian closed the program with congratulations to the graduates, and thanks to the guests and sponsors.
Tomorrow, we are holding our 11th Executive Committee Meeting of our Cebu Girl Scouts of the Philippines, which I will report on next week.
Then tonight starting 6 p.m. through midnight, let us attend the annual Gabii sa Kabilin (Night of Heritage) whose theme this year is “Rise of the Queen” spearheaded by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc (RAFI) Culture and Heritage Unit and its partners.
At only P150 a ticket, one gets to visit 23 destinations in Cebu city, 4 in Lapu-Lapu City, 4 in Mandaue City and 5 in Talisay City. The ticket grants admission to all destinations, unlimited bus rides, and one tartanilla (horse-drawn carriage) trip within the city’s old district. The ticket also entitles all participants to cultural performances, culinary experiences, art fairs and special exhibits at all destinations of the event. Tickets can still be purchased at any of the participating destinations. Admission is free for children aged seven and below, who can enjoy activities organized in six designated destinations at 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Public school classes are scheduled to start June 2nd next week, while private schools open later, June 4th or 9th or later. These, after the busy community clean-up activities of the Brigada Eskwela volunteers in many public schools.
The Commission on Higher Education in Central Visayas has finally stepped in and taken over the management of the beleaguered Talisay City College until the dispute over the school’s presidency is resolved. Hopefully this ends disturbing administrative differences (to the confusion of students and teachers choosing between TWO school programs and even graduations under TWO opposing school heads!).What changes have happened since we used to look forward to “School days, school days, dear old Golden Rule days!”
Until next week, more than ever, may God continue to bless and enlighten us all!
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