Iconic Cross design of the CCLEX bridge. | Photo Courtesy of CCLEC
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Archdiocese of Cebu on Tuesday, March 16, has unveiled the schedule of activities and events for the celebration of the 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines.
The Archdiocese, in a post on social media, will kick off the year-long event this April 4, an Easter Sunday, with the Unveiling and Blessing of the Jubilee Crosses and Reading of the Declaration of the Opening of Year of Grace.
“All parish churches in the Archdiocese of Cebu will simultaneously open the 500 Years of Christianity celebrations,” portions of the advisory read.
The Roman Catholic Church here is also expected to lead the reenactment of the First Baptism at 2 p.m. on April 14 in front of Magellan’s Cross in downtown Cebu City.
It will be immediately followed by a Pontifical Mass in Commemoration of the 500 Years of Christianity with Most Rev. Charles Brown, the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, as the presider.
See the entire calendar of activities for the 500 Years of Christianity celebration below:
- April 4, 2021
4 PM – Simultaneous opening of the 500 Years of Christianity Celebrations in all parish churches in the Archdiocese of Cebu with the unveiling and blessing of Jubilee Crosses and Reading of the Declaration of the Opening of Year of Grace - April 11, 2021 (First Day of Triduum)
In all Sunday Masses of every parish in Cebu, the Renewal of Baptismal Promises is done.
9:30 AM – Holy Mass with Baptism of 100 Children at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
1 PM -Motorcade around Cebu City
4:30 PM – Opening of the 500 YOC Cebu Exhibit at SM City Cebu – Northwing Atrium
7:30 PM – Cultural Events at the grounds of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral - April 12, 2021 (Second Day of Triduum)
9 AM – Mass with Confirmation of 100 faithful at the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue
1 PM – Motorcade around Cebu City and Talisay City
7:30 PM – Cultural Events at the Ayala – The Terraces - April 13, 2021 (Third Day of Triduum)
9 AM – Holy Mass with Adult Baptism at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Rule, Lapu-Lapu City
1 PM – Motorcade around Cebu city (North), Lapu-Lapu City, and Cordova
7:30 PM- Cultural Events at the Magellan Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City - April 14, 2021
2 PM – Reenactment of the First Baptism in front of the Magellan’s Cross, Plaza Sugbo
4 PM – Pontifical Mass in Commemoration of the 500 Years of Christianity with His Excellency Most Rev. Charles Brown in front of the Magellan’s Cross, Plaza Sugbo
5:30 PM – Declaration of Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu and the Snr. Sto. Niño Image as National Cultural Treasures at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño Pilgrim Center
6 PM – Blessing of the Sto. Niño Exhibit at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño Museum
7:30 PM – Cultural Events at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño Pilgrim Center - April 15, 2021
6 PM – Blessing of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) bridge
Exactly 500 years ago, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan landed in the archipelago and ultimately introduced Christianity.
Magellan, however, was killed in the Battle of Mactan when he tried to also convert the island’s chieftain Lapulapu.
The national government, for its part, will also commemorate the quincentenary celebrations of the first circumnavigation of the world and the Battle of Mactan. /rcg
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