Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma (center) signs copies of his biography written by Jose Maria de Nazareno, pen name of Fr. Sid Marinay (left), during last Friday’s launching at the Archbishop’s Residence. (CDN Photo/Junjie Mendoza)
A book reflecting on the life and ministry of 65-year-old Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma was launched at his residence in Cebu City last Friday.
Written by Jose Maria de Nazareno, “Jose S. Palma: In the Palm of God’s Hand” is the first biography ever written about a Cebu archbishop.
It presents both personal details and a compelling narrative of the Cebu Archdiocese woven around the Catholic faith.
The book traces Palma’s life as a farm boy in Dingle, Iloilo who recited poems while seated on a carabao up to his role as a “barangay bishop” in Leyte, Samar and Cebu, where he made it a point to visit impoverished neighborhoods.
The author’s real name is Fr. Sid Marinay, a Cebuano priest based in Manila who has written biographies of the late Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin and Cebu’s Msgr. Frederick Kriekenbeck.
Marinay, who has served as vice chancelor of the Manila, Archdiocese, said the book was not an easy project because Palma first turned down his proposal.
When Marinay first presented his plan for a biography in 2012, the archbishop just laughed it off.
“He didn’t like the idea. He doesn’t want to attract attention to himself. But I told him, Arrchbishop, this is not about you. This is about the Archdiocese of Cebu, about your people.”
Marinay pointed out that 2012 was the Year of Faith and that “your life can be a vehicle through which we can transmit the message of faith.”
That was the turning point. “He couldn’t argue. If it is about faith, he cannot say no. He would take a risk and forget about himself,” said the author.
Anniversary
During the book launch at the Archbishop’s Residence, Palma said he was always grateful for being assigned in Cebu, and witnessing the depth and breadth of faith of Cebuanos, which he called a “gift.”
This is the main reason Palma agreed to have his life story drawn out against the backdrop of the country’s biggest archdiocese which he described as “rich in vocations” of clergy members and committed lay persons.
“When it is for the good of Cebu, I’m willing to contribute,” he said.
Palma chuckled over the book’s drawings of him: “It has a good caricature of me.”
The prelate, whose self-effacing manner comes with a sense of humor, said he had given instructions not to digitally alter any photos to remove his freckles or wrinkles — or to write text that hypes virtues of holiness as if it would be used for beatification.
Palma’s approval of the contents came in a simple acknowledgement before the evening’s gathering of close friends: “This is me.”
Marinay, a native of Barili town, southern Cebu, used to be the editor in chief of the University of Sto. Tomas’ Journal of Theology.
He said he was thankful to the Lord for helping convince Palma to go ahead with the book project.
“He is actually just carrying the message. His life can preach the faith. Christ in the life of Archbishop Palma, and he in the life of Christ,” he said.
The book published by the Society of St. Paul was first launched in Manila last August 21 during Palma’s 39th anniversary as a priest.
The book’s cover shows Palma on board a flower-decked “galleon” during the annual fluvial procession of the Sto. Niño. Behind him is the encased image of the child Jesus.
“I think the Lord decreed that Cebu will be my destination after Samar and Leyte,” he said.
Last Friday was also the Cebu launch of the coffeetable book “I’m here to be with you” published by Goodwill Bookstore about Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines last January.
Also present during the double book launch were Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Emilio Bataclan, retired Bishop Antonio Rañola, retired Judge Simeon Dumdum, members of the clergy, nuns and lay persons.
In his message, Dumdum,an award-winning poet, said that “My first impression of Archbishop Palma was that he’s unassuming and a humble man of God,” he said.
He said what he found “remarkable” was Palma’s readiness to help others, and to look out for brother priests who encountered troubles.
Dumdum said Palma’s motto “Non Nobis Domine” expresses the archbishop’s humility. Non Nobis Domine is a phrase taken from Psalm 115 which says “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name give glory…”
After his installation as Cebu’s archbishop in January 2011, Palma visited residents of the seaside barangay of Pasil.
He later braved the stench and flies of the Inayawan dumpsite to meet the people, Dumdum said.
“He’s called the barangay bishop. Indeed, Archbishop Palma practices how priests should smell like sheep,” the judge said. / with Eileen G. Mangubat