Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma
CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma called on the faithful to be “happy and thankful” during the New Year’s Eve Mass at Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
Quoting Pope Francis, Palma “Faith is not a light which scatters all our darkness but a lamp which guides our steps in the night and suffices for the journey.”
He said the coming Sinulog and International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) should reinforce one’s faith.
Palma also commended the Sinulog organizers for setting restrictions on street parties during Sinulog.
“This is to prevent disrupting how the fiesta should be celebrated. There must be a reason and we also need to understand. We can do other things to be happy and joyful while preserving our culture,” Palma added.
After Sinulog, at least 15,000 delegates are expected to arrive in Cebu for the 51st International Eucharistic Congress.
“Let us be thankful that Cebu is the host for the IEC. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where there will be lectures, reflections and processions,” he said.
Palma also asked for the public’s understanding and patience on the expected traffic congestion that will occur during the week-long congress.