Peace preached in opening Mass for IEC
The IEC 2016 crowd. Opening mass presided by Papal Legate Charles Maung Cardinal Bo. (CDN PHOTO/ TONEE DESPOJO)
PARTICIPANTS of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) were called on by the Church to help promote peace.
In his homily for the opening Mass of the IEC at Plaza Independencia Sunday afternoon, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo said the world needs peace.
“The world is in need of peace. Ang bansang Pilipinas ay nangangailangan ng kapayapaan. Ang mundo ay nangangailangan ng kapayapaan. Nanginahanglan kamo ug kalinaw. Nanginahanglan ako ug kalinaw. Nanginahanglan kitang tanan ug kalinaw (The Philippines needs peace. The world needs peace. You need peace. I need peace. We all need peace),” Cardinal Bo said.
“Let this Congress set in motion a movement for reconciliation. The Eucharist is always preceded by reconciliation,” he said.
Christianization of the Philippines reenacted by Sandiego Dance Company. (CDN PHOTO/ ADOR MAYOL)
Around 6 p.m., Police Regional Office head Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan said that 350,000 attended the opening mass. Delegates, guests and participants endured the afternoon heat to attend the Mass.
At the start of his homily, Cardinal Bo asked the people to be patient with the heat. “Ako ay masayang nakarating dito sa Cebu (I am happy to arrive in Cebu). I step in this holy ground full of gratitude, bringing a message of hope,” he said.
Before the 4 pm opening Mass, the appointment letter of Cardinal Bo as Papal Legate was read. Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma also gave a welcome speech to Cardinal Bo.
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma shows the Book of the Gospel given by Pope Francis as a gift to Cebu. (CDN PHOTO/ JOSE SANTINO BUNACHITA)
A Book of the Gospels was also presented the the people as a gift given by Pope Francis for the 51st IEC in Cebu.
A pre-program was held before the Mass at 3 pm. Various groups enacted the Christianization of the Philippines.
It ended with the singing of the 51st IEC theme song entitled “Christ in us, is our Hope of Glory.” Ms. Cebu 2016 Raine Baljak and two of her court led the ending performance.
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