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Archbishop Cebu José Palma | CDND photo / Gerard Vincent Francisco
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Archbishop Cebu José Palma officiated the Easter Sunday Mass in front of the empty benches at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral this morning, April 12, 2020.
But the prelate said he is grateful to the thousands of Cebuanos who joined the Eucharistic celebration that was broadcast live on the Cathedral’s social media page and on associated radio stations.
“The churches may be empty but I know that by following us you worship with us. This is also a reason to thank God and say Happy Easter, “Palma said in his homily.
Palma concelebrated the morning mass with nine priests.
Easter Sunday marks the end of the Lenten season and the celebration of Holy Week in the liturgical calendar of Roman Catholics. The event also marks the day that Jesus Christ was resurrected.
However, this was the first time in recent history that the Archdiocese of Cebu banned devotees from gathering in churches due to the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Instead, the Masses were broadcast live through the Cathedral’s official Facebook page and in associated media. The cathedral’s Easter Sunday mass generated 144,000 visits.
Parishes in Cebu also canceled the annual reenactment of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his meeting with Mary locally known as “Sugat”.
In his homily, Palma encouraged all the faithful to continue celebrating the resurrection of Christ, even locked in their homes.
“You give time and as a family as a community you worship God and we know that this is a reason to be happy, ”said Palma.
“But if there is something that faith dictates to us, and this is our conviction that COVID will end … We know that there is not only survival but also revival,“He added.
The prelate also asked devotees to include in their prayers and thoughts those who continue to work on the front lines of the battle against the pandemic that has already infected nearly 1.8 million people worldwide.
He also praised the public’s cooperation with local government officials to prevent the spread of COVID-19 here.
“(Although there is) the strict separation of church and state, but we are very happy with the strong collaboration, coordination and cooperation at times like these, “Palma said. / Dcb
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