As the “Cradle of Christianity” in the Philippines, Cebu is very much at the center of the celebration this year of 500 years of Christianity in the country. The festivities would have been grander had Covid-19 not come to disrupt our lives. Nevertheless a meaningful celebration came to pass last April 14 at Plaza Sugbu with the reenactment of the very first baptism on our shores—that of Rajah Humabon and Hara Humamay (Queen Juana) and their people on April 14, 1521.

Very much part of the afternoon commemoration was the Pontifical Mass officiated by Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles Brown with Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma as concelebrant along with other bishops.