CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma blessed the new retablo and altar of the San Fernando Rey Parish Church in Liloan yesterday morning.

The event was part of the town’s fiesta celebration.

The San Fernando Rey Parish is considered part of Cebu’s cultural heritage. The church went through a renovation some 50 years after it was built.

The mass yesterday started with the unveiling of the retablo and altar, which surprised parishioners. Archbishop Palma expressed his gratitude to the priests assigned in the parish for their fiesta preparation.

In his homily, Palma urged the parishioners to be united, just like the Church is “one, holy, and apostolic.” Palma said the Church is always open to those who need God’s help.

Palma said, “Faith begets love. Love begets good deeds. Good deeds beget peace.”

After the mass, Monsignor Vicente Tupas Jr. thanked those who have contributed to the church’s renovation of the retablo and altar.

“Bahala nag nagkagidlay atong gisuot basta ihatag (nato) ang labing nindot sa Diyos (We may not be wearing the best clothes, but what’s important is we give the best to the Lord),” he said.

The renovation cost P2.1 million and took two months.

Work on the side altar have yet to be completed, but the parish expects to get this done in time for the feast day on May 30. (Kate F. Denolang, STC intern)