CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma has asked candidates not to take advantage of the Holy Week by campaigning during religious activities.

He urged everyone to respect the sanctity of the observance of the Holy Week.

“Unta, para nato kay Katoliko man ta, hatagan nato og panahon pagpamalandong ang gugma sa Diyos nga gipakita sa iyang pagpang-antos ug pagpasakit (We, as Catholics, should have time to ponder the love God had shown us through his sufferings and pain),” he said in his homily.

Palma officiated the Chrism Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral in Cebu City on Thursday, April 11.

The prelate also urged Catholics to reflect during Holy Week. “We are all reminded that we belong to God,” he said.

Palma reminded the politicians running in the May 13 elections to do only what the law allows and shun anything that is immoral and illegal.

As for the voters, he urged them to choose their leaders wisely and vote for those who can lead the country to the path of real change and progress.

The mass was attended by some 100 diocesan priests who renewed their commitment to the priestly service.

The Chrism Mass was supposed to be held on Holy Thursday, April 18.

It was moved one week earlier because other priests come from far-flung churches and are needed in their parishes during the Holy Week.

After the mass, Palma consecrated the oil used by priests in observing the Church’s seven sacraments—the sacraments of initiation into the Church consisting of baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist; the sacraments of healing consisting of reconciliation and anointing of the sick; and the sacraments of service: holy orders and matrimony.

Each priest received the oil, which they brought to their respective parishes. (From HBL of SuperBalita Cebu, KAL)