BE GRATEFUL, keep the faith and be “gifted to give.”
These were the three points that Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma preached during the pontifical mass for the feast in honor of St. Joseph, patron saint of Mandaue City on Saturday, May 8, 2021.
Palma, in his homily, said the faithful should be grateful as St. Joseph is also the patron saint of the universal church as proclaimed by Pope Francis in its 150th anniversary from Dec. 8, 2020 until Dec. 8, 2021.
The faithful, he said, should be inspired by the good deeds of St. Joseph as the father of Jesus.
Despite the struggles faced in this pandemic, Palma said the faithful should remain grateful as Cebu is celebrating 500 years of Christianity (YoC).
The National Shrine of St. Joseph joined the triduum of the 500 YoC, where 100 children received the blessing of confirmation.
Palma said the devotees should keep the faith and keep asking for help from St. Joseph, whether it’s for their health, industry, culture or education.
The prelate also hoped that the people will still live with the 500 YoC theme, which is gifted to give.
He challenged the faithful to share whatever blessings they receive with others. (KFD)