FRIDAY the 13th was a triple celebration for Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.
Yesterday, the 61-year old prelate marked his first anniversary as archbishop of Cebu, 13th year after his installation as bishop of Calbayog, Leyte and 14th year since he was ordained Titular Bishop of Vazari-Didda.
In a Mass at the Archbishop’s Palace, he thanked Cebuanos for welcoming him to the province and contributing to the growth of the Catholic Church.
“Thank you for accepting me as your archbishop, for your support and for your love. I have seen and felt your love,” Palma said.
He said during his first year as archbishop of Cebu, he met many Cebuanos who inspired him. He said he was blessed to have active members from the clergy.
His relatives from Jaro, Iloilo, were also present.
Palma said his first year as Cebu archbishop was enriching and that his biggest achievement was being able to help bring unity within the archdiocese.
“In my journey, I had heart-to-heart talks with our priests. I made it to a point that I facilitated retreats with them. For three weeks we were praying together, sharing, reflecting and discussing directions of the Church here in Cebu,” he told Cebu Daily News.
He said his favorite part was travelling to different churches in Cebu, especially the remote islands.
“I tried my best to take a look at the whole archdiocese. I was able to visit all the churches in Camotes Island, Bantayan Island, and even more just to see the condition of the people. To me, that’s important, and I enjoyed doing it as well,” he said.
He said the year was full of surprises with the biggest being Pope Benedict XVI’s approval of the recommendation of cardinals and experts of the authenticity of the miracle attributed to Blessed Pedro Calungsod.
Palma said many of his activities this year will center on preparations for the canonization of Calungsod.
He said he would also encourage Cebuanos to be more serious in their prayer life because this leads to the strengthening of one’s Christian life.
“We should not just say words, but when we pray, we must also be open to listen to God and his plans for our lives personally and as a people,” he said.
“I have strong faith that Cebu has a good future. Hopefully we would be united in our plans, our activities, in strengthening the Catholic Church,” he said with a smile. Correspondent Patricia Andrea Patena and Ador Mayol