500th anniversary of Philippine Christianization moved to 2022

CEBU CITY –– Due to restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Catholic Church leaders in the country have decided to move the 500th anniversary of the Christianization of the Philippines from April 2021 to April 2022.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, in a press conference on Tuesday, explained that the grand event is expected to draw throngs of people and since mass gathering remained prohibited, it is prudent to postpone the activity.

“The (event is moved to 2022) simply because we could not control COVID-19 and we could not gather people hence there is not much significance. We are also following the mindset of Rome. Rome has pushed many activities. If not for COVID-19, we should have been in Budapest now to celebrate the International Eucharistic Congress,” he said.

The year-long quincentennial event will, nonetheless, start in April 2021 and will culminate in April 2022.

“We already pushed it (back). What was supposed to be the climax in April next year in 2021 is pushed to 2022,” the prelate told reporters.

“We will start only in 2021 but it will be staggered and it will progress until 2022,” he added.

Among the events that will be commemorated include the “first” Mass on Limasawa Island, the first baptism in Cebu, and the arrival of the image of the Sto. Niño—the oldest icon in the Philippines.

The Augustinian fathers of the Basilica del Sto. Niño de Cebu were also preparing for the feast of the child Jesus in January 2021.

The original feast date for the child Jesus was April 28, but with the approval of Pope Innocent the XIII in the 18th century, the feast was moved to the third Sunday of January to avoid conflict with the “Eastertide” or 50-day period from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday

Palma on Tuesday led the launching of a mobile app that will exhibit Cebu Archdiocese’s historical and religious relics as a prelude to the 500 years of Christianity.

The new app features the “Sacred Art” found in the various centuries-old churches in Cebu.

The activity was supposed to feature actual visits and display of the “sacred art” but because of the pandemic, the Church tied up with Smart Communications to come up with virtual or online exhibit.