TACLOBAN CITY—The representative of Pope Francis in the Philippines on Thursday led the celebration of the 501st anniversary of the first Easter Mass on Philippine soil.
Archbishop Charles Brown said in his homily that he was glad to visit Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte for this year’s celebration after failing to officiate the event last year due to travel restrictions imposed by the government amid a spike in COVID-19.
“It’s a great joy and immense privilege for me as a representative of Pope Francis to be with all of you here on the island of Limasawa to commemorate the 501st celebration of the First Mass on Filipino soil,” he said during the celebration at the Magallanes Shrine.
Among those present were priests from the Diocese of Maasin headed by Bishop Precioso Cantillas; Gov. Damian Mercado, municipal mayor Melchor Petracorta, and Public Works Secretary Roger Mercado.
Brown said he was elated since his visit coincided with the ordination of 12 new priests in the Diocese of Maasin.
The visit of the papal nuncio to Limasawa came after the historic island was pummeled by Typhoon “Odette” in December 2021.
Many of its residents were affected and lost their homes.
At present, two of its six barangays–San Agustin and San Bernardo–remain without electricity.