WILL Cebu become the final destination for the International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) in 2016?
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said he was concerned over the absence of a huge venue that can house at least 15,000 participants from all over the world.
As he celebrated his 63rd birthday yesterday, Palma said he hoped that Cebu will find a way to host the big event for the Catholic Church.
The prelate will travel to Rome next month to attend the meetings in preparation for the IEC.
“Among my wishes is for the International Eucharistic Congress to be held in Cebu. I said we don’t have a huge venue in Cebu for the event. They might say we look for a bigger place,” he told reporters.
Palma, also the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, said he will still invite Pope Francis to come to Cebu.
“For sure, we will invite the Holy Father. That (EIC) is three years from now. Who knows. We have to pray. Even with our limitations, I hope the pope could come,” he said.
As of now, the Cebu Archdiocese is considering the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City as the possible venue for the Congress.
But the stadium can only accommodate 8,000 people or half the participants expected to attend the EIC.
“In a special way, I thank the Lord that he placed me in Cebu. Friends told me that I’m happily stranded in Cebu. God put me in Cebu and of course I’m very grateful and very happy,” he told reporters.
Palma officiated a Pontifical Mass at the St. Joseph’s chapel inside the Archbishop’s house yesterday morning.
The congregation later sang “Happy Birthday” at the end of the Mass.