CBCP: Preparations for 500th year of PH Christianization underway

CEBU CITY –– Preparations for the 500th anniversary of Christianization of the Philippines in 2021 are underway, according to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

In a press conference on Wednesday, CBCP officials said three major events would highlight the anniversary.

CBCP president and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles said churches and parishes all over the country would recall the “first recorded Easter Mass.”

“We will recall the first recorded Easter Mass in the Philippines which would be celebrated all over the country. We expect big celebrations all over the country,” said Valles.

Valles said they would also recall the first baptism. CBCP would organize a mission congress to be held in Cebu.

It was on April 14, 1521 when Rajah Humabon, the King of Cebu and 50 men accepted to be baptized by the chaplain of the Spanish fleet.

During the reenactment of the first baptism in the Philippines, 500 children with special needs will be baptized.

The year-long celebration will include the arrival of the replica images of Sto. Nino and Jubilee Cross, which will be toured around the country and brought back to Cebu in time for the quincentennial celebration.

The countdown Mass will start on December 1.

Kick-off

The Order of Augustinian Recollects of Basilica Minore del Sto Niño organized the kick-off ceremony for the 500th anniversary on Wednesday.

Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Gabrielle Cacia presided over the 3 p.m. Mass in the Basilica.

As early as 8 a.m. all roads leading to the Basilica were closed and tight security was implemented.

The celebration in 2021 will also coincide with the 500th anniversary of the arrival of the Sto. Nino image in Cebu.