Palma: Prepare for death

BE ready for death. It may come when you least expect it.
This was Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma’s message in a mass celebrated for All Saint’ Day at the Cathedral Mausoleum.
He cited as an example his 34-year-old brother who died in an ambush several years ago.
“The last time I saw him alive was when he accompanied me to the airport while I was on my way to Rome,” he said.
“Death separates us from our loved ones. But thank you, there is heaven. We believe we will see each other soon in heaven. Heaven is putting into order the many loose ends in our lives,” Palma said.
He called on people to emulate the lives of saints and be guided by their teachings like San Pedro Calungsod, a young martyr, and French nun St. Therésè who “just performed ordinary things out of love.”
“The saints are signs of God’s love. They walk with us in our own life’s journey. We are strengthened and inspired by their prayers. One day, may we join them in their experience of everlasting joy,” he added.
Today,  Catholics all over the world will celebrate All Souls’ Day./Reporter Ador Vincent Mayol