500 priests renew vows today

CEBU, Philippines – Around 500 diocesan and religious priests belonging to the Archdiocese of Cebu are set to recommit themselves to priesthood at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral today.

This renewal of commitment to priestly service is performed every year during what the Roman Catholic Church calls as the Chrism Mass, usually the largest annual gathering of clergy held either on or before Holy Thursday.

According to Fr. Mhar Balili, the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral parochial vicar, the Chrism Mass is one of the most significant liturgies of the church. “This is a very special occasion that will remind us, priests, that our commitment to the Lord should be constant despite our weaknesses and limitations. It also meant to energize us as we continue with our pastoral functions and ministry.”

The Catholic faithful are invited to witness such “celebration of priesthood” because this provides an opportunity for parishioners to extend support and offer prayers for their priests. More importantly, they will be able to “see that our ministry is not a one-man show,” according to Fr. Balili.

“Despite some scandals, there are still a lot of priests who are sincerely and strongly committed to their vocation,” he said, also noting that last year, the Cebu Archdiocese saw a rise in priestly vocations with 11 ordinations. 

The “show of force” will also serve as an early gift to the Archdiocese which will celebrate its diamond jubilee year this April 28.

The Chrism Mass will be presided by Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal himself, together with two auxiliary bishops.

Apart from the renewal of ordination vows, another highlight of today’s Chrism Mass is the blessing of the oils to be used throughout the Archdiocese for the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and anointing of the sick in the coming year.

The three new “retablados” of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, which is presently undergoing a major renovation, will also be unveiled prior to the mass. Earlier this month, the façade and plaza of the history-laden Cathedral were inaugurated by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The award-winning University of the Visayas Chorale will sing during the 9 a.m. Mass today and will be accompanied by the cathedral’s newly restored pipe organ to be played by known Cebuano musician-priest, Msgr. Rudy Villanueva. — Natalie M. Tomada  (THE FREEMAN)