Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral to present "Sugat" on Sunday

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is preparing for the “Sugat 2010” that will take place on Sunday, a religious event which happens within the 75th jubilee celebration of the Archdiocese of Cebu.

For this reason, Msgr. Roberto F. Alesna, the parish priest of the cathedral, has initiated the production of “Sugat,” a stage play presentation.

Hon. Councilor Litang Abarquez of barangay Poblacion in Pardo has been tapped to help in the production.

Abarquez has made significant contributions to previous “Sugat” presentations held at the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish in Pardo, having directed the presentations for 20 consecutive years.

Val Sandiego of the internationally acclaimed Sandiego dance troupe joins Abarquez in putting together the choreography for the dance.

A huge stage has been set in front of the main entrance of the cathedral.

Organizers and directors of the presentation promise to give a theatrical performance without compromising the solemn or religious meaning of the commemoration.

The program is intended not solely for entertainment purposes but also for reflection and prayer.

More than 50 persons have been assembled to complete the cast.

The affair starts at 3:30 a.m. with a solemn procession. It culminates with a Eucharistic Celebration at 5:00am, with His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal as the main celebrant.

Meanwhile, in line with the Holy Week, priests are available for confession everyday.

Easter Triduum starts with the Holy Thursday service at 4 p.m., the Mass of the Lord’s Supper with His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal as the main celebrant.

On Good Friday, the Siete Palabras religious program starts at 12 noon and ends with the solemn liturgical commemoration of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ at 3 p.m.

The Siete Palabras 2010 of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is televised live by GMA Network.

Speakers are all priests with Bishop Julito B. Cortes to give the introduction and His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal for the concluding message.

The reflections of the speakers are based on the Cebu Archdiocesan Thrust for the Liturgical Year 2009-2010: Evangelization of Culture. The Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday starts at 6 p.m.

On Easter Sunday, there will be a “Sugat” presentation and procession at 3:30 a.m. — Johanna T. Natavio (THE FREEMAN)