Palma: IEC preparation impressed Vatican City

CEBU, Philippines - The Vatican was pleased with how the preparations are going for the upcoming International Eucharistic Congress in 2016.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said they continue to receive positive feedback from the Vatican officials. He said the recent coordination meeting held in Rome turned out very well for the Philippines, particularly Cebu, as host.

“We are happy to announce that practically all plans that we presented were approved,” Palma told reporters.

He relayed the observation of Vatican officials directly overseeing the IEC, who noted the Philippines’ plans and programs for the largest Catholic gathering in the world mainly happening in Cebu.

“They are very pleased with what we presented to them saying we did our homework,” said a smiling Palma who appreciated the compliment from high Catholic officials in Rome.

The construction of the pavilion which will house a huge number of delegates from around the globe, Palma stressed, is the most important preparation that the host country must consider emphasizing that all dioceses and archdioceses in the Philippines will be joining hands especially in terms of financing the congress.

“Though the activities will mostly be held in Cebu, it does not mean Cebu is the only host. It is actually the entire country meaning there will be money raised by us here in Cebu and Visayas, as well as Mindanao and Luzon,” Palma explained.

While donations from parishioners, particularly politicians, are welcome, Palma specified that it should be on the personal capacity and not using people’s money, emphasizing the separation of church and state.

“We believe we can finish this by 2015,” an optimistic archbishop said.

While Vatican was impressed by the plans laid down by Filipino Church officials, slight revisions were to be done on the Catechesis.

“In terms of catechesis, there were defining implicators that Vatican officials wanted to enhance. This 60-page document contains the teachings and discussions. One Cardinal said Christ in you must be emphasized through the spirit of joy, not as if knowing Christ is a burden because Jesus is not like that,” Palma explained.— (FREEMAN)