Archdiocese of Cebu starts journey towards centennial

CEBU, Philippines — The Archdiocese of Cebu has formally launched its nine-year journey toward its centennial as an archdiocese.

Cebu Archbishop Alberto S. Uy marked the historic milestone by presiding over a Holy Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, calling on the faithful to begin the centennial journey “as one family of God,” and emphasizing unity, vigilance, and hope as core values of both the Advent season and the Archdiocese’s long-term path.

In his homily, Archbishop Uy described Advent as the most fitting time to begin the journey—“a season of walking, waiting, hoping, and preparing”—and stressed that this path must be taken together, not in isolation.

He underscored synodality as the guiding spirit of the Archdiocese: clergy and laity, religious and families, young and old, rich and poor, city and countryside, island and mainland, all moving forward as one Church.

The archbishop also issued a pastoral challenge, urging the faithful to remain spiritually awake. Citing St. Paul’s exhortation, he called on the community to “wake up” and cast aside the “works of darkness,” naming apathy, division, clericalism, corruption, gossip, pride, and inaction as obstacles to authentic Christian life.

He likewise highlighted the plight of the poor, disaster survivors, and victims of corruption as urgent concerns that should stir the conscience of the Church.

The Mass was concelebrated by Cebu Auxiliary Bishop-Emeritus Antonio Rañola, Vicar General Msgr. Rogelio Fuentes, Cathedral Team Moderator Msgr. Vicente Rey Peñagunda, the Cathedral Team of Pastors, and other visiting priests.

Before the end of the Mass, Archdiocesan Chancellor Msgr. Renato Beltran Jr. read the decree officially opening the Archdiocese’s centennial celebrations.

Archbishop Uy, together with Msgr. Fuentes, then unveiled the official centennial logo to mark the start of the nine-year journey.

Fr. Junel Fuentes explained the meaning of the logo, while Fr. Benedicto Tao introduced the official theme song of the celebrations, “Kita ang Simbahan” (We Are the Church), which was played publicly for the first time.

On its Facebook page, the Archdiocese invited the faithful to accompany the Church through prayer and active participation as it journeys toward the centennial, invoking God’s guidance “to prosper the work of our hands” and to walk with the community toward the historic milestone. — (FREEMAN)