Palma stresses unity and charity as clergy renews vows

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma reminded parish priests and prelates yesterday, as they renewed their vows, to continuously impart the ideals of Jesus’ ministry, mainly anchored on the virtues of unity and charity.

Palma related these virtues on this year’s observance of the “Year of the Family and the Eucharist” on the Jubilee year of mercy in his 15-minute homily during the Chrism Mass yesterday afternoon at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

“Like Jesus, we should be the center and the ministers of unity. Like Jesus, we should be the center and sacrament of charity,” Palma said.

Hundreds of priests, deacons, and representatives of the entire diocesan community assembled yesterday in Cebu City to renew their “priestly promises,” which is a yearly gathering for the clergy.

The renewal of vows, Palma said, does not only assemble the priests to strengthen their allegiance with Jesus but also a promise to further fulfill their ministry with the act of love.  He emphasized on the importance of the two virtues – unity and charity – which the priests should share to their respective parishes, not only during gatherings and masses, but also as an opportunity for the priests to reach out to the underprivileged.

“May our awareness that the unity in our family and our being disciple of the Eucharist, all serve as spring of mercy and love we have experienced from God. May we always in our own ways bring that mercy to the community, to the glory of God and to growth of this Church,” said Palma.

 “As priests, we may become acting on the person of Jesus,” said Palma, noting that the faithful are gathered receiving the fruits and graces of the Eucharist.

Palma stressed that every individual gathered for the Holy Mass is united with one another and with God.

“On the Eucharist of the Mass, we do away with distinction because we celebrate as one family. All of us as members of the Church become one family,” he said.

Palma further said priesthood is a certain vocation made as an instrument of love, aside from uniting its people to be one with God.

“May we also become the sacrament and minister of charity like Jesus Christ. Every ministry is an expression of charity and of love… Atong paningkamot makita labi na sa mga kabus, makita labi na sa mga nagkinahanglan,” he said.

“Charity is not just a concept. We should show it. We should experience it nga kita dili lamang nag-ampo ug nga kita dili lamang nangamuyo sa Diyos. May one of us show his love and that virtual charity may also be ours,” he added.

After the homily, the renewal of priests’ vows took place followed by the blessing of the Holy Oils to be used in the coming year. These are the Oil of the Sick, Oil of Catechumens, and Sacred Chrism.

Oils brought by Mass attendees were also blessed after the Eucharistic celebration. — (FREEMAN)