Sinulog or papal visit?
Listening to a radio anchor asking his listeners what would they give preference to, akin to asking which would they regard more important: Sinulog or the papal visit? Such question elicited ostensibly opposing responses and reasons which manifest the deep religiosity and to some extent, polarity among the religious Cebuanos. But what a coincidence that two of the country's important religious events fall on same dates.
Celebrated every year, Sinulog is regarded as an opportunity for Cebuanos and even the rest of the devout Filipino Catholics to manifest unfathomable religiosity. It is a time when Cebuanos display such kind of spiritual fervor that is inexplicable and unequalled by other devotees. And to some extent, it is an opportunity to showcase grandeur and lavishness to the world. But this year, another occasion would grab the world's attention. This is so as it shows great reverence to the highest person in the Roman Catholic hierarchy. Pope Francis's visit in the country on January 15 to 19, 2015 is an important occasion that would count number of years before we can experience again. This is something that not only the Cebuanos but the whole Filipinos are looking forward to.
Among the places to be visited by the Pope are Tacloban City, Palo, Leyte, and Manila. Cebu City and Cebu Province are not included. This is such a disappointment to some for such Asia's cradle of Christianity not to be visited by the Holy Father. And even on the few remaining weeks, Cebu local officials are still hoping for the city to be included in the Pope's itinerary.
Part of what made the Pope to visit the country was because of Yolanda. This is for him to meet the victims and survivors of the typhoon. He wants to let them feel that his visit is a manifestation of his great love for the victims and less fortunate. Specifically in areas in Leyte that is badly hit by typhoon Yolanda. But he will be staying most of his visiting days in Manila. And Manila was not affected by the major calamity. While Cebuanos are still recovering from major calamities–the earthquake, super typhoon Yolanda, especially the northern part of Cebu, and recently the typhoon Seniang, but sadly it is not part of the Pope's itinerary. And to some it's something that is "unfair that Manila gets four days and Cebu gets none."
This I can sense, it came to a point that needless to say even in the religious hierarchy, politics is very much into play.
Few days left, despite that there is no guarantee that the Pope will visit in Cebu, a local official is still hopeful and is making the local government forces ready in case the pontiff will change his mind and include Cebu in his itinerary.
But what saves all these is Cebu's hosting of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) on January 24-31, 2016 – the biggest gathering of the Catholic Church held every four years. It is focused mostly on affirming the importance of the Eucharist and the presence of God in Holy Communion.
It is only the second IEC to be hosted by the Philippines. Manila hosted 33rd International Eucharistic Congress in 1937. And this time, it's Cebu's turn.
Cardinal Orlando Beltran Quevedo once said that before the pontiff's plan of coming in January 2015, they were quite sure that the pope will come to the IEC because of his preferential love for the underdeveloped areas. "But since he's coming in 2015, though our wishes are high, we have to be realistic. He can't come to one country in two succeeding years." So this means Cebu can't expect to see the pope next year also.
Cebu doesn't anymore have the opportunity to see the Pope in person this year and next. Though it would be a significant occasion for us to see the Pope but as we are counting the days left, realization of our expectation wanes. But to me this does not lessen my faith as it does not necessarily require a physical manifestation, but rather a rekindling of spiritual devotion.
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