LIMASAWA, Southern Leyte, Sept. 17 (PIA) -- Aside from the first Easter Sunday Mass, the first treaty of friendship between the east and the west also happened here almost 500 years ago.
The significance of such a treaty, as well as the religious service accompanying it, averted war and divisions, but fostered brotherhood and Christianity, according to Mayor Melchor Petracorta of this historic island-town.
In a short talk during ceremonies marking the 200 days countdown for the approaching quincentennial celebrations Saturday, September 12, Petracorta rallied everyone “to embrace the spirit of unity and cooperation as we ardently keep pace towards March 31, 2021.”
“Let this celebration lead us to remember that the coming of Magellan in our island recorded the first treaty of friendship between the east and the west, and brought significance, not war and divisions, but brotherhood and Christianity,” the mayor said.
He expressed gratitude to the government, including local, provincial, and national agencies, and Church leaders for always supporting the approaching event, saying that as the days are trimmed down to 200 days to March 31, 2021, “may our hearts be rekindled on the true faith that Ferdinand Magellan and his men laid on upon this island.”
“Let us then unite in prayers that our plans be laid congruous and in the consonance of the Lord’s will and guidance,” Petracorta said.
He added that the Covid-19 pandemic had not prevented the observance of the 200 days countdown date, even as participants inside the Limasawa Shrine atop a hill in barangay Magallanes were limited to only 50 individuals in keeping with health protocols on conduct of mass gatherings.
In a brief chat with the local media after the activities, Petracorta said the 200 days countdown, and the next 100 days countdown on December 21, served as a dry-run for the expected big event on March 31 next year.
If the pandemic will still be around by then, the celebration will go on but outside guests from the government and the church cannot come, and everybody will continue doing the minimum health standards on wearing facemasks and face shields, hand washing, registration, and social distancing, Petracorta declared. (ldl/mmp/PIA 8-Southern Leyte)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
0 Comments