MAASIN CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) -- A limited number of Church, religious leaders, and local government officials will converge on September 12 in Limasawa to mark another milestone. This is the 200-day countdown leading to the 500 years of Christianity (YOC) symbolized by the first Easter Sunday Mass in that island-town.
In a special kapihan forum/press conference held at Ataviado Hall, College Building at Saint Joseph College Friday last week, Rev. Fr. Jhunrey Sibi, chairperson of the quincentennial celebration, reported that only about 50 people are allowed to be present on that day. This is due to the current covid-19 pandemic where huge mass gatherings are still not allowed by health protocols.
Expected to be present are Gov. Damian Mercado, Cong. Roger Mercado, Limasawa Mayor Melchor Petracorta, on the side of the government, while for the side of the Diocese of Maasin this will be led by Bishop Precioso Cantillas along with a handful of religious leaders, and local media, Fr. Sibi said.
Centered on the theme “Faith--Appreciation and the Care for our Common Home”, the activities on September 12, in addition to the usual Holy Mass, are the launching of Laudato Si, a renewable energy program where the Maasin diocese was recognized the world over as a pioneer, and a video presentation for the quincentennial celebration that serves much like a TV station ID, among others.
During Friday’s presscon, Rev. Fr. Mark Vincent Salang, Diocesan Chancellor, read the resolution of the Mojares Panel, a six-man body created by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), that pointed to Limasawa as the true site of the Easter Sunday Mass on March 31, 1521, a first in the Philippines and Asia.
The favorable Mojares decision, which is the fourth in a series of favorable decisions in more than twenty years, added more meaning and significance to the upcoming centennial celebrations, Rev. Salang said.
For his part, Dr. Jerome Paler, Gawad Kalinga provincial head representing the laity, encouraged the faithful to be one in deed and spirit with the various activities of the commemoration, while Rey Reoma, in-charge of the Diocesan media, vowed to coordinate closely with telecommunications companies for a strong and stable wifi signal at Limasawa. (mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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