Cebu – “In this time of need and difficulty, I see how generously the entire diocesan community, as well as faithful from other dioceses, are providing material and spiritual assistance to those displaced by the earthquake in the north of Cebu Island. It is an act of charity that truly makes God’s love tangible,” says the new Archbishop of Cebu, Msgr. Alberto Uy, in an interview with Fides. Archbishop Uy took office on September 30 and was immediately confronted with the catastrophe of the powerful earthquake that struck the northern part of Cebu Island and numerous parishes in his diocese, which encompasses the entire island .
Msgr. Uy reports: “In this phase, the focus is on organizing aid for the displaced. Caritas has mobilized volunteers. We see people who are volunteering unconditionally in hospitals and refugee camps. It is a moving testimony of solidarity and closeness to those in need, to those who have lost their homes and possessions. I see how love among brothers and sisters is taking shape: ‘They will recognize you by the way you love one another,’ Jesus says in the Gospel,” continues the Archbishop, who immediately visited several affected parishes and places of suffering to offer comfort and support.
“On the other hand,” he notes, “I saw great faith among the suffering people: this, too, is a sign of God’s grace. I encouraged them and said: ‘Do not be afraid, the Lord is with you.’ I saw people who prayed incessantly and had complete trust in God in such a difficult time.” The Archbishop emphasizes: “I asked the priests to care for the people and be close to them, and they do: Their presence alongside them is very important. The priests celebrate the sacraments outdoors, as many churches are damaged and unusable, and they offer the grace and love of God. And they see the needs of the various parishes and help organize the distribution of relief supplies.” Finally, Archbishop Uy asked all communities, on the one hand, to continue providing aid, and on the other, to continue their prayers and offer the displaced families tribute to the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Cebu, and to the Santo Nino, a 16th-century statue, among the oldest statues in the Philippine Church, venerated in the Basilica of the same name in Cebu. “Loving and merciful Father,” the prayer recited by the faithful in all churches invokes, “we come before You in this time of trial, raising to You all our brothers and sisters affected by the recent earthquake. We pray for their safety and protection. Console the fearful, strengthen the weary, and surround the wounded and displaced with Your tender care.” The prayer continues: “We offer special intentions for the churches of northern Cebu that were destroyed. These sacred spaces have long been places of prayer, hope, and refuge. May they rise again as signs of Your enduring presence among us. Inspire generosity of hearts and hands to help rebuild what has been lost. May this tragedy awaken in us a deeper sense of solidarity, compassion, and faith in Your providence. Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of Cebu, keep us steadfast in hope and united in love. St. Niño of Cebu, have mercy on us.”
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