Palma celebrates Dawn Mass with Carbon market vendors

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma yesterday ce-lebrated the third Misa de Gallo at the Carbon Market with hundreds of vendors and market goers attending.

Palma thanked everyone who made the Mass available and accessible to the vendors, saying that Misa De Gallo has been one of the customs and traditions in the country especially in Cebu City, which is the Cradle of Christianity.

“Unta ang atong pagsaulog niining Misa de Gallo, ang atong pagpangandam sa Pasko, mahimo nga tuburan (sa) grasya aron ang atong pagka-krisyano mahimong paagi pag-inspire sa katawhan,” Palma said.

When asked why he chose to celebrate the third day of the novena at the Carbon Market, Palma said that yesterday was his third year to be with the vendors.

“It’s because nakita nato nga well-organized man sila and na maintain ang atmosphere of devotion and respect. Nindot pud ang partisipasyon,” he said.

In his homily, Palma shared his experiences of Misa de Gallo from other countries. He said that he noticed that the tradition is being practiced in places where there are Filipinos.

“Sa laing nasud, ninety-nine percent sa crowd, Pilipino. Ang atong pagpadayag sa atong pagtuo, lainlaing pamaagi. Nahimo kini nga paglaom sa kadaghanan ug sa lainlaing nasud,” he said.

“Ang Cebu is the Cradle of Christian civilization, ang Cebu adunay special nga spirituality,” he said, adding that he is hoping that the faith of Cebuanos will remain on fire despite the adversities in life.

The prelate said that Cebuanos should continue the tradition of having Misa de Gallo in preparation for the celebration of Christmas.

“Naglabay nga Yolanda, naay earthquake, naay Ruby pero karong buwana, nagkanta gihapon ta og Joy to the World. Para nato, mangagi man ang bagyo, linog, molupad man ang pila ka mga atop, matumpag man ang mga bato, pero dili man matumpag ang atong pagtuo,” he said.

He cited the earthquake incident in Bohol that caused the destruction of the churches, but the two ima-ges of Mama Mary in two churches in Bohol—Our Lady of Light in Loon town and Sta. Cruz Parish in Maribojoc town remain standing.

He said that everyone should reflect what God’s plan is for the people no matter how hard it is.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, who was present during the Mass, said that he will ask one of his staff to draft a letter requesting the Vatican to include Cebu City in the itinerary of Pope Francis next year.

Palma said that anybody can send letter to the Vatican with the same request.

“Nakapadala na gali kami, and personally ako, nga mobisita siya sa Sugbo pero kay hangtod raman ta padala, ang desisyon na depende sa committee,” he said.

“Siguro, ginalantaw nila nga daghang considerasyon. Sa karon, considering nga limited ang panahon sa Santo Papa, enough na ang pagbisita sa Manila ug Tacloban,” he added.

Palma said that anytime the pope comes, the city and the Archdiocese are always ready.  (FREEMAN)