Rama okays holding of thanksgiving Mass for Blessed Calungsod at Fuente

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama poses no objection to hold the thanksgiving Mass for the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod at the Fuente Osmeña rotunda on November 30.

Although Rama said he would still prefer to use the South Road Properties entertainment block as venue.

Fuente is the third option of the Archdiocese of Cebu and the organizers of the national thanksgiving Mass after some issues have been raised against holding the activity at the North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City.

 “I would like SRP to be the place, If naa’y mugasto,” Rama sad.

“I would also not disagree if it’s going to be at Fuente rotunda,” he added explaining that Fuente has been witnessed to many significant events in the city.

Rama said that the rotunda has been used by the Iglesia ni Kristo once and the area was able to handle a huge crowd.

However, considering that there are generally more Catholic faithfuls in the country and since the November 30 thanksgiving is a national event, Rama said there is a need to study if the rotunda can accommodate the expected number of attendees.

Rama said that Cebu City must be proud if the city will be the venue for the event which he describes to be not only a religious one but cultural and historical event as well for the country.

“Si Senior Sto. Niño na gyud ang nag-giya na mabalik diri sa Cebu City ang venue. Nganong mugawas pa man ta. We are the cradle of Christianity,” Rama said.

The mayor said that indeed traffic will be affected, but he said that he is also sure that people will understand and give way to a very significant event.

The organizing committee is set to meet today to discuss and possibly finalize the venue.

The original proposed venue is at the SRP but due to the huge budget needed, they decided to hold it somewhere else.

Blessed Pedro Calungsod will be canonized in Rome on October 21.  (FREEMAN)