All set for “Salamat Padre” event tomorrow

CEBU, Philippines — More than 500 priests in Cebu will be honored tomorrow in an event organized by all the parishes of the Archdiocese of Cebu dubbed as “Salamat Padre.”

More than giving tribute to the local clergy, organizers have seen the dedication and sacrifices of each of the lay person and parishioners that are knit together to set up a big and simultaneous event that would be the first in the province.

The Commission on the Laity (COL) spearheads the "Salamat Padre" activity on August 5 that is earlier declared by the archdiocese as the day of thanksgiving for the priests.

“We are 100 percent ready. And I hope this activity will enliven the enthusiasm and morale of priests in their pastoral ministry and service,” said Fe Barino, chairperson of the Commission on the Laity.

The one-day activity is part of a bigger observance or this year’s pastoral thrust – the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons. The event also coincides with the feast of St. John Vianney, who is venerated as patron saint of parish priests.

The continuous attacks against the Catholic Church and the killings of priests inspired the commission’s board members to organize a program that will show support to the local clergy.

“We can be united in supporting the Church,” said Barino, urging the Catholic faithful to participate with the program or activities scheduled in their respective parishes. There are at least 169 parishes in the Cebu archdiocese at present.

Barino said while preparing for the event this coming Sunday, the district coordinators and the commission leaders have observed the positive and warm response from the parishioners and the activity even led to create linkages with the parishes.

“This only show how powerful we the lay people and Catholics are if we unite,” she said.

Barino said the organizers are eyeing at accommodating more than 500 priests. At least 367 of these priests belong to the diocesan while the rest are from religious orders and congregations.

Commission Vice Chairman Reynald Andales said they will also honor the retired priests and even those that do not belong to any parish like priests teaching in seminaries or religious schools.

Martin Dave Deriada, over-all event coordinator, said the common scene expected on the day is the celebration of a Thanksgiving Mass that will be followed with a program. The organizers also prepared a commemorative gift and plaque that will be equally distributed to all priests.

He said the day will not only highlight the programs and activity but will also bring out the unity and commitment among the parishioners to make the priests serving them happy.

He added that on Sunday, the local Catholic community should also rejoice in thanking the Lord for the gift of priesthood. The Cebu archdiocese is currently considered as the country’s largest archdiocese with its huge number of priests and seminarians. It is divided into seven districts, which will showcase different activities.

Deriada, also the District 1 coordinator, said the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, which is the seat of the archdiocese, will be hosting the program that will be participated by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma. He will preside over the concelebrated Mass at 4 p.m.

Coordinators of District 2 and 4, Philip Abellana and Jesusa Chan, respectively, said they met minimal problems and misunderstandings but they assured that all are ironed out and their programs will push through.

Chan said one of the programs the group prepared is staging a short drama that is inspired from this year’s pastoral theme. District 3 coordinator Genara Lubay said some faith-based organizations are preparing heartwarming speeches for their priests.

District 5 representative Nonito Piloto said there will also be a stage presentation casted from different organizations and a slide film on the works of the priests. — FPL (FREEMAN)