100 adults baptized in Triduum Mass

CEBU, Philippines — One hundred Cebuanos were baptized at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Rule (Nuestra Señora de Regla) in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu during the third Triduum Mass yesterday.

The ceremony was part of the celebration of the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines.

Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Midyphil Billones, together with Talibon Bishop Patrick Daniel Parcon and Maasin Bishop Precioso Cantillas, led the Rites of Christian Initiation of the 100 adults.

Among them were the Magpantay family and Jacquilyn Polis, who also celebrated her 30th birthday yesterday.

“Dako gyud kaayo among pasalamat nga naapil mi niini, nadala pa nako akong tibuok pamilya. Sauna ra gyud mi ganahan mahimo nga Katoliko unya mura’g gipangitaan gyud og paagi sa Ginoo nga mahitabo ni ug maapil mi diri.” said Rosemarie Magpantay, the mother, as quoted to have said by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu.

The 100 catechumens also received the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

Parcon welcomed them to the door of the spiritual life.

He said the rites were a reminder that they were called to participate in the mission of the church and to tell the world that “God is still in control.”

“Welcome to the door of a spiritual life; this is the beginning. Remember, this is not about the rites. As Christians, we are not called to the rites, we are called to life,” he said.

During the celebration, the Archdiocese of Cebu Catechetical Ministry spearheaded a series of formations wherein the catechumens were introduced to the basic Catholic doctrines, prayers and readings from the Sacred Scriptures.

Orlando Beltran Cardinal Quevedo, in his message during the rites, said the newly-baptized Cebuanos are now the disciples of the Lord.

“You became disciples of the Lord when you were baptized. But now, you are all missionaries. You are now priests, prophets and kings. You have a great responsibility,” he said.

He said it was the first time he witnessed the three sacraments of initiation.

“It is the very first time in my life to have witnessed Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion at the same time. And I’m happy to be here,” he said.

According to the Facebook post of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu, the sacraments of Christian Initiation lay the foundation of every Christian life.

“The sacraments of Christian Initiation--Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist--lay the foundation of every Christian life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity,” the post read.

After the rites of Christian initiation, motorcade procession of the image of Senior Sto. Niño and the 2021 Jubilee Cross followed.

The procession visited Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Cordova town from the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City. — Rowena Capistrano, KQD (FREEMAN)