I fell silent and speechless. For a few seconds, I could hardly utter a single word after the officiating priest of the Holy Mass announced that Archbishop Jose Palma got infected with the coronavirus. The priest asked all the attendees to say prayers for the prelate's quick recovery. Then the same priest announced during the Holy Mass the following day that retired Cebu auxiliary bishop Antonio Rañola also tested positive for the disease.
Who would have thought that both of them would be infected by the disease? In fact, Archbishop Jose Palma offered himself to be inoculated first with the vaccine once it is already available.
We cannot underestimate the threat of the unseen enemy which until now continues to wreak havoc on all people, rich or poor, known or unknown, educated or ignorant. The elderly with comorbidities were the ones who easily got infected. Some of them died while in the course of enduring the resulting effect of the virus.
I could hardly believe that Archbishop Jose Palma would be infected by COVID-19, in the sense that he himself seriously and obediently adhered to health protocols as set by the government through the IATF-MEID. The same was true with Bishop Antonio Rañola, though already a retired bishop, still, he would celebrate or co-celebrate Mass, obediently complying the required health protocols such as social distancing, wearing of face mask, face shield, washing of hands, etc.
Archbishop Jose Palma and retired bishop Antonio Rañola, two high-ranking officials of the Catholic Church, exposed to and infected by the disease on account of the nature of their priestly duties. More often than not, they have to appear before the faithful, particularly during Eucharistic celebrations, imploring divine intervention and blessings. Hence, both of them are vulnerable to being infected by the disease.
I would say that the virus seems to be as cunning as a snake ready to attack its hapless victim with its poisonous bite. In spite of all the health protocols and safety standards in place, COVID-19 remains a serious threat to one's health.
Joselito S. Berdin
Lapu-Lapu City
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Put up those streets signs
I am a registered nurse who used to work in a hospital in Daly City, San Marino, California for five years. I have been back in Cebu City since January 2019. I am a native of Loon, Bohol, but got married to a Cebuano, that’s why I am now in Cebu City.
Friends of mine from the USA who came to visit me here in Cebu City noted that our streets do not indicate street names, and they would always find it hard to go to their destinations because of the obstacle. In Daly City, every corner has a street name and visitors will never get lost in getting to their destination.
Cebu City, being a premier city, should maintain its high standard and I am calling on our beloved Mayor Edgardo Labella and the City Council to appropriate funds to have these signages at every corner of the street installed in due time.
Very truly yours,
Karla Perez
Guadalupe
Cebu City