) – January 1, 2021 – 12:00am
CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has echoed Pope Francis’ call for the faithful to be bearers of gratitude despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic in the year that passed.
“We have to give thanks. Be thankful with the blessing of the Lord sa iyang pag-uban nato,” said Palma.
The prelate said that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, people have a lot of things to be thankful for.
“It’s not the end of the world. Mas samok pa sa laing nasod. We are much better off. Ang ako lang even with the little that we have kay dili parehas kaniadto, ato gihapong ipaambit sa unsa may nia nato to those who have less,” he said.
Palma is hopeful that the virus will be gone in 2021 and that the celebration of the 500th year of Christianity here will be full of thanksgiving. The 500th year of Christianity also aptly carries the theme–Gifted to give.
“Even with COVID, makakita unta ta nga daghan lang gihapon ta’g gifts ni Lord. Tama naman, I have enough, it is time to share, even with the little that I have,” said Palma.
Pope Francis in his address before the New Year’s eve said that thanksgiving is a hallmark of an authentic Christian life.
“Above all, let us not forget to thank: If we are bearers of gratitude, the world itself will become better, even if only a little bit, but that is enough to transmit a bit of hope,” said the Pope as published in the CBCP News from the Catholic News Agency.
Pope Francis also said, the world needs hope, and with gratitude and the habit of being thankful, also transmits hope.
“The world needs hope. And with gratitude, with this habit of saying thank you, we transmit a bit of hope. Everything is united and everything is connected, and everyone needs to do his or her part wherever we are,” the pope was quoted as saying.
As the year 2020 comes to an end, faithfuls are asked to evaluate the year not only based on the sufferings, difficulties, and limitations caused by the pandemic, but also by the good things they received each day.
“Let us thank the Lord for every grace received and let us look with confidence and hope to the future, entrusting ourselves to the intercession of St. Joseph, patron saint of the new year. May it be for each of you and for your families a happy year full of divine graces,” the pope said.
Celebrate New Year with responsibility
Meanwhile, Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella has reminded the city residents to celebrate the New Year with utmost responsibility.
“I am reminding our people to be safe. If you want to enjoy the New Year, enjoy it with utmost responsibility,” said Labella.
“As much as possible, we should be responsible in celebrating the New Year. Avoid injuries because how could we enjoy it if some members of the family suffer some injuries,” he added. — Rowena Capistrano and Mary Ruth R. Malinao, FPL (FREEMAN)