Papal Nuncio to preside fiesta mass in Danao

Local

THE Papal Nuncio will preside over the fiesta mass of the Feast of Santo Tomas de Villanueva on Sunday, September 21, in what church leaders consider a historic first for the city.

Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Charles John Brown, the Pope’s representative, is scheduled to lead the Pontifical Mass at 10 a.m. at the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish.

He will arrive in Danao on September 20, with police and parish officials preparing tight security measures for his visit.

Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano announced the Nuncio’s participation during a press conference on Friday, saying the city is honored to host the Pope’s envoy for the parish feast.

He said preparations are in full swing to ensure the smooth conduct of the religious event.

Carlo Lleva Matugas of the parish said outgoing Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma first confirmed the Nuncio’s visit during the blessing of the new parish retablo.

Matugas emphasized that it will be the first time in Danao’s history that the Papal Nuncio himself presides over the fiesta mass.

"We, in the parish side, I believe we are 100 percent ready. We are very much ready. All is well coordinated," he said.

Parish leader PJ Balasabas said the timing of the visit is providential as it coincides with the Jubilee Year, a period of special graces in the Catholic Church.

He added that it also provides an opportunity for Danao to demonstrate its readiness to host a diocese under the ongoing "Sugbuswak" process, which proposes the creation of three dioceses.

Under it, the mother archdiocese is located in Cebu City, with one in the south, centered in Carcar City, and another in the north, with Danao City as its potential seat.

Rev. Fr. Wendell Balbuena of the Cebu Archdiocese said close coordination is being done with the Philippine National Police to ensure the safety of the Pope’s representative during his two-day stay.

He confirmed that Brown’s schedule includes his arrival on September 20, the Pontifical Mass the following day, and a return visit later this month for the installation of Cebu Archbishop-elect Abet Uy

Balbuena pointed out that this will be the Nuncio’s ninth visit to Cebu underscoring his close ties with the local church.(MyTVCebu)