100-Day Countdown to 500 Years of Christianity Kicks Off

THE Archdiocese of Cebu and the Cebu City Government have launched the 100-day countdown to the start of the yearlong celebration for the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines.

The launching was held at the historic Magellan’s Cross in Cebu City on Monday afternoon, Jan. 4, 2021. The yearlong celebration for the quincentennial of Christianity in the country will start on April 14. It will end on April 14, 2022.

The electronic countdown board was placed right beside the chapel that houses Magellan’s Cross, the Christian cross planted in Cebu during the arrival of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.

In attendance were Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, Vice Mayor Michael Rama, Councilors Joel Garganera, Edu Rama, Dondon Hontiveros, Dave Tumulak, Jerry Guardo, and representatives from the city’s Cultural Heritage and Affairs Commission (CHAC).

Also present were Augustinian friars from the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu, led by its rector, Fr. Pacifico Nohara Jr. The Basilica is expected to start the activities for the Fiesta Señor Friday, January 8.

Palma, in a brief speech, said the celebration for the quincentenary of Christianity in Cebu is a blessing.

“Why is it important to look back to 500 years ago. Because it is kairos. It is God’s time. It is filled with blessings. And today, as Cebuanos, we count the blessings despite the many concerns we have of the past 500 years,” said Palma.

The Philippines will be commemorating the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity this 2021 as well as the quincentenary celebration of the historic Battle of Mactan and the first circumnavigation expedition.

On April 14, the Archdiocese of Cebu is expected to lead the quincentenary celebration for the first baptism while the commemoration of the first Mass will be in Limasawa Island as per recommendation from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

Last September, the Roman Catholic church has started the online 200-day countdown leading to the event.

Palma also encouraged devotees on Monday not to lose hope and their faith amid the challenges the public is facing.

“We are looking back in the past for thanksgiving and we will look forward with hope. There is COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), yes, but COVID does not paralyze us,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Michael Rama, representing Mayor Edgar Labella in his opening remarks said the activities in line with the country’s quincentennial of Christianity will continue despite the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

The vice mayor said as long as their constituents just follow the precautionary measures necessary, less infections would occur during the activities.

“We cannot make Covid-19 stop that celebration,” Rama said in his speech.