The 500 Years of Christianity (500 YOC) celebrations in Cebu has culminated with a Grand Solemn Foot Procession which started at the Cebu Provincial Capitol down to the major streets of Cebu City and ended at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral on April 24, 2022.

Two of the oldest religious icons in the Philippines, the Holy Child— Señor Sto. Niño de Cebu and the Passion of Our Lord—Ecce Homo, took part in the momentous celebration.

These icons, both of which are enshrined at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu and are under the care of the Augustinians, can be traced back with historical and religious significance in our Christian faith, as both embody the beginning of the Christian evangelization and the spread of Christianity in the Philippines.

The other carozzas that were part of the solemn procession were: the Jubilee Cross, Sñr. San Jose de Mandaue, Nuestra Señora Virgen de la Regla, San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila, San Pedro Calungsod, and Nuestra Señora Virgen de Guadalupe de Cebu.

Devotees gathered on the streets to witness the significant celebration following the long period of time of prohibition, forbidding people to participate.

In the closing mass of the 2nd National Mission Congress (NMC) and the culmination of 500 YoC, Most Rev. Pablo Virgilio S. David, D.D., Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President, highlighted the true essence of mission; to be mindful of the common good and empower the weakest, highlighting the theme of this year’s congress- Gifted to Give.

“We have reminded ourselves that we have been gifted only to be able to give. We have been blessed only to be a blessing to the society and to the world.” said Bishop David.

The celebration of the 500 Years of Christianity prompts us to remember what mission is all about and to signify that even when this celebration has come to an end, our mission still continues throughout our Christian lives. /Melissa Arbuis with Mary Giralyne Manolo, BMSN Media Centre volunteers