By Ferdinand Patinio
The capital city's celebration of 500 years of Christianity in the country will kick off on Saturday.
According to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila (RCAM), among the activities for the day would be the wearing of the 500 Years Mission Cross. The cross has the name of Jesus inscribed in Roman letters and ancient Baybayin script intersecting.
“This symbolizes the encounter of the faith from Western missionaries and our own culture and life, resulting in a colorful and vibrant Filipino faith that now becomes our contribution to the universal Church. The Mission Cross is an invitation to bring back the tradition of wearing a cross, which is a sign of our faith in Jesus, of protection from God, and most importantly, as a badge of our missionary work. Wearing a cross, we are reminded that we are Christians, we are Catholics, and we say yes to God’s mission,” the RCAM said in a statement Friday.
There will also be a ceremonial giving and wearing of the Mission Cross, particularly for the mayors and representatives from communities and chosen pilgrimage churches of the Archdiocese.
Earlier, the Manila archdiocese has named 10 pilgrim churches that will be the centers of prayer, forgiveness, and charitable works during this jubilee year.
These are the Manila Cathedral (Manila), Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, Quiapo Church (Manila), Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Guia (Manila), Archdiocesan Shrine of Sto. Niño de Tondo (Manila) and San Pablo Apostol Parish (Manila), Santa Clara de Montefalco Parish (Pasay), National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Makati), Sts. Peter and Paul Parish (Makati), San Felipe Neri Parish (Mandaluyong), and St. John the Baptist Parish (San Juan).
Manila Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo will celebrate the 9 a.m. Mass at the Manila Cathedral.
The Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles Brown, the priests of the Archdiocese of Manila, representatives of the religious and of the laity will be present. Also invited are the five Mayors of the cities within the Archdiocese.
“We also invite everyone to like, follow, and share the official Facebook page “500 Years of Christianity – Archdiocese of Manila” to be notified and updated on our different activities,” the RCAM added.
Another highlight of the Manila celebration is the launching of the official Mission Song, 'We Give Our Yes' to be performed live by singer Jamie Rivera.
The official music video will be released on the same day.
The local launching of the celebration in parishes will follow on Sunday (Feb. 7).
“Parish priests will be launching and explaining to the people the wearing of the 500 Years Mission Cross. The music ministry and youth ministry in the parishes will lead the singing, accompanied by the action, the mission song, WE GIVE OUR YES, during the recessional of all Masses,” it added.
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