In Cebu the 100th anniversary of the Pontifical Approval of the Teresian Association was celebrated at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, the parish to which the Teresian Association-Cebu belongs, on April 21, 2024.
This date was chosen because it also brings to mind the first mass Father Poveda celebrated, four days after his priestly ordination. Coincidentally, this was Good Shepherd Sunday. For one who knows Father Poveda, these facts would not be mere coincidences as his life was an epitome of what a priest of Christ should be, one who not only follows but molds his own feet into the footsteps of the Good Shepherd who lays his life for his sheep.
More than a hundred guests of the Teresian Association, purposely came to celebrate this Thanksgiving mass presided by Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu and concelebrated by four others: Rev. Fr. Algie Quintana, OMV, Rev. Fr. Christian James Mayol, Rev. Fr. Romy Maypa, SVD, Rev. Fr. Glad Everett Niere.
Rudelyn Demerin gave the reason for this happy event and a very concise history of the origin of the Association being Saint Pedro Poveda’s “response to the call of his times when the Church was attacked by non-believers, who considered Faith and Reason, Religion and Science, Gospel and Culture incompatible” by activating the involvement of the laity.
During the homily, the Archbishop thanked the Association for its presence in the country, for being truly committed to the evangelizing mission of the Church especially in her journeying with the youth. He echoed the theme: “Arise, go forth, share the charism to glorify God and make society better.”
After the mass, there was a reception. Imelda Sebastian read the welcome message of Lucia Subaldo thanked everyone for joining the celebration of thanksgiving to the Lord for the “unfailing graces and abiding providence” that has sustained the Association for 100 years, and for “the maternal companionship and protection of Our Lady”. She cited Gregoria Ruiz, President of the Teresian Association: “We hope that celebrating 100 years will be a good opportunity to continue looking to the future with hope and opening new paths of consolidation and evangelization. May we boldly renew our lay vocation in the Church which is one of outreach and that is synodal. It is time to open to the Spirit who is with us as we embark on an adventure of setting out, together with many people towards a new centenary.”
Yes, indeed, we look forward to the next 100 years with hope, and setting forth, we follow the initial reaction of Josefa Segovia of going directly to the Tabernacle and telling Jesus of our desire to be holy.
Christine Lim, ACIT Cebu.
Published in News