Capitol Hosts Welcome Dinner For CBCP Delegates

On the night of the onset of the three-day meeting on the 112th plenary session of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the Cebu Provincial Government hosted a welcome dinner on January 22 at the Capitol Social Hall, Cebu City.

For the first time in 71 years, the CBCP plenary assembly was held outside of Luzon since the conference was held in 1945. More than 100 bishops attended the gathering.

The Church’s highest governing body from around the country gathered in Cebu for the three-day event on January 22-24 to tackle issues about internal and church matters including some social issues.

Governor Hailario P. Davide III and first lady, Mrs. Jobel Angan-Davide along with Vice-governor Agnes A. Magpale warmly welcomed the delegates as cultural dancers in full colorful costumes greeted them to complement the festive mood.

Governor Davide said he was thankful and honored to host a dinner for the CBCP delegates. In welcoming the bishops, Governor Davide mentioned Pope St. John Paul II’s homily during his visit in the Philippines in 1981.

“Pope St. John Paul II, in his homily for families in Cebu last February 19, 1981, referred to Cebu as the birthplace of our Faith. He further expressed deep joy and profound thanksgiving, for the 450 years that the light of the Gospel has shone in this part of the world,” Davide said.

“Cebu hosts the 51st International Eucharistic Congress, which also for the first time will be held here in Cebu. This is a continuation of our devotion to the Faith, starting from the first celebration of the Eucharist in the Philippines in 1521. We, the Cebuanos are truly honored and blessed this month,” he added.

In his closing remarks, Lingayen Dagupan Archbishop and CBCP President Socrates Villegas thanked Governor Hilario P. Davide III for bringing Christ to politics, and for bringing his Catholic faith to the Provincial Capitol.

“When the welfare of the people is our common vision, governor please count on the support of the church because your dream for the welfare of the people is also our dream”, Bishop Villegas assured the governor after noting the full support given by the government of Cebu to the International Eucharistic Congress and the CBCP Assembly.

The event was capped by performances of Cebu’s best performing artists by showing the diverse Cebuano culture through dance and music.

The plenary, takes part of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress that Cebu is hosting, opened with a Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral last January 22. Papal nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto, celebrated the Mass with Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and CBCP President Archbishop Soc Villegas.