CEBU CITY – Hundreds of devout Catholics on Monday, Jan. 2, attended the requiem Mass that the Archdiocese of Cebu held for the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral here.
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma celebrated the Mass along with Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Ruben Labajo and Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Antonio Ranola.
Palma said that Benedict XVI will have a special place in the hearts of Cebuanos as he canonized Saint Pedro Calungsod, who hails from Ginatilan, Cebu.
Benedict XVI also chose Cebu as the venue for the 51st International Eucharistic Congress. Palma was appointed as the Archbishop of Cebu during the pontificate of Benedict XVI.
"We always believe that he is God's gift to the whole Church and in particular to the Archdiocese of Cebu," Palma told reporters after the Mass.
"He offered to us an example of humility and love for the Church. Today, we feel that being a wonderful and loving shepherd, we pray that soon, the Church may find a way to raise him up in the altar of the Lord,” the prelate added.
A portrait of Pope Benedict XVI was placed in front of the altar in the cathedral. A zucchetto or skull cap worn by the former Pontiff was displayed in a glass box.
After the Mass, churchgoers approached the portrait and the glass box containing the skull cap to take pictures and offer prayers.