Archdiocese of Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula led the closing mass for the year-long celebration of the 400 years of Christianity in Palawan.

Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa Bishop Socrates Mesiona, Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay Bishop Broderick Pabillo and Bishop Edgardo Juanich co-celebrated the holy mass held at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex in Puerto Princesa.

In his homily, His Eminence called on the faithful of Palawan “to continue with the mission to spread the Word of God in thanksgiving for the gift of Christianity.”

“Our primary mission is to safeguard, deepen and spread the faith which we have received. Be thankful that after 400 years, Christianity in Palawan remains strong and vibrant in the whole island,”Cardinal Advincula said.

The Church leader urged parents to work on strengthening the faith of their children and for generations to come.

“Parents are the first catechists of their children. You are the first missionaries at home. You are the first to introduce God to your children,” the cardinal said.

Meanwhile, Bishops Mesiona and Pabillo thanked the people of Palawan for the successful celebration on Aug. 28. The prelates expressed their hope to further spread the faith to the peripheries and far-flung areas in the province.

The center of the celebration was the St. Augustine Church in Cuyo town, the oldest parish in the entire province. Founded by Spanish Augustinian missionaries in 1622, the parish is now administered by the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay.

From a few who got baptized in Cuyo Island 400 years ago, there are now more than a million Catholics in Palawan being shepherd by the Apostolic Vicariates of Taytay and Puerto Princesa.