The spirituality of the Cebuano

We saw something truly remarkable when the holy relic or the uncorrupted heart of St. Padre Pio was brought to Cebu City on Thursday and was brought to the Metropolitan Cathedral for viewing. Knowing that there are a lot of people who ask favors from Padre Pio, I decided to go at 10:30 p.m. Lo and behold, I could not find a parking space and I was pleasantly surprised to see long queues of the Cebuano faithful who came to see Padre Pio’s relic.

The next day, the relic was moved to the International Eucharistic Convention Center (IEC) and the Cebu Archdiocese used this time to hold masses and a conference for renewed servant leaders. Call it timely that this is happening in the Holy Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Life. I had to go to Bohol over the weekend, but my daughter tried to find ways to go to the convention center and the lines were so long surrounding the venue. This is proof of the spirituality of the Cebuanos and I totally agree that when it comes to faith matters, the Cebuano population is always there.

So what lessons can we learn from the visit of Padre Pio’s incorrupt heart?Yesterday, during his homily with the Sons of David, Fr. Ciano Ubod told us that this uncorrupted heart teaches him that Catholics should never opt for cremation. And I agree. Just imagine if Padre Pio were cremated, we would never know if he was incorrupt and we would never see his incorrupt heart. No, I never got to see Padre Pio’s heart because of the huge crowds. But last year, on September 22, just a day prior to his feast day, we were able to hire a van from Rome for the four-hour trip to San Giovanni Rotondo with a Filipino driver.

In San Giovanni Rotondo, we were blessed with very short lines to view his incorrupt remains. It was only now that I realize that the church already removed his incorrupt heart. Plus we got a bonus that St. Padre Pio gifted to my family — on our return trip to Rome, we passed by the town of Lanciano. This was the place where the first everEucharistic miracle happened and the monstrance with the sacred host was there on display. We only had 15 minutes left to view it before the church closed, but I called it a holy present from San Padre Pio because it was not part of our travel plans.

Let’s hope and pray that Padre Pio would bless the spirituality of Cebuanos and free us from the clutches of evil where illegal drugs have only worsen our killing fields which we hope and pray would end very soon. With Christmas approaching fast, it is high time for Cebuanos to pray more often to the Lord and bless Cebu some more.

* * *

Yesterday, the Philippine STAR gave us a blessed headline when it blared, “DOF to Suspend Fuel Tax Hike.” With the world prices for a barrel of oil reaching record levels, it is expected for the pump prices of fuel to increase and thus help bring up prices of basic goods. For instance, few people realize that fishermen go fishing with their engines using expensive fuel, which is the reason why fish prices in the local market have risen to new levels.

But while the Department of Finance has suspended the fuel tax increases, the existing excise tax has remained. After all, these taxes are used by the government for its Build, Build, Build infrastructure programs which should not be stopped because of the suspension of the fuel tax hike. At least it is a blessing to know that the government listens to the cries of the people hurt by the price increases.

* * *

Last Friday was the birthday of Rep. Gwen F. Garcia who has already submitted her application to the Comelec as she is seeking for re-election as governor of Cebu. Call it a great birthday present as she is getting the support of at least four national political parties. We know that she is running under One Cebu Party but the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, the Nacionalita Party, the National Unity Party and the ruling PDP-Laban Party are supporting her candidacy. That’s a good start for Rep. Gwen Garcia.

* * *

For email responses to this article, write to vsbobita@ gmail.com. His columns can be accessed through www. philstar.com.