Cebu Archbishop Alberto "Abet" Uy announced that the public can expect grand celebrations for the local church's centennial anniversary in 2034, potentially including a visit from the Pope. The Archdiocese of Cebu marked its 92nd anniversary on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, commemorating over nine decades since its elevation.
Archbishop's Vision for the Centennial
"Can you imagine a hundred years of grace? This is more than just a celebration," Uy said during a press conference on Tuesday, just before delivering his State of the Archdiocese Address. He expressed hope that Pope Leo XIV would attend the 2034 celebration or visit even earlier. Alongside prayers for the pontiff, Uy also seeks the beatification of Bishop Teofilo Camomot.
Papal Invitation and Open Invitation
Uy revealed that the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has extended an open invitation to the Pope to visit the country. The invitation allows the Pope to decide the most suitable time for a visit to Cebu. "It is an open invitation so we can give him the freedom to choose the right time for his visit here in Cebu," the archbishop stated.
Planning and Coordination
However, Uy noted that the Coordinating Council for Synodal Transformation (C-cost) has not yet drafted detailed plans for the years leading up to the 2034 jubilee. The C-cost is a core group of clergy and lay leaders responsible for planning and evaluating programs across parishes. The council will be tasked with preparing specific programs leading to the centennial celebration.
Uy emphasized that the "big" celebration does not necessarily mean grand events but rather highlights the total involvement of the public. "By that time, let us pray that our Archdiocese of Cebu will truly become a fully alive church," he said.
The Meaning of a Fully Alive Church
A fully alive church, according to Uy, exists when people grasp and celebrate their faith with joy while witnessing and living it. These elements define the core mission of the upcoming jubilee. The archbishop's address underscored the importance of spiritual renewal and community engagement as the archdiocese prepares for its centennial milestone.
