Cebu Archdioceses To Highlight “The first Baptism” As the Philippines Celebrates 500-Year Of Christianity

In 2021, the Philippines, which proudly boasts to be the only Christian nation in Asia and the world’s 5th largest Christian country with about 90% of the population being devotees will commemorate the 500th anniversary of its part in the first circumnavigation of the world, the Victory at Mactan, and other related events. 

In line with the celebration of the 500th year of the Christianization of the Philippines, the Archdiocese of Cebu and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) will highlight the baptism of Cebuanos led by Rajah Humabon—as disclosed during a press conference held at Oakridge Business Park last November 14 2019 in Mandaue City—led by Davao Archbishop and CBCP President Romulo Valles, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, Fr. Mhar Vincent Balili, Designer and Visayas Quincentennial Committee head Kenneth Cobonpue and Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Midyphil Billones.

According to Fr. Mhar Vincent Balili the 2021 celebration has three pillars around which events are organized: Celebration, formation, and legacy. He stated that the 2021 celebration has many highlights which include the arrival of the Sto. Nino, for which the Augustinian community has already started a countdown of. 

Fr. Balili also stated that they requested for permission from Pope Francis to open the Holy Door for plenary indulgence and extend this to the 9 oldest churches in Cebu which include Argao, Bantayan, Barili, Boljoon, Carcar, San Nicolas, among others—wherein the 2020 Misa de Gallo celebration will be spearheaded by Archbishop Palma. 

Likewise, Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Midyphil Billones regarded the importance of the 2021 events as unrepeatable, irreplaceable, irrevocable and definitely a once in a lifetime event. “Cebu is the cradle of Christianity and the starting point of faith in the Philippines just as Bethlehem is the starting point of salvation in the world,” he remarked. 

Key events leading to 2021 will include the holding of monthly jubilees involving church organizations, ministries, and sectors of society, and the following:

500th Anniversary of the First Baptism

The church will spearhead a 500-day countdown from December 1, 2019 to April 14, 2021, the 500th anniversary of the first baptism in the Philippines. On the same day in 1521, 800 Cebuanos under the governance of Raja Humabon were baptized by members of the Spanish fleet organized by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. 

On April 14, 2021, 500 children with special needs will be baptized as part of the reenactment of that first baptism.

Countdown Mass and send-off of the Jubilee Cross

On December 1, 2019 a replica of Magellan’s cross made of tindalo wood wherein a relic of the True Cross of Jesus Christ will be mounted will visit the different parishes in Cebu, and the different parishes, dioceses, archdioceses, arelatures, and military ordinariate in the Philippines during the countdown to of the 500th anniversary of Christianization of the country.

Parish/Archdiocesan Mission Congress 

These activities are meant to prepare the Cebuano faithful for the year-long quincentennial celebration. From August to October 2020, mission congresses will be held in different parishes, particularly The Archdiocesan Mission Congress which will specifically take place on October 24, 2020, and will culminate with the sendoff of 500 missionaries during the National Mission Congress on April 12-16, 2021.

Amorsolo Painting Exhibit

On April 11 to 18, 2021, organizers will hold an Amorsolo Painting Exhibit. One of Fernando Amorsolo’s most important paintings is “The First Baptism in the Philippines” which inspired the logo of the fifth centenary celebrations of Christianity in the country. 

Triduum Celebrations

Held three days before the anniversary proper, these celebrations will highlight the religious piety of the Cebuanos. April 10, 2021 will be the arrival of the Jubilee Cross followed by the first day of Triduum on April 11 which will be held at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and then the second day will be at the National Shrine of St. Joseph (adult baptism) while the third and final day will be at the Sto. Niño Pilgrim Center. The Triduum will end with a mass and procession around Cebu City.

First Recorded Easter Mass

Davao Archbishop and CBCP President Romulo Valles stated that the church will mark the first recorded Easter Mass with a national celebration of masses. The Mojares panel is still determining where the first mass in the Philippines was actually held. Two previous panels have voted in favor of Limasawa against the other claimant Butuan.

Valles also disclosed that the CBCP will send an invitation to the Vatican for Pope Francis but they are also considering the Pope’s hectic schedule. He said it is likely that a papal legate will attend the events for the Vatican on behalf of Pope Francis. 

He further stated that they will also be sending an invitation to President Rodrigo Duterte who organized the National Quincentennial Committee (NQC) to be the clearinghouse of all 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the country (2021 QCP) projects, events, activities, and programs.   

Relatively, renowned designer Cobonpue, who is head of the Visayas Quincentennial Committee, revealed the proposed downtown heritage walk that would take people to historical buildings and locations, including churches, in Cebu City.