CEBU: Roman Catholics in Cebu province have commenced the Jubilee Year with ceremonial openings at three significant churches, which are anticipated to become the seats of dioceses in Carcar and Danao, pending approval from the Holy See to divide the island into three ecclesiastical jurisdictions.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma spearheaded the primary celebration with a Mass and the opening of the Holy Door at the Metropolitan Cathedral. Simultaneously, Auxiliary Bishops Ruben Labajo and Midyphil Billones conducted similar rites at St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Carcar City and Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish in Danao City. These churches are under consideration as diocesan headquarters in the proposed 'Sugbuswak' initiative, which aims to divide Cebu into the Archdiocese of Cebu in Metro Cebu, the Diocese of Carcar in the south, and the Diocese of Danao in the north.

In his homily, Archbishop Palma remarked on the designation of four churches in Cebu as equivalent to cathedral churches for the purpose of the solemn procession and the opening of the Holy Door. He emphasized the involvement of Carcar and Danao churches in the global celebration initiated by Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve.

Palma also offered reflections on the Jubilee Year's timing, coinciding with the Feast of the Holy Family. "In our reflection, it shows that Jesus is the door to the Father. But in coming to earth, he lived with the simple family of Mary and Joseph," he stated.

The 2025 Jubilee, themed 'Pilgrims of Hope' and inspired by Romans 5:5, is set to run from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026. In Cebu, a total of 32 churches, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the churches in Carcar and Danao, have been designated as Jubilee churches.