Modest celebration for Uy’s assumption as new Cebu Archbishop

Local

NOT a single tarpaulin will hang, and no banners will rise when Archbishop-designate Alberto Sy Uy sets foot in Cebu to assume leadership of the country’s largest archdiocese.

The incoming prelate, who asked that the celebration be modest, will be installed as Cebu’s 25th bishop and fifth metropolitan archbishop on Sept. 30 at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

During a press conference on Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Archbishop’s Palace, installation committee chairman Msgr. Rogelio Fuentes said the simplified preparations reflect Uy’s personality.

He explained that the absence of banners and streamers is part of the archbishop’s request to keep the occasion modest.

Msgr. Marnell Mejia, head of the welcome committee, said 500 volunteer marshals will be deployed, with 250 coming from Couples for Christ and the rest from other church organizations.

He added that although a pope-mobile style vehicle was suggested, organizers decided on a simpler option.

“Ang amoa makita siya sa mga taw, he is squeamish about mga bongga nga butang,” he added.

Fr. Mhar Balili, secretary general of the installation committee, said the event is designed to highlight Uy’s advocacies.

These include environmental initiatives, such as avoiding tarpaulins and planting trees on church grounds, as well as outreach activities.

Uy is scheduled to visit the Abtanan sa Kalouy, share meals with persons deprived of liberty, and meet fisherfolk, candle vendors, and vegetable vendors.

Consultations with priests from various districts are also planned in the coming months.

The formal welcome will begin on Sunday, September 28, when Uy arrives from Tagbilaran at Cebu Pier 1 at 4 p.m.

He will be received by outgoing Archbishop Jose Palma before proceeding in a motorcade to the Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint Pedro Calungsod, where he will make his solemn profession of faith and take the oath of fidelity.

Palma, who will celebrate his last Mass as Cebu archbishop earlier on that day, will formally conclude his tenure upon Uy’s arrival.

On Sept. 29, Cebu civic leaders including Mayor Nestor Archival and Governor Pamela Baricuatro will extend an official welcome to the new archbishop.

The installation Mass will follow the next day at 9 a.m. at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, with 820 priests, 52 bishops and archbishops, and three Filipino cardinals expected.

Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown will preside over the rites, while Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will deliver the homily.

A native of Ubay, Bohol, Archbishop Uy served as Bishop of Tagbilaran for nine years before Pope Francis appointed him as Cebu archbishop on July 16, 2025.

He is known for his firm stance against corruption and for environmental initiatives such as the “One Believer, One Tree” program and the “Hipos Tarp Operation,” a parish-led post-election cleanup campaign.(MyTVCebu)