Some 100 young members of the Roman Catholic Church on Monday received the sacrament of confirmation in rites to mark the second day of “Triduum” as part of the 500th Year of Christianity celebration in the Philippines.

“Triduum” means three days of preparation prior to the big day on Wednesday (April 14), when the country marks the 500th year anniversary of the First Baptism which happened here.

Palo, Leyte Archbishop John Du presided the Holy Mass and confirmation rites, wherein he highlighted the ancient Filipinos’ friendliness and hospitality to Spanish explorers as an early expression of Christian values.

The confirmation ceremonies were held at the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City, a day after the baptism of 100 infants at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in this city on Sunday, the first day of Triduum.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, Auxiliary Bishop Midyphil Billones, and priests were with Du in holding the rites for 100 members of the church who are of canonical age (7-18 years old).

“Our challenges, my dear brothers and sisters, is to continue our challenge to the young generation, most specially you, to be confirmed, I pray that the Holy Spirit is going to touch your heart and you and move you to be zealous in proclaiming the Christian faith that you have received,“ Du said in his homily, as he mentioned the ancestors’ virtues of dedication, hard work, friendliness and hospitality which are still relevant today.

The reenactment of the First Baptism on Wednesday will be done near the Magellan’s Cross at the Plaza Sugbu, right outside the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño and across Cebu City Hall.

The city government of Cebu has submitted a resolution to the Office of the President in Malacañang through the Office of the President, seeking to declare Wednesday a special non-working holiday in Cebu to allow the people to solemnly celebrate the quincentennial of the first baptismal rite to Rajah Humabon, his wife Juana and their subjects on April 14, 1521. (PNA)