Cebu´s Cross of Magellan featured at the “Sent la creu” (“Feel the Cross”) Mass for the Youth at Sagrada Familia

The replica of the Magellan´s Cross displayed at the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona. (Barcelona PCG photo)

BARCELONA, 09 March 2022 – Cebu´s Cross of Magellan was the main feature of the 6th edition of “Sent la creu” (“Feel the Cross”) Mass for the Youth at the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia held on 06 March 2022. 

Archbishop Emeritus of Manila, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, and Archbishop of Barcelona, Cardinal Juan José Omella, were the main celebrants of the mass. Bishops and priests from across Barcelona also celebrated the mass. 

The Eucharistic celebration was accompanied by a replica of Magellan's cross from Cebu. The replica was produced by the Archdiocese of Barcelona in partnership with the Philippine consulate General in Barcelona.

In his homily, Cardinal Tagle explained that the cross marks the beginning of faith in Jesus in the Philippines. He added that it has become a source of hope for many Filipinos. The Cardinal underscored the importance of accepting one´s cross, and said that embracing our crosses becomes bridges of brotherhood and solidarity with other people who carry theirs. 

A choir composed of more than 150 voices from a dozen youth choirs from the Diocese of Barcelona, including the Filipino youth choir Coro Kudyapi, provided music during the celebration. One of the songs sung was the Philippine Jubilee song, “Live Christ, Share Christ” composed by Mr. Ryan Cayabyab and Archbishop Soc Villegas. 

The mass was participated in by more than 2,000 people coming from across Spain and representing various sectors – youth, educators, religious, and government officials, among others. Officials from the member agencies of the National Quincentennial Commission were also present together with Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe J. Lhuillier and Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro. 

After the mass, miniature replicas of the Magellan's Cross were distributed to the attendees. END

Procession of the Cross at the Basilica Sagrada Familia during the Mass for the Youth. (Barcelona PCG photo)

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle delivers his homily before the youth community. (Barcelona PCG photo)

Concelebrated Mass from various Archdioceses in Catalonia Miniature replicas of the Magellan´s Cross were distributed at the end of the mass. (Barcelona PCG photo)