Philippines: Calapan Cathedral Hosts Healing Mass, Highlights Devotion to St. Ezekiel Moreno

Hundreds of faithful filled the Sto. Niño Cathedral of the Diocese of Calapan in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, on April 7 for a Healing Mass presided over by renowned Filipino priest Fr. Jerry Orbos.

The celebration drew devotees from across the province, seeking both physical healing and spiritual renewal during the Easter season, and emphasized devotion to St. Ezekiel Moreno, a Spanish Catholic missionary who once served as parish priest in Calapan.

In his homily, Fr. Orbos highlighted God’s boundless mercy and unconditional love. “God loves you no matter who you are, bad or good, girl or boy,” he said, reminding the faithful that no one is beyond God’s compassion. Known for his relatable reflections, Fr. Orbos encouraged attendees to begin the journey toward healing through forgiveness, of others and of oneself, and by embracing humility. ““The proud are struck down; the humble are blessed,” he added.

He cautioned against pride, warning that judgment and gossip can distance people from God. “We are all sinners, period. Ask God for humility,” he said. Moments of laughter and lightheartedness echoed in the cathedral as Fr. Orbos encouraged the faithful to find joy even amid life’s challenges. Quoting Scripture, he said, “The joy of the Lord is my strength,” reflecting on his own battle with cancer, which he faced with what he described as “joyful trust.”

Fr. Orbos also offered practical guidance for living peacefully: “Go slow, stay low,” and “Stop, step back, step aside,” especially in moments of anger or conflict. He emphasized kindness over winning arguments: “Better to be kind than right. Let us specialize in kindness.”

A central focus of the Mass was devotion to St. Ezekiel Moreno. Fr. Orbos shared his personal testimony of healing from lung cancer in 2018, attributing part of his recovery to the saint’s intercession.

“Fr. Jerry, I will be with you, I will not abandon you,” he recalled praying during his illness. After chemotherapy, he recovered and embraced a renewed mission to help bring healing to others.

At the conclusion of the Mass, the faithful venerated a relic of St. Ezekiel Moreno, received scapulars, and joined in prayers for healing and blessings, including the sprinkling of holy water. Fr. Orbos invited attendees to pray for a “holy death” and live lives marked by forgiveness, generosity, and service. “We are all tourists here. Everyone will die. The question is: where will you go?” he said.

Devotee Jan Sherwin Navarro described the Mass as a deeply personal and communal journey of faith. “Hearing Fr. Jerry speak about St. Ezekiel Moreno, who once walked these same cathedral grounds, made sainthood feel real and attainable. Healing is surrender. My suffering is my offering,” he said, reflecting on letting go of pride and spiritually supporting others.

The Mass concluded on a hopeful note, with Fr. Orbos encouraging the faithful to “inspire before you expire” and continue spreading love, especially to the poor.

St. Ezekiel Moreno served as assistant parish priest of Sto. Niño Church in Calapan in 1871, learning the Tagalog language and ministering closely to local communities. He later returned as parish priest and vicar forane from 1873 to 1876, remembered for his humility, simplicity, and pastoral care.