Married but not Corrupted
Homily on the Memorial of St. Cecilia, 22 Nov 2025, DBPH Chapel, Talamban
Last Thursday, I was invited to a meeting with the Archbishop of Cebu, Most Rev. Abet Uy. Weeks earlier he convoked the Cebu Coalition Against Corruption made up of representatives from faiths, denominations, congregations and civil society organizations. The aim of the meeting was to approve the unity statement condemning corruption in the government and to organize the Cebu version of the Trillion March against corruption on Nov 30. I therefore encourage you to walk with us that day from Plaza Independenzia to Fuente-Osmena Circle, following the 2pm Mass at Sto Nino Basilica. Let us march to let our voices be heard that there should be no place for corruption in our society.
Tama yung sinabi at pinaglalaban noon ni former Pres. Noynoy Aquino: “Kung walang korap, walang mahirap.” We have seen the fatal effects of corruption in the powerful typhoons that have hit our country recently. Those who suffer the most because of the corruption of the filthy rich are the poor who make up a large percentage of our population.
This proves and verifies what my Novice Master once told us many years ago: “The corruption of the best is the worst.”
Today we celebrate the memorial of St. Cecilia, a virgin martyred in the third century. In 1599 when her tomb at the catacombs of Rome was opened, according to multiple witnesses, her body was found to be still incorrupt, and she seemed to be still sleeping. What could have made her body incorrupt so many centuries after her death and burial?
Early in life, Cecilia made a vow of virginity, that is, to live pure and chaste for Christ. She must have been inspired by the words of Jesus in the gospel today (see Lk 20:27-40): “…those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage… for they are like angels.”
Years later, however, her parents forced her to marry a pagan nobleman, named Valerian. So, what did she do, since she could not resist their pressure? This is what she did. On her wedding day, determined to keep her vow, she sang in her heart loves songs and praises to the Lord. And later at the bridal chamber, when her husband tried to make advances to her in order to consummate their marriage, she firmly refused. She told him sternly that an angel was guarding her, ready to punish anyone who would sexually violate her.
Eventually Cecilia managed to convert the pagan Valerian who accepted baptism in the Church. And after her husband was put to death for the faith, she followed him, this time in martyrdom (both Cecilia and Valerian are recognized today as martyr saints in the Church).
Tradition holds that during her dying moments St. Cecilia was heard singing songs to the Lord, as if walking towards the bridal chamber, her heart filled with joy to be made one with her real Bridegroom. That was how she came to be recognized, venerated and acclaimed as patroness of musicians today.
May this Eucharist we celebrate in honor of St Cecilia inspire us to a life of holiness and heroicness. And let us continue to pray for honesty and integrity among our leaders, at the same time make our voices be heard that corruption has no place in our society. GiGsss!
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