THOMASIAN Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu has tested positive for Covid-19, the Archdiocese of Cebu announced on Friday.
“The Archdiocese of Cebu wishes to inform the faithful that Archbishop Jose S. Palma tested positive for Covid last night,” Msgr. Joseph Tan, Archdiocese of Cebu spokesman, said in a statement.
Tan said the prelate remained in stable condition and was under medical care at the Perpetual Succour Hospital in Cebu. He also asked for prayers for the archbishop’s fast recovery.
“The people who have been in close contact with the archbishop have also been informed about the matter,” Tan said.
The 70-year-old Cebu archbishop had offered Ash Wednesday Mass at his official residence, with only his staff in attendance.
Palma finished his licentiate in theology with magna cum laude honors in the University in 1980.
On Jan. 15, the prelate was hospitalized after showing Covid-19 symptoms, but it was later found that he merely needed rest.
The Archdiocese of Cebu, which Palma leads, will launch the quincentennial celebration of Christianity in the country with the unveiling of the Jubilee cross and reading of the prelate’s circular on April 4.
Palma is also set to lead the commemoration of the first baptism in the Philippines in front of the Magellan’s Cross monument on April 14.
