The papal nuncio to the Philippines reminded priests that their mission is always to serve as he urged them to put aside self-interest.
Speaking over Veritas 846, Archbishop Charles John Brown said bishops, priests, and the religious are called to “highest standards” of service.
“We should never ever use our priesthood to our own benefit,” said the prelate, adding that “priesthood is service.”
“We shouldn’t be using the priesthood for our own glorification, for our own ends, but for the kingdom of God,” he added.
The papal nuncio made a pastoral visit to the Church-run radio station in Quezon City on Monday, January 11, and guested on the morning program show “Barangay Simbayanan.”
In the interview, he admitted being “blown away” by the religiosity of Filipinos who he said have “a great worldwide influence.”
“I was just blown away by the faith of the people. Such a devout deeply religious people, which was, for me, a great joy to see,” Brown said.
The Vatican ambassador celebrated Mass in Manila’s Quiapo Church on Sunday, a day after the celebration of the Black Nazarene “feast.”
A few days before Christmas, he also celebrated public Masses and was “pleasantly surprised” at the brand of faith being shown by Filipinos.
He said that in many parts of the world, the Catholic faith “maybe is being practiced less intensely than it once was.”
“But here in the Philippines, when you go to places, it’s still really deeply felt here and that’s beautiful,” he said.
