Cardinal Jose Advincula, incoming prelate of the Archdiocese of Manila, stressed the need for reflection and “renewal” as the country marks the quincentennial of the arrival of Christianity.
“We cannot deny the fact that as individuals, as an institution, and as a people, we do need a continuous renewal,” said the cardinal in his homily delivered in Hiligaynon on Easter Sunday.
The prelate said Christianity in the country had its “ups and downs” that require reflection.
“If there is no renewal then we would tend to forget, get weak, and our services and zeal for godly things would become cold and tasteless,” said Cardinal Advincula.
He told the faithful who attended Mass at the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral in Roxas City that “the triumph of the Church in the next 500 years lies in our hands.”
The 69-year-old prelate said the faithful’s attitude should be like that of Jesus who carried his cross “humbly, lovingly and trustingly.”
In video message released last week, the incoming archbishop of Manila said he would “try to concentrate on the pastoral life of the people” in his new archdiocese.
He then called on the faithful “to remain steadfast in their faith” especially during the pandemic.
On Sunday, Cardinal Advincula also celebrated the 45th anniversary of his sacerdotal ordination.
During the Easter Sunday Mass, Cardinal Advincula formally opened the Jubilee Door of the cathedral in Capiz for the “Extraordinary Holy Year” granted by Pope Francis to the Philippines as part of the celebration of the arrival of Christianity in the country 500 years ago.
