Bishop Broderick Pabillo, apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila, has called for a nine-day “spiritual preparation” from June 15 to 23 in anticipation of the installation of Cardinal Jose Advincula as new prelate of Manila on June 24.
“Let us spend these days listening to God in prayer,” said Bishop Pabillo.
“In our Masses during the novena, we will use special Mass formularies in line with the theme for the day,” he added.
He also urged the faithful to recite the “Prayer of Thanksgiving for a New Archbishop” after the Post-Communion Prayer of the Mass.
In a Pastoral Instruction titled “Your servant is listening” dated June 8, Bishop Pabillo asked that the novena be marked with prayer, catechesis, and charity.
The archdiocese’s Commission on Catechesis and Education is already preparing a short catechetical video presentation on the topics that will be shown before a Mass.
“On the evening of June 23, we encourage all parishes and communities to spend an hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament and pray together for Cardinal Advincula,” he added.
Bishop Pabillo said the days should also be spent listening to the teachings of the Church.
“Let us study and reflect on the mystery of the Church, the role of the bishop, and the realities of the Archdiocese of Manila,” he said.
He also asked parishes in the Philippine capital to dedicate some days during the novena to organize activities that would promote charity and generosity, like feeding programs.
Caritas Manila will also distribute gift certificates for 50,000 families to the parishes.
“Let this be a gift of Cardinal Advincula to our needy brethren in the archdiocese,” said Bishop Pabillo.
“With the coming of our new archbishop, let us pledge to him our filial obedience and love,” added the bishop.
