Cardinal Jose Advincula, the incoming archbishop of Manila, finally received his “red hat” and ring from the papal nuncio to the Philippines on Friday, June 18.
Archbishop Charles Brown, papal nuncio to the country, bestowed the “red hat” and ring to Cardinal Advincula.
The ceremony to bestow the symbols of the cardinal’s membership in the College of Cardinals has been postponed several times due to health restrictions brought about by the pandemic.
In his message during Mass at the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral in Roxas City, Archbishop Brown stressed Pope Francis’ “deep and abiding love for the Filipino people.”
“The fact that he chose your archbishop to be a cardinal, to be of that select group of papal adviser and papal electors … the fact that he had chosen your beloved archbishop Cardinal Advincula for this honor reflects the great love Pope Francis has for the Filipino people and for the Filipino church,” said the archbishop.
“What we celebrate today very infrequently takes place outside of Rome,” said Archbishop Brown. “Let’s pray for Cardinal Advincula during his time of transition and let’s pray also for the Holy Father Pope Francis,” he added.
In his homily, Cardinal Advincula said his cardinalate is a gift to the Church in the Philippines.
“The cardinalate, which His Holiness has bestowed upon this lowly servant, is a gift to all of us. It is a gift to the local Church, it is a gift to the Church in the Philippines,” he said.
“I sincerely thank you for your prayers, understanding and cooperation. Honestly, I was expecting to serve here in Capiz until the Lord calls me back to Him,” said the prelate.
“The Holy Father has called me to go to Manila and I have to obey. Please accompany me with your prayers as I journey into this new field of ministry,” he added.
Pope Francis named Cardinal Advincula to the College of Cardinals in October. Due to the pandemic, the Filipino cardinal could not make it to Rome to receive his “red hat” and ring.
Cardinal Advincula will be formally installed as the 33rd Archbishop of Manila on June 24 at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros.
