Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila announced that he has fully recovered from COVID-19 after contracting the virus last month.
The cardinal, who tested positive for the virus on Sept. 17, released a video message on the archdiocese’s Facebook page to announce the news.
“I was among the more than two million Filipinos who got COVID-19. I experienced fear and hardship due to the illness,” Cardinal Advincula said. ”Thanks be to God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Joseph, I recovered from the illness.”
The 69-year-old prelate added that the vaccine helped him fight off the coronavirus.
The cardinal then encouraged everyone to get vaccinated and continue to take all safety measures.
“I was able to prove that the vaccine is a big help to fight COVID-19. So I am urging everyone to get vaccinated for your safety as well as for the safety of others,” he said.
He also extended thanks to the people who checked upon him and urged the faithful to continue praying for the sick and for frontliners.
“We have many brothers and sisters who did not survive COVID-19. We always include them in our prayers and Masses, including the loved ones they left behind,” he said.
