Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila urged Catholics not to sacrifice good for selfish reasons.
The Manila prelate lamented how dignity and life of persons are sacrificed for “selfish interests.” He said that even the poor are made to sacrifice for power and for the betterment of a few.
Cardinal Advincula made the call during the thanksgiving Mass for the canonization of St. Charles de Foucauld, described as a great model to follow in serving God and offering one’s life selflessly for others.
“Like Jesus, St. Charles de Foucauld also devoted himself to the mission despite difficulties and risk to his life,” said the cardinal.
St. De Foucauld was a French priest who abandoned a life of wealth to live in the Algerian desert with the local community.
Born in 1858, he is mostly known for having lived as a hermit among the Tuareg people in the Sahara and considered to be one of the pioneers of inter-religious dialogue.
His missionary zeal cost him his life when an armed tribal group killed him on Dec. 1, 1916.
The 20th-century saint’s works and writings led to the founding of the Congregation of the Little Brothers of Jesus.
“May St. Charles de Foucauld be an inspiration to us in living the priesthood of Christ… a priesthood of serving God and others,” said Cardinal Advincula.
