Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila lauded the employees of the Bureau of Fire Protection for serving the community.
“I would like to honor your commitment and courage,” said the cardinal on April 26, Wednesday.
“Being a firefighter is not just a job or a career, it is a calling, a mission that asks you to go beyond your self-interest,” said the prelate during his visit to the BFP National Headquarters in Quezon City.
“I would like to thank you for your great service to our communities, for protecting us and being ready all the time to respond to any emergency especially when there is fire that destroys lives and properties,” he said.
The cardinal said it is not easy to be a firefighter, saying that it needs strength and speed because every second counts in saving a life.
He cited the example of St. Florian, the patron of the BFP who offered his life for the faith and for the protection of Christians.
Florian was a Christian holy man, and the patron saint of Linz, Austria, chimney sweeps, soapmakers, and firefighters.
He is also the patron saint of Poland, and also the patron saint of Upper Austria, jointly with Leopold III, Margrave of Austria. His feast day is on May 4.
Cardinal Advincula led the novena Mass in honor of St. Floria at the BFP National Headquarters on Wednesday.
