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by Margaux Salcedo Our family poon or image of the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary (Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario), fondly referred to as Sto. Rosario, is out for the month of October and the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. The tradition and image were passed down from our great grandmother, Celedonia Torres Reyes, then taken care of by her children, particularly our maternal grand aunt, Carmen Reyes Perez, then later by her grandchildren, especially my mom Carmelita Vargas Salcedo, and her sisters Cory and Bernadette. During the pandemic, our uncle Jesus Reyes Vargas, bravely fulfilled the duty of dressing up the Sto Rosario amidst the fear of COVID, as my mom was battling cancer and my aunt had just had a quintuple bypass. My mom passed away last February so my sister Goldee and I have taken up the honor of preparing the image for the Feast (bibihisan/dressing up the image). It was a surreal experience getting the image out of her case and dressing her up. But this has had a great impact on me and has created enormous interest on my part in the Rosary. So I have been seeking out the masses of the Provincial of the Dominicans -- after all, legend has it that St. Dominic was the author of the Rosary -- to listen and learn about this devotion. Why Pray the Rosary? This is the question that was posed to us by Fr. Filemon 'Deng' dela Cruz, Jr. OP, Prior Provincial of the Order of Preachers aka the Dominicans, at first Friday mass at our office this week. The question drew a raucous response from the mass goers. Some said it was so that their prayer request would be granted. Others said they didn't know. Others said they did not pray the rosary at all. Here are the two answers that I picked up from Fr Deng's homilies from his mass celebrating the month of the Holy Rosary held at the Manila Cathedral on October 2, 2023, and at his mass at the Chapel of St Joseph at our office on October 4, 2023. First, it is to accompany us. As the XVI Synod of Bishops opened in Rome, Fr. Deng in his homily at the Manila Cathedral reminded us: The Rosary is a Synodal prayer. He said that the Holy Rosary or Sto. Rosario captures the whole spirit of Synodality because when we talk about participation, communion and mission, these are all embodied in the Holy Rosary. "... ang Santo Rosaryo is a prayer that captures the whole spirit of Synodality. Puwede kong sabihin, siya ay isang synodal prayer. When we talk about journeying together, when we talk about participation, communion, and mission, lahat po ito ay napapaloob sa panalangin ng Santo Rosaryo." (The Holy Rosary is a prayer that captures the whole spirit of Synodality. I can therefore say that it is a Synodal Prayer. When we talk about journeying together, when we talk about participation, communion, and mission, all of these are embodied in the prayers of the Holy Rosary.) He also referenced the concept of "journeying together" which is the meaning of Synodality, explaining: "We are journeying together and we are not praying alone, even if you sometimes think that you are praying alone ... we are always walking and journeying with Mary." At his mass at the Chapel of St Joseph, Fr Deng reminded us that Mary accompanied Christ not only as he was born but even at the foot of the Cross. And aside from Mary, Fr. Deng reminded us in his earlier homily that not only Mary but Christ himself is in this journey with us, too: "Mary, through the mysteries of the Rosary, would always place Jesus at the center of our lives. Or walking ahead of us. Or beside us, leading us." Second, the Rosary gives us DIRECTION. Fr Deng explained that the Mysteries of the Rosary parallel the liturgical seasons, which are expanded in Holy Mass but abbreviated for the Rosary. This gives you the opportunity to review the Paschal Mystery of Christ wherever you are because you can bring the Rosary with you. St. Pope John Paul II explained this as well so poetically in his Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae: "Against the background of the words Ave Maria the principal events of the life of Jesus Christ pass before the eyes of the soul ... They take shape in the complete series of the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries, and they put us in living communion with Jesus through ... the heart of his Mother." Hence, in contemplating the mysteries of the life of Christ, Fr. Deng says, the Rosary gives us a panoramic view of where we are going. We are pilgrims, the Prior Provincial reminded us, and at the end of our journey, we want to be with the Lord. St. Pope John Paul II called this TRAINING IN HOLINESS. He encouraged praying the Holy Rosary "as a means of fostering among the faithful that commitment to the contemplation of the Christian mystery ... as a genuine 'training in holiness'". Noting that this is how it was for many saints, that they "discovered in the Rosary a genuine path to growth in holiness" (Rosarium Virginis Mariae, 8). In particular, he gave the examples of St. Padre Pio; St. Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort, the author of Secret of the Rosary; and Blessed Bartolo Longo, who dedicated his life to the Rosary and Mary, building a Church dedicated to Our lady in Pompei, and establishing the practice of 'Fifteen Saturdays' (pledging oneself to live, for fifteen consecutive Saturdays, the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary). But in order to grow in holiness through the Rosary, we must pray it not in mindless repetition but in contemplation. St. Pope Paul VI said, "Without (contemplation), the Rosary is a body without a soul ..." He added, "By its nature the recitation of the Rosary calls for a quiet rhythm and a lingering pace, helping the individual to meditate on the mysteries of the Lord's life as seen through the eyes of her who was closest to the Lord. In this way the unfathomable riches of these mysteries are unfolded." (Marialis Cultus, 47). May we, pilgrims of faith, find our way to the Lord, led by Christ, accompanied by Mary and Joseph, through the Holy Rosary. Happy Feast of the Most Holy Rosary! *** Read the full transcript of the homily of Fr. Filemon dela Cruz Jr, OP at the Manila Cathedral here: https://www.dominusest.ph/post/si-maria-at-ang-mga-misteryo-ng-santo-rosaryo Watch here: Photos: Margaux Salcedo

Homily of Fr. Filemon dela Cruz, Jr., OP, Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines Opening of the Archdiocese of Manila's Month of the Holy Rosary at the Manila Cathedral | October 2, 2023 Mga kapatid sa pananampalataya, magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat. Ako po ang namumuno sa pagdiriwang na ito sa aking pagkakaalam, ang dahilan ay hindi kasi available si Cardinal (Advincula). At alam natin ang dahilan dahil ang Cardinal ay nasa Roma upang umattend ng Synod on Synodality. I don’t really mind, actually, na pumalit. Katunayan, I feel grateful for the invitation, I feel honored, I feel humbled and privileged to share some thoughts with you this morning. Lalong-lalo na sa pagbubukas ng ating rosary devotion ngayong buwan ng Oktubre. Binanggit ko po ito dahil gusto ko lang talagang ipasok yung topic ng synodality. Yun po ang dahilan as kind of introduction habang sila ay nag-uusap-usap sa Synod on Synodality, napakaganda rin na binibigyan tayo ng isang anggulo para pagyamanin ang ating pagtingin at pagkilala sa Santo Rosaryo. Ang unang gusto kong sabihin, ang Santo Rosaryo is a prayer that captures the whole spirit of Synodality. Puwede kong sabihin, siya ay isang “synodal prayer”. When we talk about journeying together, when we talk about participation, communion, and mission, lahat po ito ay napapaloob sa panalangin ng Santo Rosaryo. Kung inyong sasaliksikin, kung tayo ay papasok sa totoong diwa ng pagdarasal ng Santo Rosaryo, sa ating mga lumaki sa pagdarasal ng Santo Rosaryo, hindi ba natuto tayong magdasal kasabay ng pamilya o ng komunidad, o sa block rosary? Sabay-sabay. At kung kahit hindi man tayo naglilipat-lipat ng lugar o ng bahay o naglalakad o nagpuprusisyon, kahit pansinin ninyo ang pagdarasal ng rosaryo, para kang naglalakad. Sa bawat bigkas ng Aba Ginoong Maria, sa bawat pagdurugtong ng bawat misteryo, tayo ay naglalakad nang sabay-sabay. We are journeying together and we are not praying alone, even if you sometimes think that you are praying alone while riding the car or jeepney, we are always walking and journeying with Mary. And Mary, through the mysteries of the Rosary, would always place Jesus at the center of our lives, or walking ahead of us or beside us, leading us. Kaya ito ang maganda nating, sabihin nating, tingnan sa ating pagtitipon na ito. Paano ba natin mapapasok ito? Paano ba magaganap ito? Madalas, pinag-iisipan ko paano ba maipo-promote o how can we help other people appreciate more the rosary and go beyond simply the recitation of the rosary and really enter into the mysteries? Dalawa yung naiisip kong paraan. Maybe accommodated but I hope it makes sense. Ang isa, tanawin ito parang teleserye. Nanonood kayo ng mga teleserye, di ba? Minsan, naiisip ko tuloy, ano kaya ang itawag natin sa bawat mystery ay episode? The First Episode: The Annunciation. The Second Episode…eh alam natin pag episode ang binanggit, dugtong-dugtong yan. At tayo ang nagkakabit, tayo ang bumubuo ng kuwento ng salaysay ng buhay ni Kristo sa pananaw at karanasan ng ating Mahal na Ina. Di ba? The First Episode. Merong Four Seasons…hinahantay nga natin yung mga seasons ng teleserye, Season One, Season Two, Season Three…Parang ganun din, meron din siyang season. Season ng Tuwa, ng Liwanag, ng Pighati, Kaluwalhatian…may dinadaanan. Pero maa-appreciate mo lang kapagka ito ay iyong sinubaybayan. Pagka ito’y ating sinubaybayan. So yun yung isang paraan siguro paano tanawin sa makabagong panahon natin at ma-appreciate natin ang pagdarasal ng Santo Rosaryo. Pangalawa, paano papasukin ang bawat misteryo? Alam ninyo, mahilig tayong mag-picture. Nakapagpa-picture na ba kayo? May nagpa-picture na ba? Malamang later magpipicture. At, usually we take a picture solo. At pagkatapos niyan, kasama na tayo, di ba? Pero, alam ninyo, bago pa nag-develop yung technology, meron tayong kakayahan. Bago pa nagkaroon ng camera, cellphone, meron tayong kakayahan mag-picture sa ating isipan. Kaya nga kapag binasa mo ang ebanghelyo, halimbawa Annunciation, sabihin ko sa inyo, i-picture natin sa isip natin kung anong larawan ng Annunciation. Ano ba ang nakikita ninyo? Ano bang hugis ang nabubuo? Ang pagpicture ay pag-capture ng larawan. Paano natin ika-capture ang kaganapan sa Annunciation, halimbawa? Magagawa ninyo lamang iyan kapagka pinayagan natin ang ating mga sariling tulungan ng mga ebanghelista, ng ebanghelyo. Sinulat nila eh, dinescribe nila. Anghel Gabriel pinuntahan si Maria, binati si Maria… pinipicture mo ‘yan, kina-capture mo. Di ba ganun ang picture you try to capture something? And somehow pag na-capture mo, buo sa isip mo at depende sa pagkaka-capture mo kung gaano kalinaw ang iyong pagkaka-capture. Meron ka nang larawan. Eh dugtungan ninyo yan. So puwede ninyong i-picture, i-video mo, o diba? Nung araw, nung wala pang technology tinuturuan tayong magsalarawan, magsadula. Larawan, dula, mas advanced. May dala-dala na siyang kuwento. Isalarawan mo, isadula mo. Sa modern terms, i-picture mo, i-video mo. Muntik ko na ngang dugtungan eh, i-TikTok mo. Kaya lang baka mamis-interpret may magsayaw-sayaw dito no, ginawang background ang Mahal na Ina. Pero sa pagsasalarawan, sa pag-picture natin ng bawat kabanata, ng bawat misteryo, hindi ba’t tulad ng ibang picture natin, gusto natin kasama tayo? Gusto nating kasama tayo. Kaya yung pagrorosaryo ay hindi andun si Maria, nandito tayo. Pumapasok tayo sapagkat gusto nating makasama. Gusto nating makasama sa paglalakbay ni Maria. Gusto nating makita dahil tayo’y kasama kung ano ang nakita ni Maria. Gusto nating madama, mapahalagahan ang mga nadama ni Maria at ang kanyang pagpapahalaga sa Panginoon. Iyon ang pagpasok. At ang bunga niyan, mga kapatid, ay walang iba kung hindi participation and communion. Napi-picture n’yo ba na kasama kayo sa simbahan? Nakikita mo ba ang iyong lugar sa loob ng simbahan? Sapagkat doon naka-ugat kung paano natin binubuo sa ating isip ang larawan ng simbahan at larawan ng ating paglalakbay ng sama-sama kay Maria. Subaybayan, buuin ang kuwento, bawat episode. Kung nakalimutan na ninyo yung previous episode, balikan ninyo. Sabihin ninyo sa sarili ninyo, “Ano ba ang nakaraan?” Di ba gano’n ang episode, “Ang nakaraan.” “Susunod na…” Kaya nga first episode lang ‘to, ang dami pang susunod. At makikita ninyo kung ano ang basehan ng ating debosyon at pagpapahayag ng pagmamahal kay Maria. Sapagkat nariyan na yung ating debosyon. Pero minsan di natin kayang ipagtanggol. Sapagkat di natin alam kung anong basehan. Hindi ko maiwasang hindi banggitin ang ating Pambansang Kamao na si…ang ating senador, Manny Pacquiao. Syempre, fan tayo eh, Pambansang Kamao, nagbigay ng karangalan sa ating bansa. Nung marami kanyang laban, ay palagi niyang kasama, sinasabit ang rosaryo. Dala-dala niya. Bago lumaban, sa corner, nagdarasal siya. Pero nalungkot ako nung dumating yung pagkakataon na ito ay kanyang binitawan. Ito’y kanyang binitawan. Siguro’ng dahilan hindi siya naturuang pumasok sa loob kung anong nilalaman ng rosaryo. Akala niya ito’y paulit-ulit lang na panalangin. Akala niya ito ay parang bigkas-bigkas lang kahit wala sa isip at sa kalooban. Hindi niya siguro batid na ito ay hango sa Banal na Kasulatan. Madaling bitawan. Maraming nagpapa-picture sa imahen ng Maria lalo na kapagka ito’y maganda. Pero mga kapatid, ang tunay na kagandahan ni Maria ay hindi lamang nalilimita sa nakikita nating kanyang estatwa. Ang kanyang kagandahan ay makikita ninyo sa pagsasalarawan ng ebanghelyo sa katauhan ni Maria, sa kanyang ugnayan sa Diyos. “Huwag kang matakot, Maria. Pinagpala ka sa babaeng lahat, at pinagpala ang iyong anak na si Hesus.” Pinagpala si Maria dahil sa kanyang dala-dala sa kanyang buhay. Pinagpala siya sa babaeng lahat sapagkat tinanggap niya ang pinaka-dakilang grasya na puwedeng tanggapin ng tao - si Hesus iyon, ang ating Tagapagligtas. Kaya nga kapag ika’y pumasok sa misteryo ng rosaryo, sa Unang Kabanata, sa Annunciation, dapat tayo magalak sapagkat yung tinanggap na balita ni Maria ay hindi lang para sa kanya, para sa sangkatauhan na ang Tagapagligtas ay narito na. Wala dapat lugar sa ating mga depression sa buhay, sapagkat sa ating paglalakbay, pag kasama natin ang Panginoon, tandaan n’yo, pag kasama mo ang Panginoon sa iyong paglalakbay, walang dead end. Walang dead end. Bakit? Siya yung daan mismo. Siya yung daan. Siya ang hantungan. Siya ang tagapagligtas. Siya ang ating kailangan. Kaya nga ang pagdarasal ng rosaryo, kung mayroon mang inaasahan tayong mangyari bukod sa ating mga personal na kahilingan, ang natitiyak ko ay ito - ang tayo ay mailapit ng Mahal na Ina kay Kristo. She leads us to enter into a communion with the Lord. And with the Lord, with one another, to walk together as one people, as one Church. The mission, it comes, it flows. Kapagka nakapasok ka doon hindi mo na mapipigilan ang udyok ng Espiritu Santo kung ano ang Kanyang ipagagawa sa iyo at kung saan ka Niya dadalhin. Kaya nga inuulit ko, ang rosaryo is a “synodal prayer.” It captures the very spirit of walking together, the whole spirit of participation, communion, and mission. Masarap maglakad pag marami. Masarap maglakad pag marami, hindi ba? Alam ko, sa aking mga naririnig noon, yung mga organizers nito ay nais nilang ang debosyon na ito ay hindi lang sa atin-atin lang. Gusto nila na sana kahit sa loob ng Intramuros ay lumakas at maibalik natin ang debosyon sa Santo Rosaryo. Napakaraming eskuwelahan dito sa loob ng Intramuros, napakaraming kabataan, napakaraming komunidad at sambayanan. Ang kagandahan lahat sila ay nasa loob na. Kulang na lang na ating abutin, yayain. Yayaing maglakad kasama natin, kasama ni Maria, kasama ng Simbahan tungo sa pakikiisa sa Simbahan at sa misyon na ibinigay ni Kristo. Hayaan ninyong tapusin ko ito sa isang kuwentong narinig ko noong araw. Meron daw isang couple na Protestante, mga kapatid nating nahiwalay sa atin. Sila’y naglalakbay sa Europa, at alam ninyo naman ang Europa punong-puno ng simbahang Katoliko. Eh naisip nilang magdasal dahil Linggo ata noon, pero wala silang mahanap na simbahan ang pinakamalapit lang ay isang Catholic church. Kaya naisip nila na, “Siguro pwede na ‘to, pwde namang pumasok dito. Magdarasal lang naman tayo, pare-pareho naman tayong kumikilala kay Kristo, dito na tayo magdasal,” sabi nung mag-asawa. Pumasok sila at nagdasal. Tahimik dahil wala namang misa, so nagdasal lang sila ng personal. Habang sila’y nasa gitna ng katahimikan, habang sila ay nagdarasal, meron silang narinig na humihikbi, parang umiiyak, parang ganun. Hinahanap nila saan galing at nang matunton nila nakita nila ang isang babae, marahil isang ina na nakaluhod sa harapan ng estatwa ng Mahal na Ina, umiiyak. Pinagmasdan nila. Maya-mayang konti, nagmungkahi yung lalaki, I think pastor siya. Sabi niya, “Ito yung nami-miss natin sa simbahan natin. Nawalan tayo ng ina. Isang ina na puwede nating takbuhan at iyakan.” Mayroon tayong ina na pwedeng takbuhan, iyakan, dulugan ng anumang ating dinadaanan sa buhay, kasama nating maglalakbay - Ang Mahal na Ina. Kaya’t yakagin natin lalong-lalo na ang mga kabataan na maipasa natin sa susunod na henerasyon ang debosyon na ito. Malakas ang aking paniniwala ang taong deboto ng rosaryo at tunay na alam pano gamitin ang rosaryo ay hindi mawawalay sa Diyos. Hindi papayagan ng Mahal na Ina na ang kanyang anak ay mahiwalay sa ating Panginoon. Pagpalain tayong lahat ng ating Mahal na Ina. Transcribed by Gel Katalbas Photos from Manila Cathedral Facebook page

Homily of H.E. Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle on the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Ermita, Manila | September 27, 2023 Mga minamahal na kapatid sa pananampalataya, tayo po ay magpuri at magpasalamat sa Panginoon na Siyang nagtipon sa atin sa araw na ito ng Dakilang Kapistahan ni San Vicente, and patron ng atin pong simbahan at ng ating parokya. Ang atin pong mga pagbasa ay parang tinahi-tahi, ano po? Sa unang pagbasa mula sa propeta Ezekiel, napakaganda ang pangako ng Diyos. Sabi Niya, “Ako mismo, ako na Diyos ang maghahanap sa mga nawawala, sa mga sugatan, sa mga napapagal. Ako mismo. Titipunin ko sila, aakayin ko sila.” Hindi niya iyan ipapasa sa iba. Siya ang gagawa niyan. “Ako mismo.” At iyan po ay natupad kay Hesus sa ebanghelyo. Si Hesus na ipinangako noong Lumang Tipan bilang Mesiyas. At nung dumating nga si Hesus, sabi sa narinig nating ebanghelyo, talaga namang umiikot siya. Umiikot siya. Sa kanya natupad ang sinabi ng Diyos, “Ako mismo ang iikot.” At nakita ni Hesus ang kalagayan ng mga tao. Sabi po sila ay lupaypay, pagod na pagod. Nung panahon na iyon sila po ay nasasakupan ng mga banyaga, ng mga Romano. Kaya hindi lamang sila lupaypay dahil sa hirap. Lupaypay din sila dahil parang nayayapakan ang kanilang dignidad, ang kanilang karangalan bilang mga Bayan ng Diyos. Pero hindi sapat kay Hesus na siya ay gumala at nakita. Sabi po sa ebanghelyo, naantig ang kanyang puso. Ah! Marami naman kasing gumagala eh! Pero yung ibang gumagala, parang walang nakita. Pumunta kayo sa mall, gala nang gala. Pero parang walang nakikita. May nabubunggo nga diyan, nagaganun, wala lang. Meron ngang tumatawid ng kalye, ni hindi tinitignan kung merong sasakyan diyan o ano kasi naka-cellphone, wala! May gala nang gala, walang nakikita. Pero marami rin yung gala nang gala, may nakikita man o wala, hindi naantig ang puso. Ang puso kailangang makakita rin. May mata ang puso na nakakakita lamang kapag umiibig. Kay Hesus nakita natin ang Diyos na gumagala, may mata sa mga dukha. Sabi nga ni San Pablo sa Ikalawang Pagbasa, “Pinipili ng Diyos na makita ang mga hamak, ang mga minamaliit.” Yung hindi tinitingnan ng iba. Kasi pag tiningnan yung mga dukha baka maantig ang puso ko eh, baka makonsensya ako. Para hindi na ako makonsyensya, ‘wag ko na lang tignan. Para wala akong nakita, eh di tuloy lang ako sa aking nakagawian. Si Hesus, gumala, nakita, naantig ang puso. Pero hindi pa siya tumigil diyan. Sabi niya, “Magdasal tayo para magpadala ang Diyos ng marami pang manggagawa. Bagamat Diyos mismo ang kumikilos, gusto ng Diyos kumilos din ang iba bilang ka-manggagawa niya. Kikilos, lilibot, makakakita, maaantig ang puso, at magpapahalaga sa mga minamaliit. Ang ganda po ng ating mga pagbasa. Nagbibigay ng pag-asa sa atin. Kasi kung tutuusin, lahat naman po tayo ay dukha. Wala naman sa ating isinilang na may dala-dalang kayamanan. At lahat po tayo ay matatapos sa buhay sa daigdig nang walang bitbit. Kaya sabi ni San Pablo, “Walang dapat magmalaki. Lahat tayo ay pantay-pantay sa pagiging dukha kaya mahal tayo ng Diyos.” Subalit sa ating panahon ay mayroong mga tao na ginagawang mas dukha pa dahil sa mga sistema na hindi makatao at makatarungan. Ang kadakilaan po ng mga santo isinabuhay nila ang Mabuting Balita. Kahit na sino pa ‘yang santo na pinagdiriwang natin, makikita natin mayroon silang bahagi ng ebanghelyo o Salita ng Diyos na nakapukaw sa kanila at isinabuhay nila. Ang atin pong inaalaala sa araw na ito, si San Vicente, ang isa sa nagsabuhay ng narinig nating mga pagbasa. Siya rin po ay galing sa isang payak na pamilya. At siyempre, nangarap din na umangat, ano po? Pero ang Diyos minsan mahiwaga ang mga pagkilos. Kung kailan ibig niyang iangat ang sarili niya para makaalis naman sa karukhaan, si San Vicente ay parang nadakip at naibenta bilang ‘slave’ (alipin). At naranasan niya ang karanasan na pang-araw-araw na hirap at pagmamaliit na buhay ng mga alipin. Nakakalungkot iyon, pero sa kamay ng Diyos, nakatulong iyon para siya maantig ang kaniyang puso sa kalagayan ng mga taong dinadakip, binebenta, nagiging alipin. Sa panahon po natin ngayon marami pa ring ganyan - human trafficking. Mga pangangakuan ng kung anong trabaho, pagdating doon, wala. May nabisita po akong bansa na kinausap ako nung isang pari kung pwede kong i-meeting yung mga Pilipino na dinaya, nag-apply ng trabaho. Yung isa ang inapplyan niya, caregiver. Kasi mayroon siyang natapos na kurso dito, caregiver. Pagdating niya doon, sa kung saan man siya, ayokong sabihin ang bansa, pinag-alaga siya ng mga manok sa poultry. Nagreklamo siya. Sabi niya, “Ang kontrata ko caregiver.” Sabi sa kanya, “Ayan, alagaan mo, manok!” Sabi sa kanya, “Binasa mo ba ‘yung kontrata? Wala namang nakalagay doon ang aalagaan mo tao eh.” Nakakalungkot, ano ho? Si San Vicente naranasan din niya iyan, nagbukas ang kanyang mga mata at sa kamay ng Diyos, siya ay nakarinig ng tawag na katulad ni Hesus - bigyan ng pagpapahalaga ang mga dukha, ang mga tao na hindi pinahahalagahan ng lipunan. Sabi nga ni San Vicente, “Ang mga dukha ang ating mga…hindi lamang kayamanan kundi ang ating mga panginoon, ating amo.” Hindi sila ang dapat nag-aalipin, naglilingkod sa atin. Tayo ang maglilingkod sa kanila bilang ating mga panginoon. Pero sineryoso rin ni San Vicente yung ginawa ni Hesus - manalangin tayo para marami pang maglingkod. Nung panahon niya, tinipon niya ang maraming tao, mga kababaihan para maging katuwang sa pag-aalaga sa mga dukha. Yung Confraternity of Charity, yung Daughters of Charity, at ang atin pong mga pari, Vincentians, para po maghubog ng mga katuwang ng Diyos sa paglilingkod. Formation. Ang ganda po. Kaya marapat lamang na ating pasalamatan ang Diyos sa kanyang Mabuting Balita at sa biyaya ng mga katulad ni San Vicente na sineseryoso ang Salita ng Diyos - umiikot, nakakakita, naaantig, kikilos, at mag-aanyaya ng iba para gawin ang kalooban ng Diyos. Ito po ang ating panalangin para sa ating lahat. Para po sa mga parishioners ng San Vicente, katulad niya, dapat “gala” kayo. Gala, sige, ikot! Hindi sa mall, ho. Ikutin ang mga eski-eskinita, buksan ang mata, buksan ang puso, at maglingkod. Pagkatapos niyong gumala, magsama pa kayo ng ibang gagala, hubugin sa salita ng Diyos, sama-samang itaguyod ang kanyang paghahari. Translated by Gel Katalbas Photos from Lorenzo Atienza Photography

Homily of H.E. Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle Novena Mass for the Feast of St. Lorenzo Ruiz Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz September 21, 2023 Mga minamahal na kapatid sa Panginoong Hesukristo, tayo po ay magpuri at magpasalamat sa Diyos na Siyang nagtipon sa atin bilang isang sambayanan sa pagdiriwang po ng Eukaristiya sa araw na ito, Kapistahan ni Apostol San Mateo. At ngayon din po ay ikatlong araw ng ating pagnonobena bilang paghahanda sa kapistahan ni San Lorenzo Ruiz. Maganda po ang kapistahan ni San Mateo kaugnay ng kasaysayan ni San Lorenzo Ruiz. Sino ba si San Mateo? Katulad po ng nabanggit natin sa pasimula ng misa at narinig sa ebanghelyo, si San Mateo ay isang taga-singil ng buwis. Noong panahon na iyon, wala pa naman pero meron na ring katumbas ang BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue). Pero nung panahon na iyon, si San Mateo ay naniningil ng buwis sa mga Israelita. Pero saan napupunta? Kanino napupunta ang buwis na binabayad ng mga Israelita? Sa mga Romano. Kasi ang Israel noong panahon na iyon ay nasasakupan ng mga Romano. Kaya ang tingin ng mga Israelita sa mga taga-singil ng buwis, sila ay mga taksil sa bayan dahil parang pinipiga nila ang sariling kababayan para kunin ang kanilang pera papunta sa mga banyaga, mga foreigners, na umuukopa sa bayan. Kaya sa trabaho pa lang ni San Mateo, wala na siyang kaibigan. Sabihin na natin na wala siyang ginawang kalokohan, yun lang kanyang trabaho, maningil ng buwis mula sa mamamayan para dalhin niya sa occupying forces, siya ay mayroon nang tatak: “Ito ay taksil”, “Ito ay makasalanan”. Kaya walang gustong makipagkaibigan kay Mateo. Walang ibig pumunta sa kanyang bahay. Siya ay para bagang “outcast”. Hindi siya kabilang sa lipunan at tinuturing na marumi, hindi karapatdapat. Pero nandito na po ang napakagandang ginawa ni Hesus. Napadaan si Hesus at nakita si Mateo nakaupo sa singilan ng buwis. At ano ang ginawa ni Hesus? “Sumunod ka sa akin.” Siguro nagulat si Mateo. Sa katunayan, sa isang painting na gawa ni Caravaggio tungkol sa pagtawag kay Mateo -- si Mateo, nandiyan ang ibang tao, si Hesus tinuturo siya parang “Sumunod ka sa akin” -- ang reaksiyon ni Mateo doon sa painting ay, “Ako?” Parang hindi siya makapaniwala. “Ako ba ang tinuturo mo? Ako ba ang kinakausap mo?” Siguro hindi siya sanay na may kumakausap sa kanya. Hindi siya sanay na may tatawag sa kaniya at mag-aanyaya, “Sumunod ka sa akin.” Sorpresa ng Diyos. Sorpresa sa isang tao na ang tingin ng lipunan, “Wala kang papel sa amin.” Nagulat siya, may isang tao na parang nagpapaalala sa kaniya, “Mayroon kang papel. Mayroon kang gagampanan.” Tumayo nga si Mateo at sumunod kay Hesus. Iniwan ang singilan ng buwis. Saan pumunta si Hesus? Sabi niya, “Sumunod ka sa akin.” Saan dinala ni Hesus si Mateo? Saan? Sa bahay ni Mateo! Ah, kakaiba ito ha. Iisipin natin, “Sumunod ka sa akin.” Eh di dapat sana dinala ni Hesus si Mateo sa bahay nila, ni Maria at ni Jose. Sana dinala niya doon sa lugar kung saan sila nagmimeeting ng iba niyang mga apostoles. Hindi! Dinala ni Hesus si Mateo sa bahay ni Mateo. Pumunta si Hesus sa bahay ni Mateo at doon nakasama ni Hesus ang iba pang mga taga-singil ng buwis at mga makasalanan. Dinala ni Hesus si Mateo sa loob ng kaniyang bahay, sa loob ng kaniyang puso. Dinala ni Hesus si Mateo sa piling ng mga katulad niya na inaalipusta dahil marumi raw, makasalanan. Si Hesus pumunta sa kanila. At dinala silang lahat sa puso nila upang doon magulat sila. Oo, sila’y makasalanan. Pero sabi ni Hesus, “Naparito ako upang tawagin ang mga makasalanan. Nandito ako para sa inyo. Kayo na sugat-sugatan, kayo na inaalipusta, kayo na tinuturing ng mundo na marumi, Nandito ako para sa inyo.” Sino ang naiskandalo? Ang mga pariseo. Yung mga pariseo na ang prinsipyo, “Wag kang lalapit sa makasalanan, mahahawa ka! Wag kang lalapit sa marumi, marururmihan ka.” Kaya ang prinsipyo ng mga pariseo, hiwalayan - “Kayong mga 'makasalanan', magsama-sama kayo. Kaming mga 'malilinis', sama-sama kami. Walang ugnayan.” Naiskandalo ang mga pariseo. Pero sinagot sila ni Hesus: “Ang mga maysakit ang nangangailangan ng manggagamot, hindi ang walang sakit. Naparito ako upang tawagin ang mga makasalanan, hindi ang mga nagbabanal-banalan.” Sabi ni Hesus, “Ang ibig ko ay habag.” Mercy. Hindi yung mga sinasabi ninyong handog ng mga nagbabanal-banalan. Nagalit ang mga pariseo kay Hesus. Subalit si Mateo, sumunod kay Hesus patungo sa kaniyang bahay, patungo sa kaniyang puso, at doon tumugon siya sa tawag ng mahabaging Diyos. Naging aposto, naging ebanghelista. Ang isa sa mga apat na ebanghelyo ay sulat ni San Mateo. Minamaliit, inaalipusta, minamarumi. Pero sa habag ng Diyos, na nagdala sa kaniya sa kaniyang sariling tahanan, sa kanyang tunay na puso na may kakayanan pala na tumugon. Doon, luminis siya. Mga kapatid, lahat po tayo ay may pagka-Mateo. Sino ba sa atin ang pwedeng magmalaki na hindi makasalanan? Ang mabuting balita ay dumating si Hesus para sa bawat isa sa atin. Tinatawag Niya tayo. Sumunod sa kaniya. Hindi sa malayong lugar. Sumunod sa kaniya kasi papunta siya sa ating puso. Papunta siya sa ating bahay. Papunta siya sa ating trabaho. Doon niya tayo dadalhin, upang doon marinig natin na mahalaga tayo kay Hesus. Sana tulad ni Mateo, wag tayong mag-atubili. Ang kuwento ni Mateo, sabi ni Pope Francis, ang naka-inspire sa kanya sa kanyang religious vocation. Kaya pati ang kaniyang motto ay hango sa kasaysayan ni San Mateo. Nakaranas ng habag at tinawag. Ikinahabagan para tawagin. Kaya po sa araw na ito, lahat ng lalaki dito ang pangalan dapat ay Mateo at lahat ng babae na nandito ang tawag ... Matea. Lahat ng maliliit na bata ang tawag ... Matitino! At ang maliliit na batang babae, Matuti…ay hinde, Matitina! At sana lahat tayo, kapag naranasan iyong sorpresa na kinahahabagan tayo ng Diyos, huwag tayong mangmamaliit ng kapwa, huwag tayong magmamalinis-linisan, huwag nating ituring yung mga makasalanan, “Ito dapat alisin sa lipunan, dapat mawala sila.” Hindi ganyan si Hesus. Si Hesus lalapit sa makasalanan at dadalhin siya sa kaniyang tunay na puso na kaya palang sumunod sa Diyos. Si San Lorenzo Ruiz pinaratangan ng krimen. Sino ang mag aakala na ang unang canonized saint na Pilipino ay mayroong ganyang bad record? Pero katulad ni Mateo, si San Lorenzo Ruiz, pinuntahan din ni Hesus at sinabi, “Sumunod ka sa akin.” Kaya lang si Mateo, piansunod ni Hesus sa bahay ni Mateo. Si San Lorenzo Ruiz, pinasunod ni Hesus sa Japan. Pero pareho rin ang kanilang naging kasaysayan. Pareho silang naging alagad ni Hesus. Kung si San Mateo hanggang ngayon napakikinggan natin dahil sa sinulat niyang ebanghelyo, hanggang ngayon, naririnig natin ang sinabi ni San Lorenzo Ruiz. Sana iyon ang maging tinig ng bawat Pilipinong Katoliko at Kristiyano - “Alagad ako ni Hesus. At kahit libong buhay ay aking iaalay para sa Kanya.” Kinahabagan upang tawagin. Magpasalamat tayo sa mahabaging Diyos. Translated by Gel Katalbas Edited by Margaux Salcedo Photo: Facebook page of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz

Homily of H.E. Most Rev. Charles John Brown D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines September 17, 2023 | Solemnity of Our Lady of Peñafrancia Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Naga City My dear brothers and sisters in Christ here gathered this morning for the wonderful feast day of Nuestra Señora de Penafrancia, here in this beautiful minor basilica, together with your beloved Archbishop, His Excellency the Most Rev. Rolando Tirona, Archbishop of Caceres, priests concelebrants, deacons, seminarians, women, religious who are here, but especially you, the faithful people of the Archdiocese of Caceres, and other dioceses here in Bicol, and other dioceses throughout the Philippines who were gathered here this morning, together as children of Mary, as devotees of Our Lady of Penafrancia, to tell her how much we love her, how much we appreciate her intercession, how we rely on her protection. It's a joy for me as the Apostolic Nuncio, to be with you this morning with this amazing celebration. I will be going to Rome next week to see Pope Francis, and as I mentioned last night when I was preaching in the Vigil Mass, I will be bringing to Pope Francis the assurance of all of your prayers for the Holy Father. Holy Father Pope Francis relies on your prayers. He always asks me to ask you, the beloved people of the Philippines, who are so close to his heart, to pray for the Pope. Pray for Pope Francis, especially here in this minor basilica which has a special link to the Holy Father, a special link to Rome. How glorious it is to be with you this morning. To give honor to Mama Mary, our beloved Ina, Our Lady of Penafrancia. Separation from God Our first reading this morning, brothers and sisters, comes from the very first book of the Bible. If you open your Bible and go to the first pages, you'll find the reading that we heard this morning from the Book of Genesis (Gen 3:9-15). What did we hear? We heard in the Book of Genesis, in our first readings, we heard about the effects of sin on our first parents: Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. We hear how God had looked for Adam in the Garden of Eden. God says to Adam, “Where are you?”, but Adam says, “I've heard you in the garden, but I was afraid.” Adam was afraid of God. Why was he afraid of God? Adam had been created as a child, as a son of God, in glorious splendor, in paradise, in Eden, with his beautiful wife Eve. But now, in the first reading, he's afraid of God. He hides from God. He's distanced from God. We could say he's separated from God. Why has this happened? This happened because Adam and Eve were tricked or deceived by the serpent, by the devil. They were deceived into being disobedient to God. God told them “Do not eat from the fruit of that tree”, and the serpent tempts Eve, and then Adam. They ate from the tree. They disobeyed God. Then what happens? We have this separation of Adam and Eve from God. Adam, who was the beloved Son of God, who existed in the beautiful communion of love with God, now is afraid of God, and hides from God in the garden. God comes looking for Adam, and Adam is hiding. Then, when God interrogates Adam, Adam begins to blame Eve. Eve is the one. She gave me the fruit from the tree. So, we see not only is Adam separated from God, but now Adam is blaming Eve. There’s a separation between Adam and Eve, a kind of an antagonism and enmity, difficulty, discord. All of these things are the effect of sin. Sin brings separation. Sin brings division. We see that in the first reading this morning. Sin divides us from God. Sin in our heart, when we sin, it makes us ashamed. We hide from God. We retreat from God. We go into our own little world, trying to stay away from God because we are ashamed. That's what happened to Adam and Eve in the first reading, and it's very tragic. You know the word in English for the serpent is the devil, right? The devil, which comes from the Greek word “diabolos” which comes into different words like diabolical in English, with diavolo in Italian. What does the word diabolos literally mean? What is the root meaning of diabolos/devil? It's “the one who separates”, “the one who causes division”, “the one who causes separation”. That's what the devil does. That is what the devil does. First, he tricks us, he deceives us. Because any sin, any temptation looks like something good. Looks like something attractive. If it wasn't attractive to us in some ways, it wouldn't be a temptation. As it was for Adam and Eve. The fruit on the tree looked attractive to them, but God had told them, “Do not touch them”, and yet they disobey God. So, sin always involves a trick, a deceiving. That is why the devil is the father of division, but also the father of lies, the father of untruth. So, our poor first parents, Adam and Eve are tricked, deceived, and then LED into this situation of separation from God. It's so sad to see that in our first parents. So, we have that scene in the first reading: of separation, of fear, of shame, of division; and then, we go to the gospel (Jn. 19:25-27) that we heard, read this morning by the deacon. Archbishop Brown joins the Fluvial Procession in honor of INA, Reina nin Bicolandia | photo from Visit Camsur Unity with God We go fast forward to the Calvary, to the foot of the cross. What do we see there? We see at the foot of the cross, standing there, Mary, the mother of Jesus, a relation of Mary, Mary's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, Mary Magdalene, and Saint John. We see a little group of disciples, apostles, gathered close to Jesus in His suffering on the cross. We see unity at the foot of the cross. Of course, we see suffering, but we see unity. St. John, Our Lady, Mary Magdalene, Mary the wife of Clopas, gathered with Jesus in His suffering, united with Him, close to him. In some ways, it's the opposite of what we saw in the first reading in Genesis: division, separation. We see unity in the gospel. The women with Jesus. Then we hear the Gospel, in which Jesus says to us and to Saint John, “Behold your mother.” “This is your mother.” He says that to us as Catholics today, Mary is our mother. Then the Gospel tells us that “from that hour the disciple Saint John took Mary into his house.” “Took Mary into his home.” Again, a sign of unity with Mary, a sign of closeness with Mary. So, we have these two contrasting scenes in Genesis and the Gospel of John. We have the first scene: division, lies, hatred, shame. Then the second scene: unity, truth, and love. Jesus gives us the gift of his mother. What a beautiful gift of love that Jesus gives us in that unification at the foot of the cross. So, Mary, Our Lady of Penafrancia is the mother of unity. She's the mother of unity. She's the mother of truth. She's the mother of love. That is why she's our mother. That's why we're so devoted to her. Because coming close to Mary always brings us close to Jesus, as on the cross, Mary is at the foot of the cross with Jesus. Mary creates that unity among us. Later on, after the gospel, when we come to the Feast of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit comes down from heaven like tongues of flame on all the apostles, inspiring them, encouraging them to go out through the whole world, to proclaim the gospel. Who is with them? Mary. Our Lady praying with them (cf. Acts 1:13 – 2:4). Our Lady, source of unity, center of unity, center of love, center of truth. Instruments of Unity, Love, and Truth So, for us, as devotees of Our Lady of Penafrancia, us, all of us who rely on her intercession, that in our own way, try to be instruments of unity. Instruments of unity in a world where there is sin. Because brothers and sisters, the devil has been defeated, but he is still active. His final defeat is certain, but he's still active. Active with his lies, active with his work of division, active with his work of hatred. He's still active. In fact, the Scriptures tell us, he's especially active because he knows that his end is near. So, we need to be children of Mary, Mary mother of unity, Mary mother of truth, Mary mother of love. Let us, in our own families, be sources of unity, of love, of truth, of forgiveness. Let us, let all of us, be people who speak the truth, who love the truth, who will not be captivated or tricked by the father of lies, the father of darkness, the Evil One. Let us, all of us, try to be people of love, who love our brothers and sisters, who also love those who don't love us. Because isn't that the message of Jesus from the cross? Jesus prayed for the ones who were killing Him, who were putting Him to death. He prayed for them (cf. Lk. 23:34). Jesus shows us what we must do. We must love not only the people who love us. Because that is not so hard to do. When we're loved by someone, it's easy to love them back, isn't it? But when someone doesn't love us, it's not so easy. With the power of Jesus and the intercession of Mary, Our Lady of Penafrancia, all things become possible. So, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, for me as your apostolic nuncio, it gives me so much joy to be with you here in Naga City, here with your beloved Archbishop Tirona, your priests, sisters, deacons, seminarians, and all of you, to give thanks to God for the gift of Jesus from the cross, the gift of Mary to be our Mother. Let’s try and strive to be people who live in unity, people who live in truth, people who live in love. Last night, your Archbishop announced that beginning now, you have one year of preparation to celebrate. A year from now, the 100th anniversary of the elevation of this church to the status of minor basilica. A year of preparation is beginning now. How glorious that is. Let's make the most of this year, so we can be instruments of love, unity and peace, here, where we live, in Bicol, throughout the Philippines, and throughout the entire world. So, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, for me, as a papal nuncio, I salute you, I congratulate you on this wonderful feast day and I join you in saying, Viva la Virgen! Transcribed by Joel Vasquez Ocampo

Homily of H.E. Most Rev. Charles John Brown D.D. Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Saint Peter of Alcantara Parish and Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Turumba, Pakil, Laguna on the Occasion of the Canonical Coronation of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Turumba September 15, 2023 Jesus said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home” (John 19:27). My dear brothers and sisters in Christ; my dear concelebrating Bishops; Bishop Leo Drona, S.D.B., Bishop-Emeritus of San Pablo; Bishop Antonio Tobias, Bishop-Emeritus of Novaliches; Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista, Bishop of Imus; Bishop Nolly Buco, Auxiliary Bishop of Antipolo; concelebrating priests from the Diocese of San Pablo; civic officials from the town of Pakil; all of you devotees of Our Lady of Sorrows: For me as your Apostolic Nuncio, on this day of Our Lady of Sorrows, it gives me so much joy in my heart to share this incredibly historic moment, this Pontifical, Canonical Coronation of Our Lady, the venerable image of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Turumba, here in Pakil, in the province of Laguna. We heard at the beginning of Mass a beautiful rendition of the story of this miraculous image. For me, when I heard that story, the fact that the image was found floating, then brought here into the church, it made me think about those final words from the Gospel this morning: “‘Behold, your Mother,’ and from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” Isn't that what you have done here in Pakil with this beautiful image of Our Lady? This beautiful icon of the Mother of God, Our Lady of Sorrows. You have taken her into your home, your church, into your hearts, which is the home of each and everyone of us. I am very grateful to Father Jerry R. Oblepias, the rector of your shrine, for having invited me to come on this day to administer and to preside at this canonical coronation. Today we think about Our Lady under two aspects, don't we? We think about her as Our Lady of Sorrows, but we also think about her as Our Lady Crowned in Heaven. Because that's what we're doing today: we're crowning her, we're participating in her glory. We are like small children who bring a little flower to their mother. That, as every mother knows, is something that provokes a smile on the face of a mother, when a little child brings a gift to his or her mother. We are like that today, bringing this gift of coronation to Our Lady. Our praise and glory of Our Lady really adds nothing to her glory, because she is glorious and crowned already in heaven; but it makes her smile on us, her devoted followers here in Pakil, here in Laguna. Because she sees in us the love of her children for her, our Mother. So, we're thinking about Our Lady under two aspects: Our Lady of Sorrows at the Foot of the Cross and Our Lady Crowned in Glory. Our Lady of Sorrows at the Foot of the Cross Let's think about Our Lady of Sorrows for a moment. Our Lady standing at the foot of the Cross. Seeing, watching her beloved Son suffer and die. Seeing her Son virtually abandoned by the great majority of His followers. Only one apostle there at the foot of the cross, St. John. All the others had fled in fear and were hiding. A few women, as we heard from the account: Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene, who will become the first apostle (and) in a certain sense the 'Apostle to the apostles' because it will be Mary Magdalene, after the resurrection, who will bring the news to the apostles that Jesus has risen. Faithful Mary Magdalene, faithful John the beloved disciple, and of course, faithful Mary the Mother of Sorrows at the foot of the Cross. We honor her at the foot of the cross today. Why is Mary so special for us as Catholics? (I also greet the people outside. I can see those people out in the piazza in front of the church, at the plaza, I greet them as well.) What makes us special as children of Mary? What makes you the Pueblo Amante De Maria, as Filipinos? Because we see in Mary both our example of Christian life and our intercessor. She's an example, first of all. An example of so much in Christian life: Mary is chosen by God. Mary is chosen to be the one through whom God would enter the world in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. It’s very interesting, isn't it? That God chose Mary in Nazareth. Nazareth brothers and sisters, was not the capital, was not the big city of Israel at that time of Judea. Nazareth was a provincial town. Maybe a little bit like Pakil, a provincial town. That's where God found Mary, where God chose Mary. Not in the center, but on the periphery. Which is an important thing for us, following the synodal path that Pope Francis has asked us to engage in: to look to the peripheries, to find there on the peripheries, the beautiful examples of the Gospel in which we see Mary -- there in Nazareth. What an example of the periphery! What an example of total fidelity, total availability, total acceptance of God’s will. The angel comes to her and she says, “Let it be done to me according to thy word.” Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum. (Lk. 1:38) At that moment, “the Word became flesh” in her womb, “and dwelt among us” (cf. Jn. 1:14). The world -- not just the world but the cosmos, the universe -- changed at that moment, when a teenage girl said “yes” to God in a provincial town in what is now Israel. God works His miracles in the most unexpected places. Not in the center many times, but on the peripheries. So Mary is an example of total openness to God. She gives herself to God in the Annunciation -- not knowing what will happen, not knowing the future, but in complete surrender to God's will. Then, of course, as we know, meditating on Mary as our example, not only is she open to God's will in her life, she then immediately goes into service, doesn't she? Where does she go right after the Annunciation? The next Mystery of the Holy Rosary, the Visitation. She goes to her cousin Elizabeth, an elderly woman who also is kind of miraculously pregnant. Someone who is too old to have a child is pregnant through a divine action. Of course, Mary goes immediately to help her. We see this dynamic of God's choice, which is true for each and every one of us. Anyone of us who was baptized, and has the gift of faith, has been chosen by God for a mission in this world analogous or similar to Mary. Mary is chosen. She makes herself available. And then goes on a mission. Right? To her cousin, to Elizabeth. That is what the Christian life is all about: being chosen, being gifted to give. As the beautiful motto of your 500th Year Celebration here in the Philippines for the arrival of Christianity reminds us. Mary is that example for us. Total fidelity to Jesus, total fidelity to the Lord. When everyone else has run away, Mary is still there at the foot of the cross. That’s a message also for us. Because in our lives as Christians, there will be moments of difficulty, moments of sorrow, and moments of suffering. That's unavoidable for us as Christians. But we need to be like Mary: accepting that, seeing Jesus in our suffering, allowing our suffering to purify us, to be united to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Because that is what Mary does: Our Lady of Sorrows at the foot of the Cross. She was in anguish because of what they were doing to her Son. She unites herself to Jesus’ offering. She's uniting herself with Jesus' offering to the Father. How beautiful that is. So Mary is our example of Christian life. That's why all of us are devotees of Mary. That's why for me, as a representative of Pope Francis, it gives me so much joy to be with you this morning, to honor her in this beautiful, historic, and wonderfully decorated church. Our Lady, Crowned in Glory As I said earlier, Mary is an example but she's also our intercessor now. Mary is our example but she's also glorious in heaven. She's watching us. She has a mother's love for us. She hears our prayers. If we pray to Mary, if we're devoted to Mary, we will see her influence and her action in our lives. We will see it in quiet ways, in little ways, little signs of her presence. If we're faithful followers, faithful children of Mary, we will feel the power of her intercession. If we are devoted to the Rosary, we will experience her intercession. It won't be in spectacular ways, usually. Sometimes it might be, but usually it'll be the small things. Mary, like a mother organizing our lives, arranging things for us, a beautiful maternal presence, our intercessor close to us, helping us as we live our lives as disciples of her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. So Mary is Our Lady of Sorrows. She's Our Lady crowned in glory. Our Lady is our example of Christian life. Our Lady is our mother and powerful intercessor in heaven. That's why we love her. That's why it brings us so much joy to be together this morning to honor her in, as I said, this beautiful historic church. When I entered this morning, I was really overwhelmed by the beauty -- the beauty of the ceiling, the beauty of the flowers. All of these are signs of our love for our mother. All of these things are signs, I'm sure, that make Our Lady look on us this morning and smile. Isn’t that that beautiful? Exhortation to Pray Brothers and sisters in Christ, for me as the Apostolic Nuncio, it gives me lots of joy, as I've said now more than once, to be with you this morning. I'm going to Rome next week, actually. I will see Pope Francis next week. I will bring him your greetings when I see him next week, God willing, on Thursday. I know that the Filipino people are very close to the heart of Francis, but he relies on your prayers. So please pray for the Holy Father, Pope Francis. Don't forget to pray for him. When I see him, I want to tell him that even also the people here in Pakil are praying for him. He's our Holy Father. He's leading us on this synodal path, helping us to recognize the importance of the peripheries. So as we now proceed with the coronation, the Pontifical Canonical Coronation of this beautiful image, let's thank God for our Catholic faith. Let's follow the example of Our Lady and our Christian lives, and let's rejoice that we are children of Mary. Transcribed by Joel Vasquez Ocampo Photo credit: Facebook page of Diocese of San Pablo

Homily of His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle Eucharistic Celebration and Blessing of the Altar Sagrada Familia Church New Gateway Mall 2 Cubao, Quezon City September 15, 2023 My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we thank the Lord who has gathered us as one community, as one family of faith this afternoon. First, to inaugurate this beautiful chapel for divine worship, and also to celebrate the regular Sunday Mass, the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Allow me to divide my sharing with you in two parts. First, about the significance of having a chapel; and secondly, let us dwell on the readings. First, a chapel is regarded as a place dedicated to divine worship and holy activities. And it is right! We should remember that divine worship or sacred celebrations like sacraments, liturgies are meant to do two major things: first is to glorify God, to worship God, to adore God. So that aspect should not be forgotten. Secondly, in a holy place like this, especially during religious activities and sacraments, most especially, as we glorify God, God sanctifies us. So there is always this exchange between God and the people, i.e., His people: the body of Christ, the temple of the Spirit. So, please, when you come here or you bring people here, let us not fail to have those two things in mind: to adore God, to glorify God, and to allow God to sanctify us. This will happen! These two important elements will happen through three pillars. First, the Word of God. So let the Word of God be proclaimed here. Let the Word of God be taught here. Let the Bible be distributed here. Let the Word of God reign loud and clear here. But let the Word of God be received by people. Kasi kung minsan, pag Salita na nang Diyos, lalo na minsan nung nagmimisa ako, maghohomily na, umupo na yung mga tao, yung mga nasa unahan pumikit, tuwang tuwa naman ako! Sabi ko, ah magmemeditate. Naku, wala pang 3 minutes, tuloy na … Ayun! Kapag Word of God, siesta! Pag Word of God, parang oras na para matulog. And that does not sanctify us! … If we spend time sa pakikinig sa kung ano ano, panonood ng kung ano ano eh bakit hindi sa Salita ng Diyos? So, the Word of God. Secondly, the Sacraments. Especially the Eucharist where the Lord renews us as His body through His Spirit, through His body and blood, through His word. And thirdly, through the service of charity. We hope that this chapel will also be a place where charity becomes alive as a response to God’s word, to God’s presence and to the spirit that creates us, the body of Christ. So hindi lamang po ito space. As we dedicate this chapel to God, and God will certainly sanctify it, we should contribute to the continuing sanctification of this place. Through our prayer, through our listening to the Word of God, through our fervent worship and through our discernment of God’s call for us to serve in charity. Kaya bago po kayo magshoshopping, dito muna! Magdasal at tanungin ang Diyos, ano ang gusto Mong pag gastos ko sa aking pera? Mukhang wala nang pupunta dito, kasi nauuna gagastos muna – pag wala nang pera, pupunta dito: “Lord, punuin Mo po ang aking bag.” Baliktarin! Magdasal muna. Mag discern. Let us sanctify this place by our reception of the Word of God and allowing the Word of God and God’s presence to direct our choices, decisions and our actions. Which leads me to the final point, our readings for today. Remember last Sunday, the Gospel was about when a brother or sister has hurt you, what do you do? Call the person, just the two of you. Kayo lang, mag-usap. In order to win your brother or sister to the right path. And when the person does not listen, call somebody else as a witness. And then call the church if the person does not listen. Kung ayaw pa din makinig, well, pray. Where two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name, there He is. You never give up! After that, the Gospel for today, si Pedro … sabi ni Peter, Okay okay, you explain it Lord. But really, if my body sins against me, how often must I forgive? Pinaliwanag na ni Hesus last week, you must forgive and preserve the dignity of the person. Wag mo ikalat agad, kayo munang dalawa. Ngayon baliktad na, alam na ng lahat yun lang tao ang hindi nakakaalam. Napag usapan na siya, siya lang ang hindi nakakaalam. Kaya makinig sa salita ng Diyos. But then Peter – just like us – we ask how many times you do this: seven times, which is already a good number, seven times biblically. But Jesus says not seven times but seventy seven times. In another translation, seventy times seven times. Which means fully and always! Not only in terms of numbers, repetition but fullness of forgiveness. This is difficult, almost impossible! That is why Jesus gives a parable presenting how God forgives. Here we have a servant who owed his master a lot of money. According to some, he is not able to pay (so) he would spend one hundred sixty years in prison. Ganun kalaki ang kanyang pagkakautang! 160 years in prison! So parang equivalent to 160,000 of whatever their currency. But he pleaded with the master, and the master, moved with compassion, forgave everything. And gave him back his freedom. Let him go, lead a normal life, forgiving the law. That’s how magnanimous the master was. Unfortunately, the servant met a fellow servant who owed him a smaller amount, in another version parang 100 dinare (while) the other person owed 160,000 dinare which was forgiven. Ito, ang utang sa kanya 100 and the fellow servant begged him but he did not listen. The fellow servant asked for patience, be patient with me. But instead, he threw the fellow servant into prison. He forgot that he himself was a debtor! He forgot that he and the fellow servant belonged to the same category, they were both debtors. Forgetting that, he also forgot how he was treated as a debtor. He was forgiven. Nung napatawad na siya, nakalimutan nya na sya ay nakautang din. Nagmalaki na, nagmataas na kaya wala na siyang pakiramdam doon sa nagkautang sa kanya. This was reported to the master. And the master, out of anger, handed him over to the torturers. Ang sabi nung panginoon, could you not have pity on your fellow servant as I had pity on you. So the basis there is: remember how you have been forgiven, you are also a debtor. And remember how God has been patient with you. Remembering that, be patient also to those who owe you. Sometimes, we don’t want to remember that, or we are selective of our memory. Kasi nakakahiyang alalahanin na tayo rin nagkautang at may atraso. We don’t want to remember that. But forgetting that, we become judgemental towards others, even vindictive. In the First Reading, Sirach says, wrath are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight. Kung ano yung nakakasira sa kapwa, yun ang ating kinakapitan – anger, hatred and vengeance. But how do we expect to be forgiven if we do not forgive? That’s part of the Lord’s prayer: forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Okay, now we understand why Peter asked the question how many times should I forgive. Siguro lahat tayo ilang beses yan, not only seven times but seventy times seven times. And the first reading reminds us (that) when you are filled with anger, hatred and the thirst for revenge, remember your last days. Remember your last days. Will you want to die filled with anger? Do you want to die (with) your heart beaming with hatred? Is that how you want to complete your life here on earth? Remember, as St. Paul says, no one lives for oneself. No one dies for oneself. Whether we are alive or we die, we are for the Lord. Walang sinuman ang nabubuhay para sa sarili lamang. Walang sinuman ang namamatay para sa sarili lamang. And this is expressed in forgiveness towards others. We are consecrating or blessing this chapel on this Sunday, we did not change the readings. So, we hope this chapel will also be a haven of forgiveness. People who turn to God for forgiveness and who in return will learn how to forgive those who have offended them. Transcribed by Russell Fleur F. Gallego Edited by Clyde Ericson Nolasco Photo credit: Gateway Mall

by Clyde Ericson Nolasco We might be seeing an ordination to permanent diaconate here in the Philippines very soon! In a letter dated August 17, 2023, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State of the Vatican, wrote a response to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines petition to establish the ministry of the Permanent Diaconate in the country. The world's 97% of permanent deacons are found in the Americas and Europe according to L’Osservatore Romano. | Photo from the Diocese of Charlotte The archbishop happily informed Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, President of the CBCP, that the Holy Father has granted the petition and the CBCP is now requested to communicate with the Discatery for the Clergy regarding the establishment of the ministry. You may read the full text of the letter below: But first, what is a deacon? Deacons have been around since the early Church and are even referenced in the Acts of the Apostles. In the Acts of the Apostles, St. Lawrence was mentioned as one of the seven deacons who was in charge of the widows in the early Church in Jerusalem. Filled with the Holy Spirit, his eloquence triggered the persecutors of the Early Church to stone him to death. He is considered the first martyr of the Church whose feast day we celebrate every December 26. There are two different types of deacons: First is the transitional deacon. This is the most common type of deacon and is typically a man on the way to the priesthood. The second type of deacon is the permanent deacon. This deacon will not become a priest and will remain a deacon for the rest of his life. Requirements for Permanent Deacon Here are some basic requirements for one to be a candidate for Permanent Deacon: At least a 35 years old man. A practicing Catholic and a baptized member for at least 5 years. One can be married but must be valid or annulled. However, cannot be married again after ordination to the diaconate. The wife must be interviewed and express consent to the ordination. A married man cannot be ordained without wife’s approval. In good physical health. One must be financially stable One must pass all the psychological exams and background checks. Though these may vary depending on the local diocese. Remember that permanent diaconate is a ministry of service focused on the material needs of the church. They may also assist in the liturgy through acting as an ordinary minister of holy communion, preaching the Good News and officiating baptisms, weddings and funerals held outside the celebration of the Mass. Married men may apply as Permanent Deacons. Let us pray that this ministry be established here in the Philippines very soon!

by Clyde Ericson Nolasco On September 1, 2023, the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Vicente Ferrer Cabuyao, Laguna happily welcomed the first class relic of their patron saint St. Vicent Ferrer. The celebration started with a motorcade in the area of Cabuyao then continued with the welcoming rite and enshrinement Dominican Friar Born in Valencia, Spain, St. Vincent is known as a missionary of the Order of Preachers or of the Dominicans. He evangelized to nearly all the provinces of Spain. He also preached in France, Italy, Germany, Flanders, England, Scotland, and Ireland. His great works were accompanied by miracles brought about by God through him. He witnessed and lived through the great schisms that later ended. The holy man was born in 1419 and was canonized by Pope Calixtus in 1455. His feast day is every April 5. St. Vincent Shrine Founded in 1946, the Parish of St. Vincent Ferrer is under the Diocese of San Pablo. Later on, it was declared a Diocesan Shrine on March 26, 2010 during its consecration and dedication. According to their local tradition, the image of St. Vincent Ferrer was found beneath the branches of a huge Balete tree. The image was a property of Mr. and Mrs. Jose Bella. The people returned the statue to the owners many times but to no avail. They would still find the image of the saint by the tree. Hence, they built a chapel in the area which is now the site of the present-day church. Each year, the image draws thousands of devotees and pilgrims as many miracles of healing are associated with it. May the first class relic (ex ossibus) from the bone of St. Vincent Ferrer strengthen the faith of the devotees and pilgrims.

by Clyde Ericson Nolasco Another World Youth Day (WYD) gathering ended and many are excited for the next one. I received an early birthday gift as I fly to Portugal and take part in this year’s WYD. I was Dominus Est’ official delegate and faith journalist to cover WYD. Also, thanks to our generous sponsor, I was the lone Filipino representing Dominus Est to take part in the first ever Catholic Influencers Festival. As of writing, I am still recuperating from the long walks, a minor injury, extreme weather and jet lag. And with all these, I can say that WYD is NOT for the weak. BUT it was a life-giving and awe-inspiring journey away from home. Lisbon, Portugal The WYD is considered the biggest Catholic gathering happening every three years. However, this year was an exception as it was originally slated in 2022 but was moved due to the pandemic. All roads lead to Lisbon, Portugal. From August 1 to 6, the quiet city was filled with cheering voices and happy singing of the pilgrims. Lisbon was the place to encounter Jesus through the local pilgrims and those who are coming from the different parts of the world, the Sacraments and through His Holiness Pope Francis. In an earlier report, the local organizers mentioned that there were 354,000 confirmed pilgrims and hoped to reach at least a million. The confirmed number was small compared to the past WYDs and they cited three reasons: (1) we are still recovering from the pandemic, (2) the high cost of expenses to travel (3) and with many distractions around, young people are focused on other things. But like in the miracle of the multiplication of bread, the overnight vigil brought 1.5 million people together celebrating the Eucharist with the Pope. It was a sight to behold. Moreso, according to Jorge Messias of the WYD logistics department, “It is the WYD with the most nationalities in its history.” It was said that every nation was represented except for one, which is Maldives. “Rise Up” The theme for this year’s WYD was “Mary arose and went with haste!” In the Gospel of Luke, we are told that Mary, upon learning that her cousin Elizabeth is pregnant in spite of her old age, stood up and went to Elizabeth. Mary’s action was a sign of willingness to serve and obedience to the Holy Spirit without any hesitation. This event in the life of Mary was the inspiration of all that’s done in WYD inviting the pilgrims to act and take part in social transformation. The theme was echoed through the different activities during the WYD week: the celebration of the Sacraments, art and music festivals and the Rise Up Meetings. The Rise Up Meetings were not the usual catechism or conference. In the spirit of synodality, the Rise Up Meetings were designed as avenues for encounters between the young people and the Church through the bishop present. After my Amazing Race-ish experience, I was able to arrive at where our very own Bp. Rex Alarcon would be facilitating a Rise Up Meeting. After a testimonial and small group sharing, the floor was opened for questions. It served as a dialogue between the young people and the Church in the person of Bp. Rex. In another instance, after an hour of bus ride, I was able to attend Cardinal Tagle’s meeting. He joined the pilgrims in the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and later on presided over the Holy Eucharist at Charneca Park under the Portuguese sun. Pope: “Do not be afraid!” Pope Francis himself was not spared from the busy schedule of the WYD week. Along with his schedule with the pilgrims, His Holiness also met the local officials, visited the students of a Catholic university and had an exclusive gathering for WYD volunteers. He also had his pilgrimage to Fatima to visit our Dear Lady. The Pope joined the pilgrims for the welcoming ceremony, the Stations of the Cross, Youth Vigil and the Missioning Mass. And in most instances, the Pope would remind us with the words, “Do not be afraid!” Pope Francis during the welcoming ceremony at Colina de Econtro said, “Don’t be afraid, take heart, move forward, knowing that all of us are “mortgaged” by the love God has for us. God loves us. Let us say it all together: God loves us.” Words to console us as we start the WYD week in reflection and celebration. Moreso, his words during the Missioning mass, the concluding activity encouraged us to bring Jesus as we go home: “Dear young people, I would like to look each of you in the eye and say: ‘Do not be afraid!’ Now I will tell you something even more beautiful: Jesus himself is now looking at you. He knows what is in your heart; he smiles at you and tells you once again that he loves you, always and infinitely.” In spite of physical limitations due to his medical condition, wheelchair-bound Pope Francis cherished and enjoyed every moment he was with the pilgrims. He even surprised some pilgrims when he himself went to Ciudad de Alegria to hear their confessions. I also went to receive the Sacrament but I was days early. I am pretty sure I will get starstrucked if it’s the Pope to whom I will receive penance and absolution from. Solo Pilgrim As I was not part of any delegation but covering WYD for Dominus Est, I registered, flew and joined WYD Lisbon solo. It was an adventure. And when I say an adventure, it was an experience mixed with triumphs and mishaps. Though I missed a station or two, using the metro was not a bother at all. Food was not a problem as well as I was willing to try what’s available like trying falafel and enjoying pastel de nata. Being away and solo for a “mission” in a place 12,000 km away from home was not an easy feat. I arrived two days before WYD proper. Without an internet connection and using the maps I printed back home, I walked for kilometers with a parched throat to find the apartment where I would be staying and the check-in venue for my WYD kit. I got lost in the middle of the night. My first day was not how I wanted to experience Lisbon. Things turned out differently when I started meeting pilgrims and volunteers. Days became more interesting when I met Pinoys, especially those whom I know. I was delighted to meet Pinoy pilgrims. I was reunited with Kat Beral (left photo) of the ACY Manila. She was a groupmate during WYD Madrid 2011, she now lead the Manila delegates along with Fr. Jade Licuanan, Fr. Marthy Marcelo and Fr Patrick Calimlim. During the in-service-training season of teachers, I was going around to facilitate seminars. In Lisbon, there were pilgrims who approached me telling me they have attended one of my seminars. Wow! They are teachers (right photo) from Mount Carmel School of Infanta, Quezon. I was happy to see Karlista priests while in Lisbon. I met Fr. Ryan Aguinaldo and Fr. Dean Jerome Cruz both from the Diocese of Cabanatuan during the gathering of Pinoys at the Igreja da Madalena. Dominus Est is in Lisbon! Dominus Est host and columnist Fr. Kevin Joshua Cosme and I were able to do a little catch up while in Lisbon. He was with ECY group representing his diocese Paranaque. Along the way, we have gained new friends especially with those who are coming from other countries. Marian (left photo) a law student from Mexico was very helpful. She didn't even hesitate to join our live coverage for an interview. Fr. Tomasz (right photo) is a Vincentian priest from Poland. We spent an afternoon together for lunch. Fr. Tomasz was curious about "pagmamano" and I was very generous to introduce and demonstrate it to him. Thanks to my vigil buddies, I was able to survive the overnight at Campo de Graca. Filip and Beatriz (left photo) are young engineers from Lisbon who volunteered for WYD. They are also active in their local parish as youth leaders. Franz and Beatrice (right photo) are such a holy and lovely young couple. They proclaim the Gospel through their community and platform Immanuel Vision. I concluded my Lisbon trip visiting Our Lady. In the bus to Fatima, I met Sebastian (left) who is from Switzerland and Jon (right) from Boston. We attended the international mass and had lunch together. It was the best way to end my adventure -- to listen to their faith-filled WYD experiences. I came alone but meeting all these lovely people, my cup runneth over. WYD Seoul 2027 Upon the announcement that Seoul, Korea will be hosting the WYD in 2027 (it was again not going to happen in three years to give way for the Jubilee Year in 2025), many expressed their desire to join the next. A lot are excited as it is happening again in Asia after three decades since WYD Manila in 1995. Before we all fly to SoKor, there are points we must consider. I am no WYD veteran as I have only been to two (Madrid 2011 and Lisbon 2023) but it pays to be prepared. More than the costly travel expenses and the rigorous Visa application, here are some points to be mindful about: Be physically fit. For my 10-day stay in Lisbon, I accumulated 216,217 steps. My daily walk and exercise of 5 km here in Manila was no match to the hilly Portugal. I can remember seeing pilgrims passing out on the trains and on the streets due to exhaustion plus the extreme weather reaching 36°C to 40°C during the afternoons. WYD is usually slated during the summer season of the host country. Be ready to be exposed under the sun most of the time while walking to the different venues and churches. Be resilient. Along with the long walks, I can remember whispering and convincing myself to go on many times. Being under the sun for hours, waiting in long lines for food, being lost, riding a fully-packed metro, greeting all the people I meet, struggling with non-English speakers, my mental strength was put to test. Be mentally prepared. Also, aside from knowing English and the local language, learn a bit of Spanish as most pilgrims are either from Spain or Latin Americas. Be open to the Holy Spirit. A WYD pilgrim must be dependent on the Holy Spirit, the Spirit who will give one strength and understanding. Many uncomfortable things can happen in a WYD week, and only those who are filled with the Holy Spirit can fully appreciate the meaning of all that’s happening. After all, it is a pilgrimage not a vacation. Never ever forget that WYD yes is an encounter with other people coming from different backgrounds and the Pope but more importantly it is an encounter with God. Do not ever lose your focus on HIM. WYD is not for the weak nonetheless not exactly for those who are strong but for those who come prepared to meet Jesus in every opportunity there is. For the meantime as we prepare for the next one, let us rise up with haste like Mary!

In this new world of YOLO (“You Only Live Once”) culture and “cancel culture” as the answer to man’s deepest longings, there is the Live Pure Movement which provides an alternative path for motivation and happiness. Purity of Mind, Eyes, Speech, and Body The Live Pure Movement seeks to reach out to young people to encourage them to strive for purity of mind, eyes, speech, and body. The group promotes a life that embraces chastity as the sure way to happiness by inspiring young people to live out the value of human dignity and fraternal relationships. As a way of gathering young people, specially those who have heard the sessions of live pure, the movement started its annual Live Pure Conference in 2012 with the theme of Real Freedom, Total Happiness and True Love. By 2016, the Live Pure crowd grew to over 10,000 young people. Now more than ever, the movement seeks to inspire people to actively participate in spreading the message of chastity and true love. Live Pure Conference 2023 The Live Pure Conference 2023 will be on October 14, 2023, Saturday, at the Ynares Pasig Sports Arena. Tickets are available for Php 500. A lot of activities await you as we prepare for the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist, Youth Fair, plus a surprise artist. You can avail your ticket by registering on our website at www.livepuremovement.org. For more details follow us at www.facebook.com/livepuremovement.

Homily of Archbishop Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Holy Mass in Celebration of the 67th Annual National Assembly of Pontifical Mission Societies Diocesan Mission Directors August 28, 2023 | Sta. Maria Goretti Parish Your Excellency, the Most Reverend Socrates C. Mesiona, Bishop of Puerto Princesa, Your Excellency Most Reverend Renato Mayugba, Bishop of Laoag, Reverend Monsignor Esteban Lo, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the Philippines, participating diocesan directors in this your 67th Annual National Assembly of Pontifical Mission Societies, it is a joy, it's a pleasure, and indeed a privilege for me to celebrate this opening mass for your National Assembly. Many thoughts come to my mind, and I will turn in a moment to the Gospel. But before I say anything else, I want to say to each and every one of you a massive thank you, a massive expression of gratitude for the work that you do. Because for me as your Apostolic Nuncio in my current mission here in Manila, in the Philippines, and in my prior mission in Albania, I see day in and day out the work that you do and the benefits that are brought to the Church universal because of your efforts at raising funds to help the Church in so many ways in the missionary activities. So I want to begin by saying thank you, because I see your work, I see the effects, and I can really appreciate the goodness of everything that you're doing. We have an amazing contrast this evening in the Gospel and the first reading. In the Gospel, Jesus is rebuking very strongly the scribes and Pharisees. He says, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter.” So we have Jesus rebuking, criticizing strongly the Pharisees for this attitude of closure, this attitude of pride, this attitude of self-centeredness, which Jesus very strongly criticizes. And it's interesting for Christ; the attitude must be one of openness. We see that symbolically represented after the resurrection, when the tomb is open, the stone is rolled away, that door is open. It's not locked, it's open. Jesus emerges from the tomb and then passes through all kinds of locked doors where the apostles and disciples are cowering in fear. So that contrast between closure and openness is so strong in our faith. And Jesus criticizes the Pharisees and the scribes for their closure, their closed hearts. Then we go to our first reading - St. Paul's Letter to the Thessalonians. He says this: “Knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God, how you were chosen. For our Gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction…you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to await his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus, who delivers us from the coming wrath.” So this idea, first of all, that we have been chosen. This is so important for us. We have been chosen. Jesus, of course, tells us, “It's not that you chose me, but I chose you to go and bear fruit.” We have been chosen. God has spoken to us in the silence of our hearts. That's why you, men in front of me, are priests because God has spoken to you, God has called you. God has called you to do what? To turn to God, away from idols, to turn to the living and true God. So this idea of turning, idea of conversion, idea of reorienting our life, because we have been chosen. Reorienting our life to God, in and through Jesus. Through Him, with Him, and in Him, we orient our lives to the One who has chosen us to God. So this idea of conversion, which is so different, right, from the Pharisees, who have no need of conversion? Hearts, closed doors, closed attitude of pride, attitude of aloofness, and yet with the disciples, with the apostles after the resurrection, we see this idea of conversion, of going through the closed doors, opening the doors and going out to proclaim the grace of Christ. We celebrated one year ago, the beatification of Blessed Pauline Jaricot, who, of course, was really at the foundation of the work that you're involved in, raising money for the missions, raising money in the different pontifical mission societies. And this humble, simple French young woman created what we have now inherited in your work, and she, of course, was beatified in May of 2022 in Lyon, in France. Pope Francis sent a message with that beatification, in which he touched on some of the themes that I have briefly elucidated: the idea of conversion. He said (these are the words of the Pope), “First of all, missionary conversion: the goodness of the mission depends on the path of going out of oneself, on the desire to centre one’s life not on oneself, but on Jesus, on Jesus who came to serve and not to be served (cf. Mk 10: 45). And Pope Francis says, “In this sense, Pauline Jaricot saw her existence as a response to God’s compassionate and tender mercy…” The idea of God's choice of Pauline and then this idea of missionary conversion. “...since her youth she had sought identification with her Lord, including through the sufferings she went through, with the aim of igniting the flame of her love in every person.” And here, Pope Francis says, “...lies the wellspring of mission: in the ardor of a faith that does not settle and that, through conversion, day by day becomes imitation, to channel God’s mercy on the roads of the world. But this is possible only through prayer.” This idea of conversion, this idea of reorientation, this idea that Pope Francis is constantly talking about, about not being closed in oneself, but going out of oneself. St. Thomas Aquinas, following the teaching of St. Augustine (whose feast we celebrate today). St. Thomas Aquinas meditates on what love does, what the effects of love are. And St. Thomas Aquinas, in the Summa Theologiae says that one of the effects of love is ecstasy. Ecstasy. What is ecstasy? Literally it means "standing out". Exstare - going out, standing out of oneself, going out of oneself. Love, and this is for St. Thomas, really following St. Augustine, draws us out of ourselves, reorients us towards the one whom we love. Even human love is that way, isn't it? We see when young people are in love, they're preoccupied with the other; they're kind of forgetful of themselves. They want to gaze at the other, and they kind of lose themselves in looking at the other and going out towards the other. That is what the missionary effort of the Church is all about. God's overflowing, ecstatic love for us in Jesus then becomes our conversion in and through that love to our brothers and sisters. And what you do as the national directors of the Pontifical mission societies, make that ecstasy possible. Because our faith is a sacramental faith. We need things like bread and wine to celebrate mass. Bread and wine are things that have to be made, the work of human hands. The same thing is true for the missionary activity of the Church. It's not simply a spiritual, disincarnate activity. It's an incarnate activity that requires things like financial support, organization, planning, and all those things which you were involved in so beautifully, but all nourished by prayer. All nourished by prayer. Just as in the mass, the work of human hands, the labor of human hands, bread and wine, things that are made. They're not natural things. Jesus didn't choose a piece of fruit and water to be His body and His blood. He chose things we have to make, we have to do, we have to put an effort into. And then, through the power of prayer, it becomes the Body and Blood of Christ through the prayer of the priest celebrant of mass. The same thing is true for your work: raising money, different strategies, different ideas, different initiatives, different programs, all of these things, it's the work of human hands, which is then sanctified by prayer and becomes the means by which the Church can spread her love throughout the world, the love of Jesus and touch hearts and bring them to the Lord. So you can tell for me, as your Apostolic Nuncio, I have so much esteem and respect for the work that you do. And I want to support you in every way possible. We ask for the intercession of Pauline Jaricot on this your opening mass for the 67th National Assembly. We ask her to intercede for you, and we especially ask Our Lady, the Mother of God, the Mother of Jesus, the one of course, who, after she received the gift of Jesus in her womb and the incarnation, the first thing she does in the Gospel is she goes out, she goes forth, she goes to Elizabeth, that is part of your work. You are making that going forth possible, and for that, the Church appreciates you and is grateful for everything that you do. Let me conclude by asking you, as I always do, to pray for Pope Francis. I will be seeing him in less than a month's time in Rome, and I want to assure him of the prayers, especially of you priests and laypeople and dear sisters here in the Philippines praying for our Holy Father, Pope Francis. God bless you for your work. Thank you for inviting me this evening to be part of your opening mass. Transcribed by Gel Katalbas