Cardinal Jose Advincula, Archbishop of Manila as he closes the Jubilee doors of the Manila Cathedral. Photo courtesy of Augusto Urbano II of The LANCE.
The Archbishop of Manila, His Eminence Cardinal Jose Advincula, along with the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown, and their brother priests, celebrates the culmination celebration of the 500th year of Christianity in the Philippines and the 444th anniversary of the Diocese of Manila with a Mass at the Manila Cathedral on Monday, February 6, 2023.
Present during the mass and displayed in the cathedral’s sanctuary are the relics of the three secondary patrons of Manila— St. Rose of Lima, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Dominic de Guzman.
In his homily, the archbishop pointed out the role of the whole Catholic community in response to the renewal and recreation of the church. He also showed gratitude towards the people who work towards the vision of Pope Francis of a Church close to the people.
“Sino ang mga pinakikinggan? Sino ang mga hindi pinakikinggan? Sino ang mga ayaw pakinggan? Sino ang mga laging nagsasalita? At sino ang mga hindi nabibigyan ng pagkakataon para magsalita? Kaninong boses ang palaging naririnig? Sa ating paglalakbay, sabay sabayon ba tayo bilang komunidad? O nag-uunahan? Sino ang nauuna? Sino ang nahuhuli? Sino ang naiiwan?...“ The cardinal also states he will hold true to his motto ‘Audiam’ as he will continue to be an example of a listening Church.
To end his homily, Cardinal Advincula left us with the reminder to “keep our hearts open to God’s recreating hand, and through the intercession of Mary our Immaculate Mother, may we become the Church of Manila that God wants and envisions us to be.”
The Letran community also took part in the triduum leading to these celebrations as the Rector and President, Rev. Fr. Clarence Victor Marquez OP, presides the mass in the cathedral in honor of St. Dominic de Guzman, held last Feb. 4.
Father Rector urged the people to be thankful for the present and exhibit charity towards those in need.
“Hindi lang tungkol sa nakaraan ang pagdiriwang na ito, ating kilalanin at ipagpasalamat ang biyaya ng kasalukuyan. Ang buhay ng Simbahan, at ang buhay na Simbahan ng Arkidiyosesis ng Maynila.” the Rector said.