Message of Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle on the press briefing held at the Arzobispado de Manila last Nov. 14, 2014
Today
the Vatican released the program of His Holiness Pope Francis’ pastoral visit
to the Philippines on January 15-19, 2015.
We cannot contain our joy. We want the whole Filipino nation to know of
this good news.
The
pastoral visit of Pope Francis will surely bring much blessing to all of us,
especially to the poor, the survivors of calamities both natural and
human-caused, and the victims of different types of injustice. The concern and
solidarity of Jesus the Good Shepherd will be palpable in the person and
presence of Pope Francis. With him let us share Jesus’ love to all.
The
Pope’s visit also calls us to personal and social responsibility. As disciples
of Jesus Christ driven by the Holy Spirit, we will be challenged to reach out
with love to the neglected and abandoned, to help heal the wounds inflicted on
children, women and families, to respect neighbors who differ from us, to form
the youth in responsible freedom, to value life and creation, and to imbue our
culture and society with mercy and compassion. With him let us spread the
Gospel of hope with joy.
Our
excitement needs to be purified and strengthened by constantly listening to the
Word of God, by frequently participating in the Eucharist, by sincerely
repenting of our sins, and by habitually doing acts of justice and love. With
Pope Francis’ pastoral visit, God’s mercy and compassion will embrace all
Filipinos!
+ Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle
Archbishop of Manila
14 November 2014
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