Abp. Soc begs for forgiveness on behalf of bishops and priests

CEBU CITY, Jan. 28, 2016 – CBCP President and Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas led the delegates in the Rite of Reconciliation in the 51st International Eucharistic Congress here in the Pavilion, Cebu City.

Reflecting on the overwhelming mercy of God, Archbishop Villegas said, “It is easier for God to control his anger rather than control his mercy.”

Jesus is the face of the mercy of God and the three reasons why we cannot see heaven here on earth and experience God’s mercy is pride, pride, and pride.

“All sin is pride.  Pride blocks the memory of the heart,” reflected the Archbishop.

As he called on the lay people to reconciliation, he also asked forgiveness on behalf of all bishops and priests.

“Forgive us for our long homilies and rushed liturgies; for allowing us to brighten the glow of materialism and dimmer the glow of the Eucharist; for allowing the Church to age and play deaf to the children and the youth.  Forgive us for being hindrances instead of being helpful. Forgive us, your lost shepherds and beg God to show us His mercy.  Let the shepherd and the flock be merciful to each other,” confessed the Archbishop. (reported by Fr. Lito Jopson, CBCP ECSC, TV Maria)
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