NEWLY installed Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula said he will face head-on the “pastoral challenges” in helping the youth within his new jurisdiction as a “listening shepherd” of the Church.
During his homily at his installation ceremony at the Manila Cathedral on Thursday, the prelate expressed concern over the marginalized members of society, especially the young, whom he referred to as “lambs,” who need guidance.
He noted how these vulnerable sectors become the target of the “marauding wolves,” especially during the pandemic and he has committed to listen to their plight.
“I cannot feed my flock unless I listen first to their needs, their longings. While listening to them, I would be able to journey with them
– in their sorrow and joy, in their suffering and glory – and collaborate work with them, to bring them closer to Christ,” Advincula said.
New challenge
Advincula candidly said he initially felt “inadequate” for his new position, but by remembering the example of Christ and being his herald, he gained the confidence to face his new challenge at the Archdiocese of Manila.
“I am now 69 years old, at the twilight of my ministry. I thought I was that old to be transferred to another diocese,” Advincula said.
“But in a mysterious fashion, God has called me to get away from my comfort zone, and serve Him in a manner far beyond my expectations. And it demands of me a lot more than I can give if I am to shepherd His flock after His own heart,” he added.
Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said that he and other members of the clergy of the Archdiocese of Manila are ready to help Advincula in his mission.
“Do not be afraid, we are ready as always to cooperate and collaborate with our shepherds. You are not in this alone,” Pabillo said.
Worthy successor
For his part, Advincula thanked Pabillo, who served as Apostolic Administrator as the Archdiocese of Manila following the reassignment to the Vatican of former Archbishop of Manila Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle last year.
He noted how Pabillo was able to mange well the Archdiocese for 16 months amid the pandemic.
Advincula’s installation as the 33rd Archbishop of Manila was attended by Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Charles Brown as well as other Church and local government officials.
In the Apostolic Letter from Pope Francis, read by Manila Archdiocese Chancellor Fr. Reginald Malicdem, the Holy See said he approved the recommendation of the Congregation of bishops to give Advincula his new position due to exemplary service in the Archdiocese of Capiz.
“We, therefore, think of you, our venerable brother, who are found to be gifted with proven qualities with merits of owing exercise of apostolic work in the metropolitan archdiocese of Capiz that we deem you suitable to fulfil this new responsibility,” Pope Francis said in his letter.
—in their sorrow and joy, in their suffering and glory—and collaborate work with them, to bring them closer to Christ,” Advincula said.
New challenge
Advincula candidly said he initially felt “inadequate” for his new position, but by remembering the example of Christ and being his herald, he gained the confidence to face his new challenge at the Archdiocese of Manila.
“I am now 69 years old, at the twilight of my ministry. I thought I was that old to be transferred to another diocese,” Advincula said.
“But in a mysterious fashion, God has called me to get away from my comfort zone, and serve Him in a manner far beyond my expectations. And it demands of me a lot more than I can give if I am to shepherd His flock after His own heart,” he added.
Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said that he and other members of the clergy of the Archdiocese of Manila are ready to help Advincula in his mission.
“Do not be afraid, we are ready as always to cooperate and collaborate with our shepherds. You are not in this alone,” Pabillo said.
Worthy successor
For his part, Advincula thanked Pabillo, who served as Apostolic Administrator as the Archdiocese of Manila following the reassignment to the Vatican of former Archbishop of Manila Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle last year.
He noted how Pabillo was able to mange well the Archdiocese for 16 months amid the pandemic.
Advincula’s installation as the 33rd Archbishop of Manila was attended by Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Charles Brown, as well as other Church and local government officials.
In the Apostolic Letter from Pope Francis, read by Manila Archdiocese Chancellor Fr. Reginald Malicdem, the Holy See said he approved the recommendation of the Congregation of bishops to give Advincula his new position due to exemplary service in the Archdiocese of Capiz.
“We, therefore, think of you, our venerable brother, who are found to be gifted with proven qualities with merits of owing exercise of apostolic work in the metropolitan archdiocese of Capiz that we deem you suitable to fulfil this new responsibility,” Pope Francis said in his letter.
Image courtesy of Bernard Testa
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