By Analou De Vera
The Catholic faithful were urged to become "instrument of healing and comfort" to those people who are experiencing pain, just like St. Camillus de Lellis did.
Father Reginald Malicdem (Manila Cathedral website / MANILA BULLETIN)
This was the message of Father Reginald Malicdem, as he presided the Holy Mass in celebration of the visit of the incorrupt heart relic of St. Camillus de Lellis at the Manila Cathedral on Saturday.
"Napakarami sa ating mundo ngayon ang nagdadala ng maraming hirap, karamdaman, at pasakit sa buhay. Sana tayo ay maging instrumento din katulad ni San Camillo nang pagbibigay ng lunas, ng konting kagaanan, ng konting kaginhawaan sa buhay ng mga taong sa paligid natin na naghihirap," said Malicdem in his homily.
One's illness or suffering can also be means of showing solidarity with other people, said Malicdem.
"Instead of making us selfish, let us make use of our illness, suffering, and pain in order to be in solidarity with our brothers and sisters. And for this, there is a reward, there is a promise of eternal life," he said.
"Those who bring comfort and relief to others, even through just as a small bread and a cup of water, even through just a simple visit, will enter the Kingdom of God. This is what Saint Camillus received as a reward from God," he furthered.
The prelate also encouraged the faithful to pray for the healing and relief of those who are experiencing various forms of infirmities.
"We pray for this because this is God's desire for us. God wants us to be whole, God wants us to be well," told Malicdem.