By Leslie Ann G. Aquino
Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila Bishop Broderick Pabillo on Monday has asked the faithful to pray for Pope Francis and his ministry.
Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo (CBCP / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
"Let us pray for the Holy Father which I think he really needs because of the important ministry that he is now doing," he said in his Pope's Day Mass at the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.
Aside from praying for the pontiff, Pabillo also urged the faithful to be faithful to his teachings.
"The Pope's Day we also commit ourselves to be faithful to his teachings," he said.
"One of his important teachings from the beginning of his papacy is that we be missionary disciples. To be missionaries," added Pabillo.
"That in our faith, in whatever level of faith we are in, we are all called to be missionaries," he said.
Bishop Pabillo said the best way to keep Pope's Day is also to renew one's commitment to serve and to serve the Church.
"Plain service. Lowly service," he said.
"What is important is not the position, what is important is the service that we render," added Pabillo.
"May the two great apostles (Peter and Paul) spur us all to the call og Pope Francis to be missionary disciples. To be servants completely at the service of the Lord, our master," he said.
According to the Archdiocese of Manila, the Church celebrates Pope’s Day in honor of the Supreme Pontiff’s many contributions to the enrichment of Catholic faith.
The Pope who is the visible head of the worldwide Catholic Church has a duty to strengthen the union of the faithful in the Church and with Christ.
Pope’s day is also celebrated through confession and recitation of the Holy Rosary. In some countries, the writings about the Pope are distributed on the street while others prepare talks, forum, and video presentation showcasing the spiritual leadership of the Holy Father.