Newly installed Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula led the groundbreaking ceremony for the rebuilding of Sto. Nino de Pandacan Church in Pandacan, Manila after it was gutted by fire last year.

“Ang gagawin nating seremonya ng paghukay at pagbabasbas sa lupa ay pagkilala natin na ang lupang ito ay biyaya ng Diyos at tanda ng ugnayan ng Diyos sa atin (This groundbreaking ceremony is a recognition that this land is God's grace and a sign of God's relationship with us),” said Advincula in his homily as he presided a Holy Mass at the church site on Saturday, July 10.

With the ceremony marking the beginning of the reconstruction, Advincula said this served as a testament that God fulfilled his promise.

“Ang bayan ng Diyos dito sa Pandacan ay kinikilala ang lupang ito na siyang katunayan na tapat ang Diyos at tutuparin ng Diyos ang kanyang pangako sa ating lahat (God's followers in Pandacan recognize this land as proof that God is faithful and that He will keep his promise to all of us),” he said.

“Ang lupa na tanda ng pangako at ugnayan ng Diyos sa kanyang bayan. At si Hesus, ang kanyang buntong na anak na namuhay at nanirahan kapiling natin (This land is a sign of God's promise and relationship with his people. And Jesus, his only son, who lived with us),” he added.

Advincula expressed his support to the faithful in rebuilding the Sto. Nino Church.

“Bilang inyong bagong ama dito sa Archdiocese of Manila, kaisa ninyo ako sa pagbangon at pagsisimulang muli dito sa Parokya ng Sto. Nino de Pandacan. Narito ako bilang isang pastol na nakikinig sa inyong pagsamo at pangangailangan (As your new leader here in the Archdiocese of Manila, I'm one with you in starting a new beginning here in the Parish of Sto. Nino de Pandacan. I am here as a shepherd listening to your pleas and needs),” he said.

“Ang bagong simbahan na itatayo sa lupang kaloob ng Diyos ay magiging lugar kung saan mananahan si Hesus sa kanyang salita, sa sakramento ng katawan at dugo, at sa inyong pagdadamayan, pagkakaisa, at pagmamahalan, lalo na sa mga nangangailangan sa inyong pamayanan (The new church to be built on this land will be a place where Jesus will dwell in his word, in the sacrament of body and blood, and in solidarity, unity, and love, especially with those in need in your community),” he added.

The Sto. Nino de Pandacan Church was destroyed after it was hit by fire on July 10, 2020.

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