Before officially starting his presidential duties, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. decided to attend a Mass with his Cabinet members before formally starting his first day in office as the country's new leader, Malacañang said.
In a statement, the Palace described Marcos's move as him "wanting to seek guidance" before starting his duties as the 17th Philippine President.
According to the Palace, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula officiated the said Mass at the San Miguel Parish Church adjacent the Malacañang compound.
Vice President Sara Duterte attended the same Holy Mass as other Cabinet secretaries and officials of the Marcos administration led by Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez.
In his homily, Cardinal Advincula called on the two top leaders of the country to emulate the two traits of the Good Shepherd, such as the "listening leadership and life-giving leadership."
"As we meet in our offices and conference halls asking questions in our heads, may we be mindful of our people who ask questions on their empty stomachs...May we be leaders who listen to our people, especially the poor and marginalized," he said.
"Jesus Christ is also a life-giving shepherd, a life-giving leader. He desires his flock to gain abundance and fullness of life, and he does this by laying down his own life for his sheep. He came not to be served, but to serve," he added.
LOOK: Newly sworn-in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and VP Sara Duterte attend Mass presided over by Cardinal Jose Advincula with Cardinal Orlando Quevedo as concelebrant at the National Shrine of St. Michael the Archangels on July 1. Fr. Mico Dellera via Radio Veritas pic.twitter.com/SvrOkEQLk7
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Advincula likewise asked government leaders to seek good for the entire Philippine population and not just for some individuals or particular groups.
"Guided by truth, urged by charity, and passionate for justice and peace, may you spend yourselves in the service of the common good," he said.
Meanwhile, Cardinal Advincula urged the public to rally behind the newly-elected officials of the country, especially Marcos and Duterte, so they could effectively execute their mandate and fulfill their aspirations for the betterment of the nation.
“Sama-sama nating mahalin at paglingkuran ang ating bayan. Ipagdasal natin ang ating mga lider; tangkilikin natin ang kanilang mga mahuhusay at mabubuting hangarin at hakbangin (Let us love and serve our country together. Let us pray for our leaders and support their good intentions and plans)," he said.
"Kailangan nila ang panalangin at pagkikipagtulungan natin upang magbunga ang mga pagpupunyagi nila para sa ikabubuti nating lahat (They need our prayer and cooperation for the success of their endeavors aimed for our welfare),” he added.
Also present during the mass were Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Erwin Tulfo, Justice Secretary Jesus “Boying” Crispin Remulla, Presidential Management Staff Chief Naida Angping, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople, NEDA Director-General Arsenio Balisacan, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III.