Lipa Archbishop Emeritus Ramon Arguelles has called on the faithful to be active missionaries following the example of St. Therese of the Child Jesus.
Archbishop Arguelles said St. Therese wanted to spread the faith as a missionary in Asia.
“St. Therese wanted to be a missionary in Asia, to help spread the Word of God in Asia. We have to continue to fulfill her dreams. Let us be a missionary of St. Therese for the Asian people. As Pope Francis said, not only in Asia but around the world,” the Church leader said over Radio Veritas.
The relics of the Little Flower of Jesus is in the country for the fifth time until April 30. It will be brought to key cities and dioceses around the country.
“Let us put our love and trust in God just like St. Therese. God is responsible for our lives. Let us nurture our faith the way St. Therese did during her lifetime,” Archbishop Arguelles said.
Military Ordinariate of the Philippines Bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio earlier encouraged the faithful to visit and pray before the relics of St. Therese as it makes the rounds of dioceses around the country.
The pilgrim relics of the popular saint arrived at the Shrine of St. Thérèse in Pasay City on Jan. 2. Her relics were also brought to the country in the years 2000, 2008, 2013 and in 2018.