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Your Eminences,

My dear Brother Bishops and Priests,
Distinguished Authorities and Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Dear Brothers and Sisters,

During these days of great intensity, we have chanted the litany of the saints on three different occasions: at the funeral of our Holy Father John Paul II; as the Cardinals entered the Conclave; and again today, when we sang it with the response: Tu illum adiuva – sustain the new Successor of Saint Peter. On each occasion, in a particular way, I found great consolation in listening to this prayerful chant. How alone we all felt after the passing of John Paul II – the Pope who for over twenty-six years had been our shepherd and guide on our journey through life! He crossed the threshold of the next life, entering into the mystery of God. But he did not take this step alone. Those who believe are never alone – neither in life nor in death. At that moment, we could call upon the Saints from every age – his friends, his brothers and sisters in the faith – knowing that they would form a living procession to accompany him into the next world, into the glory of God. We knew that his arrival was awaited. Now we know that he is among his own and is truly at home. We were also consoled as we made our solemn entrance into Conclave, to elect the one whom the Lord had chosen. How would we be able to discern his name? How could 115 Bishops, from every culture and every country, discover the one on whom the Lord wished to confer the mission of binding and loosing? Once again, we knew that we were not alone, we knew that we were surrounded, led and guided by the friends of God. And now, at this moment, weak servant of God that I am, I must assume this enormous task, which truly exceeds all human capacity. How can I do this? How will I be able to do it? All of you, my dear friends, have just invoked the entire host of Saints, represented by some of the great names in the history of God’s dealings with mankind. In this way, I too can say with renewed conviction: I am not alone. I do not have to carry alone what in truth I could never carry alone. All the Saints of God are there to protect me, to sustain me and to carry me. And your prayers, my dear friends, your indulgence, your love, your faith and your hope accompany me. Indeed, the communion of Saints consists not only of the great men and women who went before us and whose names we know. All of us belong to the communion of Saints, we who have been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we who draw life from the gift of Christ’s Body and Blood, through which he transforms us and makes us like himself. Yes, the Church is alive – this is the wonderful experience of these days. During those sad days of the Pope’s illness and death, it became wonderfully evident to us that the Church is alive. And the Church is young. She holds within herself the future of the world and therefore shows each of us the way towards the future. The Church is alive and we are seeing it: we are experiencing the joy that the Risen Lord promised his followers. The Church is alive – she is alive because Christ is alive, because he is truly risen. In the suffering that we saw on the Holy Father’s face in those days of Easter, we contemplated the mystery of Christ’s Passion and we touched his wounds. But throughout these days we have also been able, in a profound sense, to touch the Risen One. We have been able to experience the joy that he promised, after a brief period of darkness, as the fruit of his resurrection.

The Church is alive – with these words, I greet with great joy and gratitude all of you gathered here, my venerable brother Cardinals and Bishops, my dear priests, deacons, Church workers, catechists. I greet you, men and women Religious, witnesses of the transfiguring presence of God. I greet you, members of the lay faithful, immersed in the great task of building up the Kingdom of God which spreads throughout the world, in every area of life. With great affection I also greet all those who have been reborn in the sacrament of Baptism but are not yet in full communion with us; and you, my brothers and sisters of the Jewish people, to whom we are joined by a great shared spiritual heritage, one rooted in God’s irrevocable promises. Finally, like a wave gathering force, my thoughts go out to all men and women of today, to believers and non-believers alike.

Dear friends! At this moment there is no need for me to present a programme of governance. I was able to give an indication of what I see as my task in my Message of Wednesday 20 April, and there will be other opportunities to do so. My real programme of governance is not to do my own will, not to pursue my own ideas, but to listen, together with the whole Church, to the word and the will of the Lord, to be guided by Him, so that He himself will lead the Church at this hour of our history. Instead of putting forward a programme, I should simply like to comment on the two liturgical symbols which represent the inauguration of the Petrine Ministry; both these symbols, moreover, reflect clearly what we heard proclaimed in today’s readings.

The first symbol is the Pallium, woven in pure wool, which will be placed on my shoulders. This ancient sign, which the Bishops of Rome have worn since the fourth century, may be considered an image of the yoke of Christ, which the Bishop of this City, the Servant of the Servants of God, takes upon his shoulders. God’s yoke is God’s will, which we accept. And this will does not weigh down on us, oppressing us and taking away our freedom. To know what God wants, to know where the path of life is found – this was Israel’s joy, this was her great privilege. It is also our joy: God’s will does not alienate us, it purifies us – even if this can be painful – and so it leads us to ourselves. In this way, we serve not only him, but the salvation of the whole world, of all history. The symbolism of the Pallium is even more concrete: the lamb’s wool is meant to represent the lost, sick or weak sheep which the shepherd places on his shoulders and carries to the waters of life. For the Fathers of the Church, the parable of the lost sheep, which the shepherd seeks in the desert, was an image of the mystery of Christ and the Church. The human race – every one of us – is the sheep lost in the desert which no longer knows the way. The Son of God will not let this happen; he cannot abandon humanity in so wretched a condition. He leaps to his feet and abandons the glory of heaven, in order to go in search of the sheep and pursue it, all the way to the Cross. He takes it upon his shoulders and carries our humanity; he carries us all – he is the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. What the Pallium indicates first and foremost is that we are all carried by Christ. But at the same time it invites us to carry one another. Hence the Pallium becomes a symbol of the shepherd’s mission, of which the Second Reading and the Gospel speak. The pastor must be inspired by Christ’s holy zeal: for him it is not a matter of indifference that so many people are living in the desert. And there are so many kinds of desert. There is the desert of poverty, the desert of hunger and thirst, the desert of abandonment, of loneliness, of destroyed love. There is the desert of God’s darkness, the emptiness of souls no longer aware of their dignity or the goal of human life. The external deserts in the world are growing, because the internal deserts have become so vast. Therefore the earth’s treasures no longer serve to build God’s garden for all to live in, but they have been made to serve the powers of exploitation and destruction. The Church as a whole and all her Pastors, like Christ, must set out to lead people out of the desert, towards the place of life, towards friendship with the Son of God, towards the One who gives us life, and life in abundance. The symbol of the lamb also has a deeper meaning. In the Ancient Near East, it was customary for kings to style themselves shepherds of their people. This was an image of their power, a cynical image: to them their subjects were like sheep, which the shepherd could dispose of as he wished. When the shepherd of all humanity, the living God, himself became a lamb, he stood on the side of the lambs, with those who are downtrodden and killed. This is how he reveals himself to be the true shepherd: “I am the Good Shepherd . . . I lay down my life for the sheep”, Jesus says of himself (Jn 10:14f). It is not power, but love that redeems us! This is God’s sign: he himself is love. How often we wish that God would make show himself stronger, that he would strike decisively, defeating evil and creating a better world. All ideologies of power justify themselves in exactly this way, they justify the destruction of whatever would stand in the way of progress and the liberation of humanity. We suffer on account of God’s patience. And yet, we need his patience. God, who became a lamb, tells us that the world is saved by the Crucified One, not by those who crucified him. The world is redeemed by the patience of God. It is destroyed by the impatience of man.

One of the basic characteristics of a shepherd must be to love the people entrusted to him, even as he loves Christ whom he serves. “Feed my sheep”, says Christ to Peter, and now, at this moment, he says it to me as well. Feeding means loving, and loving also means being ready to suffer. Loving means giving the sheep what is truly good, the nourishment of God’s truth, of God’s word, the nourishment of his presence, which he gives us in the Blessed Sacrament. My dear friends – at this moment I can only say: pray for me, that I may learn to love the Lord more and more. Pray for me, that I may learn to love his flock more and more – in other words, you, the holy Church, each one of you and all of you together. Pray for me, that I may not flee for fear of the wolves. Let us pray for one another, that the Lord will carry us and that we will learn to carry one another.

The second symbol used in today’s liturgy to express the inauguration of the Petrine Ministry is the presentation of the fisherman’s ring. Peter’s call to be a shepherd, which we heard in the Gospel, comes after the account of a miraculous catch of fish: after a night in which the disciples had let down their nets without success, they see the Risen Lord on the shore. He tells them to let down their nets once more, and the nets become so full that they can hardly pull them in; 153 large fish: “and although there were so many, the net was not torn” (Jn 21:11). This account, coming at the end of Jesus’s earthly journey with his disciples, corresponds to an account found at the beginning: there too, the disciples had caught nothing the entire night; there too, Jesus had invited Simon once more to put out into the deep. And Simon, who was not yet called Peter, gave the wonderful reply: “Master, at your word I will let down the nets.” And then came the conferral of his mission: “Do not be afraid. Henceforth you will be catching men” (Lk 5:1-11). Today too the Church and the successors of the Apostles are told to put out into the deep sea of history and to let down the nets, so as to win men and women over to the Gospel – to God, to Christ, to true life. The Fathers made a very significant commentary on this singular task. This is what they say: for a fish, created for water, it is fatal to be taken out of the sea, to be removed from its vital element to serve as human food. But in the mission of a fisher of men, the reverse is true. We are living in alienation, in the salt waters of suffering and death; in a sea of darkness without light. The net of the Gospel pulls us out of the waters of death and brings us into the splendour of God’s light, into true life. It is really true: as we follow Christ in this mission to be fishers of men, we must bring men and women out of the sea that is salted with so many forms of alienation and onto the land of life, into the light of God. It is really so: the purpose of our lives is to reveal God to men. And only where God is seen does life truly begin. Only when we meet the living God in Christ do we know what life is. We are not some casual and meaningless product of evolution. Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary. There is nothing more beautiful than to be surprised by the Gospel, by the encounter with Christ. There is nothing more beautiful than to know Him and to speak to others of our friendship with Him. The task of the shepherd, the task of the fisher of men, can often seem wearisome. But it is beautiful and wonderful, because it is truly a service to joy, to God’s joy which longs to break into the world.

Here I want to add something: both the image of the shepherd and that of the fisherman issue an explicit call to unity. “I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must lead them too, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd” (Jn 10:16); these are the words of Jesus at the end of his discourse on the Good Shepherd. And the account of the 153 large fish ends with the joyful statement: “although there were so many, the net was not torn” (Jn 21:11). Alas, beloved Lord, with sorrow we must now acknowledge that it has been torn! But no – we must not be sad! Let us rejoice because of your promise, which does not disappoint, and let us do all we can to pursue the path towards the unity you have promised. Let us remember it in our prayer to the Lord, as we plead with him: yes, Lord, remember your promise. Grant that we may be one flock and one shepherd! Do not allow your net to be torn, help us to be servants of unity!

At this point, my mind goes back to 22 October 1978, when Pope John Paul II began his ministry here in Saint Peter’s Square. His words on that occasion constantly echo in my ears: “Do not be afraid! Open wide the doors for Christ!” The Pope was addressing the mighty, the powerful of this world, who feared that Christ might take away something of their power if they were to let him in, if they were to allow the faith to be free. Yes, he would certainly have taken something away from them: the dominion of corruption, the manipulation of law and the freedom to do as they pleased. But he would not have taken away anything that pertains to human freedom or dignity, or to the building of a just society. The Pope was also speaking to everyone, especially the young. Are we not perhaps all afraid in some way? If we let Christ enter fully into our lives, if we open ourselves totally to him, are we not afraid that He might take something away from us? Are we not perhaps afraid to give up something significant, something unique, something that makes life so beautiful? Do we not then risk ending up diminished and deprived of our freedom? And once again the Pope said: No! If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful and great. No! Only in this friendship are the doors of life opened wide. Only in this friendship is the great potential of human existence truly revealed. Only in this friendship do we experience beauty and liberation. And so, today, with great strength and great conviction, on the basis of long personal experience of life, I say to you, dear young people: Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him, we receive a hundredfold in return. Yes, open, open wide the doors to Christ – and you will find true life. Amen.

Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana

PRAYER FOR THE NEW POPE





God our Father, shepherd, and guide, look with love on Pope Benedict XVI, your servant, the pastor of your Church.

May his word and example inspire and guide the Church, and may he, and all those entrusted to his care, come to the joy of everlasting life.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

(Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales)

OF NEW POPE


God, our loving Father,
You keep together those you have united.
Look kindly on us and hear our prayers.
We pray for those who have been tasked
To elect the Vicar of Christ on earth,
and the successor to the apostle Peter.
Fill them with your love, wisdom and your Spirit.
That they may always seek only
what you desire for your Church.
Help us all to listen to your Word,
and through the Chief Shepherd you will give us
Build your Church into a sacrament of unity,
love and peace for all the world.

We ask this through our lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
One God, for ever and ever… AMEN

We all think of them as holy; a little closer to heaven than the rest of us. But, really they are human too, just like us.

On April 9, six priests from the different dioceses in Metro Manila will stage their fourth major concert at the Aliw Theater, Roxas Boulevard. From obscurity, these six priests embarked on an evangelization mission through song and dance by coming together and staging concerts that featured not only spiritual but contemporary songs. By doing so, they believe that they can show a Church that is not condescending but more open and accessible.

Fr. Erick Santos strongly denies that he is a singer. He confesses that he is more of a performer. He always ends up being the darling of the audience because of his antics and wit. Some say it is also because he is a dead ringer for Roderick Paulate. He was brave enough to risk life and limb when he sang “I Believe I Can Fly” from a moving harness at the Aliw Theater while throwing feathers to an amazed audience. Don’t be fooled by his funny exterior though. This priest has a degree in Comparative Religion, Ecclesiastical Studies and masters in Educational Management. Fr. Erick takes his pastoral mission very seriously as parish priest of Santo Niño de Tondo Parish. He is also one of Ai Ai delas Alas’s best friends.

The “bunso” (youngest) of the group is Fr. Daniel Allan Samonte, parish priest of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Novaliches. His fellow priests say that he is the most emotional of the group. Audiences simply love his rendition of Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano hits like “Kahit Isang Saglit” and “The Warrior is a Child.” He is a favorite among the young because of his artista looks and rebonded hair.

At first glance, Fr. Joel Jason is one serious priest. But give him a guitar and play some tunes and you will discover a romantic who also has above average dancing skills. He has the gift of discernment when selecting young men who want to be priests as head of the Admissions Board of the San Carlos Seminary.

Fr. Ray Pascual’s rendition of the ballroom hit “Sway” has become very popular among the six priests’ audiences. Amiable and soft-spoken, he was instrumental in forming the group when he was chaplain of the Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord in SM Megamall. Today, he is director of formation at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Institute. He prefers to sing standards and plays the keyboard and guitar.

Fr. James Nitollama is the parish priest of Lord of Divine Mercy parish in Novaliches, the concert’s primary beneficiary. He was formerly with the Sampari singing group that launched a self-titled album in 1999.

Fr. Steven Zabala is best remembered for his “shocking” rock ‘n roll performances. He shocked the audience with his rendition of “Laklak” while wearing a wig. He also brought the house down when he sang “Crazy Little Thing called Love,” “Twist and Shout” and “Mr. Suave.” This priest is also an author and songwriter. He graduated Magna cum Laude from the San Jose Seminary at the Ateneo de Manila University. Perhaps it is Fr. Steve’s rapport with the young that inspired him to come up with a book entitled Paglaki Ko Gusto Kong Maging Pari. Recently he also came up with a book of homilies entitled, Parables of Jesus. He currently heads the Diocesan Formation Ministry of the Diocese of Cubao and is the parish priest of Our Lady of Pentecost Parish in Loyola Heights Quezon City.

Known together as the 6 Priests in the City, the brotherhood of fathers will perform hits of the ’70s and ’80s for the True Confessions concert. They solemnly vow that they will divulge their own “true confessions” during the show. Yes, the tables will turn!

And because priests shouldn’t lie, expect one highly interesting and enjoyable performance from the reverend fathers.

Happy Easter to one and all! I didn’t have the privilege of greeting you dear readers last week for fear that Mike might turn the tables on me! At any rate though, Nidz and I wish you all the peace of the Risen Christ.

During this great feast of Easter, we are called to rejoice in the Lord’s triumph and mercy. Christ is victorious over sin and death. Christ is compassionate to His repentant people. Indeed there is a special day set aside by the Church to celebrate how merciful God is – Mercy Sunday on 3rd April.

Catholic Filipinos don’t need to be reminded of that habit every 3 o’clock in the afternoon when most if not all TV/radio programmes (and schools/colleges) allocate a few minutes to remember the hour when Jesus died and to tell Him “Jesus I trust in You.” The 3 o’clock habit has become a mainstay in our lives since its inception in the nation in June 1985. The devotion to the Divine Mercy in our country has spread like wild fire since then. Apart from the 3 o’clock prayer, we also have the Chaplet of Mercy a copy of which is posted in our very own web. I started to know and pray this in the late 80s thanks to two women: Godmother Toyang Ronquillo and Grandaunt Mining Madamba, both now enjoying the presence of Jesus, King of Mercy. I introduced it in St Rita Hospital and later had an image of the Divine Mercy put in the chapel.

During my stint in the AP Youth in 1991, we organized Divine Mercy Chaplet Recitations and Triduum/Feast day Masses to honour the Lord. The following year, apart from the usual activities we also have a Holy Hour and a Film showing/Talk by Don de Castro, chief propagator of the devotion in the country. An off-shoot of these events was the recitation of the chaplet every Sunday before the 4pm Mass. Jonathan de la Llana, my successor, continued the practice. I was informed later that the devotion would be handled by another organization, but haven’t heard since then. What I did saw were a small group of parishioners bringing an image of the Lord from one house to another similar to the block rosary we all have grown up with. Our home in Gagalangin was blessed to have been visited by this holy image thanks to Tita Belen Ibañez and Mommy Norma Garcia who have been active in propagating the devotion among neighbours and friends (even those outside the district).

When I came to Nottingham, I really thought that I would miss a lot of devotions until Maundy Thursday 2004 came. As I was on my way home Madeleine Heraghty, a special minister of the Eucharist in our parish, asked me if I could carry the crucifix for the Mercy Sunday Service. I learned that the parish has been doing this for quite a time already. The service included the 3 o’clock prayer, Stations of the Cross (where I was asked to carry the crucifix), Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and Confessions, to name a few. The Philippines was special mentioned because it stood out as one of the nations where Mercy Sunday is observed with utmost festivity.

This year I have been asked to make an appeal in our Sunday Masses inviting parishioners to participate in the service. Nidz will be doing her share as well in that activity. It seems that we have never really left home because the Lord has been here all along. It’s somewhat similar to the experience of Faustina who thought she could avoid Jesus, only to realize that she has been chosen to be the secretary of His Mercy. As the title of that film shown in Gagalangin puts it: “Divine Mercy No Escape.”

As we celebrate Mercy Sunday let us renew our trust in God who gives us every chance to change for the better. Let us also take this opportunity to become more compassionate to others especially the needy.