The celebration commemorating 500 years of evangelization in the Philippines began with this procession.
Many attendees wore traditional outfits, and two of them carried the Cross of Magallanes and the Child of Cebú. They moved to the beat of the song of thanksgiving, 'Bato balani sa gugma.'
Pope Francis wore pink vestments, the liturgical color for this Sunday of Lent. It represents hope, as it is a reminder that after pain comes joy.
In his homily, Pope Francis highlighted Filipino women's great capacity to evangelize.
POPE FRANCIS
Many times I have said that here in Rome, Filipino women are 'smugglers' of faith. Because wherever they work, they work, but they also sow the faith. This is, pardon the expression, a 'genetic disease,' but it is a beautiful disease. Hold on to it.
Pope Francis reflected on God's unconditional love. He said the Church must follow in His footsteps and imitate Him.
POPE FRANCIS
If God loves to the point of giving Himself, then the Church also has this mission: it was not sent to judge, but to welcome; not to impose, but to sow. The Church is called not to condemn, but to bring Christ, who is salvation.
At the end of the celebration, former Manila Archbishop, Card. Luis Antonio Tagle was visibly moved while he thanked the pope for the possibility to celebrate this Mass. He pointed out that there are currently 10 million Filipinos who have emigrated for work reasons.
CARD. LUIS ANTONIO TAGLE
When moments of loneliness come, we Filipino migrants find strength in Jesus.
Less than 200 people were allowed to attend due to anti-Covid measures. But that didn't take away from the festive atmosphere.
Javier Romero
