PARAÑAQUE CITY, March 15 (PIA) -- Pope Francis on Sunday celebrated Mass to mark the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines, the only Catholic nation in Southeast Asia.
During the celebration, the Pope joined the Church in the Philippines in commemorating 500 years of Christianity as he urged Filipinos to renew their commitment to Christ as missionary disciples.
He celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City with several representatives of the Filipino Church, including Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, formerly the Archbishop of Manila.
In his homily, the Pope said Filipinos received the joy of the Gospel half a millennia ago, “and this joy is evident in your people.”
“We see it in your eyes, on your faces, in your songs and in your prayers,” he said. “I want to thank you for the joy you bring to the whole world and to our Christian communities,” Pope Francis said.
Recognizing the witness of faith Filipinos offer through their “discreet and hardworking presence”, he also urged them to “persevere in the work of evangelization.”
Pope Francis said the Gospel message of God’s closeness must be constantly proclaimed to others, so that none might perish.
The Pope urged Filipino Catholics to walk courageously along the path of missionary discipleship, as the Church in the Philippines celebrates the quincentenary of her birth.
“Never be afraid to proclaim the Gospel, to serve and to love,” he said. “With your joy, you will help people to say of the Church too: ‘she so loved the world!’” the Pope said.
On Tuesday, March 16, the country will commence its 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines (2021 QCP) in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
It is composed of thirty-four quincentennial milestones that will last until October 28 in Sarangani Island, Davao Occidental.
These include the 500th anniversary of the Philippine part in the first circumnavigation of the world, the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan, and the 500th anniversary of the introduction of Christianity in the Philippines.
A total of 34 historical markers will be unveiled between this period: three of which will be in Guiuan, one to be officiated by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte of March 18 in Barangay Ngolos.
Visit www.nqc.gov.ph for more details. Follow www.facebook.com/nqc2021 for updates.(PIA NCR)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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