ROXAS CITY – With priests expected to carry out tasks which may put their lives at risk due to the continuing hike of coronavirus (Covid-19) cases, Capiz Archbishop Most Rev. Jose F. Advincula Jr., D.D. appealed to the public to pray for priests.
Archbishop Advincula made the plea in his homily during the Chrism Mass for the Archdiocese of Capiz on Tuesday, August 4, here at the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral.
Usually held on the morning of Maundy Thursday during the holy week, this year’s Chrism Mass in Capiz was resecheduled due to the state-imposed community quarantine measures that remained to be in effect back in April when the annual mass where all priests in the diocese are gathered to renew their priestly vows and where oils used in some of the sacraments are being blessed was supposed to have taken place.
August 4 has to be a symbolic date, the prelate even pointed out, as the Church celebrates the memorial of St. John Mary Vianney, patron saint of priests, whose holiness in doing his ministry serves as a standard of what a good priest has to be.
Archbishop Advincula stressed that as priests, including himself, they were “chosen and anointed to do the work of God” which was articulated by the Prophet Isaiah: “to preach, to cure, to liberate and to proclaim that salvation has come.”
“What the Lord did is what is expected of us priests… The mission of Christ is also our mission,” he said in Hiligaynon, addressing about 110 priests who were present at the Cathedral.
He also noted further that the mandate from the Lord, along with the standards displayed by the life and example of St. John Vianney, is “already proven to be quite a task under normal circumstances.”
But aware of the laity’s wishes for effective and good pastors, Archbishop Advincula turned to the faithful for their help in boosting their morale in responding to the demands of the current situation.
“May you never get tired of praying to God for your own good and for us, your priests,” the bishop appealed, stressing that the faithful’s prayers and support will truly make “more good priests.”
Moreover, the Archbishop lauded the Capiz clergy for being “creative” in carrying out their priestly duties amid the global crisis that has definitely hit communities all over the world.
The prelate took note that priests did tasks on varied capacities such as teaching catechesis online, hearing confessions, anointing the sick, blessing the dead, saying mass and ministering the other sacraments.
Some priests, he also intimated, initiated activities and efforts to support medical frontline workers and those who are poor whose livelihood may have been affected.
“Despite the present difficulties, I am happy that you priests were creative enough to fulfill the responsibilities you pledged to do when you were ordained,” Archbishop Advincula said.
“I congratulate you for having the dedication in serving the people of God and in your courage in renewing your priestly commitment despite our unworthiness,” he added.
