MANILA — Over 400 priests of the Archdiocese of Manila renewed their vows to priestly service at the Chrism Mass held at the Manila Cathedral on Maundy Thursday.
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle concelebrated the mass with Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia and Manila Archbishop Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.
The head of the archdiocese reminded members of the clergy about the importance of “integrity” in proclaiming the gospel, and should not only through words but by deeds.
“That’s why many people don’t listen to the Good News because they don’t see it from the one talking. They are looking for people of integrity whose words will match their action,” Tagle said in his homily.
“The Good News is not just to be proclaimed through words, in most instances it is better proclaimed in life, in deeds. That’s integrity,” the Catholic prelate added.
Also, he noted that evangelization challenges the faithful to communicate the truth about God’s love especially to the poor.
“Evangelization happens in a covenant relationship not in a context where some see people as objects to be manipulated for one’s purposes,” Tagle said.
During the Chrism Mass, the cardinal also blessed vessels of oils that will be used in parish churches throughout the archdiocese. (PNA)
