POPE’S DAY POST COMMUNION ADDRESS
Manila Cathedral – 10 AM, 26 April 2005

 Dear Friends, Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Today, a beautiful Tuesday morning, is made extra special because the Church in the Philippines has chosen this very day to be this year’s Day of the Pope. In our solemn liturgy, we joyfully express our commitment and fidelity to Christ and His Church by professing out devotion, obedience and support for the Bishop of Rome and of the Universal Church. So, in coming together as one family of God, we unite our thoughts, our hearts and our prayers as we accompany our beloved new Vicar, Pope Benedict XVI, who last Sunday officially inaugurated his Petrine ministry.

Allow me now to heartily thank you all, on behalf of the Holy Father. First, may I express deep gratitude to the President, H.E. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, former President Corazon C. Aquino, Hon. Jose C. de Venecia, Jr., Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alberto G. Romulo, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Their Excellencies Ambassadors and Heads of Missions, honorable Government Leaders and Officials and the entire Filipino nation, which has always shown filial affection and attachment towards the successor of Peter. Thank you very much to His Excellency, Most Rev. Fernando R. Capalla, Archbishop of Davao and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, His Excellency, Most Rev. Gaudencio B. Rosales, Archbishop of Manila, and all my brother Bishops and Prelates of the Philippine Hierarchy for leading the entire Local Church in professing deep communion and cooperation with the Sovereign Pontiff. Thank you dear people of God, for your presence and for showing your love, solidarity and support.

As we experience in this Holy Eucharist the deep joy of being a family in the faith and the charity which unite our minds and our hearts, let us continually pray to our dearest Mother Mary, that God may always inspire, guide and sustain the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. Amen.