A CHALLENGE TO SERVE THE POOR MORE

(Remarks delivered by HIS EMINENCE CARDINAL-ELECT GAUDENCIO B. ROSALES, ARCBHISHOP OF MANILA during the Mass where His Excellency Archbishop Antonio Franco, outgoing Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines announced his elevation to the cardinalate on Feb. 22, 2006 at 7 p.m. at the Manila Cathedral. The mass was really in celebration of the 40 th anniversary of the Focolare Movement in the Philippines. Aside from Cardinal-elect Rosales and Archbishop Franco, the other bishops present were Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of the Archdiocese of Lipa, Bishop Jesus Cabrera of the Diocese of Alaminos, Auxiliary Bishop-elect Roberto Mallari of the Archdiocese of San Fernando Pampanga. Some 28 priests also concelebrated the Mass)

I have no voice. (Archbishop was suffering from laryngitis and had no voice).

First of all I have to apologize, I literally broke into your celebration, I am a gatecrasher. (APPLAUSE). It was the Apostolic Nuncio who told me to come to the cathedral…nonetheless I am truly appreciative of the presence of the (members of the) Focolare Movement in the Philippines; your spirituality is one of unity and communion; unity embedded in the prayer of Jesus to his father, begging the father just a few hours before he entered his passion, “Father make me one as you are in me and I am in you. That they be one among themselves, that the world may believe you sent me.” That is the heart of the Focolare spirituality. Unity even among so many differences. And sharing in communion, cutting through their various status, socio-economic and cultural strata. Is this not what our country needs? Unity. I ask you as you celebrate your 40 th year of grace and presence in the Philippines, is this not exactly what our country is looking for? And if you think along that line, then I would say there is absolutely no unity and communion unless everyone makes a sacrifice of surrendering self, ambition, selfish interests no matter how good they think they are. Is it called sharing without giving yourself totally to the other in Jesus?

Pray for our country still looking for unity and yet is not willing to make sacrifice. It is a prayer, like the sacrifice Jesus was looking for in that prayer. Pray much. I’m sure we will find it (unity) one day, not through the barrel of the gun, not through selfish ambition, not through plots, power or powerlessness, but to only in the prayer and spirit of Jesus. I also want to thank you for praying to God for me. I need not tell you I do not deserve this. I’m completely unworthy. Woe to you that this added task or responsibility or work will not be honor but would mean greater service to the many poor around us, so neglected by the powerful, may be attended to, recognized, loved and served. Thank you so much for allowing me to concelebrate or celebrate with you. God bless. APPLAUSE.

Interview with Radio Veritas right after Mass.

Magandang gabi sa inyong lahat. Magtatapat bagamat tinanggap ko itong ganitong karangalan sa simbahan ay alam kong na ako ay hindi karapatdapat, pero gayun pa man hari manawari itong dagdag na pananagutan ay mahulugan na ang mga dukha, yung ang mga walang pangalan, walang dangal, yung alam nating nagdurusa ay matagpuan muli at sa abot ng aking makakaya ay siyang matulungan. Please pray for me. That’s all I need. Thank you.