Sermon
Homily at Vespers with Religious
Men and Women
Homily delivered by His Eminence, Jaime L. Cardinal Sin,
D.D., Archbishop of Manila, on the occasion of the Solemn
Vespers with Religious Men and Women at the San Beda College
Chapel on 25 August 2003 at 6 p.m.
My dear Religious Men and Women:
I am very pleased to be with you this evening, joining the
whole Church in unceasing prayer to God. I chose to be with
you during this vespers to thank you for the invaluable help
you have extended to me through the years. As I thank God
for my forthcoming 75th birthday, you my dear men and women
of the consecrated life have been a special gift to me and
to the Church.
The Church as a mystery of communion has a mission to be
bring Christ to the world. Consecrated persons are an essential
part of this mission of the Church. All are called to a life
of holiness and one of the best ways to attain it is to become
a consecrated person. Each form of consecrated life is a visible
sign showing people the mystery of salvation. From the cloistered
retreat to active contemplation, from fleeing the world to
embracing its cultures, from an attentive silence to eloquent
proclamation, from monastic stability to mobile mission, you
radiate the love of Christ.
Your total self-giving to Christ, your life of adoration
and intercession for the world bear witness to the churches’
holiness. Your service to God’s people in various fields
of pastoral activity, education, care of the sick, the poor
and the abandoned make visible the motherly face of the church.
Indeed, you are God’s gift to the world!
Your example is very much needed today. In a world swayed
by the trappings of materialism, rugged individualism and
pseudo-values, your way of life is like a fresh spring in
the desert. As the world looks for fulfillment, you are proclaiming
that Christ is our true joy and peace. In a society that pursues
fleeting material riches, you show that Jesus is the greatest
enduring treasure. As people simply fend for their selfish
interests, you communicate that true life is lived for others
and for God.
It is my ardent prayer that you continue this mission in
the Church. Keep on witnessing the new order of grace instituted
by the Risen Christ. Let your consecration spread and transform
the world. Let us place our hope in the Blessed Virgin Mary,
first and mother of all disciples, model of strength and perseverance.
The Blessed Mother is the model of consecrated life because
she is one who welcomes, listens, and contemplates her Lord
in heartfelt praise. We pray to her for all consecrated men
and women so that she may protect, comfort and renew all of
you.
Once again, accept my sincerest gratitude. Please pray for
me your lowly father. And always remember, I love you very
dearly. God bless you always!
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