Circular No. 2011 – 31
June 3, 2011

TO: ALL PRIEST S, RELIGIOUS MEN AND WOMEN IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA

Dear Monsignori, Fathers, Brothers, and Sisters,

Greetings of Peace!

On June 29, 2011, our beloved Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, will mark the 60th anniversary of his presbyteral ordination.  Together with him, we will celebrate this milestone with hearts overflowing with thanksgiving to God for the gift of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI.

This presents an inspired occasion for us to present a sincere manifestation of our spiritual union with him.  In solidarity with the Universal Church, and as suggested by the Congregation for Clergy, each parish, shrine, chaplaincy, and communities of religious men and women in the Archdiocese of Manila will have a 60-hour Eucharistic Adoration for the Sanctification of Priests starting on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul on June 29 (also Pope Benedict XVI’s presbyteral ordination date) and ending on July 1, 2011, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.  A prayer booklet on the 60-hour Eucharistic Adoration, prepared by the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission, will be sent to all parishes and shrines.

In connection with this, each parish, shrine, chaplaincy, and religious community is requested to draw up the program for this activity, which should be led by the parish priest, shrine rectors, chaplains, and religious superiors, with the support of the faithful.

We also request that a documentation (photos or videos) of parts of the 60-hour Eucharistic Adoration in a CD, together with a one-page written summary of the activities, be submitted to the Chancery Office on or before July 10, 2011.  This will in turn be sent to the Holy Father.

Finally, I also request all priests in the Archdiocese of Manila to attend our monthly Clergy Recollection on Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at Bahay Pari where we will dedicate our Holy Hour for His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI.  This time that we will spend prayer and adoration will manifest strongly as a presbyterium our spiritual unity with the Holy Father.

Let us all endeavor to be deeply and actively involved in this activities to express our love and oneness with the Vicar of Christ.

God bless you all.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Signed
+GAUDENCIO B. CARDINAL ROSALES
Archbishop of Manila