Photo courtesy of Vatican Media
The world celebrated with the Filipino Community as it rejoices for the 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines during a thanksgiving mass presided by Pope Francis at the St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Sunday, March 14.
During his homily, Pope Francis focused on the verse “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son.” (John 3:16) God gave His Son because He loves us. Pope Francis said that this is the nature of lovers, they go out of their way and give selflessly whatever they have.
“He is not a God who looks down upon us from on high, indifferent, but a loving Father who becomes part of our history. He is not a God who takes pleasure in the death of sinners, but a Father concerned that no one be lost. He is not a god who condemns, but a Father who saves us with the comforting embrace of His love,” Pope Francis reminded the faithfuls.
The mass started with the procession of Filipino representatives swaying with their white handkerchiefs following a Filipina who was holding the Santo Niño, a popular scene during our festivities here in the Philippines.
Before the mass ended, His Excellency Antonio Luis Tagle expressed his gratitude towards the Pope for leading the eucharistic celebration for the Filipinos.
“We pray that through our Filipino migrants, the name of Jesus, the beauty of the Church, and the justice, mercy and joy of God may reach the ends of the earth. Here in Rome, when we miss our grandfathers, we know we have a Lolo Kiko. Thank you very much, Holy Father.”
Earlier this month, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis will grant a plenary indulgence to everyone who will visit the designated Jubilee Churches in the Philippines upon its opening on April 4, 2021 until April 22, 2022.
When we gain plenary indulgence, our sins are forgiven and our temporal punishment will also be removed, unlike when we confess, our sins are forgiven but the temporal punishment for our sins remains.
In our celebration of the 500 years, Pope Francis wants to remind us that God loves us so much and He doesn’t want to do us any harm in spite of our wrongdoings.
