The highlight of the congress is thus far, without question, the catechesis given by the Most Rev. Luis Tagle, Bishop of Imus in the Philippines. He spoke on the true nature of worship and adoration. His presentation was scripture-based and very engaging. He spoke as what made Christ’s sacrifice of himself, true worship was that it was in obedience to the Father and in solidarity with the poor. The bishop challenged us to offer our own worship and adoration in the same spirit. When we fail this we end up worshiping a false god; ourselves.
Fr. Liborio, Chair of the Toronto pilgrimage meets Bishop Tagle.
Another pilgrim is moved to meet the bishop.
Worship of false gods lead to lack of compassion for the poor. This false god is my “self” and I end up having to offer people as sacrifices for this god; the poor, the weak, the marginal. The Bishop challenged current society to stop sacrificing people for profit, greed etc.
But what really got the congress on its feet was the bishop’s call for the Church to reflect on its own actions. He challenged the bishops to episcopal humility and not to lose themselves in their own perception of power and prestige. The whole congress was on its feet for a thunderous standing ovation that lasted for ever.
The Bishop’s words were quite strong. It’s worth listening to the podcast when it comes online at www.archtoronto.org I told someone that this man will one day be pope. God knows. But while we wish B16 good health, we can also dream about the future!
The rest of the morning was spent in a penance service including a dramatic presentation of the Word. It included many young people and was quite moving. It was a little marred by the addition of a very long and dull homily by the presiding cardinal. Sometimes less is more!
Tonight some 11,000-15,000 pilgrims are in procession in part of old Quebec.
Your faithful scribe is taking some down time to relax as I feel a cold coming on and we still have much to do! Next week I am in Baltimore participating in a large gathering of friars. It’s a busy time.
Bishop Tagle is our Bishop here in the Diocese of Imus, Cavite Philippines, he is an eloquent and effective speaker. He has this God given ability to humanize the gospel so that everyone can understand it regardless if his listeners are learned or not. This can easily be gauge by the reaction of his audience. He is also very humble.
Whenever he visits our Parish it’s always teeming with people eager to attend his Mass and attentively listen to his Homily.
As to your comment that he is a future Pope, I very much agree!
Sincerely,
Marino J. Dasmarinas
Honestly, I am struck listening to your very generous comments. Thanks.
When I read your line that he would be the next Pope I was remined of an article from the Economist magazine a few years back that open with “Its hard to take the Philipines seriously…”
With human minds, maybe. But, if it is God’s “WILL” it will. For there is nothing impossible with God. Thanks.
Have a good rest Friar Rick. May God abide you always in your mission in Baltimore……
Reminds me of that old reliable statement…
“Men make plans, God laughs!”
I pray we’ll have Pope Benedict around a while yet!
Me and our Church too always have consider a mission to pray for the Pope Benedict.
The Bishop spoke w/ such passion and conviction, you really feel The Spirit speaking!
A lot of what he said made perfect sense and this is something we need from our religious leaders.
I too am from the Diocese of Imus and I definitely agree that he has the capacity and the grace to be our Pope. When he speaks, you could easily recognize the Spirit of God flowing through his listeners.
He is my all-time idol and forever will be my
Lord Bishop!