He said “the pastoral challenge far outweighs the significance of all these historic events converging today.”
“All of us, Filipinos, are called to take up such a challenge, in our respective ministry or area of responsibility, most especially for us leaders of our nation – both in the Church and in the civil government,” said Cardinal Advincula.
“I have nothing new to tell you today,” said the cardinal, “except my commitment to renew my heart’s desire to be a listening shepherd to the flock entrusted to my care.”
He then asked for the support of the clergy, consecrated persons, and the faithful of the archdiocese.
“Let me be a listening shepherd to you all, and let us learn from one another how to listen after the heart of Christ our Good Shepherd,” he said.
He then appealed for prayers “that I may have a heart after that of Christ our Good Shepherd — a listening shepherd to Christ’s bidding — ever ready to suffer for and serve Christ’s sheep.”
“I am deeply aware how I fall short of people’s expectations of me, how unworthy and inadequate I am in many ways,” he said.
“I pray that Christ grants me the grace to be a listening shepherd to His flock so that I can journey with you and lead you all back to Christ our Good Shepherd,” he said.
The cardinal turned emotional as he thanked the priests, consecrated persons and the laity of the Archdiocese of Capiz in the central Philippines, where he served for the past nine years.
“Thank you so much for teaching me to be a shepherd who listens,” he said.
“For 20 years of being your bishop, I tried to be a listening shepherd to you; yet, as you know well, there is still a lot that I should learn,” he said.
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More than 30 bishops and around 200 priests from all over the archdiocese, some from the Diocese of Capiz in the central Philippines, took part in the celebration of the installation of the archbishop.
The ceremony coincided with the celebration of the 450th anniversary of the founding of the city of Manila.
Cardinal Advincula admitted he never expected to be named a cardinal or to lead the Archdiocese of Manila.
“When Pope Francis named me a cardinal and eventually appointed me as archbishop of Manila, I must confess I was simply overwhelmed by such honor and responsibility,” he said.
“I have had many restless days and sleepless nights as I confronted my doubts and fears,” he added.
He said his episcopal motto “Audiam (I will listen)” has guided him through his episcopate.
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