MANILA (UCAN): “Many (at the Vatican) cannot believe that in the Philippines there is a chapel in a mall,” Luis Cardinal Tagle of Manila, said during the celebration of the second Mass of the nine-day Simbang Gabi in the Philippines on December 17.
“They cannot believe that evangelisation can happen in commercial centres,” added the incoming prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples at the Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord in a shopping mall.
“They cannot believe that every first Friday there is a Mass in offices, banks,” he said.
“(People in the Vatican) probably want to understand why this is so,” added the cardinal.
“This is your fault,” Cardinal Tagle joked, drawing laughter from the faithful. He then appealed for prayers for his new Church assignment.
“I ask for your prayers,” he said, adding, “Everything is still unclear…. But when is life clear? It is not always clear.”
He said the observance of Advent by Catholics “is good because we have Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist all operating in the darkness of faith in the hope that the light will come.”
As head of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, Cardinal Tagle will direct with the mission work in most areas of Africa, Asia and Oceania. The congregation is also tasked with re-evangelising the old Christian world.
As prefect, the cardinal will also distribute funds collected by the congregation, which supports missionary work around the world.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
Church leaders across Asia have welcomed Cardinal Tagle’s appointment, describing it as a blessing not only for the Philippines but for the region.
“He can bring his wisdom to the work of evangelization,” Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Manila, said.
Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the outgoing papal nuncio to the Philippines, said Cardinal Tagle is “in a position to take care … of the evangelisation of people.”
Bishop Salvador Lobo of India, said the appointment comes at the right time when the “propagation of faith … is taking place much more effectively” compared to other areas.
He said the Church’s evangelisation work, especially in Asia, will “stand out” and will be given more attention under the leadership of Cardinal Tagle.
