MANILA (Agencies): “The Archdiocese of Manila pays tribute to all workers on the front lines battling against the (Covid-19) coronavirus pandemic. Today, as the entire nation celebrates National Heroes Day, we honour them as our modern-day heroes,” apostolic administrator of Manila, Bishop Broderick Pabillo said during a Mass on August 31 as the Philippines marked National Heroes Day on August 31, UCAN reported.
CBCP News reported that the Mass was celebrated at San Felipe Neri Parish Church in Mandaluyong City.
“I admire their devotion to their countrymen. Despite their lack of rest and sleep and the overwhelming number of Covid patients in hospitals, they have been faithful to their oath and duty to take care of the sick,” the bishop said.
Bishop Pabillo expressed sadness that some people “are sinking our country” in debt, corruption and lamented the lack of a concrete plan to tackle the pandemic.
“But the heroism of our frontliners is keeping our nation afloat,” Bishop Pabillo said, adding, “ “Let us also pray for our modern heroes because of the many trials and challenges that they are going through.”
Also present at the Mass were frontline workers from different sectors who continue to risk their lives amid the pandemic.
After the end of the service, candles were also lit in front of photographs of the frontliners who have died in line of duty, CBCP News reported.
Retired bishop of Sorsogon, Bishop Arturo Bastes, said medical frontliners were “truly heroes” who risked their lives so that others may live. “These frontliners are always in danger of contracting the deadly disease whenever they treat people with Covid-19,” he remarked.
Bishop Bastes said health workers are “true to their vocation” for exposing not only themselves, but also their loved ones because of their jobs UCAN reported.
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“Frontliners do not show fear. They do not hesitate to serve them (Covid patients) despite the clear and present danger,” he said, adding that medical workers would forever be remembered in the minds and hearts of Filipinos.
“These heroes will live forever both in the memory of our nation and in God’s Kingdom. ‘Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground, it will remain just a grain of wheat; but if it is buried in the ground, it rises and bears fruits,’ as Jesus said of his own Passion,” he said.
CBCP News reported that Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga also asked Catholics to remember the sacrifices of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
“Through the years we have seen the sacrifices and services of our OFWs for the betterment of their families. Their financial contributions maintain our fragile economy,” he said.
Bishop Santos, vice chairperson of the Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People, added that OFWs also show what is best in the Filipino, including “our strong faith in God and resiliency.”
