The Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Most Rev. Charles John Brown, presided over the Visperas Mass at Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish, Danao City, Cebu.
He was joined by the outgoing Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma, Cebu Auxiliary Bishops-Emeriti Emilio Bataclan and Antonio Rañola, the parish team of pastors led by Fr. Lyndon Ruiz (Team Moderator), and other visiting monsignors and priests.
Reflecting on today’s Gospel about the dishonest man, we find ourselves at a crucial crossroads in our nation’s journey. The Papal Nuncio, in his homily, urged us to view this moment not just as another chapter in our history, but as a powerful opportunity for transformation. With rallies echoing the call for change all around us, let today be a beacon of hope—a moment when we collectively decide to set a new course away from corruption and toward transparency and fairness.
“In the context of what’s happening in the Philippines, it’s amazing that in God’s plan, this is the Gospel we’re reading this morning, about a dishonest, corrupt official. We think about the demonstrations that are going on in the Philippines today, in different places. We think about the plague of corruption. We hope that today will be a moment in which the nation begins to change, in which we set a new course away from corruption, towards more transparency and more fairness. It’s amazing that the Gospel is about corruption today,” said Archbishop Brown.
He also emphasized the vital mission of taking care of the poor, urging the faithful to draw inspiration from the life of St. Thomas of Villanueva.
“There’s also something interesting in that part of the gospel that Lazarus, who was poor in this world, who lay on the sidewalk, had nothing. Yet, he has a name, Lazarus. Jesus knows his name. The rich man is only the rich man, he has no name. The Lord is telling us, take care of the poor now, because the poor will help you when it’s time for you to go to heaven,” said Archbishop Brown.
Tomorrow, September 22, Archbishop Palma will preside over the 10:00 AM Fiesta Pontifical Mass.