Cardinal Advincula says he has recovered from COVID-19, urges others to get vaccinated

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula on Saturday said he has recovered from COVID-19 and urged others to get vaccinated.

"Mga kapatid, kasama ako sa mahigit dalawang milyong Pilipinong nagka-COVID-19. Naranasan ko rin ang takot at hirap ng pagkakasakit," he said in a video message uploaded on Facebook by the Archdiocese of Manila.

(My brothers and sisters, I was among the more than two million Filipinos who got COVID-19. I experienced fear and hardship due to the illness.)

"Salamat sa Diyos, sa Mahal na Birheng Maria at kay San Jose, gumaling ako mula sa karamdamang ito," Advincula added.

(Thanks be to God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Joseph, I recovered from this illness.)

Advincula tested positive for COVID-19 in mid-September, the Manila Cathedral earlier said.

The cardinal on Saturday thanked all those who prayed for him, including Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president Archbishop Romulo Valles and other bishops.

Advincula also expressed gratitude to the doctors and healthcare workers who looked after him.

"Marami tayong kapatid na hindi nakalampas sa COVID-19. Kasama sila lagi sa ating panalangin at Misa gayundin ang kanilang mga naulila," he said.

(We have many brothers and sisters who did not survive COVID-19. We always include them in our prayers and Masses, including the loved ones they left behind.)

The cardinal also said he has proven that it is worth getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

"Napatunayan ko na malaking bagay ang bakuna upang malabanan ang COVID-19. Kaya hinihikayat ko ang lahat na magpabakuna para sa inyong kaligtasan at para sa kaligtasan ng ibang tao," he said.

(I was able to prove that it is a big help to get vaccinated against COVID-19. This is why I am urging all to get vaccinated for your safety as well as for the safety of others.)

Advincula then urged the public to continue praying for the sick and for frontliners.

He also appealed to the public to follow health protocols.

"Patuloy natin ipanalangin ang mga may sakit at mga frontliners. Sundin natin ang mga health protocols. Magpabakuna. Sa awa ng Diyos, malalampasan din natin ang pandemyang ito," Advincula said.

(Let us continue to pray for those who are sick and for the frontliners. Let us follow health protocols. Get vaccinated. With God's mercy, we will be able to surpass this pandemic.)

The Department of Health on Saturday reported 11,010 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the nationwide tally to 2,654,450.

Of this number, 106,558 are active; 2,508,387 recovered; while 39,505 died. —KG, GMA News