Emulate St. Francis of Assisi's simplicity, humility — Cardinal Advincula

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula has called on the parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi church in Mandaluyong City to emulate their patron saint’s simplicity and humility, as the community marks the dedication of its church and altar, 69 years after it was established.

“This is precisely how St. Francis built up the church. He allowed his encounter with Jesus to transform him. His love for Christ overflowed into love for the poor, the marginalized, and all of creation,” Advincula said in his homily on Wednesday.

“He embraced a life of simplicity and humility so that Christ might be seen more clearly in him,” he added.

Situated in the middle of commercial and financial hubs, St. Francis of Assisi Parish church was built in 1957 under the pastoral care of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin.

Beginning of a mission

The Cardinal also urged the faithful to welcome Jesus Christ and His teachings into their lives, saying that the dedication of the church and altar is not the “end of a project” but the “beginning of a mission.”

“Today, as we dedicate this Church and altar, we hear that same call equally in our own time and in our own hearts. Build my Church,” Advincula said. “This newly renovated church stands as a visible sign of that invitation.”

“Before we can build churches of stone, we must allow the Lord to dwell in the house of our hearts. Before we can dedicate an altar, we ourselves must become a living offering,” he added.

May 6 also marks the 69th anniversary of the Canonical Erection of the parish.

The dedication of a church and altar is a solemn rite in the Catholic Church where the church building and its altar are formally consecrated as a place of sacred worship. — BAP, GMA News