Cardinal Advincula: Saint Anthony's most powerful sermon is the practice of his faith

Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula underscored that the challenge of devotees of Saint Anthony of Padua is to put into practice his preachings on faith, prayer, and serving with integrity.

In his homily, Advincula spoke briefly about the life of the Portuguese Catholic priest who was well educated and had a bright future but upon hearing the call to follow God left the security of a good life.

The Cardinal presided over the Novena Mass at the San Antonio de Padua Parish in Singalong, Manila on Wednesday evening for the fomal announcement of the "spiritual twinning" of the parish with the San Antonio de Padua Parish in Italy.

With the celebration of spiritual twinning, Advincula said, it is good to ask whether this connection is also intact in the hearts of the people.

The celebration was not just for the connection with a holy place nor is it merely for the honor of the title.

"Kung nakaugnay tayo sa simbahan ni San Antonio dapat nakaugnay din puso natin sa pananampalataya at pagmamamahal niya kay Kristo. Kapag buo ang puso, dapat buo rin ang buhay," the prelate said.

(If we are connected to the church of San Antonio de Padua, our hearts should also be connected to his faith and love for Christ. When the heart is whole, life must also be whole.)

Saint Anthony is known as a good preacher, but the people do not listen to because he is a good speaker but because he lives a good life, said Advincula.

He preaches according to the way he lives his faith.

"There is a saying that is attributed to San Antonio, "Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak," he said.

"The most powerful sermon of Saint Anthony is done by living his life (of faith)," he added. — BAP, GMA News