Manila archbishop seeks forgiveness from priests, says CBCP exec

Published December 27, 2014 4:01pm

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle on Friday sought forgiveness from priests for any hurt he may have caused them, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines said Saturday.

CBCP Episcopal Commission on Interreligious Dialogue executive secretary Fr. Carlos Reyes said Tagle made the "apology" at the Manila Archdiocese's clergy Christmas party.

“(Tagle) asked forgiveness from us if he had hurt anyone or overlooked some things,” an article posted on the CBCP news site quoted Reyes as saying.

He said that while they should have been the ones to seek forgiveness from Tagle, they were dismissed after the blessing.

Reyes said even if Tagle did not apologize, he has been very endearing, such that any resentment would melt away.

Prepare for papal visit

The CBCP also said Tagle also thanked the clergy for their work but asked them to prepare spiritually for Pope Francis' visit on Jan. 15 to 19.

“Humiliation brings fruits of redemption,” Reyes quoted Tagle as saying.

Tagle then led everyone into an examination of conscience in a “very positive way,” Reyes said.

Apologies too

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Bernardo Cortez similarly offered his apologies before leaving the archdiocese to assume his new post as bishop of Infanta, Quezon, on Jan. 23.

San Carlos Seminary rector Msgr. Hernando Coronel delivered a speech of thanks for Cortez in behalf of Manila’s clergy. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News

Tags: luisantoniotagle, cbcp