Cardinal Tagle to Pope Francis: Pinoys ‘boldly’ rising from the ruins

(Updated 3:21 p.m.) Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle on Friday welcomed Pope Francis in his first Mass in the Philippines with an assurance that its people are "boldly" rising from the tragedies they have experienced.

 

In his message of gratitude, Tagle likened the Filipinos to the Manila Cathedral, which saw a number of destructions rendered by different circumstances, from earthquakes to the Second World War.

 

"We are gathered today in the eighth cathedral building that we closed three years ago for repairs. Now it warmly welcomes you," Tagle said. "This cathedral has been razed to the ground many times, but it refuses to vanish. It boldly rises from the ruins -- just like the Filipino people."

 

The cathedral saw Pope Francis' first Mass in the country, which was attended by 2,000 members of the clergy and religious, among them bishops, priests, nuns, and seminarians. 

In his message, Tagle said they at the church "have seen and lived the suffering and determination of our people," then went on to quote 2 Corinthians 4:8, which says, "We are afflicted in every way possible, but we are not crushed."

 

'Music and faith'

 

The sentiment of the cardinal's message is in line with the Pope's main purpose for his visit -- to personally extend his sympathies to the survivors of recent natural calamities, particularly super typhoon Yolanda.

 

Quoting historian-writer Fr. Horacio de la Costa, Tagle told the Pope that Filipinos' resilience can be traced from "music and faith."

"Our melodies make our spirit soar above the tragedies of life. Our faith makes us stand up again and again after deadly fires, earthquakes, typhoons and wars.

"And now, as many of our poor people are just beginning to rise from recent natural and human-made calamities, you, Holy Father, came to us. You bring fire not ro destroy but to purify. You bring an earthquake not to shatter but to awaken. You bring weapons, not to kill, but to assure," Tagle said.

 

He added that the Pope's visit is meant to further strengthen the faith and determination of the people.

 

"As many of our poor people are just beginning to rise from recent natural and human-made calamities, you, Holy Father, came to us. You bring fire, not to destroy but to purify. You bring an earthquake, not to shatter but to awaken. You bring weapons, not to kill, but to assure," he said. 

"Indeed, 'you are Peter, the Rock upon which Jesus builds His Church," he added. 

 

The Philippines is the third country with the most number of Catholics in the world, and is considered to be in the forefront of the faith in Asia.