Pope praises Manila prelate for pastoral zeal

MANILA, Philippines - Pope Benedict XVI praised Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales for his "pastoral zeal" and "commitment to Church" in his 50 years of priesthood. Benedict XVI relayed his congratulations in a letter read by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams at the Chrism Mass in the Manila Cathedral Thursday. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website said Friday that Adams read the letter in the presence of three bishops, hundreds of clergy, religious and people during the Chrism Mass. Rosales will mark his 50th year as a priest on Easter Sunday. He has been a bishop for 33 years and cardinal for three years. Adams, reading the Pope's letter, said the Pope "admires" Rosales for his ministerial zeal and contribution to the Catholic Church, in Manila, the country and world as a whole. He said the "ministerial work" that Rosales does shows his indomitable spirit of apostolic enthusiasm in the Church and the Pope thanks Rosales for his work as a shepherd and leader. On a personal note, Adams said Rosales' work in different parts of the country is a sign of Catholic unity. As a "servant of God" and "man of prayer," Rosales has led the country with greater love, service and generosity, Adams said. Faithful to God He also cited Rosales for dedicating his time, talent and everything for the sake of God and the people of God. In response, Rosales thanked the Pope and the Nuncio, saying, "I have been faithful to God, the Church, laity and my work as a servant of God." Rosales said priesthood is a "difficult vocation" because as a priest he serves the people, he encounters all types of enemies and criticisms, yet he has to continue to serve God and people with love. The ministry of priest flows from "virtue of love," Cardinal Rosales said. When Rosales turned 75 years old last August 10, he submitted the customary resignation to the Pope, who told him "to continue in your ministry 'donec aliter provideatur (unless otherwise provided for).'" Rosales was born to Godofredo Rosales and Remedios Borbon on Aug. 10, 1932 in Batangas City. He served as formator for 14 years after his priestly ordination in March 23, 1958. He served twice as Rector of two seminaries. Rosales also served as parish priest in a small barrio and later in a big city parish. In August 1974, the late Pope Paul VI appointed him as Auxiliary Bishop of Manila. In the Manila Archdiocese, he served as Bishop in-Charge of Antipolo–East Rizal District. He was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of the then Prelature (later) diocese of Malaybalay, Bukidnon in June 1982. In Malaybalay he accompanied the local church in their fight against unbridled commercial and illegal logging. In December 1992, the late Pope John Paul II assigned him to Lipa Archdiocese, his home and original diocese. As National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (1976-1982), he served in Rome's Supreme council of the Sacred Congregation for Evangelization's Pontifical Work for the Propagation of the Faith (two terms), Director of Mission Society of the Philippines and Convenor of the International Mission Congress in Manila (1979). He was CBCP vice president for a term, Commission chairperson for Seminaries for 17 years and for the Commission on Clergy from 1999 until the present. He also had a special privilege to have served as Apostolic Visitator of Seminaries in the Philippines, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. The CBCP chose him to represent the Conference in the World Synod of Bishops and the Special Synod of Asian Bishops in 1990, 1997 and 2001. Pope John Paul II appointed him as Archbishop of Manila succeeding the late Jaime Cardinal Sin on September 15, 2005. - GMANews.TV