Cebuanos blessed by former Pope Benedict XVI, says Papal Chaplain

Cebuano Catholics have received blessings, inspired by the wisdom of the late former Pope Benedict XVI, said a Papal Chaplain.

"Many of us benefited from his magisterium, from his profound insights, for his love for the Church, for others," said Msgr. Jan T. Limchua, Papal Chaplain or a member of the Papal household, homilist during the Requiem Mass for Pope Benedict XVI held at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral on Monday. The mass was livestreamed through the official social media account of the Archdiocese of Cebu.

Limchua noted that the incumbent Archbishop of Cebu, Archbishop Jose Palma, was appointed by the former Pope on 15th of October, 2010.

"His Holiness Pope Benedict, chose Cebu as the venue for the (celebration) of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress," he said.

"And His Holiness, last 2012, canonized Pedro Calungsod," he added.

Saint Pedro Calungsod, a Visayan catechist, is the second Filipino saint. He was persecuted and martyred for his missionary work in Guam in 1672.

"As a community of believers, there is much reason for us to gather here. Grief but also in thanksgiving. For in one way or another, Pope Benedict has touched our lives and has inspired us to become better Christians," said Limchua, who is also an official of the Section for the Relations with States of the Holy See by the Vatican’s Secretary of State.

A white skull cap once owned by the former Pope is on display at the church, said the Vatican-based homilist.

This was given to Limchua by the private secretary of the former Pope Benedict XVI a day before he left Rome.

"Your Holiness, today this community the Archdiocese of Cebu is gathered in the spirit of grief but also in prayer of thanksgiving. Today, as a community we say 'Te Deum Laudamus', to you O Lord, we give you thanks and praise for the gift of Benedict XVI, for his pastoral ministry, for his simplicity, for his humility, for his example," the priest said.

"Te Deum Laudamus, we give you thanks O Lord because truly Benedict XVI was for us a father, a pastor, a friend, and a companion in the journey towards You. Amen."

The former pope was born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger in a small village in Bavaria called Marktl am Inn on April 16, 1927.

A theologian, a cardinal, he was also a former prefect for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

He was elected Pope in 2005 to replace Saint Pope John Paul II.

However, after seven years, at the age of 85, he announced his retirement and became known as the first pope who resigned from office in 600 years. He cited his advanced age and health.

He died last Saturday in Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, where he had been staying since his retirement.

The body of the former pope has been transferred to St. Peter's Basilica and will lie in state until Jan. 4 and the funeral will be held on Thursday, Jan. 5 in St. Peter's Square, in front of the basilica. -- BAP, GMA Integrated News