MANILA ARCHBISHOP Jose Cardinal Advincula reminded Catholics to serve without expecting anything in return, saying being part of the Church means acknowledging that one is an “unworthy servant.”
“The sincerity of our faith is seen in our capacity to serve without calculations and without expecting any appreciation or reward. Faith is being able to say “we are unworthy servants,” Advincula said during the mass celebrating the feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary at the Santísimo Rosario Parish on Sunday, Oct. 2.
“Pope Francis said that this expression, “we are unworthy servants,” is something that the Church needs very much. He said it is an expression of humility and willingness which does much good for the Church,” he added.
Advincula also encouraged the faithful to pray to strengthen others’ faith.
“Let this prayer not only be for our own spiritual benefit, [but] let this also be an apostolic and missionary prayer. Let us pray for an increase of faith so we can also help strengthen the faith of others,” the archbishop said.
Advincula urged everyone to emulate Mary’s faith through the Holy Rosary, a devotion that allows a devotee to meditate on key episodes in the life of Jesus and Mary. Through that prayer, faith is taught as “constantly saying yes to God,” he said.
Before the mass, winners of the “Birhen ng Santo Rosario de UST, Saksi sa Bawat Kasaysayan ng Pamantasan, Parokya at mga Deboto” painting exhibit were feted at the church’s lobby.
The liturgical activities and the exhibit were part of the 80th anniversary of the Santísimo Rosario Parish.
Catholics observe the month of October as the month of the Holy Rosary. F – Katherine Chan
