‘Repent, prepare for Christ's coming’ Catholic bishop urges the faithful
Bishop Broderick Pabillo. Photo by Joselle Czarina S. Dela Cruz
Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo on Sunday urged the Marian devotees to repent and be prepared for the coming of Jesus Christ by doing Christian responsibilities.
Advent is all about “seeking and asking forgiveness,” said Pabillo during his homily at the Eucharistic celebration of the 38th Intramuros Grand Marian Procession at the Manila Cathedral.
“[Isa] ring bahagi ng paghahanda ang sinabi sa atin na magbantay kayo, huwag kayong matulog. Darating siya anytime. Don’t sleep but always be ready,” Pabillo said.
“At anong ibig sabihin ng natutulog? Pagpapabaya. That’s why we should be alert. Dapat gising tayo. Gising sa paggawa ng ating mga tungkulin,” Pabillo added.
Pabillo urged Filipinos to persevere in doing their individual duties as part of the preparation.
“To be faithful means to be faithful to our duties in life. Ano mang duties natin ‘yan na hindi patulog-tulog, na hindi business as usual o kaya kumbaga naghihintay ka lang ng bakasyon, hihintayin na lang matapos ang lahat,” he said.
Pabillo said people must emulate the Blessed Mother for she was the “most ready” for receiving God with penance and good deeds.
“Siya (Blessed Mother) ang pinakamodelo natin sa pagtanggap sa Panginoon kasi wala nang mas handa pa na tumanggap sa kanyang anak kaysa sa kanyang ina that’s why Mama Mary is the [readiest] to accept the Lord […]
because she was the mother,” he said. “She is our intercessor. She helps us to be ready.”
Several devotees participated the festive celebration and adoration to their patron saints organized by Cofradia de la Inmaculada Concepcion and Intramuros Organization.
The 38th Intramuros Grand Marian Processionconsists of 96 different images of the Blessed Virgin Mary and other patrons of parishes around the Philippines.