Pope Francis locations the biretta upon the top of newly-appointed Filipino cardinal Pablo Virgilio Siongco David throughout an Unusual Public Consistory for the creation of latest cardinals, at St Peter’s Basilica within the Vatican, on December 7, 2024. |Photograph by Tiziana FABI / AFP
MANILA, Philippines — Cardinal Pablo “Ambo” Virgilio David was prepared for the “name of martyrdom.”
This was even earlier than he acquired his crimson vestments as one of many “Princes of the Catholic Church.”
“After I was named a bishop, I already accepted the truth that my life is just not mine anymore. I do know that this title is a recognition, however a accountability [to the Catholic Church and its faithful],” mentioned Cardinal David, in an interview on the information website of the Catholic Bishops’ Convention of the Philippines (CBCP).
READ MORE:
Celebrating a brand new Cardinal
Iglesia Filipina Independiente lauds Bishop David’s elevation to cardinal
Pope Francis appoints 2 Cebu monks for Vatican diplomatic posts
David, who can be CBCP president, has been formally elevated to the rank of cardinal together with 20 others throughout a consistory at St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday (midnight in Manila).
Because the nation’s tenth cardinal, he’ll function among the many closest advisers of Francis whose important accountability is to elect the Pope’s successor.
David and 20 different new cardinals recited the creed to make a occupation of religion, then took an oath of constancy and obedience to the Pope and his successors.
Every of them knelt earlier than the Pontiff to obtain the crimson biretta, the cardinal’s ring and a doc naming their titular church.
Pope Francis, in his homily, inspired the brand new cardinals to “stroll in the way in which of Jesus: collectively, with humility, marvel and pleasure.”
“To stroll within the path of Jesus means above all to return to him and to place him again on the heart of every little thing,” he mentioned.
The cardinals put on crimson vestments as an emblem of giving their lives to the Church. And David, 65, is conscious of this big accountability.
Pink equals God’s love
David recounted how he acquired loss of life threats amid his scathing criticism of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody drug struggle, whose victims embody hundreds from southern Caloocan. He decried how his diocese had changed into a “killing discipline.”
The Diocese of Kalookan covers the poor communities within the southern a part of Caloocan in addition to the cities of Navotas and Malabon.
“We don’t wish to die or turn into a martyr. However we won’t run away from hazard. If I’m afraid to die, then I shouldn’t have turn into a bishop within the first place. I shouldn’t have accepted this title if I’m not prepared to guard my flock. Typically, historic circumstances will name for it,” he mentioned.
David reshared a homily he delivered again in November 2020 on the importance of the colour crimson. For him, crimson is just not about simply struggling and loss of life, but in addition God’s eternal love.
“Pink is about being prepared for the results of loving as Jesus has beloved us, together with struggling and loss of life, if mandatory,” he mentioned.
The nation at present has 5 dwelling cardinals, together with Gaudencio Rosales, 92; Luis Antonio Tagle, 67; Orlando Quevedo, 85; and Jose Advincula, 72. Cardinals who’re already over 80 are now not eligible to vote in a conclave to elect the brand new Pope.
‘Stature’ for Kalookan ministry
The primary Filipino cardinal who didn’t turn into an archbishop first and who doesn’t come from a distinguished archdiocese, David mentioned he has not but acquired any particular task from the Pope, other than being a member of the council to supervise the implementation of the synodality course of and put together for the subsequent assembly of the Synod of Bishops.
“However I feel, being named a cardinal will give a stature, not on me as an individual however to the workplace. It will likely be a giant distinction to my ministry [in Kalookan]. And I hope positively,” he mentioned.
Whereas the consistory was taking place within the Vatican, Filipino Catholics held a particular vigil on the San Roque Cathedral in Caloocan Metropolis, providing prayers for David’s new position and participation within the mission of the Church.
A Thanksgiving Mass can be celebrated by the Kalookan diocese on Dec. 14, with the neighborhood invited “to hitch in providing prayers of gratitude and help for Cardinal David as he assumes this vital new accountability.”
“Cardinal David’s elevation is a testomony to the colourful religion of the native Church and its rising position throughout the Common Church. This can be a second of celebration, not just for the Diocese of Kalookan however for your complete nation,” the Kalookan diocese mentioned in an announcement.
Learn Subsequent
Disclaimer: The feedback uploaded on this website don’t essentially characterize or mirror the views of administration and proprietor of Cebudailynews. We reserve the correct to exclude feedback that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial requirements.