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Saturday, April 09, 2005
Oro faithful joins in mourning for Pope
By Lizanilla J. Amarga and Laurent Thorigne
AROUND 3,000 people trooped to the Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral early morning Friday to attend the Funeral Mass for Pope John Paul II celebrated by almost all the priests in the entire Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro led by Archbishop Jesus Tuquib.
The Pontifical Mass was also attended by delegates from the Muslim community, Philippine Independent Church and other religious organizations and churches that have become part of the local "interfaith dialogue" even including some representatives from the local government units (LGUs).
Several young people also attended the mass.
Some people wept tears of sorrow and joy for the passing away of the 85-year old Pontiff while at the same time believing with overwhelming joy that the latter has now returned to his loving Father in Heaven.
There was also a resounding two-minute applause for the Pope and in honor of his wonderful works of love and mercy here on earth.
After the mass, several people lined up to bid the Pope goodbye by by pressing their palms or kissing his image displayed near the altar. But because there were so many well-wishers the image almost toppled over.
During his homily, Archbishop Tuquib said all should give thanksgiving to God for giving a Pope who has lovingly served the Church and all peoples in the world for 26 years.
He said many have experienced in their lives the living presence of God because of Pope John Paul II.
"Nga tungod sa iyang mga amahanong pag-amoma, tungod sa iyang lig-on nga mga baruganan ug prinsipyo natabangan ug nahayagan kita kon unsaon sa pagpakabuhi nga nahisubay sa Dios (Because of the Pope's loving care, because of his strong principles we were aided and enlightened on how to live a life following God's way)," he said.
"Nga tungod sa iyang mga pagtulon-an ug mga panig-ingnan nahimong sayon para kanato ang pagbarog ug pagsaksi sa hustisya ug kamatuoran ug sa pagsangyaw sa kalinaw, kapasayloan ug kahiusahan (Because of the Pope's teachings and good examples it has become easier for us to stand and be a witness for justice and truth and to spread the good news of peace)," he added.
Tuquib then challenged those gathered that if they truly loved Pope John Paul II and believed on his teachings then they should always be mindful of the latter's hopes and aspirations.
This particularly to the leaders of the world that they never cease to honor their commitments to a development that is "fully human and that overcomes situations and structures of inequality, injustice and poverty in the name of the sacredness of humanity."
"Do honor to Christianity through your credibility by placing the interest of the community above any other consideration, and by regarding yourselves first and foremost as servants of the common good," he said quoting the Pope.
Tuquib said the Pope also left words for Filipinos. "...nga unta sa kanunay mamahimo kitang mga iwag ug banwag sa katoliko nga pagtoo sa tibuok Asia," he said.
For the young people, Tuquib quoted the Pope as saying, "Open the doors to Christ, open your hearts to Christ welcome him as a companion and guide for your journey. Make Him the Lord, that is, the reference point and the measure of your life."
Tuquib said the Pope has also hoped that bishops in the country will witness and spread the Gospel of Christ particularly to the poor, work on unity, live a holy life; rely on the love and care of Jesus Christ and to submit themselves to the Mother Mary.
For the priests, seminarians and religious workers that they be strong and firm in standing up for the Church through prayers and reflection on the Word of God as well as to stand united always with the Bishops through the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
"Ug paghatag kamo kanunay og dakong bili sa gasa of celibacy isip maoy saksi sa malangkubon ug tiunay nga gugma ni Kristo ngadto sa iyang katawhan," he said.
For the students, Tuquib also quoted the Pope as saying,"Gamita sa sakto nga pamaagi ang inyong batan-ong kusog. Gamita kini alng sa inyong kaugmaon ug sa kaugmaon sa nasud. Bansaya ninyo ang disiplina sa kaugalingon."
He said, "strive to build a character that is free and responsible, sensitive to genuine values."
Tuquib said the Pope did not left out the poor as he also left word taken from the Beatitudes.
"Be faithful to Christ and joyfully embrace His Gospel of Salvation. Do not be tempted by ideologies that preach only material values or purely temporal ideals, which separate political, social and economic development from the things of the spirit, and in which happiness is sought apart from Christ," he said.
"The road towards your total liberation is not the way of violence struggle or hate; it is the way of love, brotherhood and peaceful solidarity," he said.
For the family, Tuquib quoted the Pope saying that they should stand firm against all odds by praying always.
"A Family where prayer, loving support and formation in faith are of constant concern will bring untold benefits not only to the members of the family themselves, but also to the Church and society," he said.
(April 9, 2005 issue)
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