MANILA Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula yesterday vowed to become a listening shepherd to his flock, believing it is his God-given mission.
During his installation ceremony at the Manila Cathedral, the 33rd archbishop of Manila said he wants to live up to his own episcopal motto of “audiam” which is a Latin word that means “I will listen.”
“My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, I have nothing new to tell you today, except my commitment to renew my heart’s desire to be a listening shepherd to the flock entrusted to my care: especially the priests, consecrated persons, and laity of the Archdiocese of Manila,” said Advincula.
“Please pray for me that I may have a heart after that of Christ our Good Shepherd — a listening shepherd to Christ’s bidding — ever ready to suffer for and serve Christ’s sheep,” he added.
Before the installation ceremony, Advincula offered prayers for former president Benigno Aquino III who passed away yesterday morning.
“Let us entrust him to the mercy of our loving Father and let us now pray for the eternal repose of his soul,” he said.
Present during his installation, which was presided by Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown, are fellow bishops in the Philippines, clergy of the archdioceses of Manila and Capiz, government officials, and representatives from religious groups, among others.
Prior to the installation ceremony, the mayors of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasay, and San Juan gave Advincula symbolic keys to their respective cities.
Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo assured Advincula him that the entire church will be with him in his journey in the “big urban archdiocese.”
“Do not be afraid. We are ready, as always, to cooperate and collaborate with our shepherds. You are not in this alone,” said Pabillo.
“As Pope Francis is stressing the synodal characteristic of the church, so we walk together in building the kingdom of the fullness of life in the Archdiocese,” he added.
