PABLO Virgilio David, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, formally received his “red hat,” a gear worn by cardinals of the Catholic Church, from Pope Francis in a consistory held at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on late Saturday (Manila time).
During the ceremony, David and 20 other new cardinals took turns in approaching the Pontiff, to kneel before him to receive the red biretta, the cardinal’s ring, and a document naming their titular church.
All the new cardinals also recited the Creed to make a profession of faith, then took an oath of fidelity and obedience to the pope and his successors, during the ceremony.
The consistory took place some two months after Pope Francis announced the appointment of new cardinals, including David.
With his formal elevation to the post, David becomes the 10th Filipino cardinal in history.
The nine others are Rufino Santos, Julio Rosales, Jaime Sin, Ricardo Vidal, Jose Sanchez, Gaudencio Rosales, Luis Antonio Tagle, Orlando Quevedo, and Jose Advincula.
Of the 10 Filipino cardinals, however, only Tagle (Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization), Advincula (Archbishop of Manila), and David (Bishop of Kalookan) are eligible to vote for a new pope, or those called “cardinal electors.”
The College of Cardinals now has 256 members, including 141 electors. The other 115 cardinals are non-electors as they are 80 years and older.
David is 65 years old.
During his homily, Pope Francis called on the new cardinals to see their new mission as a big adventure.
“Adventures on the way, the joy of meeting others, care for those most in need; these things should inspire your service as Cardinals,” he said.
“Let us not forget that staying still ruins the heart just as stagnant water is the first to be contaminated,” he added.
READY FOR `MARTYRDOM’
David, in an interview with CBCP News, said having a new post in the Catholic Church will not change his responsibility of serving the flock, which includes dying for the sake of the religion and the Catholic faithful amid religious persecution.
“That (martyrdom) is really our calling. It’s not that we want to die or become martyrs, but more on we will not run away from danger,” he said.
“If I am afraid to die, then I shouldn’t have been a bishop. If I cannot protect my flock, what is my purpose of being a bishop?” he added.
David said he is not comfortable with the attention usually given to cardinals, and would prefer that the attention be focused on the post they hold rather than the one holding it.
“I realized that there is a real difference on how people treat you when you carry that designation… I’m not very comfortable with the rest of it because I think I’m getting too much attention, and I’m not used to that,” he said.
“(But) whether you like it or not, the cardinal’s office is an extension of the Pope. I hope if they defer to me, it’s to the office and ultimately to the Pope,” he added.
HOMECOMING
David’s home episcopate, the Diocese of Kalookan, is preparing for a grand welcome for the new cardinal.
In a statement, the Diocese of Kalookan said there will be a thanksgiving mass for David on December 14. The venue will be announced later.
“The Catholic community of Kalookan is invited to join in offering prayers of gratitude and support for Cardinal David as he assumes this important new responsibility,” it said.
“Cardinal David’s elevation is a testament to the vibrant faith of the local Church and its growing role within the Universal Church. This is a moment of celebration, not only for the Diocese of Kalookan, but for the entire nation,” it added.
David’s promotion to cardinal was announced by the Vatican in October, together with 20 other bishops
Cardinals rank second only to the Pope in the Church hierarchy and serve as his closest advisers.
