Manila Cathedral remembers John Paul II

The Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica has joined churches worldwide in observing the third death anniversary of Pope John Paul II on April 2.

Officiated by its rector Msgr. Nestor Cerbo, several faithful attended the Mass which recalled the Polish pontiff’s ‘love and concern’ for Filipinos.

In his homily, the priest likened the late pope’s love for the Filipinos to God’s love for humanity that led to Christ sacrifice on the cross.

“This is the love and concern we saw in Pope John Paul II. He never wanted us to be in danger. He wanted us to be saved,” he said.

Msgr. Cerbo also said that because the late pope also wanted that our faith would not be misled, “he gave San Lorenzo Ruiz as an example for us to emulate.”

“I hope that we continue to feel the love of Pope John Paul II,” he added.

The rector also recalled that it was Pope John Paul II who elevated the cathedral into the rank of Minor Basilica in 1981.

What he did, Msgr. Cerbo said, is a proof of his utmost love for Catholics in Manila.