Faithful told to stay strong

CEBU, Philippines - Local Church leaders last night urged the faithful to stay strong and pray for the Church following the unexpected announcement of the Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said he received confirmation from the Papal Nuncio on the resignation of the Holy Father.

“We have yet to receive the official statement. But we have it from good sources meaning, I was able to talk with the Papal Nuncio. And I received a text from the Secretary General of CBCP and I received two phone calls from our priests in Rome ,” Palma said.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president said the pope is still able to deliver his duties despite his deteriorating health and age.

“At the moment, many from among us were really shocked, to say the least, about the news. We thought he is such a wonderful Pope despite his old age,” Palma said.

Episcopal Vicar Monsignor Esteban Binghay reminded the faithful that this development should not have a negative impact on the Church as changes are normal.

“Di ta mahadlok kay ang simbahan gitukod ni Kristo. Ug si kristo is the same today, yesterday, tomorrow. Ang mga tawo nga iyang kahimanan maoy ma-change. Mamatay, ma-change. Magpadayon ang simbahan, ang chain of command,” Binghay said.

Binghay was about to officiate the feast day mass at the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Punta Princesa when informed of the shocking news.

“We were not yet informed. Only thru text message. We were having dinner when the father provincial, Fr. George Militante, got a text message saying the breaking news,” he explained.

A conclave, where the new Pope will be chosen, has to be done 20 days from the resignation, Binghay added.

The Philippines has one eligible, voting candidate for the Papacy.

Manila Archbishop Antonio Cardinal Tagle is the only voting cardinal since Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal and Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales have already retired.  — /LPM (FREEMAN)