Papal envoy to PH: Keep your faith alive amid pandemic

A 19- foot image of the Virgen de los Remedios de Baliti sculpted by Wilfredo Layug was gifted to the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Charles John Brown, by Layug and Gov. Dennis Pineda before the 65th canonical coronation anniversary in the province. (Photo by Tonette Orejas)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—The envoy of Pope Francis to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown, has urged Filipino Catholics to keep their faith alive as the COVID-19 pandemic appeared to be going for the worse.

“Keep your faith alive during this difficult time. Remember that Pope Francis has a great affection for each and everyone of you,” the Papal Nuncio said in an interview held at the sidelines of a civil reception given by Gov. Dennis Pineda before the 65th anniversary of the canonical coronation of the Virgen de los Remedios, the patroness of the province, on Sept. 8.

Depending on the level of community quarantine, holy Masses are held with little or no congregation in attendance. Rites like baptism, weddings and funerals are prohibited or done small and fast.

“Stay strong in your faith, especially during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, which can be at times depressing and difficult to each and everyone of us, isolating us and discouraging us,” Brown said.

The archbishop added: “Please remember God is with us, God has not abandoned us, He will take care of us. So remember to be faithful.”

In a program, Pineda asked the Papal Nuncio to bless the citizens and public officials in Pampanga, especially medical frontliners, to overcome the pandemic.

Brown expressed admiration for the “extraordinary way” the Kapampangans live the Catholic faith. He saw a “beautiful harmonization of Filipino values and Christianity” in the giant lantern festival, Christmas dawn Masses and devotion to the Virgen de los Remedios.

The crusade for penance and charity was started by Bishop Cesar Ma. Guerrero in 1952 in a bid to end the social unrest because of landlessness.

Pope Pius XII decreed the canonical coronation of the image in 1956, starting the lamac (offerings) for the poor. The image is brought from town to town, accompanied by the image of the Sto. Cristo del Perdon. INQ