PAPAL VISIT 2015: Pope Francis Homily At Rizal Park Eucharistic Celebration

Below is the full text of Pope Francis' homily during his mass before millions of Filipinos at the Quirino Grandstand.

“A child is born to us, a son is given us ” (Is 9:5). It is a special joy for me to celebrate Santo Niño Sunday with you. The image of the Holy Child Jesus accompanied the spread of the Gospel in this country from the beginning. Dressed in the robes of a king, crowned and holding the scepter, the globe and the cross he continues to remind us of the link between God’s Kingdom and the mystery of spiritual childhood. He tells us this in today’s Gospel: “ Whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it” (Mk 10 :15). The Santo Niño continues to proclaim to us that the light o f God’s grace has shone upon a world dwelling in darkness, bringing the Good News of our freedom from slavery, and guiding us in the paths o f peace, right and justice. The Santo Niño also reminds us of our call to spread the reign of Christ throughout the world.

PAPAL VISIT 2015: Pope Francis Message at UST (January 18)

Message of His Holiness Pope Francis to the youth during the Papal encounter at UST.

(Moved by young Filipinos who read their messages and told their stories, Pope Francis discarded his prepared message and did impromptu remarks in Spanish, translated by Msgr. Mark Miles in English.)

The pope's message reads as below:

Dear Young Friends,

When I speak spontaneously I do it in Spanish, because I don’t know the English language. May I do it? Thank you very much. This Fr Mark, a good translator.

First of all, a sad piece of news. Yesterday, as Mass was about to start, a piece of scaffolding fell and, upon falling, hit a young woman who was working in the area and she died. Her name is Kristel. She worked for the organisation preparing for that Mass. She was 27 years old, young like yourselves. She worked for Catholic Relief Services as a volunteer. I would like all of you who are young like her to pray for a moment in silence with me and then we will pray to Our Mother in Heaven. Let us pray.

KATOTO: Kaibigang Totoo, Kardinal Chito!

Youth of the Archdiocese, its time to meet and greet our newly appointed cardinal with a special event meant to spend time with the beloved Chito Cardinal Tagle!

KATOTO: Kaibigang Totoo, Kardinal Chito! A Thanksgiving celebration for a gift of a Cardinal to the Philippines. This coming December 4, 2012, Tuesday 6PM at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Vito Cruz, Ermita, Manila.

Its FREE to all! So bring your family, friends and even your parish to this monumental event! For inquiries, contact the Archdiocese of Manila through 523-2814 or 404-3673

Ka-Talk 49: ENTER THE DOOR OF FAITH

The Archdiocesan Commission on Youth of the Archdiocese of Manila Invites you to a reflection on the new Apostolic Letter "Porta Fidei" of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI for the Year of the Faith with Ka-Talk Youth Forum 49:  ENTER THE DOOR OF FAITH. On November 24, 2012 (1-5PM) to be held at the Cardinal Sin Auditiorium (Paco Catholic School, Paco, Manila). For inquiries, you may contact ACY Office at 4043673