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.

2015 A New Year Indeed For KatKab!

After some dormant months, KatKab is back and is gaining momentum with a number of Catholic activities which starts as early as January 2015. Well first of course is Jan 1 which is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. This is a day of obligation for Catholics as Mary is celebrated as the Theotokos or "God Bearer" who brought into the world Jesus Christ.

There is also the celebration of the feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo or the traslacion that happens on Jan 9 where millions of Catholics join in to pray to Jesus the Nazarene and bring his image from Luneta to Quaipo. This 400 year old tradition has been faithfully followed by Filipinos and even pilgrims from provinces flock to Manila for the celebration.