Pope Francis giving his first homily as Bishop of Rome [Wikipedia]
The message of Pope Francis to Filipinos
by Fr Shay Cullen
The visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines on 15 January this 2015 is greatly awaited and what his message will be to this most catholic nation in Asia is a matter of intense speculation .
Of course there will be millions trying to see him and receive his blessing.Most are very poor and they will be praying that his spiritual aura and huge popularity will be influential in spreading virtue,good family values,respect for human rights and social justice in the Philippines.
Indeed despite this being the Asian nation that is 80% catholic ,it is for many a version of Catholicism that is at variance many times with the gospel message of compassion,respect and self-sacrificing service to poor and the downtrodden.
Catholic schools and universities flourish,producing the educated middle class and the ruling elite many of whom are devoted mass goers and good catholics in the sense that they accept without question church teaching and participate in the church rites and rituals.The awareness and commitment to act for social justice is limited to the few.
Full article here.