My alarm clock woke me up around 8AM of June 24, a Thursday. I had set the alarm so I would not miss the installation of the new Archdiocese of Manila, Cardinal Jose Advincula. I was excited. Not only was he from Capiz (an Ilonggo like me) but he was also the one filling a void in the archdiocese left by Card. Luis Antonio Tagle when he was reassigned to the Vatican. Bishop Pabillo did a great job being the Administrator of the Archdiocese since February 2020 when Card. Tagle was assigned prefect of Propaganda Fide.
I watched the presenting of the keys of the 5 cities under the Archdiocese by the 5 mayors of Makati, Pasay, Mandaluyong, San Juan, and Manila. This was followed by a solemn Mass officiated by Card. Jose “Joe” and included the reading of a letter from Pope Francis designating Cardinal Joe as the next Archbishop of the Diocese of Manila.
For me, this post has always been significant ever since it was held by Cardinal Sin. Cardinal Sin’s role in EDSA People Power was strong and clear and the flock heard and answered his call. My siblings and I, with our Dad, headed to EDSA to be with the millions of other people who did the same.
This time, Cardinal Joe has said that he will be a listening shepherd. Oh, if only he realizes just how badly we all need a listening servant leader!!!
Just before the end of the Mass, Cardinal Joe himself announced the passing of former Pres. Aquino. Of course, since I had been tuned to the installation of Card. Joe since early morning, I did not check social media so his announcement came as a big shock to me. I quickly checked Twitter and found out it was indeed true. I went to ABS-CBN’s FB page and shared the breaking news bearing PNoy’s photo with a very quick post. Then went back to finish the rest of the Mass.
Since then, I have been mulling over the confluence of events and wondering if the Lord was sending us a sign…
- Cardinal Joe (whose patron saint is St. Joseph) is being assigned to lead the Archdiocese of Manila in the year dedicated by the Church to St. Joseph (the father who protected his family in times of danger)
- His installation falls on June 24, the feast of St. Joseph
- PNoy passes away on June 24
Is there a meaning to all these events falling on this day? I do not know but only time will tell. This sentence going around social media caught my eye. I don’t know who the author is but as I read it, I felt a small shiver go through my body…
“Every time the country needs saving, an Aquino dies”.