CARDINAL Pablo David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), has a heartfelt message for priests this Simbang Gabi season: make every homily count.
Simbang Gabi, the cherished nine-day series of dawn and evening Masses leading to Christmas, kicked off Monday morning, and Cardinal David is urging priests to seize the opportunity to connect with the faithful in a meaningful way.
“This is the time when people really listen to the Church. They are captive audiences. They like to hear the Word of God,” the Kalookan Bishop said on Saturday.
He also reminded priests to focus on Scripture rather than personal opinions, ensuring that their messages resonate with the true essence of the Gospel.
“When priests speak, they shouldn’t share just their points of view or opinions but the real Word of God, which is what the people want to hear,” he emphasized.
For those planning to join, the anticipated evening Masses started on December 15 and will run until December 23, while the iconic dawn Masses will begin on December 16 and wrap up on December 24.
Cardinal David didn’t stop there. He also called on Filipinos to embrace a spirit of inclusivity and unity during the Christmas season, reminding everyone to foster respect and harmony across different faiths and communities.
“Catholics should learn to be one with non-Catholics, fellow Christians, other religions and faith communities, and all fellow human beings,” he said during his homecoming and thanksgiving Mass at San Roque Cathedral in Caloocan City.
Fresh from the Vatican, Cardinal David had just returned from being elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis during a consistory on December 7.
His message rings clear: as the Christmas season unfolds, it’s not just about tradition—it’s about love, unity, and living out the Gospel.
