CATHOLICS should turn to the Blessed Virgin Mary in times of grief and hardships, said Fr. Carmelo Arada, Jr., chancellor of the Archdiocese of Manila, during the enthronement Mass for Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary on Thursday, Sept. 25.
In his homily at the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church, Arada likened Mary to the “tahanan” or home, where one can find comfort during troubling times.
“Si Maria ang ating tahanan. Siya ‘yong ating inuuwian natin kapag nahihirapan tayo, kapag nasasaktan tayo, kapag napapagod tayo, kapag gusto na nating sumuko sa buhay,” Arada, a UST Central Seminary alumnus, said.
He urged the laity to emulate Mary and become a “home” for others.
“Tayo din sana pwedeng maging pahinga ng iba. Tayo din sana pwedeng takbuhan para maranasan ‘yong pag-ibig ng Diyos at ang maka-inang yakap ni Maria,” he said.
Reflecting on Mary’s queenship, Arada emphasized her role as an agent of communion and unifier of the Church.
“Mary is always with us to promote solidarity, unity [and] love among us. She invites us also to be agents of communion,” he said.
The Manila cleric also highlighted the Virgin Mary’s role as a mother, honoring her love, compassion, and care, especially for the poor and the marginalized.
“Sa mga sandali ng pagsubok, habang siya ay nasa paanan ng krus, nasa gitna ng gulo at sakit, habang siya ay nakakaranas ng mundong galit at takot, hindi siya naglupasay, hindi siya tumakas, hindi siya nagtago,” he said.
The enthronement rites mark the beginning of the annual fiesta celebrations in honor of Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario, the patroness of the University.
The Santisimo Rosario Parish will celebrate its feast on Oct. 5 with a procession and Masses, with Masses scheduled at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. A.G.C. Mansineros
