THROUGHOUT his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis has always walked alongside the faithful, UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., said during the University Mass on April 25 for the eternal repose of the late pontiff.
In his homily, Ang said Pope Francis sought the glory of the Gospel, making him a true father of the Church and the world.
“Hindi niya hinangad ang kadakilaan ng mundo kundi ang kadakilaan na sinasabi sa Ebanghelyo,” he said.
“Si Papa Francisco ay hindi namuno mula sa taas kundi lumakad siya na kasama ang bawat Katoliko, isang pastol na tunay na naging ama ng simbahan at kaibigan ng lipunan,” he added.
The Pope’s last public event before his death, the Urbi et Orbi on Easter Sunday, was his final gift of blessing to the people, Ang said.
“Nararapat na ipagdiwang natin ang buhay ni Lolo Kiko at ingatan ang kanyang pamana sa Simbahan,” he said. “Isang ulirang buhay, isang magandang pagpapaalam, at hindi maikakaila ang mga makabuluhang turo na iniwan at ipinamana ni Papa Francisco sa atin.”
Ang also reflected on the Pope’s encyclicals and apostolic exhortations, such as Evangelii Gaudium, Fratelli Tutti, and Laudato ‘Si, saying these are his legacy of mercy.
“Maraming iniwan si Lolo Kiko na maituturing na angking yaman na patuloy na magsisilbing inspirasyon sa bawat isa.”
The Mass at the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church was presided over by Fr. Jamshed Albert Gill, O.P., the Dominican order’s socius for the Asia and the Pacific.
Pope Francis will be laid to rest tomorrow, April 26, at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
His funeral Mass will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals.
