Last October 23 was the feast of St. John Paul II.
A remarkable homily was delivered by Fr. Virgilio Ciudadano, rector of the Sancta Maria Mater et Regina Seminarium, at the parish church dedicated to this great pope in Banica, Roxas City.
Here are excerpts of Fr. Ciudadano’s homily:
1. His Intellectual Legacy: Faith and Reason Together.
One of the most important blessings that heaven has sent upon us through Saint John Paul II was the saint’s intellectual legacy. He was one of the intellectual giants ever to sit on the Chair of Peter. He showed that holiness is not opposed to intellectual excellence. One can be both deeply faithful and deeply thoughtful.
2. His Extraordinary Love for the Youth.
Ayhan wala na sang santo papa sa aton moderno nga kasaysayan ang pinalangga sang labi sang mga lamharon sang sa kay Juan Pablo Segundo. Iya nakit-an sa mga lamharon Indi lamang ang palaabuton ukon buasdamlag sang simbahan kundi ang karon ukon ang subong sini.
3. Defender of Marriage and Family.
Sa iya hamdumanan, ang labing dalagko kag makinasingkasingon nga pag-ulikid yara dira sa iya dako nga pagpangapin sang institusyon sang kasal kag familia. Gintawag ni San Juan Pablo II ang familia bilang “Domestic Church”, ang nahauna nga buluthuan sang pagtuo, paghigugma, kag sang iban pa nga mga birtudes.
Si San Juan Pablo nagpanudlo kay Kristo, kag nagtudlo sa aton sang isa ka katapusan nga leksyon: that human dignity does not depend on strength, productivity, or success, but on being a beloved child of God.
As we honor St. John Paul, let us hear once more his timeless challenge: Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ. For when Christ enters our minds, He enlightens them with truth. When he enters our minds. When he enters our hearts, He fills them with love. When he enters our families, He transforms them into schools of holiness.
