Cardinal Ambo’s Christmas message: Hospitality, peace, unity

Addie Cuadra

ABS-CBN News

MANILA– Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David, the Archbishop of the Diocese of Caloocan, delivered a heartfelt homily during the Christmas Eve Mass at San Roque Cathedral on Tuesday, emphasizing the true spirit of Christmas and the importance of hospitality, peace, and unity. In his homily, Cardinal Ambo focused on the theme of “hospitality,” reflecting on the traditional value of welcoming others with open hearts. He pointed out that Christmas invites people to open not only their homes but also their hearts and souls to welcome God. “Ang nais ko po sanang pagnilayan nating ngayong gabi ay ang tema ng hospitality,” Cardinal Ambo said. He referenced the Latin phrase hospes venit, Christus venit (“The guest comes, Christ comes”) to underline the Christian tradition of hospitality, where receiving others is asking to receive Christ himself. “Ito ang topic natin ang pagpapatuloy. Sa akin ito yung mas malapit na word for hospitality. Yung magpatuloy. Pagiging bukas na tumanggap sa nakikipagpanuluyan,” he explained. Cardinal Ambo also made an insightful comparison between traditional Filipino and Kapampangan cultures, noting how in Kapampangan “Dispu!”--a contraction of “Diyos po”-- is used when welcoming a guest, symbolizing the belief that when we welcome others, we do so in the name of God. “Mayroong kasabihan sa wikang latin “hospes venit, Christus venit.” Doon galing yung word [na] Hospitality. Ang hospes ay salitang latin para sa panauhin dumadalaw ang isang panauhin–si Kristo ang dumarating,” he added. The Cardinal also reflected on the significance of Bethlehem as a symbol of humility and hospitality, despite the political tensions surrounding the region today. He pointed out that Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is now surrounded by high walls and barriers due to Israeli security concerns, particularly related to Palestinians living in the area. “Kahit masaklap na ang Bethlehem ngayon ay pinalilibutan ng gobyerno ng Israel ng matataas na pader dahil sa takot nila sa mga Palestinians na nakatira doon, palagay ko hangga’t may bakod sa paligid ng Bethlehem, hindi darating ang kapayapaan sa daigdig,” he said, calling for the dismantling of barriers that divide people based on religion, race, or nationality. Cardinal Ambo’s message extended beyond the church walls, calling on individuals to contribute to peace through small acts of kindness and understanding. He highlighted that the true message of Christmas is about reconciliation and unity, transcending divisions that have long plagued humanity. “Mga kapatid, ang pasko ay isang paanyaya sa tao na magbukas ng puso at isip. Hindi lang mga tahananan. Magbukas ng ating mga kaluluwa para patuluyin ang Diyos sa pamamagitan din ng ating pagpapa-tuloy sa isa’t isa dahil tayong lahat ay magkakapatid,” he said.<div> CHRISTMAS MESSAGE</div> Before the mass, Cardinal Ambo also shared a Christmas message through a post on the Roman Catholic Bishop of Kalookan’s official social media page. He emphasized that Christmas is not just a time for celebration but a reminder of the profound peace that the birth of Christ signifies for all of humanity. “Nawa’y ang bawat bansang niluray ng digmaan ay maging bagong Bethlehem. Nawa’y mapalitan ng awit ng mga anghel and tunog ng mga baril at bomba at magliwanag ng kapayapaan at pagkakasundo ang dilim ng karahasan at kamatayan,” he stated. Concluding his message, Cardinal Ambo expressed hope that through each step towards peace, no matter how small, people would experience God’s grace and find a path to spiritual fulfillment. He wished everyone a “Maligayang Pasko” – a Merry Christmas filled with peace, love, and unity.<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2bgYhaeCtzk?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> </div>

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David, the Archbishop of the Diocese of Caloocan, said Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is now surrounded by high walls and barriers due to Israeli security concerns, particularly related to Palestinians living in the area.

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David, the Archbishop of the Diocese of Caloocan, said Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is now surrounded by high walls and barriers due to Israeli security concerns, particularly related to Palestinians living in the area.

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Cardinal Ambo’s Christmas message: Hospitality, peace, unity

Cardinal Ambo’s Christmas message: Hospitality, peace, unity

Addie Cuadra,

ABS-CBN News

Published Dec 25, 2024 01:49 AM PHT

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Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David

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