Priests to confess sins in Pope’s first PH Mass

MANILA, Philippines – In keeping with the theme of Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines, Filipino priests and bishops will confess their sins in a Mass said by the Argentine pontiff at the Manila Cathedral in January 2015.

“Mercy and Compassion” is the theme of Francis’ papal visit next year. 

The Mass on January 16, 2015 is the Pope’s first in the Philippines, and it will be held exclusively for 2,000 priests, bishops, and religious individuals.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said it will be conducted like an ordinary Mass, but will feature the clergy’s confession of sins in keeping with the theme of mercy and compassion.

In a media briefing on Tuesday, December 2, Tagle said the clergy will make a “communal and symbolic” gesture of penitence.

The priests will approach the crucifix at the altar and seek forgiveness from God for “shortcomings and sins” related to their vow of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

“The bishops, priests, and religious will ask for forgiveness from God for our shortcomings and sins, not only as Christians, but also as leaders of the Church,” Tagle said. “The priests will be the first to say that we also need to experience the mercy and compassion of the Lord,” he added.

Sinners too

The January 16 mass at the Manila Cathedral will be Francis’ first liturgical encounter with the leaders of the Church.

Tagle said the entire ceremony will revolve around the theme of the papal visit in two ways: by reminding the clergy of their role as recipients and as ministers of mercy and compassion.

“Just like the rest of humanity, we [priests] are sinners. We can be sustained in our ministry only if we drink from the wells of God’s mercy and compassion.”

“Secondly, we will be reminded that one of the most important tasks of ministry…is for us to be agents of mercy and compassion. We receive mercy and compassion from God, and we are also ministers and instruments of mercy and compassion,” Tagle said.

The inclusion of the clergy’s confession of sins in the Pope’s Mass next year follows a move made by Tagle in 2013, where he apologized for the Church’s sins against non-Catholics before an audience of 5,000 people.

Tagle’s apology echoes the move of the late Pope John Paul II, who made history by apologizing for the Church’s sins in 2000.

Bishop Mylo Vergara of the Diocese of Pasig said the local clergy is looking forward to learning from the Pope himself during his visit. “We’re excited for Pope Francis’ visit because he will teach us what kind of service we should render to our flock,” Vergara added. – Rappler.com