THAT gospel story of the rich young man who asked Christ about how to gain eternal life (cfr. Mt 19,16-22) provides us with a great lesson on total self-giving since only then can we fully identify ourselves with Christ, the pattern of our humanity and...
WE are all familiar with that gospel episode where some leading Jews tested Christ by asking him if it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife. (cfr. Mt 19,3-12) That is where Christ clarified about man being created as male and female, and...
These days, amidst the soaring cases of COVID 19 infections, the nation rejoices. 2021 Tokyo Olympic medalists, Hilidyn Diaz, Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Fetecio, Eumir Marcial brought home the biggest haul of medals since the country participated in the world’s foremost international sports competition. Such feat...
AUGUST 15 is, of course, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It reminds us that by a special divine privilege, Our Lady was assumed body and soul to heaven at the end of her earthly sojourn. That, I suppose, is due...
In number 7 of section Without Borders of Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis writes, "As I was writing this letter, the Covid-19 pandemic unexpectedly erupted, exposing our false securities. Aside from the different ways that various countries responded to the crisis, their inability to work together...
(An excerpt from the Homily of Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao, August 6, 2021 during the live streamed mass of the 73rd Parochial Fiesta of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Calinan.) Unsa ang kasingkasing sa Ginoo, ang kasingkasing ni Hesus...
Recently, Davao Archbishop Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles called for the establishment of parish-based vaccination sites and has in fact directed the Archdiocesan Social Action Center (ASAC) to organize an Archdiocesan Vaccination Team to help administer a sectoral vaccination against COVID-19. In his Circular Letter No....
“Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” (Mt 18,21) Peter asked this question to Christ. Peter was actually being very gracious by suggesting that one should forgive seven times. But Christ went beyond all...
“IF your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother…” (Mt 18,15) With these words, Christ is encouraging us to make fraternal corrections. It’s a practice that has...
YES, in a certain sense, we need to die in order to live, and live not just some ordinary life, but rather the very fullness of life, which is none other than living the life of God. This is no gratuitous affirmation. This is based...