Tagle calls for a stop in merciless corruption

MANILA -- Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle urged the people to stop merciless corruption and the abuse of those who are weak. Itigil na ang corruption na walang habag. Itigil na ang paglapastangan sa mga babae at mga bata na walang habag,” he said in his Homily at the start of the celebration of Jubilee of Mercy at the Manila Cathedral on Wednesday.He added, Spread mercy and respect, stop abusing those who are weak. Respond with mercy in helping and guiding those who need help. Stop cursing to who cannot hear and blind.”Before the Mass, Tagle opened the Holy Door of the Cathedral, which signifies the start of the archdiocese’s observance of the Jubilee of Mercy.During the ceremonial opening of the door, the head of the Archdiocese of Manila was accompanied by the poor and persons with disabilities.Pope Francis declared an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy beginning and ending on two great and solemn feasts of the Catholic Churchand Dec. 8, 2015 to Nov. 20, 2016, the feasts of the Immaculate Conception and Christ the King, respectively.By passing through the Holy Door and making pilgrimages in Jubilee Churches, the devotees can gain indulgences.In the archdiocese, four have been designated Jubilee churches, aside from the Manila Cathedral. The churches and the date of their holy door opening areand National Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Makati City (Dec. 11, 3 pm) Sanctuario de Santo Cristo, San Juan City (Dec. 12, 5:30 pm) Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Mercy, Mandaluyong City (Dec. 13, 5:30 pm) and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Church, Pasay City (Dec. 13, 5:30 pm).According to Church teaching, an indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishments due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven.” (PNA)