MANILA, (PNA) — Catholic prelates said the faithful should be inspired by the holy lives of the two former popes, John Paul II and John XXIII, scheduled for canonization as saints on April 27, 2014.
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said since many Filipinos cannot attend the canonization by the Vatican for the two former Roman Catholic Church heads, people could emulate their lives.
“Not everyone can attend the rites in Rome but everyone can imitate the two popes. The real meaning of devotion to the saints is imitation,” he said in a text message.
The incoming president of the influential Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines added: “We must learn from the heroic patience of Pope John Paul II and the constant happy spirit of Pope John XXIII.”
On Monday, Pope Francis made the announcement during the consistory, the meeting of the bishops in Vatican.
Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros said the announcement is an occasion of thanksgiving and a cause for joy.
“We should not only prepare for the canonization but rather emulate holy lives of the two new saints,” he said.
“Let us be reminded of what JP2 said about the role of Catholic Philippines in the evangelization of Asia. Also the date chosen for canonization is the Feast of the Divine Mercy. Like JP2 and John 23, let us be channels of God’s mercy to others,” Oliveros added.
JP2 served as head of the Roman Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005 while John XXIII led the Catholics around the world in 1958-1963.
Both have their own confirmed miracles, a requirement for sainthood.