Philippine Cardinal Urges Priests to Be Shepherds Close to the Poor and Suffering

Cardinal Jose F. Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, called on priests to embrace a ministry of presence, simplicity, and mercy, saying people burdened by poverty and daily struggles need "shepherds, not administrators."

Speaking during the Manila Clergy Day celebration on the Memorial of St. John Mary Vianney, patron saint of parish priests, at San Carlos Seminary Chapel in Makati City on August 4, Cardinal Advincula reflected on the many hardships confronting Filipinos, including poverty, corruption, displacement, rising living costs, and difficult daily commutes.

"Our people are exhausted, harassed, and dejected," Cardinal Advincula said. "Gazing upon them, Jesus is deeply moved with compassion. He asks us, His priests, to behold His flock through His merciful eyes."

Drawing inspiration from St. John Mary Vianney, Cardinal Advincula said three qualities should define priestly ministry today: radical presence, profound solidarity, and unyielding mercy.

He urged priests to remain close to the people they serve, warning that ministry cannot be reduced to administration or office work.

"Our parishioners long for this presence," Cardinal Advincula said. "Amid urban noise and the despair of the poor, an unavailable priest is a shepherd who has abandoned his flock. We must leave our comfort zones for the realities of our people, showing them that God has not forgotten them."

Cardinal Advincula also challenged priests to examine their own lifestyles, cautioning against comfort and material excess that can distance clergy from those they serve.

"We must remain fiercely vigilant against clerical luxury," he said. "We cannot preach hope to the hungry when we live in superfluity."

He added that priests become credible witnesses to the Gospel when they share in the struggles of their communities, serving as companions rather than mere managers.

Concluding his homily, Cardinal Advincula encouraged priests to imitate the compassionate ministry of St. John Mary Vianney, who welcomed sinners with patience and mercy instead of condemnation.

"My brothers, our people do not need administrators to organize their survival or judges to condemn their exhaustion," Cardinal Advincula said. "They need shepherds. Let us go forth into the streets of Manila, so that when our weary flock looks at us, they too may say: 'I saw God in a man.'"