Philippines: Cardinal Advincula Says Papal Honor Calls Lay Faithful to Deeper Discipleship

Receiving one of the Catholic Church's highest honors for laypeople should mark not the end of service but the beginning of a renewed commitment to Christ and the Church, Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila said as two prominent Filipino lay Catholics, Hans Sy and Anita Co Ng, received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award on July 12.

Sy is chairman of the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings, one of the Philippines' largest property developers, and is known for promoting sustainability, climate-resilient urban development, and affordable education.

Ng is a prominent Catholic lay leader and philanthropist recognized for her steadfast faith, charitable initiatives, and support for the Church's mission.

Preaching during a Eucharistic celebration at the Layforce Chapel in Makati City, Metro Manila, the Philippines' financial and commercial hub, Cardinal Advincula reflected on the Gospel of the Sower, saying the Church's recognition of the two lay faithful points beyond their achievements to the generosity of God, who continually sows the seeds of His Word.

Addressing the honorees, Cardinal Advincula said the papal distinction recognizes their fidelity, generosity, sacrifice, and years of dedicated service to the Church. However, he stressed that the award is more than an expression of gratitude.

"This honor is not only a crown of gratitude. It is also a call to deeper discipleship," Cardinal Advincula said.

Drawing from the Sunday readings, Cardinal Advincula reminded the faithful that God's Word "never returns empty" and that acts of love and sacrifice often bear fruit in ways unseen. He said Christian service is measured not by recognition or visible success but by steadfast faithfulness to Christ.

Cardinal Advincula praised Sy and Ng for persevering in their commitment to the Church through the years, continuing to sow "seeds whose full harvest you may never see."

"You have supported the mission of the Church faithfully. You remained when others left. You continued when enthusiasm faded," Cardinal Advincula said, adding that their witness reflects trust in God, who ultimately brings every good work to fruition.

Cardinal Advincula also cautioned that service to the Church must always remain rooted in a personal relationship with Christ.

"Sometimes, we can serve the mission and forget the Master. We can be generous without becoming fruitful. We can spend our lives working for God without allowing God's Word to transform us from within," Cardinal Advincula said.

Urging the awardees to remain humble, hopeful, and faithful, Cardinal Advincula echoed Pope Leo XIV's gratitude while emphasizing Christ's greater invitation: "Continue."

"The greatest honor the Church can give you is not the medal placed upon your chest. The greatest honor is the grace of becoming, more and more, a small, insignificant seed given for Christ and His Church," Cardinal Advincula said.

Cardinal Advincula concluded by inviting all the faithful to pray for hearts that are "good soil" where God's Word can take root and bear abundant fruit in daily life.