Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo in the Philippines has urged government officials to lead with integrity, compassion, and wisdom, reminding them that public service is a sacred vocation that demands courage, sacrifice, and moral conviction.
In his homily during the Diocesan Jubilee for Government Officials on August 16, 2025, at Santa Ursula Parish in Binangonan, Rizal, about 25 kilometers east of Manila, the bishop stressed that the true measure of leadership goes beyond legislation.
"Public service is not just a career, it is a calling. Your integrity can be a beacon in a time when distrust often clouds political issues. In a world fractured by division, your leadership can be a bridge," Bishop Santos said in an interview with church-run DZRV.
He explained that the Jubilee, traditionally celebrated in the Church as a moment of renewal and recommitment, is not merely ceremonial but a spiritual invitation to reflect on the deeper purpose of leadership and to align it with the common good. He encouraged officials to confront injustice with courage and to ground their decisions in dignity, fairness, and peace.
"May your legacy be written not only in legislation, but in lives changed, communities uplifted, and justice made real," the bishop added.
The celebration included a keynote address from a Filipino Senator, named Erwin Tulfo. It brought together government officials from Rizal province, led by Governor Nina Ricci Ynares, along with representatives from the Marikina City local government, both part of the Diocese of Antipolo’s jurisdiction.
While the celebration was held in the Philippines, Bishop Santos’ message carries significance beyond local borders. Across Asia, where many nations face challenges of governance, corruption, and social inequality, the bishop’s call for integrity, compassion, and servant leadership speaks to the universal vocation of public service rooted in moral conviction and the common good.
The Diocesan Jubilee for Government Officials forms part of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year observance with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” which seeks to inspire both leaders and the faithful to serve with integrity and foster hope in their communities.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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