Remain in Jesus’ love like Mary, says Filipino cardinal

A Filipino cardinal reminded the faithful to emulate how the Blessed Virgin Mary remained in Christ’s love.

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said, “It is easier to fall in love than to remain in love,” and Mary showed how she kept her heart close to Jesus, even at the foot of the cross.

“[Mary] always guides us back to her Son… If you are getting distant from Christ, go to Mary... she will embrace you and lead you back to Jesus,” the Kalookan bishop said.

He was delivering the homily during the solemn declaration of the Spiritual Bond of Affinity between the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome and the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Immaculate Conception in Malabon City in the Philippines on May 22.

David emphasized that this spiritual connection is an invitation for the faithful to return and remain in Christ’s love like His mother.

“This is a reminder that our church is a home of mercy and compassion, of devotion to the Mother of God, who continues to lead us back to her beloved Son,” said the prelate.

Moreover, David revealed that the event was postponed due to the death of Pope Francis, who was laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

“Your church now has a permanent connection not just to the St. Mary Major Church but also to Pope Francis,” he emphasized.

Among those present during the Holy Mass were Kalookan Bishop Emeritus Deogracias Iñiguez, parish priest Fr. Mariano Bartolome Jr., and the clergy of the Diocese of Kalookan.

Through this spiritual bond of affinity, pilgrims to the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Immaculate Conception in Malabon City will also gain the plenary indulgence bestowed at St. Mary Major in Rome, one of the four papal basilicas.

This 19th-century church in the Philippines is home to the canonical image of the Immaculate Conception de Malabon.