Bishop consoles faithful feeling guilty over kin’s COVID-19 death

MANILA, Philippines — Feeling guilty because you think you made a mistake in taking care of a loved one afflicted with coronavirus disease?

Bishop Broderick Pabillo yesterday called on people guilt-ridden over the death of a loved one during this pandemic to stop living with a bothered conscience and, instead, offer to God any feeling of shortcomings.

The apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila said there are many people who get sick or even die because of COVID-19 and acknowledged instances when the people caring for them are burdened with guilt.

He said these people should not let their guilty conscience, perceived failures and regret and bring them down.

Addressing those blaming themselves over a patient’s death in his Sunday homily, Pabillo said: “The Lord is greater than their conscience. We should give to the Lord our shortcomings. A Christian kind of repentance brings life. But sorrows that keep us from moving forward in life is not Christian sorrow. It is the work of the Devil who does not want us to live on and be happy.”

“The Lord died so that our sins may be forgiven, and for us to start a new life,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Manila Cathedral is anticipating the arrival of the Archdiocese of Manila new head, Archbishop-elect Jose Cardinal Advincula.

“The marker that contains the list of the past archbishops of Manila has now been brought for refurbishment to Angel Zamora and Sons, the company who made and installed it in 1958. They commented that this solid and heavy brass craftsmanship is now very rare,” the Manila Cathedral’s Facebook post said.

“They will also attach a new plate that would contain the succeeding list of the next archbishops beginning with our Archbishop-elect Jose Cardinal Advincula,” it added.

Pope Francis elevated the 69-year-old Advincula to the rank of cardinal last Nov. 28 and then appointed him as the new archbishop of Manila on March 25.