Manila cardinal promotes 'theology of crumbs'
Jul 10, 2007
In an expansive homily that drew applause, laughter and emotion at San Francisco‘s St. Anne of the Sunset Church, Cardinal Guadencio Rosales of Manila underscored the deep faith, generosity and hospitality of the Filipino culture and urged Filipinos living in the United States to use their cultural heritage as a leaven in American society.
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (Catholic San Francisco, 7/9/2007) - A Pontifical Mass followed by a reception at St. Anne were the final events of the cardinal-s three-day Bay Area June visit which also included a Mass at San Francisco‘s St. John the Evangelist Parish, East Bay liturgies, and visiting several relatives.
In an interview with Catholic San Francisco, the cardinal cautioned the United States about its social development aid in the Philippines and expressed excitement about the impact of Pondo Ng Pinoy, a foundation he helped launch to aid the poor in his homeland three years ago.
While ”mutually beneficial” bi-lateral treaties between the Philippines and United States ”should be respected,” notably security agreements, it would be prudent for U.S. federal developmental aid programs to ”distance themselves” from ”some human development programs” currently supported and become more aware of how monies are used, Cardinal Rosales said.
It is widely acknowledged that corruption and lack of accountability have long plagued social development sectors of the Filipino government as well as some non-governmental organizations there.
On the other hand, Cardinal Rosales said, Catholic Church affiliated organizations ”have always been among the most credible.”
That would include Pondo Ng Pinoy, whose member organizations now include more than a dozen Filipino dioceses and apostolic vicariates.
A key tenet of the Pondo Ng Pinoy philosophy, Cardinal Rosales said, is personal commitment to tangible, daily support of at least 25 centavos - less than one cent in U.S. currency - to the poor and the work of the foundation. He described it as true democratization of charity.
The cardinal expanded on what he calls a ”theology of crumbs” during his St. Anne homily.
”We in the Philippines are gathering crumbs from every Filipino,” he said to the nearly 1,500 gathered at St. Anne. ”All God wants is small things. Small things put together can start up a miracle. The issue is the love for the poor. Goodness is not complicated.” He underscored the significance of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, pointing out that no other parable reveals the name of the persons involved - from the story of the Prodigal Son, to the Pharisee and the Publican, to the Good Samaritan. ”This is very, very significant, he said.”
”Love is a way of life. Love is not a one-shot thing,” said the leader of the Philippines nearly 65 million Catholics, more than 80 percent of the nation’s population.
The Filipino culture, he emphasized,” embedded in us since we were small kids has the ability to be friends with almost everyone. There is room for everyone in our culture. There is always room for one more in our culture.”
After describing the Filipino emphasis on personal care and concern for individuals ”even if it interferes with schedules, the cardinal drew applause when he said, I assure you, God is not going to judge us according to schedules. He is not a God of schedules.”
Speaking about the priesthood and to the many priests present at the Mass, Cardinal Rosales said, ”God is not going to judge me as a priest or a cardinal, but as a person. The first ontological and metaphysical vocation for a priest is to be a good human being.”
”To be a good man, to be a good person is your first vocation,” he said. ”Be good as a man, reflect the goodness of God, and a good priesthood will follow.”
Cardinal Rosales, who turns 75 Aug. 10, told Catholic San Francisco he had submitted his letter of resignation to the Vatican in June, complying with the canonical mandate for cardinals to offer their resignation on turning 75. He said he had not received official word whether or not he would be asked to continue as head of the Manila Archdiocese.
For information on Pondo Ng Pinoy, visit its Web site: www. pondongpinoy.com
Manila cardinal promotes 'theology of crumbs'