Archbishop Valles calls on Davao officials to be instruments of mercy

Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao urged local government leaders and public servants to use their power by being active instrument of God’s mercy.

In his homily during Mass for the 81st founding anniversary of Davao City today, he encouraged local leaders to continue their work in humble service as “God’s instruments of goodness”.

“We just don’t realize how powerful we are to serve and show goodness and mercy to others,” Valles said in his homily at the San Pedro Cathedral.

Public service, according to him, is a tall order but it’s also a “God-given” opportunity to serve “despite our frailty and weakness”.

Taking his cue from Pope Francis’ humility, the archbishop asked the local officials to learn the leadership power in admitting mistakes and limitations.

And when they do so, the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said, it increases credibility and strength.

“That task is no joke. And if we are really honest to the task, we say we are sinners… we don’t measure up to the world,” Valles added.

“The Lord knows we are weak. All of us! But the mystery and beauty is that He simply continues to trust us, be there for us,” he also said.