‘Prepare to be attacked because we are for Christ’ — Cardinal Tagle

“If you love Christ many people will hate you.”

These were the words Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila told the faithful on the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Monday, July 16.

Presiding over a Mass at the Minor Basilica of San Sebastian in Manila, the prelate stressed that the path to Christ will not be easy for them, especially this time when “God has many competitors.”

“Sometimes, those who pretend to be god look attractive [to others] and gain more followers than Christ,” Tagle said.

The cardinal said despite the attacks on the Church, Catholics do not need to get involved in any kind of fights just to get even.

“We don’t need to get into fights and it’s not our purpose to get into that, but prepare to be attacked because we are for Christ,” added Tagle.

According to him, followers of a “fake god” are blinded by deceptive promises.

“In following Christ, there are many crosses that you will carry while … following ‘fake god’ erases the cross and promises [a] false path,” he added.

The celebration was also highlighted by the installation of Fr. Edgar Tubio, OAR as new rector the basilica.

Tagle further said that church servants also need the guidance of the faithful.

“Inspire your parish priest to become a better priest because just like you, we are also enticed [by] the false god,” he said.

This year’s feast was said to be even more special as the country marks the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Our Lady of Mount Carmel de San Sebastian in the Philippines.