Priest: ‘Paschal candle, symbol of God’s mercy’
Iba Bishop-elect Bartolome Santos presides over a concelebrated Mass at the Parish and National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Marilao, Bulacan. RAINIER POLICARPIO
By Myraine Carluen-Policarpio
April 9, 2018
MARILAO, BULACAN
During an anticipated Mass at the Parish of the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy, Saturday, April 7, a day before Divine Mercy Sunday, Iba Bishop-elect Msgr. Bart Santos explained that the paschal candle symbolizes Christ’s love.
“It gives us light during our life’s darkest and toughest times,” said the priest, referring to the paschal candle as a “symbol of our faith in God and His mercy.”
Santos also explained why it is called as “paschal” or “pesach”. According to him, the word means “passover”, which is a reminder “of God’s loving mercy.”
“His love endures forever. And we should forever be grateful for His grace and mercy to all of us for these have saved us then, now, and [in] the days to come.”
The priest also encouraged the faithful to continue their devotion to the Divine Mercy as it can lead them to salvation and eternal life.
Parish priest Fr. Pros Tenorio, parochial vicar Ulysses Reyes, and Kalookan Bishop Emeritus Deo Iñiguez concelebrated the Mass with Santos.
The episcopal ordination of Bishop-elect Santos is scheduled on April 30, Monday, 9:00 a.m. at the Cathedral-Basilica Minore of the Immaculate Concepcion in Malolos City, Bulacan. Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle will preside over the said solemn rite.
