Davao Archbishop to Sara: Being a servant to Filipinos an ‘extraordinary gift’

Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles on Sunday told Vice President-elect Sara Duterte that it was an “extraordinary chance” for one to be able to serve and make a difference in the lives of the Filipino people.

During the thanksgiving Mass held at the San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City prior to Duterte’s inauguration ceremony, Valles explained that the act of service to God’s holy people is seen as a gift in the Christian context.

“It is a gift because, through human service, we bring the love and care, the mercy and compassion of the Lord to our people. One becomes then a servant of the Lord, an instrument to bring his love to our people. With this giftedness, one may say and add also, that the Lord trusts us so much to be His servant, to be his salt of the earth and light of the world,” he said in his homily.

Valles said he hopes that Duterte will have the “sharp eyes of the eagle” to see the needs of the people as she serves as the country’s second top official and the next Secretary of the Department of Education, once she assumes these posts on June 30.

“As we know, these needs can be clouded, can be obscured, can be distorted or hidden for many reasons like fake news and vested interests. The needs can be overwhelming to the point of making us feel small and inadequate. During these moments, may you have the sharp eyes of the eagle–never to miss the ever abiding presence of Jesus in our needs and trust that He will be working through you,” he added.

Further, the archbishop asked Duterte to “come to the Eucharist” whenever she is tired, feels weak in spirit, discouraged, sees less hope in doing good, when things are not looking good, and when what she said, “Mahalin natin ang Pilipinas,” seems to be an impossible dream.

Duterte is set to be sworn in as vice-president on Sunday afternoon at the San Pedro Square in Davao City.

Her father, outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte, and running mate President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. are expected to attend her oath-taking. — DVM, GMA News