On the Second Day of Advent, we continue to prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Also, this season is a perfect moment of preparation for the upcoming quincentenary celebration of the first Mass in the Philippines, which is a commemoration of the first evangelization of the nation to the Way, the Truth, and the Life - Jesus and His Church.

The liturgical year, themed Year of Missio ad Gentes (Mission to the Nations), is bound to be filled with wondrous celebrations of worship, festivities, and commemorations on the arrival of the Spanish explorers and friars to the country. When looking back at the moment when the Filipinos, of all the peoples in the Far East, received such a grace as faith in the True God, we all couldn’t help ourselves but overflow with joy and gratitude. Why does a small nation of roughly seven thousand and seven hundred scattered islands receive such a grace when all other surrounding nations have far greater honor to receive it?

My dear friends, God chose our country not only for a purpose but also out of love and fidelity to His peoples. The CBCP Letter that introduces the New Liturgical Year, Missio ad Gentes, revealed to the Filipino faithful how auspicious is the quincentenary celebration of Catholic and Christian faith to the nation. Especially in this time of national crisis, we are reminded of how important it is to continue and remain steadfast in our faith. That, being said, we will light another candle for this sunday of Advent.