Faith is not a light which scatters all our darkness, but a lamp which guides our steps in the night and suffices for the journey. To those who suffer, God does not provide arguments which explain everything; rather, his response is that of an accompanying presence, a history of goodness which touches every story of suffering and opens up a ray of light.

Working for a just distribution of the fruits of the earth and human labor is not mere philanthropy. It is a moral obligation.

Let us ask the Lord for this grace: that our hearts become free and filled with light, so that we can rejoice as children of God.

The Holy Spirit transforms and renews us, creates harmony and unity, and gives us courage and joy for mission.

The Philippines bear witness to the youthfulness and vitality of the Church.

It also happens to me that when I meet a clericalist, I suddenly become anti-clerical. Clericalism should not have anything to do with Christianity. St. Paul, who was the first to speak to the Gentiles, the pagans, to believers in other religions, was the first to teach us that.

This Christmas may we be consistent in living the Gospel, welcoming Jesus into the centre of our lives.