By Leo Udtohan
TAGBILARAN CITY — A Requiem Mass was held at Diocese of Tagbilaran on Wednesday, Jan. 4, to honor the life of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
The pope emeritus, whose birth name was Joseph Ratzinger, passed away on Dec. 31, 2022 at the age of 95.
Bishop Abet Uy led the Eucharistic Celebration at St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral-Shrine at 12 noon.
In his homily, Uy said that Pope Benedict was given the nickname "God's Rottweiler" for his uncompromising conservative views.
He stressed that the pope was completely the opposite of the caricatures that his enemies made of him.
"Caricatures are simply not true or exactly the opposite. He was meek, humble, warmth and very compassionate who listens and makes one important," Uy said.
The prelate also shared on how Pope Benedict tried to teach the joy of discipleship.
He said Tagbilaran Bishop Emeritus Leonardo Medroso, and Boholano bishops
Antonieto Cabajog of the Diocese of Surigao and Crispin Varquez of Borongan in Eastern Samar could vouch for the pope.
"They said he's gentle, simple, holy, loving kaayo, same sa Ginoo," said Uy.
The prelate ended his homily borrowing the words of Pope Benedict XVI, "The happiness you have a right to enjoy has a name and a face: it is Jesus of Nazareth, hidden in the Eucharist. Only he gives the fullness of life to humanity!"
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected pope at age 78 and took the name Benedict XVI.
He served as pope from 2005 to 2013 and was the first pope to resign from the papacy in almost 600 years.
Photo caption:
Bishop Abet Uy of the Diocese of Tagbilaran officiates the requiem mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023. Photo courtesy of Bishop Abet Uy
