Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra, DD was the Main celebrant and Homilist during the Concelebrated Mass in honor of St. NIcholas of Tolentino at the University gym, after the 6:30a.m. procession. In his homily, he reminded the faithful of the celebration of the Year of Faith, which will culminate on Nov. 24. He stressed the role of Blessed Pope John XXIII, Pope Paul VI, Blessed Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict in the renewal, redefinition and revitalizing of the Catholic Faith.
He also shared his reflection on the great role of Pope Francis in the world today. He sees the Pope driving a carriage with all of us in it and pulled by four horses. The 4 horses signify – Prayer; Humility and simplicity; love of community; and love of the poor. He noted that most of us today are so indifferent, if not “strangers” to the faith and the Church is losing her influence. So, he requested the faithful to “ride” the four horses of our faith. The mass ended with the distribution of the Blessed Loaves of St. Nicholas or “the Panecillos”.