FEB 7, 2023 6:40 PM PHT

PATERNO R. ESMAQUEL II

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula challenged church leaders to stay open to new ways, ideas, and kinds of leadership, as he said the Catholic Church will “easily grow old” if it refuses to change.

In a homily at the Manila Cathedral on Monday, February 6, Advincula warned parishes, communities, and institutions against keeping the same old activities and the same old leaders  – “sila-sila pa rin at sila-sila na lang” (still them and just them). 

“A church that is not open to renewal easily grows old, insignificant, and obsolete, but a church that is docile, responsive, and open to renewal remains ever young and vibrant,” the cardinal said at a Mass on the 444th anniversary of Manila as the first diocese of the Philippines.

Advincula made this call as Pope Francis advances his vision of a synodal church, or a church that walks with and listens to people.