By Sam Ramos
Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David’s decision to wear the Romero Cross during the Simbang Gabi Mass at the Manila Cathedral is a poignant reminder of the Church’s enduring mission to champion justice and solidarity with the oppressed. The cross, named after Saint Óscar Romero, a martyr for human rights in El Salvador, carries profound significance, especially in the context of the socio-political challenges faced by many Filipinos today. By choosing to don this powerful symbol, Cardinal David highlights the responsibility of the Church to be an advocate for the marginalized and a voice for the voiceless.
Saint Óscar Romero’s life and martyrdom are emblematic of the Church’s call to engage in the struggle for justice. His unwavering commitment to the poor and his fearless denunciation of systemic oppression resonate deeply in the Philippines, a nation grappling with widespread poverty and inequality. Cardinal David’s wearing of the Romero Cross signifies an alignment with these values, emphasizing that faith must not remain confined to the walls of the Church but must extend to the streets, where many struggle for dignity and survival.
This act of wearing the Romero Cross is particularly meaningful for Cardinal David, whose ministry has long been characterized by advocacy for human rights and compassion for the underprivileged. It also serves as an invitation for the Filipino faithful to reflect on how their own faith can translate into action. At a time when apathy and indifference threaten to weaken the social fabric, Cardinal David’s gesture reminds believers of their moral obligation to confront injustice and to live out their faith through acts of service and courage.
As the Church enters a new year of mission and reflection, Cardinal David’s embrace of the Romero Cross offers an opportunity to rekindle its role as a catalyst for change. In the words of Saint Óscar Romero, “A Church that does not provoke any crisis, preach a Gospel that does not unsettle, proclaim a Word of God that does not get under anyone’s skin, or a Word of God that does not touch the real sin of the society in which it is being proclaimed—what kind of Gospel is that?” Cardinal David’s public display of this cross challenges all Catholics to live a faith that unsettles complacency and inspires justice, making it as relevant today as it was in Romero’s time.