Cardinal Tagle celebrates father's funeral Mass in Imus

In brief

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle celebrated the funeral Mass for his father, Manuel Topacio Tagle Sr., at the Cathedral of Imus. The ceremony took place at 10:00 a.m. in the diocese where the Cardinal began his episcopal ministry.

During the homily, Cardinal Tagle spoke about how the Eucharist unites believers and how God allows people to become gifts to one another. He noted that while losing loved ones causes loneliness and suffering, such moments reveal a human desire for companionship and communion. He observed that his father expressed this desire strongly even while ill in the hospital. Referring to the Gospel account of the Crucifixion, the Cardinal said that the promise made to the good thief provides an answer to the fear of death.

The funeral was attended by two cardinals, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown, and several bishops. Hundreds of priests, religious members, and people from Imus, Manila, and across the Philippines also attended to show support for the Cardinal and his family.