On behalf of the Papal awardees, Del Rosario walked into the lectern to deliver a message of gratitude. He shared how truly blessed he felt on the day of their conferment as Papal awardees. “We are all humbled and extremely grateful. And while we receive our award in all humility, we must be mindful that what we truly celebrate today are the seven decades of service to the poor by Caritas Manila in response to the exhortations of our Church and its leaders,” he said.

Del Rosario further borrowed a quote from Pope Francis, from his first apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, “The poor person, when loved, ‘is esteemed as of great value’, and this is what makes the authentic option for the poor differ from any other ideology, from any attempt to exploit the poor for one’s own personal or political interest. Only on the basis of this real and sincere closeness can we properly accompany the poor on their path of liberation. Only this will ensure that ‘in every Christian community the poor feel at home.’”

Del Rosario said Caritas Manila has been an indomitable institution in adhering to the Church’s call to assist underserved individuals and communities for the past 70 years. This remarkable feat propelled their award and individual contributions to the esteemed NGO because of the invaluable work of many people through the years. Besides providing social services, Caritas Manila has several programmes for youth, education, livelihood, restorative justice, health, former drug users, and servant leadership. Among its programmes, its scholarship programme backed with servant leadership training, and its in-kind donation programme, Segunda Mana, are just two of Caritas Manila’s pride, among many others.

“These are but a few examples of the phenomenal growth and impact of Caritas Manila. For 70 years, Caritas Manila’s efforts have borne witness to an authentic option for the poor—providing our Catholic communities the opportunities to make the poor feel at home through various programmes that have expanded its scope and reach. And it is this work that I believe we appropriately celebrate today,” Del Rosario said.

Del Rosario shared with the attendees the remarkable life story of Veridico, one of his fellow awardees. He said his life mirrors the dedication and passion of the countless volunteers of Caritas Manila. Known to many as ‘Brother Noli’, Vedirico began his life of service 50 years ago in his hometown, Bataan. Since then, he has dedicated most of his life to the Church by building altars and has taken various leadership roles in parishes and church groups. “[He] served in Caritas Manila for 20 years with affection, humility, kindness, and dedication,” Del Rosario said.

The vice chairman of Caritas Manila ended his speech by sharing the Papal award with the countless field workers and volunteers who have dedicated their lives to alleviating poverty in the country, working tirelessly day and night.

“It is you, field workers and volunteers, who do God’s work through Caritas, and we are honoured simply to work by your side,” Del Rosario said.

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