Trademark of genuine Catholic

What kind of Catholic am I? I asked this question after listening to the homilies delivered by Pope Francis during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist in Manila Cathedral and at Tacloban airport.

With Pope Francis actually going out of his comfort zone and reaching out to those who are poor, vulnerable, marginalized and oppressed by wicked social structures, I now appreciate even more my being a Catholic faithful. I understand that it is not enough for me to be just a baptized Catholic, or even a faithful Sunday churchgoer.

Pope Francis inspired me to show mercy and compassion to others and to preach the Gospel values whether it is convenient or not, to help put an end to corruption in society and bring down societal structures that run counter to the saving truth of the gospel.

It is indeed absurd to love God with all my heart and soul and be indifferent to my neighbor. In sum, loving God should be matched with loving others especially the poor and downtrodden. This is a trademark of an authentic, practicing Catholic.

Thank you, Pope Francis!

—REGINALD B. TAMAYO,

assistant city council secretary,

Marikina City