Archbishop Tagle urges parents to raise kids as followers of Jesus

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle reminded parents to raise their children to become followers of Jesus Christ as he led the baptismal rites of 450 streetchildren at the Manila Cathedral Saturday.

“Palakihin ang inyong mga anak bilang mabuting tagasunod ni Hesus at mabuting miyembro ng simbahan at kapaki-pakinabang na mamamayan ng ating lipunan (Raise your children and teach them to become followers of Jesus, good members of the church, and active members of the society),” Tagle said.

The prelate said a child is a blessing from God that should be loved and protected.

“Mga magulang, ipinagkatiwala ng Diyos ang mga bata bilang biyaya sa atin. At ang biyaya hindi nilalapastangan, ang biyaya inaalagaan, minamahal at hindi ipinahahamak (Parents, the children are being trusted in our care by the Lord as a blessing. A blessing should not be disrespected. It should be treasured, loved, and not to be put in danger),” Tagle said.

Parents were also urged to further deepen their faith in God by reading the Bible as it will also serve as a guide in raising their children.

The prelate told the faithful that the role of a godparent, who helps in the personal development and upbringing of a child, is also a blessing and not a financial burden.

“Handa ba kayo mga ninong at ninang na maging katuwang ng mga magulang sa pagpapalaki sa mga bata bilang mabuting Kristiyano at mabuting mamayang Pilipino? Iyan ang tungkulin niyo, walang gastos yun. Hindi yun nakabatay sa regalo (Are you ready to become a godparent and be a partner with the parents in raising the child for him to become a good Christian and a good Filipino citizen? That is your duty, there is no cost to it, it is not based on any gift),” Tagle said, emphasizing that the role of a godparent cannot be measured based on gifts.

“Kumustahin niyo inaanak niyo, bisitahin niyo, magbigay kayo ng mabuting halimbawa para masabi ng mga bata ‘ah yung ninong at ninang ko mabuting Pilipino, mabuting Kristyano (Visit them and serve as a good example, for them to say ‘my godparent is a good Filipino and a good Christian),” Tagle said.