Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle visited a shanty community in Manila on April 16, 2019, and urged its dwellers not to fall prey to the allure of money at the expense of one’s dignity.
Speaking during a Mass at the Parola Compound in the city’s Tondo district, he urged them to resist the idolatry of wealth because it is a betrayal similar to what Judas Iscariot did to Jesus.
He said that behind these sowers of discord and divisions are 30 pieces of silver, which often times are hiding behind good intentions.
“I hope that our generation will stop this kind of betrayal wherein people are sold for materials and money,” Tagle said in his homily.
The cardinal also said that money does not make a person rich, “character does”.
According to him, there are lots of wealthy people but are impoverished in character.
“In the end, your character is your true wealth and it’s priceless,” said Tagle.
Dozens of people attended the Mass held in a makeshift tent built beside the Pasig River.
The church official arrived at the area riding an e-trike coming from the nearby Nuestra Señora de la Soledad Parish Church.
After the liturgical celebration, Cardinal Tagle joined the people and a group of parish volunteers for lunch.
Cardinal Tagle last visited the area in 2015 after a large fire that swept through the community.
