Give children gift of faith over education, luxury: Tagle

“Sana ipamana natin si Hesus, ang ating pananampalataya sa kanya (I wish we can bestow Jesus, our faith as legacy to our children,” the Cardinal added. (File Photo: Archdiocese of Manila – Office of Communications/Facebook)

MANILA — Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said on Monday that more than material things and even education, the best gift Catholic faithful can give their children this holiday season and beyond is the blessing of faith or love of God.

He said the gift of faith does not break, stale, or disappear.

“Lagi nating sinasabi, ang pasko ay para sa mga bata, lagi rin nating sinasabi na ang kinabukasan, bawat taon ay para sa mga kabataan, kaya sa Paskong ito at Bagong Taon, atin pong tutukan, ano nga ba ang ating ipinamamana sa ating mga kabataan? (We always say that Christmas is for the children, the future is for the children. So, this Christmas and the coming New Year, let us reflect — what legacy should we really give our children?),” the prelate underscored in an interview over church-run Radio Veritas.

“Sana ipamana natin si Hesus, ang ating pananampalataya sa kanya (I wish we can bestow Jesus, our faith as legacy to our children,” the Cardinal added.

Tagle issued the statement on Monday, as the Catholic Church is set to celebrate the “Year of the Youth” this coming year, with the theme “Filipino Youth in Mission: Beloved, Gifted, Empowered.”

The youth reportedly comprise about 20 percent of the Catholic population in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said the real Christmas gift or “aguinaldo” that children can ask from their godparents is their blessing, called “basbas” in Filipino.

“Dear children, on Christmas Day, the real aguinaldo that you ask for is your Ninongs’ and Ninangs’ blessing (basbas). If they give you anything else, say, “Thank you po,” but don’t forget to tell them that their blessing is more than enough,” David said in a text message.

“Iyun ang tunay na diwa ng pamamasko (That is the real essence of Christmas),” he pointed out.