Msgr. Nestor C. Cerbo, Rector of the Manila Cathedral-Basilica (MCB) presided over the mass in celebration of the 41st death anniversary of His Eminence Rufino J. Cardinal Santos on September 3, 2014.

The Mass was held at the crypt of the MCB at 9:00 AM. Relatives and friends of the late Archbishop attended the Eucharistic celebration.

The Prayer Warriors of the Holy Souls (PWHS) took charge of the singing and proclamation of the Word.  PWHS was assigned by Msgr. Cerbo to take care of the Death Anniversary Masses of the Archbishops of Manila buried at MCB Crypt.

In his homily, Msgr. Cerbo said that the Gospel of the day (Lk 4:38-44) shows Jesus’ three characteristics: prayerful; always ready to help those tormented by evil either sickness or demon; and bent on announcing the good news of the reign of God. He went on to say that the three characteristics of Jesus were also those of the late Cardinal Santos.

He was prayerful because he had a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to her rosary. After World War II, he reconstructed the Manila Cathedral, the main House of Prayer for the Archdiocese of Manila, evidencing how he valued prayer.

He also was ready to help those tormented by sickness that he built a hospital which is now called Cardinal Santos Medical Center. It has a charity clinic to help our less fortunate brethren. He also founded the Hospicio de San Jose to care for the needs of our least brothers and sisters.

He was also bent on announcing the good news of the reign of God, especially in the Philippines and Asia. For such purpose, he established the Radio Veritas Philippines and Radio Veritas Asia.

After the Eucharistic celebration the newly installed Coat of Arms of Cardinal Santos at the center aisle of MCB was blessed by Msgr. Cerbo. Nilo B. Lagarto & MNCC