True freedom is not limited to political independence but is rooted in liberation from sin, hatred, selfishness, and despair, according to a Church leader who delivered a message during Independence Day celebrations on Friday.
In a spiritual reflection coinciding with the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day and the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Manila archbishop said authentic freedom must be understood in moral and spiritual terms rather than purely civic or political ones.
Delivered during a special Mass at the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Makati City, the message invited Filipinos to reflect on the deeper meaning of freedom in light of Christian faith.
“Independence Day also reminds us that the deepest freedom is not merely political freedom. The greatest freedom is freedom from sin, hatred, selfishness and despair. A nation becomes truly free when its people learn to love as Christ loves,” the Church leader said.
He added that national heroes honored during Independence Day were driven by love and sacrifice for the country.
“The heroes we honor today were men and women with hearts — men and women who loved the Philippines enough to sacrifice for her,” he said.
The message also underscored the Christian understanding of human dignity, emphasizing that it is not based on achievement or personal worth but on God’s unconditional love.
The Church leader also addressed individuals facing personal struggles, loneliness, and self-doubt, assuring them of God’s enduring love regardless of human imperfection.
“We are not loved because we are worthy; we become worthy because we are loved,” he said, adding that such faith should inspire integrity in leadership, unity in families, and compassion in communities.