Bishop Pedro Baquero Calls Faithful to Trust and Respond to the Voice of the Good Shepherd at Shrine of Mary Help of Christians

The Eucharistic celebration at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians on April 26 was presided over by His Excellency Bishop Pedro Baquero, Bishop of the Diocese of Kerema. The second Mass began around nine o’clock with a beautiful choir led by the Filipino community.

In his sermon, Bishop Pedro Baquero reflected on the theme of the Good Shepherd. He stated that bishops and priests are shepherds to their flock. When the flock goes astray, they are called to bring them back. He also noted that shepherds protect the sheep from wolves, and, in reference to the Sunday Gospel, explained that the shepherd knows his sheep by name and they recognize his voice.

In his homily, the Bishop encouraged the faithful to put their trust in Christ, the Good Shepherd, to repent, and to respond to the call of God. He highlighted the importance of the divine call, emphasizing how the faithful are invited to embrace Christ and remain committed in their Christian life.

“It gives consolation; even though we are suffering, we are able to endure because we know we are responding to the call of God,” the Bishop said.

He further emphasized that when God calls, He calls each person personally, and when He calls them to action, they should respond with trust and faith in Him.

Reflecting on the Gospel, Bishop Baquero noted that the readings present a God who is not distant, but deeply involved in human life, guiding, healing, and calling His people to walk in His care. He reminded the faithful that the challenge is to recognize God’s voice amid the noise of the world and to follow Him with trust, even when the path is difficult.

In his concluding remarks, Bishop Baquero encouraged the faithful to ask for God’s grace and to trust in His Word, reminding them to place their confidence in Him and respond faithfully to His call.