Labrador: “Just like Titus, we should not be afraid to tell everyone the truth”
By Alexandria Grace Magno
Titus’ words are very relevant to all of us today, said the Carmelite during the Votive Mass in Honor of Saint Titus Brandsma on Saturday, Jan. 28.
Rev. Fr. Christopher Labrador O. Carm emphasized during his homily at the Santisimo Rosario that like St. Titus Brandsma, we should not be afraid to speak the truth to everyone, even if it means risking our lives.
“If we sincerely believe and hope that our lives will be good, don’t be frightened to express the truth,” he said, reminiscing the deeds and behavior Titus showed during his days while encouraging everyone to do the same.
Moreover, Labrador also mentioned why St. Titus is known as a reconciling figure by those who knew him while developing his innate gift in writing and good communication.
“Oecumenism came naturally to him together with the ability to break down barriers and enter dialogues,” he said, highlighting how St. Titus was a peacemaker.
The Carmelite also brought up that Titus tried to stop Nazi propaganda from being printed and disseminated which led to his eventual arrest.
“[St.] Titus subjected National Socialism to rigorously critic as part of University courses and was especially vocal against Nazi ideology in a number of his sermons, ” he added.
Fr. Labrador remarked thatTitus’ articles in the Catholic press are notable not just in upholding a firm stance but also for being accessible and inviting to its audience.
To conclude, the Carmelite shared that St. Titus remained believing in the love of God up to his final moments before he was persecuted through lethal injection.
“The love of God is alive even in very challenging times and places,” Labrador said.
St. Titus Brandsma was hailed as the patron saint of Catholic Journalists, after being beatified in 1985 and canonized by Pope Francis last May 15, 2022.
The relics and image of St. Titus Brandsma will remain in the Santisimo Rosario until tomorrow, Jan. 29.
