AT least 220 members of the House of Representatives, led by Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, who served as Speaker of the 19th Congress, attended a Thanksgiving Mass late Sunday afternoon to mark the convening of the 20th Congress on Monday.
The Mass was held at the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Intramuros, Manila, and was principally officiated by Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila (RCAM).
Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said the Mass was also an expression of hope for a better and stronger Philippines, adding that the gathering was not just a tradition, but a statement of faith.
“This Thanksgiving Mass is more than tradition—it’s a moment of reflection and unity as we begin the 20th Congress. We seek guidance to serve with integrity, wisdom, and a heart for the Filipino people,” Acidre said.
“As we open a new chapter in Congress, we anchor ourselves in faith—asking for strength, clarity, and compassion in the laws we craft and the decisions we make for our nation,” Acidre added.
Bishops Antonio Tobias, Oscar Jaime Florencio and Elias Ayuban Jr. were among the concelebrants. They were joined by Msgr. Bernie Pantin, Secretary-General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), along with other high-ranking officials of the Catholic Church.
Among those in attendance were Reps. Leila De Lima, David “Jay-Jay” Suarez, Democrito Mendoza, Rodge Gutierrez, Joel Chua, Terry Ridon, Perci Cendaña, Rufus Rodriguez, Jam Baronda, and former Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales II, among others.
On behalf of the House of Representatives, Acidre extended his gratitude to Cardinal Advincula as the main celebrant of the Mass.
Lawmakers also expressed thanks to the choir and liturgical ministers, House personnel, congressional staff, and all those who helped organize the Thanksgiving Mass
