Ut Omnes Unum Sint, ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam.
"That they all may be One, for the greater glory of God" is the wish of Jesus. He knew that there will be divisions among His followers, even among His Apostles and disciples. And yes, even among Churches, and sad to say even within a particular Church like Rome.
Did you know, that there are at least 23 Sui Iuri Catholic Churches throughout the world and Rome (Latin Rite) is only one of them? Some Churches are in Full Communion with Rome, some Churches are "partially" in Communion with Rome, and there are Churches that are Not in Communion with Rome and are classified as "independent" Catholics.
There are three categories or groups of Catholic Churches, first is the Roman Church which is directly under Rome; Second is the Anglican Church and then we have the Orthodox Church.
They usually differ in Church management and organization but have the same ministry, same Scriptures, and same oral and unwritten traditions but a little variation on their teachings, especially the Orthodox group.
Here, we can see that the term "Catholic" is not purely and does not solely belong to Rome, the term "Catholic" was first used by Saint Ignatius of Antioch in the year 110 AD.
If we study Christian Ecclesiology, we will know that the first known occurrence of "Roman Catholic" as a synonym for "Catholic Church" was in 1208, in a communication made by the Pope with the Armenian Apostolic Church after the East-West Schism. The last official magisterial document to use the term "Roman Catholic" was issued by Pope Puis XII in 1950.
If Rome would only adhere to the teachings of Jesus, listen to His prayerful wish and follow the leadings and promptings of the Holy Spirit, it wouldn't be hard for the Churches to be united as One. And if Rome would not close its doors to those bishops, priests, and religious who have walked astray rather give them all the opportunity to be back into its fold, how wonderful the Church and its ministries would be.
Schisms start when leaders of Churches disagree with each other if leaders refused to listen and look into the matter with the loving heart of Jesus and treat those who have walked astray as outcasts.
Unity in its diversity in ministries and charisms is the key for the Gospel message of Christ to be spread and heralded throughout the world, making the Catholic faith truly universal.
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Allow me to commend the following: police commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, and non-uniformed personnel of the National Capital Region Police Office headed by Police Brig. Gen. Jonnel C. Estomo, as regional director of the National Capital Region Police Office; the energetic and always available spokesman, Col. Dexter Versola; the always supportive Regional Public Information Office chief, Major Anthony S. Alising; their staff PSMS Luis Madriaga, among others, for making the observance of the All Saints' and All Souls' Days generally peaceful.
It is laudable that the intensified police presence deployed in different cemeteries, columbaria, major thoroughfares, transport terminals, and other places of convergence within Metro Manila contributed to a peaceful and orderly celebration of Undas.
Brig. Gen. Estomo affirmed that there was no major untoward incident recorded despite of the attempts to carry prohibited items inside the premises of the cemeteries/columbaria wherein police officers were able to halt and confiscate the contraband after a thorough inspection. Thorough planning, preparation, and quick response of the police on the ground contributed much to this amazing result despite the excitement of the public to visit their departed loved ones after years of prohibition.
Likewise, apart from the safety and security operations conducted, deployed police personnel also implemented Covid-19-related policies to guarantee the implementation of minimum public health standards.
In his message, Estomo said, "I am elated and proud of the success of the initiatives we have undertaken to ensure that Undas 2022 is observed and celebrated safely, peacefully, and solemnly for our people."