Filipino Cardinal “Ambo” David on hearing God's voice in the Bible

About this episode

Fr. James Martin interviews Cardinal David about his ministry, Ignatian spirituality, and understanding scripture.

In this episode of The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J., Fr. Martin speaks with Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, Bishop of Kalookan, Philippines. Elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2024 by Pope Francis, the ministry of Cardinal “Ambo” has been marked by a deep solidarity with those on the margins, with whom he’s established 21 urban mission stations in poor communities affected by violence. With a doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Catholic University of Louvain, Cardinal Ambo shares his Ignatian approach of “reading between the lines of scripture,” without forgetting the very important “dots” we connect through biblical scholarship. Timecodes: 0:00 Prayer is necessary to survive 2:50 What’s an Ignatian approach towards scripture? 5:19 How Cardinal Ambo received his nickname and why he prefers it to “Your Eminence” 7:28 Cardinal Ambo’s early calling to the priesthood 14:05 Biblical scholarship establishes the dots, Ignatian Contemplation helps connect them 21:30 How studying Aramaic allows Cardinal Ambo to better understand Jesus 24:50 The urban mission stations that bring hope to the poor 30:40 What characterizes Filipino-Catholic spirituality? 32:30 Audience…

People in this episode

Host: Fr. James Martin, S.J.

Guest: Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David

Topics covered

• Ignatian spirituality
• biblical scholarship
• urban mission
• Filipino-Catholic spirituality
• Cardinal David's ministry
• God's voice in the Bible

Keywords

• Cardinal David
• Ignatian approach
• scripture
• urban mission stations
• Filipino spirituality
• biblical scholarship
• Pope Francis

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Catholic University of Louvain, Pope Francis

Places: Philippines, Kalookan

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