MANILA (UCAN): Church leaders in the Philippines called for churchgoers to bring gifts for the poor when they attend Mass, especially on the World Day of the Poor on November 17.
Archbishop Rolando Tirona, head of the Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, said the sharing of gifts “is a small gesture to restore hope for the poor.”
In a letter to dioceses across the country, the archbishop called for the holding of various events to aid the needy “so that no one feels deprived of solidarity.”
Archbishop Tirona wrote, “In solidarity with Pope Francis’ intentions for the poor … I humbly ask your dioceses’ participation in this special event consistent to our vision of being a Church of the Poor.”
He suggested that parishioners visit poor communities, prisons, hospitals and conduct social justice forums or dialogue.
In an earlier statement, Bishop Tirona said it was a challenge for Catholics to be mindful of their actions toward the less fortunate and the underprivileged.
Father Edwin Gariguez, executive secretary of the National Secretariat for Social Action/Caritas Philippines, said that Catholics cannot continue to be blinded by injustice. He said the dignity of the poor should be regarded “in the same way as our own.”
In the Philippines, farmers, fishermen and children are the poorest sectors, according to a government poverty report issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
The World Bank estimated the poverty incidence in the Philippines to be at 21.9 per cent for 2018.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
In a report released last month, it predicted that the poverty incidence would fall below 20 per cent from next year. It sees the Philippines’ poverty rate further declining to 19.8 per cent and 18.7 per cent in 2021.
