PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA)–The Catholic Church encouraged Palaweños to continue the Christian faith through environmental protection and uphold the welfare of indigenous peoples (IPs) during the closing of the 400 Years of Christianity (YOC) in Palawan.
Archbishop of Manila Jose Cardinal Advincula said in his homily on Friday that faith is not just a gift but also a mission. The continuation of Christian faith includes not just passing on the teachings but also protecting the environment and embracing sectors that are in need of help, particularly the IPs, he added.
“Ang pangunahin nating misyon ay alagaan, palalimin at ibahagi ang pananampalataya ng ating tinanggap— Dito sa Palawan, marami tayong mga kapatid na katutubo at mga kapatid na namumuhay sa kahirapan. Sila rin ay misyon ng simbahan—akuin nating misyon na tiyakin ang kanilang kaligtasan at ipagtanggol ang kanilang karapatan,” he said.
Archbishop Advincula hoped that the Social Services Ministry would continue to provide livelihood support to the indigent and IPs in the province. The mission of the church is the inclusion of IPs in the teachings.
Catholic faithful join the lighting of 400 candles after the celebration of holy mass on August 25. (Photo by Rachel Ganancial)
Palawan’s environment is also a reflection of the blessings of God, he added. The gratitude should also be shown through environmental protection, which is one of the missions in the province.
“Isa sa mga misyon ay tiyakin na ang likas na yaman ay hindi inaabuso, hindi sinisira, hindi ginagamit sa pansariling pakinabang. Kung hindi ay iniingatan para sa susunod pang mga henerasyon—Ito ang tunay na paraan ng pagpapahayag ng kagalakan at pasasalamat. Ito rin ang hamon sa bawat isa sa atin sa sunod pang maraming taon,” he said.
Aside from church leaders, parents are also motivated to be missionaries in their homes and to pass down the faith to their families. He is aiming for additional catechists who will volunteer to teach in every parish and school. There should also be a strengthening of basic ecclesial communities (BEC) to deepen the faith as well as living with it.
He also highlighted the efforts of Jesuits and Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartes who took care of those who were ill in Culion town.
Palawan Governor Dennis Socrates joins the crowd in lighting the flashlights with her sister, Puerto Princesa Vice Mayor Nancy Socrates, at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex. (Photo by Rachel Ganancial)
Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown also shared the same view that the milestone of Christianity in Palawan is not just a number but a reflection of the depth of faith of the locals. Bishop Socrates Mesiona added that the arrival of Christianity in Palawan is part of God’s will for the province.
The 400 YOC also highlighted the missionaries who first started teaching in Palawan in 1622. Christianity was brought to Cuyo Island from Visayas through Augustinian Recollects.
The mass celebrations were part of the two-day culminating activities from August 24 to 25 for the closing of the 400 YOC commemoration in Palawan. The first day was opened by the procession, while the second day was filled by a symposium and youth fair attended by 5,000 youths. The lighting of candles was also witnessed at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex, followed by the launch of Ipadayon Song, joined by 400 choir members. (RPG/ PIA Mimaropa-Palawan)
