“Working with our brothers behind bars has been both frightening and, at the same time, fulfilling,” priest says. Quezon City Jail is the second largest prison in the Philippines. Built for 800 inmates, it currently holds 3,600.
About ten million Filipinos work abroad. From January to November last year, they sent home about 1.4 trillion pesos (US$ 2.6 billion). They often endure abuse and exploitation. The country’s bishops back the government’s "the total ban" on workers going to Kuwait.
Farming is the main activity for 80 per cent of the population of a region known as the country’s rice greenery. The local Church has undertaken various social development initiatives, including women’s empowerment and a feeding programme for children.
Gay sex is responsible for 83 per cent of new HIV cases. Two out of three new HIV infections occur among men aged 15 to 24 years. The Bishops’ Conference (CBCP) urges people to act and behave responsibly. For Fr James McTavish, “the true solution to the epidemic is not the distribution of condoms, but the humanisation of sexuality.”
The traditional procession of the wooden statue of Christ through the streets of central Manila on 9 January includes strict security measures. The mayor issued an order closing schools and public offices. A ban on carrying arms and selling alcohol will be in place.
Some 4,000 to 5,000 homeless families live in covered sidewalks, under bridges, or in cemeteries. Kariton Empowerment Center (KEC) is a charity whose goal is to empower homeless families, “helping them to help themselves”. Some of the beneficiaries tell their stories.
Locals thank Caritas and NASSA for the assistance they provide. The Marawi reconstruction programme was redirected to help affected communities. More bad weather threatens the country.
The Blessed Virgin is the country’s main patroness. To allow Filipinos to celebrate Mary’s Immaculate Conception, the government will give schools and offices the day off. Some of the faithful react.
Vinta hit the island of Mindanao violently displacing 118,596 families,leaving 164 victims and 176 missing. The affected communities already suffering from the devastation of the Marawi siege. The prayer of Pope Francis and the appeal of Card. Tagle.
The event dates back to the 17th century and is also celebrated abroad. During the novena, Filipinos pray for their families, as well as peace in the country and in the world. Card Tagle calls for an end to bickering and discrimination against different cultures and beliefs. Unemployment, drugs and human rights violations are some of the country’s most serious social problems.
The executive director of the Capacity Building Initiative expects the historic apostolic visit to “boost our hearts and mind to work for the common good”. Buddhists will also attend the solemn Mass on 29 November at the Kyaikkasan Ground in Yangon.
The country faces numerous social problems, from human trafficking to teen pregnancies. In this context, young people seek the guidance of the Church. Some programmes educate them in spirituality and their faith.
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