Manila (AsiaNews/ Agencies) – In order to mark the 80th anniversary of the Pontifical Missions Society, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has launched the ‘Year of Mission’. Priests are encouraged to renew their Christian mission to show each Christian the way to be a witness in his or her life of Christ’s love.
The inaugural Mass was held at the Shrine of St Therese of the Child Jesus in Pasay City.
The highlight of the celebration will be the Grand Mission Festival, a national event to be held in Marikina City on 18-20 April, which will be dedicated to spreading the Gospel in the world and promoting the commitment of Filipino Christians in society.
“It is to be a grace-filled year, marked by renewed enthusiasm for dedicated service as Christ’s evangelising disciples,” CBCP President Archbishop Jose Palma said in his pastoral exhortation.
The launch of the missionary year comes a few days after the procession of the Black Nazarene last Monday in Manila. Some 8 million people took part in the event despite possible terrorist attacks by extremist Islamic groups.
The Nazarene procession showed once again the depth of the Filipino people’s faith, said Clarke Nebrao, president of the Catholic Association of Lay Missionaries (CALM).
However, such faith must not be exclusively personal and private but must be communicated to the world. Filipino Catholics must translate that faith “into social responsibility”. Only through action can they show their faith among people.
Filipino Church launches ‘Year of Mission’
Celebrations begin today in Pasay City on the 80th anniversary of the Pontifical Missions Society. Filipino Catholics are urged to bear witness to Christ in society and spread the Gospel in the world.
