“Faith binds the whole Catholic Church towards its journey”

The Church continues its fight against challenges in spreading the Good News through evangelization despite secularism and questions and problems in faith. The people of God never neglect the love offered by the word of God for their eyes to be awakened and see the truth and joy in having strong faith.

Something strongly binds the faithful and empowers every Catholic to be strong. The source must be the strong relationship offered by God and Jesus Christ through faith.

The year of faith is an opportunity for the Church to rediscover God, deepen the sacraments and reach out to all sectors in society. In the module prepared by the Archdiocese of Davao, Vatican II is summarized and the Catechism of the Catholic Church is to be prepared for the parishes.

In the trainors’ tranining in Sto. Rosario Vicariate held in Sto. Rosario, Toril, last August 18, priests and lay leaders from Immaculate Conception Parish in Mintal, San Lorenzo in Talomo, Holy Family in Baliok, Birhen De Los Remedios in Crossing Bayabas and Sto. Rosario, reflected on the important points of Vatican II discussed by Msgr. Abel Apigo. He said that it called for updating and renewal. He also stressed some important declarations in Vatican II like the relationship of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, Declaration on Christian Education and the effective use of mass media in evangelization.

Mark Rovera, a participant, commented that with Vatican II’s Inter Mirifica, the document on Social Communications, we are all challenged to use the present technology in the work of Evangelization. That is why the Archdiocese of Davao thru the Social Communications and Mass Media is now strengthening Social Media.

Bishop George Rimando reminds parishioners that the year of faith is not just a name. It is a pilgrimage, a journey, a growth of life. He said that faith is in crisis if learning is shallow, celebrating it only ritually rather than offered with open heart and if representation is weak. We must not surrender but correct our errors.

Birhen De Los Remedios Parish participant, Cherish realized that the church is alive. Having this seminar convinces her that there are so many things to learn. “Go forth and teach,” she added.

After the lecture, Immaculate Conception Parish plans to organize a workshop for catechists on creative use of visual aids to places wherein they cannot use projectors due to lack of technology. San Lorenzo Parish of Talomo and Holy family of Baliok plan to re-echo the module for their lay leaders.

By Mc Harold C. Delalamon/Contributor