Bishop Manlapaz summons priests to live in solidarity with the poor

An unyielding message of the Archdiocese of Tagum Bishop Wilfredo Manlapaz, D.D. in a Eucharistic celebration on the second day of the 39th Diocesan Clergy of Mindanao at REMASE Gym, St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary last February 9 to 11, urging diocesan priests to live in simplicity as one of the means in communion with the poor and supports the rights of the poor.

Speaking in front of some 750 priests of different sub-regions, in his homily, Bishop Manlapaz enlightened God’s message of mercy and compassion in which Pope Francis’ theme during his visit in the Philippines last January 15 to 19.

Bishop Manlapaz to the priests, exemplified Jesus’ mission, to show concern and help our brothers and sisters who are in need.

As the DCM marked this year as “The Year of the Poor”, Bishop Manlapaz reflected on the teachings of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines regarding on the social problems that beset the community then.

Bishop Manlapaz pointed that poverty is one of the social problems that the church should be concerned of.

Like Pope Francis’ concern for the poor and the oppressed, Bishop Manlapaz sighted the importance of the poor in the church. That there should be continual love and concern of the poor and should not be discriminated. That they should not be deprived of their spiritual needs. A poor may not be abundant on material things but rich in communion with Christ.

Bishop Manlapaz also cited some financial support to the poor and urged diocesan priests in solidarity with the poor resembling to Pope Francis’ simplicity and humble character. (Mark Kinlee Ocay)