Women doctors of the church highlighted at FLA confab

The Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Bishop Gilbert Garcera, DD of the Diocese of Daet, Camarines Norte was the invited plenary speaker in the recently-concluded 6th Annual Conference on Advocacy for Life.

In line with the overall theme of the conference last June 17-19, 2016, “The Filipino Families: Missionary Disciples of the Eucharist,” Bishop Garcera talked about “The Three Women Doctors of The Church – Our Source of Inspiration.” These three doctors are St. Catherine of Siena, St. Theresa of Avila and St. Therese of Lisieux. His talk centered on the three charisms and gifts these women possessed: prayer, providence, and little way.

Bishop Garcera hopes that families can learn and emulate the examples of these women. Prayer unites families. It also gives life to the identity of any individual in their profession in the service of society. He also underscores the importance of recognizing and trusting in God’s providence. The little way implies that insignificant some actions may be when done with love can strengthen relationships. Unity in families or in the society can be sustained by their prayer life. In families where there are members with special concerns, the family can help by respecting rather than ostracizing them.

The CBCP-ECFL according to Bishop Garcera is involved in the formation of personnel, reviewing and coordinating their programs. As chairman he hopes that families may be strengthened by seminars, by organizing counsellors, and introducing other advocacies. He also reminded the leaders of organizations involved in family advocacies to own their charism and gift.