Enhancing the Spirituality of Stewardship

The Archdiocese of Davao takes action to strengthen the spirituality of stewardship in the Church. This is based on the priests’ request and advice from the previous presbyterium meeting that there should be extensive training and teaching aimed at fostering a culture of stewardship in every parish. Also based on their experience there is a chance that this spirit of stewardship may collapse in the future if continued without support through continual education and formation. Most Rev. George B. Rimando, D.D. who serves as chairman of the stewardship committee, talked on how we can aid the church in putting the Spirit of Stewardship into practice.

What is Steward? Steward means a person who is trusted to deal with someone’s property. In other words, the word steward is not the owner, but a representative who will keep watch over a person’s property. A steward is the person who is trusted by the owner of those assets. In the context of our Church, we are not the ultimate owners of this special gift we have received. We are only stewards of God’s gifts. All of these gifts we find here on Earth, therefore as stewards it is our responsibility to take care of it; everything that’s in it. Animals, plants especially humans.

During the Presbyterium meeting, many different advocacies have emerged as Priests try to save planet Earth. The Archdiocese of Davao has long started the stewardship program in planting the value of accountability to everyone. As we are accountable being members of the church and God’s stewards.

As we know, there may be other livable planets, but why search for others when we are gifted with Earth? As Earth day on April 22, 2023 is celebrated, let us help each other realize the accountability we have to it being stewards of God’s creation.

The archdiocese through our shepherds, has already thought of programs in which we can participate so we would realize that stewardship is a lifestyle. True enough there will be trainings conducted per vicariate to equip first the frontliners within the parishes so they too can help parishioners understand how we must live as stewards of God.

As we celebrate Earth day, may we be reminded how blessed we are as we live on this planet, and may we do our best to help preserve it by realizing our accountability. (Bro. Ranie Boy Pamplona)