Church

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle said what is needed is not merely a social media in the Church but a Church in the social media.

The Filipino cardinal told a recent gathering of Asian bishops in Thailand that social media are not only means of communication “but a world in itself, a world that tries to recreate our world”.

They are creating a “new humanity,” said the Pro-Prefect for the Section of Evangelization of the Dicastery for Evangelization, with its own consciousness that controls not just the business world but even politics.

The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Friday encouraged the faithful to return to churches for Mass, especially on Sundays.

CBCP president Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said the current pandemic circumstances “permit and oblige us to the normality of Christian life, which has its home of the celebration of the liturgy, especially the Eucharist”.

Devotees of Our Lady of Penafrancia and the Divino Rostro once again flocked to the pilgrim city of Naga for this year’s “Traslacion” procession.

Two years without celebrations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, an estimated half-a-million devotees filled the streets on Friday, Sept. 9 to mark the start of novenario at the Naga Cathedral.

Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona of Caceres said in his homily “tuwang tuwa ako halos mapaluha sa pagdating ng Mahal na Ina dito sa Cathedral, matapos ang tatlong taon ng pag-aantay dahil sa pandemic, sino ba naman ang hindi matutuwa?”

Pope Francis on Saturday appointed Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle as his special envoy for the upcoming and biggest gathering of Asian bishops in Thailand’s capital of Bangkok.

The pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization will preside over the closing Mass of the 50th general conference of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences on October 30.

According to the Vatican bulletin, the liturgical celebration will be held at the Assumption Cathedral.

MANILA – As classes start next week, an official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines - Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education (CBCP-ECCCE) has encouraged students and teachers to open the incoming school year full of trust and eagerness.

Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao, chairman of the Commission of Bayombong, said the return of face-to-face classes is a great opportunity for students to reconnect with fellow learners, teachers, and people in general.

Gn 1:1, 26-31a

Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan on Thursday warned those in power to act responsibly or it will destroy them.

Speaking during the Mass of the Lord’s last supper, he lamented those who “act like gods” when they get into a position of power.

“It’s dangerous to be in a position of power, man can get drunk with it and even go crazy,” David said in homily at the Kalookan Cathedral.

“They are the type that the devil can play with. They become a new kind of slave, enthralled by power,” he said.

COTABATO CITY  - Security in Christian worship sites in central Mindanao has markedly been tight as part of an effort to protect worshipers during the Lenten Holidays.

Personnel of units under the Army’s 6^th Infantry Division and the Police Regional Office-BangsamoroAutonomous Region are cooperating in securing churches here and in Maguindanao province.

There is minimal threat of attack on worshipers by religious extremists but the police and military are not taking chances, according to 6^th ID’s commander, Major Gen. Juvymax Uy.

Pope Francis has said, “getting vaccinated is a simple yet profound way to care for one another, especially the most vulnerable.”

Protect your family, loved ones, and community this Holy Week by getting vaccinated.

We are only protected if everyone is vaccinated.

ATM: PALM SUNDAY - The Beginning of Holy Week at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cotabato City.

Palm Sunday recalls an event in the Christian Scripture (The New Testament) of Jesus entering into Jerusalem and being greeted by the people waving palm branches. For Christians, it is a reminder of the welcoming of Jesus into our hearts and of our willingness to follow him.

"Hosanna; blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord" (Mark 11.9); "hosanna in the highest" (Mark 11.10); and "hosanna to the Son of David" (Matt 21:9).