Dumaguete bishopand what are we to become after Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines?

DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 07 (PNA) – Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete has emphasized in his New Year’s message the need for people to reflect on what they will become after the visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines next week.Bishop Cortes described the visit of the Argentine pontiff on January 15 to 19 as a privilege as we start the New Year.”But, according to the Most Rev. Cortes, people must truly ponder on the papal visit, which is a pilgrimage of mercy and compassion.He said he is one with the other prelates of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in hoping that through our reflections, preparations and efforts, we will become people of mercy and compassion in our own way.” It is how we apply that in our lives as individuals and as a community that matters, Bishop Cortes said.He cited as an example how people in the Diocese of Dumaguete would have become more merciful and compassionate after the pope’s visit.These can be translated into services, actions and work, especially for the poor and the needy, the Dumaguete prelate stressed.With the Catholic Church celebrating the Year of the Poor this year, Bishop Cortes is putting premium on activities that would reach out to the poor sectors of the community.On Monday, he celebrated the thanksgiving mass for the anniversary of the Dumaguete City Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Barangay Bajumpandan.Meanwhile, Bishop Cortes has expressed gratitude in behalf of the diocese to Smart Communications for the recent launching of the Diocesan Smart Infoboard.The Infoboard is a platform made available for members of the clergy and the religious and for others as well to disseminate necessary information in a fast and easy way and on real time.Smart Communications had earlier committed to provide 10 thousand pesos worth of load for SMS or text messaging each month to the diocese so it can transmit information, announcements and similar notices to a specific audience.Bishop Cortes said the Infoboard would be of great value to the diocese especially in its efforts on disaster preparedness and response.The Infoboard will also aid the diocese in the dissemination of vital information to the members of the clergy as well as for other intended purposes, such as schedules of seminars, church activities and the like. (PNA)CTB/JFP