First historical Philippine clergy congress begins
Manila (AsiaNews) - Some 3,900 priests and bishops from around the country gathered at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Metro Manila, this afternoon for the opening of the first Congress of the Clergy which will culminate on Friday, 9 July. The first two days will begin with a
retreat and, consequently, the later three days is dedicated for the congress proper where issues faced by the clergy will be discussed.
To welcome the participants, Archbishop Fernando Capalla of Davao and president of the Philippine Catholic Bishops' Conference said: "These five days together are moments of grace. These are times of solidarity and being with each other. These times of togetherness in the ministerial priesthood of Christ will catalyze into a renewed clergy, a renewed church,
a renewed nation."
Among the nine priorities of the bishops for the renewal of the Church, Mons. Capalla pointed out, is the renewal of the clergy. And it is in fact so relevant today, "especially in the recent crisis that
affected the Catholic clergy worldwide." The assembly of priests, the largest gathering of priests in the history of the Church in the Philippines, is not only historical but is "a concrete decisive step, not only as a response to recent sad developments but because it is a dutiful concern for all times that is vital to the growth of the faith," Archbishop Capalla said.
Archbishop Antonio Franco, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, read the letter of the Vatican's
Secretary of State to Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales of Manila, head of the Commission on the Clergy of the Bishops' Conference, wherein states the warm greetings sent by the Holy Father to those in attendance. "He [the Holy Father] wishes the priests of the Philippine
to know of his spiritual closeness as they gather to 'look at him whom they have pierced', and to receive from the Lord guidance and grace for their own renewal and that of the local Church and the country."
Further, the Secretary said: "It is the Holy Father's fervent hope that the present National Congress will help the Filipino clergy in their efforts to strengthen and deepen their friendship with Christ." (SE)
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20/07/2004
