Nuns and Priests "on the Run" for Vocations
This unique way of promoting vocations was an initiative of the Vocations Ministry of the Archdiocese of Manila, and the brainchild of Father Jason Laguerta, and Father Robert Reyes, known nation-wide as "the running priest." Father Reyes has run across the country promoting, among other things, human rights, land reform, and environmental protection. The run allows people to show their support to the clergy and strengthens the latter's faith in their vocation.
Similarly, another initiative, "PADYAK" (literally "paddling on bike") was launched in favour of "Priests for the Poor, Life, Action and Environment". The initiative invites priests to follow the lead of those of their fellow clergymen who live in simplicity and embody the Church of the Poor. One of them was Dominican Father Romy Azusano who chose a simple life and lived with his parishioners in the poor urban district of Dagat-dagatan, in Manila. Last June, he was brutally murdered by someone from within his community who wanted to steal his bicycle. Father Azusano had chosen the lowly bike as a symbol of his vow of poverty. Unfortunately, many clergymen have opted for a more comfortable lifestyle. They drive cars now.
Other martyred priests are PIME Fathers Tulio Favali, Giuseppe Pierantoni, Claretian Father Rhoel Gallarde, Jesuit Father Pedro Alingal, Father Neri Satur, Oblate Father Ben Innocencio, Redemptorist Father Rudy Romano, and Columban Father Rufus Halley. Lest we forget, we must mention former long time hostage Dehonian Father Giuseppe Pierantoni.
Two lay persons also took part in the bike run: James Auste, a cancer survivor since 1996 and founder of "Bike for Life", and newly-elected Senator Pia Cayatano whose father died of cancer.
Father Reyes and James Auste are getting ready to launch a new campaign by travelling on bike to Mindanao, in the south of the country. "We plan to cover about 100 km a day," Auste told AsiaNews.
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