The Philippine Situation and Challenges for the Church’s Mission
Fr.
Amado L. Picardal, CSsR, STD
As we discern how we should carry out our mission at
present and in the years to come, it is important to look at the big picture
and the long view as well as the challenges the Church is facing in the
Philippines. This can help us come up with strategic directions and policies
for our respective dioceses, parishes, congregations and organizations.
The first part of this paper is an overview taking
into consideration the various aspects and dimensions of the Philippine
situation: the pandemic, economic, ecological, demographic, political,
cultural-religious, and ecclesial. The second part focuses on the challenges
for Church’s mission: (1) communion & solidarity, (2) prophetic
evangelization & education, (3) worship & liturgy, (4) social action.
The last part is devoted to participation of the laity in the Church’s mission
in partnership with the clergy and religious.
The content of this paper is my own opinion as a
theologian, human rights advocate and a hermit. My assessment of the situation
is based on my research, observation and synthesis of various views of experts
in their own field.
An Overview
of the Situation
The
Pandemic
After three years since the outbreak of the pandemic,
everything appears to be going back to normal as the case infections and
fatality rates go down. Majority of the population have been vaccinated.
Restrictions have been lowered. No more lockdown or community quarantine. There is less emphasis on social distancing
and the wearing of facemask is no longer strictly enforced.
The WHO is reminding everyone that the crisis is not
yet over. New variants of the virus have
emerged. China – the origin of the virus
which adopted a Zero Covid policy for the last three years is being hit with
three waves or “tsunami” of the infections after easing restrictions. The
Chinese National Health Commission in an internal document reported 248 million
cases of infection in less than three weeks in December 2022 and 37 million in
a single day a few days before Christmas. There are fears that new variants of
the virus which is highly contagious, virulent and resistant to vaccines could
once again spread throughout the whole world like in 2020. The Philippine
government has not restricted flights from China.
There is still no DOH secretary which sends a message
that addressing the pandemic and new variants is not a priority. This is
alarming as the pandemic is far from over. Like in the past, the government has
not taken steps to prevent flights coming in from China. The public health
system has not been overhauled which makes the country incapable of dealing
with any new outbreak.
Economic
The pandemic
and the war in Ukraine have a disastrous long-term impact on the global economy.
The cost of energy, fertilizers, metals, and food continue to rise and are
become scarce. While another Great Depression predicted by many economists have
not yet come to pass, what is most probable is long term recession and stagflation
– a stagnant economy with little or no growth accompanied by high inflation.
The Philippine GDP has grown by 7.6 percent during the last quarter of this
year but the inflation rate is over 8.1 percent compared to 3.1 in December
2021. The rising prices of basic commodities, declining purchasing power of the
peso and the lack of jobs affect the majority of Filipinos. The inequality, the
inflation and huge debt makes any figure of a rise in GDP meaningless.
The national debt has ballooned (P13.5 trillion) and
continue to rise rapidly due to government misspending, corruption and the weakening
of the peso against the dollar. The agricultural sector is being severely hit
due to rising prices and scarcity of fertilizers (Ukraine and Russia are the
major sources of grains and fertilizer).
This could bring about a food crisis and hunger in many nations
including the Philippines. The other factors affecting agriculture and food
security is the climate change (droughts, super-typhoon, floods) and the
conversion of arable land into subdivisions. The reliance on imports of rice
and other agricultural products have further weakened the agricultural sector.
Deglobalization has accelerated due to the pandemic
and the War in Ukraine that is disrupting the global supply chain, the
reshoring of production and manufacturing in the US and Europe. Developed
countries are adopting protectionist and self-sufficient policies.
Deglobalization prevents poorer countries raise their standard of living and
raise the cost of goods. China and other less developed countries like the
Philippines can no longer expect influx of foreign investments and the opening
of new factories. As the neo-liberal and global capitalist economic order is unraveling,
a new economic system is emerging based on renewable energy and
digital/information technology. This new industrial revolution will continue to
evolve rapidly within this decade with the exponential growth of new
technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence, robotics, 3-D printing, etc.). The Philippines and other less developed
economies are at the losing end of the emerging new economic order unless they
are able to adapt.
The Philippine government lacks competence to address
strategically the economic crisis and rapid changes in the global economy. The
financial and economic managers recycled from previous administration operate
in outmoded neoliberal model and policies (export-oriented/import dependent economy). There is no functioning Department of
Agriculture secretary (BBM appointed himself) and there is no coherent plan to
address the looming agricultural/food crisis. The president and his allies are
pushing for the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund (Maharlika Investment Fund)
which many oppose because the country does not have surplus fund or revenues.
This can lead to more debts and vulnerable to plunder.
The number of Filipinos who rate themselves poor has
increased. The SWS 2022 national survey reported that 50 percent of households
consider themselves poor, 30 percent at the borderline and 20 percent not poor.
More and more Filipinos are unemployed and underemployed. No economic progress
is expected within this decade. Each one will have to fend for themselves
without expecting the government to come to their aid unless civil society
groups and the private sector step in to help those in need.
The Philippines will continue to depend on OFW
remittances to keep the economy afloat as there are still enough young people
that can supply labor shortage in Europe and North America due to aging and
shrinking population there. This is
resulting in brain-drain as the best and brightest continue to go abroad in
search for a better future. The dream of many Filipinos is to find work in
foreign lands rather than stay home where wages are low and job opportunities
are lacking.
Ecology
The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable
countries to the effects of climate change. Extreme weather patterns
(super-typhoon, flooding, drought) continue to be felt. The rising sea levels
due to climate change will inundate cities and towns in the decades to come
unless the rise in temperature is kept below 1.5 degrees C to pre-industrial
level. There seems to be a lack of awareness and concern about the ecological
crisis among many people and the
government. The Duterte administration has been remiss in addressing climate
change and the environmental degradation. Although the Philippines made a commitment
in the UN-COP to reduce GHG emissions by 50 percent by the end of the decade
and carbon neutrality by 2050, no program and concerted efforts have been made
to achieve this goal.
In his speech before the UN, President Marcos Jr (BBM)
expressed concern about the climate change crisis. His appointment of a
competent secretary of DENR – Toni Yulo-Loyzaga is a good sign that the climate
emergency can be addressed under his administration. However, the government still lacks a
strategy to mitigate the effects of climate change, to lessen dependence on
fossil fuels and shift to renewable energy.
There are plans to revive the Bataan Nuclear plant – a project of the
late Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. Meanwhile, mining which is being carried out by
companies owned by politicians or businessmen close to them continues which
contribute to the destruction of the environment. While coal-fired powerplants
are being closed down in various parts of the world, many of these are still
being built and operated in the country which contributes to GHG emissions.
On the bright side, there are some business
corporations that are beginning to invest in renewable energy such as solar and
wind. More and more people are also adopting solar energy as the prices of
electricity continues to rise.
Demographic
The population of the Philippines has breached 110
million. The average women’s fertility rate is 2.4 which is over the 2.1
replacement level. This is good news
since most of the countries in Europe, North America, Latin America, Middle
East and Asia are facing a demographic decline and their population are aging
and shrinking. The fertility rates of these countries are way below replacement
level and this can lead to depopulation and consequent economic crisis.
The advantage of the Philippines at present is that over
52 percent of the population are young (between 18-40) and Filipinos can
continue to fill up the shortage of labor in other countries. Thus, overseas
migration and brain drain will continue and increase as opportunities for
employment within the country are scarce. Internal migration -- from the rural
areas to urban areas will continue. Over 50 percent of the population are
living in the urban areas.
In less than 10 years, the fertility rate could go
below the replacement level. Even now, the families are getting smaller. Within the next twenty years, the Philippines
will also experience an aging and shrinking population like the rest of the
world.
Political
There have been changes in the political landscape
with the election of Ferdinand E. Marcos Jr (BBM) after what many consider as a
successful disinformation campaign and massive vote-buying. The alleged
electronic manipulation of the election results has still to be proven as a
writ of mandamus has already by filed in the Supreme Court for COMELEC to show
the transmission log due to the unbelievable 20 million votes that were
reported within the first hour after the close of the balloting. In the absence
of hard evidence, Leni Robredo did not file any protest.
With a landslide victory, BBM has a supermajority in
the House of Representatives and the senate which gives him total control of
the legislative branch. Like the Marcoses and Dutertes, most of the members of
the legislature as well as the governors and mayors belong to traditional
political dynasties whose primary interest is to maintain power and their
business interests. Many were elected not for their competence but their
influence and popularity. Many are
involved in graft and corruption to perpetuate themselves in power. The
Uniteam, the coalition of traditional political parties that supported
Marcos-Sara candidacy, lack cohesion. There is no ruling or dominant political
party with a clear legislative agenda that would benefit the common good. BBM has not asserted his power in the choice
of senate president and the speaker of the House of Representatives.
BBM style of
leadership is primarily laissez-faire or hands-off. He lacks the will to control
or dominate (unlike his father or his predecessor). He appears more of a figurehead than a
leader. He doesn’t have any strategic vision and direction for the country. All
he cares about is redeeming the family honor, basking in the glory of his
position and squandering the resources of the country for a lavish lifestyle.
He prefers partying and traveling than do serious work. Lacking competence and
experience in governance, BBM has to depend on those around him in making key
decisions. His secret weapon is his wife, Liza, who many consider as the brains
and power behind the throne. He also listens to the advice of former president
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo especially in foreign relations and economic matters.
The other members of the family, Imee and Imelda, don’t have much influence (he
vetoed Imee’s pet bill – the Bulacan Economic Zone).
BBM’s appointment in key positions in his
administration appears to be erratic. In less than one hundred days he sacked
his executive secretary Victor Rodriguez, press secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles
and COA head Calida. He sacked the BIR head and appointed Romeo Lumagui (the
husband of his wife’s trusted aide) thereby assuring that the agency could
reassess the P203 billion estate tax the Marcoses owe. He appointed Remulla as
secretary of the Department of Justice whose son was arrested for smuggling
illegal drugs but was immediately acquitted after three months (meanwhile,
ex-senator Leila De Lima continues to be detained five years after being
falsely accused in the drug trade without any evidence). He appointed himself
as secretary of the department of agriculture. He appointed Sara Duterte
secretary of education even without any competence and experience in the field
of education (she wanted to be defense secretary). He appointed a retired PNP
chief who doesn’t have any expertise in health as undersecretary of DOH. He
sacked the AFP chief of staff General Bacarro who was supposed to have a fixed
term of three years and re-appointed former chief of staff General Centino. This
is causing discontent among top officers in the AFP and led to the resignation
of acting secretary of defense Gen. Faustino who learned about the change of
chief of staff in the news and social media. He was replaced by ret. General Galvez.
National Security adviser Clarita Carlos also resigned and was replace by ret.
General Ano. Galvez and Ano held key positions in Duterte’s cabinet.
Although BBM promised to continue Duterte’s policies
during the campaign to gain his support, there have been major changes
especially in the War on Drugs and in foreign relations. The bloody campaign
against illegal drugs is being replaced by the new campaign called BIDA (Buhay
Ingatan Droga Ayawan) which focuses on drug rehabilitation and going after drug
lords. This is going to be difficult since there are many PNP officials
involved in the illegal drug trade according. In order to cleanse the PNP DILG
secretary Benhur Abalos has asked for the courtesy resignation of all the PNP
generals and colonels – a move supported by BBM which can lessen the influence
of Duterte in the PNP. Although there
are still extrajudicial killings in some parts of the country (173 cases during
the first six months of BBM’s presidency), these do not indicate to be an
integral part of this administration’s War on Drugs unlike the time of Duterte. Top ranking PNP officers associated with
Duterte (the Davao Group) and linked with implementing EJK have not been
assigned to key positions.
BBM has junked
the possibility of rejoining the International Criminal Court. This is not an assurance that Duterte is safe
from investigation and prosecution by the ICC. The government’s request for a
deferral of the ICC investigation of Duterte’s war on drugs is an indication
that the Philippines will follow the judicial process of the Hague and will
abide by the decision of the pre-trial chamber. This seems to be in line with BBM’s
efforts to impress and convince the UN, EU and the US that the Philippines is
committed to uphold human rights and other international agreements. UN
rapporteurs on child trafficking and extrajudicial killings are allowed to
enter the country.
Another significant change is in foreign relations.
Unlike Duterte, BBM has not shown fierce loyalty and subservience to China and
Russia. Nor has he shown antipathy to the US and the EU. In fact, he is moving
closer to the US and has allowed the continuation of the Balikatan Exercises.
He has met with US President Joe Biden. In line with its priority to contain
China’s influence, the US continues to woo the Philippines and has provided
military aid assuring the country of upholding the mutual defense treaty. At
the same time, BBM has assured China of continuing friendship which he
manifested in his meeting with Xi Jinping at the height of the tsunami of
infection in China. He is open to a joint oil exploration in the West
Philippine Sea while insisting respect on the Hague’s arbitral ruling that
affirmed the Philippine’s territorial claim covered by country’s exclusive
economic zone. He is also bound by the recent Supreme Court ruling that only
the Philippines has control and supervision in exploring its natural resources.
The recent changes appear to widen the rift between
BBM and Duterte which started during the campaign period when Duterte insinuated
that BBM is a weakling and an addict. Although Duterte has not publicly
criticized BBM after the elections, his minions are doing so in Quiboloy’s SMNI
TV station and in social media. This became evident in the investigation of the
killing of the journalist Percy Lapid which led to the suspension of alleged
mastermind Bilibid director Gen. Bantag (a Duterte appointee) and the
appointment of retired Gen. Catapang (former President Noynoy Aquino’s close
friend). Criticism of BBM is also coming
from some Marcos Vloggers and loyalists who call his wife Liza “ahas sa Malacanang” for the appointment of many “Dilawans” to various key positions in
government.
So
far, there is no political party acting as genuine opposition. The PDP-Laban
wing of Duterte has been talking about exercising the role of fiscalizer – a
veiled threat of becoming an opposition party. The lone opposition figure now
is Risa Hontiveros although Koko Pimentel is the senate minority floor leader.
The Pink Movement that supported the candidacy of Leni Robredo has dissipated
and reduced to an NGO (Angat Buhay Foundation). Robredo has not exercised
leadership in the political sphere after losing in the election. She prefers to
focus on continuing the social-economic programs for the poor and the needy.
She has not ruled out engagement in the political arena in the future.
The government remains stable for the moment. There
are few protesters out in the streets. The influence of progressive and leftist
organizations appears to have declined although some have retained seats in
congress (Bayan Muna). Red-tagging persists but not on the same intensity and
scale as the previous Duterte administration. The CPP/NDF/NPA continue to wage
armed struggle. Even with the death of senior leaders including Joma Sison, the
armed insurgency continues to drag on although the chance of victory is
farfetched. The possibility of resumption of peace negotiations is still
remote. This is not part of the
government’s agenda. The TF ELCAC (Task Force to End Local Communist Armed
Conflict) which has P20 billion budget has focused on red-tagging and pouring
money to local government units (the budget has been reduced to P6 Billion for
the coming fiscal year). The economic and food crises if not addressed will
only lead to more unrest and intensify the insurgency.
During his campaign, BBM promised to unite the country
and bring back the golden era of his father.
If he is unable to unite and lead the country to surmount the multiple
crises – pandemic, economic, food, climate change – many of the people,
including those who supported him, will be angered and feel they have been
duped. The idea of BBM as a would-be dictator seems out of character unless he
transmogrifies into one. There will be no need for him to declare martial law
or impose authoritarian rule as long as there are no crises that can
precipitate social unrest and the resurgence of a revolutionary movement that
would threaten his family’s hold on power.
What happens when his term of office ends is anyone’s guess – another
Marcos succeeding him or Duterte II (Sara) which can prolong the long dark
night.
Cultural/Religious
The state of the mind and soul of Filipinos defy
generalization. On the one hand,
majority of Filipinos are deeply religious as shown by the large numbers that
attend religious activities – e.g. masses, novenas, processions, fiesta
celebration, etc. They believe in God and in miracles. They expect divine
intervention in everything. For many, what happens – good or bad - is the will
of God.
Secularism, which has spread and influenced Europe and
North America, has failed to gain a foothold in the country. The Philippines
has the third largest Catholic population in the world. It holds the record of
the largest number that attended a papal mass – seven million in Manila during
the visit of Pope Francis in 2015. Yet a year later, the majority voted into
office a mass murderer with messianic pretension, who cursed the pope and the
Church and threatened to kill bishops and priests. Many believed that his
election was God’s will. Six years later, the majority elected into office the
son of a dictator who promised to bring back the golden age of the Philippines
even after being warned by religious leaders of the historical revisionism and
the lies being spread in social media by their trolls. He won 61 percent of the
vote while the more competent candidates failed to get elected. Members of political dynasties as well as
celebrities and actors were chosen as usual.
If the election was indeed clean and there was no
manipulation of election results in spite the allegations by some, one is
tempted to conclude that majority of the Filipinos as either gullible or
stupid. Or they are too poor and short-sighted that they were willing to sell
their votes.
This brings up the role of digital information and
communication technology in shaping the minds and hearts of Filipinos. The social media platforms, such as Facebook,
YouTube, Tiktok were used by Trolls in spreading lies and disinformation.
Another factor is the state of education in the
Philippines. The Word Bank assessment in 2018-19 reported that 80 percent of
Filipino students are below minimum proficiency level and amid the pandemic 90
percent could neither read nor write. Besides lacking in quality, the type of
education has failed to inculcate competence, values, critical thinking and
discernment. The current secretary education, Sara Duterte, is incompetent to
address the poor quality of education. Her priority is to impose mandatory ROTC
and teaching school children how to brush their teeth (toothbrush drill) while
getting unnecessary confidential fund.
Catholic education and evangelization programs appear
to be ineffective in inculcating moral values – in discerning good and evil,
truth and lies – and acting and living according to Christian values. Of
course, there are Filipinos who are compassionate, competent and kind, who
struggle for goodness, truth and justice to prevail but they are a minority. Many of them are discouraged and sometimes
feel hopeless. Others keep on fighting in their own way amidst the darkness,
hoping to make a difference.
The
Catholic Church in the Philippines
In terms of numbers, the Church in the Philippines has
over 85 million members – the third largest Catholic population in the world. However,
most of the members are nominal and seasonal. 15-20 percent are regular
church-goers and the percentage of those who really live as genuine disciples
of Christ are even less.
There are over 10,000 priests which is very low
compared to the total number of Catholics. This shortage is being remedied by
the active participation of lay people in parishes, lay organizations,
movements and associations and Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs). The formation of BECs in dioceses all over
the country remains a pastoral priority of the CBCP and every Trinity Sunday is
observed as BEC day. However, the
involvement of men in BECs is still lacking which gives the impression that
these are mother’s club that gather’s regularly for bible-sharing. There is little involvement of BECs in social
action, justice and peace.
The involvement of young people in the youth ministry
in most dioceses and parishes remains vibrant.
The National Youth Day is regularly observed. However, most of the
activities are simply fun-filled, lacking in serious evangelization and
inculcation of moral values and social awareness. There is little involvement in social issues. They are easily duped and manipulated by lies
and disinformation in social media. Majority of young people supported the
candidacy of Duterte in 2016 and BBM in 2022.
This calls into question how effective the Church’s youth formation and
evangelization program is.
The tension between the Catholic
Church and the present administration is not palpable in spite the critical and
prophetic stance of the CBCP against the efforts of BBM in disinformation and
historical revisionism during the campaign period. The results of the election
reveal the Church’s declining influence in the political arena in spite the
endorsement by many priests, religious and lay movements of the candidacy of
Leni Robredo. The last election once
again proved that there is no such thing a Catholic command vote unlike the
Iglesia Ni Cristo.
Unlike Duterte, BBM appears to avoid an antagonistic
stance vis-à-vis the Church. Lines of communication and dialogue between the
government and CBCP have been opened. So
far, the Church is on a wait and see attitude.
The CBCP is expected to adopt a policy of critical cooperation with the
Marcos government without abandoning its prophetic stance.
During the campaign, a significant number of clergy
and religious were active in what others regard as partisan politics. It
remains to be seen if they will continue to be involved beyond the election in
the broader social concerns especially in addressing issues such as corruption,
human rights violation, poverty, climate change.
In view of the ecological crisis, the local Church is
seriously heeding the call of Pope Francis to implement the Laudato Si action
plan which was launched by the Vatical Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human
Development. Many of the dioceses and religious communities are taking steps to
address climate change (e.g. lifestyle
changes, adopting solar energy, etc.)
The local Churches has been involved in the
preparation for the 2023 Synod of Bishops on the theme of synodality. The focus for the post-synodal period will be
on how to concretely live out what it means to be a synodal Church. The synodal
theme of communion, participation and mission echoes the ecclesiology of
Vatican II and PCP II. This is a reminder that the local Church has to continue
the reception and implementation of Vatican II and PCP II.
The Challenges for the Philippine Church’s
Mission
Promoting
communion and solidarity
In a fragmented and deeply divided society the
individualistic ethos is incapable of addressing the multiple crises. The
Church’s mission of promoting communion and solidarity at all levels within the
Church and in society at large is of vital importance. This is what Pope
Francis emphasizes in Fratelli Tutti - to consider one another as brothers,
sisters and friends filled with love that impels us to universal communion.
Communion should be experienced within families, in
the neighborhood and communities, in society and among nations. It should be
promoted among various religious traditions, races and classes. It has an ecumenical,
interreligious, intercultural dimension. It has ad-intra (within the Church)
and ad-extra (outside the Church) character.
Communion begins at home and extends beyond it. The
family should not be isolated from other families. They need to link up with
other families and individuals within the immediate neighborhood and local
community. Forming or revitalizing a network of small communities/Basic
Ecclesial Communities (BECs), cells or family groupings becomes necessary. The
parish must become truly a communion of BECs. The model of the Church as
described in Acts (2:42-46, 4:32-35) must be experienced once again. The sense
of belonging, sharing and the spirit of stewardship must be inculcated as the
communitarian dimension is emphasized. This is the antidote to isolation and
individualism.
The communion and solidarity of the parishes with the
dioceses and wider levels (national, regional, universal) will take on a new
form. This is also the case among religious institutes and communities.
In promoting communion and solidarity we should be
aware that we are living in the digital era. We stay connected with one
another. We can develop or join virtual communities and ecclesial movements
that have local, national and global reach through the digital information and
communication technology and social media.
With the development of more advanced and cheap technologies all these
can be possible even in areas that are remote and distant.
The new digital technology and social media make it
possible for regular and direct communication and consultation instantly
overcoming physical distance. Leaders and members can be more interconnected.
Church leaders should not be isolated but should continually be in touch with
each other and the people they serve. Online meetings and assemblies are
possible. The clergy should continue to communicate to the faithful and listen
to them. A more participative style of leadership is possible avoiding a
top-down model. This can be done at all levels – at the local, national, regional,
universal level.
Communion involves sharing of resources needed to
address the various crises the world is facing. Communion always includes
participation in mission. This means synodality –journeying together.
Synodality involves participation in the decision-making process -- in
governance. It also means participation in mission – the prophetic-evangelizing
mission, the priestly mission, and the kingly-servant mission. This synodality
– communion and participation in mission – must be realized not only at the
universal level but at the local level -at the diocese, down to the parish, BECs
and Christian families.
Prophetic
Evangelization
The prophetic and moral dimension of evangelization
and catechesis should be given emphasis. It is not enough to proclaim joyfully
God’s liberating love and the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. What
matters is inculcating how each one should live as followers of Jesus, in
knowing and doing what is good and rejecting sin and evil.
The central message should focus on the following
themes: God’s love for the world – for
humanity and all living creatures. We are called to be in communion with the
Triune God – the Father, Son and Holy Spirit – and with one another and the
rest of creation. We are all interconnected. We all have the responsibility to
love, share, care for each one and for all things. We are called to conversion
– this means rooting out selfishness, greed, hatred and violence. This requires
responding to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth and promoting
justice, peace and integral ecology. We are also called to live a simple and
sustainable lifestyle. The social teachings of the Church as well as the papal
documents (e.g. Evangelii Gaudium, Laudato Si, Fratelli Tutti) should be
studied and propagated.
Christian formation and education should emphasize
servant-leadership, participative ethos, creativity rather than
submissiveness. Evangelization requires
speaking out against social evils and proclaiming the coming of a new world, a
new reality.
In a world where people often subjected to lies and
disinformation there is a need to use digital information and communication
technology/social media for evangelization, catechesis and education. This
means online evangelization seminars and catechesis (webinars).
Bible-study/bible-sharing groups can meet online. Mass media communication
should go digital and linked with social media. Each diocese and parish must
develop their capabilities and come up with quality video-material that can be
shared through social media in line with their respective evangelization and
catechetical programs.
Face-to-face interaction should still be promoted in
smaller scale observing physical distancing and appropriate safety measures as
the pandemic continues. BEC/family-groupings can be the setting for
evangelization and catechesis as well as Gospel-sharing. All these require a dialogical process as
well as emphasizing story-telling.
Theologians should address the theological questions
arising from the pandemic, economic and the ecological crisis. They can share
the fruits of their reflection online and engage in dialogue with other
theologians, Church leaders and the faithful. They can also give on-line
lectures or webinars when face-to-face gathering is restricted.
Worship
and Liturgy
The liturgy and other para-liturgical and devotional
practices should deepen the bond of communion and solidarity among the
faithful. Full and active participation should constantly be emphasized as well
as creativity and inculturation.
In order to avoid a split-level type of Christian
faith, the liturgy should also be the occasion for prophetic evangelization and
catechesis. Social issues related to justice, peace, human rights and the
ecology should be integrated in the liturgical celebration. The liturgy should
lead the faithful to social action that will transform society, address the
various crises that we are facing.
The pandemic has accelerated the use of digital
platform and social media in the liturgy. This should be continued even as we
encourage people to be physically present.
Social
Action
The Church continues her mission as a servant
community in a situation where the majority suffer due to the effects of the
pandemic, economic and ecological crisis. How this is to be carried out
concretely depends on the local situation. The See-Judge-Act method is
recommended. Concrete action should flow from analysis of the situation (the
specific problems and issues that the local Church/community is facing), and
the moral judgment.
The priority continues to be the promotion of integral
development – working for justice, peace and the integrity of creation. In face of economic recession or depression,
each local Church down to the parish and BEC levels should address the problem
of increasing poverty, unemployment and lack of food security which can lead to
hunger and even starvation.
Since government efforts to address these problems may
be lacking, the local Church in collaboration with civil society organizations
has to promote sustainable development and initiate or support
poverty-alleviation programs. Credit unions/cooperatives as well as
micro-finance programs should be introduced or promoted.
During the pandemic Community Pantries and “Kindness
Centers” with feeding programs and food banks proliferated in many parishes.
This should be multiplied and expanded. This is difficult to sustain in most
parishes with dwindling incomes and resources. Parishioners should be
encouraged to share their time, talent and treasure. Besides giving food, what is more important
is to promote local food production such as gardening and communal farms.
Families and communities should be taught to engage in natural/organic farming
or sustainable agriculture and link up with consumers through social media and
e-commerce which bypass middle-men. Parishes and BECs within dioceses with
livelihood projects and income-generating programs can engage in alternative
trade, organizing networks of production and marketing.
The social action program of the Church should be
geared towards promoting and supporting the growth of cooperatives and of
medium/small scale/cottage industries which are community-based or at the
grassroots (parish and BEC levels). It should also focus on skills training,
capability building and local capitalization. It should address the problem of
unemployment and labor displacement due to the economic crisis as well as
disruptive technologies brought about by the new industrial revolution. A
program for enterprise building and job-placement can be initiated. There are
parishes with pious wealthy members who are engaged in business or industries
that can be tapped. The principles and best practices of the Economy of
Communion (initiated by the Focolare movement) and the Economy of Francesco can
be adopted and further developed. It
should be an economy motivated not primarily by profit but by sharing with the
needy and promoting a culture of giving while ensuring business to grow in a
free market economy. It should be an economy based on solidarity and the
principle of stewardship, living in practice the ecclesiology of communion and
in particular the communion of goods where the members are of one heart and
mind and no one in need (cf. Acts 4:32-35). It should emphasize sustainability
and respect for the environment. This requires the advice and technical
assistance of grassroots-oriented technocrats and entrepreneurs as well schools
of business and management in Catholic Universities.
We should continue to promote integral ecology
according to the spirit of Laudato Si. As a response to ecological crisis,
emphasis should be given to the reduction of carbon foot-prints. This involves
participation in the Greening movement, tree-planting, micro-gardening (family-community
levels), waste-management, biking, walking, etc. adoption and promotion of
alternative sources of energy (solar, wind). We should consider adopting solar
energy in our houses, rectories, churches and promote this in our parishes. A
healthy and simple lifestyle should be promoted which besides reducing carbon
footprints can strengthen the immune system against diseases and viruses
(plant-based diet, caloric restrictions, intermittent fasting).
While acting locally we need to link-up with each other
at various levels – national, regional, global. The Vatican Dicastery for the
Promotion of Integral Development in collaboration with the Laudato Si Movement
as well as the Sowing Hope for the Planet Campaign are promoting an action plan
for the years to come as a concrete response to Laudato Si.
In view of the continuing armed conflict and a
possible escalation of social unrest due to the economic and food crisis, we
should continue to promote peace and nonviolence. No matter how difficult it
is, we have to find ways to convince the government and the CPP/NDF/NPA to
resume peace negotiations that will lead to a final peace agreement. The Zones
of Peace should be promoted in our parishes and BECs.
To carry out our mission of promoting justice, peace
and integrity of creation we need to make full use of digital technology and
social media. This is a means for letting us see what is happening all around
us – the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, the effects of the pandemic
and the ecological crisis, the injustices and inequality, the violence. This
allows us to analyze, reflect and make judgment on what is happening from the
perspective of the Christian faith and the Church’s moral and social teaching.
This enables us to share our stories – of what we are doing and should be doing
– and support each other and express solidarity as we act together to transform
and heal the world.
Lay
Partnership in Mission
Vatican II emphasized active participation of lay
people in the life and mission of the Church. This has been affirmed by PCP II.
This is once again being given attention in the 2023 Synod of Bishops on Synodality. Lay
participation in mission is not limited to lay people who work full-time as lay
missionaries and pastoral workers. It also
applies to all lay people in liturgical celebration, in prophetic
evangelization & education, and in social action - working for justice,
peace and integrity of creation. Sharing their time, talent or expertise, and
personal resources lay people should be tapped to volunteer their services to
carry out the various programs of the dioceses, parishes & BECs. The spirit
of volunteerism should be promoted. Lay people can be encouraged to do this in
a part-time basis. Retirees can spend more time being active in the parish and
in the mission. A program for young graduates (following the model of the
Jesuit Volunteer Program) should be implemented where they can engage in mission
& parish work for a couple of years before pursuing their chosen
career. This can be a good time to use
whatever learning & skills they have acquired in the service of the
Church's mission. This can help deepen their faith and love of the poor. For
some, this can also help in awakening vocation to the priesthood and
religious life. Partnership of the local Church and religious congregations
with vibrant lay renewal movements and organizations is necessary for this.
Emphasis on participation of lay people can make up for dwindling vocations and
fewer priests and religious. This means doing away with clericalism. We
focus on training and ongoing formation of volunteers who will be filled with
missionary dynamism. We also have to focus on leadership formation – of the
clergy, religious and lay people.
Final
Words
We continue to live amidst this long dark night. This
can last for a decade or more. The worst is yet to come as we face multiple
crises – pandemic, economic, political, demographic, ecological, moral. There
are no competent leaders in the political arena who can lead us out of these
crises. We cannot expect change from the top. It will come from below. This
will require initiative and active participation at all levels of society –
including the Church.
As church people and as religious, it is not enough to
be missionaries of hope. We cannot continue to operate in a maintenance mode.
We have to carry out our mission more effectively. This includes promoting
communion & solidarity, prophetic evangelizing, meaningful worship, and
social action that leads to social transformation in the context of multiple
crises we are facing. This requires strategic thinking and acting. As we fulfil
our mission, we are full of hope and become light in the midst of darkness.
