MANILA (UCAN) -- During a Catholic procession of more than 2 million devotees here on Jan. 9, two people died of cardiac arrest as they were trampled by pilgrims straining to touch the image of the Black Nazarene.

People believe that touching the wooden statue of Jesus carrying a cross will bring them absolution, blessings and miracles. Augustinian priests reportedly brought the replica to the country from Mexico in the 17th century.

While critics accuse the Church of "promoting idolatry" and "religious fanaticism," Church officials say the "popular devotion" plays a special role for Filipino Catholics and a "deeper theology" underlies their Black Nazarene devotion.

Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales of Manila noted in a homily, "A person devoted to the Black Nazarene always has hope." He urged pilgrims to follow the poor Nazarene's "humble path" and bring back to their homes and communities "the love of God." Otherwise, he warned, "we will never have peace and unity."

Reflecting God's love in the world is the goal of "renewed integral evangelization" that the Philippine Church pledged to pursue in its 1993 national pastoral plan. According to the plan, the sacraments and formation should nurture a spirituality of "prophetic courage" that defends and vindicates "the rights of the poor and oppressed even in the face of persecution and alienation from the rich and powerful."

There is evidence of progress in these efforts. Last year, parish volunteers risked their lives to ensure that people could vote and that their votes were counted in national mid-term and local elections marred by fraud and violence.

In a nation where more than one-third of the people live below the poverty level, it is vital that farmers, fisher folk, cultural minorities and other equally poor people can choose representatives who draft or implement laws.

Another example is that citizens committed to the Gospel of peace are volunteering to guard the fragile cease-fire between government troops and Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters in southern Philippines.

More opportunities for renewal through evangelization in 2008 include a rural congress convened by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), pre-World Youth Day catechesis, Church aid to farmers reclaiming their land in the southern Philippines and Bible-focused events preceding the October Synod on the Word of God in Rome.

Nonetheless, immense challenges persist. On Jan. 15, Oblate Father Reynaldo Roda was shot dead, reportedly as he resisted armed men attempting to kidnap him. The 53-year-old missioner was working to upgrade education for young people on predominantly Muslim Tabawan Island in the southern Philippines, beyond the reach of services from the provincial and national governments.

At the time of his killing, bishops, Religious and lay leaders were condemning violence, the continuing misuse of power, corruption and other forms of "moral decay" in the country.

Church leaders have also complained of apathy and complacency among Filipino Catholics. Though people say in surveys that they are dissatisfied with poor governance and report worsening poverty and hunger, recent attempts to force a transition in government, including those endorsed by bishops, have been unable to muster another "people power" movement on the scale of the Church-led peaceful uprising that deposed Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.

The bishops acknowledge that the Church must develop new ways to proclaim the Good News and denounce "evil." The newer ones have not yet contributed the fresh perspective and creativity this requires. Nearly 25 percent of the 97 currently active prelates were ordained bishops in the last five years.

The bishops' conference is challenged to express God's message of love, justice and hope in a cohesive, consistent and relevant way that leaves no room for confusion. Bishops and priests have accused the government of sowing division within the conference on political issues. Such concerns prompt the question, "Who speaks for the CBCP?"

Religious and laypeople responsible for evangelization must overcome many obstacles to effect "conversion of the heart" and transformation of society. If the Philippine Church does so, Catholics will be pushing and shoving not to touch a statue, but to join activities in the service of the Gospel.

No priest would have to leave the ministry to serve as provincial governor. Priests, pastors, journalists, farmers or soldiers would not need to be killed because of their convictions. Lay-led Catholic groups would have no cause to accuse each other of infidelity to Catholic teaching or of misusing religion.

Filipino Catholics would realize that living out their faith in concrete circumstances of their communities is what really brings about miracles.

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NJ Viehland, who is in charge of UCAN operations in the Philippines, has been actively involved with UCA News since 1985.

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(Accompanying photos available at here)