Christian life in church is not separate from outside world, Catholics told during National Laity Week
Thousands of Filipino Marian devotees attend a Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Manila. (Photo by Mark Saludes)
Filipino Catholics were challenged to become missionaries and to "evangelize the world amid its darkest days" during the celebration of National Laity Week.
Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Manila, head of the country's Commission on the Laity reminded Catholics that their mission is "not just with the church but to the entire society."
The prelate urged Filipinos who attended the last celebration in Iloilo province "to shed light on the world by living the life of a true Christian."
The bishop said that lay people are the "propeller of peace and social justice" if they act as one. "The laity has the power to act as a leaven for social transformation," he said.
Archbishop Angel Lagdameo of Jaro also stressed that Christian life in the church is not separate from the outside world.
"The vocation to holiness of the lay faithful and the secular character of your life is inseparable," said the archbishop.
He reminded Catholics that "those in the world are not necessarily less in holiness compared to those in the church."
"Let us be reminded that the special vocation of the laity is their Christian life in the world," said Archbishop Lagdameo.
Bishop Pabillo, meanwhile, said "about five percent" of the total Catholic population in the Philippines are active church workers.
"We have more Filipino lay faithful who can do the mission of evangelizing the world, in their own offices, workplace, schools, or wherever they go," said the prelate.
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