UCA News
Contribute

Philippine bishops bestow awards on poor Catholic families

Bishops recognize 10 households for service to church despite living in poverty
Philippine bishops bestow awards on poor Catholic families

The Martin family of Baguio City is named one of the 10 outstanding families by the Philippine Catholic bishops on Oct. 23. (Photo by Mark Saludes)

Published: October 24, 2016 07:51 AM GMT
Updated: October 24, 2016 08:11 AM GMT

The Philippine bishops' conference has given special recognition to 10 Catholic families for their unity and service to the church, despite enduring poverty.

Among those who received an award was Paul Martin, a member of the Knights of Columbus, a lay minister, and a repairman at the Immaculate Conception Parish Baguio City.

Martin's wife, Delia serves as lector in their church. They have 10 children, one of whom, Dexter, is a priest. A daughter, Marie Christine, is a nun.

The Martin family has been named one of 10 "outstanding families" because of their "faith with each other and their faith in God and the church of the poor."

Robert Aventajado, president of the Marriage Encounter Foundation of the Philippines, said the "simplicity" of the families "makes them exceptional among Filipino households."  

"Their faith in God that He will provide and their faith in each other that love will strive to overcome obstacles have given them exceptional strength," said Aventajado.

The bishops' Commission on Family and Life assigned Aventajado's foundation to lead the search for and selection of the outstanding families.

Aventajado said each selected family showed "faith in action."

"Who would imagine an electrician and a teacher with 10 children would have a priest and a nun among their children," he said.

Among the other families recognized,  is a couple — a blind church singer married to a lector — who have a son who is undergoing dialysis.

"Their stories and whole-hearted service put a lot of us to shame," said Aventajado. "Their stories tell us the real need for love and affection," he said.

At least 52 of the 87 dioceses in the Philippines submitted nominations to the Commission on Family and Life.

Bishop Gilbert Garcera of Daet, head of the commission, said the 10 outstanding families have become "witnesses" that having a big family does not mean being poor.

He said the families may be materially poor but they are "spiritually rich" because of their "steadfast faith in God." 

Bishop Garcera said the stories of the families "are enough to evangelize the entire country and its people."  

The bishop urged the families to be "missionaries of the Eucharist and the family."

"When you go back home to your dioceses, continue in spreading the good news that God loves us," he said.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia