0 More aggressive faith education in media, please ―bishop

ROME, Italy, Oct 19, 2012―Faith should be broadcast, not just from the pulpit, but on TV, over the radio and online, according to Maasin Bishop Precioso Cantillas, who gave the homily at the first of the Triduum masses for Bl. Pedro Calungsod’s canonization.

Massive and aggressive evangelization

Speaking at the Basilica of ‘Sant Agostino this afternoon, Cantillas called for “more aggressive mass media faith education”, stressing the importance of learning about the content of faith.

Talking in the packed 'Sant Agostino church, Bp. Precioso Cantillas said mass media should be maximized to spread the richness of the faith among Filipinos.

Talking in the packed ‘Sant Agostino church, Bp. Precioso Cantillas said mass media should be maximized to spread the richness of the faith among Filipinos.

He called attention to the fact that many Christian churches invest in radio and TV programs that are designed for the instruction and formation of their members ―something the Catholic Church could intensify in her ranks.

In a YouthPinoy! interview, he explained, “We, Catholics, I feel, have not done enough in this area, so I was calling for a massive and aggressive program for evangelization.”

Little or no formation

Cantillas, who is a member of the National Commission for the canonization of Calungsod, also pointed out the pronounced need of young people for faith formation.

“Children grow undernourished in the faith,” he added, saying they become more and more prone to spiritual deadness because of little or no formation.

He also cited the priests’ lack of support for catechetical work done in their parishes as a reality to be addressed.

“When will the Philippine Church be ready to [give its] blood, meaning money or financial resources for the Catholic faith campaign?” Cantillas asked in rhetoric.

More money into faith

“Considering the number of Catholics in the [Philippines], we are more.. It means that we could have more and spend more if we really are serious about knowing the faith,” he added.

Citing the coming celebration of the 5th centenary of the Christian faith in the country in 2021, Cantillas said this seriousness about growing in faith could be a very concrete preparation for the next 9 years.

An estimated 1,000 people attended the first of the Triduum masses to be celebrated before Bl. Pedro Calungsod’s canonization.

The main celebrant was Palo Archbishop John Du, with 9 other bishops and 38 priests concelebrating.

Also present were Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Archbishop Emeritus of Manila and Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu.

[Nirva’ana Ella Delacruz]

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