MANILA, Sept. 25, 2012—The Archdiocese of Manila prepares for the upcoming celebration of the ‘Year of Faith’ on October 11, declared by Pope Benedict XVI, by giving an orientation-seminar about the celebration and the new evangelization.
Almost 700 priests, religious nuns from various congregations and lay people under the archdiocese attended the orientation about the celebration and the upcoming activities that they themselves will re-echo to their parishes and communities.
Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo explains to participants the major activities of the archdiocese for the year-long celebration of the Year of Faith. (Jandel Posion)
In his talk, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle said the Year of Faith marks the 50th anniversary of Vatican II and the 20th anniversary of the catechism of the Catholic Church.
He also stressed that there are three points to ponder for the celebration: what the people believe in, what the people celebrate and faith that is lived.
The archbishop explained that faith must be received over and over.
“Faith is known, celebrated and lived. Because our only weapon is faith and we want to engage the world in a rational sharing on the content of faith. The celebration of faith is something the world can benefit from,” Tagle said.
Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, giving a run-through of major activities of the archdiocese from October 2012 to November 2013, said that the celebration of the ‘Year of Faith’ is part of the 9-year preparation of the Catholic Church for the celebration of 500 years of Christianity in the country in 2021.
“The celebration for the said year will deepen our knowledge of the Christian faith; appreciates the value of the Christian faith; to be committed to the faith and to live it out and to share the faith to others,” Pabillo said.
He added that the celebration targets Church active people, un-churched Catholics, un-committed Catholics and the non-Christians and non-Catholics.
Pabillo encouraged the participants to visit the website of the archdiocese for the ‘Year of Faith’ which is www.yearoffaith.ph and its facebook page www.facebook.com/yearoffaith.
The archdiocesan theme for the celebration of the Year of Faith is “Tanging kay Kristo; Manalig… Sumampalataya” which will go on from October 11, 2012 to November 24, 2013.
The orientation seminar was held at the San Carlos Seminary in Guadalupe, Makati City on September 24. (Jandel Posion)
