Community At The Intersection Of Catholicism & Capitalism
Historians wrote that when the Spanish Conquistador Ferdinand Magellan "discovered" the Philippines, he came for God. Gold, and Glory. And in the pursuit of his Spanish King Philip's Edict, he met his death in the bloody "Battle of Mactan" overpowered by our defiant Native Chieftain - Lapulapu. Subsequent visits to the Philippines Islands by succeeding Spanish Conquistadors, accompanied by Spanish Friars, continued the conversion of Natives from their Pagan gods to Christianity. Travel across the Philippine Archipelago would show old Spanish-designed stone-wall Churches frequented by the Catholic Faithful as their revered "Houses-of-Prayer".
It is said that the Philippines is a Catholic nation - but only because about 85% of its population claim to be Catholics. On the other hand, it has been observed that only about 10% of Catholics are considered regular Sunday Mass goers. It has been jokingly said (and based on facts) that the significant majority of Filipino Catholics go to church only for Baptism, for Matrimony, and for the Burial Mass. While the many suffering Filipinos oftentimes pray for Divine Deliverance, knowledge of their Catholic Faith is superficial - if at all practiced. The attraction of a Materialistic Lifestyle appears to have become the obsession of the majority. Public Tolerance & Acceptance for deviant private Sexual Orientation; for the Power-of-Money; for the degradation of Family Values; for the "Ordained Religious" becoming less spiritual and more materialistic; for the Youth's disrespect of their Elders' Admonitions; etc - all reflect an alarming trend of Materialism-over-Spiritualism.
God save the Philippines!!!
Tags: Catholicism, Philippines
Permalink Reply by Jeff King on God save the Philippines!
Ernesto. The whole western world is on exactly the same trajectory. Here in the U.S. when describing the same phenomenon you lament we say that for the majority of Catholics the Church is here to "hatch, match and dispatch" the faithful. It's shameful.
What is being done to try to correct this decline in your parish?
Jeff
Permalink Reply by Ernesto C del Castillo on The Hierarchy-of-Clergy appeals to the Laity to help in the Evangelization Work of the Church. In response, the church-going Elderly Catholics in every Parish would volunteer Time, Talent, & Treasure relative to their respective duties in the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) &/or Parish Economic Council (PEC) - while Parish Priests & Parish Vicars focus on delivering Sacraments in consideration of "Stole Fees".
Permalink Reply by Jeff King on Who is reaching out to the 90% of Catholics you say are not attending Mass regularly? Are there any efforts to reach them with the Gospel?
Permalink Reply by Ernesto C del Castillo on In my St Gabriel Parish (Marikina City, Philippines), volunteer trained Catechists teach Catechism to some students in Public Schools wanting to learn the Catholic Faith during their Classroom Breaks. Other than the few being visited by non-denominational Christian Bible Teachers and those led by the Holy Spirit to join Church-Mandated Organizations of their choice (i.e KC, etc),the Out-of-School Youth, Urban Poor Adults, non Mass-goers are left on their own. What would you do?
Permalink Reply by Jeff King on I think I would focus on the adults that are coming to Mass. I would try to engage them and give them materials (books, tapes, CDs, etc.) about the faith that will help them defend the faith and pass it on to their fallen-away family members, neighbors and friends. I would also make myself available to the pastor and find out what he thinks is needed most.
And pray.
I'll also pray for your parish and your nation. God bless you, Ernesto.
Permalink Reply by Ernesto C del Castillo on You would suppose that the 10% Mass-goers (deepened in the Faith) would themselves address our concern for the 90%. You could be right - with God's grace. Thank you for including us in your prayers.
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