The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has urged the faithful to rekindle their hope amid all the problems affecting the country.
These issues include the “questionable” adjustments in the national budget, the prevalence of political dynasties, disasters caused by climate change, poverty, inflation, and the spread of disinformation.
Released Sunday, the pastoral letter titled “May Pag-asa Pa Ba?” (Is There Still Hope?) described these issues as “wounds of affliction” that cause “uneasiness” and “disturbance.”
Amid these wounds, the CBCP called for hope and action in 2025, a Jubilee year in the Catholic Church. Also known as a Catholic Holy Year, Jubilees occur every 25 years and each is considered a time of peace, forgiveness and pardon. This Jubilee, dedicated to the theme of hope, will run through Jan. 6, 2026.
“This hope is not simply optimism or a positive feeling. These are glimpses of the gift of hope that comes from the Holy Spirit urging us to act,” CBCP president Bishop Virgilio Cardinal David said.
“Any action of hope is sourced from the Holy Spirit. As such, we exhort you, our dear people, to allow the hope within you to be rekindled. May it become a flame of hope,” he added.
The pastoral letter also urged the youth to stand up for change and responsible leadership for the present and future of our country and them to engage in “patriotism, volunteerism, and pursuit of change.”
“We pray for courage, so that we may always freely stand up for truth, and uphold the good and the rule of law, as we protect democratic institutions and processes. Let us hold power to accountability,” David said.
“May we have the courage and perseverance to walk the path of conversion to change for the better, and relentlessly pursue the good of all, over personal interests. May we never tire of caring for the most vulnerable members of our society,” he added.
The pastoral letter was released after the CBCP concluded its 129th plenary assembly last Jan. 25 to 27. — BM, GMA Integrated News
