Church warns vs solicitation letters for IEC

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Dennis Villarojo, 51st International Eucharistic Congress secretary-general, has made it clear that they are not distributing solicitation letters for the staging of the event.

Villarojo warned the public against unscrupulous individuals asking donations by representing themselves as officials of the church or organizers of the IEC.

“We discourage that, of course. Hangyo lang nato nga di unta gamiton ang simbahan, or any other event, for personal purposes. Let us use our own mean and reputation, do not use another organization,” he told reporters during the Kapistorya forum organized by the Provincial Information Office.

When asked if they received reports on the proliferation of unauthorized solicitation letters using the IEC, Villarojo said, “Kung duna man gani nahitabo nga naghimo niana, ato na lang na ipasang-at ngadto sa Ginoo (If there is really such, let us leave it to God).”

He, however, said they are soliciting funds for the IEC but through other means. He mentioned the “Piso Para sa Misa ng Mundo” as the major fund source.

The aggregate of all the contributions by the parishioners all over the country has reached at least P24 million, he reported.

Another source is the religious landmark project called “Eukaristiya-Garden of Thanksgiving” at the Archbishop’s residence. Through the project, Villarojo said they asked companies to sponsor tableaux depicting the mysteries of the Holy Rosary.

The garden serves as a venue for reflection, prayer and celebration. It has three major areas- the Stations of the Cross, Pinnacle, and Amphitheater where Christ’s resurrection is depicted with a sculptural piece.

The IEC is slated from January 24 to 31 with 15,000 delegates from around the globe expected to join.

Villarojo said there were already 12,000 who have registered for the event as of yesterday. — Michael Vencynth H. Braga/NSA (FREEMAN)