Vatican exec hails Filipino spirit, generosity

MANILA, Philippines - A visiting Vatican official expressed yesterday admiration for the unwavering spirit of the Filipino people in coping with the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda.

Monsignor Paul Tighe, Pontifical Council for Social Communication secretary, praised Filipinos for their extraordinary care, consideration and generosity for their fellow Filipinos.

“But also I think we want to express our admiration for the spirit of the Filipino people,” he said.

Tighe said the world saw during the last few days how Yolanda devastated the Visayas.

“We have been seeing the terrible devastation, the terrible things that could happen, but we have also been witnessing the extraordinary care, consideration and generosity of your own people, of your own resources,” he said. “I think we want to make a vote of confidence in your ability as a people.”

Tighe said instead of pouring anger in social networking sites, netizens should make constructive criticism.

“That is not easy but that means that even if I have to say something is wrong I do it in a language that builds up and supports rather than simply condemns... because maybe somebody does something believing that is the right thing but that is mistaken, and if we just condemn them they get cross, so maybe we try to be gentle,” he said.

“By being constructive, create space for them, maybe there is another way... Always speak the truth in love.”

Tighe said netizens must first discern before posting something on their Facebook or Twitter account or other social networking sites.

“We should be listening... if we don’t have time for silence then our connectivity is superficial... Silence becomes absolutely important for good communication. It is important because in silence we find solitude and space to hear God’s words. We need to keep the wisdom of silence and solitude so that we will be good and effective communicators.”