Papal visit reminds Bohol of Christian duty

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — Reflecting on Pope Francis's messages of mercy and compassion, the Boholano faithful can be instruments of change in the community.

Monsignor Jeffrey Malanog, vicar general of the Diocese of Tagbilaran, said Pope Francis, in his apostolic journey to the Philippines, introduced no new teachings but emphasized the teachings of Christ that the people should love one another.

Malanog made the statement during an interaction with the Bohol media at the launching of the "Meet the Press" forum on January 20 at the Bellevue Hotel and Resort, under the joint sponsorship by the Bohol Tri-Media Association and the Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants.

During the forum, Malanog said the Pope reminded the people how important is the message of Christ on mercy and compassion, especially the things they could do for the poor.

"The Pope reminded us that the most important thing we can do to ourselves is to show love to one another through understanding, forgiveness, and the help we can extend to those who are in need," he told the journalists.

Malanog also pointed out that one of the highlights of the papal visit was the Pope's inter-religious dialogue at the University of Santo Tomas with representatives of different religious groups where he emphasized that each one-even with different principles and faith-should maintain the respect for the dignity of man, "because we are all children of God."

Each one should not judge, because no one is perfect and that each one has his own shortcomings and that everybody are equal in dignity as children of God, Malanog said. "We can only achieve happiness and peace when each one respects each others' principles in life."

The Church is open to all and no one should be deprived of the sacraments, even those who cannot pay the dues, because Jesus embraced everyone regardless of status in life, added Malanog.

On corruption, Malanog said the Pope's message was clear: "Reject any form of corruption, which depletes the resources from the poor." He also hoped the "message of the Pope refreshes our oath of duty to serve the people that the ultimate motive is for the welfare of and for the equality of the people in the community." —Angeline Valencia (FREEMAN)