Diocese of Dumaguete opens Year of the Poor observance

CEBU, Philippines -  The Diocese of Dumaguete officially opens the Year of the Poor today with a concelebrated Mass at the St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral in Dumaguete City, after formally closing the Year of the Laity, celebrated this year, as declared by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

Dumaguete Bishop, Most Reverend Julito Cortes, will preside the Eucharistic Celebration at 3 p.m. today with about 70 to 80 priests and religious fathers in the diocese concelebrating the Mass.

 “I would also appreciate if beneficiaries of the Diocesan social initiatives for the poor be represented and that all religious congregations would be present,” said Cortes in his invitation letter earlier sent to the parishes and communities.

The diocese will give updates on the formation programs, encounters and activities that are prepared for this year, Cortes said, adding that the CBCP, in its 9-year Era of Evangelization, has declared 2015 as the Year of the Poor. “This year is dedicated to committing ourselves more firmly to our vision of becoming truly a Church of the Poor.”

Cortes said the “Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life also proclaimed 2015 as the Year of the Consecrated Life.”

The Dumaguete prelate, in his letter, quoted Pope Francis statement: “Evangelical radical-ness is not only for the religious: it is demanded of all. ... follow the Lord in a special way, in a prophetic way. It is this witness that I expect of you. Religious should be men and women able to wake the world up.”  (FREEMAN)