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Franciscan catechists carry out their ministry in some of Manila’s most vulnerable communities. Over the years, their presence and accompaniment have helped steer many children away from crime, contributing to a decline in petty offenses such as pickpocketing and snatching in the communities they serve.
Sr. Eva Fidela Maamo worked as a missionary surgeon in remote communities across the Philippines. In her later years, she began preparing others to take her place, training volunteers to carry on her work so the poor would not be left without care when she could no longer serve.
The Catholic Church here is a small, vibrant community of about 1,500 people spread across eight parishes. Cardinal Giorgio Marengo is its pastor. Although the first missionary came to Mongolia in the 13th century, but it was only in the 20th century that apostolic work bore fruit.
While other religious organizations in the Philippines, such as various Protestant denominations or the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), possess significant and loyal followings, none can match the CBCP’s specific combination of historical legitimacy, nationwide institutional presence, and broad-based authority.
Amid checkpoints and surveillance cameras, the Comboni sisters run “Threads of Peace,” a grassroots initiative teaching embroidery, soap‑making, and hope to Bedouin women whose lives have been shattered by walls and displacement. The nuns’ presence acts as a bridge in a divided Holy Land.
Before going out as missionaries to others, which is a special vocation of the Filipino Church, the ad intra catechesis counts as the priority that is acknowledged by our bishops. As such, shouldn’t our catechetical program be made more effective, closely monitored, and sustainable?
“Is today a holy day of obligation? If I participate in today’s Mass, will I fulfill the holy day of obligation?” These questions highlight the importance of understanding the significance of holy days of obligation and the true meaning of participating in the Eucharist.
In this second and final text of the series on “Francis the Great,” the author reminds us that Church renewals are engendered by those who give 100 percent of themselves to their dreams and not by those timid souls who remain glued to the sidelines, stifled by traditional bureaucracy, or overwhelmed by the crisis.
Being great refers to Pope Francis, who, always relying on the Holy Spirit and a transformational vision-mission for the Church, went beyond the standard expectations of leadership and inspired others significantly, driving impactful renewal for the world at a remarkable level.
The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime gave way to the rapid rise of rebel groups with Islamist roots. The Christian minority reacted with a mix of cautious optimism and deep apprehension as promises of inclusivity from rebel leaders clashed with fears of persecution.
