Parents are first missionaries of faith, says Papal Nuncio to the Philippines

Parents are the leading missionaries of the Catholic Church in the Philippines, says Pope’s ambassador to the country.
 
In a message Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown said parents to be the bearers of life and light in the Christian faith.
 
The nuncio stressed that there is nothing equal to the missionary work of the parents. They are the first to share with their children about Christianity and form a relationship with Jesus.
 
"There are no more important missionaries than fathers and mothers because they are the ones who not only give natural life to their children, biological life but also give the light and life of the Catholic faith to their children," Archbishop Brown said.

The closing Mass of the 500 Years of Christianity and second National Mission Congress was held at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral on April 24, 2022, in conjunction with the feast of Divine Mercy led by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines President and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David.

Brown also admired the deep faith of the Filipinos, especially in the practice of the country's traditions and cultures such as devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Santo Niño (Child Jesus) which flourished even more five centuries later.
 
The Vatican ambassador asked to pray for Pope Francis and the mission of the Catholic Church.
 
“Please pray for Pope Francis and let's remember to keep our faith strong, let us remember that the mission of the Church when we see these beautiful missionaries, prepare to bring the Catholic Faith, the Light of Christ, the Life of God, to other places in the world,” said Archbishop Brown. 

In his homily, CBCP President Bishop David emphasized the consideration of the welfare of others as true missionary work.
 
“In a truly humane society, we are mindful of the common good. We protect and empower the weakest. Everyone matters— it is what being on a mission is about,” he said.
 
Apart from Archbishop Brown and Bishop David, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, Palo Archbishop John Du, Palo Archbishop-Emeritus Pedro Dean, Puerto Princesa Bishop Socrates Mesiona, Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy, Bacolod Bishop Patrick Buzon, Baguio Bishop Victor Bendico,  Talibon Bishop Patrick Parcon, Calbayog Bishop Isabelo Abarquez, San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, Calibo Bishoo Jose Corazon Tala-oc, Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Midyphil Billones, and Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Antonio Rañola also attended the gathering. – Veritas 846