THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on bishops, priests, and other members of the clergy to remain “steadfast and committed to their ministerial duties” in the face of challenges within the ranks of the religious.
“Dear brother bishops, in our own ministry, there will always be regrets, conflicts, betrayals, disappointments — even within our own brotherhood…May these not turn our hearts to stone,” CBCP president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said in his homily during mass at the Tagbilaran Cathedral on July 1, the second day of the bishops’ annual retreat.
The four-day retreat also served as a national consultation for synodal implementation, drawing dozens of participants including priests, consecrated individuals and laypeople from various dioceses.
David emphasized the importance of perseverance and unity among the clergy during these challenging times, encouraging them to focus on their spiritual responsibilities and the needs of their congregations despite the difficulties they may face.
Addressing the realities of Church leadership, he urged fellow bishops “not to grow cold or bitter, but to stay spiritually alive by keeping their eyes fixed on Christ.”
He encouraged the prelates to resist the “temptation to dwell on past wounds and instead look to Christ for strength and direction.”
“When the temptation comes to keep looking back, look instead at Christ, who is with us in the boat,” he said.
“May our hearts dare to stay both frightened and free — not frozen like pillars of salt, but alive, trusting in Him who calms the winds and the waves,” David added.
David also emphasized the importance of leading by example and keeping Christ at the center of their mission.
“Let us fix our gaze on him who is our true destination — and lead our people to do the same,” he said.
