CEBU, Philippines - Thousands of lay people under the Archdiocese of Cebu gathered yesterday for the first time, as the function of the council was elevated to the level of a commission in the archdiocese.
With this, the newly-elected president of the Archdiocesan Commission on the Laity (formerly Council of the Laity) challenged the members to be involved in the pressing issues in the society.
“We, the lay faithful are like the sleeping giant. We are so many but we are unaware what is going on with the church… We have to wake up. We can be the real giants that can move mountains. We can do something even small initiatives,” said ACL President Fe Barino.
Barino and the other new officers took their oath yesterday afternoon during ACL’s first general assembly participated by different lay organizations, movements, associations and secular groups held at the IEC Convention Center Cebu in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.
In her speech, Barino said the lay people are supposed to be missionary disciples of Christ whose job is to continue his work but some are left in deep slumber not knowing of the great responsibility that lies in them.
She said some may be unaware of their role while some are uninvolved with the works of the Church.
Some may be mindful but are afraid to show up since they feel alone, she added, while some are only dependent to the directives or instructions the priest or bishops tell them.
Barino said some may show concern to the activities and programs of their respective parishes but don’t want to be involved in important societal issues like the spate of killings, unemployment, poverty, drug addiction, and child pornography, among others.
She said the lay faithful now have the commission “to listen” to their concerns or sentiments, or to the suggestions or recommendation that they have in mind.
Barino said there will be monthly meeting for the archdiocesan commission to discuss issues, making it a great venue to formulate programs on social concerns.
She added they could also hold seminars inviting speakers who can share their expertise or knowledge on certain aspects.
“We can do something if we unite our ideals and stand... Let us connect with each other. Dili nato pasagdan ang simbahan ug kaparian,” she said.
Prior to the induction and commissioning of officers, board of trustees and advisers, a concelebrated Mass was led by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.
“They should activate themselves and it is their call to bring the Gospel to where they are in the home, in the marketplace, or in the office,” Palma said. (FREEMAN)