Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) - The theme that will mark Pope Francis’ visit in the Philippines (from 15 to 19 January 2015) is "mercy and compassion": this was announced, in a note sent to Fides Agency, by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. The Philippine Church has also launched a website (www.papalvisit.ph) dedicated entirely to the event, which contains all the necessary information and will monitor all aspects of the Pope's visit.
"With the presence of the Pope, the God of mercy and compassion comes close to us", says His Exc. Mgr. Mylo Vergara, Bishop of Pasig and President of the Episcopal Commission for Social Communication and the media in a message sent to Fides. "This is a great blessing for the Church in the Philippines. Pope Francis’ visit can be considered a visit from God to the Filipino people, in need of His mercy and compassion".
The Bishops urge the faithful to prepare themselves through the words of Francis, and be apostles through mass media: "We try to make ours the Pope’s messages, quotes, apostolic exhortations on the subject of mercy and compassion. Through social media - adds Mgr. Vergara - we can collect and share them with others. "Secondly, we invite the faithful to "use what we gather and receive on the teaching of Pope Francis as a matter of reflection, prayer and action". In this way, "mass media and social networks - the Bishop concludes - can become a powerful tool for us to practice works of mercy such as visiting prisoners, the sick and the elderly, especially showing compassion towards the poor". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 22/09/2014)
