They are interested knowing about the RH Bill in our Congress’ desk and what is the Filipino response. Wondering what’s going on in a Catholic country, few of which are left, I suggested that this Catholic nation is suffering from the tentacles of relativism if not ignorance or indifference. “Sorry to hear that,” they say.
I assured them that our Catholic bishops remain unswayed and as ardent as ever in teaching redemptive moral issues based from the Scriptures.
In turn, I learned that despite the scarcity if not nullity of Catholic news here in the country, youth in North America is zealous in learning more about their faith and strengthening them. They are also generously active in lending their time, talent and blessings to their parishes.
I envy such atmosphere but “I’m sorry, we are a poor country and how I wish we can do the same with even much fervor”.
From what I heard, some could be replicated here.
PRO-LIFERS go from parish to parish soliciting for prayers, cash or in kind for their need in walking on the streets from California to Washington DC, rain or shine, snow or heat; fighting and depending the sanctity of life.
CAR WASH – Youth give their time freely washing cars on Sundays in church parking areas for a fee but all are donated to the parish.
FOOD – Parishioners and youth prepare food for sale but the earnings of the day are all given to the parish.
SUNDAYS – Once a month, after morning Masses, coffee and donuts are free for all but parishioners are encouraged to leave a tip not for the kitchen staff but for the next fellowship. During breakfast, parishioners, old and new exchange their secular stories or about their faith.
YOUTH and YOUNG ADULTS – They get together occasionally and share their faith. They study the Scriptures under the guidance of the parish priest. They play sports or compete with other Catholic teams in the diocese. They attend seminars, talks and other church-related gatherings. They observe a dress code in going to the Church. They serve the Mass. Others are Eucharistic ministers or choir members. Each of them always has a rosary in their pocket and if possible, a Bible in their bag or backpack.
Do these young adults drink, dance and date?
Absolutely they do but without shedding off their Catholic identity. They drink beer but not until their lights are off. They dance but not in disco houses or nigh clubs. They date but I was emphatically told that they strictly observe Catholic dating guidelines. Love comes from anywhere and any time but they prefer to date fellow Catholics.
ACTIVISM – Young adults and without age limit are vocal in denouncing the evils of abortion, euthanasia, same-sex marriage, death penalty, stem cell research and pre-marital sex. They pray in front of abortion clinics and join local or national marches defending the sanctity of life.
Back here at home, we can only pray; pray hard - that Catholics who consider them as such are pushed and enlightened by the Spirit to reinvigorate their faith by opening their hearts and mind in learning or deepening their knowledge on the teachings of the Church handed down to us by the Apostles.
Make no mistake that the Holy Spirit is still working in the Church today and continues to do so. Be sure that the Church will be able to recover from the tempest of sex scandals and other scandals the Church suffers today. After saying that the Church Christ established is free from the gates of hell, it makes no sense for us to say that Christ lied just because things are not going well these days.
“Be not afraid.” In the midst of poverty and uncertainty, do and share what you can to your parishes and to your communities for the Church is active, alive and yes - - - kicking.
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