By Christina Hermoso With the theme “The Laity in Solidarity with the Clergy and Consecrated Persons Towards Social Transformation,” the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, in partnership with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines – Episcopal Commission on the Laity, observes the National Laity Week from Sept. 22 to 29. (image courtesy of Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas Facebook page / MANILA BULLETIN) San Pablo (Laguna) Bishop Buenaventura Famadico, chairman of the CBCP - Episcopal Commission on the Clergy said, it is important for the laity to collaborate with the Church in helping spread the Word of God. It is likewise, important for the clergy to guide the laity as they help in the mission to evangelize. “In our diocese, we have set up the ‘Kapitbahayang Katoliko sa Pamilyang Kristiyano,’ in which we distribute leaflets to the communities as guide for their daily prayers. We always try to strengthen the relationship between the Church and the laity,” Famadico said in his homily during the launch of the NLW over the weekend at the San Pablo Cathedral in Laguna. Dr. Marita Wasan, national chairperson of the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas said, the week-long observance aims “to strengthen the collaboration between the laity and the Church and the religious.” “We seek to see in the faces of Filipino Catholics the image of Christ and for them to live Christ-centered lives,” Wasan said. The closing rites for the observance will be held on Sunday. September 29, at the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.