The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on the faithful “to celebrate the gift of faith” as the nation marks the 500 years of Christianity in the country this year.

Davao Archbishop and CBCP president Romulo Valles, in a message during the 21st bishops’ assembly, stressed the importance of a stronger and deeper faith “particularly at this time of pandemic.”
 
“The best way to celebrate this Great Jubilee of 500 Years of Christianity is to make our faith shine in deeds of charity and mercy during this opportune time of the pandemic,” Valles said.
 
With the theme “Gifted to Give,” Valles called on the faithful to be more charitable and compassionate as the nation marks the 500 years of Christianity especially to those who were most affected by the pandemic.
 
Archbishop Valles recognized the innate Filipino trait of selfless service as shown not only by Filipinos in the country but also abroad. Many Filipino healthcare workers, he said, are compassionately and diligently taking care of individuals afflicted with COVID-19, risking their own lives and those of their loved ones.
 
“Filipino Christians continue to distinguish themselves, both here and abroad, in caring for the sick, burying the dead, and attending to the hungry and the abandoned,” the Church leader said.
   This is the second year that the biannual CBCP Plenary Assembly was held online because of the pandemic.