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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Renowned missionary emphasizes need to 're-evangelize' Filipino Catholics

Renowned missionary emphasizes need to 're-evangelize' Filipino Catholics

Published Nov 14, 2023 03:40 am

An Irish nun who led the National Retreat for Priests in Cebu City for over 2,000 Filipino Catholic priests emphasized the importance of "re-evangelization," particularly among those who have abandoned their faith.

SrBriege 11-14.jpg
(Sr. Briege McKenna / Photo credit to CBCP)

In a statement released by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Monday, Nov. 13, Sr. Briege McKenna, a nun who has served in the Philippines for many years, expressed her concern about decreasing religious participation among Catholics.

McKenna said that the reason for the decline in religious practice is that people "don't know" what they have.

She compared it to having a fridge full of food but not knowing what to eat.

"In many parts of the world, Catholics need re-evangelizing. They need to rediscover the treasures of the sacraments," she said.

Her remarks came at a time when the Catholic Church in the Philippines was facing a number of challenges, including a decline in the number of priests and religious vocations, as well as the growing popularity of other Christian denominations.

However, McKenna expressed optimism about the future of the Church in the Philippines.

"I believe that the Filipino people are very open to the Gospel," she said. "They just need to be reminded of what they have."

During her sixth visit to the Philippines, McKenna served as one of the speakers of the National Retreat for Priests held at the IEC Convention Center in Cebu City from Nov. 7 to 9.

 

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Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines CBCP
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