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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Filipinos called to deepen faith, help others this Lenten season

Filipinos called to deepen faith, help others this Lenten season

Published Mar 22, 2024 08:37 am

Caritas Philippines, the social action arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), urged the public to use the Lenten season as a time to grow closer to God and strengthen their communities.

Alay Kapwa.jpeg
(Photo from Caritas)

"This Lent, we invite our fellow Filipinos to look inward and examine their lives." Let us identify areas where we can grow closer to God and strengthen our relationships with our neighbors," said Caritas Philippines President Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo in a statement issued on Friday, March 22.

Caritas Bagaforo.jpg
(Caritas Philippines President Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo / Photo from Caritas)

He stressed the importance of "Alay Kapwa," the program for the poor, as a Filipino value that means "offering oneself to others."

"Alay Kapwa is not just about acts of charity," he explained.

Bagaforo believed that helping those in need improves the entire community due to the "interconnectedness of our lives."

To help generate more funds for Alay Kapwa, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula said the parishes under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Manila are currently conducting a second collection until March 24.

"As we continue to provide social services to the poor, it is our fervent prayer that we support Alay Kapwa 2024,” Cardinal Advincula added.

READ: 


https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/18/first-sunday-of-lent-cardinal-advincula-asks-faithful-to-support-alay-kapwa

 

Moreover, there are other ways that the Caritas president suggested that would embody "Alay Kapwa" during Lent.

These include helping a struggling family, volunteering with a charity, or simply being more patient and understanding with the people around us.

“Every act of compassion, no matter how small, contributes to a more just and loving society,” he said.

Caritas Philippines also called for Filipinos to pray for the country. “As we reflect and repent, let us also pray for the good of our country,” he said.

The organization also encouraged Filipinos to always put their faith into action.

"Through Alay Kapwa, let's reflect, improve ourselves, and work to make our nation a better place," Bagaforo added.

Related Tags

Alay Kapwa caritas philippines CBCP
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