Caritas Philippines, the humanitarian and development arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), on Sunday, March 31, encouraged the public to embrace the message of a new beginning that reflects the Easter season.
In a statement, Caritas Philippines president Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo shared that "the resurrection embodies the promise of new beginnings."
While acknowledging the resilience of Filipinos, who "never lost hope" despite ongoing challenges such as poverty, natural disasters, and pandemic effects, Bagaforo seeks to enlighten the hearts and minds of people to die from greed and "sins of selfishness" to a new life of "walking with the pains and desperation."
"The truth will set us free, and if we unite and hang on to our faith in God, we will be victorious," Bagaforo said.
"As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the enduring power of hope, the triumph of good over evil, and the unwavering love of God," he added.
The group also acknowledged the generosity of those who have extended a helping hand and embraced the spirit of "Alay Kapwa" (offering of oneself to one's neighbor).
It also highlighted the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, the idea of communal unity and compassion shown during difficult times.
In return, Caritas extends gratitude for their selfless acts and encourages more people to participate in the spirit of giving and sharing.
"Let us continue to reach out to those who are struggling, share our blessings with the less fortunate, and work collaboratively to build a more equitable and compassionate society," the president said.
May this season, he added, inspire acts of service and continued dedication to the betterment of the communities.