Bishop John Du of the Diocese of Dumaguete has reminded the lay faithful not to cease praying for the priests especially those who are serving in far-flung communities and in the mountains of Negros Oriental. {{more}}
He said there are instances wherein a priest falls to prey to his human weaknesses which could become a source of public scrutiny and intrigues from the community.
The Bishop said it is not easy to fulfill their priestly, prophetic and kingly responsibilities without the prayers and support of the parishioners.
Bishop Du reminded the parishioners that priests are not superheroes with super powers because they are also human beings.
The prelate said said he used to feel angry with a priest who violated their vows but now he can empathize with their struggles against temptations.
Instead of condemning them, he is more encouraged to pray even harder to strengthen and guide each on of them.
All religious organizations, groups and parishioners are encouraged to include in their daily devotions the Prayer for the Priests.
He is thankful to all religious organizations who continuously offer their prayers for the priests.
Bishop Du also acknowledged the Sisters of Chartes from Saint Paul University for holding a tribute to all the priests in the Diocese of Dumaguete.
The Year of the Priest was celebrated from June 2009 until June of 2010.
The Year of the Priests culminated here on early this week with at least one hundred religious and diocesan priests in attendance.
The celebration was also participated in by thousands of pilgrims from different Vicariates in Negros Oriental including the Island of Siquijor.
According to Bishop Du there were eight priests from the Diocese of Dumaguete who participated in the culmination of the Year of the Priests, celebrated by Pope Benedict VI at Saint Peter’s Square in Rome.
These are Msgr. Larry Catubig, Rev. Fr. Edwin Acab, Rev. Fr. Isidro Pada, Rev. Fr. Zacharias Cortez, Rev. Fr. Felino Jumawan, Rev. Fr. Carmelito Torres, Rev. Fr. Albert Bohol, and Rev. Fr. Thadeus Quinit.
Msgr. Catubig, who led the group, shared that he was touched with the message of the Pope, asking for forgiveness from the people for the scandal and controversies surrounding the Roman Catholic Church.
The experience has challenged him to instill and remind all priests to become more faithful to the vocation.
Being a priest is not a profession but a sacred vocation to serve and spread the Gospel and message of the Lord, Msgr. Catubig said. (PNA)
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