Prelate says clergy congress a respite

MANILA, January 25, 2010—The Second National Congress of the Clergy attended by the country’s 5,500 Catholic priests is a “Galilee” or a respite from the daily grind.

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas said the fact that the country’s priests have gathered together is already worth celebrating.

“Ang pagtitipong ito’y pagpapakita ng pagkakaisa na nararapat lamang na ipagdiwang,” the country’s youngest archbishop told CBCPNews.

He added the country’s priests have gathered together to pray and to study from what the congress’ speakers would reflect on.

The prelate said the Congress is just like “Galilee” where they gather strength so when they return to their Golgotha and Jerusalem they have all been refreshed and renewed.

Archbishop Villegas said every priest should continuously pursue his “ascent to the mountain of God” referring to the need for ongoing formation and commitment to his mission.

Asked what priests and laymen would look for in each other, Archbishop Villegas said priests should look for the face of Jesus Christ in their flocks as laymen should look for the face of Jesus Christ in their priests. He said the face of Jesus is in the face of everyone.

“We (the priests) are the eyes, ears, lips, face and body of Jesus for the world which is an ongoing process,” he added.

Asked of his thoughts about statements that priests should not meddle in political concerns, the prelate said “Ang politika ay isang human activity and take God away from any human activity and it becomes a curse.”

He said it is true priests should not meddle in partisan politics but it is the priests’ duty to bring God into politics because it is a human activity.

“Christ-less politics would be a scourge and business and culture without Christ would not be a blessing for humanity,” he added.

The country’s priests first gathered for the National Congress in July 2004 with 3,500 priests in attendance.

(Melo M. Acuña)