AS SPIRITUAL leaders chosen by God, bishops should be the light guiding the faithful toward the purification of religious practices and the eradication of superstition-based beliefs.
In this regard, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) plays a major role in strengthening the Filipino bishops’ commitment to the Catholic Church and the people of God, Caceres Archbishop Emeritus Leonardo Legazpi, O.P., first Filipino rector of the University, says in his new book titled “Living the Episcopacy.”
The 404-page book is a collection of Legazpi’s homilies and lectures talking about the responsibilities of a bishop to the Church, based on his experiences.
In the book, Legazpi recalls his term as the president of the CBCP, noting how CBCP serves to unite and strengthen the Filipino Church. “[Sometimes] the political and social institutions of the country are instruments of disunity and conflict. The Church could be the exception and show Filipinos that it is possible to be one nation,” he says.
The CBCP presidency can be compared to a “well-staffed and managed” ship, he adds.
“Its engines below deck are properly oiled and maintained efficiently, capable of charting a new course and pioneering new routes leading to unexplored ports.”
In the introduction, Fr. Rex Alarcon, Legazpi’s former secretary, says the book cites various studies relating to the bishops’ concerns over Filipino spirituality.
Legazpi, who is described by Alarcon as a man gifted with a strong sense of duty, served as CBCP president from 1988 to 1991.
Journey towards renewal and unity
The Philippine Church should follow the decrees of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines on the faithful’s responsibility as the “pioneers and missionaries for a revitalized evangelization,” Legazpi also states.
Revitalization of evangelization can be achieved through eradication of paganism, Legazpi says.
“Filipinos’ religious behavior is still immature and rooted in superstitions. There are many unfulfilled depths in the spirituality of the Filipinos where some of its corners remain pagan and unredeemed,” Legazpi said.
Filipinos can rebuild the identity of the Catholic Church and cherish the gift of salvation in the modern times through an encounter with Christ that is empowered by the faithful’s mission, he says.
“Living the Episcopacy” was published by the UST Publishing House and was launched last Sept. 20.
In a review, Daet Bishop Gilbert Garcera, one of the presenters during the book launch, said young bishops must read Legazpi’s work as it “lifts one’s vision to higher sights, and builds a personality beyond one’s normal limitations.” Angeli Mae S. Cantillana
