January 28, 2016, 5:37p.m. – CEBU CITY – UNDERSTANDING cultural differences is key to encouraging the youth and other sectors to participate more actively in matters of the Eucharist.
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle on Thursday stressed the importance of having “cultural intelligence” in reaching out to the youth and various communities.
“The culture of the youth is something that I think we elders should understand. They should be consulted, they should be able to talk to us without fear about their culture,” Tagle said during the fifth press conference of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC).
Tagle also gave a catechesis titled “The Eucharist and the Dialogue with Cultures” on the same day, in which he urged members of the clergy to observe the differences in cultures that hinder communication.
“Cultural intelligence is the capacity to engage in a dialogue with different cultures. We should be aware of what we are doing to develop cultural intelligence,” Tagle said.
Cardinal Tagle also spoke against the “culture of bribery and corruption” in light of the upcoming national elections, saying that “as Christians, it is not the culture we want to promote.”
Also warning against the “throwaway culture” previously condemned by Pope Francis, Tagle said politicians elected into office should not disregard the trust given to them by the people.
“Being in politics means you have earned the trust of the people. When one is elected, he is given the gift of the people. Don’t throw away the trust but rather, return the gift.”
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, who was also present during the press conference, said the Closing Mass at the South Road Properties to led by Papal Legate Charles Maung Cardinal Bo would push through rain or shine.
According to Palma, South Road Properties is the only venue large enough to hold the one million people expected to flock to the concluding Mass and watch Pope Francis’ video message from the Vatican. Lea Mat P. Vicencio
