Church urged to let children use parishes’ empty spaces

CEBU, Philippines - A volunteer for street-children has asked the Archdiocese of Cebu to turn churches into child-friendly parishes.

When asked for her expectation from the Roman Catholic Church, 21-year old Maria Georgia Cogtas said she hoped that empty spaces like churchyards can be converted into study rooms.

“Can we make our churches into child-friendly parishes? Our churches are the closest place where the street-children could see God. But they could also be the closest place where our children can see their dreams,” she said during a press conference.

She also said churchgoers can also help realize such a dream by donating anything helpful.

In response, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma spoke about a plan of the archdiocese to build a “Center of Periphery”, where the poor will be taken care of, as a result of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress that ended last Sunday.

Fr. Carmelo Diola, who heads the IEC Solidarity and Communion committee, thanked Palma for the proposed plan, as the center would give hope to underprivileged Cebuanos, especially those living in the streets.

“A project that would greatly help secure the welfare of our poor brothers and sisters,” he said of the plan.

On the other hand, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said feeding programs and other initiatives should not only be limited to children. He said it is not just poor children but their family members who are also hungry.

"There are many groups engaged in feeding programs. Maybe we can provide more family meals, instead of just meals for children. Share food with families. The family is also hungry. Can we have something for them?" he said.  (FREEMAN)