Bishop tells faithful: Fast during Lent

At the start of the Lenten Season, a Catholic bishop on Thursday called on the faithful to fast and observe abstinence to grow spiritually.

Cubao bishop Honesto Ongtioco said fasting will also develop self control among the faithful especially during Lent.

"Iyong fasting it is to help us to develop self control, para matututo tayong magtimpi, para sa harap ng pagsubok sa harap ng kasalanan marunong tayong magtimpi. So it’s a warrant of discipline not just physical but also in our spritual life," the bishop told Radyo Veritas.

Bishop Ongtioco said fasting will also teach the faithful to have a deeper relationship with God, coupled with daily devotion and prayers.

"We have to pray and pray na we always be close to God that we may not fall into temptation para 'di tayo mahulog sa kasalanan and fasting is good for the body lalo na kung may kawang-gawa of course iyong paggawa ng kabutihan napakahalaga niyan sa tao," the prelate added. - Dennis Carcamo