Only 37% of Pinoy Catholics

How sad and painful it is to read the survey made by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) published in your respectable newspaper last April 10. In fact, it does not come as a surprise for those who have carefully observed and analyzed the attitude of the Roman Catholics over the past 10 to 15 years towards their respective Christianity. Cardinal Vidal already stated the situation as reported in 'Sun Star' on July 21, 2003 asking “his priests and the religious sisters to be compassionate and to themselves be available to the people at all times.”  At the occasion of the Pastoral Conference commemorating 70 years of the Diocese on April 2004 the Cardinal also declared: “I wish to see in every parish an active and vibrant Pastoral Council, one that truly is in the pastoral good of the people, rather than being a mere construction committee.”

What has been done in this respect? Not much if there is based on what we are witnessing for years. Where are our shepherds who have the mission to guide their flock? If we called them, there is no echo. They have an indifferent attitude. Where are their vocations?

The direct consequence has been the tragic deterioration of the Church that Jesus has built.

If all of us were praying with our hearts (not our lips) looking at Jesus on the cross, we would certainly hear His voice that Francis of Assisi heard when praying in the chapel of St Damien in 1215, which said: “Go, Francis and rebuild my house, which as you can see is falling into ruins.”

A tremendous task is in front for those who have the responsibility to put us on the right track in implementing and respecting the teaching of the Church. Where is the faith of those who should lead us? Where is our faith enabling us to react to the apathy from our shepherds that we are experiencing for too long?

This brings to mind Cardinal Vidal's message during a clergy recollection in August 10, 205: “There are priests and parishioners who do not see each other eye to eye.”