Avoid TV, radio, cell phones, says Bicol bishop

LEGAZPI CITY—Albay Bishop Joel Baylon on Sunday urged Catholics to avoid using their communication gadgets, watching television and listening to radio programs during the Holy Week.

Baylon said it would be a meaningful observance of Lent if people turned off their tablets, cell phones and other gadgets, and instead pray and recall the Passion of Jesus Christ.

Avoiding such gadgets “would give us the opportunity to read the Bible, reflect, talk and hear the Word of the Almighty God,” the prelate said in his homily during his Palm Sunday Mass at Saint Gregory Cathedral here.

The bishop’s appeal was immediately posted on Facebook and drew positive comments, with Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, a regular Facebook user, saying he supported the appeal

Before the Mass, thousands of parishioners carrying palm fronds trooped to Peñaranda Park a few meters from the cathedral to celebrate Palm Sunday, marking the start of the Holy Week.

Baylon, assisted by a priest and a dozen lay people dressed as apostles, blessed the palm fronds being waved by parishioners.

Reenacting Jesus Christ’s entry to Jerusalem, the bishop led parishioners into the jam-packed cathedral for the Mass.