Hold onto faith, Church urges overseas workers

CHURCH leaders called on overseas workers and their families to always hold fast on their Catholic faith even as they earn a living abroad.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma issued this appeal during the commemoration of the 26th National Migrants’ Day hosted by the Cebu Archdiocese at the Mariner’s Court in Cebu City.

Hundreds of OFW families attended the mass celebrated by Palma and Bishop Precioso Cantillas of Maasin, Leyte.

Cantillas is the chairman of the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care for Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI).

In his homily, Bishop Cantillas said while the Church acknowledges the need for Filipinos to earn a living abroad, the workers should still remember to prioritize their relationship with God over money.

Palma also said Filipinos should continue to pray for the government to see the reality of migration and resolve to address it.

He said the government should look out for the overseas workers so their rights will be protected.

Palma later told reporters that he was happy over the appointment of Bishop John Du who succeeded him as archbishop of Palo, Leyte.

He called on the Catholic faithful there to pray for Du.

“I believe that he has the quality of the shepherd … With Rome choosing him to be there is always grace in office. The building of the church depends on God, the source of blessings and the archbishop (helps build) the church,” he said.

In celebration of the Cebu Archdiocese’s upcoming diamond jubilee this year, Palma said the Church should strengthen lay people and faith communities. Correspondent Carine M. Asutilla