Year of Laity end brings ‘fresh’ challenges – priest

PARAÑAQUE CITY — A priest stressed that the official closing of the Year of the Laity is only the start of fresh challenges to the lay faithful towards the realization that each of them is Called to Be Saints, Sent Forth as Heroes”. The Church is overwhelmingly lay … You make up more than 99 percent of the Church … That’s how important your role is,” Msgr. Gerardo O. Santos, Presentation of the Child Jesus(PCJ) parish priest, told some 300 people from various lay sectors, who attended the culmination of the liturgical Year of the Laity held at the PCJ Parish Church in BF Homes, Parañaque City Saturday, Nov. 22.Due recognition was also given to different movements spearheaded by laity which, in their own little ways, have made a mark in choosing to be brave.”These movers and shakers” areand Troubled Friends, Wounded Healers Movement No One in Need Movement Live Christ, Share Christ Movement Educational Foundation Movement Wounded Families, Wounded Healers Movement Integrity Initiatives Movement and Live Pure Movement.Santos noted the groups refer to themselves as movements”, underscoring their openness, flexibility, as well as their no-nonsense approach to their respective ministry.The priest lauded their efforts at bringing the Gospel closer to the people they serve and work with, mainly the poor, the youth, the un-Churched”, and individuals with issues.”He said they are a proof of what the laity can do if only they are made aware that they are what he dubbed the Church’s sleeping giant.”Also in the audience was Parañaque Bishop Jesse E. Mercado, chair of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CBCP)’s Episcopal Commission on the Laity (ECLA), who expressed appreciation for what the lay faithful had accomplished.(Raymond A. Sebastián/CBCPNews)