The diocese of Romblon urges both the priests and the laity to reflect and dialogue as the Philippines are preparing for the coming of lent.
Romblon Bishop Narciso Abellana told LICAS in a note sent that the need to reflect and dialogue is needed as currently the Philippines are celebrating the year of the Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue and Indigenous Peoples. The celebration is in the spirit of the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity.
“Why should we dialogue? If we want to understand each other, we should talk, we should dialogue. If we want to see their point of views, then we should see where they are coming from. I believe in harmony is an ideal that we living in society, must strive for. Dialogue should lead towards harmony,” Abellana said.
“Let us admit the fact that we have many biases against those who are not with us, those who holds different opinion from us, those who oppose and those who do not share our beliefs. We always think that they are wrong, and it is us who are right. For the many times that we have partaken in strengthening our biases in people who are not like us, let us ask pardon. As we begin lent, let us be sorry for the sins we have committed against love and harmony, against humanity,” he added.
Fr. Francis Fornal, a parish priest in Romblon said that that the coming Ash Wednesday on February 25 ‘reminds us who we are. ‘
“It also invites us to reflect and renew ourselves living a simple and holy life generous enough for the needs of the church and for the needy one. Ash Wednesday moves us to repent and mourn for our sin and revive us on the Easter way of life. Ash Wednesday challenges us to be more humble and prayerful. Humility is the key to eternity,” he said.
As this developed, all priests in the diocese of Romblon is facing a major reshuffling this April. The reshuffling aimed to make priests more productive. The reshuffling is held at least every five years.
The new assignment was announced last January 2020. A copy of the new assignments of the Romblon diocese has been obtained by the LICAS.
