MATI City, Dec. 26, 2011—The Catholic Women’s League in the Diocese of Mati publicly proclaimed their unequivocal stand in defense of life and the promotion of the Natural Family Planning (NFP) method of birth regulation.
CWL diocesan president Norma Lanaban of Banganga unit stressed the group’s position against the reproductive health bill during its general assembly last December 18 at the Clergy compound in Mati City.
Lanaban explained that during their monthly diocesan officers’ meeting, they kept up their study and discussion on the RH Bill vis-à-vis perceived gradual weakening of family ties and respect for human life, in line with the CWL National Plan through National President Dr. Carmelita Go and the NFP campaign of Archbishop Antonio Ledesma of Cagayan de Oro.
The CWL official said they will be coordinating with the Family Life Apostolate (FLA) units of the 19 different parishes of the diocese regarding the necessary activities to be jointly undertaken.
Lanaban also challenged the ladies to strengthen the Junior or younger CWL units who will eventually replace the “greater number of aging generation.”
She acknowledged the CWL Vicariate of Mati for hosting the venue preparations and for having the largest 50-strong members present for the year-end activity.
Present during the gathering were Bishop Patricio Alo and CWL Spiritual Director Fr. Celso Singson, other attending guest priests, religious sisters, and members of the Catholic media.
Bishop Alo presided the Eucharistic Celebration offered at the nearby Divine Mercy Shrine and Parish at 10 a.m.
Fr. Singson delivered a short address, reminding the ladies that, “amidst the busy material concerns of the season, one must not forget to practice the true meaning of Christmas which as the Belen reminds us is celebrating the birth of God in humanity—Jesus, the Son and Saving Gift of the Father, and the CWL’s Selfless Self-giving guided by the values of C-harity, W-ork, and L-oyalty.” (Sr. Marietta Alo, OND)