2012 sees synod of bishops, canonization of Pedro Calungsod

MANILA, Dec. 31, 2011—The head of the Catholic hierarchy said the coming of yet another year promises abundant divine graces for Filipino Catholics as he cited two important Church events that will happen in 2012.

On October 7 to 28, the 13th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops will convene in Rome to discuss the topic The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith, according to CBCP president and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.

The synodal assembly will examine the present situation in the particular Churches, Palma said.

Together with the Holy Father, the synod will map out new methods and means for transmitting the Good News to people in our world today and hopes to direct evangelization with a renewed enthusiasm, he explained.

“This year will also see the canonization of our very own Blessed Pedro Calungsod. We envision efforts towards renewal because of the preparations which come with canonization,” he also said.

He urged the people to strive to know more profoundly the life of Blessed Pedro Calungsod and imitate his virtues, especially his devotion to the Eucharist and the Blessed Mother.

“If we know him better and emulate his virtues, particularly his zeal for learning, living, spreading and even dying for the faith, we become a better people,” Palma said.

The CBCP head also stressed the coming year is not only a gift from God but also a task, meant for one’s good and for the good of the church and the community.

He reminded the faithful that “there is much to do considering life’s challenges in our imperfect society with us who are poor or frail people.”

“We move forward with contrite hearts and with firm faith knowing God will not abandon us because he loves us (cf. Isaiah 49:15) and convinced of what we are able to accomplish because of the goodness and power in our hearts,” he said. (CBCPNews)