Bishop Calls for United Efforts to Transform Nation

MANILA, Jan. 1, 2011—A Catholic prelate called on both government and public to work together to initiate change in the country.

Jaro Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo, in a New Year message, said “the goal of national, local and neighbourhood transformation” should involve everyone.

But national transformation can only happen if it begins with oneself, he said.

“It can only be done if we allow change in our perspective, mindset and frame of reference, from self to others,” Lagdameo said.

When one’s perspective is changed, then it is possible to change even the “face of our government”, the former CBCP president said.

Lagdameo said the work of transforming the nation must not remain only a dream but a reality.

He urged everyone to respond to the challenge and work together so that “the culture of death will be transformed into a culture of life… that the culture of power, privileges, and prestige will give way to the culture of servant-leadership and stewardship… that the culture of injustice and dishonesty will be converted into the culture of integrity, transparency and accountability.” (CBCPNews)