Manila, June 12, 2009-Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes, SVD said faithfulness to the priesthood remains the challenge they face this coming "Year of the Priest" scheduled to begin on Friday, June 19.
In an interview over Radio Veritas, the prelate said there have been instances when priests "doubt their identity" and get confused of their roles while some get involved in political activities.
"Our desire is to go back to our original vocation, that we are specially called by Jesus Christ to participate in His work in evangelizing the world," the 65-year old prelate said.
He said St. John Ma. Vianney provides priests the necessary model because the saint ministered to his flock, specially hearing their confessions lasting 15 hours a day.
He said priests would be more effective in attending to his flock's spiritual needs.
"We have so many church documents to read and eventually give us the 'real orientation' of the priesthood," Bishop Bastes added.
In Davao, Archbishop Fernando Capalla said they will launch their celebration to welcome the "Year for Priests" on Thursday, June 18.
"It will coincide with my 34th Episcopal anniversary and we'll make our launching at the San Pedro Cathedral," Archbishop Capalla told Radio Veritas Wednesday morning.
He said they have lined-up a number of activities to highlight the "Year for Priests" to be participated by members of the clergy.
"We will focus on the on-going formation of the priests and seminarians to complement the program being prepared by the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Clergy," Archbishop Capalla said.
The celebrations will also coincide with the 60th year of the Archdiocese of Davao as a new ecclesial province. (Melo M. Acuna)