MANILA, August 6, 2009- The CBCP's Episcopal Commission on Mutual Relations between Bishops and Religious (ECMR) has recently launched its scholarship program for the poor diocesan religious all over the country.
According to Bangued Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian, chairman of ECMR, the program aims to finance schools fees of those who want enter priesthood or join any religious order.
"It started early of July 2009. Para (ito) sa mga religious (congregations) na gusto i-send yung kanilang mga sisters (and seminarians) na hindi kayang magbayad ng tuition fee," he said.
"Ang ginagawa namin binibigay namin sa school (yung money), whether (for) religious men or women, tapos bahala na sila maghanap ng religious (pero) para lang ito sa diocesan religious," he added.
Meanwhile, the ECMR has recently inaugurated its new office located at the 3rd floor of the CBCP building in Intramuros, Manila.
This was held last July 31 which was preceded by a concelebrated Mass presided by Bishop Jaucian.
Other concelebrants were CBCP Secretariat Assistant head, Msgr. Joselito Asis, CBCP's Commission on Youth executive secretary Fr. Conegundo Garganta, and Catholic Trade Center officials Fr. Carlos Maria Cunanan-De Guzman and Fr. Jocs Galolo.
ECMR is CBCP's social arm and the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines that is tasked to promote mutual admiration and close relationship between bishops and religious and to study and discuss mutual problems and plan schemes for joint actions.
The commission has also been assisting the religious people on their passports and travel documents. (Kate Laceda)