FR.
RANIERO CANTALAMESA TALKS TO THE LAITY
On
January 28, 2010, the laity had the rare opportunity
to spend a whole day being inspired and empowered
by Fr. Raniero Cantalamesa, OFM Cap., at the Araneta
Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
Fr. Raniero Cantalamesa, OFM Cap. was invited by
the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines,
Episcopal Commission on the Laity, and the Sangunian
ng Laiko ng Pilipinas to co-journey with the clergy
during the National Retreat for Priests on the occasion
of the Year of the Priests and the Year of the Sacred
Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Fr. Raniero Cantalamesa, OFM Cap., a theologian,
has been a preacher to the Papal Household for the
past 30 years. As a preacher to the Papal Household,
he delivers the weekly meditations during Advent
and Lent. He delivers these in the presence of the
Holy Father, cardinals and bishops of the Roman
Curia, and the general superiors of the religious
orders. He also conducts retreats and formation
for the laity.
In the morning, Fr. Cantalamesa’s talk centered
on the Clergy and Laity Relationship. He made us
appreciate that we are all called to holiness. According
to Fr. Cantalamesa, “The universal call to
holiness is a call to faith.” He further said
that, “To be holy is the only way to realize
oneself, and that Holiness is not invented, it exists,
and we are invited to get it freely.”
The afternoon session focused on Marriage and Family
according to the Bible. He emphasized that “marriage
and family is the first school of religion and faith”.
He further said that, “The basic mission of
the family is evangelization.”
The day started with a procession by the Diocese
of Cubao of the images of St. John Mary Vianney,
the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart
of Jesus. Praise and Worship for the whole day was
led by the Light of Jesus Community. The sharer
for the morning was Ortessa Macahilig. She spoke
about how she remained faithful and righteous amidst
the oppressions she experienced at work. God also
manifested His faithfulness to His people with all
the blessings she received at work and in her own
family.
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Bishop
Gabriel Reyes with Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa |
Frank
Padilla and Maribel Descallar with Fr. Raniero
Cantalamessa |
The
afternoon sharer was Jojo and Ditsy Sumpaico. The
couple shared about their family life and how it
has been enriched and blessed through their children
as they continued to evangelize other families through
their ministry.
The day ended with a Eucharistic Celebration presided
by His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, who
also served as the inspiration to this event. He
was assisted by Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of the Diocese
of Cubao, Bishop Jesse Mercado of the Diocese of
Paranaque, and Bishop Gabriel Reyes of the Diocese
of Antipolo.
The Apostleship of Prayer kept vigil at the Adoration
Room throughout the event.
The Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and
Life was given the privilege of being the personal
assistant of Fr. Cantalamesa during his stay in
Manila. They also took charge of the program, the
production, and the physical arrangements during
the whole event at the Araneta Coliseum.
It was a truly spirit-filled event and an inspiration
for the clergy and laity to co-journey in building
up the Church in the Philippines. This is truly
an appropriate gift of the clergy and the laity
to the Church as we celebrate the Year of the Priests.
Contibuted
by:
Mimi
A. David
CFC-FFL Education Ministry
