As we reminisce the insights learned during International Eucharistic Congress held in our country through the closing mass attended by 907,641 men and women of faith, which occupied the 15.1 hectares of the 26-hectare Pedro Calungsod Template at the South Road Properties in Cebu almost a decade ago. We look back in hopeful anticipation that the seeds of faith planted during that weeklong gathering would eventually bear fruition.

So as we chart “our roadmap” into the future, let us be reminded by the lessons we have learned through this faith experience:

RESPECT FOR ANCESTRAL DOMAINS: Cagayan de Oro Archbishop, Most Rev. Antonio Ledesma, D.D. stressed that we have to respect the way of life of the indigenous peoples (IPs) and their claim to their ancestral domain. In an interview with Church-run Radio, Veritas, Archbishop Ledesma rallied the cause of the IPs during the sidelines of this International Eucharistic Congress.

“So, para sa atin we can learn from them and we can also respect yung kanilang way of life lalong lalo na we have this Indigenous people rights at that also respects their claims and to their ancestral domain,” Ledesma added. Archbishop Ledesma also said that because of the love of the indigenous peoples to their lands, they would easily understand the meaning of the Eucharist, since the source of the Eucharist is the environment. The use of the primal elements, which are the bread and wine, came from the fruits of the earth.

ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT FROM THE YOUTH: Bangued Bishop called on the youth to share the love of God that they have experienced. Most Rev. Leopoldo C. Jaucian, SVD, D.D., gave the following important mission to the youth: “Kung nadama natin ang pagmamahal nya, sana ibahagi rin natin. At maging Eukaristiya din tayo tulad ni Jesus sa pag-aalay natin sa kapwa at sa pagbabago ng lipunan.”

According to the National Filipino Catholic Youth Survey, the number of Filipino Catholics reached an approximately 76.2 million (78.7%) out of the country’s estimated population of 96.8 million. Some 30.5 million (40%) belong to the youth sector aged 13-39 years old. The results of the 2013 survey, commissioned by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ Episcopal Commission Youth (CBCP-ECY) also showed that nine out of ten Catholic youths state that they “are interested to learn more about their Catholic faith” and “can defend their faith to anyone who challenges them.”

Bishop Jaucian presided the closing mass for the Youth Day of this International Eucharistic Congress (IEC). The IEC is an international gathering aimed at promoting an awareness of the central place of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Catholic Church. With the theme, “Christ in you, our hope of glory (Col 1:27),” the weeklong Eucharistic Congress was intended to strengthen the faith of the people through the “Table Fellowship” of the Eucharist.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: “Hindi tayo makakapagdiwang ng maayos [ng Eukaristiya] kung wala tayong pakialam sa environment.” Bishop Broderick Pabillo said that bread and wine come about through a cooperation of the human and the divine. “The mystery of the Eucharist makes all human labor sacred,” he added. Explaining the connection of the Eucharist and the environment, the bishop from the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay said that we couldn’t celebrate the Eucharist appropriately if we neglect the environment.

He said that he environment is God’s gift to everyone, and as human beings, created in “the image and likeness of God” (Gen. 1.26), we have the responsibility to respect the goodness of creation. We have the responsibility not exploit the natural world — a responsibility not being fulfilled by many people these days.

Environmental issues are also the concern of His Holiness Pope Francis in his encyclical letter, Laudato Si released last year. In the encyclical, the Holy Father appealed for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. “The Eucharist is also a source of light and motivation for our concerns for the environment, directing us to be stewards of all creation.”

And POLITICAL REFORM: Finally, Cubao Bishop Most Rev. Fr. Honesto Ongtioco, D.D. appealed to live the Eucharist by changing our political life. The prelate explained that the real meaning of authority in the Eucharist, just like what Jesus Christ showed us, is “to serve”. He also said that politicians should be servant leaders. “Sa nangyayari ngayon sila ang pinaglilingkuran. Sila ang amo,” Bishop Ongtioco said.

Reflecting on the talks he attended so far from the International Eucharistic Congress, he also expressed his disappointment with proliferation of political dynasties in the country. “Parang akala mo wala nang ibang may talino at kakayahang mamuno kundi mga magkakamag-anak,” Bishop Ongtioco said. He also added that politicians should give all their knowledge and capabilities not for their own sake and for their own children, but for all the people they serve.

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AUTHOR PROFILE

Bro. Clifford T. Sorita