Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, president of Caritas Philippines, urged the faithful to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ by offering themselves to others.
“Let us continue to reach out to those who are struggling, share our blessings with the less fortunate, and work collaboratively to build a more equitable and compassionate society,” the prelate said.
Bagaforo, the prelate of Kidapawan, highlighted the relevance of Easter’s promise amidst challenges such as poverty, natural disasters, and the pandemic’s ongoing impact.
He acknowledged the spirit of Bayanihan and compassion prevalent in the country during hard times. “Caritas Philippines expresses gratitude to those who have extended help to those in need,” he noted.
Bishop Bagaforo called for the community to practice Alay Kapwa – offering oneself to others. He spoke about the necessity for personal and collective transformation.
“May the gift of Easter enlighten our hearts and minds to move away from greed and selfishness to a life of empathy and shared challenges,” he said, urging Filipinos to engage in deeper discernment.
Bishop Bagaforo expressed confidence in the resilience and unity of the Filipino people. “We never lost hope,” he declared. “With unity and faith, we will overcome.”
