On the Solemnity of Our Lady of Peñafrancia on Sept. 21, Bishop Joel Baylon of Legazpi urged the faithful to reflect on the meaning of discipleship as nationwide protests against corruption were held.
Speaking before devotees at the Parish and Shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, he said Christians must first examine themselves before joining demonstrations and condemning others.
“We have allowed corruption and evil to happen in our midst,” Baylon said.
The bishop decried what he called a culture of silence and apathy, saying Filipinos often “close our eyes and turn a deaf ear where injustices happen” and remain quiet when promises go unfulfilled.
Instead of bearing witness, he added, many continue to tolerate vote buying. “We complain about flooding but we throw trash in the canals. We disregard traffic lights.”
“Is that being a disciple of Jesus?” he asked.
“Discipleship does not end with our devotion to Mary,” Baylon said, urging devotees to live as she did. “We must also be followers of Jesus and obey his instructions for us.”
He stressed the importance of nurturing a relationship with God, which he said is weakened whenever people turn away from him.
Over a million devotees came to Naga City over the weekend to pay homage and seek the intercession of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the patroness of Bicol.
