A Catholic bishop in the Philippines has urged parishes and Church institutions to adopt concrete measures of discipline and shared responsibility as communities face rising costs and uncertainty.
In his Easter message, Bishop Elias L. Ayuban Jr. of Cubao echoed Christ’s greeting, “Peace be with you,” and pointed to the fear that gripped the disciples after the crucifixion, noting they “were enclosed in fear” as they faced an uncertain future.
That same fear, he added, now shapes the present moment.
The prelate described the world as facing “grave and interconnected crises” that “began with a lack of concern for one another that led to violence and war,” with consequences now felt globally, as “the harmful effects… [are] felt not only in the countries involved but by the whole world watching.”
He pointed to rising prices and supply disruptions as immediate signs of the crisis, citing “the increase in the price of basic daily necessities due to shortages in supply,” leaving many people “wrapped in anxiety, sorrow, and fear like the disciples.”
The bishop said the Resurrection offers hope grounded in Christ’s victory, stressing that “in the midst of suffering and trials, the Lord will prevail,” and that through the Resurrection, “the flame of hope will be rekindled and set ablaze once more.”
But he added that hope must be matched by action.
Ayuban said the Diocese of Cubao has begun implementing internal measures, including “several concrete steps of saving and proper management of time,” among them “a four-day work schedule each week in the bishop’s office, with extended hours of service.”
He urged parishes to adopt similar steps: “I warmly but firmly invite all our parishes to unite and implement appropriate economic measures,” including “simple ways of saving electricity, water, and other expenses, as well as more careful planning of activities and programs.”
Such efforts, he said, are not only practical but spiritual, noting they “will not only help maintain our operations but will also deepen our accountability as good stewards of the blessings entrusted to us by God.”
Quoting Pope Francis, Ayuban pointed to the persistence of global tensions and moral fatigue: “In the world’s prolonged Lent, when evil rages and idolatry makes hearts indifferent, the Lord prepares his Easter.”
He urged the faithful not to give in to fear: “Let us not allow darkness to envelop our hearts, for the Lord of light and resurrection is already here.”
Looking ahead, the bishop pointed to the diocese’s preparations for a synodal process leading to its 25th anniversary in 2028, inviting reflection on its direction as a local Church.
“Where did we begin? Where are we now? And above all, where is God calling us to go as a community of believers?” he said.
He called on the faithful to respond together to the crisis, urging them to “rise together and walk hand in hand to ease the fear of those who are losing strength,” before closing with the Easter greeting: “Peace be with you.”
All photos by Angie de Silva
