Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila urged Filipino Catholics to resist apathy, confront misinformation, and take an active role in society, as the country faces economic strain and rising global tensions.
Speaking at the second Manila Archdiocesan General Pastoral Assembly (MAGPAS) for the year, the archbishop of Manila outlined three key movements for the Church’s mission: to be awakened in Christ’s presence, to participate in civic life, and to begin evangelizing in close communities.
MAGPAS is a synodal gathering of clergy and lay faithful in the Archdiocese of Manila aimed at “listening, dialogue, and spiritual renewal,” while reflecting on how Filipino Christians can help make “the Kingdom of God present in our world, especially amid the moral and social challenges facing our country and the rising tensions in other parts of the globe.”
“With so many things happening in the country—war in other places, rising oil prices, economic hardship—it is easy to lose hope or become numb,” Advincula said.
He warned that indifference weakens the Church’s witness, stressing that evangelization begins with awareness rooted in Christ, according to a report by the Archdiocesan Office of Communications.
“As the Church, we cannot afford to be numb… Christ is present in the suffering of the poor, in the cries of workers, in the exhaustion of families, and in the voices of the youth,” he said.
The cardinal also called on Catholics, especially lay leaders, to engage more actively in public life and promote truth in the face of disinformation.
“This is the challenge for us amid widespread fake news, media blackout, and propaganda: there are too few Filipinos who critically examine and engage in social issues to advance the truth,” he said.
“As lay leaders—in the family, the barangay, the parish—you are the first called to participate and to be a voice in proclaiming the Good News,” he added.
Advincula said evangelization must begin in the home, shaping relationships and daily conduct before extending to the wider community.
“Let us begin in the home or among friends: what is your attitude when you are with your parents, spouse, or children? How do you forgive? How do you remain faithful in your duties?” he said.
He described this as a movement that grows outward from personal witness.
“This is how evangelization works: ‘from within, moving outward,’” he said.
