We belong to a universal Church. This letter from the bishops of the Philippines in preparation for a visit by Pope Francis to the Philippines is a beautiful reminder of what it means to be Church.
Pope Francis addressed the Philippine Conference on New Evangelization speaking publicly in English for the first time in a video message screened at the end of the closing Mass Oct. 18, 2013 at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila. NJ Viehland Photo
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines officially announced Pope Francis’ visit to the country next year and recommended ways for Filipinos to prepare for the visit spiritually and socially, in the spirit of “mercy and compassion” underlying the visit.
Following is the full text of the document issued July 7 in Manila …
A Nation of Mercy and Compassion
Miserando atque Eligendo (Lowly but Chosen)
Pastoral Letter to Prepare the People of God for the Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis
Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan walks back to the plenary hall at Pope Pius XII Catholic Center after a break in the 2012 plenary assembly of the Catholic…
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Saint Mark the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church 