CBCP head stresses role of laity in governance

JARO archbishop and CBCP president Angel N. Lagdameo underscored the role of the laity in the transformation of society at the opening Mass of the LAIKO regional conference on September 29 at St. Anne Parish in Molo, Iloilo.

Speaking before the participants and parishioners Lagdameo stressed on what the laity can do to bring about change in oneself and in others, especially on the issue of governance and leadership, challenging everyone present while quoting the Vatican document “Apostolicam Actuositatem”.

“Since, in our times, new problems are arising and very serious errors are circulating which tend to undermine the foundations of religion, the moral order, and human society itself, this sacred synod earnestly exhorts the laity—each according to his own gifts of intelligence and learning—to be more diligent in doing what they can explain, defend, and properly apply Christian principles to the problem of our era in accordance with the mind of the Church.”

The Jaro archbishop also called on the people to look up at St. Lorenzo Ruiz and Blessed Pedro Calungsod as models especially in living their lives according to Christian faith and principles.

“St. Lorenzo together with Blessed Pedro Calungsod, both of them have become models of the Filipino laity in their radical service of the faith,” said Lagdameo.

Also quoting best-selling author Stephen Covey, the prelate urged the laity to be responsible, to develop a sense of mission, to set priorities, promote interpersonal relationships, to develop emphatic communication, effective teamwork and nurture self-renewal and continuous improvement.

The Eucharistic celebration that kicked off the conference was led by Jaro Archbishop and CBCP president Angel Lagdameo. Antipolo Bishop and Chairman of Episcopal Commission on the Laity Gabriel Reyes, Digos Bishop Guillermo Afable, Kalibo Bishop Romeo Lazo and clergy from the Archdiocese and neighboring dioceses concelebrated.

The regional conference tackled the role of the laity in promoting good governance encapsulated in the theme “The Laity; Primary Agents of Change Towards Honesty and Integrity for Good Governance.”

The conference which carried the slogan “Laiko goes regional” was the culminating activity of the National Laity week and was held at Arevalo, Iloilo from September 29 to October 1.