Clerical obligation VIEWPOINTS Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz 05/16/2010

Clerical obligation

VIEWPOINTS Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz 05/16/2010 Clerics are bound always to do their utmost in fostering among people, peace and harmony based on justice.” (Canon 287 par. 1 CIC) It is a given that as concretely provided by the Code of Canon Law, Clerics — Deacons, Priest and Bishops — have a pretty good number of obligations compared to their rather very few rights. It is for this distinct reason that instead of the standard phrase “Rights and Obligations,” the said Code of laws for the Universal Church says it exactly in the reverse, viz., “The Obligations and Rights of Clerical” (Book II, Chapter III). And during these troubled and troubling times in the country, the majority of whose population is either but nominally or really practicing “Christian,” it becomes not only relevant but also practical to know and understand not simply who — but especially so — what are clerics for. Truth to say, Deacons, Priests and Bishops are not merely meant to stay in their Churches and remain in their convents — such as in terms of baptizing infants and blessing the dead, celebrating Fiestas, holding Novenas and conducting Processions. Truth to say, the said agenda form an essential part of the ordained Ministry. It remains true nevertheless that the said clerical services — necessary and sublime as they are — remain comforting and comfortable. But said programs alone, keep clerics in the so called “Comfort Zone.”.... MORE   Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100516com6.html

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Not on your yellow life FRONTLINE Wanting to have their way again ENQUIRY Why is the random audit taking too long? BLURBAL THRUSTS Bongbong for president? TABLETS OF STONE ‘The people have spoken,’ which people? VIEWPOINTS Clerical obligation FEATURE Fear of Tehran haunts Iranian refugees in Turkey