On this blessed occasion, we find ourselves reflecting on two profound celebrations: the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity and Father’s Day. Each, in its own way, invites us to contemplate the mystery of love, relationship, and identity. The Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is the central mystery of our Catholic faith. It reveals to us … Read more
Clericalism is an attitude that arises from an imbalance in the understanding of the roles and functions of the clergy and the laity within the Church. It often manifests as an overemphasis on the power and importance of the clergy, leading to a hierarchical structure where the laity are undervalued or treated as subordinate. Clericalism … Read more
For the People of God in the Archdiocese of Lingayen Dagupan WHY ARE WE MAKING THIS PASTORAL GUIDANCE? Partisan politics is not within the mission of the Church. This catechism is not about partisanship; it is about morality in politics. We, your shepherds, have the duty to teach and guide our flock because immoral and … Read more
The time when the Catholic Church had three popes simultaneously is known as the Western Schism (also called the Great Schism of the West), which lasted from 1378 to 1417. The schism was not about doctrinal issues but rather about authority and legitimacy. It began after the return of the papacy from Avignon to Rome, … Read more
What do Jesus mean when he said “”Judge not, that you be not judged” in Matthew 7:1? Can we really not judge? Jesus’s teaching to “Judge not, that you be not judged” is a call to avoid rash, condemnatory judgment, not a prohibition of all discernment [^3]. The Catholic understanding of this teaching emphasizes the … Read more
The story of the woman caught in adultery, as recorded in John 8:1-11, is a powerful and enduring passage that speaks volumes about judgment, mercy, and the human condition. Let’s reflect on the key elements: The Setup: Jesus is teaching in the temple when the scribes and Pharisees bring before him a woman caught in … Read more
“Hope for Justice” Statement of Bishop Gerardo A. Alminaza, Diocese of San Carlos In this Jubilee Year of Hope. The pursuit of justice, particularly transformative justice, has found renewed vigor among us who are advocating for peace and justice. From the harrowing era of state-sponsored killings that plagued our nation to the recent issuance of … Read more
The moral teaching of the Catholic Church firmly holds that it is not acceptable to commit an evil act, regardless of the intention or the potential good that may result from it. This principle is rooted in the understanding that the morality of an action is determined by its object, intention, and circumstances, and that … Read more
The Church teaches that the mercy and justice of God emphasizes that they are not contradictory, but rather exist in perfect harmony within God. It affirms that God is just, meaning He upholds the moral order of creation. This involves giving each person their due, both in terms of rewards for good and consequences for … Read more
The Grinch family, are known for hating Christmas and do not celebrate it. Instead they mock it in the same way the people who celebrate it for the main reason that it is a pagan festival and it is not biblical. Their disdain for the holiday is rooted in a few key reasons. 1. No … Read more