Why people are leaving the Catholic Church in the Philippines....

Why people are leaving the Catholic Church in the Philippines....
Posted From ABS-CBN Community 2/13/07

I can remember when at the Cathedral in Naval, there was a VIP person's funeral going to be held there. The poor people always come to bring their dead for a blessing in the afternoon, the same time this VIP's Funneral Mass was to be held. Bishop Filomeno Bactol told me to go out and "get rid of the poor people" before Mass would begin. I blessed the poor peoples love ones (outside of the Cathedral) and prayed for them. It is a image I will never forget. I felt so sorry for the poor people and how the Diocese and Bishop Bactol care so little for the poor. Maybe this is a good sign as to why people leave the Church.

When it comes to Baptism - the poor are turned away unless they can pay the stipend. No stipend - no Baptism. (There are Canon Laws that prohibit such practice - but that is under the control of the local Bishop). Again Masses are provided with a stipend - or no mass will be said. If the Bishop offers that Mass - he will wear his Miter for a price, use his Crosier (staff) for a price. All for the greater Glory of God.

When people come begging for help - the Bishop would tell his staff to send them away. (I know I lived there for six months at the Bishop's Palace).

People leaving the Catholic Faith...

I have many more examples to offer...

Again - call the Nuncio Ask the Holy Father's Representative in the Philippines :Telephone: (63-2)521.03.06/7