Kalookan diocese tackles poverty issue at mass

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MANILA, March 27, 2008―Poverty and hunger among families living in Kalookan, Navotas and Malabon, the three districts comprising Kalookan diocese is a reality that stares them in the eye daily.

The diocese of Kalookan brought to the center the issue of poverty and hunger during a mass dubbed as “Misa ng Maralita para sa Katotohanan at Pagbabago” (Mass for Truth and Renewal) held March 26 at the San Lorenzo Parish in Navotas.

Fr. Rufino Yabut, Minister for Caritas Kalookan said his office presented a poverty situationer citing high rate of malnutrition and unemployment in the diocese.

“The diocese of Kalookan is one, or maybe the poorest diocese in Metro Manila,” said Yabut.

Different sectors of urban poor also provided an update on the reality of poverty and hunger stalking families in the diocese, said Yabut.

Poverty and injustices in the rural areas were also highlighted in view of the government’s inadequacy to meet the basic needs of the people. The occasion emphasized the importance for a continuing discernment, solidarity and communal action among the people and the Church.

The diocese of Kalookan, home to the poorest communities in Metro manila initiated the activity in partnership with urban and rural poor organizations and other civic groups as a response to the call of the CBCP pastoral statement calling for a “collective discernment” and “communal action.”

Kalookan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez, D.D. officiated the Holy Mass together with other priests of the diocese.

Meanwhile, in solidarity with the plight of the urban and rural poor, ‘Running Priest’ Fr. Robert Reyes embarked on a ‘Run for Truth and Justice’ on the same day.

Reyes, born and raised in Malabon is not a stranger to the plight of urban and rural poor and has oftentimes taken up their cause.

He started his run at 7:30 AM in Malabon, passing the R-10 community and ended at San Lorenzo Parish Church, Navotas in time for the Eucharistic celebration. (Pinky Barrientos, FSP)

source: cbcpnews.com