CBCP 88th plenary assembly focuses on pastoral,
fraternal concerns

Issues relating to family life, public affairs and sexual misconduct of priests emerged as the three most important topics tackled in the 88th CBCP Plenary Assembly that ended at noon today.

A three-day seminar focusing on the latest papal exhortation, Pastores Gregis ("The Bishop, Servant of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for the Hope of the World") preceded the plenary assembly. Introducing the document with an overview was Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle of Imus, while four speakers expounded on the meaning and relevance of the document: Dr. Nicanor Perlas on globalization; CBCP President Archbishop Fernando Capalla on brotherhood
among the bishops; Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Archbishop of Cebu, on the spiritual life of the bishops; and Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo on the bishops' three-fold duty of the teaching, sanctifying and leading the faithful.

The Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, conveyed his assurance of his prayers and solidarity with the assembled bishops, through Archbishop Antonio Franco, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines. Cardinal Vidal officially opened the assembly which was presided Archbishop Capalla.

The different Episcopal commissions presented their reports during the assembly. These commissions are the service agencies which implement particular projects of the conference's ministry of evangelization. The reports guided the bishops in fortifying their stand on such issues as those affecting family life (including HB 4110 and capital punishment), public
affairs (including the forthcoming elections), and the implementation of pastoral; guidelines on the sexual misbehavior of the clergy.

At the close of the assembly, the bishops issued a pastoral statement expressing a spirit of fortitude and faith in the poor, ordinary peoples capacity to effect social renewal.

(see complete text of pastoral letter)