By I. Inojales | 08:37 AM July 05, 2025
ANDA, BOHOL — Catholic bishops from across the Philippines are officially opening their Plenary Assembly today, Saturday, July 5, in Anda town, part of the Diocese of Talibon, continuing their weeklong retreat and synodal consultation in Bohol.
The event was preceded by a Mass at the historic St. Peter the Apostle Parish Church in Loboc, where Balanga Bishop Rufino Sescon Jr. issued a heartfelt reminder to fellow bishops to remain pastors more than administrators.
“There is a real danger, even today, that bishops — like the Pharisees — might sacrifice mercy at the altar of rigidity or image management,” Sescon said during his homily.
Sescon reflected on the challenges facing Church leadership, including scandals, division, and overreliance on institutional structures. He emphasized that genuine ministry requires humility, presence, and healing, not just governance or strategy.
“We can offer impressive liturgies and altars, buildings and plans but fail to listen to the wounded,” he said, warning that a Church focused more on control than compassion risks becoming irrelevant or even harmful.
Sescon urged bishops to listen more than command, to correct without crushing, and to welcome rather than exclude, framing mercy as the soul of synodality — the Church’s ongoing global initiative to journey together in communion and mission.
Following the Loboc Mass, the bishops proceeded to Anda, where they were welcomed with a dinner hosted by 3rd District Representative Alexie Besas-Tutor.
More than 80 bishops are expected to participate in the Plenary Assembly, which comes at a pivotal time for the Philippine Church as it seeks renewal and unity amid contemporary challenges.
