Prelate calls Church, Peñafrancia devotees to renewal as feast of ‘Ina’ approaches

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat

“Are we forming consciences that resist evil or tolerating corruption under the guise of peace?”

This was the question raised by Bishop Jose Rojas, Jr. of Libmanan, who called for moral renewal as he slammed corruption, citing it “a moral crisis”, a way of life that lacks compassion, justice and accountability. 

“Corruption weakens the moral fabric of institutions and destroys the future of the entire nation,” he said as he addressed thousands of devotees in his homily at the mass before the Traslacion last Friday, Sept 12, at the Parish and Shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Naga City.

The pressing role of Discernment

Rojas also criticized keeping a blind eye and brushing aside injustices that occur amid the vibrant and joyous atmosphere of the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, lovingly called ‘Ina’ by her devotees.

“It is not enough for the Church to remain silent or neutral,” he exhorted. “The Church must be a moral compass.”

The Libmanan prelate maintained the vision of the Church as “a light in darkness”, unafraid to advocate for the truth and champion the poor, the oppressed and the voiceless.

He spoke of discernment as a necessary action in the journey towards social transformation, stating that it is a “prophetic responsibility in a corrupt society” today, where conscience examination is most called for. 

Discernment entails “listening deeply to God’s voice in the midst of noise, power and politics”. It requires courage in seeking to do what is right, “to guide the faithful in truth”. 

Mary, the model of true discernment 

“To discern is to act with moral clarity and compassion just as Mary did,” Rojas continued, as he illustrated Mary as the perfect example of someone who “discerns God’s will even in difficult and corrupt environments”.

From the Annunciation where “she listened and responded with courage” to moments in her life where she immediately sought action as fruits of spiritual discernment, such as visiting Elizabeth and during the wedding feast in Cana, Mary’s life is marked by “faithful obedience to God’s justice and mercy”. 

Ultimately, her faithfulness is shown at the foot of the Cross, where she remained even in pain.

As the feast of ‘Ina’ draws near, Rojas challenges devotees to go “beyond tradition and ritual”, prompting them to ask themselves, “Are we living the values that ‘Ina’ represents?” 

True devotion leads to conversion

Deep within this grandiose celebration is a call to discern and look into our lives, he said. “As we cry out Viva la Virgen, may we not only honor ‘Ina’ with flowers and songs but by lives marked by moral courage and integrity.”

Rojas further exhorted that true devotion is seen “in the choices we make everyday”.

He also advocated for the future of the youth, many of whom actively participate in the annual festivities and are the “most affected by the long-term consequences of corruption”. He lobbied for their empowerment as “leaders of integrity”, in nurturing their faith and encouraging them to actively express this faith as they take part in “shaping a society that [truly] reflects the values of ‘Ina’”. 

“Faith can transform society,” Rojas said as he closed his homily. “Let this celebration be a turning point.”

He also expressed hope for the growth of the Catholic Church in Bicol and in the country at large -“in wisdom, in boldness and in discernment through ‘Ina’s’ intercession”, for our nation, the glory of God and social transformation.