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the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines. (NCR, GSR logo/Toni-Ann Ortiz)
It s been almost a year since the Philippine government enforced quarantine restrictions in the Philippines. For some, it was a welcome break from the busyness of their regular lives, but for many consecrated men and women, it was a challenge to be more daring and to allow new and creative expression of their respective charisms amidst the changes in the world due to the pandemic.
The Joint Secretariat of the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP) received reports of the COVID-response from the different members. Common themes emerged. First was the desire to provide for the immediate needs of street-dwellers, those from the informal economy, and other daily wage earners. Individual institutes often had their own programs, depending on the availability of both human and material resources.
Inside the San Sebastian Church (Photo from San Sebastian Conservation and Development Foundation, Inc.)
While some of the heritage buildings in the country are being refurbished and gaining new attention, one of which is the Metropolitan Theater in Manila City, the same cannot be said for San Sebastian Basilica. The historic church launched an online petition last January to stop the construction of a 31-story condominium behind it that, according to the church, poses danger to its site and community.
Faith and design
Built in 1891 by architect Genaro Palacios, the San Sebastian Basilica is among the buildings in the country that present a neo-gothic style. Owned and run by the Order of the Augustinian Recollects, the church is known for being built by a team of mixed nationalities, each adding their own flavor into its design and making it a one of a kind church in the country and the world.
Fr. Angelito Cortez
In an interview with Church-run Radio Veritas, Father Angelito Cortez of the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines said he feels blessed with his appointment.
“My heart overflows with gratitude to God for all the blessings I have received throughout the year 2020 despite the trials and tribulations, I do not think it will end in a new way of serving,” he said.
“God sees something in us that we can’t see that’s why you will just ask if I deserve it?” added Cortez.
He said he felt humbled by his appointment and promised to try his best to be ” the best that I can be for the church and for my congregation.”