Legazpi bishop calls for prayer, discernment and reform amid political and economicsituations on Trinity Sunday pastoral letter

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat

In the midst of the ongoing local political and economic crises, and global peace issues, Bishop Joel Baylon of Legazpi sought prayer, discernment and participation in works of charity and political reforms, including support for the People’s Initiative by the Dapat Isa Lang movement.

In his recent pastoral letter, Baylon lamented how God’s will is neglected in today’s political and economic landscapes, and decried the rampant growth of graft and corruption, lack of accountability and truth, and current abuse of power.

“As the gap between politics and public service widens, political reforms are not sustained, economic progress slows, and many of our people, especially the poor, are conditioned to depend on patronage and ayuda rather than being empowered to participate fully in their own development,” he said.

With these realities shaping society today, Baylon called for personal and communal conversion, formation and discernment sessions, and active involvement in reforms.

“Let us repent for our own participation in corruption, dishonesty and indifference to the plight of our neighbor,” the Bishop said, advocating for social justice and highlighting the values of humility and goodness. He also encouraged praying and reflecting on the “Nation’s Prayer for Enlightenment, Conversion and Renewal”.

He urged parishes, schools, communities, and families to hold formation and discernment sessions, aimed at forming one’s conscience and instilling good citizenship rooted in Christian values.

“Let us seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning truth from falsehood, good from evil and the right course of action from what merely serves partisan interests,” the Bishop wrote.

During this difficult time, Baylon also encouraged outreach activities, community pantries, livelihood support, and assistance in accessing government social services for those affected by the current economic situation and the ongoing impact of Mayon’s volcanic activity.

In the face of all these ongoing social realities, Baylon underscored the vital role of addressing the main causes of poverty and injustice, calling for vigilance and active participation in seeking integrity, transparency, accountability, and good governance from those in public service, including those who serve the Church.

Closing his letter, the Bishop hoped that “these efforts may become concrete expressions of [their] journey as a synodal Church”.

Entitled “Imploring the Aid of Almighty God”, the pastoral letter was issued last May 31, on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. The titles comes from the Preamble to the 1987 Philippine Constitution.