By Christina Hermoso A Catholic Church leader has called on the faithful “to continue with their mission and not lose hope particularly in helping the poor and the needy, indigenous people, and victims of abuse.” Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo
(CBCP NEWS / ROY LAGARDE / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines -Episcopal Commission on the Laity encouraged the faithful, the members of the clergy and the religious, and members of concerned sectors “to continue with their advocacy of fighting for the rights of the abused,” the prelate said. Pabillo said the deportation of Australian missionary Sr. Patricia Fox, who served the impoverished for three decades, must serve as a motivation to continue helping the poor. “As Jesus said, ‘Blessed are you when you are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me,” he said over Church-run Radio Veritas. The Church leader encouraged the faithful “not to lose hope and to continue to fight for justice and what is right.” “Do not lose hope for justice and in telling the truth,” Pabillo said. Instead, the bishop called on the faithful to continue with their task as missionaries in spreading the teachings of the Church. Prior to her departure, Sr. Fox encouraged Filipinos particularly Church leaders to take bold steps to speak out against injustices.