From the news website of the Catholic Bishop's Conference on the Philippines:
Abra Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian reminded the Filipino-Chinese Catholic Community that the gift of life and love should always be attributed to God as the ultimate source of all creation—a basic Catholic teaching that he said should not be compromised given the nature of Chinese culture.
“As we celebrate the Chinese New Year on Valentine’s Day this year, let’s pray for more blessings of life and love and share it generously to others. Let us pray for God’s abundant blessing of good health and prosperity and joy in life. Without God we are nothing so let us think of him for this year of the metal tiger,” Jaucian said.
The prelate, who is the national spiritual director of the Filipino-Chinese Catholic Youth, said there is nothing wrong with observing the Chinese Culture but Chinese Catholics should keep a prayerful life and be faithful to their Catholic religion.
“God is present in other religion and culture so the belief in Feng Shui, Astrology, and praying at Buddhist temples should be perceived as instruments that all draws us closer to God. As such, we discourage too much dependence on culture especially up to the point that faith in God is compromised,” he said.
Jaucian also urged Filipino Catholics to understand and respect the Chinese’s way of life, adding that their Catholic faith should keep them united amid cultural differences.
“We should respect each otheir’s culture. Let us extend respect, understanding and solidarity to our Chinoy brothers and sisters so we can live harmoniously with each other,” he added. (Kris Bayos)
