Yes, Philippines is part of Asia.
Yes, we eat rice.
Yes, we use language that reflects our respect for the elderly and to those in authority.
Yes, we are ASIAN but we are WESTERN.
The Philippines is the only predominant Christian country in Asia. When I say Christian, I say Catholic. Catholics, together with the Orthodox Church (formerly the Church in Constantinople) before the Great Schism, are the Christians. There were no such thing as “Evangelical Christians”, “Bible-only Christians” and “Born-Again Christians” because all these quantifiers are applicable to practicing Catholics. They did not exist before Martin Luther started the Protestant Reformation.
Other Asian countries have the large palaces, large temples, but in the Philippines we have majestic churches. Our churches are more sophisticated than the government offices to reflect that God is first before men.
It’s unavoidable that 8 of 10 Filipinos are Catholics. The Roman Catholic Church has made an indelible imprint on the Filipino society, and it is impossible to escape it.
In the Philippines, most important events of lives of Filipinos are celebrated with a thanksgiving by going to mass. Our parents also keep on telling us that during birthdays, graduations and other significant event in our lives, we should always thank God by participating in Holy Mass.
The important things that happen to man are birth, survival, marriage and death. These phases of life are synonymous the sacraments of the Christian life, which are Baptism, Eucharist and Reconciliation, Matrimony and Annointingof the Sick.
In the videos below by Solar News, Philippine Catholicism is explored throughout the years. It shows how Catholicism grew in the Philippines and it also shows the ups and downs the Church is currently facing. In the last video, it also shows why “it’s the best time to be Catholic.”
The video links are below.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Catholicism in our roots (part 1 of 3).
http://www.solarnews.ph/news/2014/04/14/catholicism-in-our-roots-part-1-of-3-1
Catholicism in our roots (part 2 of 3).
http://www.solarnews.ph/news/2014/04/15/catholicism-in-our-roots-part-2-of-3-1
Catholicism in our roots (part 3 of 3).
http://www.solarnews.ph/news/2014/04/16/catholicism-in-our-roots-part-3-of-3-1
