Day 1: Benvenuti al Sud (Napoli)

I had the privilege to visit the southern part of Italy, Naples, through the invitation of the very generous Monsignor Jerry Bitoon who since 2006 goes there every Sunday to say Mass. Msgr Bitoon works at the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, also known as Propaganda Fide. The Reverend Msgr Jerry hails from Luisiana in Laguna, Philippines, was ordained priest in 1979 and since then worked as parish priest, rector of seminary and vicar general of the Diocese. He was also involved in the projects of Gawad Kalinga and some civic group projects in his area, one of which is the cleaning up of Laguna Lake.

(The Reverend Msgr Jerry Bitoon with Maria Paula)

Msgr Bitoon shared his hope about the Philippines and our countrymen especially the ones living and working abroad. He said that we don’t need more politicians in our country (since we already have many), or politicians of laudable educational background and of high social status, rather what our country needs are ‘not corrupt’ politicians. He was sure we share the same hope with him, and was aware that this is easier said than done. However, as a people (nation) we need to hold on to that hope, pursue the impossible dream and be convinced that it is possible to realize if we will just work together with the right attitude. Filipinos are gifted with many capabilities but somehow fall short to make them happen.

Msgr Bitoon is also concern and hopes for the betterment of Filipino migrant workers. Besides pastoral care, our countrymen working abroad also need good formation and strong motivation to uplift their dignity. He hopes that Filipino priests administering to Filipino communities both act as teacher and pastor on the communities' spiritual and communal lives. We should consider that our capability to send migrant workers abroad is one of the things which make our country stand out in global competitiveness. Thus, he believes the CBCP should make the formation, integration and education of migrant workers through their priests and bishops as one of their priorities.