The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Social Communications (CBCP-ECSC) in partnership with Radio Veritas846 and Radio Veritas Asia has recently launched a Coffee Table Book celebrating the 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines. The book was unveiled last September 28, 2022, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz at Radio Veritas Compound in Fairview, Quezon City.
The unveiling of the publication was highlighted by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr. Victor Sadaya, Head of Radio Veritas Asia, with Fr. Roy Bellen, Vice President for Operations of Radio Veritas 846. Fr. Anton CT Pascual, President of Radio Veritas 846 led the unveiling ceremony together with the other priests from Radio Veritas Asia.
The Coffee Table Book entitled “Gifted to Give 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines” presents the history of Christianity in the country in 5 parts: (1) Colonization and Christianization; (2) Piety and Identity; (3) War and Sovereignty; (4) Democracy and Service; and (5) Faith and Modernization.
It aims to document and highlight the journey of the Christian faith in the country.
“From each and every page we will be able to learn how our Catholic Faith was formed as a nation, and how it evolved and developed over time. Like when individuals take it upon themselves to dive deep into their own family’s history, they can understand how their family interacted with larger historical change; so, too can we appreciate the richness of our faith experience spanning 500 years of existence vis-à-vis the events that shaped who we are as a Church in the Philippines,” according to a statement released by Radio Veritas.
In his homily, Fr. Bellen who is also the Editor in Chief of the book told the faithful of the martyrdom of the San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint and reminded them to lean not only on human capacity but on God’s grace, love and mercy.
The Editorial Team includes Most Rev. Marcelino Antonio Maralit, DD (Executive Editor); Rev. Fr. Roy Bellen (Editor-In-Chief); Bro. Clifford Sorita (Managing Editor); Prof. Ricardo Lazo (Head Writer & Editor); Prof. Ludmila Labagnoy (Associate Editor), Prof. Raymond Datuon (Associate Editor); Ryan Angeles (Graphic & Layout Editor); Dene Mickel Mondoñedo (Editor of Photography); Aurelia Elarde; Audrey Elli, Liberty Pabillore, Trixie Olandria, Grant Emrick Flores and Mike Ainsley Vergara (Editorial Staff).
The Christianity in the Philippines began 500 years ago. In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese navigator and explorer representing the Spanish Empire, arrived in the Visayan region of the Philippines where the first Mass was held.
The Philippines is ranked as the 5th largest Christian-majority country in 2010, with about 93% of the population being adherents. In 2019, it was the third largest Catholic country in the world and was one of two predominantly Catholic nations in Asia. (Jheng Prado/RCAM-AOC | Photo by Genieve Genuino | Photogallery)
