By CBCP News
February 23, 2025
Manila, Philippines – A Catholic bishop on Sunday urged the faithful to become “visible signs of hope” in a society where the value of life is increasingly trivialized.
Speaking at this year’s Walk for Life, Bishop Severo Caermare of Dipolog, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Commission on the Laity, emphasized the upcoming elections as an opportunity to elect leaders who respect life.
“As we face challenges in our nation’s leadership — where transparency and accountability may waver and the life of the nation is at stake, let us be beacons of hope by making informed choices in the leaders we support,” Caermare said in his address.
The bishop further called on the faithful to uphold the sanctity of life, defend the family, and protect the most vulnerable members of society. He stressed that safeguarding life should not be confined to family circles but must extend to shaping the nation’s future.
“Our collective efforts can shape a future that values life: life in the family and life of our beloved country,” Caermare added.
The annual Walk for Life saw thousands of participants marching from Rizal Park to the Manila Cathedral in a public demonstration of their pro-life advocacy. While at least 3,500 participants officially registered, organizers believe the actual turnout was higher due to walk-in attendees.
In a video message, Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown commended the initiative, highlighting the ongoing threats to the sanctity of life from conception to natural death.
“The annual Walk for Life shows the world that we are children of light and children of life,” Brown said, urging Catholics to renew their commitment to protecting human life at all stages.
The event, a significant gathering of pro-life advocates, continues to be a platform for the Catholic community to promote life-affirming values and to call for leaders who share these principles.
Source: CBCP News
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