Filipino Catholic Faith

January 11, 2024

Filipino Catholic Faith

The Filipino Catholic Faith (Excerpted from The Catechism for Filipino Catholics, nos. 28-54)

Opening

The "Good News" of Jesus Christ

The “Good News” is that God has become man in Jesus Christ our Lord, who came to save us from sin and bring us to fullness of life. This is the Gospel which we Filipinos have accepted. As PCP II proudly declares: “For us Filipinos, the first century of the coming millennium will mark the 500th year since we as a people accepted the Faith” (PCP II 3). It makes us the only Christian nation among our Asian brethren.

Christ's Message and Filipino Culture

There are deep affinities between Christ’s message and the Filipino’s inmost ways of thinking and acting. “Much of the Gospel has become part of us—compassion, forgiveness, caring, piety—and makes us a basically decent people” (PCP II 15). Through the past centuries, growing more mature in following Christ has meant becoming more truly and authentically Filipino (no. 28). For many families, even something as simple as keeping a beautiful home devotional image of Christ deepens this identity and becomes a reminder of God’s presence in daily life.

Vatican II teaches that Catholics “must give expression to this newness of Christian life in their own society and culture...” As Filipino Catholics, therefore, we are called to purify, guard, and develop our culture in Christ (AG 21). Many Filipino homes do this through prayer corners, Scripture reading, and devotional practices—often nourished with resources such as a Filipino Catholic prayer book or daily devotional.

Inculturation of Faith in Filipino Society

PCP II insisted on the mutual interaction between Christian Faith and Filipino culture. For Faith to mature in love, it must be interiorized. Church teachings must be personally appreciated and rooted in our culture. Tools that help deepen this, such as a Catholic Study Bible, can aid Filipino families in grounding their faith in Scripture and tradition.

Context

History of Filipino Religious Experiences

We Filipinos have had a long history of colorful religious experiences—from pre-Christian times to the Spanish, American, and Japanese periods, to Vatican II and People Power. Our devotion to Mary and the Sto. Niño continues to shape our identity. Some families even keep a small Sto. Niño image as a sign of God’s protection and guidance in the home.

Inculturation of Catholic Faith in Filipino Identity

PCP II was held “to take stock of where we are; to look where we are going…” Our Catholic Faith must be inculturated into our Filipino character. This reflection itself is part of the effort to articulate the Faith in a way that speaks to the Filipino heart.

Exposition

Defining the Filipino Catholic Identity through Key Traits

To identify what it means to be a Filipino Catholic, we consider: From whom do we draw our self-identity? How do we face suffering? What is our worldview? These questions reveal traits interwoven with our spirituality.

A. Self-identity

Family-oriented Culture

We Filipinos are deeply family-oriented. Our families give us belonging and stability. This is why family devotions, such as praying together using a Catholic family prayer companion, resonate with us deeply.

Jesus as the Son of God and Son of Man

Jesus as the Son of God and Son of Man is endearing to Filipinos. His relationship with Mary and His welcome of all people reflect our Filipino family-centeredness.

The Significance of Sto. Niño in Filipino Faith

The Sto. Niño is a powerful symbol of childhood innocence, trust, and obedience—virtues dear to the Filipino heart. Many Filipinos keep a Sto. Niño statue at home as a reminder of simplicity and faith.

B. Meaning in Life

Meal-oriented Culture

We Filipinos love meals and gatherings. Food is a language of love for us.

Jesus as the Eucharist and Table Fellowship

Jesus as Eucharist is central to our faith. The breaking of the bread resonates with our salu-salo culture, reminding us of Christ’s presence in every gathering.

C. Sufferings in Life

Kundiman-oriented Culture

The kundiman reveals our openness to love and sacrifice.

Jesus as the Suffering Servant

Jesus, the Suffering Servant, is a source of deep comfort to Filipinos who experience hardship.

D. Life-Commitment

Bayani-oriented Culture

We Filipinos naturally look up to heroes.

Jesus as Christ the King and Liberator

Jesus as Christ the King inspires our desire for justice and righteousness.

E. World View

Filipinos as Spirit-oriented

Filipinos are strongly spiritual people.

Jesus as the “miracle-worker”

Jesus the miracle-worker appeals to our spirit-oriented worldview.

F. The Filipino Way: The Filipino Approach to Christ through Mary

A People in Love with Mary

We are a pueblo amante de Maria—a people in love with Mary.

Mary as the Path to Christ

We Filipinos approach Christ with and through Mary.

Marian Devotion in Filipino Spirituality

Mary is involved in every aspect of the Filipino spiritual experience.

Mary as the Guardian of Filipino Faith

Mary has been the safeguard of Filipino Catholic faith across centuries.

G. The Characteristics of the Filipino Catholic

Family-Centered Faith

Our devotion to the Sto. Niño and to Mary shapes our identity as Filipino Catholics.

Finding Meaning in the Eucharist

We find meaning and strength in the Eucharist, which moves us to serve others.

Recommended Resources

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