Spend time with family, put down mobile phones — CBCP President

In the age of digital communications, the faithful are reminded to spend more time in face-to-face conversations with family members than getting in touch only via mobile phones, Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) News reported.

“Families no longer talk to one another,” said CBCP President and Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera in his homily during the celebration of the Feast of the Holy Family last Sunday in Luyos, Tanauan City.

Garcera said constant phone use has replaced "meaningful conversation at home," noting that this occurs even during meals.

Family members constantly use gadgets, with parents spend time watching television shows while children use computers and phones.

"Communication remains essential to marriage and family life, he said, stressing that spouses, parents and children must continue talking to one another," said Garcera, in the CBCP News report.

The prelate challenged families to "rediscover conversation" as "dialogue restores unity and helps make families whole."

“We were given words so we could speak to one another,” said Garcera.

He also pointed out a "second challenge," that is, the treatment of family pets.

“Dogs and cats are now being treated as family members,” he said, adding that there have been requests for blessings and special treatments for animals during church services.

He said the Church blesses grieving people, not animals, because only the human person has a soul.

He also recalled an incident involving a lay minister who was injured in an incident involving a dog that occurred during the distribution of Communion.

Some people, he added, went as fas as reserving seats for pets than people during Mass.

“Brothers and sisters, this is a point for reflection: what truly is a family? These two things are essential—communication and reflection on what a loving family really is,” said Garcera.  — BAP, GMA Integrated News