CATHOLICS MUST render service in times of conflict as everyone is called to be faithful witnesses to Christ, not “neutral observers” who simply follow the world that contradicts the Gospel, a Dominican laity said.
Dave Dela Cruz, O.P., president of Marikina Lay Dominicans, urged the faithful to bring Christ into the streets by putting their faith into action and responding to the realities faced by the poor, workers and other marginalized communities. Prayer must be accompanied by concrete acts of justice and compassion, he added.
“We are not called to be neutral, we are called to be faithful… We are not called to be silent spectators, we are called to be witnesses. We are not called to follow the world when it contradicts Christ,” dela Cruz said during his talk for St. Pier Giorgio Frassati’s first feast as a saint at the Manila Cathedral on Saturday, July 4.
Dela Cruz reminded young Catholics that their place is in the “heart” of the Church, urging them to live a life similar to that of Frassati, who he said chose to serve God and the Church by helping the least, the last and the lost.
He said everyone is called to be a saint like Frassati who, despite his “normal” upbringing, achieved sainthood because of his service and faith in the community.
However, dela Cruz lamented that some practice an “insincere” faith grounded on convenience.
“The problem with us is that many of us practice our faith not with sincerity. It is more on sentimental, sentimental faith, meaning they feel good and they just go to God when they really need it,” he told The Flame.
The Dominican lay leader added that many of the country’s public servants and community members lead with insincerity because of their detachment from God.
“There’s no fear in God. That’s why the three things I see in the spectrum of political science [is that] God must be present, God must be there. Second, we must be rooted in God. And third, everything must be done in the name of God, and we will do it for God in our society,” he said.
True service, according to Dela Cruz, is not about seeking recognition, but about living in a way that allows others to encounter Christ through one’s words and actions.
He said such a life also entails defending the Gospel against other principles and opinions, many of which may oppose the teachings of Jesus.
Dela Cruz encouraged Catholics to speak up, act as witnesses and be confident in their faith, saying they should not be afraid to affirm their beliefs and act towards the good, even if it means shunning neutrality.
Intentional service
In the same event , Faculty of Sacred Theology instructor Fr. Christopher Jeffrey Aytona, O.P. said the inability to listen to others poses a problem as it only involves hearing words but not understanding them.
He cited the importance of opening not only one’s ears but hearts to people, saying it is necessary for the society’s spiritual prosperity.
“Because the heart is like a fertile ground, where you plant the word of God… hopefully it will grow and bear much fruit in your life,” Aytona said.
For Aytona, Catholics must also be willing to give their attention and presence to deepen their relationship with Christ and give them the capacity to share their faith, as opposed to simply following rites and traditions.
He pointed out that “holiness” does not strictly equate to prayer, monkhood or meditation, but also involves being good to others.
Aytona cited Frassati as an example, narrating how he helped and defended the poor for his advocacy on justice and peace.
“When there is no justice, it is difficult to achieve peace. That is why, as we can see from his life, he always advocated for the rights of workers, the rights of the poor, and the upliftment of the underprivileged. We cannot simply remain praying; we must also take action,” he said.
The event, titled, “Pataas sa Diyos, Pababa sa Kapwa: Frassati Day 2026” was organized by the Young Thomasian Professionals Lay Dominican Fraternity in partnership with The Manila Cathedral and the Frassati Society – Philippines.
Frassati was canonized by Pope Leo XIV on Sept. 7 last year. Known as “The Man of the Beatitudes,” the young Italian saint is the patron of UST Senior High School. F
