This refers to Asuncion David Maramba’s commentary ( “How will the CBCP handle this?” Opinion, 12/2/13) on the Vatican’s instruction to “national bishops’ conferences around the world to conduct a wide-ranging poll of Catholics asking their opinions on Church teachings.”
To appreciate better the Church’s stand on moral issues such as the use of contraceptives and same-sex unions, which were cited in the article, it would help to read the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” or, for busy people, at least its summary, the “Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church,” “which allows believers and nonbelievers alike to behold the entire panorama of the Catholic faith.”
The Church loves and welcomes sinners, but not the sin. A sin remains a sin, and not subject to popular surveys of human tendencies, trends and inclinations. Man needs an awareness of sin and the Church gives ample remedies for it, especially the Sacrament of Confession or Reconciliation. It is the best preparation that we can do so we can welcome Jesus worthily on Christmas, far more important than the material trimmings that keep us busy during the season.
—CHING D. AUNARIO,
chingauna@yahoo.com