‘Theology school’ for lay launched in Palawan

The Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa on Sept. 24 officially launched “Pasonaid,” a four-month course where lay people can learn more about the Catholic faith and theology, at Holy Trinity University in this city,

A native Palawan word, “pasonaid” means “compassionate self-giving.”

In support of his mission “to be a bishop of proclamation,” Bishop Socrates Mesiona initiated
the said program in the hopes that it will serve as a regular “school of theology” for lay people, which will equip them to evangelize others.

“Of course, I cannot do it alone, I need the help of the priests, I need the support of our lay servants,” he said in Filipino.

The prelate sees the program as an important tool to reach out to “the unchurched,” as he observed that most Catholics are “sacramentalized” but not “evangelized.”

Priests and some academics will serve as professors of the institute which will be directly under the auspices of the Office of the Bishop, with Fr. Eugene Elivera as institute director.

Classes are set to start on Oct. 9, every Tuesday, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Parish-Hall.

The Vicariate of Puerto Princesa comprises 32 parishes, 4 chaplaincies in Palawan’s capital Puerto Princesa and nine other towns in southern Palawan.