Filipino Bishop Urges Priests to Be Guardians of the Sense of the Sacred in Pastoral Ministry

A Filipino bishop has called on priests to see their vocation not merely as a role to perform, but as a sacred calling deeply rooted in Christ.

Speaking to the personal struggles and silent sacrifices of priestly life, Bishop Raul Dael of Tandag in Surigao del Sur said, “What breaks you makes you whole; what exhausts you energizes you.”

Bishop Dael delivered this heartfelt message on the third day of a retreat for clergy from the dioceses of Butuan, Surigao, Tandag, Malaybalay, and the newly established Diocese of Prosperidad on August 6.

The prelate spoke on the theme “Clergy and Religious: Guardians of the Sense of the Sacred.”

Drawing from the wisdom of Optatam Totius, he emphasized that the renewal of the Church greatly depends on the ministry of priests.

The Second Vatican Council’s decree Optatam Totius addresses priestly formation, emphasizing a comprehensive education that integrates pastoral, intellectual, and spiritual components to prepare priests for ministry.

The bishop encouraged priests to examine the state of their hearts, saying, “There is never enough for a heart that is empty, but when the heart is free, even in abundance, it remains content with simple joy.”

His words offered both challenge and consolation, a call for priests to return to the sacred center of their vocation with renewed hope, deeper purpose, and hearts open to grace.

The week-long retreat (August 4–8) began with an Opening Mass at the Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral, presided over by Archbishop Jose A. Cabantan of Cagayan de Oro, with Bishop Dael as concelebrant.

Hosted by the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, the retreat is being held at the Chali Resort and Conference Center in Cagayan de Oro City.

“This is a time of reflection and renewal, to deepen their faith, refresh their spirit, and strengthen them in their priestly mission,” said Archbishop Cabantan.