MANILA — An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Public Affairs Committee (CBCP-PAC) has reminded godparents to give only what they can only afford.
“In our desire to please people we will force ourselves to give something that one cannot afford, which is I think wrong. So according to your capacity if you could only give this much, thank you,” said Fr. Jerome Secillano, Executive Secretary of the CBCP-PAC.
He also reminded godparents that their primary responsibility to their godson and goddaughter is to guide them while they are growing up and giving them material things are just bonus.
“Be the guides while they are growing up…Essentially the obligation of the godparents is to be the guide while they are growing up. Material/financial gifts are a bonus,” he explained.
Asked what the best gift godparents can give to their godchildren, the Catholic priest said, “We cannot actually say the best gift if you say the best gift that is subjective. We can say since it is time for giving they could give something to their inaanak (godchildren), to their godchildren but according to their capacity to give. There should be no pressure. For as long as there is something you are able to give to your godchildren, that is fine at least.”
Secillano admitted that it is a challenge for the church to educate the young people that Christmas is not about Santa Claus but the birth of Jesus Christ.
“It’s a challenge for the church to educate our young that Christmas is not about Santa Claus it is about the birth of Jesus Christ. So I think it is brought about by too much commercialism when we celebrate Christmas. Santa Claus is always associated with gifts so I think if there is one person who is actually generous, it’s none other Jesus Christ because his gift is his life,” he added.
Filipino faithful and Catholics all over the world celebrated Christmas or the birth of Jesus Christ on Monday, December 25. Gift giving has been associated with the annual Christian celebration. (PNA)
