Church offers online Lenten retreat

THE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) says it will have another feature for its Lenten season website this year: online retreats.

Msgr. Pedro Quitorio, the CBCP media office director, said the online retreat will be available on visitaiglesia.net starting on Sunday.

“These are video reflections that will serve as alternative catechesis to those who are unable to attend Lenten retreats,” Monsignor Quitorio said during the website’s launch yesterday.

However, he emphasized that an online retreat is no substitute for spending a few days in a “monastic atmosphere.”

Monsignor Quitorio said retreats are important because they help the faithful understand the meaning of the Lenten season.

“Catholics are invited to reflect on themselves and prepare for the coming celebration of Holy Week.”

Other features on the site include podcast reflections, blogs of bishops, priests, Religious, and lay people.

The CBCP first launched the Visita Iglesia Online site in 2010 so overseas workers can participate in the country’s unique celebration of Lent, like the pabasa or the singing of the Gospel account of Christ’s Passion.

“This project is intended for Filipinos who have no way of going to churches, especially seafarers,” Monsignor Quitorio said.

Report from ucanews.com