Philippines
Philippines
Faith and Spirituality

Filipinos debate: 500 years of Christianity or centuries of colonization?

Rappler.com

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Filipinos debate: 500 years of Christianity or centuries of colonization?
Pope Francis’ tweet celebrating 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines sparked a vigorous discussion online

The Philippine Catholic Church opened its celebration of 500 years of Christianity with a Mass led by Pope Francis from the Vatican City on Sunday, March 14, an event with touched off a vigorous discussion online.

On one side is the Catholic Church’s grand quincentennial jubilee. On the other side are the opinions which view the incident of March 16, 1521 as the start of the dark period of colonization.

In his homily during the mass, Pope Francis said that it was 500 years since the Philippines “received the joy of the Gospel.” He said in a tweet that “this joy is evident in your people. Thank you for the joy you bring to the whole world!”

Pope Francis’ tweet triggered varied reactions from Filipinos online. Some embraced the message of 500 years of faithfulness and God’s love. Others pointed out that the imperial agenda that came with the faith should not be dismissed.

Historian Xiao Chua said that Filipinos should never deprive themselves of celebrating their triumphs and reflect on faith as a gift.

There were netizens who didn’t agree and lambasted this milestone of “500 years of colonization,” saying that such celebration was tantamount to welcoming cultural imperialism, exploitation of indigenous communities, and historical damage caused by the Spanish colonization. 

Must Read

[OPINION] No, we shouldn’t celebrate 500 years of Christianity in our country

[OPINION] No, we shouldn’t celebrate 500 years of Christianity in our country

Spanish missionaries introduced Christianity to the Philippines 500 years ago upon the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan. That faith is now part of the culture and identity of this predominantly Catholic country.

Some Filipinos suggested a nuanced approach in celebrating the Catholic faith while “purging it from colonial and imperial elements.”

https://twitter.com/JoshMarasigun/status/1371032705253662720?s=20

For many, this part of Philippine history is an ongoing conversation about the perils of colonialism and its impact on faith and identity. – Mikaela De Castro/Rappler.com

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