A Catholic bishop on Monday urged religious congregations to value every religious charism equally, saying no community or mission is greater than those of others in the Church.
Speaking during Mass for the World Day of Consecrated Life at St. Joseph’s College in Quezon City, Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. of Cubao said religious life is enriched by diversity, not rank, and grows when different gifts are recognized as equal before God.
“There are no small or big charisms. All charisms come from the Holy Spirit,” said Ayuban, chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Mutual Relations between Bishops and Consecrated Persons.
He said charisms define how religious communities serve, not how they compete, and should always lead to collaboration in the Church’s shared mission.
The Claretian bishop also warned that rivalry weakens witness, especially when communities compare numbers, visibility, or success.
“We should not compete with one another,” Ayuban said, calling such attitudes harmful to unity and peace.
He urged religious groups to avoid language that divides, saying words should build communion rather than pride or superiority.
“I encourage you not to use terms that are not life-giving and inclusive,” Ayuban told the gathered priests, sisters and brothers.
He said consecrated life is strongest when lived together, not as isolated individuals or rival institutions.
“The light of Christ is never meant to be carried alone,” he said, referring to candles lit during a procession before the liturgy.
Ayuban said shared witness, prayer and service allow different charisms to shine together, offering hope in a “wounded and fragmented world”.
