A Catholic bishop marking three decades of priesthood urged Christians to treat peace not simply as a greeting but as a shared mission.
Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr of Cubao delivered the message during a Mass for Peace on March 9 at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao.
“When I look back on these three decades of priestly ministry, one phrase from the Gospel keeps returning to me,” Ayuban said, “It is the first word the risen Christ spoke to His disciples: “Peace be with you.”
“Every Mass I celebrate, I say those same words,” he said. “But more and more I have come to realize that peace is not simply a greeting. It is the mission of every priest.”
The celebration also marked the 30th anniversary of his ordination as a Claretian missionary and offered a moment to reflect on the Church’s role in promoting reconciliation.
Ayuban linked his message to recent crises, including a fire along NIA Road in Quezon City that displaced thousands of families and ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
He recently celebrated Mass and shared a meal with fire victims staying at a parish church serving as temporary shelter.
“Both events — the fire and the war — affect us in varying degrees,” Ayuban said, underscoring that global conflicts can also influence daily life through rising fuel prices.
Beyond economic concerns, he said lasting peace must begin with a transformation of the human heart.
Quoting Pope John Paul II, Ayuban said war ultimately begins in the human heart, making personal conversion essential to building peace.
Citing Pope Francis and the encyclical Fratelli Tutti, he urged communities to foster dialogue and solidarity
“We are not called only to be peace lovers, but peacemakers— people who actively build reconciliation, understanding, and love,” Ayuban said.
The bishop also underscored that peace cannot exist without justice, echoing the teaching of St. Paul VI.
“Peace is not only the absence of war. Peace exists where human dignity is respected. This means caring for the poor, defending the vulnerable, and standing with those who suffer.”
