Bishop tells churchgoers: Pay attention on mass, not cellphones

Out-going Diocese of Antipolo Bishop Francisco de Leon has reminded churchgoers to put down their cellphones while attending mass so that they can focus more on the Eucharistic celebration.

The retired bishop, who is now serving as the Apostolic Administrator of the diocese before the formal installation of new Diocese of Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos on July 22, urged churchgoers “not to take their focus away from the Eucharist, who is Jesus Christ present in the here and now.”

In a Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) News post, De Leon said mass goers must not miss the opportunity to focus on the holy mass.

“Pay attention to what is happening in the mass, so you will not miss it. By not paying attention to the present, like the Holy Mass, you will miss Him,” the Church leader said. The bishop, the CBCP said, made the statement before the final blessing of the mass presided over by CBCP president Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David on the recent Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Mother. The day had also been designated by Pope Francis as a special day of prayer for the upcoming Synod on Synodality in the Vatican. On May 24, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Bishop De Leon from the pastoral leadership of the diocese after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75 for bishops. Bishop De Leon served the Diocese of Antipolo for 16 years — nine years as auxiliary bishop and seven years as bishop. He will be replaced by Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos, leaving the Diocese of Balanga “sede vacante.”