Quiapo Church (File photo)
MANILA – The Catholic church in the Philippines has recorded the highest number of baptisms of more than 1.6 million in 2020.
"I am glad to share that the Philippines has the highest number of baptisms in 2020 compared to other places in the world,” Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas Monday.
Brown said the achievement is “a living testament” of faith in the 500 years of Catholicism in the country.
The figure was based on the data gathered by the Apostolic Nunciature from the Statistical Yearbook of the Church 2020.
The country is followed by Mexico with 1,537,710; Brazil with 1,126,152 while 1,533,666 are from Europa consisting of some 50 nations
Brown released the figures coinciding with the celebration of Easter Sunday, the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In Pope Francis’ message at the 500 Year of Christianity (YOC) celebration, he thanked the Filipinos for being “smugglers of faith” in various parts of the world through overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
The pope first extended the granting of plenary indulgence in the Philippines until Dec. 31, 2022 in gratitude for the 500 Years of Christianity. (PNA)
