Card Advincula, amid political and social crises, urges prayers for the Philippines
Tensions in the south and former President Duterte’s trial are cause for concern. The country, the prelate writes, "is in a time of crisis, conflict and confusion". He urges the faithful to recite a particular invocation to God at Mass starting this weekend. The archbishop of Davao also calls for prayer.
Manila (AsiaNews) – Card Jose F. Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, today issued a pastoral circular to his archdiocese, urging the faithful to pray an “Oratio imperata” for the future and well-being of the country and its people, at a crucial point in its history, full of critical issues and great concerns.
This reflects the particularly difficulties of this period, amid natural disasters, epidemics and political and social crises, not the least, the trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court and the tensions in the south, where elections in the Bangsamoro region were postponed.
To cope with all this, the cardinal is calling for divine intervention and protection. “We have witnessed emotionally intense events and discourses in the national political spectrum,” he writes. “We have heard different opinions and viewpoints on various platforms. Our country is in a time of crises, conflict, and confusion.”
In his letter, the prelate urges the faithful and the entire community to put aside all their differences and think about and work for the common good.
“During the turning point in our nation’s history, our faith invites us to transcend our differences and be open to continuous conversion towards truth, justice, and peace, i.e., the values of the Kingdom of God, which every person aspires to,” he said.
The archbishop of Manila is asking all the parishes and communities to recite daily the Oratio Imperata for the nation after the post-communion prayers at Mass starting the third Sunday of Lent.
“We implore the aid of Almighty God, as a Filipino people, ‘that our love for our country may triumph over all political loyalties and personal interests and we may learn to see each other, not as allies or enemies but as we truly are – brothers and sisters all,’” he added.
Card Advincula calls on the faithful to put their trust in prayer, which is “the most fundamental act in our desire for peace, justice, and unity.”
The critical issues the country faces, in particular the Duterte affair, are also at the centre of another message sent to the faithful on Monday by Archbishop Romulo G. Valles of Davao. In it, he asks them to work for justice and lasting peace.
“The arrest of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte and his subsequent transfer to The Hague to await trial have deeply divided our nation. This event has strained relationships and now challenges our unity as a people.”
Duterte was arrested in Manila on 11 March in connection with his controversial "war on drugs,” which saw more than 6,000 people killed, although human rights groups estimate the number of killings at more than 30,000.
On 12 March, he was arraigned before the International Criminal Court (ICC), in the Netherlands, over alleged crimes against humanity.
The 79-year-old Duterte, who led the country between 2016 and 2022, is the first former Asian leader to appear before the court. Before becoming president, he was a three-time mayor of Davao, where he is still very popular.
His trial, writes Archbishop Valles, “has strained relationships and now challenges our unity as a people.” In the aftermath of the arrest, the country has experienced “uncertainty and discord;” nevertheless, “the Catholic Church remains steadfast as a beacon of faith, hope, and charity,” the prelate said.
“United as one people, we recognise the pain and frustration felt across the land, including the suffering of those who consider themselves victims of injustice in the past.”
“While we affirm the importance of accountability, we also extend our pastoral support and prayers to the former president and his family; he being a son of this local church,” he said.
Finally, the prelate called on everyone to promote equity, dignity and integrity.
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