Thursday, February 26, 2004
Cebu placed in state of prayer
By Charmaine Y. Rodriguez Sun.Star Staff Reporter
CEBU Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal declared Cebu, on the eve of Ash Wednesday, in a “state of prayer” to call on the faithful to dedicate their intentions for an honest, orderly and peaceful election.
In Tuesday night’s mass and prayer vigil, Vidal reminded his flock to follow Christ’s example of being prayerful and to have “the purest intentions at heart” especially during the observance of Lent.
Prayer, he said, should be the first and not the last resort.
“Ayaw na pagpakamaaron-ingnon. Ni-a kita dili aron makit-an sa uban tawo, dili aron daygon, dili ta magpakaaron-ingnon (We are not here to call attention to ourselves, or to seek praise),” he told the crowd that included politicians during the 7:30 p.m. mass at the Archbishop’s Palace grounds last Tuesday.
“Sa natad sa politika, hinaot mapakita nato ang tinud-anay nga panaginigso-onay (In politics, let us show true brotherhood),” the prelate also advised.
In an interview with reporters, Cardinal Vidal clarified that the declaration does not indicate the church is sounding off a “state of emergency” in anticipation of chaos as the May 10 election nears.
“When you say we are in a state of prayer, it means that in everything we do, as long as it is not sinful, we should dedicate it to the Lord,” he explained.
Politicos
Sen. Loi Ejercito, former senator Kit Tatad, congressional candidate Aristotle Batuhan, former Cebu City mayor Alvin Garcia and wife Ninette, vice mayoral candidate Ramiro Mada-rang Sr. and lawyer Salvador Solima, who is running for Cebu City councilor, were among those present.
Marilu Chiongbian of the church-based election watchdog C-Cimpel said that with or without Vidal’s declaration, “we should pray for this election especially.”
Fr. Carmelo Diola of Barug Pilipino was not pleased by the attendance of some politicians, saying they might just have been there for the photo opportunity.
Cardinal Vidal, however, briefly chatted with Ejercito, who later told eporters that she was invited to the activity.Aside from the politicians, Muslim community leaders Ustadz Najeeb
azul and Hadji Nashier Ismael also arrived and met with Vidal.
Spread love
Ismael said they share the hope of Roman Catholics to “spread love, respect and understanding” during this time.
Vidal also recited the special prayer for the elections.
Beginning yesterday, the prayer was supposed to be said right after communion. Churchgoers are advised to kneel when saying the prayer, which will be included in all masses until May 10, election day, except during Easter.
(February 26, 2004 issue)
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