Saturday, August 23, 2008 Vidal calls for prayers for peace
PRAYERS are needed for the country to solve pressing problems especially on the peace and order in Mindanao, Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal said yesterday.
“In these times, there is no peace and happiness. This is because of the war that is happening everywhere, and the deaths that are happening all around,” said Vidal in his homily yesterday.
“We need our prayers and lift them up to Mary, in order for us to have a taste of peace and happiness,” he said.
The Sto. Rosario Parish Church celebrated its 75th founding anniversary yesterday, which was also the Feast of the Queenship of Mary.
Vidal urged churchgoers to lift their prayers to Mary and follow Mary’s teachings.
“Is that clear?” he asked the devotees. A resounding “yes” rang throughout the parish.
Vidal said that in order to attain a peaceful life and attain happiness, people should practice telling the truth, constantly follow the path of justice, follow the rulings of the heart and love, and constantly respect each other’s rights.
And while people were praying for each other’s intentions, Vidal urged churchgoers to also pray for their fellowmen and for people in war-torn Mindanao.
The Sto. Rosario Parish Church celebrated its diamond anniversary yesterday, marking its 75th year of existence as a parish devoted to the Virgin Mary.
“It brings me happiness that Sto. Rosario Parish Church is celebrating its anniversary, it is one of the few that has devoted itself to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary,” said Vidal.
Sto. Rosario Parish Church joined the Archdiocese of Cebu in 1933, becoming the 7th church to devote itself to the Blessed Virgin Mary, said Vidal.
The Archdiocese of Cebu also announced a special period of grace for the parish during its jubilee year celebration from Aug. 22 until Feb. 2, next year.
Apart from the special grace period, the parish now has a fully-renovated façade and interior. Vidal gave his blessings to the parish, hoping that “those who would enter the church would follow Mary’s example.” (EPB)
