Thursday, November 01, 2007 Arroyo calls for peace, unity
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Wednesday enjoined the public to light a candle and pray for peace and unity in the country.
Arroyo, in her All Saints' and All Souls' days message, said political discord only stands in the way of the country's progress and it is time to unite and work together to heal the divisiveness and work to move the country forward.
"I join all Filipino families in observing our national tradition of remembering and honoring those who have passed away. During this day of remembrance and prayer, let us set aside a few minutes, to pray as a family, and light a candle for peace and unity to reign in our country," she said.
"Political discord stands in the way of our progress as a nation. It is the time for us to heal the wounds from our troubled past and join hands in confronting the myriad challenges of the future," she added.
Only last week, the President granted pardon to her predecessor, former President Joseph Estrada, whom the Sandiganbayan convicted for plunder last September 12.
Meanwhile, Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales has called on all faithful to instead pray and not play loud music in the cemeteries.
"I mean we should do the right thing," he said.
Rosales noted that some people do not even consider that there are others in the cemetery also praying and need some peace.
While he does not bar playing music in the cemetery, Rosales said: "We as people should be mindful and considerate."
He said instead of playing loud music, the faithful should observe All Saint's and All Soul's days with peace. (JMR/MSN/Sunnex)
