BY MARCHEL P. ESPINA
Bishop Patricio Buzon said the churches under the Diocese of Bacolod will hold a “Holy Hour” when President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his 5th State of the Nation Address today.
In his homily yesterday, Buzon said, “We shall pray for our country and particularly for our leaders so that, like Solomon, they too may be given an understanding heart, able to discern right from wrong, capable of serving the common good above personal interest, and accountable to the people who elected them, and to God who is the source of every authority.”
He said he instructed the parish priests, parochial vicars, chaplains, and rectors of churches to be open for “Holy Hour” during the SONA.
In his circular letter, Buzon told the priests to read the official statement of the Diocese of Bacolod on the denial of the franchise application of ABS-CBN.
“As Church, let us be one in ‘prayerful vigilance’ as we call on our government leaders to be accountable to their sworn duty to pursue the common good,” the bishop said.
He added, “We also remind our people to do their share in keeping our society safe and our democracy vibrant.”
San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said he is calling for peace between state forces and groups, even those dubbed as rebels, who express dissent over the ways of the government. He pleaded to government to stop the immoral killings.
“Our Diocese opposes this Anti-Terrorism Law, which in itself transforms our society from a governing body into a criminal state. The government must respect freedom of expression, should not give unlawful power to state forces to arrest and inflict terror, and must never desecrate the people’s civil and democratic rights,” he said.
He added, “Our situation during this pandemic calls for restraint and discerning governance. All efforts must be centered in addressing the Covid-19 crisis with integral medical solutions, and not focused on disguised approaches that are making our people suffer more.”
Meanwhile, cause-oriented groups in the province will also hold the “SONAgkaisa mga Negrosanon” rally today.*
