Within the midst of political challenges within the Philippines, Catholic organizations, communities, and establishments are launching initiatives based mostly on fasting and prayer to result in change “for the widespread good of the nation.”
By Kielce Gussie
The Philippines is at the moment within the midst of political challenges. These embody the impeachment proceedings in opposition to Vice President Sara Duterte, which had been lately blocked by the Supreme Court docket and deserted by the Senate; the “phantom” initiatives devoted to flood management across the nation; licenses given to multinational corporations to mine in territories of irreplaceable environmental significance; and corruption.
In response to Fides, the Vatican information company, as a response, a number of Filipino Catholic teams, communities, and associations created religious initiatives based mostly on fasting and prayer for the widespread good of the nation. The purpose is to teach the trustworthy on good governance, electoral reforms, and the necessity to finish political dynasties within the Philippines.
Initiatives for change
From the Diocese of Cubao, Fr. Robert Reyes—a member of the Clergy for Good Governance (CGG)—introduced a bunch of monks collectively to steer a penitential service on the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Parish. This occasion highlighted the group’s dedication to “morality in public service.”
Moreover, the monks addressed the Senate, stressing their dedication “to real change.” Various contributors have been calling for an official evaluate of the Supreme Court docket’s and senators’ determination to dam the impeachment course of in opposition to the Vice President.
Furthermore, the work of this group of monks additionally included per week of prayer so “authorities officers, particularly senators and judges, defend and attempt for fact and justice for the nice of the nation.”
A system which has shaken individuals’s religion
The founders of the CGG shared their purpose is to “defend what’s simply, what’s true, and what promotes the widespread good.” In an open letter from the group, they confused that “in these troublesome instances, when the reality is distorted and justice is threatened, we’re known as not solely to lift our voices, but additionally to hope, quick, and provide ourselves for the nice of our beloved nation.”
They argued the Supreme Court docket’s ruling has “shaken our individuals’s religion” in democratic establishments. Acknowledging that folks have risen up in protest, the monks expressed that their response will likely be one “rooted in religion, repentance, and sacrifice.”
Different spiritual teams, together with the Institute for Research in Asian Church and Tradition (ISAC) and the Church Café, have joined in with their very own initiatives, like internet hosting prayer conferences. Catholic tutorial establishments such because the Ateneo College of Authorities and De La Salle College expressed their assist and participation within the varied occasions as properly.
Becoming a member of for justice
Lately, Caritas Philippines additionally joined in calling on establishments to indicate “ethical braveness, the very best integrity, and a powerful dedication to the rule of regulation” and challenged them to remain steadfast in justice to serve the “well-being of the Filipino individuals, particularly the poor, the marginalized, and people whose voices usually go unheard.”
Becoming a member of these different organizations, the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Fee of the Convention of Spiritual Superiors of the Philippines is encouraging everybody to not stay silent within the face of corruption.
The Convention reiterated that honesty will not be ineffective. “Don’t lose hope in the way forward for our nation. That is the witness of our consecrated life. That is the mission we should not abandon.”
A Supreme Court docket ruling
In July this 12 months, the Supreme Court docket declared the impeachment proceedings in opposition to the Vice President, Sara Duterte, unconstitutional. Duterte was accused of misuse of public funds and conspiracy to assassinate the President.
Three monks and two lay individuals have filed a petition with the Supreme Court docket for a evaluate of the ruling and for Duterte to be faraway from workplace.
