Manila (Fides Service) - While in Jolo, southern Philippines, the regular army is in conflict with separatists Moro National Liberation Front and the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group, Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales of Manila has encouraged Christians to pray for peace and they urge them to promote reconciliation with “our Muslim brothers”.
In a Message for Lent the Archbishop said: “The forty days of Lent are holy for us like Ramadan for our Muslim brothers and sisters”, he said the season should be lived in a “spirit of prayer and generosity, sacrifice and self discipline. The Archbishop said that for many “life is a sacrifice”, but “the Lord sees freeing the oppressed, sharing one’s food with the hungry, sheltering the homeless, as special forms of fasting and sacrifice”. Lent, the Archbishop said is a time “caring for one another”. It is also a time to care for those who suffer because of the conflict between rebels and army.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference issued a statement condemning recent bomb blasts in Manila, Davao and General Santos which “killed innocent citizens” something which is contrary to “the teaching of and God/Allah”, and asked for more protection for schools and churches. Various voices were raised by church members, clergy and laity, calling for a cease fire and negotiations to end the conflict in southern Philippines.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 24/2/2005 righe 23 parole 234)