Cardinal Advincula urges Filipinos to pray for peace as PH feels impact of Middle East conflict

MANILA — Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula on Good Friday urged Filipinos to pray for peace as the country feels the brunt of the Middle East conflict, saying its impact has been undeniable despite the region being thousands of kilometers away.

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During his homily at the Veneration of the Cross, Cardinal Advincula lamented the growing conflict in the Middle East region, saying this has prompted hundreds of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to return home and forced many PUV drivers to stop plying the roads due to soaring fuel prices.

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“Maraming pamilya ang mas lalong nahihirapan sa pang-araw-araw kaya ang digmaan na tila malayo, nagiging sugat din ng ating sariling bayan,” said Cardinal Advincula at the Manila Cathedral.  

“Sa gitna ng ingay ng galit at karahasan sa mundo, inaanyaya tayo na bumalik sa katahimikan sapagkat doon natin nakikita ang ating sarili. Doon natin inaamin na minsan tayo rin ay naging bahagi ng karahasan sa ating galit, sa masasakit na salita, sa kawalan ng malasakit,” he added.

The Filipino faithful, he said, should cast all their doubts and worries to the Lord, emphasizing that Jesus carried all of these at the Cross. 

“Pinasan din niya ang hirap ng bawat nagdurusa, ang bawat OFW na nangangamba, bawat pamilya na nahihirapan dahil sa pagtaas ng presyo, bawat biktima ng digmaan, lahat sila dinala ni Hesus sa krus,” said the Manila archbishop. 

“Sa mundong sugatan ng digmaan, napakahalaga ng panalangin, ito ang ating lakas. Ang buong simbahan ngayon ay inaanyayahan ni Pope Leo na manalangin para sa kapayapaan, lalo na aa mga lugar ng nasasaktan ng digmaan,” he added. 

“Kahit narito tayo sa Maynila, hindi tayo hiwalay sa kanilang pinagdaraanan,” he said. 

SEVEN LAST WORDS

Thousands of Catholic devotees earlier today flocked to the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros for the traditional Seven Last Words and the Veneration of the Cross. 

Among those who went to the church was the Adap family, who walked from their home in Malabon City as early as 6 p.m. 

Alfredo Adap said this has been their family’s devotion since the 1970s, and it was important to bring all of their family members to deepen their relationship with God. 

“Walang ibang tao diyan, buong pamilya talaga. 'Yun lang, basta taon-taon hindi kami nawawala dito,” said Adap. 

Another Catholic devotee, Ron Velasco, rented a van just to bring 10 of his relatives to Manila Cathedral as part of their Visita Iglesia. 

Velasco said they came all the way from Kawit, Cavite just to visit the Cathedral. 

“Parang panata na talaga ng family namin na every Semana Santa, nagvi-visit kami ng 7 churches. Dapat maiwasan talaga natin 'yung mga kasalanan. 'Yun 'yung nane-neglect ng karamihan,” said Velasco. 

Members of the national police and the armed forces were deployed in the church’s premises to ensure peace and order. The Intramuros Administration also deployed a Public Assistance Desk to individuals who would need any help.