CATBALOGAN, Samar – As Catbalogan celebrated its fiesta last Thursday in honor of St.
Bartholomew, Archbishop Jose Palma of the Archdiocese of Palo who
served as the main celebrant in the mass urged the people to respect
human life.
Palma told the people
that the church is alarmed with the political killings. He added that
such dastardly acts could have not happen if the people have resolved
to respect human life. He added that he has issued a Pastoral letter
to show every form of respect for human life.
The Archbishop also
told the faithful gathered to hear the Pontifical Mass at the
Catbalogan cathedral that respect for human life should start from the
womb until its natural extinction. "Every human life," he said, "comes
from the Lord!"
Similarly, the prelate
also encouraged the people to have a social concern for the
environment and the creation. He advised them to be responsible for
nature which God has provided. He said that the future generation will
be given the decision how best they can utilize nature, but he
stressed that, "never in my time!"
He mentioned the likes
of Gov. Evardone, Daza and the three bishops of Samar whom he said
have pushed for peace and development in
Samar. He also
mentioned the destruction of Bagacay and the Taft River. "Look at
Bagacay, it has become poorer than before," he admonished.
"I want to be
remembered as on with the bishops who opted for a moratorium on
logging and mining," the prelate emphasized.
The Archbishop of Palo
also told the faithful to practice solidarity in love. "To grow as
Christians," he said, "we must unite."
He added that people
must remember the Philosophy of the Fingers where the fingers are
varied in length yet they helped each other. "Let the strong help the
weak," the prelate challenged the mass attendees.
Finally, the Palo
church leader praised businessman Gokongwei whom he said donated some
10.5 billion pesos for charitable purposes.
