MANILA — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has appealed to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to review its order directing Australian nun Patricia Fox to leave the country.
“In this recent development, we sincerely make an appeal that the authorities may make a reconsideration of their order for Sr. Patricia Fox to leave the country,” said CBCP President Archbishop Romulo Valles in a statement issued Friday.
“Without entering into the merits of both parties in the case, this is for the proper authorities to decide. But this we say: We believe in the sincerity and dedication of Sr. Patricia to serve our people. We believe further that she is moved to serve our people by the love of Christ. ‘The love of Christ urges us,’” he said, quoting a verse from the Holy Bible.
At the same time, the Davao archbishop is hoping that after hearing the side of Fox, 71, she would be allowed to stay and continue her advocacies in the country.
“With a hope for a reconsideration regarding the BI’s order after giving Sr. Patricia a chance to explain herself again, in a spirit of dialogue, could she be given a chance to stay and continue serving our people?” he said.
“We continue to pray for the Lord’s enlightenment for all those who are involved in this case, but in particular, we continue to pray for Sr. Patricia Fox – for her health and well-being,” Valles said, acknowledging that they were saddened by recent events involving the nun, who is a human rights advocate.
Last week, the CBCP said it is ready to provide any assistance to Fox who is from of the Notre Dame de Sion congregation.
Last Wednesday, the BI ordered her to leave the country after canceling her missionary visa for violating its terms and conditions. Fox, the BI said, is involved in partisan political activities.
Fox was apprehended by BI personnel at her house in Quezon City for being an undesirable alien on April 16. She was released the next day. (PNA)
