By Ferdinand Patinio/PNA
MANILA — Two Catholic Church officials have offered prayers for President Rodrigo Duterte who is celebrating his 74th birthday on Thursday.
Bishop Ruperto Santos, head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care for Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI), said they asked God to give the President strength and bless him with good health as he continues to lead the country.
“We, at CBCP-ECMI, offer our holy masses and prayers that God (gives) him strength, sound health in mind and body to direct our country to a stable, secure and safe future,” Santos said in a text message.
“As he celebrates his birthday, may he always see that life is God’s gift and a grace that we are all alive. May he promote life, protect life of every Filipino,” the Balanga prelate added.
Santos noted that they always pray for the Chief Executive, though the mass and prayers they offered today is special.
“And we are always praying for him that he may govern us accordingly to God’s will and His ways,” the CBCP-ECMI head added.
Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary CBCP-Permanent Committee on Public Affairs (PCPA), is also praying for Duterte’s health and wisdom, among others.
“I’m praying for his health, wisdom and resolve that he may withstand the rigors of leading our country,” he said.
“I pray too that he may be imbued with a genuine love for all Filipinos,” the Catholic priest added.
Duterte celebrated his 74th birthday with his family in Davao City.
