MANILA — Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle on Tuesday acknowledged the sacrifices of heroes in fighting for the country’s freedom, stressing that it is a gift from God.
“Mga minamahal na kapatid at kababayan sa Arkidiyosesis ng Manila, nagpapasalamat tayo sa Dios sa biyaya ng kalayaan. Ang tunay na kalayaan ay bahagi ng ganap na buhay na dulot ni Jesus (Juan 10:10). Salamat din sa pagpupunyagi ng mga dakilang Pilipino at Pilipina na nagpamana sa atin ng kalayaan (To our beloved brethren in the Archdiocese of Manila, we thank the Lord for the gift of freedom. True freedom is part of the complete life from Jesus (John 10:10). We also thank the great Filipinos who have paved the way for our freedom),” the head of the Archdiocese of Manila said in his Independence Day message.
Tagle also called on authorities to revisit laws and policies regarding the owning and acquisition of firearms as a way to end killings of innocent people.
“Tinatawagan natin ang mga mambabatas at tagapangalaga ng kaayusan at katahimikan: bakit po napakaraming baril o sandata na nagkalat? Baka kailangan suriin ang mga batas at patakaran hinggil sa paggawa, pagbebenta, pagbili at pagmamay-ari ng baril. Huwag nawang dumating ang araw na mas madali pang bumili ng baril kaysa bigas (We call on our lawmakers and law enforcement authorities in charge of peace and order. Why are there so many guns and weapons out there? There might be a need to check on laws and policies on the manufacture, sale, purchase and owning of guns. I hope the day when it is easier to buy guns than rice won’t come),” the head of the Archdiocese of Manila said in his Independence Day message.
“Aside from killings of our fellow Filipinos in other countries like Henry Acorda who was slain in Slovakia, there are also killings in the country. The latest victim is Fr. Richmond Nilo from Cabanatuan. I hope these incidents will come to an end,” Tagle added.
At the same time, he reiterated an order for churches in the archdiocese to toll the bells at 8 p.m., to pray and remember those who perished. It is also a call for those who are engaged in evil acts for them to remember their wrongdoings and to repent.
Likewise, he urged the members of the clergy and the faithful to offer prayers for nine days starting Wednesday for those were killed and also to the priest since it is the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons.
“May God bless and shield you from any harm. Let us not lose hope. We have Mary on our side, the mother of the Filipinos, in joy, sorrow and light,” the Manila Archbishop added. (Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
