Posted by CBCP News | Oct 26, 2017 |
Photo Image: http://cbcpnews.net
People light candles as they offer prayers at the start of a nine-day novena for the victims of drug-related killings at the San Roque Cathedral in Caloocan City, October 24, 2017. VINCENT GO
MANILA— Devout Catholics in the Kalookan diocese have started holding a novena for the victims of drug war killings and for the “healing” of their families.
The novena was launched with a Mass presided over by Bishop Pablo Virgilio David and a candle lighting ritual at the San Roque Cathedral on Tuesday.
In his homily, the bishop called everyone in the diocese to join in the 9 days of prayer that will last until All Souls’ Day, November 2.
He said the novena is also for those who perished in the conflict in Marawi City.
“Kasama sa ipinagtitirik natin ng kandila ang mga hindi namatay kundi pinatay, hindi nawalan ng buhay dahil binawi ng Diyos kundi binawi ng mga taong nagdi-diyos-dyosan,” David said.
“Isanasama natin sa mga ipinagtitirik natin ng kandila ang mga biktima ng mga krimen, ang mga napatay sa giyera sa Marawi, at higit sa lahat, ang mga pinaslang dahil sa malupit na giyera kontra-droga,” he said.
In the Catholic tradition, novenas are held to pray for the faithful departed.
Among those who attended the candle-lighting ceremony were family members of the victims of drug related killings and human rights advocates.
The bishop also called on the faithful to pray for people who are “alive but dead” to all consciousness of moral values, especially those who favor and behind the summary killings of drug suspects.
“Ipagtirik din natin ng kandila ang mga taong naniniwala at sumasang-ayon na ang bawat adik ay wala nang karapatang mabuhay, na walang makabubuti kundi ang puksain silang parang mga manok na napeste,” David added.
“Ipagtirik natin sila ng kandila hindi upang sila’y mapayapa, kundi upang sila’y mabagabag,” he also said.CBCPNews
Source: CBCPNews
