ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA
MESSAGE
ELECTION 2010
PART III

Only a few days remain of the noisy and confusing campaign period. Nearly everyone, unfortunately including even the very young, has heard of the little good said of some, and the worst of many of the contending candidates. This is a political campaign, Pilipino style, which we pray we will outgrow soon as we mature as a free people. This is also our third pastoral letter for your guidance and encouragement.

The choice of leaders is now in your hands (the electorate) because you believe tht the future of the country should be entrusted to honest and God-fearing people that you could trust, and who, without any arrogance, could motivate you to greater unity.

More than just a well-informed decision, your choice should be accompanied by reflection and prayer, bringing you to the conviction that you are choosing a leader who is not concerned with his own interest, but for the essential of a true democracy--the good of everyone, and never the good of only a privileged few.

In this important moment in our history as a people, we ask the Parishes and Chapel Communities in the Archdiocese of Manila to assign the first nine (9) days of May, as Special Days of Prayer for an honest and peaceful Election Day, and the last three days before (May 7, 8, 9) as a special Triduum with Holy Hour and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in honor of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the same intention.

No matter who wins or loses, may the Philippines as a nation be the great winner in this coming election, a victory we for so long have prayed and hope for.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! God love and bless you all!

+GAUDENCIO B. CARDINAL ROSALES, D.D.
Archbishop of Manila
28 April 2010