29 August 2008

TO:      ALL PARISH PRIESTS AND CLERGY OF MANILA, RELIGIOUS MEN AND WOMEN

RE:       INTERCESSORY PRAYERS FOR PEACE IN MINDANAO

In the past weeks our country has been rocked by the violence that has erupted in North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte and Maguindanao in the Island of Mindanao. This situation fills us with so much sadness and grief because of the death and suffering it has caused especially among the innocent. Thousands have been forced to leave their homes and flee their towns in haste, fearful of the tragic fate that might befall them.
 
The conflict that rages in that region is complex and multi-layered and constant dialogue and reaching out from both sides have been proven to keep open war at bay. There is no need for war and so much need for peace. There is no justification for violence from whatever side and in whatever form. There is certainly no place for vigilante justice and for taking the law in one’s hands.
 
Peace can come about if people begin to think peace, talk peace and live peace. Let us pray for peace, lifting our prayers and petitions to Our Father in Heaven that through His Son Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, and the workings of the Holy Spirit, and with the protection and intercession of our Blessed Mother, Mary Queen of Peace, the fighting will stop and peace will finally reign in that troubled place.
 
I ask you to include these intercessory prayers among those prayed during Masses starting this Sunday, August 31, 2008. Let us storm heaven with our prayers, but let us also work for peace and help the victims of unpeace in everyway we can, especially by generously sharing what we can so their pain and torment may be eased and alleviated.

PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL (FOR MINDANAO)
Tagalog Version

   
For those involved in the conflict in Mindanao may their hearts be opened to the grace of the Holy Spirit so that the rage that consumes may be doused with water of love and respect for others,   may they discover and follow the path that leads to peace and genuine reconciliation, we pray.
 
For the our national leaders and local leaders in Mindanao, may they receive the strength and enlightenment to sincerely work for the welfare of all the people under their care, regardless of religion, ethnicity and political affiliation, so that the common good may be served,  we pray.
 
For those who have been forced to flee their homes, for those whose family members have been victims of the violence that has erupted in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte, may they receive the material, psychological and spiritual aid and assistance at this time. May they experience the end of this conflict that will allow them to return to their homes to live in peace and harmony with one another, we pray.

 
Thank you and God bless you all.
 

+ GAUDENCIO B. CARDINAL ROSALES, D.D.
Archbishop of Manila