Bishop urges people to meet New Year with prayer and in silence

Greet the New Year in prayer and silence rather than with the loud bang of firecrackers, a Roman Catholic bishop said.

Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles on Friday suggested that Filipinos usher in 2012 by praying silently for a “better year ahead,” instead of with the usual racket that results in injuries.

Traditionally, Filipinos set off firecrackers on New Year’s Eve to drive away evil spirits and attract good fortune in the coming year.

But contrary to superstitious beliefs, Arguelles said in a text message, “noise does not drive the devil away. The devil thrives in noise.”

“God, on the other hand, speaks and acts in silence,” Arguelles stressed.

He proposed that at the start of the New Year on Sunday midnight, “all must pray before the Blessed Sacrament.”

To pray and observe moments of silence would also be an act of solidarity with the thousands of families which lost loved ones and their homes in the wake of Tropical Storm “Sendong.”

“We must also be in solidarity with those who lost everything,” Arguelles said.

Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez appealed to all Filipinos to skip lighting firecrackers during the New Year merrymaking. Iñiguez has been campaigning for more environment-friendly alternatives to welcome the New Year, in support of the advocacy EcoWaste Coalition.

Earlier, the bishop urged the faithful to donate their money intended for firecrackers to the victims of Sendong. He said that Filipinos could still welcome the New Year by clapping their hands or singing their favorite songs.

Last year, several Catholic bishops asked the public to spend their money on food and other things more useful, saying buying firecrackers to greet the New Year was a waste of resources.