THE PRESIDENT AT PRAYER. President Aquino is silhouetted against the stained-glass image of St. Therese of the Child Jesus as he leads “the prayer of entrustment of our country and people to Mother Mary” on the occasion of the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and observation of Universal Day for the Sick. Malacañang Photo Bureau
MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III on Saturday prayed for “a society of truth and freedom, of genuine justice and solidarity for all, of love and peace” during his attendance at the prayer for public officials in observance of the Catholic Church’s Universal Day for the Sick at the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.
Leading the prayer of entrustment of the country and people to Mary, President Aquino also prayed for enough jobs, food, shelter and security for the children.
“You know how strong our desire is and how difficult the task has been for us to raise up for ourselves a society of truth and freedom, of genuine justice and solidarity for all, of love and peace; a society where all may have work and due livelihood, food enough on their tables, homes for their families and security for their children; dignity in community; inviolable respect for life in all its stages; of self-giving, compassion and sharing; a society where everyone is—in some true measure—brother, sister and friend,” Mr. Aquino said in the prayer.
“All these we long and work for, but we know we cannot truly bring about, except with God’s gracious guidance, His constant help, the wisdom and strength and courage only He can give us, in His fidelity and love,” he said.
The President and a good number of government officials attended the religious event in the wake of a destructive earthquake on Negros island and amid the controversial impeachment trial of the country’s top magistrate, Chief Justice Renato Corona.
‘We beg you…’
“Mother of our Lord, as we gather before you this day to entrust our land and our people to your motherly heart and hands, we beg you to receive our offering,” Mr. Aquino said.
“We beg you, too, to help us conquer evil, sin and selfishness in our relationships and endeavors. Ask your Son to bring anew and mightily into our midst the power of His redemption, the purifying and transforming grace of His truth and justice, His mercy and love,” he added.
Malacañang said the event was a part of the A Million Roses for the World campaign started by the Family Rosary Crusade of the Philippines. The movement is intended for Filipinos living in the Philippines and other parts of the world to pray the rosary for world peace.
The campaign started on Oct. 10, 2011, with prayer intentions for Angola and will end on May 20, 2012, with Catholics having prayed for the Philippines and all countries for 200 days.
Other officials present during event were Vice President Jejomar Binay, Energy Secretary Rene Almendras, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo and National Economic and Development Authority Director General Cayetano Paderanga Jr.