Go on spiritual retreat during Holy Week, bishop advises Aquino

President Benigno Aquino III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

A Catholic bishop on Monday urged President Benigno Aquino III to take time off from his hectic schedule during the Holy Week for a quiet retreat and some self-reflection.

Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said Mr. Aquino must not depend solely on his intelligence and prudence in leading the country to the right path (tuwid na daan) but must also seek guidance and enlightenment from the Holy Spirit.

“I hope he could take time to be with the Lord, especially this … Lent and Holy Week so he will be more enlightened,” Bastes said over Church-run Radio Veritas on Monday.

“[He] should not (only) rely on [his] intelligence or prudence but as the leader of the nation, he has to ask guidance from the Holy Spirit … because it is not easy to govern the Philippines,” said the prelate after news came out that the President had a lot on his plate for Holy Week.

On April 3 and 4—Holy Tuesday and Holy Wednesday—the President will be in Cambodia for the 20th summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

Bastes stressed the importance of spending quiet time in prayer and reflection, especially for someone like Mr. Aquino, who has the country’s many woes and problems on his shoulders.

“There are a lot of issues and controversies in the country that need some serious thinking not only by him but also by his Cabinet,” he said.  Jocelyn R. Uy

Originally posted: 05:57 pm | Monday, March 26th, 2012