Faithful told: Pray for Congress

Pray for them.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma issued this appeal to those who joined yesterday afternoon’s prayer rally against the Reproductive Health bill.

In his homily  past 6:30 p.m, the Cebu prelate called on supporters to pray for enlightenment of members of Congress who will deliberate on the bill on Tuesday.

About  4,000  people attended the solidarity march from Fuente Osmeña circle to the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral to register their opposition to the government’s RH bill.

Representatives from the academe, non-government organizations (NGOs) and even partylist groups like Anad joined Catholic faith groups in the march carrying placards bearing Bible verses that signify their pro-life campaign.

They were joined by local officials  Cebu City Mayor Mayor Michael Rama, Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez, Anad Rep. Pastor Alcover and Rep. Rachel del Mar of Cebu City’s north district.

While the students wore wore their school uniforms, some wore red shirts to represent their stand against RH Bill.

A big statue of the Virgin  Mary and a banner with an image of our Lady of Lourdes were carried during the march.

During his homily, Palma reiterated that the Church’s opposition to the RH bill also known as the Responsible Parenthood bill was anchored on the protection of the rights of the unborn child.

Aside from promoting promiscuity, the Cebu prelate also cited medical studies which showed that the use of contraceptives will affect both the mother and the unborn child.

He also debunked arguments by RH bill proponents that  the burgeoning population in the country was the cause of poverty and a big drawback.

“Our being many helped us from poverty. We are poor because of corruption and not because we are many. Let’s not blame the children for the rising rate of poverty,” Palma said.

Rama said he was supporting the Church’s opposition to the RH bill.

“I have always been a pro-life advicate.  Had there been RH Bill before, your mayor would  not have been born,” he said.

Rama is the ninth of 13 siblings.  He said if his parents practiced birth control, he won’t be born. With Correspondent Edison delos Angeles