Bacolod City residents hold holy mass in solidarity with France

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A  Mass was held at  at the San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City to express solidarity with France following the terrorist attacks in Paris  that left 129 people dead.

“We condemn such killings due to the fact that they flagrantly violate God’s fifth commandment, ‘thou shall not kill.’” All those who have disseminated hatred and ideological fanaticism that leads to killings and wars are indeed murderers,” Fr. Felix Pasquin, rector of the cathedral, said in his homily.

At the right side of the altar at the cathedral, a French flag stood alongside the yellow and white flag of the Church. Beneath were flowers and 129 candles beneath in remembrance of the dead in the French capital.

The terrorist attacks in Paris have increased geo-political risk and tensions, Pasquin told a congregation of about 1,000.

“There is an outpouring of grief, sorrow and condemnation. There is an incessant call for prayers,” he said.

In the darkness of the terror and horror, Pasquin said we must look to Christ as our light and strength.

“Look at the crucified Christ. That’s the image of God’s victory over Satan, or life over death, of grace over sin,” he said.  SFM