Church prays for unity, healing after divisive polls

THE Philippine Catholic Church on Tuesday offered its prayers for healing of wounds and unification among Filipinos, a day after what may well be called as the most divisive elections in recent history.

Church leaders said they were hoping that the citizenry will set aside political differences in moving forward and come together to achieve good governance and common good for all.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle expressed gratitude for the triumphed of democracy and clean and honest elections, which he said brought out the patriotism in everyone.

“Hinihiling po naming ibigay mo po sa amin ang kahinahunan, paghihilom sa mga sugat, pakikipagkasundo, pagpapatawaran, gayun din ang hindi nasisira na pagmamahal sa aming bayan,” Tagle said.

“Turuan mo po kami na ang aming pananagutan ay hindi sa isang partido o sa isang pamilya kundi sa aming bayan. At matapos po ang eleksyon, turuan mo po kami na patuloy na makilahok sa buhay ng aming sambayanan, na kami ay hindi lamang umasa sa aming matatanggap kundi bilang mga mamamayang may kalayaan at pananagutan, patuloy kaming humubog sa isang bayan na aming pinapangarap,” he added.

Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo prayed that the country’s next leaders would be blessed with wisdom and integrity to put national interest above their own.

“Our 2016 elections have created a lot of division, hostility, ill-will, anxiety and fear in our beloved country. We beg you, most loving God, to heal us your, Filipino people,” Quevedo said.

“We pray that you may touch our hearts and unify us. We pray that we may work together with our elected leaders for the common good and especially for the poor,” he added.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said he was hoping that the next administration would not put to waste the people’s trust in them by showing competence, and pave the way for national unity, peace and order.

“Sana nga po itong bagong administrasyon ay isang oportunidad sa aming lahat upang magtulung-tulungan sa ikabubuti ng aming bayan. Sana nga po, healing would happen and renewal should also take place,” Palma said.

“Bendisyunan mo po kami Diyos aming Ama upang sa iyong awa kaming lahat ay matutong magmahal, magserbisyo, at mabuhay bilang isang bayan, bilang isang pamilya,” he added.