IEC could be Filipinos’ spiritual preparation ahead of May polls – Archbishop Palma

CEBU CITY – The 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) could be a spiritual preparation for Filipinos ahead of the May national elections, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has said.

In a press conference, Palma was asked what could be the lasting effect of the IEC to Filipinos in choosing the Philippine’s next leaders.

Palma, who is the President of the IEC, hoped that “the grace of the event would really happen.”

“I really pray that much would happen in terms of our desire that we become shining example of what it means to be a Christian. And I do believe this will happen in the way we look at elections and the way we live out our Christianity,” Palma said.

While politicians are welcome to attend the IEC, Msgr. Joseph Tan said campaigning was strictly prohibited.

“Although the IEC is open to everybody including politicians, we want to make sure that we will not change the IEC to be some kind of a political event,” Tan said.

Tan added that politicians who wish to attend the IEC would be treated like any other pilgrim in the event.

During the opening of the IEC, Vice President Jejomar Binay and his son, suspended Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay, attended the High Mass at the Plaza Independencia here.

Binay and his son received communion from the Pope’s envoy himself, Chares Maung Cardinal Bo.

Cardinal Bo was sent by Pope Francis as the papal legate to the 51st IEC.