KIM EVANGELINE A. OKOL
September 14, 2016 – The Archdiocese of Lingayen Dagupan (ALD) offered a mass due to the alarming number of people who died of the drug wars, extra judicial killings, and vigilante killings.
The mass, which was called ‘A Day of Prayer for Life’, was held at the Cathedral Parish of St. John the Evangelist, and was presided by the ALD Archbishop, Most Reverend Socrates B. Villegas. The mass was lifted up in remembrance of the victims of the war on drugs and their families.
In Archbishop Villegas’ homily, he said that killing is a sin that cries to heaven for vengeance, same through with lust, inflicting the poor, and not giving the proper wage to workers. “’Yung hindi marunong maki-alam dito sa lupa, hindi pakikialaman ng Diyos sa kabilang buhay.” Archbishop Villegas pointed out that people should do something about what’s happening in the society. In an interview, Archbishop Villegas also said that drug addiction is a disease and should be cured, and that users shall not be killed.
The families of the victims of the drug wars in Pangasinan were invited and received warm hugs and prayers from Archbishop Villegas right after the mass.
The mass, which was called ‘A Day of Prayer for Life’, was held at the Cathedral Parish of St. John the Evangelist, and was presided by the ALD Archbishop, Most Reverend Socrates B. Villegas. The mass was lifted up in remembrance of the victims of the war on drugs and their families.
In Archbishop Villegas’ homily, he said that killing is a sin that cries to heaven for vengeance, same through with lust, inflicting the poor, and not giving the proper wage to workers. “’Yung hindi marunong maki-alam dito sa lupa, hindi pakikialaman ng Diyos sa kabilang buhay.” Archbishop Villegas pointed out that people should do something about what’s happening in the society. In an interview, Archbishop Villegas also said that drug addiction is a disease and should be cured, and that users shall not be killed.
The families of the victims of the drug wars in Pangasinan were invited and received warm hugs and prayers from Archbishop Villegas right after the mass.
The Ministry of Mercy was also introduced and blessed during the mass. It is a new ministry which would cater anyone who needs help in reforming their lives.
A Day of Prayer for Life also observed a day of fasting and abstinence from meat. Right after the mass, there was also a short procession of the Santo Entierro, the wooden sculpture of the dead Christ, around the vicinity of the church while candles were lit and the rosary was prayed.
Along with this, banners of the fifth commandment, “Wag kang papatay (You shall not kill)” are put up in different ALD parishes. The online community also joined in by taking photos holding signs of the fifth commandment.
A Day of Prayer for Life also observed a day of fasting and abstinence from meat. Right after the mass, there was also a short procession of the Santo Entierro, the wooden sculpture of the dead Christ, around the vicinity of the church while candles were lit and the rosary was prayed.
Along with this, banners of the fifth commandment, “Wag kang papatay (You shall not kill)” are put up in different ALD parishes. The online community also joined in by taking photos holding signs of the fifth commandment.
From September 14-21, churches will simultaneously ring their bells at 8:00 PM in remembrance of the dead.