BY LESLIE ANN AQUINO
Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila Bishop Broderick Pabillo on Monday called on the faithful to revive their love for the country.
“Let us revive our love for the country,” he said in a prepared homily read by Monsignor Hernando Ding Coronel, Quiapo Church rector, during the Mass for Justice and Peace.
Pabillo added that love of country is part of the command of God to love one another.
The prelate is currently on quarantine as he was diagnosed with COVID-19.
Pabillo said people should know and speak out on what is happening in the country.
“We cannot be good Christians if we are not good citizens. We cannot say we love our fellow men if we don’t love our country,” he said.
“If we love our country we should at least know its real status. We care enough to know what is happening among us now and what our elected officials are doing,” added Pabillo.
“Unfortunately in our times, not everything that is said, even by the highest official of the land and his official spokespersons, is credible and true. That’s why we need to analyze,” he said.
Pabillo said the faithful should not be afraid to speak the truth.
“We should speak the truth. Justice should prevail. We are doing this because we love our country. Through our actions we hope justice and peace will come,” he said.
The prelate explained that there can only be an orderly society if there is love, truth, justice, and peace.
“Love, truth, justice, and peace. Let us pray for this for our country,” said Pabillo.
The Mass for Justice and Peace was held at Quiapo Church hours before President Duterte’s State-of-the-Nation Address.
