Violence continues across the country as vote counting is underway. Bishops accuse politicians of lack of morality and warn that everyone is a loser in these elections.
Despite tight police supervision over national and local elections, more than 120 people die in election-related violence, including 60 candidates. However, the violence seems limited to isolated incidents and less important than in previous polls. Pampanga archbishop laments widespread vote-buying and selling.
Some 45 million voters cast their ballots today in the Philippines. Some 20,000 soldiers are deployed to ensure process. Catholic Church campaigned throughout election against corruption, stressing the principles of honesty and democracy. Bishops urge people to vote “according to conscience.”
The May Flowers project is meant to enhance traditional Marian celebrations in May. Much time and effort will go to youth. In addition to prayers and flower offerings, there will be moments of reflection to share thoughts about important issues.
In Manila the sisters of the College of the Holy Spirit put the spiritual back into the nursing profession, teaching students that one can help a patient with a smile.
An Oblate priest thanks his “Muslim brothers” for their help and support of the Catholics currently building their parish Church in Kualabaru. In Mindanao, one of the Philippine Islands where the majority is Muslim, since 1980 the Christian community is becoming ever more present.
The president of the Bishops Commission has addressed an appeal to all of the faithful in which he asks them to pray from May 5th through 14th resident for free and fair elections. But political violence continues in the country: this morning the mayor of San Carlos died, after being attacked.
Family and social ostracism and disinformation are the cause of the phenomenon according to the secretary of the Midwives Foundation of the Philippines. The result is almost half a million undesired pregnancies.
Muslims acting as witnesses at Catholic weddings are a concrete sign of what inter-faith dialogue can achieve in this Filipino island affected by decades of sectarian strife between Christians and Muslims. Catholic bishops and Islamic clergymen are working together to promote the peace process in the troubled region. Raising Muslim and Christian children together and teaching them respect for diversity seems to be the path to follow.
A member of one of the oldest indigenous groupings in the country becomes a priest in a ceremony that draws thousands of faithful. The next day, the newly-ordained Father Oybad returned to his mountain community to celebrate.
More than a hundred people, including bishops, local priests, missionary and Muslims, attend the service. The Indonesian ambassador says he is optimistic, calling on the Filipino government to quickly wrap up the case.
Bishops launch their own video blog, posting Easter teachings and homilies. It will soon serve as a forum linking the Filipino Church and Filipinos around the world.
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