Editorial and Opinion 3/25/16 (Belgium, terrorism, social impact, ISIS, Philippines, security, Tagle, service, politics, IEC, hope)
Philippine Star "A borderless war"
As of yesterday, 14 people had died in the airport attack and 20 in the Metro train. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has claimed responsibility for the worst terrorist attack in the city that hosts the headquarters of the European Union. The attack is just the latest warning about the borderless war that ISIS is waging, if not directly then through adherents inspired by its gospel of hate. In the Philippines, security officials have downplayed reports of local extremists pledging to support ISIS. The group is said to be trying to gain a solid foothold in the Philippines. This shouldn’t prove too hard, considering that the country is already home to several of Southeast Asia’s extremist troublemakers: the Abu Sayyaf, Jemaah Islamiyah, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and other rogue elements of the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front. [full text]Manila Bulletin "For all who serve"
When Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle officiates at Washing of the Feet rites at the Manila Cathedral today, Holy Thursday, among the 12 whose feet he will wash are youth and women, people who serve others with their labor, religious sisters – and Chairman Andres Bautista of the Commission on Elections (Comelec). ... For today’s ceremony at the Manila Cathedral, Archbishop Tagle said he wishes to give recognition to people with disabilities, the youth, women, religious sisters, and people who serve with their loyal labor – among them his own driver and kasambahay of 30 years. With the inclusion of religious sisters, Archbishop Tagle joins Pope Francis who early this month hailed four Missionaries of Charity who were among 16 slain while caring for 80 elderly folk in a retirement home in Yemen. As for Chairman Bautista, the Archdiocese of Manila said this is to highlight the importance of the coming election. Among people who serve, the officials and employees of the Commission on Elections are probably the busiest in the country today, preparing for the single most important part of a democratic system of government. [full text]Manila Bulletin "What are worth imparting to others from the 51st IEC" by Elinando Cinco
A lady media reporter approached me for an interview on the fifth day of the International Eucharistic Congress (IEC)... At the start, I felt a feeling bothering me more seriously than before which lingers in my mind the past two nights asking myself how grateful am I to my Lord for all the blessings every time I wake up in the morning? The theme of our 51st IEC “Christ in You … Our Hope of Glory” sends us a message: “Life has always a meaning. It is always beautiful and hopeful no matter hard life appears. There is always something good in it. We should always be thankful.” ... The message of HOPE in the just-concluded IEC brings us a resounding challenge to our future leaders. Filipinos are known to be friendly, hospitable, industrious, and prayerful. Pope Francis once said, “The Philippines has a special mission given to them by God as a gift… to bring Christ in Asia and Christ to the world.” Pope Benedict XVI has high praise, trust and faith in us Filipinos that he announced on the last day of IEC last June 17, 2012, in Dublin, Ireland, that the 51st IEC would be held in Cebu, Philippines. [...] I take this opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences in Cebu with all, particularly with our future leaders, and ask them to be the mouthpiece of Jesus in their campaign promises, strategies, and platforms, to make themselves true partners journeying together for the care of our nation and be stewards of God’s creation and everything that dwells in it. Behave and act as responsible Christian leaders rather than as “masters” or leaders “who are the world.” Lend your ears and patience to the needs of the poor, homeless, disabled, and jobless. [full text]
