HomeNewsFilipinos urged to continue pursuit of justice 35 years after 'People Power'

Filipinos urged to continue pursuit of justice 35 years after ‘People Power’

The papal nuncio also stressed that there can be no true social justice when there is inequality

On the eve of the 35th commemoration of the 1986 “People Power” revolution, the Vatican’s envoy to the Philippines reminded Filipinos that the only path to peace is justice.

Celebrating Mass at the iconic EDSA Shrine on Wednesday, February 24, Archbishop Charles John Brown said there can be no peace without social justice.

“Justice is the foundation of peace in society. When there is no justice, when people can’t receive justice, they react in violent ways,” the archbishop said in his homily.




The papal nuncio also stressed that there can be no true social justice when there is inequality.

“Fairness and justice means that equality in dignity is respected,” he said.

“In order to have peace in society there needs to be justice, people need to be treated fairly,” added Archbishop Brown.

Before the Mass, the prelate led the release of 35 pigeons outside the church to symbolize the 35 years since the historic revolution that ended the rule of former strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

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Archbishop Brown then reflected on the role of Mary in the peaceful change in government.

“We thank Mary for her intercession at that moment as a mother of peace in order to allow a peaceful transition of power here in the Philippines,” he said.

Archbishop Charles John Brown, papal nuncio to the Philippines. (CBCP News photo)

Bishop Broderick Pabillo of the Manila archdiocese also called on Filipinos to “not let go of the promises of freedom” during the revolution.

“Let us oppose all attempts to control us and to scare us off in expressing ourselves,” he said.

Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga, meanwhile, said the 1986 peaceful uprising was a “blessing” that showcased “what was best in us and beneficial to our country.”

He noted, however, that some political leaders from that time failed to “live up to our trust and to the legacy” of the revolution.

“Let us commemorate [the People Power uprising] to give what is best, right and moral to our country and to God, not to oneself or to a particular party or color,” Bishop Santos said.

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