Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila will lead the celebration of a “Solidarity Mass for the Moral Choice” to pray for clean and honest elections in May.
In a circular, Father Isidro Marinay, chancellor of the archdiocese, said the Mass is a response to the call of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines in its pastoral letter “Be Concerned about the Welfare of Others.”
“Our bishops exhort us to ‘continue praying, doing good to our neighbor, offering sacrifices and begging God for the grace of a credible, peaceful and successful election for our common good,’” read the circular.
The celebration of the Holy Eucharist will be held on April 6, 2022, at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Baclaran at 9:30 in the morning.
Priests, religious and lay people in the Metropolitan Province of Manila are expected to attend the celebration.
Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, president of the bishops’ conference will deliver the homily.
In a pastoral letter released on Sunday, the country’s Catholic bishops called on the Filipino people to “fight indifference” especially during this year’s elections season.
“Let us participate and express ourselves in a just, respectful and peaceful manner,” read the pastoral letter.
“Let us especially be concerned for the welfare of our people and country,” said the Church leaders in the statement released ahead of the May 9, 2022, national elections.
The bishops noted that some “have always been mere spectators – unconcerned until they are personally affected.”
“Where, then, is the love and care for our neighbor?” said the prelates in the statement signed by Bishop David.
“Let us contribute by fulfilling our responsibilities. We cannot build the future without being involved. Let us not leave this task to others. We need to actively participate in this endeavor,” said the bishops.
They urged the Filipino people to “gradually transform our political culture.”
