The Philippine Catholic Church has orgainsed a “pro-life” celebration, described by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales as an opportunity “to pray for life, its values and protection,” due to start March 23.

Monsignor Juanito Figura, secretary general of the Catholic Bishops’Conference of the Philippines, said the event is the bishops’ “special way” of thanking those who promote “true welfare” for Filipinos, including the unborn.

He said the bishops are urging all Filipinos to commend continuing efforts by some legislators to resist the controversial reproductive health bill in the Philippine Congress.

Monsignor Figura said the Eucharistic celebration tomorrow is the prelude to a bigger rally against the bill in Manila’s Luneta Park on March 25, which has also been declared the Day for Unborn Children.

The rally dubbed “Filipinos! Unite under God for Life” is an occasion for people to come together and pray, said Cardinal Rosales.

He said it is important that the proposed bill is exposed “for what it truly is.”

Afternoon Masses on March 25 in all churches and chapels in Manila archdiocese are canceled to allow priests to accompany their flock to the rally.

In a letter to priests, religious and laity in Manila archdiocese on March 11, Cardinal Rosales said the prayer rally is for all those who “value life, family and life values.”

He said the rally will deliver the message: “Our country will never allow the repressive reproductive health bill to be passed.”
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