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Prayer beats politics, says prelate

Two Masses per day organised to beat overcrowding in cathedral ahead of Christmas
Prayer beats politics, says prelate
Catholics pray outside an overcrowded church in Kidapawan City (photo by Geonarri Solmerano)
Published: December 15, 2011 07:53 AM GMT
Updated: December 15, 2011 08:01 AM GMT

Church leaders today urged people to use prayer to combat what they called an increasingly contentious political situation in the country. Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa issued the challenge ahead of tomorrow’s Simbang Gabi, or Dawn Mass, the first of nine Masses leading up to Christmas. He asked attendees to pray for the enlightenment of selfish politicians who are sowing discord, and help them address the problems of poverty and hunger. Archbishop Angel Lagdameo of Jaro echoed Archbishop Arguelles’ concern, saying there is a need for a “change of mindset” among politicians that would make them set aside their personal interest for the good of the people. The call to prayer follows increasing criticism by Catholic bishops of comments by President Benigno Aquino about the “Arroyo Supreme Court,” saying the president has no right to condemn another government branch. They have also criticized what they called the “rushed” impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona by Aquino’s allies in the House of Representatives. Bishop Deogracias Iniguez, the Church’s head of public affairs, today said Aquino himself could be impeached if he is proven to be acting as a dictator. Meanwhile, to accommodate the expected influx of churchgoers for the Masses, the diocese of Kidapawan will implement two morning Masses. Bishop Romulo Dela Cruz said: "For the first time we are doing double shifting of Masses so that overcrowding will be avoided in the cathedral and to maintain the solemnity of the celebration.” Security in all churches is in place for the nine-day Masses, the provincial police chief said.

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