Balanga Bishop Ruperto C. Santos, bishop promoter of Stella Maris Philippines, has expressed solidarity with the Holy Father Pope Francis as he expressed hope for an end to the on-going war between Russia and Ukraine.
In a Pastoral Statement, Bishop Santos expressed hope for peace to be restored in the region.
“There are no victors in war. All are victims. War is cruelty. All are lost in war. Everyone suffers. It is a scourge to humanity. It is just death and destruction. We must do everything to prevent war. We must exhaust all means to stop war,” he said.
"Man must always resort to peace and goodwill. Man must turn and return to God. With God nothing is impossible. God can do everything. God matters. Let us pray constantly and consistently to God for the cessation of hostilities, for the end of war in Ukraine. Let us pray without ceasing, begging our almighty God for the change of hearts of those who are deeply involved. We, the chaplains of Stella Maris-Philippines, are one with our Holy Father, Pope Francis in prayers, in sacrifices and fasting for the peaceful resolution and all involved will come out to contrition and compassion,” the Church leader said.
"War affects everything. It hurts everyone. All experience hardships. War jeopardizes global maritime trade and disrupts the global supply chain. Shipping is responsible for the movement of 90 percent of global trade. With the sacrifices and services of seafarers, food and fuel, medicines and machineries reach their destinations. According to the International Charter of Shipping, Russian and Ukrainian seafarers make up 14.5 percent of the global shipping workforce. The Philippines has more than four hundred thousand Filipino seafarers, manning more than 60,000 ships in the whole world. They comprised nearly a third of the total number of seafarers. The world maritime trade needs the shipping industry to survive,” the prelate said.
Bishop Santos said holy masses and prayers are being offered in his diocese and by the chaplains of Stella Maris for the resolution of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.