The bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Manila has released a Pastoral Letter addressed to all the clergy, religious men and women and lay collaborators in the Archdiocese of Manila for the May 9 election.
Entitled “Narito ang inyong Ina” (Jn. 19:17), Rev. Fr. Carmelo Arada, vice chancellor of the Manila archdiocese said, the bishops call on the faithful to pray the holy rosary as families and communities from April 30 to May 9 “as we lift up to the Lord and entrust to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary the forthcoming elections.”
The Pastoral Letter was read in all masses on the Second Sunday of Easter on the evening of April 23 and on April 24.
“Let us seek the intercession of the Holy Mother. Let us pray to her to help us choose and elect the leaders that Jesus wants for us. Let us pray the holy rosary everyday with your families and communities on April 30 to May 9. The Blessed Mother will never fail us,” Fr. Arada said.
The bishops reminded the faithful to vote for those who will work for the common good especially for the welfare of the poor and marginalized.
“Safeguard your right to vote and always think of the common good. Vote according to your conscience and never sacrifice your freedom and dignity by selling your votes,” the bishops said. “If we are truly pro God and pro country, let us choose candidates who are also pro God and pro country,” they added.
The bishops also offered prayers for the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for a successful, peaceful and honest election.