Auxiliary Bishop of Manila Most. Rev. Broderick S. Pabillo, D.D. led the Eucharistic Celebration and the candle lighting ceremony on the occasion of the Red Wednesday Campaign:#WeRemember in honor of and in solidarity with the persecuted Christians worldwide on November 27, 2019 at the Sant铆simo Rosario Parish at at the UST Carillon.
Solidarity through prayers
Pabillo reminded the Thomasian Community of the importance of prayers in celebrating Red Wednesday. 鈥淸We pray] for those who are persecuted, [so] that they may remain strong; they may persevere, and that they may believe what Jesus has said in the gospels,鈥� he said.
According to Bishop Pabillo, fulfilling the mission was an opportunity to bear witness of God鈥檚 power. 鈥淒o not worry about what to say because the spirit Himself will speak to you, and do not worry that you do not have the strength because the spirit will do as it did to the martyrs, especially to our [saint] Lorenzo Ruiz,鈥� he said.
鈥淚f we are faithful to Christ, there will be persecution that will come along our way. Yes, it may not be that violent up to the shedding of blood, but there will be people who will be against us because we pray always. Because we are faithful to the teachings of the Church; because we are generous; because we don鈥檛 follow the time of consumerism. There will be people who will be against us, and even some of our families,鈥� he said.
Praying for the enemies
Moreover, Bishop Pabillo highlighted that solidarity was also about praying for the persecutors until they realize that death and persecution will not be the answer.
鈥淥ur reaction to the persecutions is not collaboration, is not fighting against, is not indifference, but solidarity shown by our prayer for the persecuted, for ourselves that we may be prepared when things happen to us.鈥� Pabillo also said sending material help to those persecuted will help the Christians to stand in their feet again. 鈥淭hey have to build churches that have been bombarded. They have to built homes that are destroyed in Iraq, Iran, and Syria.鈥�
The Main Building and the UST Carillion were聽bathed in red light to remember the servants of the Lord who died while fulfilling their mission.
