Filipino bishops offer prayers for Queen Elizabeth, royal family
FILIPINO bishops on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, joined the world in mourning over the death of Queen Elizabeth II by offering prayers for her majesty’s soul and for the royal family.
In a statement made over the Church-run Radio Veritas, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula said they too are saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth as it ultimately marked the “end of an era.” “We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the royal family, the citizens of Great Britain and the Commonwealth for the loss of their sovereign, her royal highness, Queen Elizabeth II,” said Advincula.
“We offer prayers for her majesty and her loved ones. Her passing leaves a void in our collective minds and hearts and marks the end of an era,” he added.
‘Woman of faith’
The Filipino cardinal said the life of Queen Elizabeth is laudable as she served her people while remaining anchored on her faith.
“During her reign of more than 70 decades, Queen Elizabeth II navigated the oftentimes tumultuous vicissitudes of history through sheer strength of character, which is founded on her strong faith in God, thereby leaving an indelible mark on the English monarchy and the world in general,” said Advincula.
This was seconded by the head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)-Office on Women, who described the Queen as “a woman of faith.” “Queen Elizabeth II was a woman of faith. She made Jesus the center of her life. She valued humanity,” said CBCP-Office on Women Chair Bishop Crispin Varquez in a separate radio interview.
“She gained high respect and admiration of the many peoples in the world. Her power as a woman was not based on arms and wealth but on her character and values,” he added.
On Thursday, Sept. 8, Queen Elizabeth passed away at the age of 96, thereby ending her 70-year reign as head of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland and other Commonwealth realms. /