Lay group asks Catholics to pray for Duterte

Cebu's biggest lay organization comes to defend the Catholic Church following the controversial remark thrown by President Rodrigo Duterte about God.

Fe Barino, chairperson of Cebu Archdiocesan Commission on the Laity, said in a press statement that lay people are saddened and terrified of how Duterte has despised God by calling Him stupid.

“Subo kaayo ug makalilisang paminawon ang pagpanamastamas sa Ginoo gikan sa pangulo sa atong nasud,” she said.

Barino also urged the lay faithful to pray for the president that he be forgiven and be enlightened of his sinful actions.

“Atong iampo sa Ginoo nga pasayluon ang atong presidente sa iyang gibuhat. Malamdagan unta ang iya’ng hunahuna aron makaamgo siya kon unsa ka dako’ng sala ang iyang nahimo batok sa atong Ginoo,” she said.

Moreover, she called on the faithful to be firm on their faith amid all the attacks against God, His Church and the Roman Catholic hierarchy.

“Kanato’ng tanan nga gisakitan pag-ayo sa sunod-sunod nga pagpatay sa kaparian, pag-atake sa Simbahan ug karon ang panamastamas sa atong labaw’ng makagagahom nga Diyos, lig-unon ta ang ato’ng pagtuo nga ang Ginoo maghatag og hingpit nga hustisya alang sa tanan,” she said.

Barino said people should be praying that this event will not result in conflict or chaos.

“Atong i-ampo nga wala lang unta’y dako’ng kagubot nga moresulta tungod niining mga panghitabo karon,” she said.

Some diocesan priests like Jonathan Rubin said the usual scenario if higher Church officials issue a statement, it would add more hype to the tension rather than help address the situation.

But religious priest Jonas Mejares, who is known for his singing prowess, was brave enough to speak up.

He said is supportive of the government’s programs but “maligning” the Church is a different story.

“And I strongly believe that no amount of words can justify one's wrongdoing on calling God ‘stupid.’ In these difficult and challenging situations, we need to draw the line. I could not be silenced at this time. We need more prayers,” he said.