PRAYERS FOR THE MURDERED PRIESTS

RECENTLY, I watched Channel 27’s “Beyond Politics.” The topic was “Church under Attack,” and I was struck by it. The thought came to me that I am also under attack. Why? Because the Church is not only an institution or building, it is also all the baptized. We are the Church.

The spate of violence against priests ( three killed, one injured) these past months has aroused the laity. It is a wake-up call for us to strengthen our faith and be united with the hierarchy and the clergy. We have to join parish activities, and care for, protect and appreciate our priests and their mission.

There is no need to think of arming them or making them wear bullet-proof vests, because we have the most powerful weapon on earth—prayer. Add to that the communion of saints.

My humble suggestion is this: At every Mass, include the names of the murdered Fr. Marcelito Paez, Fr. Mark Anthony Ventura and Fr. Richmond Nilo with the deceased. That way, their sacrifices—their lives—will not be forgotten. LOURDES S. BAUTISTA, St. Jude Quasi-Parish, Nayong Kanluran, Quezon City