BALANGA CITY — Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos on Monday welcomed the declaration by President Duterte of the fourth week of March as ‘national week of prayer’ amid the growing threat of Covid-19.
“In these troubling and very difficult times, let us go to God to pray with humble hearts, with contrite spirit,and with sincerity to help and heal us. In this situation, prayer is our resolve and God always listens to us, His children,” the prelate said.
He said that the Catholic Church has always been praying for the whole world, most especially now with the Covid–19 pandemic.
“We are one with our people in praying to God for healing of those affected, finding the cure and remedy for this virus and strength and safety of all those who are front liners, sound health for all of us. Also, eternal rest for all those who perished,” the bishop said.
Santos asked everyone to respect one’s religion and unite in this time of crisis.
“Yes, we have to pray unceasingly and return to Him all the praise and glory which are rightly His. Even if we are suffering and doing sacrifices, we can still be gracious, we must still be generous and practice charity,” he said.
The bishop not only asked all to pray but to be good and to obey the rules set by government: “Stay at home and do not take advantage of the situation for profit nor for personal gain.”
