Prayer vigil held for the unborn

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebuano faithful gathered yesterday evening in different churches for the Prayer Vigil for All Nascent Human Life called for by Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.

The activity is alongside the celebration of a solemn Prayer Vigil for All Nascent Human Life at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City led by Pope Benedict XVI.

 During the opening Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Rev. Fr. Joseph de Aquino cautioned against the inhumane act of killing an unborn child for one’s fulfillment of happiness and dreams.

He also warned that ultimately man is a finite being subject to time and space.

Among those in attendance last night were a group of youngsters who arrived in three trucks. The chaperone of the delegates identified themselves as a Christian community from Barangay Yati, Liloan town.

The chaperone said they came to answer the call of Cardinal Vidal to join in and give importance to life, he estimate their number at 150.

 But three members of the delegation, all teenage girls, said they had no idea of the issue behind the event.

 In the Sto. Rosario church the vigil was headed by parish priest Bishop Julito Cortes. As of 8 p.m. last night the attendees for the vigil was estimated at 300 and growing.

One of those who attended the opening Mass, Vincent, said he is actually approves of the Reproductive Health Bill. He said he was not aware at first what last night’s event was and just understood what it was for as it proceeded.

Vincent also said that a church is not the proper venue to inform the people about or encourage them to take a stand against the controversial bill. 

Another churchgoer also said he was not aware of the activity. Christopher, a college student, said he is also in favor of the Reproductive Health Bill as he thinks using it does not mean killing someone but just to prevent unexpected things from happening.

In the Basilica del Sto. Niño the opening Mass was celebrated by Fr. Edcel Raymond Alcayaga.

Attendees numbered at a hundred and growing around 8 p.m. But one of those present said they expected fewer people to go there as the church is a shrine rather than a parish church.

The event was also held during the last day of the Roman Catholic Church liturgical calendar which marks the start of the Advent Season. (FREEMAN)