Palma tells youth to disobey law

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma yesterday advised over 3,000 delegates to the 29th Local World Youth Day (LWYD) not to follow the law if they believe that it infringes their freedom of religion.

It was in response to a young participants question during a dialogue about the Reproductive Health Law, which the Supreme Court declared as constitutional last April 8.

Palma told the pilgrims, who joined the LWYD on April 12 to 13 at the Blessed John XIII Seminary in Mabolo, Cebu City, that if the law contravenes their freedom of religion, Catholics should defy the law.

He said that aside from being contrary to morality, the law contradicts the basic teachings of the church against pre-marital sex.

Also, Archbishop Palma lauded the youth for joining the 29th LWYD despite the heavy rain and the recent calamities that Cebu experienced during the last quarter of last year.

“I’m very inspired by your presence tonight,” said the archbishop, who answered questions ranging from calamities and the RH Law to the 2016 International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) that the Archdiocese of Cebu is hosting.

Asked by the media on the presence of Pope Francis during the IEC, Palma said the Vatican has not confirmed it yet.

He said, though, that the pope intends to visit the Yolanda stricken areas of Western Visayas.

Palma said that as part of  preparations for the IEC, construction of the venue is ongoing at the Blessed John XXIII Seminary.

While he did not answer questions on funding for the structure, the archbishop said it would be fi-nished in due time.

Also, before the 29th LWYD ended yesterday, Reverend Fr. Kit Sestoso, Commission on Youth chairman, lauded the priests and the pilgrims in helping make the activity successful.

He told the delegates to also share what they have learned and experienced during the two-day activity to their respective communities and to their families. 

The LWYD is the local version of the World Youth Day established by the late Pope John Paul II, who will be canonized as a saint together with Blessed John XXIII on April 27. (FREEMAN)