‘Carry own crosses’ to save country, GMA appeals to Pinoys

President Arroyo called yesterday on Filipinos "to carry your own crosses just like Christ did" to save the country from poverty and conflict.

In her Lenten message, Mrs. Arroyo said: "The death of Jesus marked the start of a new beginning for the whole world. Let us follow the footsteps in order to see the light of a beautiful future for a country that is overflowing with faith, unity and perseverance."

Mrs. Arroyo also reiterated her call for unity and an end to conflict among Filipinos.

"Let us take away anger from our hearts to put an end to conflict and strife; enlighten our minds to discern the truth from among the false promises," she said.

"Use our faith to strengthen our solidarity and love for one another."

In his Lenten message, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita appealed to the people to use the Holy Week break to reflect on issues and personalities involved in the May 14 elections.

"We are only asking everybody to observe a modicum of fairness in conduct of the campaign," he said.

"We wish that after the smoke of battle, after May 14 has died down, then the Filipino people would be united because what is important is that we all strive to enrich the lives of the people," he said.

Ermita said Mrs. Arroyo is committed to resolve poverty, hunger and economic development, which are the priority of her administration.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary for Religious Affairs Fatima Valdez said yesterday she was apologizing to Fr. Corsie Legaspi for "unceremoniously" canceling Malacañang’s invitation for him to lead the retreat for Mrs. Arroyo and members of the official family.

"I’m really apologizing for the shabby treatment of Fr. Corsie, but that was purely unintentional," she said.

Valdez went to Cavite, where the priest was based, to personally apologize to him.

She had sent some people in advance to soothe whatever ill-feelings Legaspi might have over the incident.

Earlier, Secretary Cerge Remonde, Presidential Management Staff Director General, made arrangements for Legaspi to lead the retreat. Legaspi at first hesitated to accept the invitation because of the evening Mass which he traditionally celebrates on Maundy Thursday.

However, Remonde, who reportedly benefited from Legaspi’s healing Masses, was able to convince the priest to rearrange his schedule for the sake of the President and the Cabinet.

Legaspi, Remonde and Valdez had a dinner meeting to make the final arrangements on March 20.

Late last week, Valdez informed Legaspi over the telephone that another priest, Msgr. Jerry Tapiador, would take his place.

Valdez said yesterday she decided to replace Legaspi since there would no longer be any retreat as most Cabinet members could not come to Baguio. – With Paolo Romero