CBCP head urges public to start anew

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines – The president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday urged the people to start anew in the coming year.

In his New Year message posted on the archdiocese’s website, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas also asked the people to pray that the reign of terror and the power of guns be melted by the mercy of God and the blood of His only Son.

“We beg for the end of terrorism and the conversion of the corrupt,” he said.

He also sought prayers for peace in Syria, healing for every troubled heart and a new and brighter beginning for typhoon victims.

“We look at the year behind us with gratitude for its blessings. We also look at the new year eagerly, hoping for the best to come,” he said.