Solidarity Mass held for Paris victims

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A Solidarity Mass was celebrated yesterday at the San Sebastian Cathedral in this city for the victims of the terrorist attacks in Paris, France.

Father Felix Pasquin, rector of the San Sebastian Cathedral, said a mini-flag of France was displayed at the altar and was surrounded by 129 lighted candles, representing the number of fatalities.

“All those who spread hatred and ideological fanaticism that lead to killings and wars violate the Fifth Commandment, ‘thou shall not kill,’” said Pasquin.

“Terrorists, by killing innocent people, are indeed murderers, a scourge to humanity. We are terrified. We are horrified. But Jesus’ words become alive and real: Do not be afraid. In the midst of terror, we look at the crucified Christ who conquered death and evil,” said the priest.

Pasquin, in his homily, said: “Let this tragedy strengthen us in our faith in the Lord Jesus as the conqueror of evil and strengthen more our resolve, like Paul who brings the good news of God’s love to all.”

Pasquin added that “terrorist attacks do not deter us in our witnessing and mission because we believe in the power of conscience to convert and change.”

Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, for his part, condemned the attack on innocent people in Paris, saying that “killing people to achieve one’s ends is never a sustainable option.” He then called on all for “prayerful sobriety in this time of darkness.”

Lacson said: “Let us not let darkness overwhelm and consume us with its threatening ways. Let us, instead, let the light of wisdom, peace, justice and basic human decency prevail. Let us particularly avoid being drawn into unfair discrimination of peoples according to their religious affiliations. Acts of terror are not about true religious faith but about political agenda.”

Further, the vice governor urged everyone to pray also those people “in other countries wracked by violent conflict but are not accorded as much media attention (as in France).”

Lacson said there is now a need for everyone to continue to be vigilant and promote a culture of peace via creative conflict transformation. “Conflicts are just indicators of unmet needs and should not threaten us. Instead, we should all strive to find peaceful and creative ways of addressing them.” —Marchel P. Espina (FREEMAN)