THE WORSHIP OF MARY

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary

 (Holy Family Chapel, Greenhills, San Juan City)

THE WORSHIP OF MARY

Marwil N. Llasos, O.P.

                In my article on “Aba, Ginoong Maria,”[1] a certain “Richard” posed a question on the comments section[2] regarding the use of the word “worship” in reference to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Richard stated that there are “Born Again Christians” who point to certain Catholic prayers to Mary as “proof” that we do worship the Blessed Mother. In these prayers, it is literally stated that we “worship” Mary, the Mother of Jesus; hence, we Catholics are guilty of idolatry (or Mariolatry, to be precise).

            One prayer cited by Richard, which I am sure is taken out of context by anti-Catholic websites,[3] is the Prayer of St. Alphonsus Liguori taken from the Raccolta (342):

“...Queen of the world ... I worship thee, great Queen, and give thee thanks for the many favors thou hast bestowed on me in the past ... most of all do I thank thee for having saved me from hell ... I promise ever in the future to serve thee... In thee I put all my trust, all my hope of salvation.... And since thou hast so much power with God, deliver me from all temptations, or at least obtain for me the grace ever to overcome them.....”

The Raccolta: A collection of indulgenced prayers

The other prayer is found in the Novena to Our Lady of the Pillar:[4]

“Holiest Virgin of the Pillar, Mother of God, with my whole heart and with my whole soul I consecrate to you my body with all its powers, and worship you above all the angels and saints in heaven as the Daughter of Our Eternal Father who art in heaven.”

In these prayers, anti-Catholics have found the smoking gun of the Catholic crime of Mary-worship. Or have they?

Our Lady of the Pillar

For a starter, I referred Richard to the Catholic Answers tract Saint Worship available on line at http://www.catholic.com/tracts/saint-worship. The article has shown that the word “worship” has gone a change of meaning in English. Thus, it is not surprising that in old Catholic pious literature, we find the word “worship” used in reference to Mary and to the saints. But worship in this sense was – and is – never used in the sense of adoration (latria), i.e., the worship due to God.

St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church

The Raccolta, where the indulgenced Prayer of St. Alphonsus is found, is of 1800 vintage – first published in Rome in 1807;[5] hence, the archaic English language used. I own a book, Saint Worship and the Worship of Mary, published in the same era. The book was authored by Orestes A. Brownson (1803-1876). He was a Presbyterian, a Unitarian, and a Congregationalist who entered the Catholic Church in 1844. Throughout his book, the author kept on using “worship” in reference to Mary and the saints. But he never used the term worship in the context of worship (adoration) of the Deity but merely of devotion to the saints – as clearly expressed in the subtitle of the book: Why Devotion to the Saints Make Sense.

Saint Worship and the Worship of Mary by Orestes Brownson published by Sophia Press

Another proof that the usage of the term “worship” evolved or has changed is the song Mary Immaculate, Star of the Morning which devotees to the Mother of Perpetual Help sing every Wednesday during the Perpetual Help Novena. The old rendition of the hymn partly states:

“Sinners, worship thy sinless perfection;

Fallen and weak, for thy pity we plead;

Grant us the shield of thy sovereign protection;

Measure thine aid by the depth of our need.”[6]

Following the classical English language, that is how the hymn is rendered in my Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary,[7] on page 33. Now, Perpetual Help devotees in Baclaran and other churches sing every Wednesday –

“We sinners honor your sinless perfection;

Fallen and weak, for God’s mercy we plead;

Grant us the shield of your mighty protection;

Measure your aid by the depth of our need.”[8]

Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Clearly, for us Catholics, the old term “worship” as used to Mary simply means “honor,” and nothing else. The Protestant King James Version has instances where “worship” is used in reference to humans. But, as in the Catholic point of view, worship in these instances does not equate with worship appropriate to God alone (adoration).

In Daniel 2:46, we read that the “King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odors unto him.” Was the “worship” offered by the king to Daniel one of adoration or worship due to God; hence, idolatry? The Bible is clear that it is not because the king did not “worship” Daniel as God as the king in fact recognized Daniel’s God as the true God and Lord:

“The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret” (Dn. 2:47).

King Nebuchadnezzar "worships" the prophet Daniel

(www.scienceofcorrespondences.com)

Nowhere in the passage does it state that Daniel, a prophet of the Most High God, rebuked King Nebuchadnezzar for “worshipping” him. Since God’s prophet cannot tolerate idolatry, Daniel understood that the “worship” rendered him by the king was simply one of honor or homage due him as God’s servant – and never as worship (adoration) of the one true God.

Another instance in the King James Bible where “worship” is used in reference to a human being is in 1 Chronicles 29:20:

“And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the Lord your God. And all the congregation blessed the Lord God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the Lord, and the king.”

Icon of King David

Is the worship of the Lord and the king the same? Obviously not. The worship paid to God is one of adoration while to the king is simply one of honor. The same holds true to Catholic devotion and practice. The worship of God is essentially different from the worship of Mary or the saints. One is adoration (God, and only God); the other is simply honor or veneration (Mary and the saints). Catholic theology is clear on the distinction between latria (adoration due to God), hyperdulia (veneration to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and dulia (veneration due to the angels and the saints).[9]

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary of La Naval

(Photo: Marvin Martinez)

---

[1] http://bromarwilnllasos.blogspot.com/2008/11/aba-ginoong-maria-aba-po-santa-mariang.html. 

[2] http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5249487892866557785&postID=7116695661244346621.

[3] http://www.dianedew.com/mary.htm. 

[4] https://m.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=528811100465919&_ft_=fbid.528811100465919.

[5] http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12620a.htm.

[6] Melody from Himmels-Lust, 1679, adapted and harmonized by J.S. Bach, text by F.W. Weatherell (1829-1903).

[7] John E. Rotelle, ed., (New Jersey: Catholic Book Publishing, 1988), p. 33.

[8] http://www.scribd.com/doc/84290298/Lyrics.

[9] http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15710a.htm.

Collage of Saints

STATEMENT OF AKP SENATORIAL CANDIDATE MARWIL N. LLASOS ON THE WHITE VOTE MOVEMENT

Atty. Marwil N. Llasos: Endorsed by the White Vote Movement

STATEMENT ON THE WHITE VOTE MOVEMENT

Call for Unity and Victory

While I was having dinner in a mall in Cubao last Sunday, April 28, 2013, I learned about my inclusion in the list of the White Vote Movement (WVM) through the news advisory sent to me by SMS by a member of the Council of the Laity who is close to me because of our common devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Rosary. Just seconds after I received the advisory, I received calls and messages from family members, friends and supporters congratulating me for my inclusion in the WVM list which they learned from the breaking news on television.

I was of course ecstatic upon hearing the news. I am grateful to the Council of the Laity for including me in the WVM list. I sincerely believe that my inclusion in the list is a product of their prayerful discernment. I thank the members of the Council of the Laity individually and collectively for being thus honored.

Atty. Marwil N. Llasos with the WVM pose

In some reports, I am quoted as saying that I did not actively seek the WVM endorsement – which is true – simply because I do not really actively seek the endorsement of any group. I respect the freedom of the discernment process of each group. However, I wish to state that I sincerely hoped and prayed for my inclusion in all the lists of various Catholic lay groups. In the same vein, I hoped and prayed for the inclusion in the lists of my two other party-mates, JC Delos Reyes and Lito David, who I believe as better prolifers than me and who have been in the prolife movement longer than I have been.

I accept my inclusion in the WVM list, as well as in others, as an unmerited gift. My personality is insignificant as I am only a miserable instrument in the higher causes of life and family. In all humility and fully conscious of my nothingness, I accept the endorsement of the White Vote Movement. Contrary to the inaccurate and confusing reports, I am not declining the WVM indorsement. I owe it to my supporters and to the causes that I espouse to accept the endorsement of WVM with a grateful heart. Surely, the WVM endorsement (as well as that of others) has tremendously given my candidacy a big boost which augurs well for my victory at the polls in May 13, 2013. My victory is the victory of life and family contained in the platform and principles of my party, Ang Kapatiran Party, which is being pro-life across the board given its consistent ethic of life.

Atty. Marwil N. Llasos' courtesy call to El Shaddai's Bro. Mike Velarde at Amvel City

          Since April 29, 2013, I sincerely sought audience with Bro. Mike Velarde of El Shaddai Prayer Partner Foundation (El Shaddai) and a member of the Council of the Laity. I wished to thank him for the WVM endorsement, as well as to personally apologize for not arriving on time for the WVM proclamation last Saturday, April 27, 2013.

          Despite his hectic schedule as head servant leader of El Shaddai, Bro. Mike Velarde was gracious to receive me in his Amvel office for my courtesy call. Given the stature of Bro. Mike, I felt honored to meet with him. We had a good conversation and I am thankful for the opportunity.

Atty. Marwil N. Llasos expresses this gratitude and appreciation to Bro. Mike Velarde for the endorsement and support of the White Vote Movement for senatorial candidacy

          I explained to Bro. Mike the circumstances why I arrived late in the proclamation last Saturday. Bro. Mike expressed that he really waited for me even after the proclamation hoping that I would still see him. I appreciate his truly magnanimous gesture and I apologized for not anymore proceeding to Amvel even after the proclamation. I intimated to him that while I was rushing on breakneck speed towards Amvel, I tuned in to DWXI to monitor the events in the El Shaddai fellowship. I noted that Bro. Mike deliberately extended his talk for 45 minutes. I was told that he was really waiting for me. I thanked Bro. Mike for his efforts and I apologized for not arriving on time in the WVM proclamation as I expressed my full and personal responsibility on the matter.

          I now wish to thank once again Bro. Mike Velarde, the Council of the Laity and its partners. To all my supporters and friends who supported me all the way and prayed for me all the time, my sincerest thanks and appreciation.

Atty. Marwil Llasos explained to Bro. Mike Velarde the circumstances why he did not arrive on time for his proclamation on April 27, 2013

          I appeal to my supporters to disengage from divisive and hurtful comments against the fruit of discernment by any particular group. Let us rather spend the remaining days of the campaign working for the victory at the polls of all those who are truly pro-God, pro-life and pro-family candidates which include all three Kapatiran senatorial candidates, LITO DAVID (9), JC DELOS REYES (10) and myself (20).

          As a Senatorial candidate of Ang Kapatiran Party, and having been indorsed by various Catholic lay groups, I am now calling for UNITY of all Catholics as well by all men and women of goodwill to deliver a CATHOLIC VOTE on May 13, 2013. Now is the time to put up a united front against our common enemies – those who threaten family and life through DEATH bills.

Lawyers for family, lawyers for life: Atty. Marwil N. Llasos and Atty. Au Santiago of the Council of the Laity

Let us put aside for the moment whatever little differences we have and focus instead on the remaining days of the campaign. As my party-mate in Kapatiran Party, Lito David, has already expressed: “The Catholic Vote has arrived and is here to be reckoned with. The Holy Spirit has once again prevailed… The elections in the Philippines will never be the same again. While we differ in many respects but truly we strike the same cord. We are blessed to have been made instruments in this lay initiative with the support of the clergy and the religious…”

Indeed, we must win this fight together! Let us bind ourselves to the CAUSE which is higher and greater than our selves!

Bro. Mike Velarde flanked by some members of the Council of the Laity and endorsed candidates of the WVM

Already, there have been initiatives of the Catholic lay faithful endorsing candidates for the May 13, 2013 midterm elections. These include the Solidarity Vote Movement, Catholic Conscience Vote and of course, the White Vote Movement. Their respective lists serve as guides to the conscience of individual voters. At the end of the day, no matter which list we follow based on our individual and collective discernment, let us vote as Catholics!

My dear sisters and brothers in Christ. We are many. We are free. We are empowered, and thus we are strong. On May 13, 2013, WE SHALL WIN AND MAKE THE CATHOLIC VOTE HAPPEN!

Atty. Marwil Llasos calls for unity to bring about the Catholic Vote in May 13, 2013 elections

LLASOS SPEAKS ON AFTA IN COOP CONVENTION

Atty. Marwil N. Llasos spoke on the Asean Free Trade Area in the 17th National Convention of the Federation of Peoples Sustainable Development Cooperatives in Cagayan de Oro City

LLASOS SPEAKS ON AFTA IN COOP CONVENTION

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Kapatiran Senatorial bet and development lawyer Marwil Llasos spoke on the Asean Free Trade Area (AFTA) in the 17^th National Convention of the Federation of Peoples Sustainable Development Cooperatives (FPSDC) in Cagayan de Oro City today, April 26, 2013.

Atty. Marwil Llasos presents the objectives and goals of the AFTA

The annual convention of FPSDC, a national federation of development cooperatives, was slated from April 25-26, 2013. The federation has 75 member cooperatives with more than 9 million individual members.

The theme of this year’s convention is “The Cooperative’s Call Against Stagnation and Resource Depletion.” The Keynote Speaker was former Sen. Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, Jr. who pitched hin for his son, reelectionist Sen. Koko Pimentel.

Kapatiran senatorial bet Marwil Llasos expounds on the challenges posed by the AFTA

Kapatiran’s Marwil Llasos, an international lawyer, spoke on the AFTA, a trade bloc agreement by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) supporting local manufacturing in all ASEAN countries. The Asean Free Trade Agreement was signed on January 28, 1992 in Singapore.

Llasos said that the AFTA was aimed to increase ASEAN’s competitive edge in production in the world market. It will open doors for intense competition from the ten ASEAN neighbors. He stressed that the Philippines is one of these countries which set out to realize the potential benefits of being able to access a much larger market as a destination for its exports and a source of its import needs.

Social enterprise development lawyer and cooperatives advocate Atty. Marwil Llasos pitches for competitiveness of Philippine industries

Llasos noted that the products of the ASEAN countries are undifferentiated which means that these are major exporters of almost the same products as agriculture and fisheries products, electronic products, textile, leatherwear and computer parts. With the AFTA, the Philippines opened its doors for products to enter the country, including vegetables. The Kapatiran senatorial bet expressed concern that the full implementation of the AFTA in 2015 will threaten Philippine products like vegetables which are expected to take a plunge in sales affecting the local industry.

Open forum: Atty. Marwil Llasos calls on farmers to form into cooperatives to survive the full implementation of the AFTA

Llasos, an enterprise development lawyer, called to strengthen the competitiveness of Philippine industries. One way of doing so is for farmers to form themselves into cooperatives before 2015. He added that cooperatives must embark on business development, improve managerial and administrative skills of its officers, introduce financial literacy and entrepreneurial expertise among its members and take full, active and responsible control of production and marketing of their own products. Llasos called for creativity and diversity in the agricultural sector. He urged the agricultural sector to focus on areas where the country has competitive or comparative advantage like in organic farming. He revealed that there is an untapped global and local market for organic farm products.

Panelists: CDA Dir. Orland Ravanera, AKP Senatorial candidate Atty. Marwil Llasos, DAR Usec. Jing Pacturan and Mr. Alice Fuster Mercado of electric cooperatives

Llasos expressed optimism that by forming themselves into cooperatives, farmers will cope and survive the full implementation of the AFTA.

SOLIDARITY VOTE MOVEMENT OF THE DIOCESE OF ILAGAN INDORSE KAPATIRAN SENATORIAL BETS

Senatorial Candidates' Forum of the Solidarity Vote Movement Diocesan Chapter of the Diocese of Isabela with the theme: "Pagniningning ng Liwanag ng Pananampalataya sa Pamamagitan ng Wastong Pagpili ng Pahihiraman ng Kapangyarihan

SOLIDARITY VOTE MOVEMENT OF THE DIOCESE OF ILAGAN INDORSE KAPATIRAN SENATORIAL BETS

April 20, 2013

CAUAYAN CITY , ISABELA – The Solidarity Vote Movement Diocesan Chapter (SVM-DC) of the Diocese of Isabela indorsed seven (7) Senatorial candidates.

His Excellency Joseph A. Nacua, OFM Cap., DD, Bishop of Ilagan and Atty. Marwil N. Llasos, O.P., Senatorial Candidate of Ang Kapatiran Party

Basing on the criteria that the candidates must be pro-God, pro-life, pro-family and anti-dynasty, SVM-DC released on Saturday, April 20, 2013, the names of the candidates the diocesan lay movement is supporting:

Bishop Joseph Nacua flanked by Kapatiran and Democratic Party candidates, Ang Prolife nominee and diocesan lay leaders

1. LITO DAVID (9, Kapatiran)

2. JC DELOS REYES (10, Kapatiran)

3. BALDOMERO FALCONE (14, Democratic Party)

4. MARWIL LLASOS (20, Kapatiran)

5. MITOS MAGSAYSAY (23, UNA)

6. CHRISTIAN SEÑERES (29, Democratic Party)

7. ANTONIO TRILLANES (20, Team Pnoy)

List of candidates indorsed by the Solidarity Vote Movement of the Diocese of Isabela

SVM-DC vowed to support and actively campaign for the listed candidates. SVM-DC comprises diocesan lay groups and organizations. A sample ballot bearing the names of these candidates will be distributed by the members of the SVM-DC in the Diocese of Isabela, one of the biggest dioceses in the country.

 Mr. Florentino Ocampo, Jr., President of SVM-DC gives the welcome remarks as senatorial candidates listen

In the Candidate’s Forum for Senatorial candidates held on April 20, 2013 at Our Lady of the Pillar College-Cauayan, High School Gymnasium in San Fermin, Cauayan City, only four (4) Senatorial candidates attended, two (2) each from Ang Kapatiran Party and Democratic Party of the Philippines.

Senatoriables JC Delos Reyes (10, Kapatiran), Atty. Marwil Llasos (20, Kapatiran) and Christian Seneres (29, DPP)

From Ang Kapatiran, JC Delos Reyes and Atty. Marwil Llasos attended the forum. Also present from the Democratic Party of the Philippines were Christian Señeres and Baldomero Falcone.

Kapatiran senatorial bet JC Delos Reyes bats for principled politics

The candidates were given the chance to speak to the hundred officers and representatives of lay groups and organizations of the Diocese of Ilagan. Also allowed to speak was Atty. James Imbong, first nominee of Ang Prolife Partylist (42).

Kapatiran candidate for Senator Marwil N. Llasos greets the forum participants in Ilocano and Ibannag: "Naimbag a bigat yo amin kakabsat! Dios ta umma ngaw ta nikamo ngamin!"

After the speeches of the candidates, SVM-DC members made their “Pledge of Support” to the favored candidates.

Atty. Marwil Llasos blasts the RH law as being founded on lies and deceptions

In the afternoon, representatives from five (5) sectors propounded questions to the candidates during the Open Forum. The following sectors were represented: (1) farmer/agriculture; (2) environment; (3) women; (4) OFWs and (5) youth. Mrs. Theda C. Masa and Mr. Wilfredo Marquez moderated the forum.

Atty. Marwil Llasos scores the Aquino administration's relentless attacks on the Catholic Church

In attendance were the Bishop of the Diocese of Isabela – Most Rev. Joseph A. Nacua, OFM Cap., D.D. – and some members of the clergy.

Kapatiran senatorial bet Marwil Llasos stresses the need for pro-God, pro-life and pro-family legislators in the next Congress

The Candidates’ Forum ended with candle lighting and the making of “Pledge of Commitment” by SVM-DC members and sectoral representatives. Bishop Joseph Nacua bestowed his blessings on the Senatorial candidates indorsed by the Solidarity Vote Movement of his diocese. 

Former Buhay Partylist Rep. Christian Seneres echoes Blessed Pope John Paul II: "Be not afraid, defend life!"

Atty. James Imbong, 1st nominee of Ang Prolife Partylist, points out that the fight now is for those nearest and closest to us - family and life

Intermission number from St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Youth Ministry

Candle lighting: Senatorial candidates Marwil Llasos, JC Delos Reyes, Christian Seneres and Bal Falcone

Diocesan lay leaders join the candle lighting ceremony

Woman lay leader and the Senatorial bets raise aloft candles signifying the light of faith

Bishop Joseph Nacua and the Senatorial candidates with diocesan lay leaders in red

OUR BATTLE IN THE UNSEEN REALM

OUR BATTLE IN THE UNSEEN REALM

Baby Nebrida-Ballesty

To run for the Senate under "Ang Kapatiran" involves a lot of tears, hard work, and sacrifice. They do not have the well-oiled machinery of the LP and UNA. Most of all, they do not have the logistics. They do not have the funds and the backing of our businessmen and politicians. 

Kapatiran Senatorial Candidates Lito David, Atty. Marwil Llasos and JC Delos Reyes fight for God, life and family (Photo: @ABSCBN_Halalan)

The three of them --- MARWIL LLASOS, LITO DAVID and JC DELOS REYES, sacrificed their jobs and regular income to go around the country to be heard of what they believe is morally right. They run to TV and radio stations from Makati, to Roxas blvd and to QC for the giant networks for live and taped guesting. This involves a lot of transportation and food expense. But to these three committed men, it is a CALLING. They have been chosen to be God's messenger to deliver to our ill informed people the truth about where this country is heading. Moral issues are the core of this campaign. Marwil, JC and Lito were planted by the Holy Spirit to speak and contradict what the Pro RH candidates are propagating-- LIES, DISTORTED TRUTHS and more LIES ! Marwil, Lito and JC knew what they were up against and yet, they accepted the challenge to fight for all our beliefs. Unprepared financially, they did not waver to humbly and bravely embrace the cross – facing the battle only with their FAITH and their WISDOM as their armor. Their intentions are unquestionably sincere and pure. 

Attorneys Jo and James Imbong, Atty. Marwil Llasos and Ms. Baby Nebrida-Ballesty in the Covenenat Signing of the Movement for National Transformation and Ang Kapatiran Party at Quezon City Sports Club

It is hurtful and wrong to say that "Ang Kapatiran Party" should not be taken seriously -- after all-- they have “no chance to win anyway.” Friends tell me to stop dreaming. But really, who are we to say this? If everything is fair and square this May 13, ( the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima), we can never be so sure. Miracles do happen! They may do well if devout Catholics who are committed Pro Lifers go out of their way to campaign and vote for them. They may do well if our parish-based organizations require their members to campaign for them. How many of us would do this extra mile to travel in nearby cities to promote them? How many of us would think of printing campaign materials for them, to give away to parishes? Not many would bother, I am sure ! We all want change in the political scene and so, this is the change what we all are talking about. Let us walk the talk and stop whining about the kind of leaders we elect. Marwil, JC and Lito deserve our votes and our full support regardless of their so called ill perceived "winnability." Marwil, JC and Lito have made a difference in their media campaign. It is impressive that all of them come well prepared during TV and radio interviews. They have won many hearts, too, despite the little resources they have. 

One with the bishops, priests, religious and the People of God: Atty. Marwil N. Llasos battles against the RH Bill outside Batasan

I get furious when I hear some Catholic friends say that they will leave out the 3 Senatoriable Kapatiran candidates after all - "they will not win anyway." When they say - "Sayang lang ang boto natin sa tatlong 'yan dahil tiyak na talunan naman." My reply is this: Sayang rin ang pagka Katoliko mo - dahil hindi mo nakikita ang laban ng Panginoong Diyos. Ang mga taong ito ay naninindigan sa kanilang pananampalataya, tinataya nila ang buhay nila upang maipahayag sa mga Pilipino kung ano ang tama sa moralidad, at sa ating matitinding paniniwala bilang Kristiyano. Dapat lang iboto silang tatlo maski man lang bilang pasasalamat sa lahat ng ginagawa nila para sa ating Panginoong Diyos.

Fighter for life: Lito David charges against the RH Bill in front of PICC

May 13 Elections cannot just be a FIGHT among personalities. This is a SPIRITUAL BATTLE-- good vs evil - pro life vs pro death, Satan vs God and other moral issues attached to this. The battle that rages on in the unseen realm is between right and wrong, between light and darkness. Still others say that positive forces wanting to preserve life must fight against negative forces that intend to disrupt or destroy life. But no matter how it is described, there is no question it is a Christian reality. The health of the Church overall depend on acknowledging that the battle exists and understanding how Satan works. It is also important that we make the choice to become active in Mary's Army, the fierce Army of God. In other words, become a true soldier. Our votes and our individual choices will determine our stand on the current moral issues. 

JC Delos Reyes speaks against the moral evils in the society in a rally

Admittedly, we all don't have the cunning, the strength or the stamina to fight the battle on our own. The only way we can fight and win is to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10). The times we live in are very significant as the ramifications of this battle will be felt by the future generations of the entire country. However, the current times are also highly conducive for spiritual practice to follow His Divine Will for us. If we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can win the battle. Our Parishes should organize “Siege of Jericho,” non stop intensive praying among community members at the Adoration Chapel.

Lock in arms against the Culture of Death: Ang Prolife Partylist and Ang Kapatiran Party

We must include ANG KAPATIRAN candidates in all our Catholic lineup. In my opinion, out of gratitude and out of moral duty, Marwil Llasos, Lito David and JC De Los Reyes deserve our VOTES ! Needless to say, Pro Life Partylists, Buhay, and others Partylists that promote the value of life should win our votes. These partylists propagating LIFE should all win. And so we should make sure they have the numbers. They need not compete among themselves as they are all needed in Congress. 

May God bless and sanctify each and every soul reading this.

Baby Nebrida Ballesty

Your one small act can change this nation! Go Ang Kapatiran Party!