SPARE HOLY WEEK FROM POLITICS
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma celebrates Mass at the St. Pedro Calungsod Shrine on his 66th birthday last March 19. (CDN PHOTO/SAMMY NAVAJA)
There is a clear separation of Church and state particularly in matters involving politics. But in this case, both the Catholic Church hierarchy and the head of the Commission on Elections in Cebu are sending the same message: no politics on Holy Week.
As the campaign period for local positions begins on Black Saturday, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma appealed to candidates to spare the Holy Week from the noise of politics.
In an interview, the prelate said the campaign period could wait until the most somber and sacred period in the Church’s liturgical calendar is over.
“While politicians have the right to campaign, people would want to see them observe and keep the solemnity of Holy Week,” Palma said.
Cebu Provincial Elections Supervisor Eliseo Labaria likewise reminded local candidates to refrain from participating in any Holy Week activities, especially on Good Friday.
Labaria stressed that candidates could not participate in any reenactment of the passion of Jesus Christ done during Good Friday.
Radio announcers are also not allowed to mention candidates’ names during sponsored radio programs like the Siete Palabras or the Seven Last Words, he added.
The climax of Holy Week is the Paschal Triduum which starts today, Maundy Thursday and ends on the eve of Easter Sunday.
On these days, Christians all over the world commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago.
Palma urged the faithful to meditate on Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice as an expression of His great love for mankind.
The best way to relive the sacred mysteries of the Christian faith, he said, is by attending the different activities at Catholic churches and to go to confession.
“The Church has been reminding our people that the Holy Week is not a time for vacation. I asked everyone to reflect upon the sacred mysteries of our faith, centered on God’s love,” he said.
CHOOSE THE BEST LEADERS
And since Election Day is barely seven weeks away, Palma said the electorate should also contemplate on the qualities of a good leader, and who among the candidates would truly serve the people.
“Let us study, reflect upon and pray so that we would choose leaders who have clear plans for the country and will truly bring about prosperity in our land,” he said.
Like in previous years, Palma said voters should examine the lifestyle, track record, reputation and actions of candidates, among other qualifications.
“Electing someone is a privilege. Voters should therefore discern. Having good leaders for the country depends on us,” he said.
“For candidates, we pray that they will be inspired with sincere motives. My point is they can run for various reasons but at the heart of it should be real service to the community,” he added.
SCHEDULE
Palma will lead the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral at 4 p.m. today.
He will also reenact the washing of the apostles’ feet as Jesus’ symbol of humble service and love for each other.
On Good Friday, priests and selected lay persons will give their meditations on the the Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ or Siete Palabras at the cathedral from 12 noon until 3 p.m.
It will be followed by the celebration of the Lord’s Passion and the veneration of the Holy Cross to be led by Palma.
On Black Saturday, the Church will celebrate the Easter Vigil also known as the “mother of all vigils.”
Among the highlights will be the renewal of the baptismal promises as the faithful hold candles and make a vow “to reject Satan and his empty promises and to follow the Lord’s will.”
Church rituals include the blessing of water and fire, to commemorate Christ’s passing from death to life.
At dawn of Easter Sunday, religious processions will reenact the meeting of the Virgin Mary and her son Jesus Christ in the “Sugat,” Cebuano for “meeting.”
Palma will celebrate the Easter Sunday Mass at the cathedral at 5 a.m.
PROHIBITIONS
Meanwhile, Labaria reminded candidates since the local campaign will officially start on Black Saturday, or March 26, all campaign prohibitions stated under the Fair Elections Act will take effect on that day.
This means that local officials are not allowed to put up campaign posters at non-designated common poster areas. Also prohibited are the putting up of tarpaulins with the name and picture of the candidate greeting a municipality or a barangay during their fiesta, he said.
Under the Fair Elections Act, any candidate found to be committing an election offense may face an imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation.
If found guilty, the candidate may be sentenced to suffer disqualification from holding public office and deprivation of the right of suffrage.
For political parties found guilty, they are subject to pay a fine of not less than P10,000, which shall only be imposed after their corresponding officials have been found guilty.
Labaria said Comelec will conduct an Oplan Baklas on the 2nd week of April to remove illegal posters.
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