Serve with a ‘heart of Christ’ Palma urges priests, officials

About 13 priests were ordained and later joined Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and other bishops in a group photo after the ceremony at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

Prelate says people are ‘afraid’, that everyone should work for peace

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma called on all 13 newly ordained priests to “have a heart of Christ” as they deal with issues like the unresolved killings in Cebu City and the rest of the province in their
ministry.

In a homily, Palma said while Cebu City appears to remain peaceful the fact that people are afraid, including local leaders, “is a sign that everyone should work for peace.”

Palma referred to reports that Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña received text messages warning him of ambushes on him and his allies.

But he said he trusts the police amid allegations that some are involved in summary executions.

“In principle we always try to trust (authorities) unless proven otherwise. We know just like any other part of the society there are many in the ranks that are good but we do not discount those that may not be living up according to their calling,” Palma said.

Despite this, he called on government officials whom he referred to as “servant leaders” to see and act through “with the heart” of Christ their mandate to the people.

Last month, Palma called for an end to the series of killings that occurred in Cebu saying a “culture of impunity reigns” in the province where “respect for human life is lost.”

Some of the ordained priests like Rev. Fr. Mel John Coraraton and Rev. Fr. Francis Manugas, told reporters that they believe that spreading the word of God and prayers can make a difference in resolving whatever divisions there are in the war against drugs.

“As a member of the clergy, we cannot foment violent reactions. You cannot fight fire with fire. We really believe in prayers, so through God’s intervention and prayer, we can do something for our neighbors,” Coraraton said.

Despite his observation that a lot of people think that it is right to kill criminals, Fr. Coraraton said he believes the Church can help change that mindset through God’s Word. /USJ-R Intern Zena V. Magto