Priest reminds public: ‘Honor the sanctity of life’
Fr. Prudencio Operiano calls on the public to honor the sanctity of life during the fourth day of Misa de Gallo on Thursday, December 19, 2019, at the National Shrine of Saint Joseph in Mandaue City. CDND Photo / Raul Tabanao
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — Thursday morning’s homily on the fourth day of Misa de Gallo here centered on the Catholic Church’s teachings against suicide, abortion, and euthanasia or mercy killing.
Fr. Prudencio Operiano of the National Shrine of Saint Joseph in Mandaue City reminded parishioners on Thursday, December 19, that taking one’s life in any way is a sin because it disregards the sanctity of human life.
“Ang kinabuhi gikan sa Ginoo. Ang kinabuhi sagrado ug sumala pa ni (Life comes from God. It is sacred and according to) Pope Saint John Paul II: ‘All stages of life, from womb to the tomb, is sacred,'” Operiano said.
While it is the mothers who carry unborn children, Operiano said their lives still belong to God.
The priest also emphasized that ending one’s life is also a sin.
“Tungod kay sagrado ang kinabuhi sa tawo, angay kining tahuron. Dako kaayong sala ang paghikog. Dako kaayong sala ang pag-abort o ang pagkuha sa kinabuhi sa bata,”Operiano said.
(Because life is sacred, it must be respected. It’s a mortal sin to commit suicide. It’s a mortal sin to abort or end the life of a child.)
Operiano also called on families to refuse to perform euthanasia or “mercy killing” for their sick family members.
The priest also called on parishioners to give value to every life in the society regardless of economic status and other social standards.
As Christmas Day draws near, Operiano said one of the greatest blessings a person could receive is the guidance to see how valuable other persons are.
“Makakakita gani ta sa atong silingan nga tawo, atong hinumduman nga siya angay respetohan, angay higugmaon, tabangan ug kaluy-an,” Operiano said.
(When we see our neighbors as fellow men, let us remember that he deserves respect, love, help and compassion.) / celr
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