To be able to do this, everyone must get to know their desired candidates, said the prelate during his Easter Mass on Sunday, April 17, 2022, at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral in downtown Cebu City.
Palma condemned the spread of fake news, and urged the faithful to carefully unravel the truths behind all the lies circulating through different information platforms.
“The victory of Jesus is also the victory of our country. This exercise of democracy is a gift for us that we can use for the common good,” he said.
On May 9, Filipino voters will elect the successor of President Rodrigo Duterte, whose six-year term ends at noon on June 30. The voters will also elect local elective positions and 12 senators.
Encouragement
Palma has also encouraged the faithful by telling them that believers would emerge triumphant despite all the troubles in the world.
The prelate said the coronavirus pandemic, Typhoon Odette (Rai) and Tropical Storm Agaton (Megi) are part of life’s challenges that would make people realize the importance of having a strong faith.
“No matter how many challenges we will face, those who believe in God will always be victorious,” said Palma.
Easter is the culmination of Holy Week this year, which began on Palm Sunday, April 10. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after His crucifixion.
Palma declared the people’s victory over the pandemic, as the situation has slowly returned to normal due to declining cases of Covid-19.
He was thankful for the successful staging of the “Sugat” procession before the mass; he was also grateful to the faithful who joined the procession and attended the mass.
Health experts had expressed their fear of another surge of Covid-19 cases after the May 9 elections because of mass-gathering events such as concerts and political rallies and the waning immunity of fully vaccinated individuals who have yet to receive their booster shots.
500 YoC culmination
Also on Sunday, the second online National Mission Congress (NMC) was held. It was attended by several delegates from different churches around the world.
In an interview after the mass, Palma said the event is part of the week-long culminating activities for the 500 Years of Christianity celebration. The last day is on April 24.
The NMC carried the theme “Gifted to Gift,” which focuses on the essence of sharing God’s gifts and the grace of love.