Bishop Patricio Buzon on Thursday, Oct. 9, announced the holding of a grand rosary rally against corruption in Bacolod City on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 11, that is expected to draw thousands of participants.
Buzon, at a press conference om Thursday, said the rosary rally is being held to pray for the nation and for change amid the ongoing national scandal involving flood control projects.
The bishop said so much money has ended up in the pockets of a few who are in power at “the expense of the lives and property of the people.”
“The people are angry at this huge injustice… The Church is with the people. God Himself is angry, especially if the poor are the ones victimized,” he said.
“There is a demand for accountability and justice, and hopefully, it sparks change,” Buzon said.
He said prayers are needed for conversion and change amid the deep-seated culture of corruption and impunity plaguing the nation.
Buzon, in a circular letter, called on parishes and communities in the Diocese of Bacolod to join the diocesan-wide gathering that seeks to implore God’s grace for spiritual strength and moral courage to resist and denounce the evil of corruption.
“This also aims to express the collective moral stand of our local church in our call for justice, transparency, and good governance,” he said.
The rosary rally will commence at 1:30 p.m. from three starting points across Bacolod City, with participants converging at the San Sebastian Cathedral.
The starting points are:
· North Parishes: Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
· East Parishes: Sto. Niño Shrine at BBB Galo
· South Parishes: Sacred Heart Seminary and Shrine
Following the rosary rally procession, a program and Eucharistic Celebration will take place at San Sebastian Cathedral, the bishop said.
“I sincerely hope for your active participation and support. Together, let us stand firm in our commitment to truth, justice, and the transformation of our society through the power of prayer,” he said.
Placards allowed during the procession will only carry messages from the Scriptures.
Buzon said the advocacy against corruption should be sustained not just through public manifestations but through prayers and sacrifice.
The Diocese of Bacolod will also join a national protest on Nov. 30 for societal transformation, he also said.
The bishop was joined by Fr. Michael Ma. Cuenca of the Marian Missionaries of the Holy Cross and Fr. Julius I. Espinosa, Caritas Bacolod Social Action Director, at the press conference.*