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Mass for a Nation in Crisis held
15 June 2005— As the political crisis rages on brought by controversial wiretapped audio tape and the never ending illegal numbers game racket known as jueteng affecting the present administration, a "Mass for the Country in Crisis" was held at the Immaculate Cathedral in Cubao, Quezon City June 14.
Because of various adversities veiling our lives, "where are we going and who will lead us?" These questions were raised by Bishop Ness F. Ongtioco in his homily which according to him questions that are difficult but needs to be answered.
"They (Filipinos) are like sheep without a shepherd." he said. "With all the exposes, accusations, clamor for resignation, call for rallies and demonstrations, all kinds of investigations— with all these around us today, where are we going?"
Ongtioco has also made an appeal to the authorities to lead the Filipinos to a type of government that really serves the nation, sincerely and justly without any corruption and to a society that does not pardon gambling as a way to get revenues and to escape the chains of poverty and where law applies to all.
"This is verdant pastures! This is restful waters! This is where we want to go," he exclaimed.
He also said that "selflessness and sacrifice" are traits that a good leader should possess.
Ongtioco explained that to be altruistic is to guarantee that funds allotted for the welfare of the country are used with utmost accountability and not used for oneself and not to twist and alter the truth to realize, grab or suppress power.
He also added that to sacrifice is not to give in to compromises that endanger one's integrity and dignity and not to allow millions of people to be jobless, homeless, and living below what is decent and human.
"We ask them to lead us by example. But no single person can turn this country around. We have to do our own sacrifices and live life of selflessness,' he said. (Roy Q. Lagarde)
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