Outside the shrine, Brown led the releasing of 35 pigeons to symbolize the 35 years since the peaceful people’s revolt that overthrew the government of then-president Ferdinand Marcos, who had ruled the country with dictatorial powers.
“I think the People Power Revolution really demonstrates the power of unity, the power of shared values, the power of solidarity… And we can also aspire for the same values on our own world today,” Brown told reporters.
He also officiated a mass where he asked Filipinos to continuously pray for peace and justice.
The envoy of the Holy See to the Philippines said there is no peace if there is no justice.
“Justice is the foundation of peace in the society. If there isn’t justice, when people can’t receive justice, they react in violent ways. So whenever we can promote justice in the society, we are promoting peace,” Brown said during his homily.
With the on-going COVID-19 crisis, he also called on the public to continuously follow government health protocols as we pray for this pandemic to end soon.
He also stressed the importance of prayers in overcoming the stresses that the pandemic has caused.
“It’s also a time in which we are forced to be alone, these children go to school via streaming, via Zoom, and so forth. And that creates special stresses to families and individuals. It’s a time to turn to God in prayer. It really is. It’s a time to open our hearts in prayer. Ask him to strengthen us. Asking him also for speedy end to this pandemic,” the papal nuncio said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 24) — Archbishop Charles Brown, the Vatican’s apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, on Wednesday called for solidarity as he joined activities commemorating the anniversary of EDSA People Power at the EDSA Shrine in Quezon City.
