At present, there is an intense and big clamor from some people of Batangas for Mayor-Actress Vilma Santos-Recto to reconsider her earlier decision not to run for governor of Batangas against her brother-in-law, Vice-Governor Ricky Recto. In a speech she gave before the increasing crowd of supporters in front of the City of Lipa Municipal Office, she said that she is going to make a final decision after a week. It will be recalled that Ms. Santos-Recto originally decided to run for governor. However, it got complicated when her brother-in-law, the incumbent Vice-Governor Ricky Recto, decided to also run for governor. The Recto family, a political power in the area, is now threatened to be divided due to this development. Sen. Ralph Recto, husband of Mayor Santos-Recto, persuaded his wife to give in to his brother without promising to support him. Mayor Santos-Recto reluctantly agreed.However, the recent development of the active and open clamor of the people of Batangas for Mayor Santos-Recto to run as governor made her reconsider.
In order to make a correct and responsible decision, the mayor sought the assistance and guidance of the Archbishop of Lipa, Arch. Ramon Arguelles, D.D., to help her in the discernment process. However, there were talks about the Archbishop agreeing with the candidacy of Mayor Santos-Recto. As a leader of the Catholic Church, it would seem that it was unexpected of him to express his favor for the mayor. Many, in this country, had cried, "Separation of The (Catholic) Church and State." whenever an official of the Church expresses his opinions and suggestions to people in government, much more expressing ones preferences among candidates. Many know that the Catholic Church is very influential in this country. What it says usually has an effect and following, politics included. Therefore, this incident may become an issue against the Catholic Church.
Had the Archbishop crossed the line here? Was he dispensing his ministry faithfully here? Personally, while I agree that he is walking on thin ice here, I trust his judgment. There are times when a leader of the Church may "cross the line" for the sake of the People of God. The ministry of the priesthood, especially the bishop, is essentially to serve the people. It includes even helping them in the selection of their leaders. And when it is very very clear, he can even side with or endorse one. The Church can never just watch on the side especially when the threat of evil or devastation of her people is at stake. I really do not know all the things that are happening in Lipa. The Archbishop knows better. He even know Mayor Santos better. I believe he has great reasons for coming out and practically endorse Ms. Santos. He knows what are at stake here. He was risking his office and the Catholic Church. It must be worth it.
I do not know where this will lead to. What will be the effect of this to the people of Batangas? How about other places? What has the CBCP has to say to this? How about the Pope? I am sure he had already been made aware of this. How will the other party react to this? What will media cook up from this? In any case, the authentic and serious efforts of the bishop and the Church to lead humanity towards a good life here on earth and glory in the next life, would definitely bring everything to its intended destiny. The Church can never and will never be a fence-sitter in situations like these.
My prayers and support go to Archbishop Monching!
In order to make a correct and responsible decision, the mayor sought the assistance and guidance of the Archbishop of Lipa, Arch. Ramon Arguelles, D.D., to help her in the discernment process. However, there were talks about the Archbishop agreeing with the candidacy of Mayor Santos-Recto. As a leader of the Catholic Church, it would seem that it was unexpected of him to express his favor for the mayor. Many, in this country, had cried, "Separation of The (Catholic) Church and State." whenever an official of the Church expresses his opinions and suggestions to people in government, much more expressing ones preferences among candidates. Many know that the Catholic Church is very influential in this country. What it says usually has an effect and following, politics included. Therefore, this incident may become an issue against the Catholic Church.
Had the Archbishop crossed the line here? Was he dispensing his ministry faithfully here? Personally, while I agree that he is walking on thin ice here, I trust his judgment. There are times when a leader of the Church may "cross the line" for the sake of the People of God. The ministry of the priesthood, especially the bishop, is essentially to serve the people. It includes even helping them in the selection of their leaders. And when it is very very clear, he can even side with or endorse one. The Church can never just watch on the side especially when the threat of evil or devastation of her people is at stake. I really do not know all the things that are happening in Lipa. The Archbishop knows better. He even know Mayor Santos better. I believe he has great reasons for coming out and practically endorse Ms. Santos. He knows what are at stake here. He was risking his office and the Catholic Church. It must be worth it.
I do not know where this will lead to. What will be the effect of this to the people of Batangas? How about other places? What has the CBCP has to say to this? How about the Pope? I am sure he had already been made aware of this. How will the other party react to this? What will media cook up from this? In any case, the authentic and serious efforts of the bishop and the Church to lead humanity towards a good life here on earth and glory in the next life, would definitely bring everything to its intended destiny. The Church can never and will never be a fence-sitter in situations like these.
My prayers and support go to Archbishop Monching!
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