Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro
Archbishop's House
P.O. Box 113
9000 Cagayan de Oro City
Philippines
August 28, 2007
Dear Kagay-anons,
During this feastday of the patron of our city and archdiocese, St. Augustine, we can ask for his special intercession regarding three current concerns.
The first concern is that we continue to promote a culture of peace through interreligious dialogue, despite the escalation of hostilities in Jolo and Basilan. We regret the loss of lives on both sides of the conflict and pray that peace talks be resumed as soon as possible.
The second concern is about the protection of our environment against unregulated mining operations reported in the upstream areas of Dansolihon, Pigsag-an , and other nearby places. In particular, the irreversible erosion of the topsoil through flush mining has polluted Iponan River and nearby waterways. Sooner or later, this will have a negative impact on the city’s premier tourist attraction, whitewater rafting.
Thirdly, we are concerned about the inability of COMELEC to accommodate all the eligible young voters during the limited registration period last July. A conservative estimate of 100,000 young voters may have been “disenfranchised” throughout the city and province simply because of the cumbersome procedures of COMELEC. A manifesto from the young voters of the city recommended a school-based registration campaign instead.
These then are our three wishes for the present and future wellbeing of our region – to preserve the peace, to conserve the environment, and to empower our young voters for coming elections.
Through the example of St. Augustine, may we learn to fashion the City of Man in the light of our higher calling in the City of God.
In our Lord,
(Sgd.) +Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J.
Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro
No comments:
Post a Comment