22 Feb UA Gathers in Prayer to Stop Killings, Death Penalty

I believe that anyone is capable of changing his or her life; therefore, our lives must not be taken away by anyone,” said Garnett Tolentino, a grade six pupil of the University of the Assumption, who participated in the university –wide Eucharistic Adoration held on February 17, 2017. Garnett pointed out that “we should not waste the life given to us by God“who loves us even if we sin.

These words are the very reason for the Church’s opposition to death penalty and the recent killings which are associated to the campaign against drugs.

In a circular letter, Archbishop Florentino G. Lavarias, D.D. requested Catholic schools and parishes to gather “to beg our Father to enlighten us all and move us to express our opposition to the death penalty” through Eucharistic celebrations and adoration.

Many of the members of the UA community attended the activity which simultaneously happened at the University chapel, UAGS Oratory, and UAJHS prayer room.

Sister Marissa Figueroa, O.P., director of UA Campus Ministry Office, explained that everyone in UA was invited to the Eucharistic Adoration to fervently pray for the sanctity of life and country. “The killings or campaign related to drugs is really challenging us to make a stand and express our conviction as a Catholic institution: that justice will continue to prevail and we continue to experience peace,” she said.

Figueroa clarified that they respect those who are not in favor of the university’s move. “We cannot force them but we can encourage them to reflect and come up with a more solid and more foundational stand based on the teaching of Christ and the Church.” She also said that the school will continue to educate on human rights so students will be aware of the Catholic teachings on the importance of life and respect for it.

On Thursday, February 16, several UA students and employees, together with seminarians of the Mother of Good Counsel Seminary, marched from UA to the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando for the “Mass for Life” which was officiated by the Archbishop and Kapampangan clergy.