Philippine Knights pray for world’s persecuted Christians
By CBCP News
March 20, 2019
Manila, Philippines
The Knights of Columbus – Philippines prayed for Christians suffering persecution around the world as they marked the feast of St. Joseph, protector of the Church, March 19.
The Filipino Knights unite with other members of the Order worldwide in grieving the violence that plague churches across the globe.
Led by K of C Supreme Director Bro. Jose Reyes, Jr., dozens gathered in Manila to pray the rosary, culminating a “Triduum Prayer for Peace”.
The Knights of Columbus Supreme Council has chosen this intention following the twin blasts that hit a packed church in Sulu last Jan. 27.
The bombings of the Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo City left at least 23 people dead, including two Knights, and more than 100 were hurt.
Brothers Leo Herbolario of Fr. Emile Buldoc Council 8181 and Reynaldo Pescadera of Bishop Francis McSorley Council 4552 were among those who died in the attacks. Among the injured were Oscar Asares, Arturo Ablay and Vincent Unding, all of Council 8181, and Roderick Hoe of Jolo Carmelite Council 9419.
After hearing the incident, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson immediately ordered a worldwide prayer for the victims of the church attacks.
“We are also offering this not only for Mindanao but for all our persecuted brothers and sisters all over the world,” said Reyes, who is also the K of C Luzon North Deputy and Chairman of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI).
An estimated 200 million Christians globally face the threat of persecution because of their faith.
The Knights of Columbus Supreme Council has pledged to financially assist the victims and their families, regardless of their religion.
Sulu is a predominantly Muslim province, where security forces are fighting several groups that claim allegiance to Islamic State.
“This is the Knights of Columbus. We are not exclusive. We are inclusive because love is inclusive,” said Msgr. Pedro Quitorio III, KCFAPI’s Spiritual Director.
The Supreme Council will also be donating financial assistance for the repair of the Jolo cathedral which remains unused since the bombings.
“We are reaching out in prayer and support for our brother Knights and their families in their time of grief and loss, remembering especially those who were killed or injured in this senseless attack on a Catholic sanctuary,” SK Anderson earlier said.
