Filipino compassion, spirit to help RP weather global econ crisis - Cardinal Rosales

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales on Wednesday expressed confidence that the Filipino's compassion and spirit of sharing will help the country surpass the impending economic crisis which is being experienced by some countries. "Compassion and the spirit of sharing, of which the Filipino is noted to have much, will make life at least bearable for both the poor and the rich," Rosales said in his New Year message. The prelate said among the other practices, Filipinos may begin preparing to cushion the impact of the economic crisis by toning down celebration expenses or "making do with what we have." Rosales, however, said that should the impact of the global economic crisis hit home, the country will need more than "economic justice" may not be enough to stem the tide of dissent. "There is the possibility, they say, that the world's current financial and economic crisis may affect the country by next mid year. Please God, it may not happen. But if it does, then, in an emergency situation, more than an economic justice will be needed to ensure peace," Rosales said. He said the new threat to world peace is the widespread severe poverty that has rooted itself among people "for wherever more people are hungry, jobless and homeless, peace is never securely established." Rosales said the first day of the year was declared as the World Day of Peace to emphasize the universal hunger for peace among all people. "However, people's quiet is endlessly threatened whenever they are victimized by injustice, lies and violence." Rosales said despite this, there is still hope that people will be able to pass any hardship. "Again there is hope among believers because our greatest guarantee is Christ's own Paschal Mystery, THE model for all human passages. His Triumph alone assures us that we also will be able to go across any, and all barriers, sin and death, included. Mabuhay ang taong may Pananampalataya! Mayroon siyang Pagasa! (Long live the person who has faith! He has hope!)," Rosales said. - Amita Legaspi, GMANews.TV