Manila churches to include HK hostage victims in Sunday Mass

For two Sundays, Catholics in the Archdiocese of Manila will include the victims of last Monday's hostage crisis in their prayers at Mass. The Archdiocese's Ministry for Liturgical Affairs directed priests, rectors and chaplains to include the victims in the "Prayers of the Faithful." On August 23, Rolando Mendoza, a dismissed policeman, hijacked a bus with 21 Hong Kong tourists and four Filipinos. After an 11-hour hostage drama, eight Hong Kong tourists and the hostage-taker were killed. "For all who have died, especially those who lost their lives in the hostage-taking tragedy on August 23, that in death they may pass on to complete freedom, to the land where there is neither tear nor sorrow, nor anger and pain, let us pray to the Lord," read the first intention, the text of which was posted on the archdiocese's website on Friday. The second intention will be for those grieving over the loss of their loved ones, and for all who witnessed the "violent and senseless taking of innocent lives." Both intentions will be included in all masses on August 29 and September 5, 2010. "For our brothers and sisters who are grieving and in pain at the tragic death of loved ones, countrymen, and fellowmen, at the August 23 hostage crisis, for all of us all who witnessed this violent and senseless taking of innocent lives, that we may not allow the power of hatred to blind us but that we may discover the creative power of forgiveness and understanding to stop the cycle of violence and hatred, let us pray to the Lord," it said. Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission director Fr. Genaro Diwa said the hostage-taking incident "has deeply wounded our psyche and soul for its inexplicable violence and senseless brutality." What magnified the tragic scenario was what he called the "glaring, and oftentimes, irresponsible coverage of the media." "In this period of mourning and self-examination we turn to our loving God, the source of all consolation, wisdom and peace. While many already have prayed and are praying for those who suffered in this unfortunate incident, we propose that we lead the congregation in a communal prayer through our prayers of the faithful," he said. "May our prayers reach up to heaven to God our Father, and through His Son Jesus give us peace and through the Holy Spirit enlighten our minds and hearts," he added. –VVP, GMANews.TV