Anti-RH advocates to deliver 'State of the Soul of the Nation Address'

On July 25, the day that President Benigno Simeon Aquino III will deliver his "State of the Nation Address" (SONA), groups opposing the Reproductive Health (RH) bill will hold "State of the Soul of the Nation Address" (SSONA) in San Juan City. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said the SSONA will be delivered during the Congress of the Faithful, a gathering of Christian and Muslim groups. "A consolidated statement written by the Congress of the Faithful will be read and conveyed to President Aquino himself during the activities," an article on the CBCP for Life website said. "The statement shall address the need to unite Filipinos in rekindling the fading status of morality in governance," the CBCP added. Monday’s gathering was organized by the Pro-Life Philippines Foundation, the CBCP said. Humanae Vitae July 25, SONA Day, also marks the 43rd anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s Humanae Vitae, the 1968 encyclical that reaffirms the Church's teaching on married love, responsible parenthood, and regulating birth. The "Humanae Vitae" was written by Pope Paul VI and issued on July 25, 1968. Subtitled "On the Regulation of Birth," the papal letter reaffirms the traditional teaching of the Catholic Church on married love, responsible parenthood, and birth control. The papal letter became highly controversial as it prohibits all forms of artificial contraception. Day of healing Monday's activity is seen as a day of healing of the soul and body. Healing priest Father Fernando Suarez will deliver the homily during the Mass that will be presided over by Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo. The Mass will be held at the Santuario de San Jose Parish in East Greenhills, San Juan at 9:00 a.m. “It is in these momentous events that we deem it necessary to hold an activity that calls for the restoration of moral integrity in our country especially on issues that largely affect the family and the sanctity of human life," said Pro-Life Philippines president Eric Manalang. Christian worship service While the Mass is going on, evangelical Christian groups will hold a worship service at the nearby Club Filipino. After the Mass, Catholic massgoers will join members of evangelical Christian and Muslim groups in a silent protest at the Corazon Aquino Kalayaan Hall of Club Filipino. The organizers invited socio-civic groups, faith-based organizations and concerned individuals and families to take part in the event. They encouraged participants to bring banners and streamers "bearing life- and family-affirming messages." - VVP, GMA News