Archbishop Gilbert Garcera. Photo credit: Veritas 846
Pastoral Statement Against Divorce
Couples who overcome trials in marriage together grow in virtue and happiness. That is why decent peoples of the world accompany couples and families toward reconciliation and healing. And our holy Mother, the Church, will always and everywhere be there to help.
Children deserve a Home where love, faithfulness, and forgiveness reign. In particular, they don’t want to see their parents quit because there are difficulties in their relationship. The sight of their parents persevering together will always remain with them especially when they will have their own families.
Science and human experience tell us that marriage is an immutable and undeniable good. Even in difficult marriages, children have benefited psychologically, physically and spiritually. Its demands and benefits lead to a better, compassionate, stable and more dynamic society. Our Constitution’s goal of the common good demands all these.
The dignity of women and men require all these. Because of all of these, Christ the Lord raised Marriage to the dignity of a Sacrament. Let not Congress lay waste these victories with a divorce bill.
“Because of the hardness of your hearts, Moses wrote you this commandment [on divorce]. But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother (and be joined to his wife), and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate” (Mk 10:5-9).
NO TO DIVORCE!
21 February 2018
Note: The above statement was discussed during the first meeting of the 2018 ECFL National Conference. The following were present and called for the issuance of a pastoral statement against divorce. This is the shortened version.
Benjamin Aguilar of the Prayer Warriors of the Holy Souls
Michael Ariola, Jimmy and Lorna Ilagan, Lawrence Quintero of Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation
Dr. Rene Bullecer of Human Life International – Philippines
Victorico and Ma. Clarita Fernandez of Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon
Floro and Natalia Teresita Flores of Focolare New Families Movement
Raymond Ganar and Rex Morales of World Organization Ovulation Method Billings
Eduardo Jr. and Socorro Hipolito of Catholic Engaged Encounter
Ed and Emma Karganilla of Regina Pacis Mundi
Rene and Ellen Lantin of the Neocatechumenal Way
Timothy Laws of Alliance for the Family Foundation, Inc.
Maria Elma Lopez and Grace Helen del Castillo of Subtle Attacks against the Family Explained
Guillermo and Zenaida Mallillin of Servants for Family Empowerment
Michael Anthony Mapa of Filipinos for Life
Noemi Marasigan, Manjoe and Lenette Mendoza of Educhild Foundation, Inc.
Oca Oblefias, Ansel Beluso, and Xavier Padilla of Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life
Reyes Ordoñez and Renato Rafon of Familia
Carlos Antonio Palad and Lito David of ProLife Philippines
Renato and Lilian Perez for Heartbeat Pregnancy Support Services of Asia, Inc.
Julio and Merle Gilda Ramores of Catholic Grandparents Association
Maureen V. Q. Reyes, for Lay Evangelization – Katesismong Pamilya
Lee-An Rosal of Live Life
Edwin Valles of Courage – Philippines
Edna Vargas of Worldwide Marriage Encounter – Philippines
Dexter and Jessica Yu of the Christian Family Movement
Archbishop Gilbert A. Garcera of the Episcopal Commission for Family and Life
