27 July 2019
The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.” (Gen 4:10)
With the recent spate of killings in Negros, so much blood has already been spilled in the island. The blood of those killed cries to be heard. It calls out to our basic humanity to be one with those who have been afflicted by this violence.
The figures are staggering. Nine (9) killed on 20 October 2018; six (6) on 27 December 2018 and 14 on 30 March 2019. Then, in a period of just over a week – starting July 18 up until today, 21 were killed.
And this is just to cite a few.
Nevertheless, these numbers fill us with deep sadness. This unfolding cycle of violence and vendetta is a matter of grave concern for us.
How many more killings will it take for us to be able to hear these cries, and be moved to say, we are our ‘brother’s keeper’?
As your pastors, we unequivocally denounce this total disregard for the primacy and sanctity of human life.
Therefore, to remind us of the value of life, we instruct the Dioceses of Bacolod, Dumaguete, Kabankalan, and San Carlos to toll the church bells in all parishes, chaplaincies, mission stations, and religious houses every evening at 8 o’clock.
In the stillness of night, the tolling of the bells signifies our communion as Church. We are to remember those who have gone before us – including those whose lives have been snuffed by these killings – they, who are our brothers and sisters.
To deliver us from this violence, we pray the Oratio Imperata to End the Killings in Negros Island. We ask God to disturb those who are responsible for this evil and have blood in their hands that they may have a change of heart and be renewed.
Let us say this Oratio after the post-communion prayer in all our masses.
The tolling of the church bells and the praying of the Oratio will start this Sunday, 28 July 2019 and until the killings stop.
.Signed by:
MOST REV. GERARDO A. ALMINAZA, D.D.
Bishop of San Carlos
MOST REV. JULITO B. CORTES, D.D.
Bishop of Dumaguete
MOST REV. PATRICIO A. BUZON, SDB, D.D.
Bishop of Bacolod
MOST REV. LOUIE P. GALBINES, D.D
Bishop of Kabankalan
