The Call to Prayer, the Call to Remember

On Sunday, September 24, 2023, the Parish of St. Mary the Virgin South Hill marked the 51st anniversary of martial rule in the Philippines in a combined Sunday service with Migrante BC to remember and pray for the many faithful who've died during the dark years of martial rule. The parish took up the Call to Prayer for the Philippines requested by the Anglican Church, the United Church of Canada, and Kairos Canada supported by their partners in the Philippines because of the “grave and deteriorating human rights situation in the Philippines.”

Rector of the parish, the Reverend Fr. Expedito Farinas gathered the congregation at the end of the service around the memorial cross to light candles and offer prayers for “those who have died, for all whom we remember this day, particularly those who were killed abducted, and missing during the dark years of martial law in the Philippines, including all workers and peasants, youth and women, Indigenous people, professionals and many people of faith.”

Amnesty International estimates that approximately 70,000 people were imprisoned, 34,000 tortured, 3,240 killed, and 398 forcibly disappeared. These are the numbers for the documented victims, there are likely many more. The Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board received documents from 11,103 claimants, which is just a portion of the 75,000 victims whose records are in their safekeeping. The victims will always be remembered as long as their names are spoken, candles lit, prayers offered, and their service to the oppressed, marginalized, and the poorest of our society kept close to our hearts.

A small table of flowers was exhibited inside the community hall where a short program was held. On display were photos of victims of martial law from 1972 to the present, including current political detainees. Luthfi Mawarid, the Secretary General of ICHRP- Canada, spoke to the congregation: “Though I am not from the Philippines, but your neighboring country Indonesia, our country lived through similarly dark times under President Suharto. I am truly inspired by the commitment of the Filipino people to never forget and to continue the fight for human rights, as well as the decades-long partnership and solidarity work of the Canadian people, especially church communities here in BC, for the Filipino people, going back to the days of Martial Law.”

Mr. Amado Mercado, Jr of the Angat Buhay Coalition and the founder-president of the Filipino Canadian Construction Company asked for a commitment to remember the dark years, to remain vigilant and to take action to ensure that this does not happen again.

In the Call to Prayer for the Philippines, the Rev. Expedito read, “We pray for those who peacefully challenge state laws and practices, give them strength and courage to stand their ground for truth and justice. Protect their lives from those who seek to harm them when they voice their dissent.”  

Assistant Warden of the parish, Erie Maestro shared the recent message from the Catholic Bishop of San Carlos, Gerardo Alminaza, which began with the words from the prophet Amos: “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” Bishop Alminaza wrote that when the dream of justice and peace remains elusive and “government leaders choose silence and enable injustice… we must wholeheartedly embrace our integral role in caring for both people … remain vigilant and actively engage in efforts to end repressive acts by the military and hold the state accountable.”

The service and fellowship are commitments to our common dream of a better world: “As peace-loving Canadians, we thank you God for the opportunity to be in harmony and solidarity to people working for a just peace… to work for things that are true, noble, just…to make this world a better place.”

IMAGES

• Fr. Expedito leads the prayers for those who died 
• Lighting candles at the Memorial Altar
• COLLAGE: Amado Mercado; Luthfi Mawarid; Fr. Expedito; “The People’s Christ” by Bert Monterona; The photo exhibit; Erie Maestro

Photos: Courtesy of Expedito Farinas