Palace: Noy also observes fasting

MANILA, Philippines - As the nation observed Ash Wednesday, Malacañang urged the people to reflect and make sacrifices this Lent, noting that President Aquino himself observes fasting particularly during Fridays.

“It will be good to reflect on the kind of life we have, if it produces good, (is) truthful, fair, just and, most of all, in accordance with God’s teachings,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said yesterday.

For his part, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the President abstains and sometimes fasts on a Friday.

“I know that because he would always remind us to avoid eating meat during Friday,” he said, adding the Palace staff are aware of this and would prepare fish even if it’s not Lenten season.

Lacierda clarified the President is much aware of the Lenten season and conscious of the sacrifices that are encouraged during this time.

“Fasting is only required on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. It’s optional during Fridays. Abstinence is encouraged during Fridays but the President reminds us to abstain. He would not tell or order us to fast. We know he does,” he said.

In a statement, the Palace spokesman said this would be a good time to look into one’s self.

“The Christian world marks the beginning of Lent, a solemn season of prayer and sacrifice. As we humble ourselves and reflect on the sinful nature of mankind, we are all reminded that redemption is made available through the gift of faith,” he said.

For those who observed yesterday’s Ash Wednesday, he has this message: “People must bear in mind what the Scripture says. This reminds us that it is only through authentic service to our neighbors, and the commitment to truth and justice, that we can bring about meaningful change in our respective communities.”

Don’t be hypocrites, Catholics urged

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle is asking Filipino Catholics not to be hypocrites this Lenten season as he urged them not to use religious activities to promote themselves but as a way to return to God.

In his homily yesterday titled “A Time to Return to God with Our Whole Heart,” Tagle said people should take part in religious activities to help them return to God and not to promote self.

He said while the three traditional disciplines – almsgiving, prayer and fasting – show Catholics’ way back to God, these acts could also be used for hypocrisy.– With Evelyn Macairan