AMID the spate of killings and suicide incidents in Zamboanga City, the Archdiocese of Zamboanga has set a Day of Prayer and Fasting throughout its jurisdiction on Friday, August 18.
In a four-page Pastoral Letter, Zamboanga Auxiliary Bishop Moises Cuevas said all parishes and religious communities are enjoined to hold the Day of Prayer and Fasting.
“There shall be a simultaneous Day of Prayer and Fasting, to be held on Friday, the 18th of August, 2023, in all parish churches, the seminary, and religious communities in the Archdiocese of Zamboanga,” said Cuevas.
“This Day of Prayer and Fasting on the said date shall proceed with the ringing of church bells on the said date at 8 in the evening, followed by the communal recitation of the Holy Rosary,” he added.
The prelate said the Day of Prayer and Fasting has been set in response to the recent rise in criminality in the city.
“(This is) for the protection and security of the Zamboangueño people, amidst the rampant incidents of criminality in the city, as well as the perilous conditions affecting our people due to inclement weather in the rainy season,” said Cuevas.
Since the start of 2023, several shooting incidents and killings have been reported in Zamboanga City.
The prelate said the event intends to offer prayers for the families left behind by those who committed suicide.
“(This is) for the intentions of the families affected by rising suicide incidents in the city, that vulnerable members may find support and encouragement from proper channels,” said Cuevas.
Since the onset of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, local authorities have noted an increase in the number of suicide incidents in the city.
The prelate said the prayer and fasting are deemed necessary as the city attempts to recover from the challenges it is facing.
He said the event will also be a thanksgiving for the gift of a new shepherd of Zamboanga in Archbishop Julius Tonel, who is set to assume the post on August 22.
Cuevas said he will also use the occasion to ask for prayers from the faithful as he prepares to assume his post as the new Vicar Apostolic of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro.
