“EDSA was not a victory for one party and the defeat of another. It was not a triumph of one family vanquishing another. It was as the fulfillment of a promise, a particular instance of a triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,” Bishop Dennis said.
Cardinal Sebastian noted that these acts of penance are also being done by other non-Catholic Asians, especially Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims, bringing about a unique sense of spiritual unity within the region.
Cardinal Jose Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, said the faithful should engage in more listening and dialogue to come up with more effective and impactful pro-life strategies.
The Diocese of Penang in Malaysia aims to foster collaboration, support, and joint efforts in the field of social mission through their Lenten campaign this 2024.
“The focus of both celebrations is different. CNY is about Thanksgiving and family reunions, while Lent calls us to the discipline of fasting, abstinence, sacrifice, prayer, and almsgiving,” Archbishop Simon Poh said.
“The Church stands with them, and as [shepherds] from various ecclesiastical jurisdictions with fisherfolk within our pastoral care, we stand with them and we bishops give voice to their fears and anxieties, their woes and their concerns,” they said.
“Let us ensure that our dream of fraternity in peace is not confined to words! The word ‘dialogue’ is, in fact, extremely rich and cannot be limited to discussions around a table,” Pope said.