Catholics in the Philippines wore white clothing to Mass on Sunday, following an appeal from their bishops as a symbolic gesture to call for renewal in the predominantly Catholic nation, which is grappling with corruption scandals. Source: UCA News.
In an October 11 letter, Cardinal Pablo David Virgilio, Bishop of Kalookan and president of the national bishops’ conference, called on Catholics to wear white clothes every Sunday of October and November, and to display white ribbons in their homes, churches, and public places.
Cardinal David said these actions would be “a sign of our desire for transparency, accountability, and good governance”.
He also appealed to Catholics for “a humble prayer” that the nation may be washed clean and renewed in God’s mercy, and spared from further calamities.
Fr Estaban Lo, rector of the Minor Basilica of St Lorenzo Ruiz in Manila, said wearing white is a symbolic gesture to make the people aware of their part in the fight against corruption.
He said white reminds the faithful of the baptismal garment and the responsibility of all baptised people.
“We extend the invitation to the faithful and have placed white ribbons in front of the church,” Fr Lo told Fides news agency.
The bishops’ letter also recalled the October 6 national call to prayer and public repentance, which urged the faithful to pray daily, recite the Rosary, perform acts of penance, and participate in the Eucharist, imploring God’s mercy and the healing of the country.
The Philippines has been plagued by billion-dollar corruption scandals linked to climate change projects and natural disasters, including typhoons and earthquakes.
Over the past several months, protests have rocked the country after investigative reports revealed that much more than $US30 billion ($47.4bn) in funds allocated for climate projects since 2022 have been plundered through numerous “ghost projects”.
Tens of thousands joined rallies in the capital Manila and elsewhere in the country to vent their anger over the massive graft scandal.
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Filipinos wear white dress for Mass protesting corruption (UCA News)
