Archbishop Soc: Pray the rosary vs China aggression

With the country's armed forces apparently no match against China's military, Filipinos may turn to God for help, specifically by praying the rosary, to counter the Asian giant's threat to Philippine sovereignty and freedom, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said yesterday.

- EVELYN MACAIRAN

In his three-page pastoral letter, Villegas said they have launched a "Rosary Campaign" beginning on June 27, the Feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, until Aug. 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption, to seek intercession from the Blessed Mother.

Villegas extended his invitation to pray the rosary not just to Catholics belonging to his archdiocese, but to all the faithful.

"May the power of the rosary preserve our nation's faith and freedom. May the power of the rosary crush the serpent's head! May the power of the rosary drive away Satan's power from our shores," Villegas said.

He also encouraged acts of penance and supererogation "with particular intensity" during this period.