Prelate Slams Terrorists' Attack on Jolo Chapel

MANILA, Dec. 28, 2010—Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma joined other religious leaders in condemning the senseless attacks by terrorists on a Catholic chapel in Jolo on Dec. 25.

Ledesma, who is also chairman of the Commission on Interreligious Dialogue of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, conveyed his New Year’s message of peace in “solidarity with the victims of the Christmas day bombing” at Sacred Heart Chapel in Jolo.

The prelate said that “even as we condemn the senseless bombings of innocent church-goers by some extremists, we wish to express our message of peace and hope to all peoples of various cultures and religious traditions.

Fr. Romeo Villanueva, OMI was celebrating the Christmas Day Mass at the chapel when a bomb exploded and shattered the chapel’s roof.

The explosion left at least 11 innocent civilians wounded, including Fr. Ricky Bacolcol, Villanueva’s assistant.

Bacolcol, a native of Mambajao, Camiguin, and a graduate of Cagayan de Oro’s St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, was ordained priest only on November 10 by Jolo Bishop Angelito Lampon.

Ledesma said Villanueva has been a long-time advocate for justice and peace in the Sulu archipelago.

The message of peace announced by the angel on Christmas Day, the prelate said, “was given not only to the shepherds but also to the wise men and everyone today working for a just and lasting peace in our land.” (CBCPNews)