This is a reaction to the news report “Candidate priest faces suspension.” (Inquirer, 3/29/07)

I admit that Archbishop Oscar Cruz was not entirely out of line when he gave his opinion on the issue. In fact, I was terribly disturbed for a moment upon reading his views. While the majority of Kapampangans are devoted Christians -- from head to toe, skin to soul -- one cannot ignore the fact that some of them would have qualms (and become so insanely hypercritical) about this development which could lead to (God forbid) some discord among the people of Pampanga province.

Should the province arrive at such scenario, it’s going to be really bad news. The mere thought of it upsets me because I know it’s not a remote possibility. But, hey, aren’t we talking of the Catholic Church here, which I believe is the only institution that has lasted for more than a thousand years?
Enough said.

Anyway, I don’t think God will allow this to happen. Some may say Fr. Eddie Panlilio is no different from the ambitious celebrities aspiring to become legislators. But for me, his candidacy is far more tolerable than Lito Lapid’s ludicrous attempt to dethrone Mayor Jejomar Binay of Makati City.

What if under Father Panlilio’s governance, Pampanga does recover from its present pitiable image, which shames us Cabalens? But don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting that Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales run for president. I’m merely implying that Father Panlilio could serve as an example for our national officials and wake them up into doing their jobs to bring our country out of its present predicament.

Just an analogy shared by another priest: Jesus took off his godly robes and was willing to suffer to save His people. Father Panlilio is simply making a similar sacrifice. But one doesn’t need to be a priest to make a hero out of himself. If only we are all willing to take off our own magnificent robes, then perhaps, the world will be a much better place.

JOANNE M. BACANI, Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga