MANILA, Philippines - The Catholic church should be wary of using the Holy Mass as a f vieworum for politicals and ranting discourse.

Devout Catholics have the highest regard for the Mass, an attitude that I always instill in my family, including my grandchildren. One attends Mass not only as a faithful obligation but as an occasion to listen intently to God’s word, receive His grace and uplift one’s spiritual bearing.

We have too much politicking as it is; to use the sacrosanct halls of the Church as a venue to express opinions or views on governance is way beyond civility to millions of respectful Catholics. That is why I cannot help but be aghast at the sight of churchgoers sentimentally raising fists and collectively singing supposedly patriotic songs, while some prominent leaders of society criticize public officials at the altar.
Some individuals, who are obvious members of God-less partisan groups, even bring with them banners or placards and distribute political leaflets inside the church.

Of course, I join the throngs pleading that truth be told. I have no argument that everyone should contribute in the efforts to eliminate corruption in government. By all means, punish the guilty parties.

But I fervently appeal to the leaders from both the anti- and pro-GMA groups: enough of using sacred rites in rallying against the unjust or atrocious. We have numerous sprawling public places elsewhere to exercise freedom of speech. We are guaranteed this right even without using the sacred house of God or the altar as a “newsworthy” setting or as a self-imposed assurance that what we are doing is right and in accordance with what is moral.

To church leaders, let us spare the Holy Mass in the attempt to attain political ends or else face an imminent exodus of the faithful.

—LETICIA P. CUSI, 801 Maceda cor. S.H. Loyola Sts.,
Sampaloc, Manila