Montreal, October 20, 2024.– “International Day of Prayer for Just Peace in the Philippines” was the theme for the Ecumenical Service & Migrants Mass in Montreal Quebec. This was officiated by the Very Rev. Artemio Calaycay of the Philippine Independent Church/Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) together with Rev. Marie Claude Manga and Rev. Kent Gibbons, both of the United Church of Canada (UCC). A special guest was also present, Mr. Drew Miller of the Global International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP).
The Sermon/Reflection by Rev. Dr. Patricia Lisson Chairperson of the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines was read by Mr. Jess Agustin of ICHRP Quebec. The sermon spoke of the words of the prophet Isaiah for all people to seek peace, no more war. Peace is not the absence of conflict but it encompasses justice, equality and wholeness. “Peace requires dismantling of oppressive systems. It calls on the Philippine government to address decades of armed conflict driven by systemic inequality, injustice & oppression that obstruct the path to true peace.”
Mr. Antonio de Jesus of ICHRP Quebec & Ms. Leetha Martinez, Chair of the Filipino Parents Association of Quebec (FPAQ) led the scripture readings and facilitated the community participation.
The mass was followed by a community event where migrants & their families gathered. A special campaign was read by Mr. Tony de Jesus, Tess Agustin, and Ms. Joy Pasabing to support the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (Peasant Movement of the Philippines/KMP) and its struggle for land, food, and justice and to stand behind its call to “Stop the Killing of Farmers”.
The International Day of Prayer for Justice and Peace in Montreal also marked Philippine Peasant Month held every year on October 21. On this day in 1972, exactly a month after Martial Law was declared by Ferdinand Marcos, Sr., he issued Presidential Decree No. 27, the bogus land reform law which reconcentrated tenanted rice and corn lands in the hands of big landlords, instead of redistributing land to the tillers. The Philippine peasant movement thus observes this day, Oct. 21, as a day of protest.
Everyone enjoyed the sumptuous food spread prepared by the members of the IFI, FPAQ and Migrante Quebec. Special birthday greetings to Derek Lai and Lourdes Manansala who celebrated their birthdays.
