Bishops remind Filipinos to hear Mass and pray for Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines—Don’t forget to hear Mass.

Members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines reminded the faithful about their Sunday obligation as the whole country is expected to tune in Sunday to the much-awaited rematch between Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas.

Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros said the faithful could go to Mass before the fight and pray for Pacquiao’s victory.

“They can go either before or after as long as they go to Mass. Let us just pray for Pacquiao’s victory,” Oliveros said.

Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes, a member of the Permanent Council of the CBCP, said that while it was ideal to hear Mass first, it was up to the faithful to decide.

“The people enjoy the freedom as to the time they will attend Mass, provided there are still Masses in their localities after Pacquiao’s fight,” Bastes said.

“We respect the people’s choice whether to go to Mass before the Pacquiao fight or after. What is important is they fulfill their Sunday duty to go to Mass,” Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said.