Acta Francisci Pp. 145

dence to the throne of God's grace.8 These words have a special resonance

in this place. Amid great suffering you never ceased to confess the victory

of the cross, the triumph of God's love. You have seen the power of that

love revealed in the generosity of so many people and in so many small

miracles of goodness. But you have also seen, in the profiteering, the looting

and the failed responses to this great human drama, so many tragic signs

of the evil from which Christ came to save us. Let us pray that this, too,

will lead us to greater trust in the power of God's grace to overcome sin

and selfishness. Let us pray in particular that it will make everyone more

sensitive to the cry of our brothers and sisters in need. Let us pray that

it will lead to a rejection of all forms of injustice and corruption which, by

stealing from the poor, poison the very roots of society.

Dear brothers and sisters, throughout this ordeal you have felt the grace

of God in a special way through the presence and loving care of the Blessed

Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help. She is our Mother. May she help

you to persevere in faith and hope, and to reach out to all in need. And

with Saints Lorenzo Ruiz and Pedro Calungsod and all the saints, may she

continue to implore God's mercy and loving compassion for this country,

and for all the beloved Filipino people. Amen.

8 Cf. Heb 4:16.