MANILA, Philippines — Days before Catholics celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David presided over a Mass for widows and scholars affected by extrajudicial killings (EJK) during the drug war of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
David, bishop of the Diocese of Kalookan, led the Mass at San Roque Cathedral in Caloocan City.
In photos shared by the Diocese of Kalookan on Thursday, December 19, via the faith chat room of the Rappler Communities app, David offered prayers “for the eternal rest of the victims” as their families offered flowers and candles in front of the portraits of their departed loved ones.
David, who recently took his oath as the 10th Filipino cardinal, is known to be a defender of human rights and a staunch critic of Duterte’s drug war. He slammed EJK vigilantes as “termites” and “new Judases” and protected witnesses in the killing of teenager Kian delos Santos.
Here are photos of the Mass for EJK victims, courtesy of the Diocese of Kalookan.
ALSO ON RAPPLER
- LIVESTREAM: Simbang Gabi 2024
- SCHEDULE: Simbang Gabi, Misa de Gallo 2024 sa mga mall at iba pang pasyalan
- PANOORIN: Bishop Ambo David, ang bagong kardinal ng Pilipinas
- Cardinal Ambo David is back in Philippines: ‘Look at Jesus, not me’
Do you have photos of other unique Christmas traditions or activities? Share them with us in the faith chat room of the Rappler Communities app. – Russell Ku/Rappler.com