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Since July 10, 2005 , Kubol Pag-asa offered a radical spirituality to the Filipinos faced with a political situation beset by corruption, lies and moral degradation. It offered prayer and fasting as part of the responses to grave problems, for in the Bible, it is said that certain grave problems could only be solved by prayer and fasting.
Kubol Pag-asa offered a spirituality not only for Christians and Catholics but for all people of different faiths to be united under one God, asking for guidance and help to know how to uplift the Filipino people. Muslims, Buddhists, Yogis, Ananda marga, Catholics and Protestants gathered to be one in prayer that the Philippines may be liberated from the present political situation.
Thus Kubol Pag-asa offered a spirituality of unity for all kinds of peoples – young and old, rich and poor, of different status, occupation, etc, to be one in their ideals of a country free from corruption, lies, deception and moral degradation.
Last Day of Kubol Pag-Asa – After 162 days of prayer and fasting, a community was born. Dito umusbong ang aming parokya sa kalye, parokya sa puso.
The presence of Kubol Pag-asa in the People Power Monument became a rallying point for all types of people who felt helpless and hopeless in the midst of the present Philippine political situation. Farmers, fisherfolk, vendors, the jobless, young professionals, artists, retired employees, managers, presidents of corporations passed by the Kubol to light a candle, say prayers, express solidarity and even share their resources to show that they supported the means of prayer and fasting as an answer to Philippine political situation. Gathering together in prayer, at 6:00 p.m. every evening, the people who went there gained strength and conviction to intensify their stance against the oppressive and corrupt political situation. The moments of fasting strengthened the spirit while helping each to be more united with the sufferings of the marginalized. Fasting also helped the community to relativise their needs and to see that simplicity is an option for the liberation of the Filipinos.
Kubol Pag-asa became a symbol of a long-running protest against the Arroyo government and a reminder for the Filipinos to take a radical active stance against apathy. From the Kubol Pag-asa at the People Power Monument , the Kubol supporters moved on to the streets to protest against corruption, lies and deception. The Kubol supporters marched to push for the impeachment of the President. Protested against illegal logging, human rights violations and later launched the Silent Majority Prayer Movement.
The regular Kubol supporters shared their time, talent and resources to be able to sustain the Kubol activities and its advocacy during the 162 days it was present at the People Power Monument . In the sharing, the regular Kubol supporters identified that they have become a community of faith. The community gelled and members became close to each other sustained by the Eucharist which they celebrated everyday at 6:00 p.m. from July 10 to Dec. 18, 2005 . |
