Reproductive health ‘heroes’ get papal nod

Cebu City: Thirty-two people from Cebu archdiocese, including legislators who fought a controversial reproductive health bill, have received a papal award.

In a homily during the special Mass, Cardinal Ricardo Vidal said the Papal Cross Award was bestowed on the recipients “for their love of the Church and loyalty to the Pope.”

Cebu Congressmen Pablo Garcia and Eduardo Gullas, former Congressmen Raul del Mar and Antonio Cuenco, and former Cebu City Councilor Arsenio Pacana, received the award alongside priests and lay leaders cited for their contributions to Church work.

Rene Bullecer, country director of Human Life International Inc., noted that the legislators were “steadfast” in opposing the reproductive health (RH) bill and had set the tone for Congressional debates for the next three years.

The bill advocates providing access to both natural and modern family planning methods that are medically safe and legally permissible, among other provisions.

Congressman Garcia told reporters he is “happy” with the recognition by the Church. He said he fought against the RH bill because he opposes it personally.

The Church honors come as preparations began for another round of Congress debates on new versions of the bill.

Other recipients included former University of San Carlos president Divine Word Father Roderick Salazar Jr., University of the Visayas executive vice president Jose Gullas and Department of Education regional director Recaredo Borgonia, who were described as “outstanding educators.”

Jesuit Fathers Robert Rice and Giovanni Iacono were also cited along with Sister Maria Rosa Magapan from the Daughters of Saint Teresa congregation and Religious of the Virgin Mary Sister Maria Florita Taylaran.

Pope Leo XIII established the Papal Cross Award in 1888. It is conferred for dedication to Catholic Church teachings.

Courtesy: UCAN

Spiritual Resources