A Catholic Church in Dagupan City, Pangasinan is calling for peace as the crisis in the Middle East continues, expressing concern for children, the elderly, civilians, and the poor affected by the conflict.

“Noong nag-umpisa na ang digma sa Iran, sa Middle East, iniaalay talaga ang intensyon ng bawat misa. Klaro naman lagi kapag may digmaan, awtomatik ang bawat simbahan ay may panalangin,” Rev. Fr. Jerald Jimenez, parochial vicar of St. John the Evangelist Cathedral, said.

Fr. Jimenez also reminded Filipinos caught in tense situations to unite their sufferings with Christ’s.

“Isang paalala sa atin na ang kahirapan natin, pinagdaanan natin ay mas makabuluhan kung isasama natin nito sa paghihirap ni Hesukristo. All our sufferings are meaningful when we unite it with the sufferings of Christ,” he said.

He emphasized that challenges are opportunities for spiritual growth, especially during Lent, and that God shares in human suffering.

The Church acknowledged that rising fuel prices also affect the faithful, especially those planning Visita Iglesia pilgrimages.

“Meron ding epekto sa mga nagpupunta sa pilgrims site. Hindi lang gasolina ang problema dun eh kundi ‘yung paghahanda ng tamang budget, pagkain at gastos sa transportasyon. So, apektado lahat ang aktibidad sa simbahan,” Fr. Jimenez said.

While Visita Iglesia remains a meaningful spiritual practice, the Church encourages other acts of faith, including the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, visiting the sick, and visiting prisoners.