Nuncio Brings Promise to Philippines

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines, AUG. 27, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Though many developed nations are warning against travel to the conflict-plagued region of Mindanao, the apostolic nuncio is visiting the island and seen as raising the level of confidence about the promise of peace.

Archbishop Edward Adams arrived in Cagayan de Oro on Tuesday, invited by the pastor of that Church, Archbishop Antonio Ledesma.

Archbishop Ledesma told CBCPnews that the "visit of the papal nuncio is a good sign; he is giving confidence on the peace and order in Mindanao."

Fighting with the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the resource-rich Mindanao region has escalated this month after a breakthrough peace agreement fell through.

Amnesty International reported last week that civilians in the region were forming militia groups, and units from the MILF had occupied farms and homes and displaced another 150,000 people. The 12,000-strong separatist Islamic group has been fighting for greater autonomy in the region for some four decades.

Nevertheless, the nuncio is carrying on with celebrations marking the diamond jubilee of the archdiocese. He will lead the Pontifical Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral on Thursday in celebration of the feast of St. Augustine, the patron of the archdiocese.

"We have so many events that we have to be grateful for," said Jesuit Father Calvin Poulin, chaplain at Xavier University-Cagayan de Oro, during a short program to welcome the nuncio. "We have received precious gifts, especially in this time in life with some foreign countries giving advisories not to visit Mindanao."

The nuncio also visited a poor community in Macabalan, and attended the opening of a traveling photo exhibit showcasing the history of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro.

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