Bishop Ayuban calls for peace and justice at La Naval feast

During the annual feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of La Naval in Quezon City, Cubao Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. called on Catholics to act as instruments of peace and justice. Presiding over the Mass at Santo Domingo Church on October 11, the bishop emphasized that peace is not merely the absence of problems, but a state rooted in God’s presence that allows individuals to face difficulties without succumbing to hatred or fear.

Bishop Ayuban urged the faithful to prioritize listening over the desire to prove themselves right, noting that disagreements often escalate when people prioritize being heard over understanding others. He suggested that genuine peace begins with a change of heart and the humility to cooperate with divine will, using the Blessed Virgin Mary as a model for listening, patience, and trust.

The celebration, held under the theme ‘Mary, Queen and Mother of Peace,’ included a traditional grand procession. Organizers expected more than 300,000 devotees to participate in the event.