Cardinal Sin calls for prayers for new government, Marcos

OUR long journey through the night is over, and we see a new day dawning. Even as we install President Corazon C. Aquino as the Chief Executive of the Philippines, let us say a prayer for the man she is replacing, so that he may find the peace of mind and the serenity of soul that he, like the rest of us, has been seeking.

It was the grace of God which enabled our people to effect a peaceful transition. The tensions and uncertainties that started on election day, and which were heightened by the turmoil and the recriminations in the days that followed, could not have been eased without divine help. They were eased because, even as we raised our voices in protest, we lifted up our hearts in prayer and supplication.

God heard our prayers, and we regained our freedom.

But, if President Aquino is to steer our nation through the treacherous shoals of political, economic and moral crises, if she is to put us on the road to national recovery, she needs our support and cooperation. Let us give both to her freely and unstintingly.

Let us also bind the wounds that the recent election and its aftermath inflicted on the national soul. Let us stretch our hand in friendship and amity to others so that the healing process may begin. And let the spirit of love and solidarity that animated us as we showed the effectiveness of people power animate us even more in the days to come.

With all my heart, I congratulate President Aquino and Vice President Laurel. But I congratulate the people even more, for it is to them that the victory truly belongs.