August 16 - 31 , 2017 PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY 25

Pope Francis received a group of Catholic lawmakers from around the world on Sunday , telling them their work must build bridges with others and bring Catholic teaching into public life .

“ As long as the contribution of the Church to the great questions of society in our time can be put into discussion ,” he said , “ it is vital that your commitment be constantly pervaded by her moral and social teachings , in order to build a more humane and just society .”

“ The laws that you promulgate and apply ought to build bridges between different political perspectives : even when they respond to precise ends ordered to the promotion of greater care for the defenseless and the marginalized , especially the many who are constrained to leave their countries ; and when they are in order to favor a correct human and natural ecology ,” said the Pope , according to Vatican Radio .

The lawmakers were in Rome for a meeting of the International Catholic Legislators Network . The network aims to bring together Catholic lawmakers to discuss common concerns and to share

ideas about bringing their faith to their work .

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Vienna and British parliamentarian Lord David Alton founded the network in 2010 .

The Pope said the lawmakers that their gathering represented a broad spectrum of political opinion . He noted that their numbers had increased over previous years .

U . S . Rep . Alex Mooney ( R- W . V .) participated in the legislators ’ network gathering and spoke to Vatican Media before attendees met with the Pope .

“ We have an opportunity to meet here with other Catholic legislators and elected officials from other parts of the world , and to discuss common concerns – problems , opportunities – for our faith , and how to work together and support each other ,” he said .

“ It ’ s very inspiring to see how people are fighting for family values ,” Rep . Mooney continued , adding “ it ’ s just more encouraging to see faithful Catholics from every country promoting the values of the Church .” ( CNA )

Brother Richie Fernando was a 26 year-old Jesuit seminarian from the Philippines when in 1996 he died protecting his Cambodian students from a hand grenade .

He is now on the road to sainthood , thanks to a norm issued by Pope Francis this summer that opens the door to canonization for those who have “ voluntarily and freely offered their lives for others and have persevered until death in this regard .”

Father Antonio Moreno , head of the Jesuits in the Philippines , told Rappler July 30 that the order had received permission to begin the initial work of opening Brother Fernando ’ s cause for canonization .

Brother Richard ( Richie ) Fernando , S . J ., arrived in Cambodia in 1995 to serve at a Jesuit mission which served people who had been disabled by polio , landmines , or other accidents .

On October 17 , 1996 , Sarom came to the mission school for a meeting with the school director and staff . While he had finished classes , he had asked to continue at the school , though his request was denied because school officials found

reached into his bag and pulled out a grenade , and moved towards a classroom full of students . The windows of the classroom were barred , so the students were trapped .

Brother Richie stepped behind Sarom and grabbed him to prevent him from throwing the grenade .

“ Let me go , teacher ; I do not want to kill you ,” Sarom pleaded . But he dropped the grenade , and it fell behind him and Brother Richie , exploding and killing the Jesuit , who fell over Sarom , protecting him and everyone else in the school from the

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blast .

Just four days before he died , Riche had written a long letter to his friend and fellow Jesuit , Totet Banaynal SJ : “ I know where my heart is . It is with Jesus Christ , who gave all for the poor , the sick , the orphan … I am confident that God never forgets his people : our disabled brothers and sisters . And I am glad that God has been using me to make sure that our brothers and sisters know this fact . I am convinced that this is my vocation .”

He had also once written about death in a retreat diary , in which he said : “ I wish , when I die , people remember not how great , powerful , or talented I was , but that I served and spoke for the truth , I gave witness to what is right , I was sincere in all my works and actions , in other words , I loved and followed Christ ,”

In 1997 , Richie ’ s parents wrote to King Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia , asking pardon for Sarom . Again , Sarom said he had never wanted to kill Richie , who he considered a friend .

The next step for Brother Richie ’ s cause involves building a compelling case for his life of virtue through his writings , talks , and interviews with those who knew him , among other things .

“ I ask the prayers of all in the Province to beg the Lord ’ s gracious assistance in this process that , if he so wills , it may prosper for the benefit of his people ,” Fr . Moreno said .( CNA )