Everyone is called to be a hero not only for the people but also in the eyes of God.
This was the message of Raymond Daniel Cruz, president of the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, in commemoration of the National Heroes Day in the country.
In an interview with Radio Veritas, Mr. Cruz said that commemorating the greatness of heroes was also a call to everyone to be heroes not only for others but for the Lord. He explained that small things like being honest, benevolent, and loving can be shown to be a hero.
“Sa paggunita sa mga bayani natin ang isang pinakamahalagang maintindihan natin ay tayong lahat ay tinatawag na maging mga bayani. Kung gusto nating ipagdiwang ito, maging bayani tayo sa mata ng ating Panginoon sa pamamagitan ng mga maliliit na bagay, sa pamamagitan ng katapatan, sa pamamagitan ng pagmamahal,” said Mr. Cruz.
As part of the Catholic faith and community, ordinary people who witnessed their faith in extraordinary ways are considered heroes, such as martyrs and saints.
Under the social teachings of the Church, the characteristics of a martyr or saint are not far from a hero who promoted true justice for his people.
National Heroes’ Day is celebrated annually by Filipinos to honor and remember all the heroes of the revolution who helped to establish the foundation for the country’s independence. Its commemoration is to be held every last Monday of August each year.
In our present times, the country also honors all healthcare workers, medical frontliners and all those people for their life-saving role in the fight against the surge of COVID-19. (Fatima Llanza/RCAM-AOC)
