Your Excellency, Bishop Ambo David:
SA malalim na kalungkutan at paggalang, ang Federation of Free Workers (FFW) ay nagpapahayag ng aming taos-pusong pakikiramay sa mga Katolikong Obispo ng Pilipinas at sa mga kasapi ng Katolikong Komunidad ng Arkidiyosesis ng Davao sa pagpanaw ng retired Archbishop Fernando Capalla.
Archbishop Capalla’s leadership in the Archdiocese of Davao for over 15 years was marked by dedication and unwavering commitment, and his passing in the early hours of Saturday in Davao City, at the age of 89, signifies a great loss not only to the Catholic community but also to the society at large.
As members and representatives of FFW, we deeply respect and honor Archbishop Capalla’s apostolic work, especially his interactions with FFW unions and members in various regions including the Prelature of Marawi, the Diocese of Iligan, the Archdiocese of Davao, and other parts of Mindanao. His relentless efforts in fostering a ‘dialogue of life and faith’ with the Muslim community are a testament to his lifelong dedication to promoting peace, understanding, and unity across diverse cultures and faiths.
Archbishop Capalla’s strong advocacy for peace and justice, particularly against extrajudicial killings, as echoed in his poignant words from the pastoral letter “Thou Shall Not Kill,” will continue to inspire and guide us. He stated, “Killing, murder, salvaging, or the taking of life in whatever manner, is an affront against the Creator and against humanity.” These words profoundly reflect his commitment to the sanctity of life and his firm stance against violence.
Sa ating pagluluksa sa kanyang pagpanaw, ipinagdiriwang din natin ang kanyang hindi pangkaraniwang buhay at ang pangmatagalang pamana na kanyang iniwan. Ang kanyang misyon sa mundo ay tunay na naging ilaw at pag-asa, na nagtuturo sa marami tungo sa landas ng habag, paggalang sa isa’t isa, at pananampalataya kay Kristo-Jesus.
Sa panahon ng pagluluksa na ito, kasama ninyo ang aming mga panalangin at pag-iisip. Ipinapanalangin namin na magkaroon ng walang hanggang kapayapaan ang kaluluwa ni Arsobispo Capalla sa kanyang pagbabalik sa Amang nasa langit at umaasa na ang kanyang patuloy na diwa ay magiging inspirasyon sa ating lahat sa paglalakbay patungo sa isang mas mapayapa, maawain, at mapag-alaga na lipunan.
With deepest sympathy,
Atty. Sonny G. Matula
President
Federation of Free Workers (FFW)
