Did you know that before he became a soldier of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan originally wanted to become a priest?
Raised under the tutelage of the Catholic priests of San Beda College in Manila where he spent his elementary days the young Greg served in church as a “sacristan.”
“The priests were very supportive and were encouraging me to enter the seminary, I was even featured in one of those church newsletters with my picture. What drew me to priesthood was how priests were very selfless and how they lived to serve others, which I found very fascinating as a kid.”
While he didn’t become a “soldier of Christ” Sen. Gringo has found renewed enthusiasm in his faith. When he is not busy discussing the importance of the bills in the Upper House, Sen. Gringo spends a lot of time with his pastor friends.
As he celebrates his birthday today, Sen Honasan shared a prayer he wrote while he was at detained in Laguna, before he was allowed to post bail in 2007 to run for another Senate term. He said he hopes this prayer would grant voters the wisdom to choose the next set of leaders wisely for the long term benefit of our country.
An Election Day Prayer
“God Almighty, at this time in our nation’s history, grant that the Filipino people and their candidates may transcend anger, hatred, personal motives and vindictiveness.
Give our electorate the wisdom to choose their leaders wisely, based on proven performance, the capacity for sacrifice and hard work, and the ability to make difficult decisions for the long-term benefit of our nation. Help our people to see beyond mere personalities devoid of platforms for governance. And teach our elected leaders to value the public trust and privilege that has been given them.
Allow the coming political exercise to revive and strengthen our weakened institutions through the restoration of the will of the majority and adherence to the rule of law and due process. This we implore for the future of our nation, and of our children. Amen”
– Senator Gregorio B. Honasan
Painting “Servant Leadership” in watercolor by Martin Honasan.
