The Idea Behind the Spirit

"And he again said to them ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so am I sending you.’ And after having said this, he breathed on them saying: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit." (Jn 20:21-22)

     It was in the Snap Elections of 1986 when the Namfrel MARINES were deployed to guard the election hot spots around Metro Manila and other provinces. Vigilant like the military, their only difference however, is that they carry no guns nor ammunition but the piece of garment that quickly identifies them from the rest of the crowd – a habit or soutane for fatigue uniform, a rosary and a bible for a cudgel. These group of Madres, Pari and Seminaristas, hence the monicker Marines, were indeed instrumental in assuring the peaceful and orderly elections of that era.

     Clad in their usual white, black or brown habits they braved their way into critical areas of Luzon, armed only with prayers, to safeguard the sanctity of the ballot and make sure that the elections are at least credible if not totally honest. Upon seeing these warriors of Christ for peace, election violators and lawless elements were deterred from doing their malicious and evil plan to derail the election process and the transfer of power. In truth the Filipino people owe something from these unsung heroes and sentinels of our democracy.

     Now, more than any time, we need people with unfaltering dedication and determination to fight election fraud perpetrators. And so the need to revive the old Namfrel Marines. Once more, seminarians, priest and religious are being called into service of the Filipino people for the greater glory of God. This time, to coincide with the Jubilee Year of the Holy Spirit, we are invoking the Spirit to lead these men and women in such undertaking. Hence, we shall call the old Marines SPIRIT FORCE (Seminarians, Priest and Religious Force) for the safeguarding of the Filipino democracy.

     We therefore invite you to come on Thursday, April 23, 1998 at 2:00 pm at the Jaime Cardinal Sin Center, Loyola House of Studies in Ateneo de Manila University.

     Please contact James U. Gascon S.J. or Pinky Maristela (SLB) at 924-4446 (telefax), 924-4951 or Chito Beltran (Chapel Net) at 924-4439, fax 924-4442 for more information and other queries.

     Thank you and may the FORCE be with you!