‘Katapusan na’: This 80-year-old nun thought she would die at EDSA

Summary

Sister Cho recounts the pivotal moments of EDSA 1986, where she and the Franciscan missionaries of Mary were at the forefront of the People Power Revolution. With faith as their shield, they offered food and flowers to soldiers, negotiating peace amidst chaos. The narrative captures the emotional climax when soldiers defected, signifying the revolution's success. Sister Cho emphasizes the importance of truth, history, and the role of faith in politics, advocating for active participation in societal life as a holistic Christian duty.

Takeaways

• 📅 The EDSA Revolution of 1986 took place from February 22 to February 25.
• 🏛 Sister Cho and the Franciscan missionaries of Mary were present at the EDSA intersection, specifically at White People Power Monument.
• 🛡 The sisters used malario (a type of leaf) and malong (a traditional cloth) for protection during the day and took baths at the convent.
• 🥪 They prepared sandwiches for those who couldn't join them on the streets and spent time praying and energizing for the cause.
• 🌼 Sister Cho and her group approached tanks and soldiers, offering them food and flowers as a form of negotiation and peace offering.
• 🚁 When soldiers were directed to attack from helicopters, the group knelt in prayer, expecting the end, but the helicopters landed in Camp Aginaldo instead.
• 🌈 The soldiers who landed carried yellow ribbons on their rifles, signifying their defection to the side of the people and the revolutionaries.
• 😭 Sister Cho recalls the emotional moment of hugging the defecting soldiers who cried like little boys, a memory that remains vivid and emotional for her.
• 🙏 She believes that EDSA was an act of God, showing Filipinos at their finest and should not be minimized or revised.
• 🗣️ Sister Cho emphasizes the importance of truth and standing against those who dishonor EDSA, equating it to a sin against the Holy Spirit.
• 🏛 She discusses the role of faith in politics, stating that Christians should participate holistically in the life of the country, including spiritually, morally, politically, culturally, and socially.
• 🌐 Sister Cho advises people to be discerning and intelligent, not to base judgments on social media, and to consider the track record of political figures when voting.

Q & A

What significant event is being discussed in the transcript?

The significant event being discussed is EDSA 1986, also known as the People Power Revolution, which took place in the Philippines from February 22 to February 25.

Who were the Franciscan missionaries of Mary and what was their role during EDSA 1986?

The Franciscan missionaries of Mary is a congregation that the speaker is a part of. They were present at the EDSA intersection, particularly at the White People Power Monument, during the revolution.

What preparations did the congregation make for the event?

The congregation prepared by bringing sandwiches for the people and those who couldn't join them on the streets, as well as praying before the Blessed Sacrament.

What actions did the congregation take to interact with the soldiers during the revolution?

The congregation approached the soldiers, offering them food and flowers, in an attempt to negotiate and prevent attacks on the people.

What was the congregation's reaction when they believed they were under attack from a helicopter?

The congregation knelt and prepared to be bound, but to their surprise, the helicopter passed over them and landed in Camp Aginaldo.

Why did the soldiers in the helicopter defect to the side of the people?

The soldiers defected because they saw the people's determination and the presence of the cross, which they interpreted as a sign of divine support for the people's cause.

How does the speaker feel about attempts to minimize or revise the significance of EDSA 1986?

The speaker is deeply upset and agitated by such attempts, as they believe it dishonors the sacrifices made during the revolution and the divine intervention they believe occurred.

What does the speaker believe about the role of faith in politics?

The speaker believes that faith should play a holistic role in politics, influencing spiritual, moral, cultural, and social aspects of life, and that Christians should participate in the total life of the country.

What is the speaker's view on the church's involvement in political matters?

The speaker believes the church should not be silent or complicit in political matters, and should stand against fake news, revision of history, and those who dishonor God.

How does the speaker feel about the future of the Philippines?

The speaker encourages discernment and intelligence in voting, basing judgments on more than just social media, and emphasizes the importance of voting for leaders with a good track record.

What advice does the speaker give regarding the role of a Christian in society?

The speaker advises that a good Christian should participate holistically in all aspects of society, not just spiritually, and should stand for the good of the Filipino people.