Praying for Peace in Mindoro and Safe Release of Anicoche

By E. Maestro

Vancouver, January 18, 2026  — St. Mary the Virgin South Hill-Anglican Church, which many people call “the little church with a big heart”, included the Prayer for Just Peace in Mindoro, Philippines and for the Safe Release of Chantal Anicoche at its Migrante Mass. The Migrante Mass, held on the third Sunday of each month, is a joint service of St. Mary the Virgin and Migrante BC.

In the Prayers for the People, the congregation declared its commitment through prayer for a just peace in Mindoro, Philippines and for Chantal Anicoche.

“Loving God; From dawn to dusk, we are marveled at the wonder of Your creation.

You called Your people to be caretakers of the earth and one another – to love our neighbors and defend the mountains, forests, rivers, and valleys. You called us to guard each other’s dignity and to work for just peace. As the sun rose on a new year, bombings and military attacks terrorized a mountain in Mindoro, Philippines. As deafening aerial strikes shocked the homes of Mangyans, (a Philippine Indigenous tribe), ground troops assaulted Barangay Cabacao, Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines.

We grieve over the destruction of the beautiful island of Mindoro, Philippines. We lament and mourn the stroke and passing of Jerlyn Rose Doydora and honor her commitment to be with the Mangyans, to know their struggle and hope.

Emmanuel-God, who are with us, be with Chantal Anicoche. God, Spirit Ruah, send her peace that protects her and courage to be firm. We are praying for her release from captivity and detention by the Phil. Armed Forces.

We continue to pray that Just Peace will grow as the roots of the armed conflict are addressed. We pray that injustice, poverty, and the sufferings of the many will be resolved through the power of Peace Talks. We pray that the wealth and taxes of the people will be used for the welfare of the people instead of bombings and air strikes on remote communities. We pray in Jesus’ name who shares with us the power of HOPE. Amen.”

Solidarity is alive in the little church with a big heart.  At the fellowship after the service, Rev. Expedito Farinas announced that those who had not signed the petition to do so until  the safe release of Anicoche to her family, lawyers, and community is realized. 

The Mary the Virgin Church holds the Mangyans of Mindoro and Chantal Anicoche in their hearts and prayers, and of course in their signatures on the petitions knowing with certainty that collective acts, however small these acts are perceived to be and practised thousands of miles away from the Philippines, are heard and seen and magnified countless times over.

St Mary the Virgin Church is located at 808 E50th Avenue, Vancouver BC.