GUNS FELL TO ROSARIES

The citizens of the Philippines were poor and starving. They wanted to elect a new president, Benigno Aquino but he was assassinated in front of his wife and family. After this brutal murder, his wife, Corazon “Cory” Aquino, became active in protests against the government regime and she ran for President. A snap election was called on February 7, 1986 and this turned out to be a bloody, violent, and fraud-filled event. President Marcos was declared the winner by his corrupt government, took control of the media and sent out the military to quell any protests. Cardinal Sin of the Archdiocese of Manila urged a peaceful protest and the Catholic people came out in droves. They surrounded the military tanks and armed soldiers, prayed the rosary, and sang religious and protest songs.  Holy Masses and prayer vigils took place in churches. This prayerful protest continued for almost a week when unexpectedly, the soldiers stepped away from their tanks, put down their guns, and joined the peaceful crowd. President Marcos fled the country and the whole nation took to the streets in celebration. Prayers of thanksgiving and holy masses were held in gratitude to God.