Aside from food and other essential items, the community pantry of the Manila Cathedral is giving rosaries to beneficiaries.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the church, known as the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, said it has joined the growing number of people who are putting up community pantries in many areas in the country.

“Together with food and groceries, we also gave to everyone the 500 Years Mission Cross and rosaries donated by Manila Cathedral Souvenir Shop — Casa Benedicto and The Manila Cathedral Rosaries by The Rosary House. Everyone is truly gifted to give! #500YearsOfChristianity #500YOCManila #WeGiveOurYes #MissionCross,” it said.

The basilica added that this is their expression of support to this noble cause.

“We give our Yes to the community pantry. The Manila Cathedral joins the community pantry project, inspired by the Maginhawa community pantry and now initiated here by the Intramuros Administration,” it added.

Meanwhile, a Catholic prelate said he will be praying for those people who are offering condoms aside from food to the beneficiaries of community pantries.

“Well, we cannot force our beliefs on people. We do not condemn people who are offering or distributing condoms. We pray for them,” Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said.

Fr. Melvin Castro of the Diocese of Tarlac, meanwhile, finds the effort ironic and insensitive.

“While our people barely survive, some would still instill anti-life culture. This is the time we should value and appreciate life,” he said.

While condoms are not considered as abortifacients, he said these items “inculcate views and attitudes devoid of the values of life and self-sacrifice”. (PNA)