Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Cardinal: It’s
to reach
•B1 Caritas in Veritate
‘It Is Also Possible to
Do Business by Pursuing
•C1 UGNAYAN
The News Supplement
of Couples for Christ
out to ex-priests Aims That Serve Society’
Church leaders frown on Religious leaders in politics worry bishops AN official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Phil- Just last Aug. 21, Jesus Is Lord Christian group leader
© www.catholicnewsagency.com
the Conciliar Church. For this reason, he said, the Pontiff concentrates on recalling "the
These other rumors about "presumed documents of reversal are source of the Word of God, the evangelical law and the heart of the
pure inventions," he stated. life of the Church: Jesus, the known, loved, adored and imitated
The cardinal highlighted some applications of the Second Vatican Lord."
Council that the Pope has "promoted constantly with intelligence This is the reason he is currently working on the second volume
and depth of thought." of his book "Jesus of Nazareth," the prelate explained.
In particular, he noted the Pontiff's collaboration in "the most com- The cardinal noted that the Holy Father has in his pontificate
prehensive relationship" with the Orthodox and Eastern Churches made 70 appointments of superiors in the different dicasteries, not
and the dialogue with Judaism and Islam. counting bishops and nuncios in the world.
These have taken place with a "reciprocal attraction," Cardinal Bertone noted, and have "inspired As well, the prelate affirmed, he will soon announce "important appointments," in which "the new
answers and deeper reflections as never before recorded, purifying memory" and building openness. Churches" will be represented. "Africa has already offered and will offer excellent candidates," he said.
He also underlined Benedict XVI's "direct and fraternal, as well as paternal, relationship with all Cardinal Bertone warned against the error of attributing to the Pope all the problems the Church is
the members of the episcopal college, in the 'ad limina visits' and in the other numerous occasions experiencing in the world and all the statements of his representatives.
of contact." He reminded journalists, "Correct information calls for attributing to each one ('unicuique suum')
The prelate recalled the Pope's engagement in the Synods of Bishops, through various interventions his own responsibility for deeds and words, especially when the latter openly contradict the teachings
and reflections. and examples of the Pope." (Zenit)
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Nevertheless, he said, “the 150th anniversary of the death of the possible, a reuniting with those priests who for various reasons have
Curé d’Ars and the situation of the problems that have affected so left behind their priestly ministry,” Cardinal Bertone stated.
many priests brought Benedict XVI to declare a Year for Priests.” Finally, he affirmed, “The holy priests who have been part of the
With this initiative, Cardinal Bertone affirmed, the Holy Father history of the Church will not cease to protect and support this road
wants to show “special attention to priests and to priestly vocations” to renewal that Benedict XVI has proposed.” (CNA) Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone
the challenges to the existing environ- diocese, Fr. Octavio Bartiana, Ecology fulness and solidarity."
mental and indigenous laws, such as Minister of Kalookan diocese, Fr. An- For example, he said, a church-affiliated
Protected Area, Presidential Decree tonio Labiao of Novaliches diocese, Fr. entity planning to construct a new building
No. 1151 [Philippine Environmental Arnel Recinto of Cubao diocese, Engr. should make sure that the companies hired do
Policy], Environmental Impact Sate- Joyce Palacol, CBCP-NASSA Ecology not exploit their workers.
ment System, Presidential Decree no. Desk coordinator; Atty. Galahad Pe Han joined the five-member international
1586; Wildlife Protection Act, IPRA, exempting it from exploitation. carefully consider alternatives to the Benito, environmental lawyer and panel of lay economists who oversee Vatican
and NIPAs,” the appeal stated. Some of the Globally Endangered project before it even grants an ECC. legal consultant; Alfredo Albor, CARE budgets in November 2008. He is a member
The Laiban dam venture in Tanay, species found in the Laiban Dam proj- We call on the MWSS to study and Foundation Executive director; and Sr. of the Pontifical Council for the Laity and
Rizal, touted to solve the impending ect area are the Luzon Bearded Wild consider rehabilitating Wawa Dam Maria Aida Velasquez, OSB, Lingkod is president of the Lay Apostolic Council of
water crisis has been a pet project of Pigs (Sus Philippensis), the Philippine and its watershed as one of the less Tao Kalikasan Foundation, Inc. Coor- Korea. (CNS)
the Arroyo administration since 2003, Brown Deer (Cervus Marianus), and expensive option. The EIS System pro- dinator. (Pinky Barrientos, FSP)
according to an earlier statement re- the Tarictic Hornbill.
leased to the media by independent
think-tank IBON Foundation Inc.
The project will affect around 27,800
“We reiterate that we are stewards of
God’s creation on earth. We must care
for these beings whose importance we
Church, Catholic schools play crucial role for anti-child porno
hectares of ancestral and agricultural
lands, IBON said.
Church and environmental groups
may never learn until they are perma-
nently extinct,” said the group.
Quoting section 25 of the Wildlife
law to succeed—prelate
MANILA, August 27, 2009—
The fight against child por-
nography in the Philippines
Even before the Senate fi-
nalized its version of the bill
last November, the CBCP
have been opposing the project be- Protection Act, the group said that is far from over even if the appealed to Catholic schools classes or organize forums to has been consistently press-
cause of its environmental risks and critical habitats shall be protected House of Representatives has nationwide to help the Catholic effectively educate students ing lawmakers from both
human rights violations against indig- “from any form of exploitation or de- recently enacted into law the Church in molding the con- about the guises of child por- chambers of Congress to pri-
enous people living in the area. struction which may be detrimental to bill penalizing child pornog- science and morals of the faith- nography as a crime. oritize the enactment of the
If revived, the dam will displace the the survival of the threatened species raphers, pedophiles, and op- ful, especially the youth, against “The classroom will be a law that will protect minors
Dumagats and Remontados who have dependent therein,” adding: erators of cyber-sex dens and sexual exploitation of minors. great venue for us to advance from sexual exploitation.
been living in the watershed area since “There is nothing in other provi- unscrupulous internet cafés. “While priests can try to our advocacy straight into our The Episcopal Commis-
the time of their ancestors, according sions of the law that would also allow In fact, the involvement of the refresh and form the minds of target population. If we have sion on Youth and CBCP
to the group. exploitation. We challenge the MWSS Catholic Church and Catholic the people about the concept of the Catholic schools working Media Office even forged
“The Kaliwa Watershed has been to point to us any provision of this law schools can make or break child pornography as a social with us, all of our efforts in partnerships with the Opti-
their (IPs) home since time immemo- that would allow their putting up of a what key foundation the law and psychological abnormal- the advocacy will pay off,” the cal Media Board, civil society
rial, even before the existence of the dam in the affected areas. has just instigated. ity, Catholic school teachers prelate added. groups and NGOs in staunch
Philippine Government. Indigenous The group likewise raised the is- Saying the efforts of the can be our counterparts in the Iñiguez heads the Commit- support of HB 6440, which,
people have a conjugal bond with their sue of the area’s proximity to major religious and education sec- academe by making sure that tee on Public Affairs of the according to its authors, will
land. Uprooting them will render them earthquake faults which could prove tors is needed to complement the advocacy against child Catholic Bishops’ Conference “institutionalize the country’s
orphaned from the land that gave birth hazardous to people’s lives. the implementation of the pornography is instilled in of the Philippines, the influ- sincere effort to safeguard
to their culture, heritage, and the one- “Are we willing to sacrifice human recently approved House the minds of the youth,” said ential body of prelates from our children and educate ev-
ness they share with other beings in the lives in favor of a project whose main Bill 6440, to be known as the Iñiguez. across the country that re- eryone on the threat of child
area causing further alienation.” purpose is to alleviate the condition of "Anti-Child Pornography Act The prelate even encour- mained at the forefront of lob- pornography as this takes
The group reminded MWSS that IPs human lives in the metropolis?” they of 2009," Kalookan Bishop aged administrators of Catho- bying for the legislation of the advantage of their innocence
cannot be displaced from their areas asked. “The Holy Father, Pope John Deogracias S. Iñiguez, Jr. lic schools to devote certain anti-pornography measure. and poverty.” (Kris Bayos)
A4 Opinion CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 18
August 31 - September 13, 2009
EDITORIAL
HAVE we ever felt that in ourselves and in the cosmic order, there annually at least 50,000 inhabitans of the land, men, women and
is raging battle? To do good and to avoid evil? But do we not feel children, in human sacrifices to their gods. In 1487, just in a single
that somehow in the times we are living in right now, the battle is so four-day long ceremony for the dedication of a new temple in
Pedro C. Quitorio great? When the Church and her teachings have come under severe Tenochtitlan, some 80,000 captives were killed in human sacrifice.
Editor-in-Chief attacks? When being a faithful follower Christ means being left out The same practices, which in most cases included the cannibalism
and marked as out of tune, politically incorrect? of the victims’ limbs, were common also in earlier Mesoamerican
Pinky Barrientos, FSP Kris P. Bayos But what is we indeed are living the time when the final battle is cultures, with widespread Olmec, Toltec and Maya human sacrific-
Associate Editor Feature Editor to be waged? We take a look at the Marian apparitions of the past ing rituals.
and search for the clues for this final battle that we are part and An almost universal symbol of that religion was the serpent. The
Melo M. Acuña Laarni Bergado parcel of. temples were richly decorated with snakes. Human sacrifices were
Managing Editor Marketing Supervisor heralded by the prolonged beating of huge drums made of the skins
I. Guadalupe of huge snakes, which could be heard two miles away. Nowhere else
Roy Q. Lagarde Ernani M. Ramos Why would the Blessed Virgin Mary appearing to a Native in human history had Satan, the ancient serpent, so formalized his
News Editor Circulation Manager
American of the recently conquered Aztec empire, and speaking to worship with so many of his own actual symbols.
Laurence John R. Morales Marcelita Dominguez him in the native Nahuatl language, call herself “of Guadalupe”, a Certainly, in this case She crushed the serpent, and few years later
Layout Artist and Online Editor Comptroller Spanish name? millions of the natives converted to Christianity.
Some believe that Our Lady used the Aztec Nahuatl word of coat-
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP Com- laxopeuh which is pronounced “quatlasupe” and sounds remarkably II. Fatima: Queen of Peace, Lady of the Rosary
munications Development Foundation, Inc., with editorial and like the Spanish word Guadalupe. Coa meaning serpent, tla being During World War I, when millions were killing each other, on
business offices at 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila. the noun ending which can be interpreted as “the”, while xopeuh 05 May 1917, the Holy Father, Benedict XV, added the title Regina
P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO.
Editorial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612.
means to crush or stamp out. So Our Lady must have called herself Pacis. Over Vatican Radio, he read his message, begged God for
ISSN 1908-2940 the one “who crushes the serpent.” the restoration of peace and implored Our Lady to obtain peace for
We must sadly remember that the Aztec priest class executed Mary / A6
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 18
August 31 - September 13, 2009
Opinion A5
Oscar V. Cruz, DD
Commentary
Art of lying Ted Kennedy’s
Views and Points
GIVEN the many gross predicaments that contribution to hopefully make the lying girls are first told to sing the same lying
ambiguous legacy
the ruling administration has been repeat-
edly twisting about due to one fatal lie after
syndrome of the present government, less
coarse and thus more refined—and some-
song with the same lying tune. This way,
while a lie is told, this at least is said with
For America’s most famous Catholic,
another, it attempts to sell to the general how credible if such were at all possible. a semblance of rhyme and reason. morality and politics had little to do
public with futility, and considering that It is not a secret that more often than Second: Fabricate as soon as possible,
the gloriously reigning boss-chief becomes not, Malacañang in its different titles as all false but needed documents, receipts,
with each other.
more and more despised and depreciated National Presider, Chief-in-Command pictures and similar false proofs to verify By Michael Cook
especially on account of more recent prof- and self-appointed Czar of this and that the lie, to make this stand for truth by all
ligate foreign spending as if there were no agenda, has been repeatedly caught with means and at all cost, no matter how devi- TODAY Massachusetts mourns its Lion of the Senate, Ted Ken-
tomorrow, perhaps—just perhaps—the the latter’s hand proverbially “caught in ous this be, considering that extremes are nedy. At Dunkin Donuts, the flags are flying at half mast. Boston’s
same supreme ruler plus the well chosen the cookie jar”—and frequently so since said to respect no rule. famously snarled traffic has come to a standstill because of “Ken-
coterie should be advised on the “Art of that proverbial and dramatic line “I am Third: Lie no more. nedy events”. The casket of Camelot’s last survivor made a final
Lying”. sorry.” This is why it can be said with Hence, specifically in conjunction with tour of its shrines—Hyannis Port, his family’s summer residence,
Frankly, there is no intention here to insult sincerity and concern that if it is but good one recent big lie that refuses to die: Please St. Stephen’s, his mother’s church in Boston’s North End, and
much less belittle the expertise in drawing and proper that the same distinct public do not expensively fly high on cloud 9 Faneuil Hall, where he had announced his unsuccessful bid for
impressive plans, making great programs official—with its dwindling yet still re- when many people live miserably in gar- the presidential 1980 nomination. The Massachusetts royal fam-
and doing grand projects on the part of the maining allies—know or review the three bage dumps and under bridges. Do not ily waved through tinted car windows at the crowds. Thousands
visionary national leadership and submis- simple but key principles of the “Art of luxuriously dine and wine when many passed through the Presidential Library at Harvard dedicated to
sive subordinates for their own eventual Lying”: men, women and children have practically his brother to view the casket and sign the condolences books.
adulation by the people. In other words, First: See to it that every big lie is well nothing to eat. Do not waste the taxes that For Boston, it is a Diana moment.
this short and practical thesis on the “Art of prepared before it is actually told, by mak- citizens dutifully pay from birth to death, Edward M. Kennedy died of a brain tumor on Tuesday at the
Lying” is but an honest and admitted small ing certain that all the rah-rah boys and with hard toil and much sweat. Please! age of 77. He had been in the Senate since he was 30 and stayed
there for 47 years, the third longest-serving Senator in American
Fr. Carmelo O. Diola, SSL history. Some wits quipped that while most politicians grow
up and then enter politics, Kennedys enter politics and grow
A transfigured nation
up later.
But Massachusetts voters doted on Ted Kennedy and pa-
Spaces of Hope tiently gave him time to mature. There was his expulsion from
Harvard for cheating; there were rumours about drinking and
womanizing; there was Chappaquiddick; there was his 1982
I HAD given up on the thought of being able to be at the wake of last time, could be interpreted as an expression of gratitude for divorce, his 1992 remarriage (after an annulment from the
the late President Corazon Aquino when I received a text from what this plain housewife had done: to make a very brave stand Catholic Church). He was a Kennedy – Joe and Rose’s son, Jack
Bishop Chito Tagle: “I have been asked to celebrate noon Mass in response to the needs of the times. It also expresses a hunger for and Bobby’s brother—and nothing stuck. He had a scare in the
tomorrow for Tita Cory by her family and the priests want to a brand of leadership that has the moral fiber to let go of power 1994 election when he faced Mitt Romney—and won with only
come along.” when it is time to do so; to do a Gideon and a Cincinnatus, so to 58 percent of the vote. Other politicians can only dream of that
The Imus clergy was about to begin its annual retreat at the speak. kind of support.
Carmelite Spirituality Center in Tagaytay and a Dilaab team was Back in Tagaytay in the evening of Tuesday, our second sharer But Ted Kennedy was not a seat-warmer. Politicians from both
facilitating. Our topic was: “The Clergy and Faith-Impelled Social was Attorney Alexander Lacson with his famed little book of 12 sides of politics praised him as an accomplished lawmaker. With
Transformation.” There were about 80 priests. little things. Speaking softly, even in hushed tones, Alex’s evident the years, the lion-maned Bostonian became a consummate deal-
The unexpected text raised my hopes. At the first session on patriotism and his call to do little acts of good citizenship from broker who worked both sides of the aisle to get what he believed
the evening of Monday 3 August, we all agreed that the trip to a faith perspective touched many hearts. He made patriotism in. In 2001 he worked with President George W. Bush to pass
the Metropolitan Cathedral of Manila would be an intrinsic part doable. the No Child Left Behind Act. He was a liberal, the very Aslan
of the retreat. After all, EDSA People Power is all about social The next day, Wednesday, a pair from the PNP came to share of American liberalism, a consistent champion of government
transformation from a decisively faith perspective. their stories. (Ret.) Gen. Samson Tucay is a familiar face to many spending to right wrongs and remedy disadvantage. Health care
I felt a strong surge of joy and gratitude as I stood before the bishops having shared during one of the plenary gatherings in was the cause of his life, although he died without seeing victory
Imus clergy. My thoughts returned to 1979 when, as fresh college the CBCP. He talked about the power of love expressed through for the Democrats’ plans to reform it. In the words of President
graduate of UP Los Baños, I first set foot in Cavite. Subsequent leadership by example behind the Values and Leadership School Obama, “He became not only one of the greatest senators of our
events found me having room and board at the Imus Cathedral, (VLS) that he had led in 2004 until its end in 2007. time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve
an itinerant guest of the parish priest. PSSupt (Col.) Cesar Binag, the humble workhorse of the PNP our democracy.”
I was rediscovering my faith at that juncture in my life. The Program Management Office (PMO) talked about the PNP Inte- But one of Ted Kennedy’s most important legacies to American
journey was not without its difficulties and certain priests from grated Transformation Program. Cesar’s personal sharing as a politics has hardly been mentioned in the acres of newsprint—
this local church provided me with some informal formation and committed Protestant revealed an on-going eloquent testimony of how he shaped the debate about faith and politics.
patient ears for the ramblings of a man just out of his teenage the Spirit’s power to connect personal conversion, family renewal, For Ted Kennedy was a Catholic. He had the Massachusetts
years. Now, standing before my fellow priests, and recognizing and social transformation. Catholic vote in his pocket. His mother was a saintly woman.
familiar faces among the participants, I felt I was among friends We ended the retreat by looking at the prospects for faith-im- His brother was the first Catholic president. He was married
and just returning the favor. pelled social transformation by evangelizing politics. An opportu- in the Catholic Church, received communion in the Catholic
Our first lay sharer for the retreat was Ms. Heidi Mendoza, for- nity beckons in the pastoral strategy of “pastoral accompaniment,” Church, saw a priest before he died, is being buried in the
mer COA senior auditor. Her eloquence, sincerity, and wit moved a term used by Benedict XVI in his talk before the Pontifical Council Catholic Church.
many of us to thoughtful silence as she described her moments for the Laity last 15 November 2008. Spaces of hope are being But he was a peculiar kind of Catholic. On the one hand, he
of doubt, discouragement, and bold defiance as an honest and ignited by the Circles of Discernment for Elections (CiDE). always supported big-spending social policies for the last, least,
indefatigable public servant investigating graft cases. She is still Our team and our message seem to have found a home among lost and most vulnerable. It was his interpretation of Catholic
at it, despite threats and even if she is not anymore connected with the Imus clergy. As one priest puts it in his evaluation: “I real- social teaching. On the other hand, he was a strong supporter of
government. All she asks for is a God whom she can touch. ized that I cannot find any more excuses not to be a good Fili- abortion and human embryonic stem cell research. There was no
We reflected on the Transfiguration of the Lord (Mark 9:2-10) as pino.” Another one said: “The experience of 3-day retreat was a ambiguity about this. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, NARAL
we prepared for our 8 am journey to the Manila Cathedral. Some- very divine inspired event for us…(we realized that) for social Pro-Choice America and Planned Parenthood gave Kennedy rat-
thing in the narrative struck a deep chord in me: Jesus conversing transformation to occur there must always be a religious-spirited ings of 100 percent as a champion of abortion rights. He ignored
with Moses and Elijah, and Peter’s offer to build three tents. Peter transfiguration.” criticism from the bishops of his Church.
was awed by the larger-than-life figures before him and he just Our dear Cory has been buried. Yet other larger-than-life fig- Through his role as the spokesman for America’s leading
wanted to gaze with marvel at the sight. Instead a bright cloud ures are emerging. They are the witnesses to the Transfiguration Catholic family, Teddy helped to entrench the feeling that Ca-
overshadowed them and a voice commands obedience to Jesus. and who have gone down the mountain to the valleys of heroic tholicism is a tribal loyalty, not a divine light shining on religious
Then they go down the mountain. Christian citizenship and leadership. They are inspired by the and human truths. The doctrine of separation of Church and State
The only time I had met Cory in person was during supper after same Spirit that inspired Cory. meant that morality and politics had little to do with each other.
a huge Cebu rally in 2003 against the impeachment of then Chief In this light, it is best to keep the present name of the thorough- In fact, political expediency should trump moral truths.
Justice Hilario Davide Jr when she was guest speaker. She was a fare known as EDSA – the manifestation of the saints. It is there For politicians anywhere, this is a disastrous starting point for
larger-than-life figure in her prayerful simplicity. were Our Lady gathered her children, the saints of EDSA, inspired debate. It means that it is impossible for them to argue rationally
Here I was again, together with the Imus clergy, before the casket by what one heroic, saintly woman had done to show to the world about moral positions. On the issue of abortion, for instance, the
of a larger-than-life figure. The phenomenon of the huge turnout what a transfigured nation can be and can do. (For comments, Catholic bishops’ opposition was based less on the Bible than on
of people, patiently waiting in line for hours just to view her one kindly email: frmelodiola@dilaab.net) science, which tells us that the foetus is human. On this issue, at
least, Kennedy’s self-serving rationalizations turned his politics
into expediency and his religion into sentimentality.
Jose B. Lugay
The desire for political
“I hope for an America where neither ‘fundamentalist’ nor
‘humanist’ will be a dirty word, but a fair description of the
different ways in which people of goodwill look at life and into
Laiko Lampstand reform their own souls,” he said in an influential 1983 speech at Liberty
University before Jerry Falwell’s Moral Majority. Twenty-six
years later, President Obama would make a similar speech at
RECENT events in the political arena have for Cory was continuously displayed by impression of the Kaya Natin guests to Notre Dame University, gracefully acknowledging differences
been intensifying—high decibel media the people, including the masa, to the their contacts. With the element of reform on abortion, and obstinately refusing to change.
reports indicating that election fever has extent that they wanted Cory, like Joan of in mind, their hunt for the presidential Shortly after his death, Mr. Obama declared that Ted Ken-
begun. The political season has not officially Arc, to be declared a saint! candidate loomed larger and larger to- nedy’s “ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and
started, yet there is a deluge of commercials Days after the funeral, the Aquino name wards Noynoy Aquino. Noynoy has also reflected in millions of lives.” Including his own. In particular,
now termed infomercials, of cabinet mem- kept being alive in media 24 hours a day a good chance to win as President in the when he addresses issues like abortion, stem cell research and
bers and presidentiables—an early start for until August 21 which was declared a holi- coming 2010 elections. Among Ed would same-sex marriage, perhaps the President will be using the
the election campaign. While COMELEC day to celebrate Ninoy’s martyrdom. The give up his presidential ambition in favor dark art of charming without changing which he learned from
gave the opinion that they can only run showbiz daughter, Kris Aquino who de- of Noynoy. With his victory we are assured America’s most famous Catholic.
after the illegal infomercials if a candidates livered a heart-tugging farewell during the of less influence from traditional politics.
has officially filed his candidacy, Senator funeral mass, and her siblings including After decades of going through each presi-
Miriam Santiago did not hesitate to call
those involved in infomercials for Senate
Noynoy were given continuous exposure
by ABS-CBN. This media blitz unexpect-
dential tenure going through one crisis after
another, the people now hanker for real
Quote in the Act
investigation. As expected. in her distinctive edly gave a new twist – the public fed up change. This could explain the high level of “It is an act of statesmanship which will be appreciated
Ilongga twang, she used bad words to de- with the corruption and bad governance public interest in Noynoy’s final decision.
scribe the cabinet members’ use of people’s of the present administration spontane- Meantime, GMA 7 television, not to be
by history.”
money for their infomercials. Some of them, ously equated the need for change with the outdone, held on Sunday, August 30, a Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, President of the Catholic Bishops’
believing that it is the best way out of this Cory magic – her moral ascendancy and fun run cum presidentiables’ assembly. Conference of the Philippines; commending Senator Mar Roxas on
compromising situation declared they will care for the less privileged. We started to Each presidentiable (Noynoy not included) his decision to quit the presidential race in favor of party-mate Sen.
not run for any elective position this coming hear Noynoy’s name as the person to lead wrote his/her pledge in full view of the Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
election. One of them spent P26.25 million the much needed government reform. The crowd and each one took the oath admin-
for 350,000 T-shirts with GMA’s picture call for Noynoy for President was discour- istered by Justice Melo of COMELEC. The “I asked him: why are you allowing yourself to be used
printed on it! Who says that these T-shirts is aged by Noynoy himself – he avowed that oath was an assurance that, what they as a scapegoat? Stand up for the truth.”
not intended for an election campaign? he and his siblings are in mourning and promised on that occasion will be imple-
Sr. Mary John Mananzan, chairperson of the Association of
The start of political brickbats was in the would not even think of politics, much mented if elected President. Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP); advising
July 2009 SONA. This was when President less run as President. The Liberal Party, While people for the movement for Social Security System president Romulo Neri to tell all, after be-
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo gave her presi- his party, already had Mar Roxas who change is growing by the minute, how ing indicted by the Office of the Ombudsman on his role in the
dentiable critics snide remarks to counter openly announced his candidacy and in do we mobilize the election of the right NBN-ZTE mess.
the insults given her during the Opposition fact already spent a hundred million or persons who are non-trapos? What are
rallies against the Con-Ass. They claimed so for his infomercial. the principal reform areas and which “We want to return to our homes.”
that this was a move for President Arroyo’s Advocacy groups in civil society like presidentiable has the right managenent
extension of her tenure in office. The public Kaya Natin of the Ateneo School of Gover- skills to communicate and implement these 32-year-old Nurhana, who fled her home with thousands of
expected that the after-SONA attacks on nance have been organizing and selecting reforms? What parties and or candidates other evacuees last month during an encounter between govern-
President GMA by the Opposition as true individuals whose track record speaks of stand for these reform platforms? Will ment troops and Abu Sayyaf Group that left several soldiers and
to form. What hit the political season like a good governance. Among them are Grace Noynoy be up to this challenge? If not, then Moro fighters dead.
bombshell was the death of Cory Aquino – Padaca, Jesse Robredo, Sonia Lorenzo who of the present crop of presidentiables
the wake, the procession from Greemhills to and Among Ed Panlilio. Going from one is capable? Will any of the three religious “These are very interesting times because since I was
the Manila Cathedral and the final funeral university to another, they spoke about leaders (presidentiables) meet the criteria born, this is the first occasion when no less than three
cortege to Manila Memorial. The sea of yel- their experiences specifically how they for implementing reforms? The political “religious” men are aspiring for the presidency.”
low shirts worn and the laban sign shown managed to make a change – the reform scenario is fast changing. We do hope
Archbishop Oscar Cruz of Lingayen-Dagupan, on the reported
by the younger generation who were too towards good govenance and the preven- that the evangelization of politics and the
presidential ambitions of Jesus Is Lord Christian group leader
young then to know the reasons why Ninoy tion of corrupt practices. circles of discernment that is now being
Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Catholic priest-turned Pampanga Governor
Aquino was shot to death, why there was For several months as they toured the implemented in the different dioceses will Fr. Eddie “Among Ed” Panlilio, and El Shaddai Catholic Charis-
a Peoples’ Power Revolution in EDSA, and universities and their audience, an IT- lend itself to the political reform needed matic group leader Bro Mike Velarde.
how Cory was elected President. The love savvy generation easily transmitted their by this country.
Local News
CBCP Monitor
A6 Vol. 13 No. 18
August 31 - September 13, 2009
© www.flickr.com/photos/johnhanscom
to and examples of love and service of the poor.
”Since the Vincentian Family is present in many of the dioceses in the Philippines, the program
of the Jubilee Year will reinforce the thrust of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines to
build the Church of the Poor,” said Sr. Mary Ann Guevara, DC, head of the Vincentian Family
© www.parravinnies.org
executive committee.
St. Vincent de Paul is the Patron Saint of the Universal Church for all works of charity, while St.
Louise de Marillac is the Patron Saint of all social workers and those involved in social works.
Apart from the liturgical celebrations that would be observed in various parts of the country,
the Vincentian Family has also organized various activities aimed at deepening the Vincentian
charism. Foremost among these are a Vincentian Youth Congress, a Jubilee Formation Series,
mobile photo exhibits, commemorative song album, and the recitation of a special jubilee prayer in At present there are more than 250 congregations and associations who live out the Vincentian
observance of the Jubilee Year. Charism in more than 90 countries spread in all the continents.
Sr. Guevara said that all members of the Vincentian Family including those who studied in schools The Vincentian Family is made up of religious congregations and associations, that were either
run by the Vincentian Fathers and Daughters of Charity are encouraged to join various contests planned founded by St. Vincent de Paul and/or that follow the Vincentian Spirituality and Charism of
for the Jubilee Year celebration. These contests include a national search for best practices of Vincentian service to the poor. In the Philippines the following groups make up the Vincentian Family: The
Charity, a jubilee year theme-song writing, video essay and oratorical contests. Ladies of Charity – AIC (International Association of Charities) Philippines; The Congregation
A special stage presentation, titled “San Vicente: A Zarzuela,” is being arranged by the Adamson of the Mission – C.M. (Vincentian Fathers and Brothers); The Daughters of Charity – D.C.; The
University and the Vincentian Center for Identity and Mission in coordination with the Vincentian Association of the Children of Mary Immaculate – Vincentian Marian Youth (CoM-VMY); The
Family Coordinating Council. Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP); The Young Ladies Association of Charity (YLAC); The Sister
The Vincentian Family is made up of religious congregations and organizations that were either Handmaids of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul (SMdC); The Association of St. Louise de Marillac
founded by St. Vincent de Paul and/or that follow the Vincentian spirituality and charism of service (LUISAS); Brothers of Charity (FC); The Association of the Miraculous Medal (AMM); Sisters of
to the poor. Charity of Our Lady Mother of Mercy (SCMM); The Alumni Associations of the schools adminis-
It also has a rich and long tradition of Charity and Mission that dates back to 1617 for the Ladies of tered by the Daughters of Charity and the Congregation of the Mission and the Vincentian Family
Charity, 1625 for Congregation of the Mission and 1633 for the Daughters of Charity. Multi-purpose Cooperative. (CBCPNews)
Markings
various areas: ancestral domain survey and documenta-
tion; formal and non-formal education; health services;
agriculture; basic infrastructure; advocacy for the envi-
ronment; community organizing; and catechesis.
But the group also acknowledged that the key ap-
proach in all of these was cultural solidarity—entering
into the whole life of the IPs, particularly in learning
their language. LAUNCHED. The latest work of
The meeting concluded with the identification of some Bontoc-Lagawe Emeritus Fran-
essential elements of the framework of Oblate ministry cisco F. Claver, SJ, a book titled
“The Making of a Local Church”,
among the IPs: 1) Oblates are engaged in this ministry was launched August 26 at the
because the indigenous peoples are among the voiceless
© travel.webshots.com
Caritas in Veritate
But, we ask ourselves, which truth and of society and hence refers to this natural Benedict XVI places as a fundamental where wealth or income is generated, If the purpose of economic action
which love are meant? There is no doubt law. criterion for moral reflection on the and society with the place of solidarity is not synonymous with striving for a
that today these very concepts give rise Now, expounding on the reality current socio-economic reality: “’Caritas for its fair distribution. common goal as the Latin etymology
to suspicion especially the term “truth” of natural law, the International in veritate’ is the principle around which Caritas in veritate tells us instead “cum-petere” would clearly indicate
or are the object of misunderstanding, Theological Commission describes the Church’s social doctrine turns, a that it is also possible to do business but rather with Hobbes’ theory, “mors
and this is especially the case with the precisely how truth and love are principle that takes on practical form in by pursuing aims that serve society tua, vita mea” [your death is my life],
term “love”. This is why it is important essential requirements of every person the criteria that govern moral action”. and are inspired by pro-social motives. then the social bond is reduced to
to make clear which truth and which and are deeply rooted in his being. “In Using a cogent expression, the Holy This is a practical way, if not the only commercial relations and economic
love the Pope is addressing in his new his search for moral good, the human Father thus affirms that “the Church’s one, of bridging the gap between the activity tends to become inhuman,
Encyclical. The Holy Father explains person should recognize what he social teaching... is “caritas in veritate economic and the social spheres, given hence ultimately inefficient. Therefore,
that these two fundamental realities is and be aware of the fundamental in re sociali”: the proclamation of the that an economic activity which did not even in competition, “the Church’s
are neither extrinsic to man nor even inclinations of his nature”, which orient truth of Christ’s love in society. This incorporate the social dimension would social doctrine holds that authentically
imposed upon him in the name of any him toward the goods necessary for his doctrine is a service to charity, but its not be ethically acceptable. It is likewise human social relationships of friendship,
kind of ideological vision; rather, they moral fulfillment. As is well known, locus is truth”. true that a social policy concerned only solidarity and reciprocity can also be
are deeply rooted within the person. “a distinction has traditionally been What the Encyclical suggests is with redistribution, that failed to reckon conducted within economic activity,
Indeed, “love and truth”, the Pope says, made between three important forms neither ideological nor exclusively with the available resources, would not and not only outside it or “after” it. The
“are the vocation planted by God in the of natural dynamism.... The first, in reserved to those who share belief be sustainable in the long run: in fact, economic sphere is neither ethically
heart and mind of every human person”, common with every essential being, is in the divine Revelation. Rather, it is production must precede distribution. neutral, nor inherently inhuman and
the person who, according to Sacred comprised of the fundamental instinct based on fundamental anthropological We should be particularly grateful to opposed to society. It is part and parcel
Scripture, has been created precisely to preserve and develop one’s own realities such as, precisely, truth and Benedict XVI for wishing to emphasize of human activity and precisely because
“as an image of the Creator”, in other existence. The second, which is shared by charity properly understood or, as the the fact that economic action is not it is human, it must be structured and
words of the “God of the Bible, who is all living beings, includes the inclination Encyclical itself says, given to the human separate from or alien to the cornerstones governed in an ethical manner”.
both “Agápe” and “Lógos”: Charity and to reproduce in order to perpetuate being and received by him, but neither of the Church’s social teaching such Well, the advantage by no means
Truth, Love and Word. the species. The third, which is proper planned nor willed by him. Benedict as: the centrality of the human person, small that Caritas in veritate offers us is to
This reality is testified to us not only to man as a rational being, constitutes XVI wants to remind everyone that it is solidarity, subsidiarity, the common give special consideration to the concept
by biblical Revelation but can be grasped the inclination to know the truth about only by being anchored to this double good. of market, typical of the tradition of the
by every person of good will who uses God and to live in society”. Examining criterion of “veritas” and “caritas”, It is necessary to supersede the thought of civil economics, according to
right reason in reflecting on himself. in depth this third form of dynamism inseparably bound together, that it is current concept which expects the which it is possible to live the experience
In this regard, several passages of an which is found in every individual, the possible to build the authentic good of Church’s social teaching and values to of human sociality within a normal
important and meaningful Document International Theological Commission the human being who is made for truth be confined to social activities, while economic life and not outside or beside
that came out just before Caritas in declares that it is “specific to the human and love. According to the Holy Father, experts in efficiency would be charged it. This concept might be defined as an
veritate seem to illustrate this view being as a spiritual being, endowed with “only in charity, illumined by the light of with guiding the economy. It is the merit alternative, both regarding the concept
clearly. The International Theological reason, capable of knowing the truth, of reason and faith, is it possible to pursue and certainly not a secondary one of this that sees the market as a place for the
Commission in recent months has entering into dialogue with others and development goals that possess a more Encyclical to contribute to remedying Caritas / B2
B2 Updates CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 18
August 31 - September 13, 2009
Q: Who can be buried by the Church, and who can a burial Mass be
said for? If a faithful of the Catholic Church is not baptized before he
College. Thus, the Pope acts as dies, but had the desire to be baptized, can a burial Mass be celebrated
J.C.D. power in the Church—at least during Vatican II and continues
for him? If a Catholic was baptized, received first Communion and
in an absolute and proper Head of the College and even to be defended at present. In was confirmed, but failed to have his marriage blessed before he dies,
sense, or in a principal and as representative of the College, effect, Vatican II had affirmed can Mass be celebrated for him also? What about a Church member
At times, the question has been original sense—can only be one but not in a delegated sense that the Roman Pontiff, by virtue who contributed financially over the years to the Church and has held
asked in what consists the authority and that is the Roman Pontiff. (since his power does not come of his office, had full, supreme positions in the Church, but after his death there was a doubt of whether
of the Pope, the Bishops and— According to them, the College from the other members of the and universal power over the he had been baptized? Can he be given a Church burial, or can Mass
for that matter—the Episcopal of Bishops only is subject of College) but rather in a corporate Church, and later adds that the be celebrated for him?—D.A., Accra, Ghana
Conference. I shall attempt to such supreme power when the sense (as really standing for the College of Bishops, together with
clarify this matter in a series of A: The Church is usually generous toward the deceased, within
Pope communicates it to them whole College). In other words, its Head, the Roman Pontiff, and
limits.
articles, since the whole matter of and makes them participate the Pope functions authentically never without this head, is also First, we must distinguish between offering a funeral Mass and
ecclesiastical authority is too broad in it—i.e., only in a relative not as an independent agent but subject—“subiectum quoque”— celebrating a Mass whose intention is the eternal repose of a particular
a topic to tackle in one article. and participative sense, and as successor of Peter—i.e., head of the supreme and full power soul.
thus secondary, accessory and of the college. over the universal Church (LG, Since the latter is basically the private intention of the priest, albeit
BY supreme authority in contingent. 2) Collegially—by the whole n.22). Nevertheless, the position offered at the request of a particular person, and since there are practically
the Church we mean that body of the bishops, together needs to be defended from the no limitations as to whom we may pray for, almost any intention can be
ecclesiastical power that is not 2nd The College of Bishops as with and under its Head. It has juridic-doctrinal point of view. admitted. In cases that might cause scandal, especially if the person were
denied a funeral Mass, it would not be prudent to make this intention
subordinated to any other, Subject of the Supreme Power also been pointed out that since For its defenders, two public.
and on which all other powers in the Church the Episcopal College always apparently contradictory factors A funeral Mass on the other hand is basically a public act in which
in the Church depend. Thus, Putting aside the Conciliarist exists and is an essential element needed to be reconciled. On the the Church intercedes for the deceased by name. A funeral Mass is one
the following discussion formulations that this thesis had of the divine constitution of one hand, the principle that in which uses the formulas found in the Roman Missal and the ritual for
presupposes the previous a society there can only be one funerals. Some of these formulas may be used even if the deceased’s
consideration of the reality of supreme power, since were there body is not present.
the sacra potestas and its relation to be several, one of them would Because of its public nature the Church’s public intercession for a
with the power of Orders and the limit the others that would then departed soul is more limited. A funeral Mass can be celebrated for most
Catholics, but there are some specific cases in which canon law requires
power of jurisdiction (already cease to be supreme. On the the denial of a funeral Mass. Canons 1184-1185 say:
tackled in an earlier issue of other hand, there are texts of the “Canon 1184 §1. Unless they gave some signs of repentance before
CBCP Monitor). Here we shall Magisterium—among them that death, the following must be deprived of ecclesiastical funerals: 1/
deal with the question of who of Lumen Gentium—that affirm notorious apostates, heretics, and schismatics; 2/ those who chose the
is/are the subject/subjects of the the existence of two subjects of cremation of their bodies for reasons contrary to Christian faith; 3/ other
supreme power in the Church. It the supreme power: the Roman manifest sinners who cannot be granted ecclesiastical funerals without
has been noted that while Lumen Pontiff and also the College of public scandal of the faithful.
Gentium had made major strides Ҥ2. If any doubt occurs, the local ordinary is to be consulted, and his
Bishops. According to these
judgment must be followed.
in placing the role and exercise authors, in order to harmonize “Canon 1185. Any funeral Mass must also be denied a person who is
of the supreme power in the these two seemingly opposing excluded from ecclesiastical funerals.”
Church in a larger perspective, factors, we have to affirm the In fact, these strictures are rarely applied. In part, this is because many
it has not resolved this critical existence of two subjects of sinners do show signs of repentance before death.
issue. supreme power in the Church, Likewise, the canons are open to some interpretation. In No. 1184
The classical and current but at the same time establish an §1 notorious would mean publicly known. Therefore someone who had
answer can be summarized inadequate distinction between abandoned the faith and joined some other group would be denied a funeral;
in three theses, each one with someone who harbored private doubts or disagreements would not.
them—since the Roman Pontiff
Cases of those who choose cremation for reasons contrary to the
different nuances that can even is present in both, either as the faith are extremely rare and are hard to prove (see the follow-up in our
give rise to further subdivisions Vicar of Christ and Pastor of the column of Nov. 29, 2005).
of varying worth. universal Church or as the Head The most delicate cases are those in No. 1184 §1.3. Many canonists
of the Episcopal College. As the say that for denial of a funeral the person must be both widely known to
1st The Roman Pontiff as Council itself would explain, “it be living in a state of grave sin and that holding a Church funeral would
the Subject of the Supreme is not a distinction between the cause scandal.
Authority in the Church Roman Pontiff and the bishops About a year ago in Italy the Church denied an ecclesiastical funeral
This is a classic position, for a nationally known campaigner for euthanasia who requested and
taken together, but between the
obtained the removal of his life-support system. In this case the request
defended in the Modern Era by Roman Pontiff by himself and for a funeral for someone who was only nominally Catholic was in itself
authors like Cajetan and other the Roman Pontiff along with a publicity stunt for the organization behind the campaign. Likewise,
Post-Tridentine theologians and the bishops.” Neither should someone subject to excommunication or interdict (for example, a Catholic
canonists, and by a minority we forget that, as the Council
Photo Courtesy of www.content.answers.com
IMPORTANT FACTS
Bishop …………...………......... 2
Diocesan Priests:
Active Resident ..………...... 57
Abroad/on Leave ....………... 11
Deacon ……………………...... 3
Religious Priests:
Filipino ……………………….. 7
Foreign …..…………..…….. 2
Consecrated Brother:
Filipino ………...…………… 3
Foreign ……………..……… 2
Consecrated Women:
Filipino …………………….... 39
Foreign ……………..……… 1
Diocesan Divisions:
Vicariates ……………............ 6
Parishes …………………….. 27
Mission Centers ……............. 5
Seminarians:
College …………………..…. 33
Theology ………….....…....... 5
Regents ………………......... 3
Seminaries:
College ……………………... 1
Catholic Schools …………... 4
Population ………….….. 695, 149
Catholics …………….….. 660, 391
Area …………....… 5,591 sq. km
By Rev. Fr. Noel C. Labendia and Brother Juan Ontineda, the Catubig Diocesan Synod he convoked in 1600. west side of Samar, while Palapag will and from all Spanish colonies in July
and Palapag missions (in Ibabao side Later he charged them of revising the become the central Mission Residence 29, 1768, by virtue of a decree issued
of Samar) were opened as well. It will Visayan Catechism in whose version for Ibabao region (the northeast side of by King Charles III in 1767. The decree
Introduction be temporarily closed however after 2 was given an official character. After Samar). This arrangement of having two of expulsion paved the way for the
The Diocese of Calbayog is the local years, and only revisited in 1601 by Fr. which, in spite of his more than seventy central Residences in the Samar Island, assignment of other Religious orders as
church comprising the civil territorial Juan Sanlucar and again in 1603 by Fr. years, he traveled by trail and outrigger with one local superior and a group replacement in the abandoned mission
jurisdiction of western side of Samar Juan de Torres and Brother Domingo canoe to visit Tinagon to administer of pastors responsible for subordinate areas.
Island. The island, the third largest in Alonso. Few years later, the Ibabao Confirmation in which he confirmed in communities will be the normal set-up
the Philippines, is composed of three mission residence in Catubig was the faith 2,000 neophytes. for the duration of 150 years of Jesuit The Franciscans in Samar
provinces: the Province of Northern transferred to Palapag. From Palapag It was the directive of the Jesuit Father missionary labors. Fr. Dela Costa writes The Franciscan Friars of the Province
Samar with Catarman as capital, residence, visitas in Tubig (now Taft), General Claudio Aquaviva in Rome in his book, a catalogue of the last Jesuits of St. Gregory were the ones assigned
the Province of Eastern Samar with Sulat, Borongan, as well as in Batag and in compliance of their 5th General assigned in these two Central residences for the Samar poblaciones, except for
Borongan as capital, and the Province Island, Lao-ang, Catarman and Bobon Congregation—that mission centers at the time of their expulsion in 1768. Guiuan and Basay which were assigned
of Samar (in the West) with Catbalogan were eventually founded. established in smaller settlements be For Catbalogan, seven Jesuits were to the Augustinians. Like the pioneer
as the capital. The City of Calbayog, the The work of early evangelization in aggregated into one main residence constituted as one community with missionaries, the Spanish Franciscans too
lone city in the Province of Samar and Samar was proven not an easy task in larger pueblos and “that no many Fr. Gianbattista Medici as the assigned proved themselves noble in spreading
Diocese of Calbayog
of the entire Samar Island, is where the the faith and in preaching the Gospel.
Cathedral of the diocese is located since They did this for a period of 159 years.
its ecclesiastical foundation on April 10, Except for the intermittent years 1898
1910 by Pope Pius X. The new Diocese to 1906, because of the war, they stayed
was comprised then of the whole Samar in Samar until 1927. To them goes the
and Leyte islands separate from the credit of sustaining the seed of faith
Archdiocese of Cebu. Subsequently, Palo that was planted and this they did with
was ceded from Calbayog as a separate sincere efforts and dedication through
diocese in 1948, Borongan in 1960 and the introduction of catholic devotions
Catarman in 1974. and catechetical education. The Holy
The historical vicissitudes of the week observances, the confradias
Diocese of Calbayog cannot be fully and hermanidad, as well as the many
appreciated apart from the history novenas and church hymns that remains
of the early evangelical labors of the until now, all came from their efforts.
first missionaries who came to Samar But it was Fr. Jose Gomez de Huerce that
island. epitomized the Franciscan missionary
The Pioneers of Evangelization in priest that the people of Samar and the
Samar diocese of Calbayog can be said to have
After having obtained in 1595 the owed much. He was only 26 years old
islands of the Visayas as their new in 1834 when he arrived as a missionary
mission territory, Fr. Antonio Sedeno, from Huerce, Spain. It was during his
the Head of the Jesuit Philippine Mission, stint as pastor of Calbayog “when the
(which was then a vice-Province under town was still small and development
Mexico) at once made all the necessary was stagnant”, that he applied himself
preparations for the establishment of at once to serious work. To control the
the new mission. This labor however, tide-flow and ensure proper drainage,
will be carried out and realized only he constructed a river dike in the town.
by Fr. Ramon Prat, the former’s worthy He put up a furnace to fabricate bricks
successor after the latter’s demise in and encourage those who could, to use
Cebu. Thus on 3 October 1596, Fr. Prat bricks for their houses. He started to
the Vice-Provincial, and 15 other Jesuits construct a semi-stone convent as well
left Manila for the Visayas in Samar and as a large and solid stone church which
Leyte. For almost 20 days they sailed the will eventually become the Cathedral
rough seas of Marinduque and Mindoro, Church of the Diocese. His greatest
passing by Maripipi islands, and off to contribution however to the pueblo of
the Samar Sea, until finally landing in Calbayog according to many, was his
Tinagon, (now presently Brgy Dapdap, promotion of agriculture especially
in the town of Tarangnan) on October Bishop Isabelo C. Abarquez, DD the production of abaca. Fr. Huerce
22, in the western coast of the island. In “climbed mountains to search for the
Tinagon Fr. Prat, left Fathers Francisco considering that the year 1596 to 1597 residences be established anymore” Rector and Parish Priest. The six others best abaca suckers for cultivation and
de Otazo and Bartolome Martes, and were years of famine due to the plague for efficiency in the mission and to assigned with him were: Fr. Ignatz went around farms to teach how to
Brother Domingo Alonso to establish of locust, and thus the harvests were “provide safeguards and incentives for Gosner as Parish priest of Paranas, plant and nurture them”. It was said
the first mission in the island. With the very poor, and there was sickness community life”—that occasioned the Fr. Juan Essandi, as parish priest of that his labors proved beneficial to the
12 others, Fr. Prat proceeded to Leyte, everywhere. The missionaries went from shift in their missionary activities in the Capul and Calbayog, Fr. John Antoine town of Calbayog as well as the entire
in Carigara and Dulag, which were village to village with rice and medicines, island. That directive at reorganization Tournon, parish priest of Calbiga, Fr. Samar Island in terms of economic
established a year ago as mission stations doing what they could to relieve the and consolidation was relayed to the Jose Gomez, parish priest of Bangahon, progress and development. That was
under Cebu by Fr. Pedro Chirino. sufferings of the people. There were no Jesuits of Samar and Leyte by the Father Frs. Jose Valero and Miguel Alustiza for when the demand for abaca in the world
From the site of the first mission station roads yet, travels were most of the time by Visitator Diego Garcia in a conference other special ministries. market grew and Calbayog attracted
in Tinagon in 1596, the missionaries water, and in many occasions their labors attended by all 26 Jesuits in Palo on For the Palapag Residence: Fr. Roque many entrepreneurs. The upsurge of
fanned out to nearby poblaciones were met with insurmountable obstacles January 6, 1600. It was a directive meant Corbinos, the vice-provincial for the economy and rise of population of the
or settlements which were already especially during south-west monsoon to be enforced immediately, although Visayas, was assigned as Rector and town gave birth to new pueblos like
claimed as an encomienda by the or habagat. If they travel by the rivers, it was not followed in actual practice Parish Priest, together with him were: Oquendo, Sta. Margarita, Tinambacan
Spanish government. That same year the they have to contend with crocodiles. until some few years, for it was only in Fr. Luis Lopez, parish priest for Sulat, (formerly Weyler) and Sto. Nino.
missionaries immediately established But of course among the obstacles 1610 that Palapag was opened as a new Fr. Charles O’Dwyer, parish priest of (Limbangcauayan) – Pueblos that will
communities or visitas in neighboring to their labors, the most dreaded of Mission residence transferring the old Tubig, (Taft) Fr. Jose Vasquez, parish eventually become towns and parishes
pueblos in Catbalogan, Paranas, Calbiga, all were always the devastating and station of Catubig and the old Tinagon priest of Borongan, Fr. Ignatz Frisch, for the soon to be established Diocese of
Umauas (now Villareal) and in as far almost irreparable attacks of the Moro station as well, sometime after 1612, was parish priest of Guiuan, Fr. Jose Anda, Calbayog at the turn of the Century.
as Maripipi and Limbangcauayan. In pirates. The Augustinian Bishop Fray transferred to Catbalogan making it as parish priest of Catubig and Laoang, and
1597, the Jesuits opened the visita of Pedro de Agurto of Cebu, in which the Central residence. (cf. Dela Costa, Fr. Joseph Bremont, as parish priest for Towards the Foundation of a new
Bangajon (now Gandara)), Capul and Samar islands were under his charge, TJP, p. 262, 316). Catarman and Bobon. Diocese
Ibatang, the forerunner of Calbayog. hearing the fine evangelical efforts of At any rate, as a new way of proceeding The Jesuits stayed in Samar and The work was started to prepare
With the additional assignment to the the Jesuits in Tinagon, summoned them in their mission, Catbalogan will become in Ibabao for 173 years or until their the towns and parishes of Samar and
Tinagon residence of Fr. Miguel Gomez to Cebu to attend as delegates to the the central Mission Residence for the expulsion from their Philippine mission Calbayog / B4
Features
CBCP Monitor
B4 Vol. 13 No. 18
August 31 - September 13, 2009
eight of us from the La Salle Schools in plateresque façade was replaced by the The Choir
AFTER the 9th Plenary Assembly of FABC held in Manila the Philippines went on a 21-day spiritual façade we see today, which is the work of This is the oldest boys’ choir in Europe.
on August 11-16, 2009, two more big FABC events will journey to the Holy Land and Europe. the Francesc de P. Villar. The church interior The exceptional quality of the Choir’s
be held in the Philippines, namely: the 5th AsIPA (Asian In 1999, I wrote a simple glimpse of the was restored following the destruction by singing is the result of the musical and
Integral Pastoral Approach) General Assembly (GA) in places we had been to. cultural training that the choirboys receive
October, and the 5th Asian Youth Day in November. Both I made mention of all the places where from the monks of Montserrat. Each day
the AsIPA Desk and Youth Desk are under the FABC Office the Lord Jesus moved around, they were at 1:00 p.m., they sing the Salve Regina
of Laity and Family. all memorable because I witnessed, and the Virolai, the hymn to Our Lady of
The 5th AsIPA General Assembly is for national and touched and firsthand experienced what I Montserrat. After Vespers, at 7:10 p.m., the
diocesan training teams for BECs/SCCs that are using the have been teaching in my Religion classes choir sings the Montserrat Salve Regina,
AsIPA and Lumko method of starting and maintaining for a number of years. in which polyphony alternates with the
small communities. The basic characteristics of this method The splendor of Paris, Rome, France, monks’ Gregorian chant. On Sundays
are: Gospel-based and hence Christ-centered, constantly Andorra, Spain, Versailles, and prayerful and public holidays, they take part in the
growing in their sense of Church as a communion and hence sites of Lourdes, Assisi, Nevers, Paray Le conventual mass and vespers.
becoming a community and carrying out the Kingdom Monyal, Rheims, Aurelia in Rome (the
mission among themselves, in the neighborhood and in mother house of the Christian Brothers) Els Degotalls
the society as a whole. and many more made the trip exciting A flat and shady walk that skirts around
The theme for this 5th General Assembly is: “Do this in and also educational. the mountain. When you come to a clearing,
memory of me” (Lk 22:19). Bread broken and Word shared What made me single out Montserrat you can look up and admire the peaks
in SCCs/BECs. in particular is because of our Lady who and eroded rocky crags that rise up over
It flows from the Bishops’ Synod on “The Word of God in appeared there and the magnificent 200 meters above El Canigo to the Cadi
the life and Mission of the Church” held in Rome last year place of worship that was built on that mountain range. There are numerous
and from the FABC 9th Plenary Assembly’s main theme: mountain peak. monuments along the pathway dedicated
“Living the Eucharist in Asia.” by the people of Catalonia to our Lady.
This 5th General Assembly will gather around 200 On Montserrat
participants: bishops, priests, lay leaders and Religious who This is a special place because it is The Sant Miguel Cross
are involved in training facilitators that animate and guide a unique natural environment and a Follow the path alongside the Sant Joan
SCCs/BECs. Asian Bishops are all invited to attend. GA 5 religious centre and because of the art to Funicular station, and climb the gentle
participants come from some 13 countries in Asia, three be found here. slopes that take you to the Sant Miguel
countries in Europe and Papua New Guinea. This takes Montserrat is home to the Sanctuary of plain. After 20 minutes you come to the
place every 3 years. The first two were held in Thailand Our Lady and the Benedictine monastery, fork that leads to the Cross, which is an
(1996 and 1999), the third one in Korea (2003) and the fourth which has, for almost 1000 years, served excellent vantage-point over the eastern
in India (2006). all the pilgrims and visitors who come to part of Montserrat, the Pyrennees and the
Aside from being an occasion for mutual exchange and this unusual mountain. coastal districts. You can continue along the
enriching interaction, it is also an updating on pastoral and path to Sant Miguel, a Romanesque-style
theological topics. For GA5, the topics will be on “SCCs/ The Image of Our Lady of Montserrat shrine rebuilt in 1870.
BECs as Eucharistic Communities” to be presented by Bishop The image of Our Lady of Montserrat,
Chito Tagle (Bishop of Imus, Cavite) and on “Breaking the popularly known as La Moreneta (the Santa Cecilia
Word in SCCs/BECs” by Bishop Oswald Hirmer (Bishop gentle dark woman) due to the dark This site is documented in 945, and it
Emeritus of Umtata, South Africa). colour of her face, is a lovely 12th century Legend has it that would seem to be the first place where a
Another special resource person is Bishop Emeritus Romanesque carving. In 1881, she was Christian monastic community was set up.
Fritz Lobinger of Aliwal, South Africa, who with Bishop crowned and declared the patron saint of
the image of Our Lady The Romanesque church is located in a
Hirmer, is also one of the founders of Lumko Institute. Catalonia. Legend has it that the image of was found in 880 in majestic spot on the north face of the range
Both Bishops Emeritus have been to Asia several times and Our Lady was found in 880 in the Santa the Santa Cova (holy and can be reached by following the Cami
have accompanied Asian teams in their process of training Cova (holy cave). The route leading up to dels Degotalls (way of the streams). A fork
facilitators of small communities that renew parishes to the cave follows a rosary-like path with
cave). The route off to the right leads to the Can Macana
become “a Participatory Church,” as declared by Asian monuments by Modernista artists such as leading up to the cave road which you should take to get to Santa
Bishops in the 5th FABC Plenary Assembly in 1990. Gaudi, Llimona, and Puig I Cadafalch. follows a rosary-like Cecilia. To round off the trip you can visit
During the 7-day General Assembly, we hope to achieve The small chapel at the end of the route the adjoining Arboretum (tree garden)
the following objectives: To review and reflect theologically dates from the end of the 17th century.
path with monuments which has a beautiful panoramic view of
on the experience of the different methods of Gospel sharing The Santa Cova funicular means that the by Modernista artists the northern parts of Catalonia.
as a way of breaking the Word in SCC/BECs; to reflect hardest part of the path does not have to such as Gaudi, Llimona,
theologically on how SCCs/BECs break the bread—living be climbed, thus making it easier to get The Museum
the Eucharist in daily life; to facilitate the sharing of to this place of pilgrimage.
and Puig I Cadafalch. A valuable collection of varied works of
experiences and resources among the participants towards The small chapel at the art and other objects, many of which were
the “new way of being Church”. The Old Gothic Cloister end of the route dates donated to the Monastery: liturgical objects
The reports from the different countries/dioceses will This was built in 1476 by the then from the 15th to 20th centuries; masterpieces
be a source of inspiration and learning to one another. The commendatory abbot Giuliano della
from the end of the 17th painted in the 13th to 18th centuries, with
keynote talks will be “digested” in small groups to search Rovere, who later became Pope Julius century. The Santa Cova works by Berruguete, El Greco, Caravaggio
together pastoral approaches that will guide the SCC/BEC 11. Only two of the original four wings funicular means that and others; a splendid collection of modern
process of renewing the Church and actualizing communion still exist. The sculptures on the capitals paintings and sculpture by artists such
starting from the most local level of the neighborhood. The include profane themes together with
the hardest part of the as Rusinol, Casas, Nonell, Picasso, and
General Assembly will also offer different methods of doing the coats of arms of Montserrat and of path does not have to Dali. There are also important French
the Gospel sharing to grow in Christ-centeredness and to the abbot who started the construction be climbed, thus making Impressionist works, by painters, such as
respond to social challenges as a community. work. Monet, Sisley and Degas.
Most Rev. Fernando Capalla, Archbishop of Davao, was it easier to get to this The Museum collections consist of
happy to accept hosting this event which forms part of the The Monastery place of pilgrimage. objects from ancient civilizations, such
Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Archdiocese. The AsIPA The community consists of a good as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Cyprus and the
effort has a history very much accompanied by Philippine number of monks who follow the 6th- Holy Land.
Bishops since 1993 when Archbishop Angel Lagdameo (Jaro, century Benedictine Rule. They largely
Iloilo) was then Chairman of the FABC Office of Laity and dedicate their time to deepening their Reflections
Family, and Archbishop Orlando Quevedo as Secretary understanding of the religious experience, How I wish I could recapture the other
General of FABC since 2004. The present Chairman is now working and receiving pilgrims. As a details of our magnificent trip to Montserrat,
Bishop Rolando Tirona (Infanta, Quezon). consequence, the monastery is a place of Spain. What will remain forever in my
Since its inception in 1990 and officially started in 1993, the prayer, dialogue, culture, and of meeting memories are the Holy Mass concelebrated
AsIPA Desk has been based in Taipei, coordinated by Ms. other co-pilgrims. The buildings that make by the two priests who joined the Pilgrimage
Cora Mateo, a lay missionary and member of the Teresian up the monastery date from the middle with us and the solemnity of the place
Association (a Davaoweña). Now its office has moved to of the last century as Napoleon’s army where many marriages are scheduled to
Singapore with Ms. Wendy Louis as Asian Coordinator. destroyed the old monastery in 1811. be solemnized and the ONENESS of the
(AsIPa Secretariat) The monks living quarters are not open entire members of the Lasallian Pilgrimage
to visitors. though it happened ten years ago.
Calbayog / B3
Leyte to be constituted as a new faith-life of the Samarenos, probably then the youngest After serving the diocese, he formation of priests by diocesan more than 2 years. And he
Diocese. Cebu bishop Martin Bishop Alcocer recommended in the world to be appointed retired in Palo Leyte where he died formators, he prepared local was a sickly bishop, and most
Garcia y Alcocer assigned his to the Holy See the creation bishop. His economic prowess by accident, in a conflagration that priests to be formators-staff of the of the time he was away from
Vicar General, a native of the of Calbayog into a Diocese and entrepreneurial skills reduced his retirement house into seminary and guided the smooth the Diocese. Bishop Filomeno
town of Calbiga, Msgr. Pablo independent of the Diocese helped a lot in the temporal dust and ashes. transition of management in 1964 Bactol was assigned as Apostolic
Singzon to prepare the founding of Cebu. Finding merit on the and financial management of Bishop Manuel Del Rosario from the religious Congregation Administrator to replace Bishop
of a new diocese. In 1903, Bishop recommendation, Pope Pius X the diocese. His engagement in succeeded Bishop Acebedo in of the Mission to the diocesan Lucero, but he too soon resigned
Alcocer in response to the appeal by virtue of the decree, “Novas business however, notably in 1958 until 1961. He started the personnel. only three months after his
of the principales of Calbayog erigere dioecesis” erected on April land transportation, was for and construction of a new seminary installation. After which, another
permitted the opening of a 10, 1910 the Diocese of Calbayog in the name of the diocese, for the building in Dagum Hills. His The Diocese during the Martial pastor was assigned in the name
catholic school. Thus in 1905, the comprising the parishes of Samar needs of his diocesan pastoral stay in Calbayog was short-lived Law Years of Bishop Godofredo Pedernal.
Colegio de San Vicente de Paul and Leyte islands and appointed projects. His conviction about the however, because of his transfer Bishop Ricardo Tancinco a But he too was bishop of the
was opened. It was a school Msgr. Pablo Singzon as the first importance of catholic education to Bulacan to become the first native of Calbayog succeeded diocese only until 1984 when
exclusive only for boys. It was Residential Bishop. like his predecessor, led him to Bishop of the newly-founded Bishop Urgel in 1974 upon Msgr. Pastor Paloma, OAR
administered by the Vincentian Among the first acts of the new establish the Bishop Singzon Diocese of Malolos. Bishop Lino the latter’s assignment to the was assigned to replace him.
Fathers. Soon after, another bishop was the formalization of Institute in Catbalogan and the St. Gonzaga succeeded Bishop Del Archdiocese of Palo. Bishop But like his predecessors, he
school exclusively for girls was the establishment of the Diocesan Paul’s College in Tacloban. The Rosario in 1961, but also as an Tancinco proved himself a good too stayed in the diocese only
established. This is the Colegio seminary, which was then being former was the precursor of the Apostolic Administrator and pastor, by guiding the diocese for a short while. He was soon
de La Milagrosa, which was handled by the Vincentian Priests Sacred Heart College and now for only a period of one year. during the most trying times of replaced in 1985 in the person
administered by the Daughters attached to the Colegio. As an St. Mary’s College administered In his short stay in the diocese, the Church in the Philippines— of Msgr. Pedro Dean, then the
of Charity, a congregation also institution separate to the Colegio by the RVM Sisters, while the he was remembered as an the Martial Law years. His Archbishop of Palo, and a native
of the Vincentian family. Both de San Vicente de Paul, it was latter became the Divine Word eloquent writer, a witty orator, prudent ways of administering of Calbayog. He was Apostolic
schools are still in existence until named Colegio-Seminario de San University or DWU of the SVD and more so, as the defender of the diocese on the concept of Administrator of Calbayog until
today. The Colegio de San Vicente Vicente de Paul and Fr. Teodoro Congregation. After 15 years of orthodoxy. “co-responsibility” (which was 1990 upon the appointment
de Paul eventually became the Robredo, C.M. was the first stint as pastor, Bishop Hacbang Bishop Cipriano Urgel his ecclesiastical motto) helped of Msgr. Maximiano Cruz as
Christ the King College in 1952 assigned Rector of the seminary was succeeded by Bishop Alberto succeededBishopGonzagain1962 a lot in fostering unity among Apostolic Administrator. Bishop
and is now administered by together with Fr. Santos Saldana, Almarines in 1937. He was until 1974. He was authoritative Laity and Clergy as well as in Cruz served in that capacity for
the Franciscan Friars, while the C.M. and Fr. Pedro Pampliega, however to stay merely as an but was compassionate and the functioning of its proper five years, until he was appointed
Colegio de La Milagrosa, now the C.M. as Prefect of discipline Apostolic Administrator and was always eager to listen to his mission as a local church. It was by the Holy See to be Residential
La Milagrosa Academy which and Procurator respectively. only for a period of one year. priests and the faithful. He was during his stint as bishop that the Bishop in 1995.
started co-education in 1942, is Next to the seminary, the second Bishop Miguel Acebedo the bishop of “two worlds.” He pastoral program of the diocese as
now currently administered by important act of Bishop Singzon succeeded Bishop Almarines in provided the good climate of envisioned by Vatican II Council Towards Renewal and
the Franciscan Apostolic Sisters. was the convoking of the first 1938. He was bishop of Calbayog transition from the “old ways of started to take off. However, no Revitalization
Almost bent on establishing a Diocesan Synod. It was held in until 1958. It was during his stint being Church” to being Church matter how pure the motives Perhaps, it was to Archbishop
new diocese, a seminary for the Palo Leyte on May 2-4, 1911. that the Bishop’s residence was of ‘aggiornamento’ propounded were, the Clergy’s fidelity to the PedroDeanthatcreditmaybemade
training of native clergy was In that synod was laid out the built. His sense of prudence by Vatican II. He was the pastor mission was, as expected, held to have started the revitalization
proposed. Thus, interested boys groundwork for carrying out the during the war, kept the diocese who invited lay people to get suspect. The diocese got caught up of the diocese. Although his
from the secular Colegio de san task of the mission as well as the undisturbed by the occupying involve in the diocesan and in the ferment that was brewing disposition was always held with
Vicente de Paul would be invited initial structure for the newly- Japanese forces, specifically, the parish activities foremost in in the country. some reservation by many priests
to be seminarians. They were to established Diocese. seminary which was among the organizing the pioneer lay Bishop Sincero Lucero was and lay people, he succeeded
stay in a residence, located next Bishop Hacbang succeeded few, if not the only seminary in the movement in the church, the assigned to replace Bishop nevertheless in his good motives.
to the Bishop’s House. Bishop Singzon in 1922 until country that remained operational Cursillo de Christianidad. In Tancinco in 1979. But he was True to his blood as a native of the
Convinced of the deepening 1937. At 31 years old, he was during the Japanese occupation. his attempt to own the task of to stay only in the diocese for Calbayog / B7
Statements
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 18
August 31 - September 13, 2009
B5
Pastoral Letter
is ultimately determines their attitude 9:33-37), and gloriously sit at the right not only do twice or a hundred times,
toward him. According to Mark, the and the left of the Messiah’s throne (Mark but as part of our daily activities. Once
people—that is to say, those who were 10:36). In other words, the disciples we accept this and once this becomes our
outside the circle of disciples—had thought of him as a political Messiah. second nature as it were, then we will
various images of him: he was Elijah, And Jesus corrected them by foretelling learn the paradox that in humiliation, we
who returned (Mal 3:1; 4:5); for others, his passion: “The Son of Man had to are exalted, in giving up life, we save it,
he was John the Baptist, in whom Elijah suffer much, be rejected by the elders, in allowing ourselves to be defeated, we
reappeared. For still others, he was the chief priests, and the scribes, be become victorious.
with the rebel angels who were the legitimate authorities placed than for a rich man to enter
plunged into hell of everlasting above you. “Pride goes before the kingdom of heaven” (see
IN John 8:34, Jesus talks about fire and unhappiness (cf. Rev. destruction, a haughty spirit before Mt. 19:23). How many acts of
some form of slavery that 12:7-12). Jesus is the Way, the a fall (Prov. 16:18). Even St. John violence have been perpetrated
eventually would affect man’s Truth and the Life (Jn. 14:6); of the Cross, the Carmelite mystic for power and greed. Of course,
eternal fate. And this, after all,
© www.timonera.com
“It is our responsibility that the area is clean
of unexploded ordinance and landmines,”
Hontiveros explained.
The bakwits will be allowed to return to their
homes “once we are sure of their safety”, he
Calbayog / B4
place, he pleaded the Holy See Bishop Maximiano T. Cruz, a of the whole Presbyterium and His deep spirituality and deep sense of hope in him. He said specifically the office of the
through the Apostolic Nuncio to native of Catbalogan, and who the lay faithful. To some that was prayerfulness was legendary. the day after the fire, “something Diocesan Catechetical ministry.
withhold the plan of ‘dissolving’ has been Auxillary Bishop of the return to the glorious days of He was a man of discernment. good must come out from the He solicited funds for the repair
Calbayog as a diocese. He revived Calbayog since 1990, continued Calbayog, in which priests and He knew the history of his own ashes.” The re-building of the and renovation of the diocesan
and re-opened the seminary the labors of revitalizing the lay faithful felt proud to belong to flock. He was the pastor who gutted Patria was the last project seminary. However, it was the
building in Dagum Hills in 1987 Diocesestartedbyhispredecessor, a diocese. Others said that was the had compassion to hundreds of of Bishop Palma for Calbayog. He planned Diocesan Synod that
which was standing idly for over Msgr. Dean. He was Apostolic return of a type of leader “in the people – poor people, unjustly raised funds in ways unexpected will remain the most important,
15 years already. It was renamed Administrator for 5 years, until mold of Bishop Urgel and much treated people, rejected people. even to the Clergy– a Clergy in if not the centerpiece undertaking
St. Vincent de Paul College his assignment as the Residential more.” Bishop Palma typified He inspired mediocre priests Concert. To most of us it was a in the episcopacy of Bishop
Seminary, which started to cater Bishop in 1995 until 1997. During the bishop as servant-leader— and brought down those who miracle, to have a concert of the Abarquez. It was in April 15, 2009
to the needs for philosophical his stint, he laid the foundation compassionate, humble, simple, were forgetful of humility. entire Presbyterium – both young at St. Vincent de Paul College
studies of the three dioceses of restoring discipline and order easy to mingle with, and not the In many instances he defied and old clergy—at performance Seminary, that the historic 2nd
of Samar island—Borongan, among the priests and lay faithful usual type of bishop in which authoritative styles of leadership, level in nine venues within the Diocesan Synod was held as
Catarman, and Calbayog. For in the diocese. He is credited one will feel uneasy, left-out, or even ignoring some customs Diocese and two in Metro Manila. planned. It was participated
the needs of Theological studies, for the revitalization of arts rejected. He was approachable, and protocols if it was for the Indeed, it was a miracle sought by over 150 Delegates from the
the establishment of St. John and culture in sacred worship. and more than that, he listened good of his people and his and prayed for, to rebuild the Clergy, Religious and Laity.
Evangelist School of Theology in He raised funds for the repair to observations and suggestions priests. He was a man of great gutted Patria building, but in It tackled seven core Synodal
1988 was also proven beneficial to of the Cathedral and the face- of his priests and his faithful. He prudence and extreme patience the process, without us knowing concerns and became an occasion
the revitalization of the life of the lifting of its wooden gold-leaf was a pastor imbued with love which sometimes lead others to it, another miracle was then for the Priests and Lay people to
Diocese of Calbayog [and of sister retablo. He composed songs for Samar and the Samareños. have some questions as to his happening for us—it was the contribute their best insights for
Dioceses in Samar and Leyte]. and hymns for devotion. He He lobbied at the Sanggunian capacity to lead and to decide. He joy of deeper unity and bonding the governance of the diocese, as
This too was made possible revised many novena prayers. Panlalawigan, at Congress and harnessed energies in his flock, on the part of the Clergy. In well as it became an avenue for
through the sincere efforts of More importantly, with the fresh even in Malacañang for certain leading them, not by words but 2005, the rebuilding of the new common understanding of what
the Apostolic Administrator of call and mandate of PCP II in issues that directly affect the by witness, to love one’s own self- Centennial Pastoral Center was it means to truly belong to the
Calbayog, the Archbishop of 1991, he guided the diocese in lives of the Samareños, such worth and to joyfully accept one’s started. After which, efforts were Diocese for 2010 and beyond.
Palo. More importantly, Msgr. implementing the program of as the moratorium on illegal own purpose and mission. at once planned and discussed
Dean initiated the first ever, renewed Integral Evangelization logging and the total ban for It was during his time in April 9, for the holding of an important A Greater Power at work
Diocesan Pastoral Assembly in alongside the BEC set-up as a unsustainable mining in Samar 2001, that the former old seminary event in the Diocese—a Second Calbayog as a Local Church
1989. He invited the Jesuit Bishop new way of being church that Island. Also, through his lead building, called Patria, was Diocesan Synod. However, has gone through various ups
Francisco Claver and Sr. Julma was ratified during the diocesan support and initiative, the Samar burned and reduced into ashes. that planned undertaking lost and downs, painful struggles
Neo of the Daughters of Charity Pastoral Assembly in 1989. Island Partnership for Peace That was a paralyzing event for momentum when in 2006 it was and difficult circumstances. It
as facilitators. The important Bishop Jose Palma, a native of and Development (SIPPAD) the Diocese because that building announced that Bishop Palma is a fact of life that in order for a
outcome of that assembly was the Iloilo who was then an Auxiliary was founded in 2005. This is the has been the center for the pastoral was appointed by the Holy living organism to grow and to
formulation of the Vision-Mission Bishop of Cebu Archdiocese, partnership of NGO’s, GO’s, programs of the diocese. But the See as Archbishop of Palo. The continue, it must undergo a series
of the Diocese which remains a succeeded Bishop Cruz in 1999 Local Government Executives, as loss and disaster brought by the discussion and preparations for of difficulties and shocks. Yet,
Norm until now, as well as the upon the latter’s retirement. well as the three Bishops of the fire did not hamper in any way the the Second Diocesan Synod then its continued life and existence
ratification and owning of the Bishop Palma was the pastor who Island on issues concerning Peace good dreams of the Bishop for the was withheld, and was decided to despite all odds cannot just be
BEC as a Diocesan Thrust. restored the bonding and unity and Development in Samar. diocese. Rather it brought out the be recommended to the incoming simply due to its own pursuits
bishop. or that of its stakeholders’ intent,
Bishop Isabelo Abarquez of no matter how pure and noble.
Cebu succeeded Bishop Palma There is consolation in telling
in 2006 upon his appointment that a greater power has been at
to the Metropolitan Archdiocese work, and continues to work with
CBCPMonitor
of Palo. Consultations were then us, – a Power always greater than
Name _________________________________________________ immediately held by the new our most noble motives! And this
(Family Name) (Given Name) (Middle Name) Pastor to consult the priests what is how it is to be Church, all too
to do and what programs will be human, yet, all too Divine.
undertaken under him. Upon With the Diocesan Synod
SUBSCRIPTION RATES Mailing Address _______________________________________________ the strong recommendation of successfully held, and with all the
_________________________________________________ the priests for efforts towards priests and lay people renewed
holding of a Diocesan Synod, by the Spirit and revitalized
The CBCP Monitor is published fort- Phone No.: ________ Fax No.: ________ E-mail: ___________ the new Bishop then ratified it as in faith and life, the Diocesan
nightly by the CBCP Media Office, with Mode of Payment the primary undertaking for all Centennial Anniversary next
in the Diocese. Thus, he directed year will only be truly meaningful
editorial and business offices at 470 Check/PMO enclosed Cash Payment and guided all concerned to if it will become an event in our
Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila. PO work for the preparation for life as a Diocese, to manifest
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Box 3601, 1076 MCPO that great and solemn event. renewed fidelity to Jesus and
• Domestic Meanwhile, other initiatives and His Church, and fidelity as
1 Year Php 500.00 _____________________________ plans were carried out by the well to His Mission, the call for
2 Years Php 900.00 Signature new pastor, which highlighted Evangelization for the renewal
• Foreign: Asia his great love and concern of society and people.
for his diocese. He worked Indeed, as we thank God for his
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• All Other US$ 80.00 PLEASE SEND TO:
Diocesan Centennial Building become another moment to re-
CBCP Monitor, P.O. Box 3601, Manila, Philippines and made it fully operational. commit ourselves to the Gospel
470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, Philippines | Tel (632) 404-2182 • Telefax (632) 404-1612 He worked feverishly for a values of humble service, of
Or e-mail this at cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.com
more functional diocesan curia unity, of peace and justice.
B8 Entertainment CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 18
August 31 - September 13, 2009
Abhorrent Poor
Disturbing Below average
Acceptable Average
Wholesome Above average
Exemplary E
xcellent
Buhay Parokya Look for the three items: Images of the Guardian Angels, Bells, and
Moises. (Illustration by Bladimer Usi)
Title: Bandslam
Cast: Gaelan Connell, Vanessa Hudgens, Alyson
Michalka, Lisa Kudrow
Director: Todd Graff
Producer: Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas
Screenwriters: Josh A. Cagan, Todd Graff
Editor: John Gilbert
Genre: “Dramedy” Comedy, Drama, Music
Cinematography: Eric Steelberg
Distributor: Summit Entertainment
Location: USA
Running Time: 111 min.
Technical Assessment: ½
Moral Assessment: ½
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above
By Elmer Pagdilao
ALL roads led to the majestic city of
Haarlem, The Netherlands on 21-23
CFC Europe Moves Forward wherein CFC areas brought in their lo-
cal cheese and other delicacies to share
with everyone. The food festival,
actually a competition, was won by
August 2009 as hundreds of members in the person of His Excellency Arch- sharing their own race towards know- services in the comm-unity and feeling CFC France who adorned their booth
of Couples for Christ Europe drove to bishop Ramon Arguelles of the Arch- ing and gaining Christ. Joey Mempin, victorious doing them all for the glory with the two-legged Mission arch and
Hotel Haarlem Zuid to celebrate the diocese of Lipa, Batangas. The amiable Country Coordinator of CFC Austria, of God. In Talk 4, Joe Yamamoto, CFC footsteps depicting the moving for-
community’s first-ever back-to-back Archbishop led the celebration of the followed with Talk 2 which exhorted Executive Director and CFC Europe ward in Christ. Another activity was
conference – the 12th CFC/SOLD Holy Mass at the start of the confer- brethren to “Forget What Lies Behind”: Coordinator, enjoined the community to the Saul Train –CFC shindig, that saw
Conference and the 8th European ence. This also marked the first time the distant past, the not-so-distant past strain and “Press on With the Mission” CFC members dancing to the excellent
Kids Village. International Council that a conference began with the Holy and the immediate past so that we could of building the “Church of the Home” music provided by 29 A.D.
members Joe Yamamoto and wife Eucharist- a Spirit-inspired decision look forward with hope. The talk was and Church of the Poor.” His wife The Saturday evening R&B /hiphop
Mila, Melo Villaroman with wife Nini that illustrated the community’s great further reinforced by sharings by a Mila spoke of the couple’s experiences, was also a revelation as the 70s and 80s
and Joey Arguelles with wife Tess appreciation for and emphasis on the brother from 29 A.D. who recounted his challenges and deep conviction in their generations of CFC/SOLD proved
came all the way from Manila for this value of the sacrament in the worship dark past as a drug pusher, by another own effort to press on since the day that one is never too old to dance for
celebration. They were accompanied life of the faithful. brother who related his brokenness they started with the CFC community. the Lord and no dancing style can hin-
by the members of the band 29 AD “But one thing I do: Forgetting what during the crisis experienced by the Finally, Melo summed up the lessons of der the willing and the fun-loving.
who provided the music throughout is behind and straining toward what is CFC community in 2007 and a sister the four talks as he discussed “Our Prize The hardest part in every Spirit-
the CFC/SOLD conference, from the ahead, I press on toward the goal to win who lost material possessions upon her in Jesus” which is a life of higher calling filled conference is the temporary
worship songs to the dance music the prize for which God has called me retirement. in Jesus. Melo led the people to ponder parting of ways among brethren. It
during the fellowship events. heavenward in Christ Jesus.”- Philip- Talk 3 entitled “Strain Forward in on such questions as: Are we running was. however, made easy with the last
Aside from being the first si- pians 3:12-14 Hope” was given by Rene Santayana, the right race?; Are we running on the announcement from Bro. JoeYam that
multaneous CFC/SOLD and KFC The 2009 theme “Forward in Christ” Senior Regional Coordinator for CFC right gasoline? And; are we aiming for the CFC Euroconference next year is
conferences since the birth of CFC inspired by the above passage from Northwest Europe who encouraged the right prize? Nini described the prize going to be a mega-conference where
in Europe, it was also the first time Philippians 3 resonated loudly from the the participants to strain in our faith they have received from the Lord- her all ministries would gather together
that the European conference was five powerful and moving talks of the journey to what lies ahead, stretching to healing from the deadly cancer of the in Vienna to celebrate CFC Europe’s
held in Netherlands. The Haarlem conference. Joey Arguelles gave Talk maximum, sometimes even to the threat lymph nodes and her search for her 15th year anniversary. The last mega
conference was also the first in CFC 1 entitled “Just One Thing” and spoke of breaking. Two brothers from CFC Eu- long-lost father. conference happened in 2005 in Rome
Europe history to be blessed with about that one obsession we should rope gave their experiences in handling The conference featured other events on the occasion of CFC Europe’s 10th
the presence of its Spiritual Adviser have -- to gain Christ. Tess related in her diverse and sometimes simultaneous such as the All-About-Cheese festival anniversary.
C2 Ugnayan CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 18
August 31 - September 13, 2009
By Joe Tale, CFC Chairman ness, humbled even by the mere thought of them.
PCCA was kind but also very firm. She meant business. The
Office of the President underwent some reorganization and I was
On PCCA
assigned to another office. One of her guidelines was that in all
offices, a senior official must always be around in case something
important came up and she needed to get something done urgently.
We failed her one time, and of all times, it was when she needed
really important staff work quickly. When Mt. Pinatubo erupted,
there was no senior official in our office. We were out in the Visayas
inspecting and evaluating a successful livelihood project supported
the country under her administration. Actually, she did not even by the President’s Social Fund. And because the NAIA and domestic
know me prior to my joining her government. airport were closed due to the heavy ash fall, we could not return to
It was March 1990, and Babylou and I were attending an assembly the office until a few days had passed, and only via a Bicol airport
of Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon (LNP), the charismatic renewal com- and a long drive to Manila. We immediately went to work to set
munity that established Couples for Christ, and which we had been up a rescue and rehab plan and support structure. We knew PCCA
MUCH has been written and read about our beloved former Presi- invited to be part of. After the morning session, an LNP brother, was displeased when, on the next day, an executive order came
dent Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, or PCCA, as we fondly referred Chito Sobrepena, asked if we could talk over lunch. I hardly knew out establishing another rehabilitation plan for the Mt. Pinatubo
to her in the Office of the Cabinet Secretariat (CabSec) and the Chito then, but what he told me over lunch became a turning point eruption-affected areas, not the one we organized and were work-
Presidential Management Staff (PMS), where I had the privilege to in my life. He asked me if I would be interested to join government, ing on. Mea culpa.
serve during her term. “PCCA” was a more formal yet still endear- specifically the Office of the President. He was the Secretary of the PCCA was forward looking and took the extra special step to
ing name we preferred using than the informal Tita Cory that was Cabinet then, and he needed a deputy. He went on to describe the help her successor benefit from an organized Presidential transition
then commonly used. responsibilities – manage the whole process of Cabinet meetings, process, something she obviously did not have from the Marcos
I was in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada for the CFC Canada from agenda preparation to providing policy guides on the issues regime, and as such, she knew first hand the adverse effects thereof.
National Conference when PCCA passed away. Ricky Cuenca, our relevant to such agenda items, to preparation and safeguarding of An orderly transition to the next President was going to be one of
CFC and ANCOP leader in the US and Canada he called my atten- the minutes, and finally, to monitoring and following through on her legacies. When a US grant was made available for a short study
tion to the late-breaking news of the death of PCCA. Even it we all the decisions reached during said Cabinet meetings. Admittedly, the of the US Presidential transition process, she directed Executive
knew it was coming, it was still sad news, especially for those who job description made me very excited, although it meant taking a cut Secretary Franklin Drilon and PMS Head Chito Sobrepena to rec-
were following the day-to-day bulletins regarding her deteriorating from what I was earning as Legal Manager and Corporate Secretary ommend who should be sent. I was privileged to be selected to be
health condition. We prayed for the eternal repose of her soul dur- in a multinational company. However, the experience being offered it. Thus, I went to the US for one month in February 1992, meeting
ing the production team meeting before the start of the conference. could not be measured in terms of money. Thus, after going through with both current and past officials of the White House, think tank
Before we left for this mission trip, we had offered prayers for her Chito’s search committee consisting of then DAP President Carn institutions, and professors and authors on the US Presidency. The
healing and recovery during the noontime masses we had in the Abella, Undersecretary Pat Sto. Tomas of DOLE, and Undersecretary program also included visits to Presidential Centers and Libraries of
CFC Home Office as well as in some household meetings. But the Mario Taguiwalo of DOH, and, of course, PCCA’s approval, I joined past US Presidents. Upon return to the Philippines, I worked with the
healing was not to be. It is clear God had other plans. Perhaps the government as Undersecretary of the Cabinet. Presidential Transition Task Force under the direction of Secretary
Lord looked lovingly on this brave and faithful woman, widow, That I was serving a very prayerful President became evident Drilon. This task force went about its task guided by Secretary Chito
mother and beloved leader of the nation and, as in Scripture, said from my first assignment. I was made to organize the Holy Week Sobrepena, with excellent staff work support from PMS led by As-
to her, “Well done, you good and faithful servant, … Come on in recollection for PCCA and her Cabinet. I saw how she and the sistant Secretary May Fernandez, now Civil Service Commissioner.
and share my happiness” (Matthew 25:23). (This gospel verse was Cabinet members were taking the recollection to heart, listening Our culminating responsibility was to assist Secretary Drilon brief
what CFC quoted in the streamer we hung outside the Home Office with rapt attention to the reflection-provoking words of Fr. Catalino then incoming President Fidel V. Ramos as he prepared to formally
as our humble way of saying thanks and goodbye to her.) Arevalo, S.J. I thought, what a meaningful way to start a career in assume the Presidency.
Since I was away, I missed paying my personal respects when government. My fond memories of PCCA did not end with the end of her
she lay in state, and likewise missed joining the outpouring of love PCCA was also a most trusting President. As I mentioned, PCCA Presidency. When she was already Private Citizen Cory Aquino
for her during the funeral procession. However, I got text mes- really didn’t know me and had not even met me until I took my oath (still “PCCA”), and I was back in the private sector myself, I visited
sages from friends who were themselves moved to tears, reliving of office before her. And yet, in her actions and the way she treated her in her Cojuangco Building office to request her autograph on
a similar deja vu experience of a funeral 26 years ago to the month me, I was assured of her trust. Part of my responsibility (I consider some pictures. Even at that time, she honored me with her trust.
and its event-filled aftermath leading to the historic EDSA 1 revolu- it the highlight of my job), was that, in the absence of the Secretary She suggested that I make myself available for a position in an
tion, and the subsequent return of freedom and democracy to the of the Cabinet, I had to do the briefing of the President before Cabi- important government office. I probably disappointed her when I
motherland. Where I was, I offered her the best I could do, that is net meetings. She made this stranger feel right at ease when she said I preferred to be in the private sector for the sake of my family,
to pray for her and her husband and co-hero Ninoy, for the family welcomed me to her office for these briefing sessions. Ballsy, her although I hope she understood.
they left behind, and for our nation. And as soon as we were back daughter and personal secretary and Margie Juico, her appoint- And so, beloved of Presidents, I join the throng, albeit a bit belat-
in the country, among the first things I did, together with my wife ments secretary, helped a lot as they also exuded this welcoming edly, in bidding you goodbye. Thank you for the privilege of serving,
Babylou and our daughter Vida, was to visit her grave and again atmosphere in her office. She was all attention and respect as I went in my small way, in your one-of-a-kind Presidency. You serve as the
say a prayer. through with her the agenda items of the Cabinet meetings, and the exemplary model of a humble, God-anchored public servant, and
With these events, one cannot help but reminisce. I thank the Lord recommended actions that she might wish to consider. There were your acts of kindness and trust for a stranger like me, will forever
once more, and PCCA of course, for the opportunity to have served not too many of these moments, but I recall them with great fond- be etched in my mind and heart.
paring to bring the community into its know the Lord will always be there. There will be
future. The magisterium of the Church yokes of challenges and responsibilities that will
and the doctrines that we have come be placed on our shoulders. It is good to keep in
to embrace will feature prominently, mind that our God will be always there to help
particularly in our declared oneness carry our burden.
with the Church. That is our protec-
tion as much as our assurance. In ending, the words of Jeremiah ring true – the
To make us all the more prepared Lord has promised a future full of hope. Moses,
and therefore responsive, CFC will the great prophet, told the Lord in his face to face
Archbishop Ramon Arguelles cuts the ribbon to formally open the CFC/SOLD conference in the Netherlands, assisted by Joe and Mila have to form and establish a dedicated encounter- “I will not go, Lord, if you are not
Yamamoto. Pastoral Center and a Center for Lead- with me.’
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 18
August 31 - September 13, 2009
Ugnayan C3
community to serve, sacrifice for loved ones and love for the Lord. The challenge is to bring not just the women but the men and their
There were lively and colorful presentations as well. children to Christ.
The Japan conference brought out many opportunities for evan- The conference also brought out the desire of the brethren in Japan
gelization. The Japan-based brethren spoke of the desire of many to grow more rapidly through a strong pastoral formation program.
to know God more through CFC and HOLD, which has inspired The conference was so lively, so Spirit-filled and so successful that
them to truly live out their lives as witness, especially reaching out everybody expressed the desire to be together as one family again
to women, especially Filipino women married to Japanese men. next year.
By Dana Flores
God’s Word as Weapons in Mission
TO take up the call of God is a great the Word but live the Word as well. The is important that at all times, we are to prayer, to hang on totheir commitments, The young family ministry mis-
challenge of the heart. The task given call to deliver God’s word to the people be able to share how Christ is present in and to be constantly involved in com- sionaries of Couples for Christ, having
to missionaries is vast, grand, and var- requires our entire self in order to be able our lives to everyone we meet. munity life. He urged CFC to continue been refreshed and revived by the
ied that it is important to learn to stop to glorify Him. We meet many people in The mission of those called to go on being witnesses to our faith, to share our recollection, are now more anchored
for a while, be still, and listen to His our lives, and we can never tell which mission is crucial. Bishop Baylon ex- testimonies, celebrate and defend life, and ready to finish and complete the
message. This is what happened last ones will stay which ones will leave. It horted the missionaries to always be in and be part of transformation. mission given by God.
July 18, 2009, at the Couples for Christ
Mission Center, as the young family
ministry missionaries of Couples for
Christ gathered for a recollection
given by Bishop Joel Baylon, from the
Diocese of Masbate.
Bishop Baylon highlighted the
value of God’s word as part and parcel
of a missionary’s life. He stressed the
importance of knowing how to listen
carefully to God’s Word which is the
anchor of our faith and our lives. He
described how God’s Word originates
from His voice, to how it was made
flesh through Christ Jesus, the House
of the Word, and how it journeys
through us as the roads of the Word.
One of the most important things that
Bishop Baylon imparted was that “WE
are the word! We carry the word, We
are the embodied Word of God that
comes out from the Church to pro-
claim this same Word to the world.”
Bishop Baylon reminded the mis-
sionaries of the importance of total
commitment and deep communion
with God in order to not only spread