A3 New iPad application

won’t replace liturgical

B1Dynamic
‘Women ... Are
Agents of
C1 A Supplement Publication of KC Life and
The Cross

books, creator says Development’ the Order of the Knights of Columbus

CBCP appeals to Aquino: Groups laud signing of

Implement IP Rights Act
properly
AN Episcopal commission of the Catholic Bish-
ops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has
called on President-elect Benigno Aquino III for
the proper implementation of the Indigenous
Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) or RA 8371.
“More than 12 years since its passage in
1997, many IP communities are still facing
discrimination and their rights are not being
recognized,” the Episcopal Commission on
Appeals / A6
Mining ban
VARIOUS groups led by the Church hailed
the signing of Environment code that bans
open pit mining throughout the province
of South Cotabato.
Outgoing South Cotabato Governor Dai-
sy Avance-Fuentes has signed the contro-
versial code that outlaw open pit mining,
a method of extracting rocks or minerals
from the earth by creating a trench.
“It is a victory of the people” said
Sr. Susan Bolanio, OND, spokesperson
July 5 – July 18, 2010 Vol. 14 No. 14 Php 20.00 Groups / A6

Gov’t officials, judiciary

told to strive for integrity
Fr. Bernas
By Roy Lagarde

GOVERNMENT officials and

members of the judiciary have
been urged to strive for pro- on Arroyo’s
fessionalism and integrity of
their services. Cha-cha
move:
Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales made
the call while officiating at the “Red
Mass” attended by President Benigno

‘Humorous’
Aquino III and ranking leaders of the
judiciary at the Manila Cathedral.
Rosales said judges, magistrates and
all public officials are supposed to up-
hold laws that are just and ensure that
justice prevail in society.
They, the Manila archbishop said,
must exhibit high sense of integrity,
ethics, efficiency and selflessness in the
discharge of their duties.
In his homily, Rosales said that in a © Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media

country where there are more people

than affluent citizens, justice necessar-
ily becomes the “equalizer” available
to the poor, especially when the rights
to a graft-free service and honest gov-
ernance are violated.
“An unjust law, if ever there was
one, or granted that we have only just
Gov’t / A6
Illustration by Bladimer Usi
FORMER President Gloria Arroyo only
showed her funny side when she filed a
bill seeking for Constitutional amend-
Catholic bishops greet President Benigno Aquino and Vice President Jejomar Binay after the country’s first-ever “Red Mass” at the Manila Cathedral, ments, a priest said.
July 7, 2010. The liturgical activity was also attended by ranking members of the judiciary led by Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona. Constitutionalist Fr. Joaquin Bernas

Court junks appeal to halt

said it’s “humorous” that Arroyo herself
is seeking Charter Change (Cha-cha)
just a day after she began her first day
as Pampanga’s 2nd District Represen-
tative.

sex education in schools

A QUEZON City Court
denied an appeal of a
group of Catholic parents
seeking to stop the teach-
ing of sex education in
public schools.
The ruling was released
Monday by Judge Rosan-
na Fe Romero-Maglaya of
the Regional Trial Court
Branch 88.
© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media
bong, lawyer of the
Catholic Bishops’ Con-
ference of the Philip-
pines, the petitioners
said the program was
unconstitutional, and
violates their rights to be
responsible for the de-
velopment of children’s
moral character.
Along with represen-
tion Fund.
But the court said the
petitioners failed to show
proof that their rights
were violated as the par-
ents were unable to show
that their children were
studying in schools where
the program would be pi-
lot tested.
Reacting to the rul-
While he has nothing against amend-
ing the Charter, Bernas said Arroyo’s
move is “too early” as process for it
should not be initiated until next year.
Arroyo and her son, Camarines Sur
Rep. Diosdado Arroyo, co-authored
House Resolution 8 which calls for Cha-
of restraining order. It cha through a constitutional convention
does not go to the merit (Con-con).
that is only above the ur- “Not for now. Eventually, I think,
gency. In an order of the we will have Charter Change. I hope
court it does not go to the it’s a Con-Con not earlier than 2011,”
merit,” she said. said Bernas.
The CBCP lawyer said The Jesuit priest, who is also the Dean
the case will still push Emeritus of the Ateneo Law School, is
through in court. In fact, one of the authors of the 1987 Constitu-
she said, a hearing on tion.
the case is set to be held According to him, amending the

Around 30 parents, last
month, filed a petition
before the court for a tem-
porary restraining order
on the implementation of
sex education.
Atty. Jo Imbong
Led by Atty. Jo Im-
tatives of Catholic politi-
cal party Ang Kapatiran,
Imbong went to court on
June 21 seeking to stop
the pilot testing of the
program funded by the
United Nations Popula-
ing, Imbong said she is
not unfazed, adding that
the court decision “is
not a setback” to their
campaign against sex
education.
“That is only a denial
within this month. Charter should not be made yet espe-
She added that more cially since President Benigno Aquino
parents are planning to III has just been sworn recently.
file more charges against Bernas noted that Filipinos are still
the program of the De- euphoric over the entry of a new ad-
partment of Education. ministration after Arroyo’s nine-year
(CBCPNews) Fr. Bernas / A6

Prelates Call for ‘Apostolic

Audacity’ in Media
AFTER a three-day meeting on the pastoral
opportunities in communications technology,
bishops from Spain and Portugal are calling for
“creativity and apostolic audacity” in bringing
Christ to the media.
The prelates’ meeting last week was attended
by the president of the Pontifical Council for
Social Communications, Archbishop Claudio
Celli.
In the conclusions of their meeting, the
bishops noted how Benedict XVI’s recent
visit to Portugal brought encouragement
proclamation of Jesus Christ with creativity
and apostolic audacity.”
Not enough
The prelates observed that “praiseworthy
theoretical considerations” are not enough to
evangelize through information technology,
and called instead for “projects and deeds, al-
locating to it the necessary material, technical
and human resources.”
“The new technologies not only offer the
Bp. Bacani answers questions from the media during a press conference at the Manila Cathedral, June 30.
Church great advantages for improved pas-

Bishops present 13-point agenda for President Aquino

for a “more profound evangelization of our
society, which has one of its most important
challenges in the realm of culture and com-
munication.” They expressed hope that his
upcoming two trips to Spain would bring the
same message.
The prelates affirmed an intention to join
forces with media professionals and those who
use this venue for social relationships.
They declared “their desire to carry out the
evangelizing mission of the Church in the
theater of the digital world, which they con-
sider an opportunity where priests, religious
and laypeople, educators and catechists must
be more involved, in particular, the youngest
and ‘natives’ on the Net, putting the new tech-
nologies of communication at the service of the
toral management, but are also privileged
means to benefit from their goods and services,
without neglecting to appreciate first of all per-
sonal, family and community meeting,” they
contended. “Favored in this way is ecclesial
communion and new ways of relations are pro- SOME Catholic bishops pre- toral Statements was presented On top of the church’s list
moted with all those who seek a transcendent sented on June 30 a 13-point in a press conference after a Mass is the implementation of land
meaning for their lives, yearning for truth and agenda that President Benigno held at the Manila Cathedral few reform through Comprehensive
the realization of the good.” Aquino III should address in his hours before Aquino took his Agrarian Reform Program with
The bishops recommended that future administration. oath of office. extension and reform (CARP-
priests be prepared to evangelize through the The bishops said the Arroyo “The CBCP insists 13 point er).
media, and they urged parents and educators administration had failed to advocacies as guidance to Presi- The church officials demanded
to guide even the very young in the “correct attend to many social issues so dent Benigno Simeon Aquino the rejection of the controversial
use of the new technologies [...] so that they they hope that Aquino would III when he assumes office for reproductive health bill, same
prove beneficial to the person and to society give it utmost priority. moral and social transforma- sex union, abortion, divorce, eu-
and foster the search for Truth, Goodness and The agenda composed of the tion of the country especially thanasia and contraceptives.
Beauty.” (Zenit) positions of the church on certain the poor,” said Bishop Teodoro They urged Aquino not to
issues long tackled in CBCP Pas- Bacani. Bishop / A6

Listen to the CBCP Online Radio at: www.cbcponlineradio.com

 World News
CBCP Monitor
A2 Vol. 14 No. 14
July 5 – July 18, 2010

Pope: Holiness never goes out of style

L’AQUILA, Italy, July 4, 2010—
The Holy Father dedicated his
Sunday homily to reflections on
the life of St. Celestine as he visit-
ed the Italian city where the relics
of the 13th century saint and Pope
are kept. In a message filled with
lessons on life, the Pope espe-
cially highlighted the importance
of silence to finding God, the fact
that faith is a gift and the lasting
power of holiness.
Pope Benedict XVI began his
pastoral visit to Sulmona, Italy
by flying over the grotto, now a
hermitage, where Peter of Mor-
rone spent years in contempla-
tion and prayer as a monk. Peter
later became Pope Celestine V
and was canonized relatively
shortly after his death. St. Ce-
lestine’s life is being celebrated
this year, declared by the Pope a
“Jubilee Year” for the 800th anni-
versary since the saint’s birth.
In his words during the Eucha-
XVI remembered the St. Celes-
tine as a “seeker of God,” a man
who turned to interior and exte-
rior silence in his life as a hermit
to perceive His voice.
This example is important also
for us today, said the Pope, as
“we live in a society in which ev-
ery space, every moment seems
like it must be filled by initia-
tives, by activities, by sounds;
often there isn’t even time for
listening and speaking.
“Dear brothers and sisters,” he
said, “if we wish to be able not
only to perceive the voice of God,
but also that of who is alongside
of us, of others, let us not be
afraid to create silence outside
and inside of ourselves.”
Benedict XVI added that the
hermit’s “discovery of the Lord”
was not a product of his own
efforts, “but it was made pos-
sible by the very Grace of God,
that precedes it (...) everything
bution.”
And it is for this very reason,
he explained, that “we must
be aware, keeping our ‘interior
eyes,’ those of our hearts, always
open. And if we learn to know
God in his infinite goodness,
then we will be able also to see,
with amazement, in our lives - as
the saints (have) - signs of the
God that is ever near to us, is al-
ways good to us, (and) who says
to us: ‘Have faith in me!’”
Remembering the lasting qual-
ity of St. Celestine’s holy life,
Pope Benedict said that “holi-
ness, in fact, never loses its
attractive force, it does not fall
into oblivion, it never goes out
of style; actually, with the pass-
ing of time, it shines with ever
greater brightness...”
The Holy Father concluded his
homily by making an exhorta-
tion that we remain firm in the
faith we have received, “which

www.rnw.nl
ristic Celebration in the open air essential in our existence has gives sense to life and gives us
of the city square, Pope Benedict been given without our contri- the strength to love.” (CNA)

Benedict XVI: Youth Days not just big events

Calls them ‘privileged occasions’ to find Christ
Youth registered for WYD VATICAN CITY, July 2,
2010—World Youth Day
people who have their eyes
fixed on that beautiful city,
country and of the whole
world to let themselves be

Madrid at 600,000 so far

isn’t just another big event,
says Benedict XVI, but rather
a “privileged occasion” for
youth to encounter the love
of Christ
MADRID, Spain, July 2, The Pope said this today
2010—With 409 days re- upon receiving in audience a
maining before the World delegation of the sponsors of
Youth Day celebrations open the next international youth
in Madrid, the organizers of day, which is set to take place
the event are reporting that Aug. 16-21, 2011, in Madrid,
over 600,000 pilgrims from Spain.
www.catholicnewsagency.com
with the joy of being able to
meet there in a few months
to hear together the Word
of Christ, which is always
young, and to be able to
share the faith that unites
us and the desire they have
of building a better world,
inspired in the values of the
Gospel,” the Pontiff said in a
short greeting.
“I invite you all to continue
conquered by the love of
Christ Jesus, Son of God and
of Mary, the faithful friend,
the conqueror of sin and
death.”
“Whoever trusts in him
is never disappointed, but
finds the necessary strength
to choose the right path in
life,” he added.
The Foundation Madrid
Vivo was created in Novem-

countries outside Spain have The delegation was led by to collaborate generously in ber to support World Youth
pre-registered to take part Cardinal Antonio María Rou- this beautiful initiative,” he Day 2011. It is composed of
in the week-long encounter co, the archbishop of Madrid, continued, “which is not a Spanish business leaders,
with the Holy Father. and included members of the simple multitudinous meet- including the presidents of
The event, which will take Foundation Madrid Vivo. ing, but a privileged occasion the largest banks in Spain.
place in Madrid from August “There are many young for the young people of your (Zenit)
16-21, 2011, is a week long
journey of faith and solidar-
ity for young people around the world. The large international gathering
occurs every three years, and culminates with vespers, an overnight vigil Pope looks forward to occasion provided
for international youth in WYD 2011
and an outdoor Mass celebrated by the Pope.
So far, organizers report that 120,000 Italians, 70,000 French, 50,000 Poles
and 25,000 North Americans have signed up for the event. The majority of the
pilgrims have signed up in groups, whether it be from their diocese, youth
group, parish, or other organization.
Each pilgrim is required to pay a registration fee based on their country of ROME, Italy, July 2, 2010—The Holy to be held in the Spanish capital. He also mentioned that plans are mov-
origin, the length of their stay and the services they will require. Father met on Friday with the Cardinal During Friday’s audience with them ing forward smoothly for the encounter
Though part of the fee will help finance the event, a part of each pilgrim’s reg- Archbishop of Madrid Antonio Maria in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, Pope- for which Cardinal Rouco Varela expects
istration fee will be set aside in a “solidarity fund” which will help pay the cost of Rouco Varela and sponsors working for Benedict XVI invited the members of more than two million participants,
the trip and their stay for those who would not otherwise be able to afford it. the success of World Youth Day 2011. “Madrid Vivo” to continue their gener- including more than 600,000 youth will
World Youth Day “is not for the rich, but rather for everyone, for those who The Pope explained the importance ous collaboration for this “beautiful ini- come from outside of Spain.
come from Madagascar and from the south of Latin America.” said Bishop of next August’s encounter of youth tiative,” saying that it’s not just a simple Among the broad cross-section of
Cesar Franco, an auxiliary bishop in Madrid. He underlined the necessity of during the audience after which WYD meeting of the masses, “but a privileged details he provided regarding the
the 10 Euro contribution to the “solidarity fund” which has been added to 2011’s executive director briefed jour- occasion so that the young people of complexities of the considerations that
each pilgrim’s registration. In this sense he said, they have appealed to the nalists on the planning process. your country and of the entire world go into planning for the”Day” and the
youth to be “generous.” Many of the 55 people present for may let themselves be ‘conquered’ by variety of charitable contributions they
Registration this year is taking place online. The website www.madrid11. the audience with the Pope on Friday the love of Christ Jesus...” have received, the executive director
com was designed by ISBAN, with the financial support of various Spanish were from the “Madrid Vivo” Founda- He noted that there are many young explained that planners are making
institutions. At the end of the event, the Archdiocese of Madrid will make tion, founded by the cardinal and local people looking forward to the encounter extensive use of social networks to get
a gift of the system to the Vatican, in the hopes that it can be used to help businessmen last year to “seek solutions to be held from Aug. 16-21 of next year, feedback from youth and give them a
organize future pilgrimages. The system, which features a two-layer page, to the moral roots of the economic cri- where they will meet to “listen together greater say in decisions regarding the
will collect personal information via a secure connection in order to help the sis” and to make the city more aware to the Word of Christ, ever young, and initiative.
archbishop and coordinators know more about the pilgrims and their needs of values. be able to share the faith that unites To reach out to youth, the organizing
in order to better serve them. Yago de la Cierva, executive director them and the desire that they have to committee has 70 volunteers working
Though registration is not required to participate in all the events, the organi- and spokesman for WYD 2011 explained build a better world, inspired in the online in 17 different languages. Mr.
zation behind WYD Madrid 2011 is hoping to register at least 40 percent of the to journalists in the Holy See’s Press Of- values of the Gospel.” de la Cierva said proudly that their
people who will attend. They are also projecting that the event will draw a crowd fice that the major aim of the foundation Mr.de la Cierva said that after the Facebook page just welcomed their
that is 15 percent larger than those of previous World Youth Days. (CNA) at the moment is collaboration with the audience the Pope signed a registration 111,111th “friend,” a “significant” mile-
organizers of the next World Youth Day, form as the first pilgrim for WYD2011. stone for WYD 2011. (CNA)

True freedom is in acknowledging dependence on God, says Archbishop Dolan

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., July 4, suggestions, the Eight Beatitudes pendence for us in 1776 had no

Catholic faithful to celebrate witness of 120 Chinese Martyrs

2010—As Americans across the
country celebrate the nation’s In-
dependence Day this weekend,
they should humbly remember
their dependence on their Cre-
ator, said Archbishop Timothy
Dolan of the Archdiocese of
New York.
In a column written this week,
he reflected on the celebration of
Independence Day and called on
the faithful to proclaim a “spiri-
tual Declaration of Dependence”
on God that is “downright revo-
lutionary” in American society
today.
The archbishop then spoke
of the false contemporary un-
derstanding of freedom “as the
right to do whatever we want,
whenever we want, wherever
we want, however we want,
with whomever we want.” Our
culture has lost the true under-
standing of freedom as “the
liberty to do what we ought,”
he said.
He observed the modern trend
of “freeing” oneself from “any
sense of obedience to God, His
revelation and the basic code
of right and wrong He has en-
graved upon the human heart.”
This false understanding of
freedom has devastating conse-
quences, he continued. “The Ten
Commandments become a list of
a set of nice ideas, the Bible mere
literature, the Church unneces-
sary, religion a crutch for the
unenlightened, objective truth
an outmoded oppression.”
By adopting this distorted
mindset, we elevate ourselves
to the level of gods, the arch-
bishop said. This is evident in
today’s culture, which claims
dominion over life in matters
such as abortion, euthanasia and
embryonic stem cell research, he
explained. Focused on consump-
tion and convenience, the culture
presumes to re-define marriage
and family as it sees fit, revels in
violence in its movies and music
and resorts to war and terrorism
without regard to the demands
of morality.
This phenomenon is “curi-
ous,” Archbishop Dolan said, be-
cause the very culture declaring
itself independent of God and
morality has become “terribly
dependent” on “money, insur-
ance, gas, weapons, security
systems or even upon alcohol,
pornography, lust, gambling
and drugs.”
The archbishop contrasted
this false sense of freedom with
the true independence that the
founders of America fought so
adamantly to gain.
“The patriots who won inde-
trouble at all acknowledging
their total dependence upon
God,” he said. “In fact, the
normative documents of our
beloved country presume the
existence of a providential God, VATICAN CITY, July 4, 2010—On Friday, July was a 14-year-old Chinese girl named Ann
objective truth, moral duty and 9, the Church will celebrate the feast of the 120 Wang, who was killed during the Boxer Rebel-
the right to life itself.” Martyrs of China. Religious persecution has a lion when she refused to apostasize. She bravely
This acknowledgment of long history in China, especially persecution of withstood the threats of her torturers, and just
total dependence on God is Christians, thousands of whom have died for as she was about to be beheaded, she radiantly
something we must preserve, their faith in the last millennium. declared, “The door of heaven is open to all”
he said. We must boldly ad- On October 1, 2000, Pope John Paul II canon- and repeated the name of Jesus three times.
mit to the world “that every ized 120 men, women, and children who gave Another of the martyrs was 18-year-old Chi
breath we take, each day we their lives for the faith in China between the Zhuzi, who had been preparing to receive the
have, every opportunity we years 1648 and 1930. The martyrs include 87 sacrament of Baptism when he was caught on
are given, come from an om- native Chinese and 33 foreign missionaries. the road one night and ordered to worship
nipotent God.” The majority were killed during the Boxer idols. He refused to do so, revealing his belief
Offering a courageous witness Rebellion of 1900. in Christ. His right arm was cut off and he
to a hostile culture, we should “Chinese men and women of every age and was tortured, but he would not deny his faith.
“bask in the fact that we are state, priests, religious and lay people, showed Rather, he fearlessly pronounced to his captors,
totally dependent upon Him,” the same conviction and joy, sealing their un- before being flayed alive, “Every piece of my
the archbishop said. “He is sov- failing fidelity to Christ and the Church with the flesh, every drop of my blood will tell you that
ereign, He is Lord, He has power gift of their lives,” said the Holy Father during I am Christian.”
and dominion.” the canonization. Augustine Zhao Rong was the first native
Emphasizing Christ’s teaching “Resplendent in this host of martyrs are also Chinese priest to become a martyr. Born in
that “the Truth shall make you the 33 missionaries who left their land and 1746, he was served as one of the soldiers who
free,” Archbishop Dolan invited sought to immerse themselves in the Chinese escorted Bishop John Gabriel Taurin Dufresse
the faithful to take seriously the world, lovingly assimilating its features in the to his martyrdom in Beijing. The witness of the
words they pray at every Sunday desire to proclaim Christ and to serve those bishop led Augustine to seek baptism at age 30.
Mass: “We believe in God, the people.” He was ordained a priest five years later and
Father Almighty...” Recalling a Of the 33 foreign-born missionaries, most was martyred in 1815.
comment from Cardinal Fran- were priests and religious, including mem- During the canonization Mass, Pope John
cis George, he explained that bers of the Order of Preachers, Friars Minor, Paul II thanked God for blessing the Church
this opening line of the creed is Jesuits, Salesians and Franciscan Missionaries with the heroic witness of the 120 martyrs,
“perhaps the most revolutionary of Mary. whom he called “an example of courage and
statement we can make these One of the more well-known native martyrs consistency to us all.” (CNA)
days.” (CNA)
 News Features
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 14
July 5 – July 18, 2010
A3

Pope Benedict calls Mary a ‘perfect

model’ of obedience to divine will
RP labor dep’t
L’AQUILA, Ital y , Jul y 4 , 2 0 1 0 —
Before leadin g the Angelus
prayer from the Italian city of

criticized for failure

Sulmona he visited on Sunday,
th e Holy F ath er p ro p o s e d M a r y
as “the perfect model of obe-

to stop contract
dience to the divine will.” He
hoped als o fo r i n c rease d a ppr e -
ciat io n of th e si m p l e l if e , a s S t .

substitution
Celestine lived it, and the subse-
quent freedom of heart and mind
th at o pens us u p to sh a r i n g .
Dur ing t h e v i si t fo r t h e o c c a -
sion of the 800th anniversary
ANTIPOLO CITY, June 26, 2010—A
of the b ir th o f S t. C el es t i n e , t h e
leader of a labor group based on Middle
Holy Father led thousands of
East had criticized the Department of
faithful in the recitation of the
Labor and Employment (DOLE) for
Marian pr ay er after M a s s i n t h e
its alleged failure to prevent contract
tow n square.
substitution, especially for workers
He prayed that the people of
working in the Mid-east.
God wo uld b e ab l e to “w a l k j o y -
In his statement to media, John Leon-
ously and un i ted o n the pa t h o f
ard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East
faith, hope an d l o ve” a n d t h a t ,
regional coordinator, said that almost
“faithful to the inheritance of St.
30 to 50 percent of the cases of abuse
Celestine, w e m ay al w a y s k n o w
that their offices in different countries
how to put evangelical radicality

si.wsj.net
in the oil-rich region, involve contract
and mercy together, so that all
substitution. Migrante-ME receives an
who seek G o d may fi n d h i m . ”
average of seven to 10 cases of abuses
St. Celestine was a13th cen-
daily.

New iPad application won’t re-

tury hermit that became Pope
“Contract substitution is an act of re-
Celestine V. His remains are now
placing the existing contract, which was
housed in the crypt of Sulmona’s
signed by the overseas Filipino worker
Cathedr al o f San P an fi l o , wh e r e

place liturgical books, creator says

Benedict XVI will pay a visit
Sunday aft ern o o n to h os t a n e n -
count er wi th area y o ut h .
Turning to Mary, “Virgin of si-
lence and of listening,” Benedict
XVI s aid th at, i n h er, S t . Ce l e s -
tin e “fo und th e p erfec t m o d e l o f
obe dienc e to th e d i v i n e wi l l , ” a s
he lived a simple and humble
life, seeking the “truly essential”
and thanking the Lord always as
he recognized “in everything the
gi ft o f His g o o d n ess.”
Turning to the present, the
Pope said “al so w e, w h o l i v e i n
an age of greater comforts and
possibilities, are called to ap-
preciate a sober lifestyle, to keep
our hearts and minds freer and to
be ab le to sh are o u r p os s e s s i o n s
wi th o ur bro th ers.”
He prayed that “Holy Mary,
who encouraged the first com-
munity of disciples of Jesus with
her mat er n al p resen c e, h e l p a l s o
the Church of today to give good
wi tness t o th e G o sp el .”
Followin g th e A n g el u s pr a y e r
the Pope met with the bishops
of the lo c al A b ru zzo re g i o n f o r
l un ch at a n ewl y resto r e d h o u s e
for elderly and sick priests
inaugurated as the “Benedict
XVI” ho us e. A fter l un c h h e w a s
scheduled to meet with a delega-
tion from the local prison. (CNA/
EWTN New s )
VATICAN CITY, June 30, 2010—Are
Catholics soon going to see their par-
ish priest celebrating Mass with an
iPad instead of traditional liturgical
books?
That’s the impression left by recent
reports about Italian Father Paolo
Padrini’s planned launch of an iPad ap-
plication that features the Roman Mis-
sal on its 10-inch screen. But Fr. Padrini
and church officials say no one should
throw the printed books out yet.
“Liturgical books on the altar will
never be replaced by the iPad. This
is an additional instrument, not an
attempt to get rid of paper books,”
Father Padrini said in late June.
“If I went on vacation, I’d take along
my iPad and celebrate Mass that way.
Obviously in my parish, where I have
the books, I’m not going to deliber-
ately use an iPad,” he said.
The application should be ready by
the end of July and will feature the
Roman Missal in various languages,
including English, French, Italian,
Latin and Spanish. It loads the missal
and breviary, or book of prayers, for a
particular day, with the option of pre-
loading up to 10 days worth of texts.
Father Padrini said that for the
English version, he plans to use the
missal text as currently approved for
use in the United States. But he ap-
parently has not yet nailed down the
necessary permissions.
Msgr. Andrew Wadsworth, executive
director of the International Committee
on English in the Liturgy, said June 25
that Father Padrini currently had not re-
ceived authorization to publish English
liturgical texts as digital “applications.”
“We are trying to find a way forward
in this situation and are currently in
consultation with the U.S. Conference of
Catholic Bishops regarding the matter.
I imagine that it will take some time to
reach a solution which is equally sat-
isfactory to all the parties concerned,”
Msgr. Wadsworth said in a statement
to Catholic News Service.
Father Padrini did not run his idea past
the Vatican’s liturgical experts, presum-
ing that there should not be a problem.
“As far as I can see, there is no litur-
gical rule saying a printed instrument
must be used. The rules do say the lit-
urgy should be dignified and fitting and
should not be disturbed,” he said.
In Father Padrini’s opinion, the
small iPad would not detract from the
liturgical decorum, and would be less
noticeable than other objects placed on
the altar these days.
But Vatican officials were not so
certain that an iPad belongs on the
altar.
Marist Father Anthony Ward, an
undersecretary at the Congregation for
Divine Worship and the Sacraments,
said liturgical rules generally refer to
“the book,” and there’s been an effort
in recent years “to promote the book,
and the embellishment of the book.”
The idea of having a substitute for the
book at public Masses seems to go
against that consensus, he said.
Father Ward said the congregation
wasn’t specifically considering the
suitability of the iPad application,
and that there didn’t appear to be
explicit rules against such devices.
But he added that in this case, one
should not assume that if it is not
forbidden, it is allowed.
The final judgment on the iPad-as-
missal may come with experience.
Father Padrini said he thinks the shock
effect will disappear as more people
carry such devices around with them.
“The liturgy should be beautiful.
But personally, I’d rather celebrate
Mass with an iPad, which is small and
doesn’t disturb the faithful, than with
an old, worn-out missal with yellow
pages and small type,” he said. (CNS)
(OFW) in the Philippines, mostly given
by their respective recruitment agencies,
by their foreign employers. In the new
contract, the salaries and wages are usu-
ally much lower than the first contract,
and the other benefits are either deleted
or reduced, for example the health in-
surance provision had been removed, or
the hours of work had been extended,”
Monterona explained.
He added that the employers are forc-
ing the worker to sign the contract, or
else they will be out of work.
“Many have told us that they have
been forced to sign a new set of contracts
before their departure at the Ninoy
Aquino International Airport, while
others said upon their arrival on the
job site facilitated by the counterpart
agency of the deploying agency in the
Philippines,” Monterona said.
Monterona also added that the origi-
nal employment contract is intended to
protect OFWs labor rights as set forth
in the terms and conditions of employ-
ment, but the moment a new contract
with different terms and conditions un-
favorable to the OFWs has been forged
without the knowledge of the OFWs or
by force they have been told to sign it,
then it is putting OFWs employment at
risks even before their deployment.
Meanwhile, Monterona accused
some DOLE and Philippine Overseas
Employment Administration (POEA)
officials of conniving with recruitment
agencies that allow contract substitu-
tion. (Noel Sales Barcelona)

Papal spokesman describes week of Benedict

XVI’s evangelical witness to the Gospel
Aquino vows good governance
MANILA, July 1, 2010—In his
inaugural speech, the 50-year
VATICAN CITY, July 3, 2010—Pope Benedict XVI’s “exquisitely old bachelor vowed to “serve
evangelical witness” this week show his “personal and direct com- and not to lord over” the people
mitment” to creating communion in the Church, Vatican spokesman because the mandate given
Fr. Federico Lombardi has said, citing the Holy Father’s launch of a him was one of change, as he
new evangelization of the West and his action to reconcile disputes accepted the people’s march-
and to renew the Church. ing orders to transform the
During his “Octava Dies” editorial aired on Vatican Television on government from one that he
Saturday morning, Fr. Lombardi remarked that in recent days the described as self-serving to
words and actions of the Pope have been “exceptionally intense and “one that works for the welfare
determinant for the life of the Church community.” of the nation.”
The activity of the Pope, he continued, has been made more Aquino said good governance
meaningful due to its proximity to the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and “would lessen the people’s prob-
Paul. This is a feast which brings our attention back to the mission lems” adding that the destiny
“entrusted by Christ to Peter and his successors” to support and of the Filipino will return to its
guide the faith of believers, he explained. rightful place, and over the next
For Fr. Lombardi, the announcement of the new Vatican depart- six years, the Filipinos’ problems
ment for renewed evangelization of areas subject to secularization will continue to lessen with the
stands out among the Pope’s activities this week. However, he assurance of progress in their
particularly wanted to highlight the pontiff’s “personal and direct lives.
commitment to the union of the Church community.” As in previous inaugural
www.amdg.ie
lence” especially in Mindanao,
in Southern Philippines where
government troops are fight-
ing separatists and communist
guerillas.
He was earlier quoted he
would pursue peace talks with
the Moro Islamic Liberation
Front with the appointment
of a cabinet secretary for the
peace process, but MILF Vice
Chairman Chazali Jaafar said
he would like to listen to specific
announcements from the presi-
dential palace.
It has been said there are over
a hundred private armies across
the country, a great number of
them being kept by powerful
politicians who usually align
themselves with whoever is in
power.

“The Pope has repeated many times that the dangers and the speeches by former Philippine
gravest temptations for the Church come from within,” pointed out chief executives, most Filipinos ‘Alleviate poverty’
Papal spokesman / A7 remain hopeful the late Presi- Earlier in the day, Manila
dent Corazon C. Aquino’s son Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales

Religious group assails violent dispersal of farmers

ANTIPOLO CITY, July 4, 2010—
Sociopastoral organization,
Promotion of Church Peoples’
Response (PCRR) has assailed
the violent dispersal of 42 farm-
ers doing a camp-out along the
Chino Roces (Mendiola) Bridge,
in Manila.
The farmers from Hacienda
Yulo in Laguna and the con-
troversial Hacienda Luisita in
Tarlac, owned by the Cojuangco
clan, have been for three days
camping out along Chino Roces
asking government to act on the
issue of land reform.
“We have learned that the
farmers led by the Kilusang
Magbubukid ng Pilipinas staged
a camp-out to press the new-
ly-installed administration of
President Noynoy Aquino lll
to take immediate step on the
long standing issue of genuine
land reform. Tillers from nearby
provinces including of the Haci-
enda Luisita have participated
in the said camp-out,” the PCPR
statement read.
According to reports, the
joint contingent of the Office
of the Engineering Department
of the City of Manila and the
Manila Police had allegedly
brutally harassed and dispersed
the camp-out of the farmers July
3, at 3:30 pm (Manila Time) and
arrested 38 farmers and four of
their supporters, injuring some
13 people.
As of this yesterday, those ar-
rested were illegally detained at
the police headquarters at UN
Avenue, Manila.
“The said incidence shows
the constant policy of the state
in bearing complaining citizens.
The same atrocities and violence
had been the method of the Ar-
royo administration to silent
her critics,” the PCPR statement
furthered.
PCPR also said that this is a
“too early a revelation of Aquino
Administration who is on its 3rd
day in power.
“It has paraded its harsh-
ness and non concern of the
peasants’ plight. While the
“wang-wang” issue has been
addressed, the issue of land
reform must be considered as
an urgent agendum because
it is a matter of life and death
for the Filipino people. The
PCPR joins different sectors in
denouncing another violence
against toiling masses and calls
the faithful to work for justice
and peace for our nation,” the
PCPR statement further said.
(Noel Sales Barcelona)
would be able to deliver as most
Filipinos doubted the victory
of President Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo during the 2004 presi-
dential elections.
However, one of the chal-
lenges Aquino should face is
the grinding poverty in many
areas of the archipelago where
one third of its 90 million or so
population live on just one US
dollar a day.
Catholic bishops have said
the country’s poverty is closely
linked with graft and corrupt
practices of people in govern-
ment.
Violence in Mindanao
Aquino will have to address
too what has been described
as “high level of localized vio-
presided over a concelebrated
Mass at the Basilica Minore of
the Immaculate Conception,
a kilometer and a half away
from the Quirino Grandstand
where the inaugural rites took
place.
In his homily, the 77-year old
archbishop said “the greater
number of our countrymen who
are poor appeal to us now to use
‘sight”, and not ‘statistics’ be-
cause statistics can still hide the
truth of mass poverty and much
hunger through numbers.”
He added that “the attempt to
build buildings that reach up to
the skies cannot hide the millions
of slums, cardboard houses,
cart homes and the misery of
the great majority.” (Melo M.
Acuña)
 A4 Opinion CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 14
July 5 – July 18, 2010

EDITORIAL

Why not also ‘bang-bang’

AS usual, militant groups always come up fast with acronyms,

posters and grafittis. Immediately after the inaugural of
President Benigno Aquino III, they slugged with: “Itigil ang
bang-bang, hindi lang ang wang-wang!” They were referring,
of course, to the extrajudicial killings that cross-boarded to
the new administration without letup right on the very same
platform of impunity that, according to some observers, have
been reared pretty well by the previous dispensation.
Like the poor, street cries are here to stay—despite the
prevailing high hopes and fresh expectations lodged on the
new administration. While there are a thousand and one
travails to attend to, it should be quixotic to think that the
new president will sway a large dent in, say, corruption. His
campaign slogan “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap”
was just that—a slogan. And like all slogans, they are meant
to sell or inspire at the most, but hardly to execute.
But there is symbolism, albeit dry, to the wang-wang
phenomenon—if one can call it that after it generated a
high trending in social networks and big rating in traditional
media that may have prodded the police to confiscate rather
unusually all sirens from every cranny of the country.
For one, it verbalized a sentiment that every Filipino here and
abroad had been nursing for some years now. It somehow

Illustration by Bladimer Usi

became a rallying point of the disgust for arrogant display
of power that has been characteristic of every politician all
the way from the barangay tanod to the officials of national
import. Call it a micro-booster, but it penetrated deep into
the entrenched make-believe of politicians who projected
their jurisdictions as their personal property by branding every
waiting shed, lamp posts and what not with their names—not
to mention big billboards and tarpaulins with their splattered
faces that came anyway from people’s taxes.
This gesture, though simplistic, may even trigger a paradigm Abp. Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, DD
shift from a leadership that is substantially feudal to one of
servanthood. The new president’s simple declaration in his Aligning for Interfaith
inaugural address that “Kayo ang boss ko” may actually
shame the aristocrat and the wise in that it sincerely hits
the recesses even of Christian leadership. If only for that,
Pastoral Companion Dialogue
change has already become.
DURING the first quarter of this theory propounded by some the promotion of interfaith and as vital partners.” (Suriname)
year on March 16-18, senior offi- political observers at the coming intercultural dialogue at the • “Mainstreaming of inter-
cials from the 118 member coun- of the third millennium. Along United Nations General Assem- faith principles into education
tries of the Non-Aligned Move- with this call for dialogue was bly since 2004. systems—religious and secular,
ment (NAM) met in Manila. In the reaffirmation of common formal and informal—is cen-
this special ministerial meeting fundamental values contained Voices of NAM member states tral to sustained generational
Eradicate Gambling at the Philippine International in the United Nations’ Millen- Described by President Tito change.” (Tanzania)
Convention Center, the heads nium Declaration: “freedom, of the former Yugoslavia as the • “Promotion of understand-
of delegations declared their equality, solidarity, tolerance, “conscience of mankind” at its ing among cultures and faiths is
FOR the past 15 years the Bishops of the Philippines have
understanding and support for respect for nature and shared inception, NAM has indeed a political and moral imperative
been denouncing gambling in its various forms, especially
the extraordinary theme chosen responsibility.” evolved into a continuing forum in our globalized world…. We
jueteng.
for their conference: “Interfaith Coming mostly from the Asian, for world peace. It is instructive must be ready to move beyond
Whether it is jueteng or masiao or any other form, gambling Dialogue and Cooperation for African, and Latin American then to listen to some of the rep- dialogue and translate this good-
as systematic, widespread and illegal is truly a moral and Peace and Development.” continents, the NAM delegates resentative voices at the NAM will into concrete actions to cre-
social cancer. The theme was extraordinary affirmed religious freedom and conference: ate peaceful, tolerant and harmo-
because the Non-Aligned Move- the protection of all human • “We should champion toler- nious societies.” (Pakistan)
It has become an insidious subculture of immense corruption ment was originally a political rights that are “universal, in- ance rather than discrimination, • “All great religions advocate
that involves a shadowy network of powerful financiers, grouping of nations organized divisible, interdependent and communication rather than re- love; all great religions hold life
protectors, and lords. It destroys moral values such as industry more than half a century ago that interrelated.” They expressed jection, and co-existence rather to be sacred; all great religions
and hard work, accountability and honesty, integrity and did not want to align themselves their commitment to promote “a than confrontation.” (China) profess peace and promote un-
justice. Such gambling is never a moral virtue. It is a moral with either the Communist Bloc culture of peace and dialogue,” • “All religions are rooted in derstanding.” (Philippines)
vice that, because of its systematic rampancy, has become or the Free World, political seen not as an option but as an common ground and share a
entrenched within the psyche of many and within our social aggregations that divided the imperative in today’s world. diversified world. They all call Civil Society and Faith-Based
system, corrupting these from within. world at that time during the era In particular, initiatives already for freedom, human dignity, Organizations
of the Cold War. taken along these lines were equality, tolerance, harmony and A day before the opening of
With the huge sums that they control without any But now, the NAM countries acceptance of others.” (Qatar) the Special NAM Conference,
accountability to anyone but themselves, gambling lords recognized coming from several
were all aligning themselves NAM member countries such as • “All the great religions of the religious leaders and represen-
can make or unmake political and professional careers by behind the call for interfaith world essentially represent what tatives of Faith-Based Organi-
corrupting law enforcement and political processes and the Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran,
dialogue – an implicit admission Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, the the Vedas postulate: The Truth zations converged to under-
people that run them. The public testimonies of various that the fault lines threatening is One, the wise call it by many score a complementary theme:
people involved in gambling have told us of the incredible Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia,
the world’s unity today may no Senegal, and the Sudan. names… Mahatma Gandhi once “Strengthening partnerships
territorial and personal coverage of jueteng alone and the longer run across ideological said, ‘Intolerance is itself a form with governments on interfaith
vast unimaginable amounts of profits gained, astoundingly Speaking for the Philippines
lines, but rather more profound- in her keynote address, Presi- of violence and an obstacle to dialogue and cooperation.”
far higher than the yearly budgets of many municipalities ly across religious lines. the growth of a true democratic Their joint statement noted
and cities in the country. dent Gloria M. Arroyo cited the
example of the Bishops-Ulama spirit.’” (India) the continuing situation in some
Gambling exploits the poor in a particular way. Fleecing the Manila Declaration Conference which over the past • “Dialogue among civiliza- countries of religious sectarian-
poor of the little they have, some 85% of gambling profits Thus, the Manila Declaration 14 years has brought together tions and cultures, but most im- ism and discrimination, perse-
return to the pockets of gambling operators. With their hard- adopted by the NAM delegates Christian bishops and Muslim portantly religions, is an effective cution of minority groups and
earned money the poor are daily lured by the easy money that stressed the need for “dialogue ulama in dialogue and a com- remedy to prevent conflicts… acts of terrorism in the name
gambling vainly promises. Whatever little recreational value among cultures, civilizations mon search for peace in Mind- Even in the achievement of the of religion. “There is no peace
it might have cannot justify the immense suffering inflicted and religions” in direct opposi- anao. Together with Pakistan, Millennium Development Goals, without development, and no
on entire families because of the loss of money needed for tion to the “clash of civilizations” the Philippines has also pursued faith communities should be seen Pastoral Companion / A5
the basic necessities.
We, therefore, once again strongly denounce systematic,
widespread and illegal gambling in whatever form. We Filipino Gynecologist Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS
strongly denounce any attempt to legalize it. We once again
appeal to our political leaders, lawmakers and law enforcers in US stops giving out Love Life
birth control
to put teeth to our anti-gambling laws, ferret out the gambling
lords and their protectors, and punish them with the full force
of the law. We encourage and support citizens’ movement,
such as Krusadang Bayan Laban sa Jueteng (Jueteng, Free A FEW days ago, I received this email from teachings and her actions in her medical After studying the issue more closely and delv-
Philippines), to root out gambling from our culture. Bishop Jose Sorra, a very interesting article practice. Late last year, while attending a ing into Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body,
published in a US Catholic newsletter. He spiritual retreat in Emmitsburg, she asked a which examines the theological underpinnings
said he immediately thought of sending it to priest about the morality of distributing birth of human sexuality, Sorra came to recognize the
Eradicate Gambling: It is Moral and Social Cancer, me as it is about his niece working in the US control. In no uncertain terms, he told her it soundness of the Church’s position.
as gynecologist. She used to dispense contra- was “absolutely morally wrong.” “I learned how beautiful the teachings of
CBCP Pastoral Statement, 2003
ceptive pills but has stopped doing so. Read Yet, other priests had suggested it might be Christ and the Church are regarding our sex-
on to find out about her conversion! considered the lesser of two evils—that birth uality and reclaiming what God intended for
“Dispensing birth control had been a regu- control would be a better option than abortion. our sexuality and sexual lives,” she said.
lar part of Dr. Mary Ann Sorra’s gynecological Sorra prayed on it and then made an ap- Sorra, who encourages natural family
practice for eight years. Not anymore. pointment to meet with Archbishop Edwin planning, noted that sex is meant to unify a
www.cbcpmonitor.com
cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net After a lot of prayer and discernment, the F. O’Brien. In the meeting, the archbishop married couple and bring new life into the
Catholic doctor embraced a fully pro-life helped clarify the church’s teaching against world. It’s part of God’s plan, she said.
practice about a year ago. She stopped giv- artificial contraception. “When you contracept, you separate the
ing out contraceptives and has been working “I’ve worked with the Catholic Medi- act from its intention,” she said. “(Artificial
to promote the pro-life message among her cal Association as chaplain and episcopal contraception allows you to have sex without
patients. adviser over the years on this matter,” love and bonding. It also allows you to have
It was one of the most difficult decisions Archbishop O’Brien said. “Once they get sex without life.”
Sorra ever made, but one she believes is in into it and study it and are open with God’s Sorra said she has the peace of knowing she’s
keeping with what God wants of her and her grace to the Church’s teachings, it’s a new doing the right thing. She encouraged other
Pedro C. Quitorio Kris P. Bayos medical outreach. day for them.” Catholic gynecologists to “take a leap of faith.”
Editor-in-Chief Features Editor “I do believe that God was certainly calling The archbishop noted that if Catholic “Seek God and what his will is for us,” she
me to do this,” she said. “I don’t believe you doctors believe artificial contraception to be said. “It’s important to open our hearts and
Pinky Barrientos, FSP Gloria Fernando can be happy unless you do what God is telling an immoral practice, it would be “nonsensi- listen to his will.”
Associate Editor Marketing Supervisor you to do. He’s the author of our happiness.” cal” and “immoral” for them to encourage What a wonderful example of a true Catho-
Early in her practice, Sorra viewed the women and couples to use it. lic, following her informed and well-guided
Melo M. Acuña Ernani M. Ramos distribution of birth control strictly as a Sorra stopped giving out birth control, conscience in her profession and life. But how
Managing Editor Circulation Manager healthcare issue. Besides, she argued, if she transforming her Pikesville practice into wonderful too that there are priests and bish-
didn’t supply it, someone else would. what she believes is one of only a handful ops who are vocal on the church Teachings on
Roy Q. Lagarde Marcelita Dominguez “It was what I thought was the standard of of gynecological practices in the region that Contraception and who go out of their way to
LAYOUT BY KRIS BAYOS

News Editor Comptroller

The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP Communica-
tions Development Foundation, Inc., with editorial and business offices
at 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila. P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO.
Editorial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612.; ISSN 1908-2940
care,” remembered the 38-year-old parishioner
of Church of the Immaculate Conception in
Towson. “We’re trained to think that birth con-
trol was important and good for women—that
it prevents unwanted pregnancies, decreases
abortions and provides fertility control.”
In the back of her mind, however, Sorra
struggled with reconciling her church’s
don’t distribute artificial contraception.
Some patients left in anger, but she picked
up 100 new ones.
“It was extremely difficult and somewhat
painful because I was doing it out of obedience
to the church’s teachings and obedience to the
bishop,” Sorra said. “I wasn’t doing it out of
full understanding of why I should do it.”
explain in simple and practical ways what our
lay people should know and follow.
They are the true pastors after the Shep-
herd’s heart.” (From Catholic Reporter by
George Matysek, Jr.)
For more information on contraception—
medical, social and moral effects, contact Pro-life
Phil at 733-7027 email at life@prolife.org.ph)
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 14
July 5 – July 18, 2010
Opinion A5
Fr. Roy Cimagala Nicolo F. Bernardo
Caring for our spiritual
Candidly Speaking powers Lifeguard

IF we can only give to our spiritual powers
just a fraction of the attention we usually give
to our physical faculties, I think we would
be much better off. Our problem is that most
of the time we ignore the needs of our soul
while we pamper and spoil our body.
Just look at the time, effort and money
spent on things material and bodily—well-
ness craze, looks, sports and fashion, body
cult, etc.—and compare these with the ones
spent for our spiritual needs—prayer, sacra-
ments, interior struggle, etc. You´ll notice
there can hardly be any worse inequality.
That´s why, in the long history of ascetical
literature written and given living witness
by saints through the centuries, there has
been that consistent insistence to curb the
tendencies of the flesh to give way to the
more important aspirations of the spirit.
These two constituent elements of our hu-
man nature have become fierce competitors,
not so much on the part of the spirit as it is on
the part of the body. The trouble is that our
body wants to dominate the spirit, reversing
the order proper to our nature.
This tension was vividly expressed by
Christ himself in his agony in the garden just
before his death. There he warned his sleepy
disciples—Peter, James and John—to watch
and pray, because ¨the spirit is willing but
the flesh is weak.¨
To remedy this predicament, Christ taught
that we enter by the narrow gate—putting
ourselves to some inconveniences and dis-
comfort, etc.—because ¨wide is the gate, and
broad is the way that leads to perdition.¨
In fact, in the end, he indicated that to
follow him, we have to deny ourselves and
carry the cross. And so the cross or the sense
of penance, sacrifice and mortification has
been made an integral part of Christian life
and even of human life in general. We would
go crazy without it.
Why is this so? Simply because the body
needs to be properly animated by the spirit
for it to be truly human and fit according to
its dignity as part of the human person and
God´s child that we all are.
The body on its own is nothing or is dead
without the soul. But the quality of its life
does not depend solely on its material re-
quirements, but relies more on the nourish-
ment it receives from the spirit.
On its own, the body has appetites that
are purely material. Its world is the sensible
universe. Alone, it cannot enter the intel-
lectual and spiritual world, not to mention
the supernatural goal that our faith tells us
is our original and ultimate end.
Our body has to submit to the order proper
to us, that is, it has to be directed by our spiri-
tual faculties. Thus, St. Augustine said in this
regard: ¨Where the flesh commands and the
spirit serves, the house is turned the wrong
way...Man is rightly ordered where the spirit
commands and the flesh serves.¨
We need to be more wary of our duty to
take care of our spiritual powers. Sad to say,
many people do not even know what these
spiritual powers of ours are. In my chats
with them, many admit they don´t know
what these are.
This to me is a real disaster, since many
people are well-versed with the material and
technical world—think of the skills people have
in gadgets and the World Cup—while confess-
ing to be ignoramuses and pygmies with respect
to spiritual and supernatural realities.
Our spiritual powers are mainly our in-
telligence and will, our thinking, judging,
reasoning and loving. These need to be man-
aged and supervised well, seeing to it that
they are engaged with their proper objects
and not simply allowed to drift and flow
wherever they are blown.
St. Paul talks about the distinction between
the carnal man and the spiritual man, and we
should make the right choice and develop it to
its maturity. St. Augustine warns us not to allow
our soul, our spiritual powers, to become carnal
by consenting to the affections of the flesh.
Unfortunately, this is what we are seeing
aplenty these days—people are not only
consenting but also are glorying in the af-
fections of the flesh. We need to reverse this
trend. It may be a painful process requiring
nothing less than heroic effort and martyric
dedication, but it would all be worth it.
Caring for our spiritual powers means ex-
erting realistic effort to always find reasons,
motivations and ways to relate all our think-
ing and loving to God and all souls.
Bill of Duties
IN case the new Congress would again attempt to amend
the Philippine Constitution, declaring a Bill of Duties
should be on deck. Progressive nations like Japan, Korea,
China, Taiwan, Singapore, Russia, Israel, Germany, and the
Scandinavian countries have a list of civic duties in their
constitutions. It is high time we have ours too.
Since the advent of libertarian revolutions, we must have
gone through excesses of rights, where wants, desires, and
deviations are emerging into legal needs. The problem with
overstating rights is that one cannot be too demanding, say,
for executive privileges or even reproductive rights, while
ignoring duties. A moral duty is correlative to a moral right.
Rights-mongers argue that once rights are secured, duties
will follow. But perhaps the other way around is better: let’s
talk of duties and rights will follow. For a long time, we have
been whining for rights, or making up rights, when we could
be better had we mind our duties.
Need we wonder why nationalism, patriotism, loyalty,
obedience, strong family and religious values no longer
matter nowadays? Blame it on too much libertarianism. The
call of duty for society, family, or institutions has become
passe. What has become popular is to demand more from
others as a matter of right and none from oneself as a mat-
ter of duty.
Take the case of the award-winning film Mar Adrento,
which shows the legal debates in Spain for assisted suicide.
The main character—a paraphlegic—argues that “life is a
right, not a duty.” Meaning, we have a right to live, but it
is everyone’s prerogative. No one is obliged to live if one
no longer wants to. Accordingly, with the “right to self-
determination” comes the right to decide when, where, why,
and how one should die. It would be illegal for the State, the

Preparing for the Jose B. Lugay Church, or any person to prevent one from terminating one’s
life. Only the person is in the best position to decide whether

coming Barangay
continued living is still reasonable and bearable.
The irony here is, rights and duties are borne from social

Elections Laiko Lampstand expectations, so that one cannot simply insist on rights
without a sense of shared expectancy and human aspiration.
Rights arise because there are common needs and values
LET us see the aftermath of canang’s Presidential Executive are the mayors and governors that the CiDE and associated of man. There are universal needs so we declare universal
the automated elections held Staff headed by Ma. Elena Bau- of local governments who are technologies for discernment rights. The measure of demandability and validity of a right
last May 10. While the foreign tista Horn has ably transferred notorious for graft and corrup- as well as the pastoral accom- arise from the value of what is being demanded, its priority
media hailed it as a success, los- all records and information to tion as indicated by the use of paniment of candidates must over other demands.
ing candidates cried foul while the Aquino Team headed by their pork barrel, the source of continue to be given to all voters In the instant case, because life is itself a fundamental
protesting the possible causes soon-to-be Executive Secretary their funds for the next election. for the coming elections: the ba- value, it is an intrinsic right. If one, however, would treat
of “failure”—like Smartmatic’s Atty. Francisco Ochoa, Maria The group looked at the results rangay and SK election which is life, even one’s own life, as dispensable—a matter of choice—
lack of proper accounting of Montelibano and defeated V. of the May 10 election in the scheduled in October 25 of this then one has reduced the necessity of the thing being de-
defective contact flash cards P. candidate, Mar Roxas. P Noy context of the moral guidelines year, the 2013 election and the manded. If life’s indispensable value no longer holds true
(CFC) which were replaced with (his choice as his initials in news for clean and honest elections as 2016 presidential election. in all cases, then the right ceases to be essential. The right
new ones; the large number of media) has not announced the well as choosing the candidates Since the delegates represent- may not be worth it after all, not always “right. As such,
null votes which added together names to complete his cabinet. who will work for the com- ed in the assessment forum who the right would cease to be among the few absolutes that all
could skew the results in favor He promised to divulge the mon good. The D and E votes came all the way from Northern persons should hail, contrary to the very concept of what a
of defeated candidates and the whole team to the public, two became the swing votes paid Samar, Cebu, Leyte, Novaliches, right should be.
failure of election in some pre- days before his inauguration on for by corrupt politicians who Cotabato, etc. were all one in con- Now the libertarian fallacy must have invaded our homes
cincts within the conflict zones June 30. Meantime, advocacy eventually won the election. tinuing the education to change long before it did the courts of law. A generation ago, you
of Lanao, Maguindanao, etc. In groups who campaigned hard The results of the voting of the political culture of Philip- can hear from the language of the “oldies” the discipline
spite of these assignable causes to have a credible election as- those who undertook the CiDE, pine elections, the evangelized shaped by the responsibilities of each member of the group.
of failure, almost everybody sessed what their next move the LASER and NGT exercises laity who are now serving in the Being a man has a consequent duty, and so being a woman.
agreed, even President GMA would be. Church groups like made a significant difference in dioceses should spearhead the Being a husband and being a wife. Even texts from schools
herself, that the past election Dilaab of Fr. Carmelo Diola who the way they voted; that is, the movement in conjunction with before, especially on Good Morals and Rightful Conduct,
was an unmitigated success! She instituted the process of select- voters have been empowered all lay organizations reporting taught children of their roles, “tungkulin” at “gawain.”
even claimed that the automated ing candidates using the circles to discern who are morally up- to the different Episcopal Com- Well now, that is unheard. Kids tell their elders their rights.
election, in her BEAT THE ODDS of discernment, the LASER and right and who can undertake missions. The campaign should Some people also resort to “sex change” than do their sex-
book, is one of the successes of the Nominal Group Technique good governance regardless of target all the basic ecclesial com- based duties.
her administration. Nobody had to hold a weekend session party affiliation. However since munities in the countryside, care Of course, rights-mongers will reply that these bygone
questioned that President-elect in Old Santa Mesa to assess the the time to do all these values- of the Social Action arm of the roles are bad social constructs. But what about their emerg-
Benigno Simeon Aquino III (P results of Dilaab’s efforts and changing effort was too close to Dioceses and communities of ing “rights,” aren’t these constructs too? The danger here is
Noy) won in a fair fight for the what to do next. the May 10 election, the good families care of Lay Organiza- not just the clatter of rights, but rights being blurred with
Presidency. In fact, three days The present electoral system effect could not be statistically tions. We anticipate the support wants so that the basic and self-evident rights to life, food,
after the election Manny Villar even using automated election evaluated. Assessment of its in- of all the Philippine bishops and shelter cease to be priority.
and Gibo Teodoro already con- is controlled in the rural areas tended effect if run for a longer for this effort to reach a critical Perhaps one key to know whether a right is intrinsic to hu-
ceded defeat. by political dynasties that have period would have been more mass of politically evangelized man condition or just a construct is whether a corollary duty
The Transition Team, Mala- more cash to buy votes. These meaningful. The group decided Christians. can be demanded. For example, we speak of property rights
much as owners of property have duties. But if we cannot
speak of, say, “gay duties,” are there really “gay rights?” Or
simply human rights of people who hapenned to be “gay”?
Oscar V. Cruz, DD
The Justice System in
If we are not willing to enforce “reproductive duties,” can
we claim “reproductive rights?” Or marital rights but not
marital duties?
Views and Points the Philippines Yet could we even continue to exist as a society without a
strong foundation on duties? Every want is now being named
a right in a time when personal sacrifices should be high. One
hundred years ago, if you will peer into the Cartilla ng Ka-
HERE is an interesting thesis that those in their stinking stolen wealth and throwing rate justice as a constituent factor thereof. tipunan, or even into the Malolos Constitution, demands are
the Executive Department of the present their sordid weight around, bring to mind Thus: Just worth or merit. Just profitability stated in a language of sworn duties, let alone commands. The
administration might want to seriously con- high ranking politicians infamous for their or liberality. Just advantage or win. mythical Kodigo ni Kalantiaw speaks of stringent duties, such
sider and thereafter decidedly act upon. This heinous graft and corrupt practices yet still Conclusion: In the event that the new as the care for the spouse and the elderly. Further back, ethics,
proposed agendum can neither be irrelevant manage to command the adulation of certain administration—swamped by so many propo- codes, and norms are formulated into obligations. Thus we
nor vain—considering that this country is at people—and you find systemic injustice in sitions, suggestions, inclusive of innumerable have the Ten Commandments and the Confucian philosophy
the bottom of developmental possibilities in the country as their common premise. unsolicited pieces of advice—is uncondition- of the “Four-Fold Duties.” God must we wise to formulate
Asia, and that millions of its people have to This is in no way over-stating the inher- ally committed to its battle cry of principled the Ten Commandments as such—commands, duties—not
leave behind their dear families, only to earn ent deadly significance and consequent fatal policies and upright governance, it stands to just rights; to “do unto others” not “ask unto others.”
a living abroad. implications of injustice in society vis-à-vis reason that its over-all national plan of action For this reason, we should support the efforts of Jose
In other words, mention any political the good fortune and the precious blessings cannot but have as its cornerstone and priority Abueva, chairman of the Consultative Commission for the
errancy or any social malady in the Philip- brought about by social justice. Come to mission, none other than a consistent, serious Proposed Revision of the 1987 Constitution. He has pre-
pines, say any public misery or economic think of it, it is morally impossible to find and operative Justice System all over the coun- pared a whole chapter on a Bill of Duties, with provisions
malediction of the Filipinos as a people, and anything really good or truly right when try. And the rest of what is basically good, right for human life and dignity, duty to work, civic and political
at the bottom thereof is readily found a dys- injustice is an element thereof. Thus: Unjust and fair for the Philippines and the Filipinos, participation, youth responsibility, loyalty, patriotism, and
functional justice system as its fundamental honesty or truthfulness. Unjust generosity simply follow as a matter of course. duty to care for the environment. The country might as well
causal origin. So too, think of really big time or benevolence. Unjust integrity or probity. Thus: Away with untouchables! Away declare these obligations, as we do to liberties, as “inherent
crooks freely roaming around and enjoying None of these make sense. On the other with those above the law! Away with jus- and self-evident.” From that point, we would have moved
their decadent lives, remember infamous hand, everything that is objectively good tice only for the poor, the ignorant, the little forward as a nation with a strong sense of duty.
professional thieves proudly displaying and realistically right, cannot but incorpo- people. Justice for all or none at all!

Pastoral Companion / A4

development can come without peace,”
noted the representatives of Civil
Society, “but neither can be achieved
without interfaith dialogue.”
In particular, the participants pointed
out that:
• Religious minorities can become
active partners in peace building with
government assistance;
• Intra-faith dialogue according to one’s
religious traditions should be a prerequi-
site step to inter-faith dialogue; and
• What is needed is a deeper appre-
ciation for the spiritual bases for peace
in all our religious traditions.
I was privileged to be a co-convenor of
the first day’s discussions among faith-
based organizations. At the NAM confer-
ence itself, I attended as representative
of the Holy See which has an observer
status in this international body. In his last column here at the CBCP Monitor last
It is in this light that I fully agree with April 2010, Bishop Francisco Claver wrote:
Dr. William Vendley, Secretary General
of the World Conference of Religions for
Peace, who summarized three courses
“For when the people start
of action for NAM member countries in acting in their own way and
the coming years:
1. Religious communities themselves
at their level against the many
can come together through interfaith corrupt practices of Philippine
dialogue and multi-religious coopera- politics, that is when the real
tion for peace;
2. Governments should enter into prin- social change takes place with
cipled partnership with religious bodies the corresponding change of the
in the service of the common good; and
3. Personal morality and common val-
values of the people.”
ues found in all religions need to be trans- The CBCP Monitor Staff joins the Christian
lated into a new political paradigm. Such community in mourning for the demise of a good
is the concept of “shared security” where bishop and friend. Bishop Cisco, pray for us!
the security of one country depends on
the security of other countries.
 Local News
CBCP Monitor
A6 Vol. 14 No. 14
July 5 – July 18, 2010

NASSA to hold forum on Alternative Mining Bill THE Social Action Secretariat of
the Catholic Bishops Conference
of the Philippines is holding a
forum on the alternative min-
ing bill in an effort to initiate a
consensus and create a better
understanding of the proposed
law.
Dubbed as, “Bishops-Leg-
islators Forum on the Mineral
Management Policy,” the forum
will gather bishops, affected
communities, academe and the
government to discuss the basic
consensus on the mining bill.
The seminar, slated on July 8 at
the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center
Muhi from the Legal Rights
Center, followed by a deliber-
ate discussion among people
concerned.
Expected to come are Tony
Abuso from the CBCP’s Episco-
pal Commission on Indigenous
People (ECIP); Dr. Angelina
Galang, Executive Director of
the Environmental Institute of
Miriam College; Department
of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) Secretary
Ramon Paje and NASSA Na-
tional Director and Manila
Auxiliary Bishop Broderick
Pabillo.
Antonio Ledesma has also com-
mitted to attend the forum.
Pabillo emphasized that the
forum is a discussion on the basic
consensus about AMB as well as
a venue to secure a commitment
from the legislators for the pas-
sage of AMB.
“This forum also intends to
explore initial strategies and
partnership between the Church,
legislators, affected communities
and CSOs campaigning against
mining to advance the agenda of
the AMB in the 15th Congress,”
he added.
The AMB was first filed under

Photo courtesy of PhilRights

in UN Avenue, Manila will open
with a welcome speech from
CBCP president and Tandag
Bishop Nereo Odchimar.
A presentation of the context
of the Alternative Mining Bill
will be prepared by Atty. Rhia
Rep. Erin Tañada from the
House Committee on Natural
Resources and Sen. Alan Peter
Cayetano from the Senate Com-
mittee on Natural Resources are
also anticipated.
Cagayan de Oro Archbishop
the Arroyo administration by
Akbayan Representative Risa
Hontiveros-Baraquel.
On July 1, 2010, Tañada has
again filed the AMB for the 15th
Congress’ evaluation and exami-
nation. (Kate Laceda)

Catholic evangelist to visit Manila
A BAPTIST turned Catholic and host of
a religious television program is coming
to Manila July 9 for a series of talks.
Steve Ray, program host of EWTN’s
“Defenders of the Catholic Faith” is
scheduled to arrive here on Friday from
Australia where he will deliver a series
of talks before varied audience.
Henry Siy, a prime mover of Defen-
sores Fidei said Ray will speak before
the priests and seminarians of San
Carlos Seminary in Makati City at 9:00
a.m. and the Apologists Forum from
1:00-5:00 p.m., Saturday, July 10 at the
Chapel of the Holy Family at Virra Mall.
His topic before the apologists is The
Church and Authority.
Ray will also be featured over CBCP
Online Radio on Sunday and at 8:30
p.m. over DzMM in a live radio pro-
gram hosted by SVD missionary and
Columnist Fr. Bel San Luis.
On Monday, July 12, he will talk be-
fore the Catholic faithful at the Chapel
of the Eucharistic Lord at SM Megamall
from 7:00 -9:00 p.m. on the topic Mary,
Mother of God.
Ray will then proceed to Davao for a
series of talks from July 15-17. On July
18, he will speak before the Lord’s Flock,
Light of Jesus and Rivers of Living
Water communities at the Philippine
International Convention Center from
1:00-6:00 p.m.
He will also give lectures on the topic
“Footprints of God from Abraham to the
Apostolic Fathers” at St. James the Great
Parish Church in Ayala-Alabang Village,
Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Council to hold youth congress
Muntinlupa City from 7:00-10:00 p.m. on HUNDREDS of young people from all directors, youth directress, youth
July 19-21. Participants will be awarded over Mindanao are expected to flock coordinators and youth leaders from
with Certificates of attendance. the Diocese of Pagadian for a four- the different dioceses of Mindanao are
A Fundamentalist Protestant for 39 day youth congress, organized by the expected to participate in the event.
years and active members of various Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Council-Youth The conference will commence with
Fundamentalist and Evangelical Protes- Council (MSPC-YC). a Eucharistic celebration at the Sto. Niño
tant churches, Ray and wife Janet were Held every three years, the youth con- Cathedral. On the following day, a pastoral
converted to the Catholic Church on gress serves as a venue for young people planning and testimonial dinner will be
Pentecost Sunday in 1994. to share their experiences, discern the conducted at the Agro Heritage Complex.
The Ray couple now attends Mass at signs of the times, identify issues and Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon, Chairman
Christ the King Parish in Ann Arbor, concerns affecting the youth ministry, and of the CBCP’s Episcopal Commission on
Michigan. to organize concrete plans of action. Youth (ECY) will preside the Eucharistic
Reportedly to have taught a very Dubbed as “9th Mindanao-Sulu Pas- celebration on July 21 following the for-
successful Catholic Bible Study before toral Conference Youth Congress,” the mal opening of the conference.
the video series demanded much of event will be held on July 19-23, 2010 in The first conference will tackle the topic,
his time, Ray now enjoys time writing, Agro Heritage Complex in Dao. “Youth: Come Together, Share the Word!”
producing documentary videos, travel- This year’s assembly is themed “We while the second congress will discuss on
ing, teaching and serving the Catholic remember, We celebrate, We believe.” the matter, “Youth: Come Together, Live
Church. (Melo Acuña) Youth ministers including youth the Eucharist!”

Appeals / A1 Groups / A1

Indigenous Peoples (ECIP) said
in a statement.
The commission stressed that
various government projects
such as mining, dams, power
generation projects, logging
and large scale plantations have
invaded the territories of many
IP communities.
“These have led to massive
displacement of IP communities
through the decades. Killings of
IPs in relation to these have also
been documented,” ECIP said.
The group said the “certificates
of ancestral domains titles” have
not done any good for the IPs.
“Even though certificates of
ancestral domains titles (CADT)
have already been given to some
IP communities, intrusions and
land grabbing continue unabat-
ed,” it added.
Also, the National Commis-
sion on Indigenous Peoples
(NCIP), primary government
agency mandated to implement
IPRA, has not been effective in
carrying out its mandate and
purpose which is to protect the
IPs, according to the ECIP state-
ment.
ECIP also asked Aquino to
overhaul the NCIP and ap-
points leaders with integrity,
competency, and familiarity
with Indigenous Knowledge,
Systems, Practices and Spiritual-
ity (IKSPS).
Meanwhile, the com-
mission has also proposed to
Aquino for the support and
recognition of the IP education
which is believed to be the key
for the security and real develop-
ment of the IP lands and com-
munities. of SOCSKSARGEN CAN he said. save our ancestral domains.
“We hope that your call ‘kung (Climate Action Now), a Fr. Gillarme Joy Pelino, Thanks to the governor for
walang corrupt, walang mahi- broad coalition of church, co convenor of SAVE SOC- signing the code” said T’boli
rap’ during the election cam- indigenous peoples, and civil SARGEN MOVEMENT, said leader Datu Victor Danyan
paign will truly guide your society organizations work- “the signing is a triumph for of the T’Boli-Manobo S’daf
administration. You must look ing for climate justice in the the people of Tampakan and Claimants Organization
into the root cause of our pover- region. the whole province which (TAMASCO).
ty—the unequal distribution of The people have earlier depends much on the water- “It’s good that the gover-
wealth in our country,” the ECIP called on the governor to sheds threatened by large- nor looked at the welfare of
statement concluded. sign the code while rallying scale open pit mining.” the majority,” said Yellen
Among the signatories of against SMI-Xstrata Tam- “The watersheds are our Zata, chairperson of Hublag
the ECIP statement are Laoag pakan Copper Gold Project lifeline being the water Kontra Mina (HUKOM), an
Bishop Sergio Utleg, ECIP Chair- (TGCP) in the area. source of our rice fields alliance of various group in
man and Fr. Erwald Dinter, ECIP Social Action director of in the lowlands that en- Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu,
Executive Secretary and Calapan Marbel diocese Fr. Romeo sure our food security,” he South Cotabato that cam-
Mangyan Mission Director Catedral said the legislation added. paign actively against min-
ECIP has been working for is a triumph for the people The communities affected ing.
more than 30 years now with the and the environment. by mining also commended “We thank her for signing
various IP groups, conducting “… it is a victory for all the governor’s move saying the code and we hope that
dialogues with various gov- who campaigned against the prohibition will keep the mining companies will no
ernment agencies in pursuit of destructive mining in South mining companies off their longer operate in our com-
the recognition of indigenous Cotabato, in our country and lands. munities,” she added. (CB-
peoples’ rights. (Kate Laceda) abroad. It is all our victory,” “The open pit ban will help CPNews)

Gov’t / A1

laws, but which are badly interpreted,
or worse still, if they are implemented,
to benefit only the favored few, will
make the poor and the weak suffer,’
said Rosales.
“In life any bias against the weak
in the administration of justice is not
only an affront against the weak, but it
creates a mindset that in an unguarded
moment (it) can hide a repeated injury
to the poor.”
The cardinal added that those who
are poor and have less in life “should
have more consideration in law.”
“Today, we pray, with you and for
you that the Holy Spirit will, as He did
for the apostles in the early days of the
Church, continue to guide those who
serve our people, taking advantage of
no one,” he told the church-goers where
majority are lawyers.
“(May) God led you to this task
through the help of the people, may He
continue to accompany and enlighten
you with the Holy Spirit as you serve
the very same people—the Filipino
People.”
Brother’s keeper Conference of the Philippines and vari-
Before the mass ended, Aquino de-
livered a prayer where he sought for
divine intervention that they be guided
and protected “in the fulfillment of our
promise to be our brother’s keeper as
we lead our country with integrity and
honor.”
“We pray that leaders representing
co-equal branches of government—
judges, justices, mayors, governors,
congressmen and senators—will strive
for unity at the risk of sacrificing their Spirit for all who seek justice, and of-
personal ambition so that the people’s fers the opportunity to reflect on what
ambition to achieve a decent quality Catholics believe is the God-given
of life for every citizen becomes more power and responsibility of all in the
real,” he said. legal profession.
Concelebrants of the mass were 22 It originated in Europe and derives
bishops including Bishop Nereo Odchi- its name from the red vestments tra-
mar, president of the Catholic Bishops’ ditionally worn in symbolism of the
tongues of fire that descended on the
ous priests from Manila archdiocese. Apostles at Pentecost.
In attendance were Vice President The tradition was first documented
Jejomar Binay and Supreme Court chief in France, in the 1200s, where a special
justice Renato Corona. Mass for lawyers and judges was held
Also seen at the Mass were officials in the Chapel of the Order of Advocates,
of the Commission on Elections led by built by King Louis IX.
its chairman Jose Melo. The ritual soon spread to England
where, during the reign of King Edward
The Red Mass I, the entire bench and bar would mark
In the Catholic tradition, the Red the opening of each term of court by
Mass requests guidance from the Holy attending a mass together.
In the Philippines, the Red Mass is
scheduled yearly but this was the first
time that national and local leaders
attended the gathering at the Manila
Cathedral.
“This is really for those who are ac-
tive in the judiciary. It will be good if
some from the legislative branches will
come,” Rosales said in a press confer-
ence earlier.
He said the Mass is specially in-
tended for the new leaders of the land
“to enlighten those who will continue
(to serve in the government).”
Constitutionalist and Jesuit priest
Joaquin Bernas said the gathering is
also intended to serve as a unifying
factor of all government officials and
for those in the judiciary “to make wise
decisions.”

Fr. Bernas / A1 Bishops / A1

term and thus making it allow the demolition without re- political dynasty in Philippine Rosales described as “gift” from
impractical to hold another location of urban poor families. politics; uphold human rights God the presidency of Aquino,
election. They also demanded that the of all the accused; educate the “who, in his simple and humble
“Getting a Con-con would new chief executive put a stop poor by improving educational ways will exemplify what love
mean another national elec- to human trafficking of children system and give the poor ac- for God and country means.
tion and we just had an and women. cess to quality education; peace The cardinal, however,
election recently. It can be a Taking note of the “many and security: negotiate with the stressed that the job not only
very expensive process plus problems” left by the Arroyo rebels with public consultations lies with Aquino but also in each
people are still distracted,” administration, Bacani called on to all stakeholders; stop illegal and every Filipino.
Bernas said. Aquino to rise beyond giving an gambling by arresting and pros- “This beautiful national dream
“It is still a little early… average performance during his ecuting gambling lords; alleviate is not the job for one man, no
I doubt very much it will six-year stay in Malacañang. poverty by improving the liv- matter how gifted or great. Nei-
prosper this year. If at all, it He said the “sorry state of ing condition of the marginal- ther is it a collective work for a
might get going again next the country” left by Arroyo has ized, under-represented and op- group of good men. The dream
year. I doubt it will get go- brought such high expectations pressed people; food security by of a better Philippines is within
ing this year,” he added. and hopes for the incoming eliminating structures that hinder the response and the ability of
Asked what he thinks of president and that they will the growth and development of every Filipino,” said Rosales.
Arroyo’s intention in filing expect no less than a “heroic” those in the agricultural sector. Aquino, along with Vice Presi-
such a controversial resolu- performance. A Mass for the New Governance dent Jejomar Binay, took their
tion, Bernas said he finds it The prelate added that Aquino was held at the Manila Cathedral respective oaths as the new
funny. should use the legacies of his parents, in the morning shortly before leaders of the country at the
“Well, she loves the coun- former President Corazon Aquino the inauguration of the new Quirino Grandstand in Manila
try and she wants to im- and former Senator Benigno “Ni- president of the Republic of the on Wednesday noon.
prove the constitution,” noy” Aquino, Jr., as an inspiration Philippines on June 30. He also called on the faith-
Bernas said laughing. to always strive to do better. The Mass was led by Gaud- ful to pray for Aquino together
Arroyo has been accused The other nine Church advoca- encio Cardinal Rosales. Con- with those who will serve the
by critics of wanting to cies lined-up were: Protect the celebrants include Caloocan country with him “that they will
amend the Constitution to environment by stopping large Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez, San be guided by the wisdom from
pursue her bid to become scale mining and illegal logging; Fernando Auxiliary Bishops the Holy Spirit in serving the
the country’s Prime Minis- stop corruption and prosecute Pablo David, Roberto Mallari Filipino of whatever tribe, belief,
ter. (Roy Lagarde/CBCP- the people involved in graft and and Novaliches bishop-emeritus age or class.” (Roy Lagarde/
News) corruption; no to Nepotism and Teodoro Bacani. In his homily, CBCPNews)
 Diocesan News
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 14
July 5 – July 18, 2010
A7

Archbishop Arguelles nixes gambling facilities in Malarayat

LIPA CITY—An anti-gambling church
prelate is opposing the establishment of
gambling facilities in an exclusive resort
in the province.
Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles
told Architect Antonio Turralba, presi-
dent of Malarayat Golf and Country
Club, of his opposition to gambling
amenities inside the exclusive complex,
located near the newly-erected Parish
of St. Therese.
In a letter, the anti-gambling crusad-
er-prelate minced no words in stating
his opposition on behalf of the Arch-
diocese of Lipa.
The Turralbas have been active and
instrumental in putting up the new
parish of St. Therese.
Archbishop Ramon Arguelles While acknowledging the great help
Malarayat and the Turralbas have ex-
tended to the archdiocese, the prelate
made it clear that friendship does not
obscure his and the Church’s strong
stance against all forms of vices.
He sent copies of his letter to re-elect-
ed provincial Governor Vilma Santos-
Recto and the newly-elected Mayor of
Lipa City, which has jurisdiction over
Malarayat.
It will be recalled that he has sent
a similar strongly-worded letter to
Governor Vilma Santos Recto calling
on her to help him “stop and all forms
of vices” that seem to proliferate in the
province.
Archbishop Arguelles said he still
has to receive Governor Santos-Recto’s
reply.
However, the prelate maintained
that his fight against gambling, legal or
illegal, will remain relentless.
The prelate earlier called on Santos-
Recto to do everything possible to stop
illegal activities in the province at the
soonest possible time.
In a letter to Santos dated June 7, the
65-year old prelate told the governor
that he heard “founded rumors” about
many groups including people identi-
fied with the re-elected governor who
are now “fighting to take over this un-
fortunate business (jueteng).”
“May I respectfully beg Your Honor
not to allow these immoralities taint
your good record,” Archbishop Ar-
guelles further said.
Although the governor “promised
a hopeful future” in the past elections,
Arguelles said he noticed that jueteng
which was identified with the former
governor for a number of years con-
tinued during the lady governor’s first
term.
“I accepted the reality that gambling
could not be stopped due to midnight
approvals of the former governor,” he
explained. He described the Small Town
Lottery as a camouflaged jueteng which
prevailed.
The prelate recalled PCSO chairman
Valencia’s statement that something
could be done to stop it (STL) upon the
expiration of the probationary period
“which is now.”
Arguelles said he pledged to collabo-
rate with the Santos-Recto administra-
tion and “bring behind me the full force
of the religious sector to achieve what is
for the best interest of the Batanguenos.”
(Fr. Nonie Dolor/Melo M. Acuña)

Ozamiz archbishop sued for libel Briefing

OZAMIZ CITY— A businesswoman here has
filed a P10-million lawsuit against Ozamiz
Archbishop Jesus Dosado over a news item
published by the diocesan newspaper.
Archbishop Dosado is the chairman of the
board of Malindang Herald News, a weekly
publication of the local church of Misamis
Occidental.
Also charged together with the prelate,
were Msgr. Maximino Naron, Vice-Chair-
man of the board; Fr. Sandy M. Cometa, the
newspaper’s Editor-in-Chief and Neptalie
Batolenio, News Editor.
Agnes Grace Y. Chiong, a local business-
woman, has filed the lawsuit claiming the
news story published by the paper was
“libelous” and maliciously “malign[ed] her
virtue as a person”.
Malindang Herald, in its May 30-June 5, 2010
issue has published a story on Danila Damason
who sustained injuries because of the beatings
she received from Agnes Chiong. Damason
worked as a house helper of Chiong.
The news story was based on a complaint
Damason filed in the city’s police station.
In her affidavit-complaint, Chiong stressed
that MHNews caused “to publish an article
without regard for truth, propriety and fair-
ness; indeed one of a scurrilous, injurious,
defamatory and libelous which intention
was nothing but to attack, ridicule, malign
her virtue as a person, as a mother, and as
businesswoman.”
Chiong asked for compensation to the tune
of seven million pesos for moral damages
and three million for exemplary damages.
Meanwhile, the diocesan paper’s editors
also filed their counter affidavits stating the
fallacy of Chiong’s allegations.
“As an individual and priest, I always
perform my office in this newspaper because
I know that this is a means to an end the
humanitarian goal to promote life. It is of
my personal knowledge and information
that the Malindang Herald has never been,
ever since its existence, aiming at cutting
remarks of any person. Its main objective
is to publish the news happening within
the jurisdiction, that is, the entire Ozamiz
Archdionse.” Cometa said.
The priest said the news item, having the
police record as source only showed the ac-
curacy of the story.
“When I read the news item upon its
submission, I was confident that it has a
basis since it was premised as to its source,
the complaint was registered/made known
after a helper was allegedly mauled by her
employer.” Cometa stressed.
Neptalie Batolenio, the paper’s news edi-
tor said other reporters who were with him at
the police station also got the same news.
“With this circumstance, I can therefore
state that these radio reporters, who covered
Archbishop Jesus Dosado
the said blotter, would broadcast it in their
radio program and published it also in their
newspaper.” Batolenio said.
He said he did not know the parties
involved in the incident but “since it in-
volves the infliction of injuries by a woman
employer [on] her employee,” he found it
worth reporting.
“I tried to get the side of Agnes Grace Yap
Chiong on the reported incident, it being my
procedure as newscaster. I checked with the
phone directory and called for an interview
of Chiong but the other end, could be an em-
ployee/personnel replied that Mrs. Chiong
was not around.” Batolenio said. (Wendell
Talibong)
CBCP vice-president optimistic on Aquino administration
TACLOBAN CITY— Palo Archbishop Jose Palma expressed
optimism on what Aquino administration would do in his
first six-year term in office. Fr. Amadeo Alvero, archdiocesan
spokesperson, said Palma has given his full for support for
country’s new chief executive. “We have heard the speech
of the new president and Msgr. Palma is calling everyone
to support Aquino as he expects that there would be a sud-
den change in the landscape of politics,” he said. (Alvin
Cardines)
Rectory attacked in Aurora; priest unharmed
CASIGURAN, Aurora—Unidentified men strafed a Catholic
rectory in Casiguran town in Aurora province on June 26, but the
Catholic priest believed to be the attack’s target escaped unhurt
and remained defiant. Fr. Jose Francisco Talaban, parish priest
of Nuestra Señora de la Salvacion in Bianoan village, said he had
received threats because he tried to protect local farmers and
fishers from some local development projects. (Jason de Asis)
Priest leads rally for passage of environment code
KORONADAL Cit—Fr. Romeo Catedral, Marbel diocese’s
social action director, led thousands of parishioners in call-
ing on the provincial government to sign the environment
code that would ban open pit mining during a rally outside
the provincial capitol June 24. “This rally is not just for the
environment, for the environment code and for us who are
here but for our children and our children’s children who shall
benefit from the ordinance that will protect their future,” he
said. (CBCPNews)

Shun policies harmful to indigenous people, Aquino told

TARLAC CITY—The Aeta com-
munities of Tarlac have asked the
new president to take up their
cause and avoid implementing
policies that are damaging to the
indigenous people.
The indigenous Aetas of Tar-
lac made the call to Aquino, their
fellow Tarlaqueño, to address
their plight, as well as all indig-
enous peoples in the country
who are facing almost the same
issues and threats.
The Luzon regional office of
the Legal Rights and Natural
Resources Center (LRC-KsK)
in a press release said “the past
administration of Gloria Maca-
pagal Arroyo has passed and
implemented policies that had
detrimental effects on the indig-
enous peoples.”
Daniel Siegfried Corpuz, Law
Paralegal of LRC-KsK – Luzon
Regional Office, a cause-ori-
ented group assisting the Ayta
Mag-Antsi in their cause has
expressed hope that Aquino
would be more receptive than
the previous administration.
“We hope that the new presi-
dent will be more receptive to
the voices of the indigenous
peoples and veer away from
policies that in effect have dis-
lodged our brothers and sisters
from their ancestral lands which
in effect undermine their right to
self-determination,” he said.
Manong Bayani Sumaoang,
chairperson of the Ayta Mag-
Antsi LABAYKU Federation also
expressed the same sentiment,
hoping that that new president
will “not just use us Aetas, and
our indigenous brothers and
sisters, as display during his an-
nual State of the Nation Address
(SONA).”
More than the loss of lives,
homes and livelihood because of
the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, the
Ayta of Central Luzon have also
lost their ancestral lands due to
encroachment of lowlanders.
Aside from finding their lands
fenced off by lowlanders raising
herds of cattle upon their return
after the Pinatubo eruption, a
military reservation has also
encroached into their ancestral
domain.
“A total of 45 rancheros have
invaded our ancestral domain.
This encroachment covers al-
most more than one-third (1/3)
of the whole of our ancestral
land, while the military reserva-
tion overlaps almost half (1/2) of
our domain,” Sumaoang stated
in their local dialect.
They also suffer militarization
and harassment, entry of planta-
tions and illegal mining explora-
tions, discrimination and lack of
basic social services.
“We have been subjected to
militarization and numerous
cases of human rights viola-
tions. The current situation has
made us constant prey to ille-
gal arrests, interrogations, and
discrimination. Adequate basic
social services have also been il-
lusive to us Aetas,” he added.
The military reservation was
created by RA 7227 and Presi-
dential Proclamation 163 series
of 1993.
Sr. Maria Lourdes Santos, a
Holy Spirit nun working with the
Holy Spirit Aeta Mission (HSAM)
said the NCIP’s inaction to demar-
cate the Aetas’ ancestral domain
has made the situation worse.
“The situation of our Aeta
brothers and sisters are aggra-
vated by the stalled delineation
process of their ancestral domain
claim due to National Com-
mission of Indigenous People’s
(NCIP) claim of lack of funds,”
Santos further clarified. (CBCP-
News)
Hear distressed call of OFWs, Pres. Aquino told
ANTIPOLO CITY—The largest alliance of migrants’ organiza-
tions, Migrante International is asking the President to heed the
call of distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). In a press
briefing on July 3, Migrante chairperson and former Korea con-
tract worker Garry Martinez said that hundreds of Filipinos are
now buzzing their “sirens” for help as their heads will roll off
their necks, literally, anytime soon. (Noel Sales Barcelona)
Bishop resigns as RDC chair in Cagayan Valley
TUGUEGARAO CITY—Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena
has resigned as head of the Regional Development Council
in Cagayan Valley. In a ceremony held June 24, Villena was
given due recognition for his “invaluable” leadership by
the RDC members. Villena served in the RDC for four years
after former President Arroyo appointed him to the post in
2006, the region’s Philippine Information Agency (PIA) said.
(CBCPNews)
Bishop to promote vocations, care for elderly priests
BALANGA, Bataan—New Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos
vowed to continue his dedication to foster priestly vocations
and provide measures for the care and housing of elderly
and sick priests in his diocese. “My first intention is to be
faithful to my Episcopal motto, that is to sow and to take
care of the sower—the priest especially from their formation
to their retirement to hospitalization and the formation of the
seminarians to have a definite home or house for them,” he
said. (CBCPNews)

May They Be One Bible Campaign

Help Put a Bible in Every Filipino Home

Praise Item
Praise God for the support of United Bible
Societies & partner Bible Societies for
the MTBO.
Please Pray
For wisdom, guidance and protection for
the 12 Regional Bible Directors as they
seek to make God’s Word known in
their spheres of influence.

Support the May They Be One Bible

Campaign and help bring God’s Word to
more Filipino homes. Your contribution
of at least P150/month will enable poor
families to have their own Bibles they can
read, study and pray. For more Campaign
info-visit, email or call ECBA – Fr. Oscar
Alunday, 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros,
Mla. Telefax no. 5279386; ecba_cbcp@
yahoo.com; www.ecba-cbcp.com; PBS-
Mrs. Perry Cartera/Mrs. Juliet Rivera at
890 UN Ave., Ermita Mla.; perry@bible.
org.ph;juliet@bible.org.ph; www.bible.
org..ph Tel. nos. 5215785/5267777 loc.
600, Fax No. 5215803; 09178590019
/09156727492 /09182802775
No. of Dioceses participating in the Bible
Campaign – 69 out of 86 Dioceses
Bible Distribution (Jan 2010 – Jun 15,
2010)
Total Bibles distributed up to Jun 15,
2010: 68,128 cps. (Jan – 10,369; Feb.
–14,472, Mar. – 13,343, April – 13,540,
May – 9,606; June – 6,798)
Parishes/Communities served: 253
t was August 29, 2009 when the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Biñan, Laguna started a Papal Spokesman / A3
I holistic program billed Hatid Saya (Bringing Joy) Masses. Bible Ministry Head, Bro. Ding
Garcia said that the program’s objective was to help the poor by bringing them both food
for the stomach and food for the soul – God’s Word. However, not everyone could afford
Fr. Lombardi. “In difficult times, such
as those that we are living, the tensions
“demonstrate that (the Pope) is work-
ing himself ... to heal the tensions and
to buy their own Bibles. Thus when Bro. Ding heard about the May They Be One (MTBO)
Bible campaign from the Diocesan Biblical Apostolate, he seized the opportunity to acquire induced from the outside make it easier incomprehensions that afflict the com-
also for tensions to emerge inside and munity.”
200 MTBO Bibles for their dual feeding program. The recipient families in the seven sitios of
Biñan then started attending weekly Bible studies. Bro. Ding reports that the Bible distribu- these combine and increase confusion The Vatican spokesman quoted the
tion and formation have brought positive changes to the community – parents have become and uncertainty.” Holy Father’s words from the commu-
more patient with their children, and children more obedient to their parents. One attendee
shares that she no longer worries about her financial needs because Jesus has become her Papal audiences this week included niqué reporting the content of Benedict
two meant to bring about healing within XVI’s audience with Bishop Mixa: “In
confidence and assurance. Crime in the community has gone down and people feel safer
and more at peace in their homes. the Church. Archbishop of Vienna, a time of contrasts and uncertainties,
Bibles Distributed by Languages – Tagalog Pagadian, Ozamis, Butuan, Dipolog, Cardinal Christoph Schonborn who the world expects from Christians the
(20,281 cps.), Cebuano (18,242 cps.) English Borongan, Bayombong, San Fernando has spoken out against the actions of harmonious witness that they, based on
(8,973 cps.), Ilocano (8,000 cps.), Hiligaynon (Pampanga) Cardinal Angelo Sodano in the past was their encounter with the risen Lord, are
(6,125 cps.), Pangasinense (3,451 cps.), Bicol brought together with him and Pope able to offer and in which they help each
(3,056 cps) Total Bible Distribution: (Jan 2009 – May
31, 2010): 173,906 cps Benedict on Monday. Also, on Thurs- other as also in all of society to find the
MTBO Bibles in Pampango and Samarenyo day, ex-Bishop of Augsburg, Walter right way towards the future.”
will be available starting July, 2010 Target No. of Bibles for Distribution for Mixa, who resigned this year reportedly Fr. Lombardi concluded by saying
2010: 200,000 cps. for embezzling and physically abusing that “These are the sentiments of the
Target Coverage of Bible Distribution for
April-June 2010 (based on orders received): Total Funds Needed for Printing and children in an orphanage, met with the Pope; his exquisitely evangelical wit-
Naval, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Digos, Transport of Bibles in 2010: P30M Pope in the Vatican. ness is clear. We should follow it.”
These events, Fr. Lombardi indicated, (CNA/EWTN News)
 A8 People, Facts & Places CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 14
July 5 – July 18, 2010

Villegas receives pallium from Pope

Religious brother
LINGAYEN-Dagupan Arch-
bishop Socrates B. Villegas was
among the 38 new archbishops
who received their pallium in

appointed to state cabinet

a concelebrated Mass at the
Vatican on June 29, Solemnity
of the Apostles Sts. Peter and
Paul.
Pope Benedict XVI presided
the celebration during which
he imposed the pallium on each THE Aquino administration problems and
of the Catholic Church’s latest has appointed a religious anomalies going
archbishops. brother to head a crucial gov- on. We believe
The country’s youngest arch- ernment post. that Bro. Armin is
bishop at 49, Villegas was born De La Salle University presi- worthy of the po-
in Manila on September 1960 dent and Chancellor Brother sition because he
and was ordained priest at age Armin Luistro will be serving is a man of integ-
25 on October 5, 1985. He was as the government’s secretary rity and incorrupt-
later appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Department of Education ible,” said AMRSP
of Manila on July 25, 2001 at (DepEd). co-chairperson Sr.
age 40. In a statement, De La Salle Mary John Manan-
He was later on appointed said Luistro accepted the task zan.
Bishop of Balanga in Bataan with the permission of the uni- This is not the
province on May 3, 2004 and was versity’s stakeholders. first time that a
installed July 3, 2004. He was “After due consultation with member of a reli-
named Archbishop of Lingayen- various stakeholders in the gious community
Dagupan on September 8, 2009 Lasallian community, Presi- was appointed to
succeeding Archbishop Oscar dent and Chancellor Br. Armin hold top govern-
V. Cruz. He was installed on Luistro FSC has accepted the in- ment positions.
November 4, 2009. vitation of President Benigno C. From 1998 to
The oldest archbishop to re- Aquino III to be the Department 2001, Brother An-
ceive a pallium from Pope Bene- of Education Secretary,” part of drew Benjamin
dict XVI is 72-year old Vietnam- the statement read. Gonzalez, also of
ese Archbishop Pierre Nguyen Luistro is a known critic of La Salle, served
Bro. Armin Luistro
Van Nhon of the Archdiocese President Arroyo, who called for as secretary of
of Ha Noi. her resignation due to accusa- the Department
The modern pallium is a circu- tions of corruption. of Education, Culture and Education (CHED).
www.4.bp.blogspot.com

lar band about two inches wide, The Association of Major Sports (DECS), now known as He, however, vacated the
worn about the neck, breast, and Religious Superiors in the Phil- DepEd. post just after six months in of-
shoulders, made of white wool, ippines has immediately wel- In 2006, President Arroyo fice in obedience to the will of
and having two pendants, one comed Luistro’s appointment to appointed Dominican priest his superiors in the Dominican
hanging down in front and one the DepEd. Rolando de la Rosa as chairman Order. (Roy Lagarde/CBCP-
Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas “The agency has so many of the Commission on Higher News)
behind. (Melo Acuna)

7 RP-based Columbans join

Markings CELEBRATED. Bishop Gabriel Villaluz
Reyes, 25th anniversary of Episcopal
ordination, April 3, 2006. His Eminence
Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, bishops, and
priests concelebrated with Bishop Reyes
at 9:00 a.m. Thanksgiving Mass at Antipolo
Cathedral. Cardinal Rosales delivered the
homily. Bishop Reyes received the “purple
hat” at the Manila Cathedral on April 3, 1981.
Prior to his appointment as bishop, he was
the first secretary of His Eminence Jaime
L. Cardinal Sin when the late Cardinal as-
sumed office as the 3rd Filipino Archbishop
of Manila in 1974. He became the Auxiliary
Bishop of Manila first and afterwards the
Bishop of Kalibo from 1993-2002. He was
assigned as Bishop of Antipolo in 2003. He
has been providing spiritual leadership to the
faithful of the Diocese of Antipolo, the 2nd
biggest diocese in the country in terms of
population, for seven years now. His CBCP
responsibilities included the formation of the
laity and charismatic renewal movement,
BEC, and Committee on Women.
CELEBRATED. Sr. M. Chiara Cabaluna, Sr. M. Claudia Parco, Sr. M. Fatima Gornis,
Sr. M. Giacinta Gornis, Sr. M. Paolina Salem, Sr. M. Redenta Pabillon, Sr. M. Rosaria
del Rosario, Sr. M. Stefanina Roble, Sr. M. Lucia Osorio (RIP) and Sr. M. Constantina
Telada (RIP), golden jubilee of religious profession among the Daughters of St. Paul. On
the same day, Sr. Yolanda Dionisio, present provincial superior of the Daughters of St.
Paul also celebrated her silver jubilee of profession. The church event was held at the
Queen of Apostles sanctuary of the Daughters of St. Paul in Pasay City. Manila Auxiliary
Bishop Broderick Pabillo led the Thanksgiving Mass on June 26, 2010 at 9 a.m.
European pilgrimage
AIMING to strengthen bonds of sup-
port, zeal and commitment in their min-
istry, seven Columban priests from the
Philippines have joined other confreres
on pilgrimage in Europe.
Filipino Columbans Frs. Rolly Anis-
cal, Darwin Bayaca, Jude Genovia,
Andrei Paz and Hector Suano and two
Irish Columbans ministering here in
the Philippines, Frs. Paul Glynn and
Brendan Kelly joined with almost
30 other Columban priests from all
over the world on a pilgrimage to the
places associated with their Patron, St.
Columban.
Fr. Patrick O’Donoghue, regional
director of Missionary Society of St.
Columban in the Philippines, said their
founder St. Columban was an Irish
monk who left his monastery with
several other monks in the late sixth
century to re-evangelize Europe.
St. Columban founded many mon-
asteries including those in Luxeuil,
Annegrey (both in France), Bregenz
(Austria), and Bobbio (Italy).
It is estimated that there are around
1,500 places all around Europe that
bear his name.
The pilgrimage “In the footsteps of
St. Columban” has been a yearly event
for many years now.
“But this year the Superior General,
Fr. Tommy Murphy, invited all Colum-
ban priests ordained since 1993 to join
him in visiting the more important
places associated with St. Columban
culminating at the Basilica of St. Colum-
ban in Bobbio where he is buried,”
O’Donoghue said.
The pilgrims will then go to Rome to
pray at the Chapel of St. Columban in
the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Fr. Tommy, as called by his con-
freres, did his dissertation on the life
and writings of St. Columban. In his
letter of invitation for the pilgrim-
age, he said [St. Columban] was “a
great evangelizer … (who) had an
exceptional ability to move into new
cultures and attract young people
from different languages and ethnic
backgrounds to join him in his mis-
sion…… His example can be a good
encouragement to us all as we try to
live out the demands of being a truly
multicultural missionary Society”.
O’Donoghue hopes that through the
experience of being “pilgrims together”,
the young missionary priests will not
only build bonds of friendship and mu-
tual support but be strengthened in their
missionary zeal and commitment.
“May they all be filled with the zeal
and commitment of St. Columban,” he
further said.
The pilgrimage began last Saturday,
June 12 and will end on Sunday, July 4,
2010. (Melo M. Acuna)

CELEBRATED. Laura Anggie, of Sabah, Malaysia and Josephine Tablante of Catand-

uanes made their first profession of vows among the Daughters of St. Paul on June 29,
2010. Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite, SSP led the Eucharistic celebration at the Divine Master
Chapel of the Daughters of St. Paul’s Novitiate House in Lipa City. The church event
was witnessed by families of the newly-professed, sisters of the community, benefac-
tors and friends.

CELEBRATED. Ground breaking ceremony of Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish,

Casuray, Magarao, Camarines Sur; June 20, 2010. Presided by the Vicar General of
the Archdiocese of Caceres, Rev. Msgr. Rodel M. Cajot, P.C, the ceremony was also
attended by the Parish Priest of St. Anne Parish, Magarao, Camarines Sur, Rev. Msgr.
Juan N. Buentiempo, P.C. and some visitors. The Parish Priest of the Our Lady of the
Annunciation Parish is Rev. Fr. Ryan Oliva Fenis. On June 26, a Holy Mass was cel-
ebrated in this church in honor of the Secondary Patron of the Parish, St. Josemaría
Escrivá, Founder of Opus Dei.

CELEBRATED. The diocese of Kidapawan closed its celebration of the Year For Priests
on June 18, 2010 with a caravan of parishioners coming from 15 out of 17 parishes. Close
to two thousand parishioners participated in the caravan that ended at the cultural hall of
St. Mary’s Academy of Kidapawan where a program participated by the four vicariates,
students and priests followed. At two o’clock in the afternoon, the caravan participants
gathered at the Our Lady Mediatrix of All Graces Cathedral. Kidapawan Bishop Romulo
T. Dela Cruz, DD ordained Rev. Krizaldy G. Tadiaque of San Isidro Labrador Parish,
Tulunan and Rev. Nicanor E. Valiente of Sto. Niño de Praga Parish, Matalam to the
sacred order of priesthood. Ordained deacons in December 2009, both graduated from
Saint Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Davao City in March 2010.

CELEBRATED. Serviam Catholic Charismatic Community marked its 8th year with
the theme “Reaching new heights @ 8!” setting its sights on greater endeavors for the
gospel. Serviam’s 7th Foundation Day gathered community members, their families and
friends in a big fellowship at the Megatent, Meralco Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City,
on June 20, 2010. Serviam Catholic Charismatic Community was founded by Jaime
Cardinal Sin, and well-known church leader Antonio “Sonny” Bayan de los Reyes, who
also served as its first head servant leader. Cardinal Sin did two very gracious things:
first, he offered his personal motto “Serviam” meaning “I will serve,” as the name of the
community, and second, he assigned a good pastor for Serviam, the well-loved Rev.
Fr. Anton C.T. Pascual. Gaudencio Cardinal B. Rosales graced the occasion as guest
of honor and principal mass celebrator with Fr. Jun Inocencio, SDB, Fr. Efren Avenido,
and Fr. Fidel Palisoc that formally opened the festivity.

DIED. Bishop Francisco Claver, 81, of pul-

monary embolism at the Cardinal Santos
Memorial Medical Center, July 31, 2010.
One of the strongest defenders of civil rights
among the bishops during the Martial Law
regime, Bishop Claver was born in Bontoc
on January 20, 1929 and became a Jesuit
priest at 32 on June 18, 1961. At age 40,
he was appointed Prelate of Malaybalay in
Bukidnon province. Bishop Claver chaired
the Episcopal Commission on Social Action,
Justice and Peace of the Catholic Bishops’
Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) from
1995-1999. Bishop “Cisco” as called by fel-
low bishops was ordained Titular Bishop of
Nationa on August 22, 1969 and became
Bishop of Malaybalay in November 15,
1982. He resigned from his post in Bukidnon
on September 14, 1984. At 66, he was ap-
pointed Vicar Apostolic of Bontoc-Lagawe,
his hometown, on November 2, 1995 and
retired after reaching the mandatory age of 75 in April 15, 2004. While in retirement,
Claver was a columnist of the CBCP Monitor, the official newspaper of the CBCP.
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 14
July 5 – July 18, 2010
WOMEN
...Are Dynamic Agents
of Development’
(Address of Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy
See at the United Nations, delivered July 1, before the high-level segment of
the Economic and Social Council Substantive Session for 2010.)
Mr. President,
This year’s substantive
session is particularly pertinent
leading up to the long expected
World Summit on the MDGs.
All women and girls who are
affected by the MDGs look
forward towards an increased
recognition of their value
LAYOUT BY KRIS BAYOS
Pastoral Concerns
and equality as well as their
dignified role in development.
Any deliberation on the matter
will be incomplete without
ensuring the advancement
of women, who are dynamic
agents of development in
the family, society and the
world.
B1
‘The Right to Health
Is Universally
Recognized as a
Fundamental Right’
(Address of Archbishop
Silvano Tomasi, the Holy
See’s permanent observer at
the U.N. offices in Geneva,
delivered June 8 at the 14th
regular session of the Human
Rights Council.)
© Roy Lagarde / CBCPMedia
www.datingjesus.files.wordpress.com
M
r. President,
With regard to the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the
highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, my
delegation wishes to raise additional concerns regarding the need for
effective action in order to guarantee Universal Access to medicines and
diagnostic tools for all persons. The Special Rapporteur focused on this
issue during his Report to the Eleventh Session of this distinguished
Council.[1] However, continued vigilance must be maintained in this
regard.
As the members of this Council already are well aware, the right to
health is universally recognized as a fundamental right. Article 25 of the
Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR) includes the right to health
and medical care within the more general rubric of the right “to enjoy an
adequate standard of living”[2]. Article 12.1 of the International Covenant
on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), however, directly
recognizes the right to enjoy the best physical and mental condition.[3]
The Committee on Economic and Cultural Rights, in its General
Comment No. 14[4], moreover, identified the following minimum
requirements for States to ensure: (1) the right of access to health care in
a non-discriminatory way, (2) access to basic nutritional level, (3) access
to housing, basic sanitation and a sufficient supply of drinking water,
(4) the supply of essential drugs, (5) an equitable distribution of benefits
and health services, and (6) adoption of national strategies to prevent
and combat epidemics.
Mr. President, the Catholic Church provides a major contribution to
health care in all parts of the world—through local churches, religious
institutions and private initiatives, which act on their own responsibility
and in the respect of the law of each country—including the promotion
of 5,378 hospitals, 18,088 dispensaries and clinics, 521 leprosaria, and
15,448 homes for the aged, the chronically ill, or disabled people. With
information coming from these on-the-ground realities in some of the
most poor, isolated, and marginalized communities, my delegation is
obliged to report that the rights detailed in the international instruments
already mentioned are far from being realized.
One major impediment to the realization of these rights is the lack
of access to affordable medicines and diagnostic tools that can be
administered and utilized in low-income, low-technology settings.
Among the disturbing trends and findings reported by the Special
Rapporteur are the following: “Diseases of poverty” still account for
50 per cent of the burden of disease in developing countries, nearly
ten times higher than in developed countries[5]; more than 100 million
people fall into poverty annually because they have to pay for health
care[6]; in developing countries, patients themselves pay for 50 to 90
per cent of essential medicines[7]; nearly 2 billion people lack access to
essential medicines [8].
One group particularly deprived of access to medicines is that
of children. Many essential medicines have not been developed in
appropriate formulations or dosages specific to pediatric use. Thus families
and health care workers often are forced to engage in a “guessing game”
on how best to divide adult-size pills for use with children. This situation
can result in the tragic loss of life or continued chronic illness among
such needy children. For example, of the 2.1 million children estimated
to be living with HIV infection[9], only 38% were received life-saving
anti-retroviral medications at the end of 2008[10]. This treatment gap
is partially due to the lack of “child friendly” medications to treat the
HIV infection.
Thus the Committee on the Rights of the Child has declared: “The
obligations of States parties under the Convention extend to ensuring
that children have sustained and equal access to comprehensive treatment
and care, including necessary HIV-related drugs … on a basis of non-
discrimination.”[11]
My delegation is well aware of the complexities inherent in the
© Dennis Dayao / CBCPMedia
intellectual property aspects related to the issue of access to medicines.
These considerations, including the flexibilities available to applying the
Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights,
are well documented in the 2009 Report of the Special Rapporteur. We
further recognize that serious efforts already have been undertaken to
implement the Global Strategy and Plan of Action on Public Health,
Innovation and Intellectual Property, established in 2008 by the 61stWorld
Health Assembly. However, the intense debates recently pursued at
the 63rd World Health Assembly demonstrate that the international
Ever since world leaders committed community has not yet succeeded in its aim to provide equitable access
their governments to the ambitious to medicines and indicate the need for further creative reflection and
objective of attaining the MDGs, action in this regard.
some remarkable progress has been Mr. President, my delegation urges this Council to renew its commitment
achieved in mainstreaming women’s as a key stakeholder in efforts to assert and safeguard the right to health
perspectives in development both in by guaranteeing equitable access to essential medicines. We do so with a
multilateral and national policies. firm conviction that “treatment should be extended to every human being”
Even those countries lagging behind and as an essential element of “the search for the greatest possible human
in many aspects of development are development,” and with a strong belief that “[t]his ethical perspective
giving more prominence to the role of Right / B7
Women / B2
 B2 Updates CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 14
July 5 – July 18, 2010

When a Concelebrant Crime and Punishment in

Takes Photos during
Mass
the Catholic Church (Part II)
(Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina
Apostolorum university answers the following query:)

Q: At an ordination I saw a priest, vested and concelebrating,

step away from the altar. He took out a camera and took photos
(not once, but several times). The bishop seemed oblivious
to this, but it puzzled me. Is this a matter of liturgical law or
regulation; a breach of etiquette; or something else? To me it
seemed quite out of place and inappropriate. But if it’s OK, I
could overlook it.—J.P., Illinois

A: Among the few documents that address the theme of

photographs at Mass is the 1967 instruction “Eucharisticum
Mysterium,” issued by the Congregation of Rites. No. 23
briefly touches on this subject:
“Great care should be taken to ensure that liturgical
celebrations, especially the Mass, are not disturbed or
interrupted by the taking of photographs. Where there is a
good reason for taking them, the greatest discretion should be
used, and the norms laid down by the local Ordinary should
be observed.”
Since the task of formulating precise norms and guidelines
falls upon the local ordinary, many dioceses have issued
directives, above all, related to weddings, baptisms and similar
situations where photographers and camera technicians can
easily get out of hand.
Not surprisingly, nobody mentions concelebrating priests
taking photos for the simple reason that the possibility never
crossed anybody’s mind.
A concelebrating priest taking pictures obviously violates
the norm of disrupting and interrupting the Mass—in this
case the Mass he himself is celebrating. The fact that he is a
concelebrant takes nothing away from the fact that the Mass
requires his complete and undivided attention.
The same could be said of other situations in which priests
engage in activities which distract them during Mass. I once
saw a priest choir director slip on a stole for the Eucharistic
Prayer and attempt to concelebrate from the choir loft, a
practice of very dubious validity.
Large concelebrations do sometimes have a detrimental
effect on many of us priests, leading to a certain forgetfulness
of who we are and what we are doing. Added to that, the
ubiquitous digital camera has made multiple image-taking
almost a reflex reaction.
A good rule of thumb for a priest is to not do anything that he
would not do while celebrating alone with a congregation.
No priest (I hope) would whip out his camera or cell phone
in the middle of his parish’s Sunday Mass and start snapping

pictures. If that appears absurd, then it is no less so while
concelebrating.
With the current ease for distributing digital photos, it should
be easy to designate photographers for special occasions such
as ordinations and make the pictures freely available to all.
Women / B1
women in public life, especially
in the political arena.
The empowerment of women
presupposes universal human
dignity and, thus, the dignity of
each and every individual. The
notion denotes complementarity
between man and woman, which
means equality in diversity:
where equality and diversity
are based on biological data,
expressed traditionally by male
and female sexuality, and on
the primacy of the person. It
concerns also roles to be held
and functions to be performed in
society. In that regard, equality
is not sameness, and difference
is not inequality.
Empowerment of women
for development means also
recognition of the gifts and
talents of every woman and is
affirmed through the provision
of better health care, education
and equal opportunities.
Empowering women and
respecting their dignity mean
also honoring their capacity to
serve and devote themselves to
society and to the family through
motherhood which entails
a self-giving love and care-
giving. Altruism, dedication
and service to others are healthy
and contribute to personal
dignity. If domesticity can be
considered a particular gift of
mothers in cultivating a genuine
intrapersonal relationship in the
family and society, then family-
friendly working arrangements,
shared family-care leave and
redistribution of the burden of
unpaid work will be given the
attention they rightly deserve.
The Holy See notes with
concern that inequalities
between individuals and
between countries thrive and
various forms of discrimination,
exploitation and oppression
of women and girls persist,
which must be addressed by
the provision of adequate social
protection measures for them,
as appropriate to national
contexts.
In the health sector there is a
need to eliminate inequalities
between men and women
and increase the capacity of
women to care for themselves
principally by being afforded
adequate health care. Scientific
studies have shown remarkable
improvement in the reduction of
maternal and infant mortality,
revealing the importance of
complementary investing in
other areas relevant to women
and girls including nutrition,
general health and education.
The real advancement of
women is not achieved by
concentrating on a particular
health issue to the neglect of
others but by promoting their
overall health which necessarily
includes giving more attention
to addressing women-specific
diseases.
Women’s economic
empowerment is essential for
the economic development
of the family and of society.
Access to land and property,
credit facilities and equal
opportunities for financial
services for women will help
ensure their economic stability.
In this process, the whole
household and community must
support their entrepreneurship.
The ethical dimension of their
development and economic
empowerment as well as their
service to the family must not
be overlooked.
Tragically, violence against
women, especially in the
home and work place, and
discrimination in the professional
field, even on the pay and
pension scale, are growing
concerns. Through adequate
legal frame-works and national
policies, perpetrators of violence
must be brought to justice
and women must be afforded
rehabilitation. Women and girls
must be guaranteed their full
enjoyment of civil, political,
economic, social and cultural
rights including equal access to
education and health.
My delegation supports the
initiatives in favour of the rights
in particular of women migrants
and refugees and women with
disabilities. Human rights
learning campaigns especially
for girls and women must be
promoted, even from early
school days and also through
non-formal education. Civil
society and NGOs, women’s
associations and faith-based
organizations can contribute
a great deal in human rights
learning and in quality
education.
In concluding, Mr. President,
the more the dignity of women
is protected and promoted, the
more the family, the community
and society will truly be
fostered.
By Fr. Jaime B.
Achacoso,J.C.D.
The Catholic community in Quezon
City was shocked recently by the
much-publicized excommunication,
inflicted by the diocesan Bishop
on an impostor-priest. The person
had been serving in the diocese of
Cubao─especially in Christ the
King Parish at Green Meadows
Subdivision─for a good part of a year,
but was recently discovered to have
never been ordained as he claimed
he was in Europe. The scandal was
exacerbated by the fact that this “fake
priest” displayed a lot of positive
external qualities (always properly
dressed, well-spun homilies and
pious liturgical celebrations), and of
course administered the sacraments
(including celebrating the Mass
daily and hearing Confession).
Several questions have been asked
by disturbed faithful: Is it that easy
for somebody to simulate being a
sacred minister and victimize the
faithful? Can the bishop punish so
severely? What is excommunication
ferendae sententiae? To answer these
questions thoroughly, we started our
discussion with a backgrounder on
the Penal Law of the Church in the
previous issue of CBCP Monitor.
We now pick up the thread of that
discussion to conclude this article.
Types of Each Kind of Canonical
Penalties
As we saw in Part I of this
article, there are two kinds of
canonical penalties: censures and
expiatory penalties.
a. Types of Censures
The Code of Canon Law speaks
of the excommunication, the
interdict, and the suspension
(cc.1331-1333).
1) Excommunication was
defined in the CIC 17 defined
as a censure by which a person is
excluded from the communion of
the faithful, with the inseparable
effects enumerated in the canons.
These inseparable effects were
summarized in the old c.1331.
2) Interdict is a censure by
which the faithful, without losing
communion with the Church,
are prohibited some goods (i.e.,
those expressly enumerated in
c.1332). The new Code only
recognizes the figure of the
personal interdict, which is
configured analogously to the old
minor excommunication, so called
because it did not directly affect
the communio but only some of
its effects (i.e., those explicitly
enumerated).
3) Suspension is a censure
exclusive to the clerical state,
by which the exercise of the
power of Orders, the power of
gover¬nance, or of an office—as
well as the right to receive specific
goods—is prohibited partially
or totally.
b. Types of Expiatory Penalties
The prolific enumeration
of such penalties in the CIC
17 is now reduced to what is
established by c.1336 and the
specifica¬tions of cc.1337-1338
as follows:
1) Specific expiatory penalties:
restriction of freedom of residence
(cc.1336, §1, 1° and 1337), penal
transfer to another office (c.1336,
§1, 4°) and dismissal from the
clerical state (c.1336, §1, 5°; cf.
cc.290-291).
2) Generic expiatory penalties:
Privation of or specific
prohibitions against the exercise
of the power of governance, office,
tasks, rights, privileges, faculties,
graces, titles or decorations
(c.1336, §1, 2°-3°).
3) Others to be established
by Law.
Excommunication
Excommunication is the
archetype of ecclesiastical
penalty, for its direct relation to
a concept which is fundamental
to the whole ecclesial penal
system: the communio. Communio
is the vital habitat of the faithful
as such. His participation in
that communio has an ontological
root (baptism), which obviously
cannot be lost; but it has a two-
fold projection: a) A mystical
dimension, which supposes
sanctifying grace and charity: the
faithful communicates with and in
the Church as Mystical Body. b)
A juridic dimension, by which the
faithful is united to the Church
as a visible society, and which
is expressed in a series of juridic
relations (rights and duties of the
faith¬ful as such).
The Juridic Dimension of
the communio is what can be
affected by the privation which
constitutes the canonical penalty:
a privation which presupposes a
constitutive act by the legitimate
authority and which affects the
enjoyment of certain rights.
Though the infliction of
excommunication does not
judge regarding the mystical
dimension of communio (i.e.,
on the sinfulness of the act),
it is only inflicted in the most
serious offenses, which ad extra
presupposes the existence of a
certain rupture of the mystical
communio (mortal sin). The direct
effect of excommunication is the
loss of communio in its juridic
dimension. As a consequence, the
effects in the sanctioned faithful
are the following:
1) For non-declared latae
sententiae penalties, this
pecu¬liar manner of sanction
has implications in the good
name of the excommunicated
person. Since the fact that gave
rise to the excommunication
may not be publicly known—in
which case the danger of scandal
is substantially reduced—, the
Law only urges its observance
to the extent that such does not
imply self-incrimination or auto-
denunciation by the offender.
Hence, the peculiar regimen of
this type of sanction as regards
its effects:
a) The excommunicated
cannot actively participate in
the celebration of the Eucharistic
Sacrifice, or in any other ceremony
of worship.
b) Neither can he celebrate the
sacraments or sacra¬mentals, nor
receive the sacraments.
c) Neither can he exercise any
ecclesiastical office, ministry or
function; nor legitimately carry
out acts of govern¬ment.
2) For ferendae sententiae or
declared latae sententiae penalties,
the above effects are aggravated
in the following terms:
a) The offender who tries
to actively participate in the
celebration of the Holy Mass
or in any other ceremony of
worship should be rejected, or the
liturgical ceremony interrupt¬ed,
unless a serious reason warrants
otherwise.
b) Any act of governance (cf.
c.135) by the offender is invalid.
In the case of a parish priest,
his assistance in a canonical
wedding, though not strictly an
act of governance, is also invalid
(cf. c.1109).
c) The enjoyment of
privileges previously acquired
is prohibited.
d) The offender cannot validly
obtain any honors, office or other
function in the Church; nor
posses the fruits of such honors,
office, function or pension.
Zeroing in on the Green
Meadows Affair
1) Is it that easy for somebody to
simulate being a sacred minister and
victimize the faithful?
Can.903 stipulates: A priest is to
be permitted to celebrate [the Holy
Mass] even if he is unknown to the
rector of the church, provided he
presents a letter of recommendation
issued by his ordinary or superior
within the year, or provided it can
be prudently judged that the priest
CBCP Media
is not prevented from celebrating.
In practice, every priest has a
little document (like the old
LTC Driver’s Lincence) which is
called a celebret, which attests that
he is of good standing and can
therefore be allowed to celebrte
the Eucharist.
In the case of the Sacrament
of Penance, it is further required
that a priest has the faculties
to hear confession in a given
circumscription. The local ordinary
alone is competent to confer upon
any presbyters whatsoever the
faculty to hear confessions of any of
the faithful (c.969, §1), and such
faculty to hear confessions is not to be
granted to presbyters unless they are
found to be qualified by means of an
examination or their qualifications
are evident from another source
(c.970). Furthermore, the Code
stipulates that the local ordinary
is not to grant the faculty to hear
confessions habitually to a presbyter,
even one who has a domicile or
quasi-domicile in his jurisdiction,
without first consulting with his
[the presbyter’s] ordinary, if possible
(c.971).
In principle, therefore, it
should not be easy for anyone to
pose as a priest and administer
the sacraments─especially to
celebrate Mass and to hear
confession─if all the cautions
stipulated by Canon Law were
followed.
2) Can the bishop punish so
severely─as happened in the Green
Meadows Affair?
Can.1378, §2 is very clear: The
following incur an automatic (latae
sententiae) penalty of interdict: 1º
one who has not been promoted to
the priestly order and who attempts
to enact the liturgical action of the
Eucharistic Sacrifice; 2º a person
who attempts to impart sacramental
absolution or a person who hears
sacramental confession when one
cannot validly give sacramental
absolution [e.g., because of lack
of valid ordination].
Can.1378, §2 therefore clearly
establishes an automatic interdict,
but not an excommunication,
for the offender in the Green
Meadow’s affair. However, the
same c.1378, in its §3 also establishes:
In the case mentioned in §2, other
penalties including excommunication
can be added in accord with the
seriousness of the offense.
Clearly, the local ordinary in
this case─in the exercise of his
solemn office as pastor of the
flock─had judged the offense of
special seriousness to warrant the
infliction of the heaviest canonical
penalty of excommunication,
ferendae sententiae (by decree).
 Features
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 14
July 5 – July 18, 2010
B3

Questions and Answers on Freemasonry

II. Historical background
23. What does the word “Freemason” mean?
“Freemason” originally meant a medieval stone
(Second of a series) that objective and universal moral standards do not
exist. Man becomes the last arbiter of what is right and
wrong (in the absence of objective moral standards,
mason whose special skill was to work on “free” the only alternative is to fall into “subjectivism”).
stones, not stone walls. Later on, when honorary Consequently, Relativism would not admit that the
members of the masons’ trade guilds were allowed teaching authority of the Church could present an
to join they were called “Accepted Masons”. Thus, article of faith or morals as something to be firmly
the complete name of Masonry in the Philippines held by members of the Church.
is “The Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted 30. What are the early writings about Freemasonry?
Masons of the Philippines”. (A lodge is the basic Two Protestant ministers, John Theophilus
unit of a group of Masons; the Grand Lodge is like Desaguliers and James Anderson, wrote the “Book
a federation of lodges, headed by a Grand Master. of Constitutions”, later on known as “Anderson’s
Lodge is also the meeting place of Masons) Constitutions” (1723). In the US, Albert Pike (d.
24. When was Freemasonry established? 1891) wrote “Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and
Freemasonry as it is now, with its philosophical Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry” in 1871, a
underpinnings, is also known as “Speculative source book of Freemasonry’s governing principles
Masonry”. The year 1717 is taken to be the beginning used by Freemasons in the U.S. and Canada in
of Speculative Masonry, when the Grand Lodge the 19th century. Pike is considered one of the
of England was established. Many legends in authorities on Masonic philosophy. Albert Mackey,
Freemasonry literature try to link it with the ancient who is considered the historian of Freemasonry,
builders of King Solomon’s Temple under King wrote the “Encyclopedia of Freemasonry” in 1873.
Hiram of Tyre, if not with the Knights Templars, Since then, literature on Freemasonry has become
a military-religious Order established in the 12th quite extensive.
century, and abolished in 1312. But these claims 31. What are the so-called “Degrees” and “Rites” in
have no real historical basis. (Cf Appendix 8) Freemasonry?
25. Why the name “Masonry”? The basic degrees of Freemasonry are three: 1st,

Freemasonry adopted the tools and hierarchy
of the stone masons of the Middle Ages (called
“operative masons”) and gave them symbolic
meanings. Masonic tools include the mason’s apron,
compass and the square. Freemasonry is called “the
Craft” or “the Brotherhood”. “Speculative Masonry,
now known as Freemasonry, is, therefore, the
scientific application and the religious consecration
of the rules and principles, the technical language
and the implements and materials, of operative
Masonry to the worship of God as the Grand
Architect of the Universe, and to the purification
of the heart and the inculcation of the dogmas
of a religious philosophy” (A. Mackey, Masonic
Ritualist. New York: Clark & Maynard, 1869).
26. What are the philosophical principles underlying
“Speculative Freemasonry”?
Freemasonry is founded on “Deism”,
“Naturalism” and “Relativism”.
27. What is Deism?
Deism teaches that after God created man and
the material world, he left man on his own such
that man is no longer accountable to God in all that
he does in this world. In Deism man becomes the
master of the world in an absolute sense, so one
cannot speak of God’s Providence or Revelation
to man. God is aptly called in Freemasonry as the
“Great Architect of the Universe” — a non-personal
God, very different from the God revealed in the Old
and New Testaments. In the last analysis, the God of
Deism is an unknown and distant God, open to each
man’s subjective interpretation. Deism prepared
the ground for the so-called “Enlightenment”, the
cultural trend in 18th century-Europe which, in
the religious sphere, promoted agnosticism and
atheism. In the Enlightenment, “Reason” was
deified; faith was condemned as superstition.
Deism was born in 17th century-England; its chief
thinkers were Herbert of Cherbury, John Toland
and the Earl of Shaftesbury.
28. What is Naturalism?
Naturalism teaches that man has no supernatural
destiny. Man’s purpose is simply to cultivate his
natural powers, especially his reason. Man is self-
sufficient in his pursuit of happiness; his perfection
is not to be found in his union with God in this
life and in the next. Supernatural realities like
sanctifying grace, Redemption and divine mercy,
God’s gifts like faith, hope and charity have no
place in Naturalism. Naturalism is at the heart
of Deism.
29. What is Relativism?
Relativism teaches that no one can claim to possess
the truth in an absolute way. Applied to man’s
religious life, this means that no one can say that he
has the true religion. Applied to morality, this means
www.rgle.org.uk
Entered Apprentice; 2nd, Fellow Craft; 3rd, Master
Mason. These three degrees constitute the “Blue
Lodge” (Blue is the color of Freemasonry.) A Master
Mason may choose to go up the Masonic hierarchy
by entering the higher degrees within the “Rites”
—either the Scottish rite or York rite.
In the Scottish rite a Mason will reach up to the
32nd degree; the 33rd degree is honorary. In the
York rite there are ten degrees, the highest of which
is the “Order of the Knights Templar”.
Freemasonry has branched into two main
Declaration on Masonic Associations1 traditions: first, the Anglo-Saxon Masonry (English-
speaking Masons); the other is the Grand Orient
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Masonry (France, Italy, Spain and Latin America).
The Grand Orient lodges were openly anti-Church,
26 November 1983 especially in the 19th century. In 1877 the Grand
Orient of France rejected the requirement of belief
in God and removed the Bible from the lodges.
32. When was Freemasonry established in the
IT has been asked whether there has been any change in the Church’s Philippines?
decision in regard to Masonic associations since the new Code of Canon In 1856, by two Spanish navy officials, under
Law does not mention them expressly, unlike the previous Code. the charter of the Grand Orient Lodge of Portugal.
This Sacred Congregation is in a position to reply that this circumstance Membership was limited to non-natives. In 1892
is due to an editorial criterion which was followed also in the case of other Filipinos who had joined Freemasonry in Spain set
associations likewise unmentioned inasmuch as they are contained in up the first Filipino Masonic lodge called Nilad,
connected with the Grand Orient of Spain. Later
wider categories. on, with the coming of the Americans, the Grand
Therefore the Church’s negative judgment in regard to Masonic associations Lodge of Scottish Rite was established in 1912,
remains unchanged since their principles have always been considered composed of three American lodges with charters
irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church and therefore membership from the Grand Lodge of California.
in them remains forbidden. The faithful who enroll in Masonic associations 33. Have there been initiatives of dialogue between the
are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion. Catholic Church and Filipino Freemasons?
It is not within the competence of local ecclesiastical authorities to give Yes. As early as 1959 William Quasha, Grand
Master of Masons in the Philippines at that time,
a judgment on the nature of Masonic associations which would imply a held some discussions with the Office of the
derogation from what has been decided above, and this in line with the Secretary of State of the Vatican. In February 1968
Declaration of this Sacred Congregation issued on 17 February 1981 (cf. Teodoro Kalaw, Jr. requested Cardinal Santos to
AAS 73 [1981] pp. 240-241). reconsider the Church’s stand on Freemasonry.
In an audience granted to the undersigned Cardinal Prefect, the Later on the CBCP appointed a committee to meet
Supreme Pontiff John Paul II approved and ordered the publication of this with the Masonic panel. The Church was given the
Declaration which had been decided in an ordinary meeting of this Sacred assurance that Freemasonry is not anti-Catholic,
that it is willing to cooperate with the Catholic
Congregation. Church. As a result, the CBCP filed a petition to the
Rome, from the Office of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Holy See so that the excommunication that was in
Faith, 26 November 1983. force then (canon 2335 of the 1917 Code of Canon
Law) be not imposed on Filipino Catholics who
+JOSEPH Card. RATZINGER joined Masonry in good faith (but applied only
Prefect to the first three degrees of Entered Apprentice,
Fellow Craft and Master Mason). But with the
promulgation of the new Code of Canon Law
+JEROME HAMER, O.P. and the corresponding Declaration on Masonic
Titular Archbishop of Lorium Associations (Cf Part I above) it has become clear
Secretary that the Church’s disapproval of Freemasonry is
based more on questions of religious principles
1
First published in L’Osservatore Romano, English weekly edition, 5 December 1983, p. 12. than on whether a particular Masonic lodge is anti-
Catholic or not. (To be continued next issue)

Irreconcilability between Christian Faith and Freemasonry2

Reflections a year after the Declaration of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
ON 26 November 1983 the Congregation
for the Doctrine of the Faith published
a declaration on Masonic associations
(cf. AAS LXXVI [1984], 300). A little
more than a year after its publication,
it may be useful to outline briefly the
significance of this document.
Since the Church began to declare
her mind concerning Freemasonry, her
negative judgment has been inspired
by many reasons, both practical and
doctrinal. She judged Freemasonry
not merely responsible for subversive
activity in her regard, but from the
earliest pontifical documents on
the subject and in particular in the
Encyclical Humanum Genus by Leo
XIII (20 April 1884), the Magisterium
of the Church has denounced in
Freemasonry philosophical ideas and
moral conceptions opposed to Catholic
doctrine. For Leo XIII, they essentially
led back to a rationalistic naturalism,
the inspiration of its plans and activities
against the Church. In his Letter to the
Italian People Custodi (8 December
1892), he wrote: “Let us remember
that Christianity and Freemasonry
are essentially irreconcilable, so that
enrolment in one means separation
from the other”.
One could not therefore omit to
take into consideration the positions
of Freemasonry from the doctrinal
point of view when, during the
years from 1970-1980, the Sacred
Congregation was in correspondence
with some Episcopal Conferences
especially interested in this problem
because of the dialogue undertaken
by some Catholic personages with
representatives of some lodges which
declared that they were not hostile,
but were even favourable, to the
Church.
Now more thorough study has led
the S.C.D.F. to confirm its conviction
of the basic irreconcilability between
the principles of Freemasonry and
those of the Christian faith.
Prescinding therefore from
consideration of the practical attitude
of the various lodges, whether of
hostility towards the Church or not,
with its declaration of 26 November
1983 the S.C.D.F. intended to take a
position on the most profound and,
for that matter, the most essential part
of the problem: that is, on the level of
the irreconcilability of the principles,
which means on the level of the faith
and its moral requirements.
Beginning from this doctrinal point
of view, and in continuity, moreover,
with the traditional position of
the Church as the aforementioned
documents of Leo XIII attest, there
arise then the necessary consequences,
which are valid for all those faithful
who may possibly be members of
Freemasonry.
Nevertheless, with regard to the
affirmation of the irreconcilability
between the principles of Freemasonry
and the Catholic faith, from some
parts are now heard the objection
that essential to Freemasonry would
be precisely the fact that it does not
impose any “principles”, in the sense
of a philosophical or religious position
which is binding for all of its members,
but rather that it gathers together,
beyond the limits of the various
religions and world views, men of
good will on the basis of humanistic
values comprehensible and acceptable
to everyone.
Freemasonry would constitute
a cohesive element for all those
who believe in the Architect of the
Universe and who feel committed with
regard to those fundamental moral
orientations which are defined, for
example, in the Decalogue; it would
not separate anyone from his religion,
but on the contrary would constitute
an incentive to embrace that religion
more strongly.
The multiple historical and
philosophical problems which are
hidden in these affirmations cannot
be discussed here. It is certainly not
necessary to emphasize that following
the Second Vatican Council the
Catholic Church too is pressing in
the direction of collaboration between
all men of good will. Nevertheless,
becoming a member of Freemasonry
decidedly exceeds this legitimate
collaboration and has a much more
important and final significance than
this.
Above all, it must be remembered
that the community of “Freemasons”
and its moral obligations are presented
as a progressive system of symbols
of an extremely binding nature. The
rigid rule of secrecy which prevails
there further strengthens the weight of
the interaction of signs and ideas. For
the members, this climate of secrecy
entails above all the risk of becoming
an instrument of strategies unknown
to them.
Even if it is stated that relativism is
not assumed as dogma, nevertheless
there is really proposed a relativistic
symbolic concept and therefore the
relativizing value of such a moral-
ritual community, far from being
eliminated, proves on the contrary to
be decisive.
In this context the various religious
communities to which the individual
members of the lodges belong
can be considered only as simple
institutionalizations of a broader
and elusive truth. The value of these
institutionalizations therefore appears
to be inevitably relative with respect
to this broader truth, which instead is
shown in the community of good will,
that is, in the Masonic fraternity.
In any case, for a Catholic Christian,
it is not possible to live his relation
with God in a twofold mode that is,
dividing it into a supraconfessional
humanitarian form and an interior
Christian form. He cannot cultivate
relations of two types with God, nor
express his relation with the Creator
through symbolic forms of two types.
That would be something completely
different from that collaboration,
which to him is obvious, with all those
who are committed to doing good, even
if beginning from different principles.
On the one hand, a Catholic Christian
cannot at the same time share in the full
communion of Christian brotherhood
and, on the other, look upon his
Christian brother, from the Masonic
perspective, as an “outsider”.
Even when, as stated earlier, there
were no explicit obligation to profess
relativism as doctrine, nevertheless
the relativizing force of such a
brotherhood, by its very intrinsic logic,
has the capacity to transform the
structure of the act of faith in such a
radical way as to become unacceptable
to a Christian, “to whom his faith is
dear” (Leo XIII).
Moreover, this distortion of the
fundamental structure of the act of
faith is carried out for the most part
in a gentle way and without being
noticed: firm adherence to the truth of
God, revealed in the Church, becomes
simple membership in an institution,
considered as a particular expressive
form alongside other expressive forms,
more or less just as possible and valid,
of man’s turning toward the eternal.
The temptation to go in this direction
is much stronger today, in as much as it
corresponds fully to certain convictions
prevalent in contemporary mentality.
The opinion that truth cannot be
known is a typical characteristic of our
era and, at the same time, an essential
element in its general crisis.
Precisely by considering all these
elements, the Declaration of the
Sacred Congregation affirms that
membership in Masonic associations
“remains forbidden by the Church”,
and the faithful who enrol in them
“are in a state of grave sin and may
not receive Holy Communion”.
With this last statement, the Sacred
Congregation points out to the faithful
that this membership objectively
constitutes a grave sin and, by
specifying that the members of a
Masonic association may not receive
Holy Communion, it intends to
enlighten the conscience of the faithful
about a grave consequence which must
Irreconcilability / B4
 Features
CBCP Monitor
B4 Vol. 14 No. 14
July 5 – July 18, 2010

Charice, what do you ask of the Church? By Conrado Ma. Ricafort and subsequent YouTube posts Satisfied with the candidate’s
background, the Bishop agreed
It was 10:20am when Bishop
became the passport for this poor San Diego baptized Charice and

Politics Makes Saints

girl from Cabuyao, Laguna to to administer not only the brother, Carl, “in the name of the
“CHARMAINE Clarice, what get invited to perform abroad. Sacrament of Baptism, but also Father and of the Son and of the
do you ask of God’s Church?” Between 2007 and 2008 she the Sacrament of Confirmation. Holy Spirit.” The Sacrament of
“Faith,” international singing performed in Sweden, Korea, That was not the first time that Confirmation followed and the
sensation Charice Pempengco England, the Netherlands, Italy mother and daughter had met liturgy ended at 10:30am. The
By Fr. Luis P. Supan standing at the entrance to and the United States. Bishop San Diego. On Easter bishop greeted Charice for her
Baptistry of the Immaculate Ellen de Generes was the first Sunday, March 23, 2008, Mom 18th birthday, which was on
ROME, 3rd October 2004. It was a special day, yet ignored Conception Cathedral of the one to invite Charice to the US, Raquel, Charice and brother May 10, and congratulated her
by the world: Pope John Paul II declared “Blessed” the last Diocese of Pasig, responds to but it was Oprah Winfrey who Carl were at the Pasig Cathedral because today, he said, was her
Emperor/King of Austria-Hungary, Charles I. The beatified Bishop Francisco C. San Diego. launched Charice’s career in as early as 4:00 am for the birthday as a daughter of God.
monarch died in exile in 1922, 35 years old, poor and despised “What does faith offer you?” the 2008. Oprah was charmed by “Salubong” and Easter Dawn “Right at this moment,
by the victors of the First World War. He died in the island of Bishop asks. “Eternal life,” she her personality and promised Mass celebration. Mom Raquel talagang sobrang sobrang saya
Madeira, a Portuguese territory in the Atlantic. His widow, responds. Then she and younger to help her fulfill her dreams. had accepted Jei-Jei Gertes’ ng feeling,” Charice shared after
Empress Zita of Parma, was left alone to look after their six sons brother, Carl Ceiven, who was She introduced Charice to David invitation for Charice to render the ceremony. She considered
and two daughters. John Paul II wanted that the feast day of asked the same questions, enter Foster and other big names in two “harana” songs for the her baptism and confirmation
Blessed Charles be the couple’s wedding day, October 21. the Baptistry and take their the music industry. Since then, Blessed Mother and the Risen the greatest birthday gifts she
Charles I was proclaimed king in 1916, the year when the respective places to begin the she has performed with Andrea Christ on that occasion. In the received. “Very happy ako na
world was witnessing the destruction of Europe: blind and rites for their Baptism and Bocelli and Celine Dion, and Dawn Mass that followed, the Catholic ako ngayon. Sobrang
proud nationalism armed with military power caused the Confirmation. It was 9:45 am, shared the stage with stars like Pempengco family brought the blessings lang po talaga ang
brutal and senseless loss of lives (young soldiers of both sides Saturday, May 22, 2010. Alicia Keys, Josh Groban and Hosts and Chalice during the dumating nang araw na ito.”
of the conflict dying by the thousands every day). The young As early as 8:00 am that Michael Buble. Offertory procession. “I hope that God continues to
king was the only European leader to heed the appeals of Pope morning, media vans, cameras, In such a short time, Charice As special guests of the diocese shower her with his light and his
Benedict XV for peace and justice. Charles’ peace overtures photographers, and reporters has achieved the status of that morning, they had breakfast grace, so Charice would continue
failed, simply because the prevailing policy at that time was from over 50 local and foreign an international singing star. with Bishop San Diego together to be a role model, hindi lang
“total military victory over the enemy”. media companies were seen She launched her self-titled with the Ministry on Cultural para sa mga kabataan dito sa
Le Mans, France, 10th December 2009: the Bishop of Le Mans coming into the churchyard international Album last May Affairs officers. That was their Pilipinas, kundi para sa lahat
opened the “Cause for the Beatification of Empress Zita”. She of the Immaculate Conception 11. In its first week, it landed first meeting, and as designed by ng kabataan sa buong mundo.”
died in 1989. Someday the whole world will hear of a royal Cathedral. Pasig folk became No. 8 in the US Billboard charts Providence, a familiar connection This was Ms. Charo Santos’ wish
couple (Charles I and Zita), whose lives proved that “Royalty” aware of the special event that with sales of 43,000. Her single was immediately established. for Charice.
and “Holiness” need not negate each other. was about to take place and “Pyramid” was several weeks The bishop was happy to learn
Metz, France, 29th May 2009: The Archbishop closed the flocked to catch a glimpse of No. 1 in the US Dance Club that they were from Cabuyao, Role model for children
process of beatification of Robert Schumann, the Father of L E F T: P a s i g
what is now the European Union. As France’s Foreign Minister Bishop Fran-
cisco San Di-
after World War II, he took the initiative to build bridges of ego officiates
cooperation with Germany. A man brought up in both cultures, over the adult
French and German, it caused him deep sorrow to see these baptism of inter-
two nations in conflict in two world wars. Schumann’s love national singer
Charmaine Cla-
for his country did not make him fall into “nationalism” (the rice “Charice”
“worship” of one’s nation, and disdain for others). Pempengco at
These future saints were great leaders because they knew the Immaculate
Conception Ca-
the wide gulf separating their calling to be engaged in world thedral as her
affairs (“secularity”) from the “secularism” that had gripped godparents and
Europe since the 18th century, with its battle cry “Away with the media look
on.
God, this world is ours”. To which, Schumann would reply:
“From it (i.e., God’s Word), I learn to see things from God’s BELOW: Cha-
rice with her
viewpoint, instead of repeating the slogans of the world”. younger brother
Madrid, 9th January 1959. The future saint, Josemaría Carl Ceiven and
Escrivá, wrote in his letter to his spiritual children in Opus mother Raquel
during the cer-
Dei: “Those of you who find yourselves with a vocation to emonies.
politics should work without fear and realize that if you didn’t
do so, you would sin by omission. Work with professional
seriousness, paying attention to the technical demands of that
work of yours, setting your sights on Christian service to all
the people of your country; and fostering harmony among
all nations”.
“Politics, in the noble sense of the word”, St. Josemaría wrote
in 1932, “is nothing else than a service aimed at attaining the
common good of the earthly City”. It is worth underlining the
element of service, to be practised not only by those invested
with political authority but by every citizen as well. How
many social headaches we will spare ourselves from if the
primary motive for running for public office were service,
not privilege.
Good governance and corporate social responsibility (CSR)
deserves praise and support from all sectors. Still, we dream
that CSR would spark “personal social responsibility” among
ordinary citizens. What impact this will this have in society!
We will have bus drivers concerned about other motorists
and the safety of their passengers; industries concerned about the stars and celebrities present. charts. She is the first Asian to
protecting the environment; manufacturers concerned about Security was tight. reach these heights.
the working conditions and compensation of their employees; Inside, only the godparents, Charice has always considered
traders concerned about the income of the producers and value- close family members and these “dream-come-true” turn of
for-money for the consumers; contractors concerned about friends would be accommodated events as God’s blessings to her
delivering quality civil works; and entertainers concerned to witness the ceremonies. But after so many difficult years, and
about uplifting culture, among other things. media people eager to cover she does not cease to thank Him.
In St. Josemaría’s mind, the everyday, hidden work of the event, found their way into It keeps her humble and well-
mothers, teachers, businessmen, government employees, the Baptistry, which was filled grounded. As she shared in a
journalists, etc., are the key factors for social progress. He to standing capacity when the television interview, “Kaya niya Laguna, and therefore faithful of There was no reception with
encouraged people to transform their environments through ceremonies began. po ako binigyan ng talent, para his former diocese. Bishop San the godparents and guests
their silent, obscure work because this kind of work is like that “Today we are here to accept po i-share ko po sa mga tao, and Diego was in San Pablo City prior following the ceremonies.
old stone block hidden at the foundations of a house (not an Charmaine Clarice and Carl para po mapasaya po sila, and to his transfer to Pasig. Instead, Charice proceeded to
attention-grabbing gilded weather vane); and yet, because of Ceiven into the Church,” Bishop maging parang inspirasyon.” the Immaculate Conception
it, the house will not fall (The Way, 590). San Diego began his homily. “In Adult Initiation Cathedral’s Formation Center
Thirty five years after his death (June 26, 1975), Josemaria this case we have, not the infant Meeting the bishop “You will notice that there for a get-together with street
Escriva’s admonition is as relevant as ever: that “God wants baptism, but the adult baptism. In February 2010, Raquel is a big difference between the children. After the rousing
a handful of men ‘of his own’ in every human activity. And Not because of the fault of the Pempengco met with family infant baptism and the adult “Happy Birthday” and the
then... pax Christi in regno Christi—the peace of Christ in two, but because it so happened friends Jei-Jei Victorino Gertes baptism,” the Bishop explained blowing of the birthday cake
the kingdom of Christ,” he wrote. “These world crises, are that the parents were of different and Michelle Lim-Gankee, at the in his homily, “if there is a candles, 18 young girls went up
sanctity crises”. belief.” latter’s Sterling Paper Products Mass, they can already receive to Charice, each giving her a rose
Raquel Relucio Pempengco, head office to discuss plans Holy Communion, without and she giving a kiss to each one.
mother of Charice and Carl, was for Charice’s 18th birthday on going to Confession. You may She was moved at that point,
seated in a special place behind May 2010. “You want it to be be surprised!” he exclaimed, saying that it reminded her of
Irreconcilability / B3 her two children. In 1995, a victim ‘bonggacious’ or simple?” asked “it’s because all the sins they how difficult those years were
of domestic violence, she fled Jei-Jei. Mom Raquel said they have committed in the past will when she was their age.
her husband’s home in Laguna, wanted a simple celebration. Jei- be forgiven, whether venial or She sat down and mingled
derive from their belonging to a Masonic lodge. Jei Gertes, a financial executive, serious sin.” This is the great with them. She sang for them two
taking her two children. “And
Finally, the Sacred Congregation declares that “it is not within who is one of the officers of the privilege of those who undergo songs—an impromptu rendition
now the mother would like them
the competence of local ecclesiastical authorities to give a judgment Ministry on Cultural Affairs adult baptism, he said. of her latest hit “Pyramid” and
to be baptized and have the same
on the nature of Masonic associations which would imply a of the Pasig Cathedral, then Addressing the godparents, “We are the World” as requested
faith as she has, so she requested
derogation from what has been decided above”. In this regard, suggested a feeding program Bishop San Diego explained that by the children. “Sa mga bata,
that the daughter and the son be
the text also refers to the Declaration of 17 February 1981, which and gift-giving for street children only one male and one female once in a lifetime na mangyari
baptized in the Catholic Church,”
already reserved to the Apostolic See all pronouncements on the of the Immaculate Conception godparent for each baptized yon. Bihira naman sila makakita
Bishop San Diego said in his
nature of these associations which may have implied derogations Cathedral Soup Kitchen. Raquel person will be entered in the ng ganyan,” said Millette Marcelo
homily.
from the Canon Law then in force (Can. 2335). happily agreed. registry book of the parish, “but of the Immaculate Conception
In the same way, the new document issued by the S.C.D.F. Later on at dinner, Mom you are all considered sponsors Cathedral soup kitchen. “Feeling
Conversion to Catholicism
in November 1983 expresses identical intentions of reserve Raquel had a special request. and witnesses during the Baptism nila na, Wow! nakiupo pa si
As early as 1995, Raquel already
concerning pronouncements which would differ from the “Gusto ko sanang pabinyagan si of these two, who will become Charice sa kanila, like one of
considered having her two
judgment expressed here on the irreconcilability of Masonic Charice.” Jei-Jei was taken aback, son and daughter of God after them. Hindi siya nag-suplada.
children baptized as Catholics,
principles with the Catholic faith, on the gravity of the act of not knowing what to make of Baptism.” He encouraged them And she’s so sweet.”
but thought it was complicated
joining a lodge and on the consequences which arise from it for the request. Was Charice not a to guide the newly baptized It was Charice’s wish that,
or probably not possible, given
receiving Holy Communion. This disposition points out that, baptized Catholic? Clarifying with their personal example of instead of personal gifts to her
her marital situation. Then the
despite the diversity which may exist among Masonic obediences, matters, he immediately Christian living. on her birthday, her supporters
demands of being a single mother
in particular in their declared attitude towards the Church, the promised all-out support and Mom Raquel and Charice and well-wishers would send
having to raise her children
Apostolic See discerns some common principles in them which arranged for Mom Raquel and wanted, as a sign of gratitude, to food and gift items for less
through challenging times took
require the same evaluation by all ecclesiastical authorities. Charice to personally meet with invite as Godparents, key persons privileged children. And so it
over life.
In making this Declaration, the S.C.D.F. has not intended to Bishop San Diego of the diocese who had helped her become the was. Charice’s 18th birthday
At a very young age, Charice
disown the efforts made by those who, with the due authorization of Pasig to formalize matters. person and the personality that was a special blessing for 500
developed a passion to help
of this Congregation, have sought to establish a dialogue with Present in the meeting with she is today. Heading that list children and their families in 10
her mother. She started joining
representatives of Freemasonry. But since there was the possibility the bishop on February 25 were were Oprah Winfrey and David barangays in Pasig.
singing contests at age 7 and
of spreading among the faithful the erroneous opinion that Mom Raquel, Charice, Jei-Jei Foster, who could not make it Assisting Bishop San Diego
contributed her prize money to
membership in a Masonic lodge was lawful, it felt that it was its and wife Geanne. Interviewed to the event. Celebrities present administer the Holy Sacraments
the family income. She made it
duty to make known to them the authentic thought of the Church by Bishop San Diego, Charice from among Charice’s list of 24 of Baptism and Confirmation
to television in 2005, reaching the
in this regard and to warn them about a membership incompatible confirmed that it was her desire pairs of godparents included Mrs. were Rev. Father Orlando
finals of ABS-CBN’s Little Big Star
with the Catholic faith. to become Catholic, and be of the Charo Santos-Concio, President B. Cantillon, Parish Priest,
competition. An avid fan posted
Only Jesus Christ is, in fact, the Teacher of Truth, and only in same religion as her mother. The of ABS-CBN; television hosts Rector and Vicar General of
videos of her live performances
him can Christians find the light and the strength to live according mother had raised her children in Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino- the Immaculate Conception
on YouTube. And this was the
to God’s plan, working for the true good of their brethren. Catholic practices. Charice had Yap; broadcasters Karen Davila, Cathedral; and Rev. Father
medium through which Charice
started to be viewed by people also received Catholic training in Jobert Sucaldito, and Julius and Mark Eman H. Sese, Parochial
2
Source: L’Osservatore Romano, English weekly edition , 11 March 1985. from all over the world. These her grade school and high school. Tintin Babao. Vicar.
 Statements
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 14
July 5 – July 18, 2010
B5

An Open Letter to President Noynoy Aquino

Creating New
Pathways for Justice in
the Asia Pacific Region
Asia Pacific Justice and Peace Workshop, Madonna
Heights, Kuala Lumpur, 12 -15 June 2010

Our warmest greetings of solidarity,
President Noynoy!
We are members of the Church apostolate
working with indigenous peoples in the
Philippines. After more than 30 years of
dialoguing and working with different IP
groups and IP apostolates and sharing our
experiences with various administrations
and government agencies as part of our
advocacy efforts, we still have to see an
administration that truly recognizes the rights
of our indigenous brothers and sisters and
would make a difference in their lives.
Our network, the Episcopal Commission
on Indigenous Peoples (ECIP) – Indigenous
Peoples Apostolates (IPAs), has collated
through the years the different concerns of
our partners and we share these now hoping
that your administration, Mr. President,
will have the political will to act on these
especially within the first one hundred days
in your office.
The following are our key concerns:
1. Proper implementation of the Indigenous
Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) or RA 8371. More
than 12 years since its passage in 1997, many
IP communities are still facing discrimination
and their rights are not being recognized.
Even though certificates of ancestral domains
titles (CADT) have already been given
to some IP communities, intrusions and
landgrabbing continue unabated. Aggressive
campaigns by different government agencies
for mega-projects within ancestral domains
turn a deaf ear to the opposition of many IP
communities. Proponents of mining, dams,
power generation projects, logging and
large scale plantations keep on invading
IP territories and these have led to massive
displacement of IP communities through
the decades. Killings of IPs in relation to
these have also been documented. These
“development aggressions” that disregard
their rights to their land need to be halted,
examined and acted upon.
2. The National Commission on Indigenous
Peoples (NCIP) which is the main government
agency mandated to implement IPRA, has not
been effective in carrying out its mandate and
purpose which is to protect IPs. Many of its
personnel are allegedly in connivance with
proponents of “development aggression”.
Revamp the NCIP. New appointees should
not only indigenous peoples themselves,
but those who have integrity, competency,
familiarity with Indigenous Knowledge,
Systems, Practices and Spirituality (IKSPS)
and the conviction to stand by the spirit and
letter of the IPRA law.
3. We know that the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) is mandated to be the primary
agency responsible for the conservation,
management, development, and proper use
of the country’s environment and natural
resources. It is also the implementer of the
Mining Act of 1995 or RA 7942. The insistence
of DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau
(MGB) to pursue the GMA regime’s policy
on mining in many ancestral domains has
disregarded the Free Prior and Informed
Consent (FPIC) of IP communities which is a
violation of their rights. While we are calling
for the repeal of the Mining Act of 1995, civil
society organizations are requesting for a
moratorium on all mining activities. Please
start by overhauling the DENR-MGB.
4. Though we are supporting the
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program
- Extension with Reform (CARPER),
www.spot.oh
indigenous peoples’ communities oppose
the inclusion of their ancestral domains in the
delineation of lands for distribution to non-
IPs by the Department of Agrarian Reform
(DAR). IP communities should always be
consulted and be part of the implementation
of CARP/CARPER program when their
ancestral domains are involved. There should
be a clear mechanism to iron out this issue,
so as not to aggravate the situation between
IPs and non-IP farmers.
5. Side by side with the longstanding
concern of IPs for their land has been their
advocacy for the protection of their cultural
integrity. One recent development in this
arena is the call for the recognition and
support of indigenous peoples’ system of
education, a concern which the Department
of Education has recently looked into and
which has been advocated for by a number
of stakeholders like our Commission for over
a decade. Elders of IP communities have
stressed that the protection and genuine
development of their lands and communities
in the future will only be possible if IP
youth today have an education that affirms
their indigenous identity, heritage and
responsibility to the future generations.
6. As we experience the effects of Climate
Change, indigenous peoples are calling
on authorities to effectively consult IP
communities to ensure that their views
and experiences are included in the current
discourse, planning and implementation
of Climate Change projects and mitigating
measures. Rights of IP communities should
be respected when measures that would
impact on their ancestral domains and
territories are being considered. Protection
Open Letter / B7
BETWEEN 12th and 15th June 2010, 25 Good Shepherd Justice
and Peace contact persons and others met at Madonna Heights,
Kuala Lumpur for a four day workshop. Present also were Srs.
Maria Rose, the Justice and Peace link person with the Asia
Pacific Circle, Sr. Joan, Province leader of Singapore/Malaysia,
the host country, and Sr. Winifred, the Congregation’s NGO
representative at the UN. Sr. Stella from Saipan was also
invited to be a participant. The theme of the workshop was:
Creating New Pathways for Justice in the Asia Pacific Region.
There were three objectives:
1. To establish a clear and strong sense of identity as the
Good Shepherd Asia Pacific Justice and Peace Network.
2. To develop an overview of the issues of current concern
in the different countries in the region and to share something
of the rich diversity of the cultures in Asia Pacific.
3. To provide a venue for discussion of current issues
around the four justice priorities of the region: Migration,
Anti-trafficking, Economic Justice and Care for the Earth;
and articulate a clear statement of principles and common
actions as the Good Shepherd Asia Pacific Justice and Peace
Network.
The meeting opened with an inspiring liturgy prepared
by the Malaysian participants, during which candles were lit
for each of the countries represented as well as for the Good
Shepherd Justice and Peace Office and we were called to hear
“the voices that challenge”. Sr. Joan then welcomed all the
participants and Sr. Maria Rose gave the Opening Address.
The first day focused on the reports from the countries
represented. The initiatives taken in each to address the needs
of people suffering poverty and oppression were inspiring.
Participants became aware of the particular challenges being
faced by Good Shepherd in various parts of our region. The
12th of June was Independence Day for the Philippines and
this was celebrated in the evening Mass.
The second day provided participants with a very
comprehensive and clear overview of the impact of
globalization on the Asia Pacific Region, presented by a guest
speaker, Rosario Bella Guzman of the IBON Foundation.
Rosario focused particularly on the four priority areas of the
Asia Pacific Region: Human Trafficking, Migration, Poverty/
Economic Justice and Ecological Justice. This presentation was
valuable background material for the four workshop groups

An Appeal to Pursue Authentic

that then met to work on the causes and effects of each of these
issues and to devise plans of action for Good Shepherd in the
region. In the last session of the day, Judith Koh gave a talk
on “Power, Voice and Rights: A Turning Point for Gender

Reforms in the DENR

June 24, 2010
To President Benigno S.
Aquino:
Dear President Aquino,
Congratulations! Having
been elected by Filipinos to lead
us into a new era of reform and
development, we know that you
now carry a huge responsibility
in leading and guiding our
country. This task will not be
easy, but we are sure that with the
commitment and support of the
people, you will bear this cross
with dignity and competence.
C o l l e c t i v e l y , w e a r e
representatives from various
communities and civil society
organizations, including the
Church and academe. We are
concerned with environmental
issues, human rights and
the pursuit of sustainable
development.
We are fortunate and looking
forward to your commitment
that change will happen in your
administration. We eagerly
await your ushering of good
governance. More than anything
else, we anticipate your assurance
that genuine reforms will be
implemented when you assume
office.
Allow us then to take this
opportunity to offer our services
to you, including our dedication
and declaration, that we believe
in your ability and are willing
to productively engage your
administration, towards the
realization of these reforms. We
believe that as civil society, we
will be able to offer our time,
expertise and meager resources
to complement your reform
agenda.
As your inauguration nears,
we await your announcement of
your new Cabinet. We believe
that for your reform agenda to be
truly meaningful and substantial,
your selection of your alter-ego
as Secretaries in the various
Departments must be aligned
with your campaign promise
that reform must happen and
that you will not tolerate graft
and corruption. This then assume
that you will assign people who
will journey with you in trying
to reach these reform agenda.
It is in this connection that we
are appealing to you regarding
your decision in appointing your
DENR Secretary. We believe that
the next DENR Secretary should
be:
1. Genuinely concerned
in seriously protecting and
addressing concerns of our fragile
ecology and particularly the
remaining forest cover, delicate
coastal areas, and unstable
climate we are facing;
2. D i s p l a y u n w a v e r i n g
support to sustainable
development;
3. L e a d the DENR
bureaucracy to effectively engage
both the private sector and civil
society;
4. D e m o n s t r a t e h i g h -
level capacity and technical
competence in all aspects of
environmental management;
5. Enjoying the confidence,
trust and support of all
stakeholders who are engaged
with environmental issues and
concerns.
With these parameters, we
believe that a change in the
leadership of the DENR is not
only critical, but imperative.
We have reasons to believe
that retaining Mr. Horacio
Ramos, and extending his term
as DENR Secretary, will run
counter to the reform agenda
in the environment sector,
and will introduce instability
and challenging relationships
between your administration
and the communities and civil
society. Retaining Mr. Ramos as
DENR Secretary will only give
a signal that it is “business as
usual” in the DENR, and will
possibly prolong the plunder
and destruction of our natural
resources, and protract the
lingering environmental issues
we are confronting.
Mr. Ramos has been at the
forefront of revitalizing the
destructive large-scale mining
in the Philippines for the last five
years. This policy has introduced
serious social, cultural and
environmental issues that
many of our organizations have
documented. To summarize,
these problems include i)
human rights violations (forced
demolition and physical and
legal harassments); ii) land
conflicts (ancestral domains vs.
mining, productive farm lands
vs. mining); iii) encroachment
on protected areas and critical
biodiversity areas; iv) escalation
of violence and social conflicts
in mining areas; v) degradation
of cultural values of indigenous
communities; vi) resistance
from LGUs on aggressive entry
of mining in their localities;
and vi) violation of rights of
indigenous peoples. These issues
are real to many people and
communities that we are working
with, Mr. President. They have
suffered more than enough. The
leadership of DENR is a very
important concern for them, and
so we pray that you will not let
them down.
P r e s i d e n t N o y n o y , w e
fervently appeal to your
honorable office not to retain Mr.
Ramos as your DENR secretary.
With his continued appointment,
the problems brought about by
destructive large-scale mining
will not be resolved, and possibly
even worsen.
This serious matter has been
raised with your environmental
adviser, Mr. Neric Acosta.
However, we sadly note that
Mr. Acosta has decided, and still
insists, that a “least disruptive
approach” in the DENR is the best
option for your administration
We beg to disagree. Genuine
reforms, especially at the DENR,
will require deep changes,
structurally and policy-wise. It
may be an illusion that this will be
possible in retaining Mr. Ramos
as DENR Secretary.
Our commitment to work and
engage your administration in
a productive, substantial and
meaningful manner is an offer
based on our mutual appreciation
of reform and change, towards
sustainable development. This
commitment however, will be
seriously constrained if Mr.
Ramos is the DENR secretary.
The issues the people and
communities are facing against
destructive large-scale mining
are real, Mr. President.
We trust that your
administration will sincerely
An Appeal / B7
Equality in Asia and the Pacific”. This very full day ended
with the Solidarity Night—an opportunity for much fun,
laughter and cultural sharing and a delicious meal prepared
by Good Shepherd lay partners in Kuala Lumpur.
On the third day, Sr. Winifred presented a very clear
overview of the Good Shepherd Justice and Peace Office in
New York and of her role with ECOSOC in the UN. There
was plenty of opportunity for participants to ask questions
and Winifred demonstrated the relevance of Good Shepherd
representation on ECOSOC to Good Shepherd ministries in
the region. The role of the NGO designate in Bangkok was also
clearly explained. Participants all expressed great satisfaction
with this day which will hopefully lead to greater engagement
by the region with Winifred’s work in the UN.
The fourth day was the time to firm up the plans generated
by the workshop groups on day two. Each workshop group
was asked to narrow down their plans to one concrete plan
that they believed they could work on in the next year. In
brief, the plans were as follows:
* Human Trafficking: A comprehensive program of
awareness raising actions targeted at the community as a
whole.
* Migrants: A program of awareness raising and advocacy
targeted at employers and employer groups.
* Poverty/Economic Justice: A strategy aimed at ensuring
fair and just employment practices in all Good Shepherd
communities, organizations and projects in our region, as part
of a process of ensuring good practice in our own facilities
before tackling unjust practices in the wider community.
* Ecological Justice: Awareness raising activities targeted
at Good Shepherd communities, agencies and projects and
also at the wider community.
A member of the Core Team will work with each issue group
to assist in keeping up the momentum to action.
There was also discussion of the need to integrate work for
change in oppressive social structures with our direct service
ministries and participants felt the need for training in this
area.
The workshop concluded with a biblical theological
reflection and a liturgy during which participants committed
themselves to the mission of justice and peace.
Participants expressed general satisfaction with the
workshop and gratitude to the Kuala Lumpur community and
to Gloria Bon and the lay partners for their hospitality, care and
assistance and for the enjoyable outings that were arranged
on two of the evenings. All said they felt newly energized to
continue their mission as justice and peace contact persons.
From the APJP Core Team 2010 – Anne Manning, Madonna
Wimaladasa, Maureen Catabian, Sutisa Utalun and Ms. Gloria
Bon
 Ref lections
CBCP Monitor
B6 Vol. 14 No. 14
July 5 – July 18, 2010

Life in the presence of Christ

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Lk 10:38-42); July 18, 2010
By Fr. Joseph Pellegrino
IN this Sunday’s second
reading from Paul’s Letter to
the Colossians, Paul speaks
about a mystery, “a mystery
that has been hidden for ages
is now manifested to God’s
Holy Ones. The mystery is
this: Christ is in you.”
Usually when we use the
word mystery, we think of a
story that has an ending we try
to solve before we get to the last
page of the book or last five
minutes of the movie. When the
Church uses the term mystery,
it goes much deeper. For the
Church a mystery is a truth
that is incomprehensible to
the reason and knowable only
through divine revelation. The
Early Church referred to the
sacraments as the mysteries.
When adults are about to come
into the faith they are anointed
with the Oil of Catechumens so
they may have the strength and
the grace to be open to Mystery.
The main events of the action
of Jesus Christ in our world
are called the Mystery of Faith.
At the most solemn time in the
Mass, after the Bread and Wine
become the Body and Blood of
Christ, we are called upon to
proclaim the Mystery of Faith,
and we respond something
similar to: “Christ has died,
Christ is risen, Christ will come
again.”
Paul, therefore reminds the
www.regnumchristi.org
many times we ourselves, are
clueless.
We go about our day, so
busily engaged in doing this
and that we overlook the
purpose for our actions, we
overlook the reason for our
being, we forget about the
presence of Christ. Like Martha
in the Gospel we are concerned
with doing instead of being.
Martha was busy doing this
and that in her valiant efforts
to prepare for Jesus. Mary,
her sister, was concerned with
being, with being with Jesus.
A number of years ago,
someone came up with a great
idea as a guide for making
decisions. The idea was WWJD,
What Would Jesus Do? People
still wear wrist bands with
WWJD to remind them to
choose the course of action that
Jesus would choose. I think
that is wonderful. But I want to
propose an even better guide.
Instead of focusing on Jesus out
there somewhere, focus in on
the presence of the Lord right
here, right now, in your lives, in
that of your family and others,
in the Church, in the world.
This is the mystery that St. Paul
is speaking about. Jesus Christ
is here. When we are attuned
to the presence of the Lord, we
will force ourselves to consider
if a particular action or inaction
will strengthen or weaken the
Divine Presence.
For example, sometimes
people will say, “Well, the
the presence of Christ. It is not
merely a matter that the Church
says it is wrong to get drunk,
it is a matter of considering
what this action is doing to the
presence of Jesus in our lives.
A wise young priest once said
to me, “A good way to judge
whether an action is moral or
not is to ask yourself whether
or not you can pray better after
the action.” Interesting. And
true. If after a course of action,
we find prayer difficult, then
we have probably have driven
the Lord out of our lives, or at
least we have diminished His
presence.
We need to pray. We harbor,
we treasure the presence
of Christ within each of us,
within our homes and in our
community. We need to make
time every day to recognize this
presence within us. We need
to pray. We need to stop and
hear the Lord in the silence. We
cannot allow the many concerns
of our lives to hide the only
thing that matters, the presence
of Jesus—His presence within
us, His presence in those we
love, His presence in those who
reach out to us. We cannot
allow anything to dull this
presence, His Presence.
When we make the time
to be in His presence, when
we join Mary of Bethany in
just enjoying the Lord in our
lives, we will find ourselves
walking a road less traveled, a
road of serenity in the middle

Colossians and us that we have
received Mystery, the Mystery
that Christ is in us.
Sadly when it comes to this
Mystery many people, and
Church says this or that,
regarding some situation or
other, but I disagree.” Well,
it is not a matter of what the
Church says, it is a matter of
of hectic activity. When we
choose to nurture the presence
of the Lord within us, we, like
Mary, will be choosing the
better part.

Fr. Francis Ongkingco

WHATEVER
Bishop Pat Alo

ENCOUNTERS
‘Dear Dad …’ (Part 2 of 3)
DEAR Dad, wanted him as a friend, but my he promised to pray for me.

False prophets,
Sorry for the paper. The stewardess emotions seemed to disagree. I was It was because of Jude that I felt
couldn’t offer me anything except these afraid about what others and especially that somewhere and someday I would
ones dotted with watermark logos of what you might say. It was a mistake, manage to put the pieces of my life
the airline. Now about Jude…. I realize now, not to have confided together again. Now I believe that

false teachers
I decided there was no point in this to Jude earlier. I felt we just this ‘break’ from everything in the
having girlfriends after mom’s rage got acquainted and I was afraid he past would afford me the space to
mode. Instead, I bumped into Jude. It’s wouldn’t understand. think things over and sort out my
a long story how we became friends. I decided to just hide things and emotions.
He’s from another section and we met hoped everything would disappear. Dad, if you think that I’m expecting
WHEN Jesus talked about false prophets as being ravenous during one of our batch fieldtrips. He In the meantime, I consulted books a response from you please don’t feel
wolves, surely being God Himself, as Second Person of isn’t gay, but he came in just the right and surfed for answers over the Net. offended if I say that I don’t. Perhaps,
the Holy Trinity, He must have had in mind the whole time to fill in the identity vacuum in These readings, readily confirmed my the most that you and mom can do is
of human history, past, present and future. He sternly my life. suspicions: I am gay! But I was more to pray for me. I believe it heals all
warns us against the deception of false prophets (teachers) Our friendship was, at least in the confused than convinced, but there our wounds.
who come in the guise of sheep but in reality are ravenous beginning, like any other. Jude was didn’t seem any answer that satisfied I will never forget what struck me
wolves. And Jesus adds: “You will be able to tell them simply someone who was there for me: my dilemma. What was worse was that most as a kid when you guys first
by their fruits… A sound true cannot bear bad fruit, nor he listened, he understood, he laughed, I had no one to turn to at that stage. I brought me inside a church. You both
a rotten tree bear good fruit” (Mt. 7:15). and from time to time gave advice. I felt that even Jude might reject me. carried me to dip my finger in the
The characteristic deception by the devil is this, he even sensed for the first time, somebody was I was wrong to have thought that Holy Water font, helped me to make
makes unauthorized use of personalities identified with interested in the things I felt important way. I plucked the courage to tell the Sign of the Cross and taught me
the Church in order to pretend credibility and be able to about myself. him everything. That day became the to genuflect. Best of all, when I asked
recruit members. That has been our experience of past But I don’t know how it all started, turning point of our friendship. I knew you what you were doing kneeling, you
history in various parts of the Philippines and the world, but I felt one day that I was too I had found a treasure in him. whispered that you were praying for
and because of the anger and hatred being infused in emotionally attached to him. I couldn’t Jude said I had to be sincere with me and mom so we’d all go to Heaven
opposing groups, we know it has caused loss of countless be without him. I needed him close, I myself in the right way and not simply one day.
lives here in the Philippines, or even in other parts of the wanted to hear his confident voice, and give in to my emotions. He agreed Somehow those words have always
world, just because it follows the line of class struggle, I wanted to see his reassuring smile. Of that I had clear emotional needs, but filled me with hope. I know that prayers
whereas Jesus teaches us to love and reconcile with our course it was nothing like ‘Brokeback added that saying or admitting one never fail, and I’m sure you’re still
neighbor. “If you are bringing your offering to the altar Mountain’ (I’d be crazy to be anything is gay doesn’t’ banish or resolve his praying the same prayer for me. I believe
and there remember that your brother has something like that crazy movie!) emotional insecurity. A problem, he with time, things will turn out for the
against you, leave your offering there before the altar, be This possessive attitude was too said, isn’t resolved by a more confusing better in a way God wants best.
reconciled with your brother first, and then come back confusing for me to handle. I only state or “identity escape label”. Finally, Sincerely, Lawrence.
and present your offering” (Mt. 5:23-25).
Not only that, the infiltration of Marxist thought
connected to class struggle has occasioned even the loss
of many religious vocations, because the ideas happened Bo Sanchez
to be on the wrong track. They keep on angrily parading
justice but have forgotten the very source of justice – God’s
word: “Man’s anger does not fulfill God’s justice” (Jas.
1:20). Is that the reaction of our one and only Savior, the
SOULFOOD
true lamb who takes away our sins by offering His life on
the cross? False prophets constantly utter justice, but the
results will tell whether they only meant, not true justice,
but a parody of justice.
You don’t have to go too far in studying or analyzing
the fruits of such wrong teachings or ideas, to Russia and
Hold hands
Germany where millions died, even to Spain where the
victims of the civil war (around 1936) reached countless
thousands and are buried in that famed site called “Valle BOY and girl. amusement one night, while eyebrows, combing them And their handholding is
de los Caidos” (the Valley of the Fallen Ones) in Madrid, Sweet young things. going home from one prayer upwards as far as possible. so different from the way
Spain. Think of our own history in the Philippines in Around their late teens. meeting. The woman on the other the young lovebirds in front
the 1980+ encounters and troubles. Remember history, Both walking in front of At my side was another ha nd is g ift ed, endowed, of me hold hands.
or you will keep on repeating the past errors, mistakes me, lost in their world of cute couple walking home. and abundant. Through This time, I know it isn’t
and false ideas. cupids, beating hearts, and Friends of mine. her, the vastness of the just a cutey-sweety symbol.
Check for yourself then. How right Jesus was. “What chocolate cream cakes with Not so young. Kingdom is displayed. She It’s proven. Full. Real.
the Spirit brings is very different: love, joy, peace, caramel toppings. With three kids. (The eldest has cellulite deposits with Unquestionable. Pregnant!
patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness, They walk as if walking on is twenty-three years old.) interest compounded daily. (With meaning!) Backed
and self-control” (Gal. 5:22). The ravenous wolves, air, hand in hand. Grandparents in the Indeed, she receives all that up by twenty-five years of
check for yourself, under a guise of harmless lambs, are Hip to hip. making, really. life has to offer her. But to cooking meals, washing
disrespectful, angry, impatient, hateful, unhappy, and Shoulder to shoulder. In fact, the guy’s balding. her embarrassment, people dishes, doing the laundry,
temperamental, as part of what you may observe. But then Eye to eye. There’s nothing on top except always ask her, “When are and raising bratty kids.
what if violence ensues, as it did in the past. You cannot, Nose to nose. a few overstaying weeds. you giving birth?” Stop reading. And hold
even with so much compensation, pay for the inestimable Bad breath to bad breath. Airplanes can land in and Bu t t his fift y ish cou p le the hand of your spouse.
value of one life. So was it said by B. Franklin: “There But do they mind? out without a problem. He does something that blows Your mom. Your dad. Your
never was a good war or a bad peace.” Of course not. They’re in can sing, “Shine Jesus shine” my mind. friend. And prove it for the
luv. with superb visual effects. They walk hand in hand next twenty-five years.
I watch this scene with He compensates by his bushy as well. And beyond.
 Social Concerns
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 14
July 5 – July 18, 2010
B7

Creating New Pathways for Justice in the Asia-Pacific Region

By Sr. Maureen Catabian,
RGS
DIVERSITY of cultures. Varying
contexts and realities. Unique
Colonial histories. 3.8 Billion
people. This is the face of Asia
and the Pacific.
Economic Globalization.
Worsening Poverty. Ecological
degradation. People on the
Move. Trafficked refugees and
undocumented migrants for
labor and sex. This is the common
plight of the poor, marginalized
and vulnerable peoples especially
women and children of the Asia
and Pacific.
The current Global economic
crises are the context of the GS
Mission in this part of the world.
This is the same context where the
Justice work and journey of the
9 Units of the Asia-Pacific takes
its shape.
Each Unit/Country actively
made Justice a reality in their
respective missions. Each one has
a unique process of integrating
the “justice” perspective in
various structures and systems
within their own Units. Some
have been long in the struggle—
having integrated Justice in every
level of structure and system as
in formation, community living,
spirituality and ministries. Some
have recently begun and did
it well. While some are still
establishing justice efforts until
now. Some have combined direct
services with advocacy programs
to work for systemic change.
They have done this on the
local, national and international
level maximizing use of the UN
structure through the GSIJP
office for policy and legislative
advocacy.
A few countries have
experienced exclusion
and repression from their
governments and work for
systemic change is a constant and
difficult struggle within.
The importance of a common
understanding of the Asia and
Pacific context and realities as
well as identifying challenges and
emerging trends and issues cannot
be overemphasized. It is crucial
to establish this understanding
amidst the diversity and
complexities of cultures, colonial
histories and realities in each
country. From here, we found
a common ground on how we
must see the challenging issues
that are affecting and emerging
in the region.
The identification of four
priority issues as Migration,
Trafficking, Economic justice
and Ecological justice have
challenged the network to its
common analysis as well as its
link with the current Global
crisis brought by Neoliberal
Globalization. Such Economic
system has been peddled in
the world as the system of
wealth-creation by the mega-rich
corporations and governments.
Migration or movement of
peoples whether internal or
external was seen a means
of coping with intensifying
poverty, militarization and
repression. For sponsors of
neoliberal globalization, it was
a tool for development—by
extracting more profits from
impoverished and exploited
migrant labor. The phenomenal
rise of “undocumented migrants
and refugees” have also become
a lucrative business for the global
trafficking syndicate and corrupt
officials of governments.
In the same thread—
governments are committing
to implement or enforce laws
on anti-human trafficking and
signing conventions to protect
migrants and families- while
corporations and governments
also see migration as a tool for
development where remittances
coming from overseas workers
become a source of revenue that
keep some economies in Asia
afloat as it copes with the global
economic crises.
Intensifying poverty and
plunder of the environment and
destruction of the Earth resulting
to climate change have indeed
made people and communities in
Asia as hotspots of vulnerabilities
and calamities.
The Good Shepherd
congregation in the Asia-Pacific
region manages specific programs
and ministries as direct services
to victims of forced migration,
human trafficking as well as
support economic and ecological
justice programs to uplift the poor
and protect the environment.
As a GS APJP network – we
are equally – challenged as well
to work for systemic change
by launching and supporting
advocacies that will transform
structures and systems especially
those that oppresses and exploits
further the vulnerable and
marginalized women, children
and families as well as the Earth
community.
The presence of GS Programs
and ministries in 19 countries
in the AP region is seen as an
organized and systemic way
of providing intervention to
victims of injustices. The skills
of networking, communication
and organization are seen
as necessary to facilitate our
responses in a more organized
and direct manner.
Common Principles to guide
our Common Actions as GS
Asia-Pacific Justice and Peace
Network
1. Unity in Diversity
2. To work for systemic
change through challenging
and transforming systems and
structures
3. Direct services and
interventions to victims of
injustices must go hand in hand
with advocacies and work for
systemic change and vice versa
4. We work for the poor,
marginalized and vulnerable
groups and sectors in society.
These are economically -poor
women , children and their
families, migrants and trafficking
victims, and protecting the Earth
community from further plunder
and destruction
5. The current Global Economic
Crises resulting from Neoliberal
Globalization is seen as a
common context where we do
charity and justice in GS Mission
in the Asia-Pacific
6.Tomaximizeglobalstructures
as the UN through the GSIJP
office in New York to challenge
global structures and work for
systemic change. It cannot be one
or the other. It must be a mutual
process – from the ground to the
global level and from the global
level to the ground
7. We believe in the inherent
dignity of all humans and
all beings. We believe in the
goodness of every creature or
being. But we also recognize the
inherent human weakness and
sinfulness of each being. Hence,
as we do “good, charity works”
, we also transform the “evils
of sinfulness” as seen in greed
for power and profit that have
become global, systemic and
structural evils
8. In transforming structures
and systems , we need to cross
boundaries, leaving our own
comfort zones
9. We need constant capacity-
building by upgrading our skills
in organization, communication,
networking, advocacy and action
as we confront systemic evils
through more organized GS
responses—whether through
“nourishing and caring for the
lost sheep” as well as “leading the
sheepfold to green pastures and
snatching them from wolves!”
Our Good Shepherd
Mission is about reconciling
individuals, peoples, families
and communities. Our mission
of reconciliation believes in
human dignity and the inherent
goodness of all beings. We are
also aware of our own sinfulness
and weakness and our constant
need for God’s mercy. Thus,
we also commit to work for
systemic change by challenging
and transforming structures that
abuses power and exploits others.
We struggle and become aware
of our sinfulness. We surrender
to God’s Mercy and become
Reconciled through healing and
wholeness. We become ONE.
(Sr. Maureen Catabian, RGS, is
a sister of the Religious of the Good
Shepherd who was part of the core
team of GS Asia-Pacific Justice and
Peace workshop held last June 12-15,
2010 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
This is her personal reflection on the
workshop.)

Open Letter / B5 An Appeal / B5

and benefits derived from such projects
should be directly given to indigenous
communities. IP communities also
have a wealth of knowledge that can
be a source of insights when it comes to
responding to climate change.
7. We hope that your call “kung
walang corrupt, walang mahirap”
during the election campaign will
truly guide your administration. In
addition, you must look into the root
cause of our poverty – the unequal
distribution of wealth in our country.
What we have been experiencing for the
past decades is the neo-colonial policy
of globalization, where our economy
is anchored on foreign investments,
while our natural and human resources
are aggressively being exported. We
expect that your new administration
will find ways to review these policies
and come up with a mechanism that will
involve all marginalized sectors of our
country for real national development—
“nararamdamang pag-unlad.”
Hoping for your positive response,
Mabuhay po kayo, Pangulong Noynoy,
Mabuhay ang Pilipino!
For the ECIP-IPA,
MOST REV. SERGIO L. UTLEG, D.D.
Bishop of Laoag and ECIP
Chairperson Sr. Mafran Borje, SFIC
REV. FR. ERWALD DINTER, SVD
ECIP Executive Secretary & Calapan
Mangyan Mission Director IPA Worker- Diocese of Iba consider this appeal and seriously study Yolly Esguerra, Coordinator, PMPI
Msgr. Vic Tugadi Sr. Aileenette Mirasol, FMM the matter. We are more than ready Nymia Pimentel-Simbulan, Executive
IPA Bayombong Director IPA Worker- Diocese of Iba to meet with you or your designated Director, PhilRights
representative to discuss this in more Maria Roda Cisnero (NCR)
Rev. Fr. Rodel Molina Josie Dizon detail. Marietta Paragas, Coordinator,
IPA Bangued Coordinator IPA Worker – Diocese of Balanga Thank you very much for your CORDNET (Baguio City/Cordillera)
consideration, and we sincerely hope Alice Macay (Baguio)
Rev. Fr. Tony Calautit, SVD Ceso Alcachupaz that you find merit in this appeal. Sr. Eden Orlino, Director, DSAC-
IPA Laoag Coordinator IPA Worker – Vicariate of San Jose, Bayombong (Nueva Vizcaya)
Occ. Min. Yours truly: Salvador Dimain (Zambales)
Rev. Fr. Nomy Gabut Carlito Domulot (Zambales)
IPA Urdaneta Coordinator Marisa Juliet Wasit Signatories Roger Hermogino (Zambales)
IPA Worker – Diocese of Bayombong Most Rev. Broderick Pabillo, Auxiliary Delia Sevilleno (Aurora)
Rev. Fr. Marc Sandoval, Jr. Bishop, Archdiocese of Manila Carmelita Cruz (Oriental Mindoro)
IPA Iba Coordinator Shirley Alda Most Rev. Jose Manguiran, Bishop, Ahop Agate (Oriental Mindoro)
Mangyan Mission Staff, Calapan Diocese of Dipolog Rodne Galicha, Officer, SAM/ISLE
Rev. Fr. Pete Montallana, OFM Fr. Edu Gariguez, Executive Secretary, (Sibuyan Island, Romblon)
IPA Infanta Coordinator Belmer Yano CBCP-NASSA Artiso Mandawa, Spokesperson,
Chairman, Benguet Federation of AD Sr. Cres Lucero, SFIC/TFDP ALDAW (Palawan)
Rev. Fr. Arman Limsa & IPO Anabel Plantilla, Director, HARIBON Elizabeth Maclang, Officer, PNNI
IPA Puerto Princesa Coordinator Foundation (Palawan)
Grace Tobias Judy Pasimio, Executive Director, LRC- Fr. Ramon Segubiense (Legaspi City)
Sr. Malou Santos, SSpS LIFORSA-IPA Worker - Baguio KsK/FOE Imee Bertillo (Legaspi City)
Tarlac Aeta Mission Coordinator Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator, Bernadette Gador (San Carlos City)
Linda Tindo ATM Cesar Villanueva (Bacolod)
Sr. Aning Jaurigue, FDCC LIFORSA-IPA Worker – Baguio Lodel Magbanua, Coordinator, Jose Mabulay Jr. (Samar)
IPA San Jose, NE Coordinator PIPLinks Mario Ian Mosquisa (Borongan,
Sr. Vangie Madayag, OSB Lourie Victor Fr. Archie Casey, Vice-Chairperson, Samar)
Holy Family Aeta Mission ECIP-NS Staff JPICC-AMRSP Annie Sandalo (Davao City)
Anthony Marzan, Executive Director, Fr. Albert Mendez (Iligan City)
Sr. Minie Camped, FAS Carol San Pedro KAISAHAN Leo Dignadice (Zamboanga City)
IPA Worker, Archdiocese of Tuguegarao ECIP- NS Staff Aison Garcia, Program Officer, Alvin Valerio (Zamboanga City)
SALIGAN Paul Paraguya (Cagayan de Oro)
Tony Abuso Tony Abuso, Coordinator, CBCP- Sr. Lydia Lascano, SAC-Tandag (Surigao
IPA Worker- Diocese of Iba ECIP NS Staff ECIP Sur)
Dr. Nina Galang, Convenor, Green Fr. Romeo Catedral, SAC-Marbel (South
Sr. Hedy Padrigala, FMM 30 June 2010 Convergence Cotabato)

Right / B1

[is] based on the dignity of [6] World Health Organization, World

CBCPMonitor
Health Report, Primary Health Care
the human person and on the
Name _________________________________________________ fundamental rights and duties
Now More than Ever ( Geneva ,
2008).
(Family Name) (Given Name) (Middle Name) connected with it.”[12] [7] A/61/338, para. 75.
Notes
SUBSCRIPTION RATES Mailing Address _______________________________________________ [1] Report of the Special Rapporteur [8] World Health Organization, “WHO
on the right of everyone to the enjoy-
_________________________________________________ ment of the highest attainable standard
Medicines Strategy: Countries at the
Core, 2004- 2007” , (2004).
of physical and mental health to the
The CBCP Monitor is published Phone No.: ________ Fax No.: ________ E-mail: ___________ Eleventh Session of the Human Rights [9] UNAIDS, 2009 AIDS Epidemic Update,
Council, Eleventh Session,A/HRC/11/12, Geneva , November 2009.
fortnightly by the CBCP Media Mode of Payment 31 March 2009
[10] Children and AIDS: Fourth Stocktak-
Office, with editorial and busi-  Check/PMO enclosed  Cash Payment [2] http://www.ohchr.org/EN/UDHR/ ing Report, UNICEF, 2009, p. 10.
ness offices at 470 Gen. Luna Documents/UDHR_Translations/eng.
(Payable to: CBCP Communications Development Foundation Inc.) pdf [11] Committee on the Rights of
St., Intramuros, Manila. PO Box the Child, Thirty-Second Session,
3601, 1076 MCPO [3] http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/ General Comment No. 3 (2003), HIV/
cescr.htm AIDS and the rights of the child, CRC/
• Domestic _____________________________ GC/2003/3,
[4] Committee on Economic, Social
1 Year Php 500.00 Signature and Cultural Rights, Twenty-second http://www.unhchr.ch/tbs/doc.nsf/8985
2 Years Php 900.00 session, Geneva , 25 April-12 May 2000, 86b1dc7b4043c1256a450044f331/309e8
E/C.12/2000/4, 11 August 2000, http:// c3807aa8cb7c1256d2d0038caaa/$FILE/
• Foreign: Asia www.unhchr.ch/tbs/doc.nsf/(symbol)/ G0340816.pdf
1 Year US$ 55.00 E.C.12.2000.4.En
PLEASE SEND TO:
[12] Pope Benedict XVI, Address To The
• All Other US$ 80.00 [5] World Health Organization, Public Plenary Assembly Of The Pontifical Coun-
Health Innovation and Intellectual cil For Health Pastoral Care, 22 March
CBCP Monitor, P.O. Box 3601, Manila, Philippines Property Rights, A Report of the Com- 2007, http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/
470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, Philippines | Tel (632) 404-2182 • Telefax (632) 404-1612 mission on Intellectual Property Rights, benedict_xvi/speeches/2007/march/
Or e-mail this at cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.com Innovation and Public Health ( Geneva
, 2006) p. 3.
documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20070322_
pc-salute_en.html
 B8
 Disturbing
 Acceptable
 Wholesome
 Exemplary
A ndy , t h e o w n e r o f t h e
toys is now grown-up and
is leaving for college. His
mother asked him to sort
his things and decide which
goes to the boxes labeled
‘college’, ‘attic’, ‘donation’ or
the garbage bag. This is such
a heart-wrenching moment
for his toys that have not
been played for a long time
and have been kept in the
toy chest for years. Andy
decides to put Woody in the
box “going to college” while
his other toy friends are put in
a trash bag but Andy intends
to put them at the attic. His
choice of container leads to a
near rendezvous of the toys
to the garbage truck. Afraid
that they may end up in the
landfill, the toys managed to
climb back and decide to go
to the ‘donation’ box headed
to a day care center. Woody
knows the garbage truck
incident was a mistake and
he tries to convince them to
come back home. The group
did not believe Woody and
they find themselves in the
day care center and welcomed
by a strawberry scented
bear named Lotso. They are
convinced that they have
found their new home in
the day care center and are
assured by Lotso that they
will be played there. Woody
is still not convinced so they
decided to part ways. Woody
later on learns that Lotso is
not the friendly teddy bear
he appears to be and his toy
friends are now in danger.
Toy Story 3 could be the
most anticipated family
MAC en COLET
Ni Bladimer Usi
Entertainment
Moral Assessment
 Abhorrent
 Below average
 Average
 Above average
 E
mo v i e o f t h e y e a r . B e i n g
the third installment of a
successful franchise, it has
to at least be at par with its
earlier versions or better.
And it never failed in this
respect. The creators of the
movie managed to thicken the
plot with its new premise and
additional villain characters
which are far more evil-like
and frightening than the
previous villains in earlier
movies, making Toy Story
3the darkest film of the
franchise. This time, the fun
and laughs are lesser, but the
sentiments are more or less
the same. The movie is still
as imaginative and the “great
escape” adventure of the toy
characters is very engaging.
The voice actors are great as
they have always been. All in
all, Toy Story 3 remains to be
both fun and heart-warming
experience that brings out the
child in all of its audience no
matter what age.
The Toy Story has been
working on its original
premise, what if toys are
like humans with feelings
and emotions. This makes
the children, and even the
child-at-heart, appreciate all
things around, both living
and non-living, especially
those that make them happy
however temporary. The film
successfully conveys this idea
and achieves such effect to a
great extent. For most times,
audiences forget that they are
actually watching toys. In the
movie, toys are actually more
human than other humans.
How does it really feel to be
Buhay Parokya
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 14
July 5 – July 18, 2010
Technical Assessment
 Poor
xcellent
Title: Toy Story 3
Cast: (Voice only) Tom Hanks,
Tim Allen, Joan Cusack,
Don Rickles, Wallace
Shawn, John Ratzenberg-
er, Estelle Harris, Michael
Keaton
Director: Lee Unkrich
Screenwriters: Michael Arndt,
John Lasseter, Andrew
Stanton and Lee Unkrich
Genre: Animation/ Comedy/
Adventure
Distributor: Pixar/ Walt Disney
Running Time: 102 mins.
Technical Assessment: 
Moral Assessment: 
CINEMA Rating: For viewrs
age 13 and below with
parental guidance
abandoned? Or left alone? Or
betrayed? It is almost always
easier to escape and evade
but the toys in the story has
taught its audience loyalty,
courage, perseverance and
far more importantly, hope.
Against all odds, they stick
together and their friendship
and camaraderie make them
survive any ordeal, making
things work for them in the
process including a peaceful
turnover, a meaningful
goodbye and a sentimental
letting go. The evil ones get
their punishment and the
good ones are rewarded.
However, the ‘prison break’
and ‘great escape’ plots and
some degree of violence in the
movie may be a bit dark for
the very young so CINEMA
recommends that parents
supervise their children
below 13 years old while
watching.
Look for the images
of the Holy Trinity,
the Holy Family,
and the Church.
(Illustration by
Bladimer Usi)
Former Chief Justice and United Nations (UN)
CBCP Monitor
C1
Ambassador Sir Knight Hilario G. Davide, Jr.
with KC Life officers.
Vol. 14 No. 14
July 5 - July 18, 2010

The Cross
A Supplement Publication of KC Life
and the Order of the Knights of Columbus

By Annie Nicolas

Retired Chief Justice of the Su-

preme Court and former Perma-
Davide elected as
KC Life Chairman
nent Representative to the United
Nations, Sir Knight Hilario G.
Davide, Jr., was elected Chair-
man of the Board of Trustees of
Knights of Columbus Fraternal
Association of the Philippines,
Inc. (KCFAPI, also known as KC
Life) during their 52nd Annual
Founder Members meeting held
last July 2, 2010.
Chairman Davide is a member of
Fr.Matias Lucero Council 6054 in Argao,
Cebu. He was exemplified into the First
Degree in 1975 and was conferred the
honors of the Fourth Degree in 1982. He
is one of the only four Filipinos featured in
the book “By Their Works” published by
the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council
to honor the contributions by extraordinary
knights. He also served as member of the
Board of Trustees of KC Life in 1989-1990
and a member of the Board of Advisors
since 2007.
(From L-R) KC Life President Antonio B. Borromeo, Executive Vice President Ma. Theresa G. Curia, Chairman Hilario G. Davide, Jr. and Treasurer Antonio T. Yulo during the orientation of
His professional life has been, for the most Hon. Davide as the new KC Life Chairman of the Board of Trustees held at the home office in Intramuros, Manila last June 5, 2010.
part, devoted to public service. He was a

Executive Sales Visitations continue Another KC

member of the Constitutional Convention in
1971, elected Assemblyman in 1978, member
of the Constitutional Commission of 1986.
President Corazon C. Aquino appointed him

Chairman of the Commission on Elections
(COMELEC) in 1988 and Chairman of the
Presidential Fact-Finding Commission in
1990. He was appointed as Associate Justice
THE Executive Sales Visitation
being conducted by the Fraternal
Benefits Group went to three (3)
more separate venues after it was
nal counselors unselfishly shared
his secrets to success for the appre-
ciation of other participants.
KC Life President Antonio B.
Life incentive
Manager Manuel Naldoza vol-
unteered to share the lesson on
YSK (Yaman Sapat sa Kalikasan,)
which he learned from the Agency

of the Supreme Court in 1991. His crown-
ing achievement came in December 1998
when he was appointed the Chief Justice of
the Supreme Court. It was in January 2007
when President Gloria M. Arroyo appointed
launched in Vigan City.
The next leg was held on June
14, 2010 in Malolos City which
was attended by some 50 fraternal
Borromeo provided inspiring
anecdotes which centered on com-
parative advantages of KC Life
over other life insurance compa-
program
Management Course he took last
February 2010 together with other
Area Managers.
The sessions were facilitated by

him Permanent Representative to the United
Nations. Recently, he was appointed by
President Benigno C. Aquino as Chairman
of the Truth Commission.
In 2002, he received the Ramon Magsay-
say Award for Government Service, in rec-
ognition of his commitment to democracy
and rule of law in the Philippines.
counselors coming from the 3 Cen-
tral Luzon areas. It was followed
in Manila on June 18, 2010 and on
June 24, 2010, also in Manila, which
were attended by 4 Metro Manila
areas and 3 Southern Luzon areas,
respectively.
A member of productive frater-
nies and even narrated personal
experiences.
EVP Ma. Theresa G. Curia em-
phasized the financial stability of
KC Life while FBG Vice President
Joseph P. Teodoro lectured on the
selling process.
Central Luzon Conquerors Area
launched
FBSD Manager, Bro. Gari M. San
Sebastian.
The executive sales visitation
was envisioned by FBG to improve
sales performance and make the
sales people aware of the current
developments in KC Life. (Joseph
THE Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association
P. Teodoro)
of the Philippines, Inc. (KC Life) has launched
another incentive program for the fraternal coun-
selors, team leaders and area managers.

KC Life Chaplain joins KC Priests Pilgrimage

MONSIGNOR Pedro C. Quitorio III,
chaplain of the Knights of Columbus
Fraternal Association of the Philippines
(KC Life) was one of the 80 bishops and
priests who attended the pilgrimage
“to the tomb of Peter the apostle” on
the occasion of the closing of the Year
for Priests.
by Pope Benedict XVI at the St. Peter’s
Square the following day. An estimate
of 12,000 priests from around the world
attended the closing rites.
Masses concelebrated at the Altar of
the Chair of St. Peter’s Basilica and at
the Altar of Confession in the Vatican
Grottoes where the tomb of Pope John
Area Managers who have attained the required
first year contribution income during the preced-
ing year and Fraternal Counselors who were able
to achieve the standard new paid lives during the
last 12 months, are entitled to a laptop loan.
The loan, the organizers announced, shall be
payable in 12 months.
The incentive program being organized by KC
Life is one of the benefits given to top fraternal
counselors in order to maintain one’s peak per-
formance and optimum productivity. (KC Life
News)

Msgr. Quitorio who is also the as-
sistant state chaplain for Luzon joined
the State chaplains from the United
States, Canada, Mexico and Poland on
the “Knights of Columbus Pilgrimage
to Rome” organized by the Supreme
Council.
The pilgrimage was led by the Su-
preme Chaplain Bishop William Lori
together with Supreme Knight Carl
Anderson and other State Officers and
Staff.
During the stretch of the pilgrimage
the KC Chaplains attended the Inter-
national Congress for the Clergy held
June 9-10, 2010 at the St. Paul Outside-
“KC Life Chaplain, Msgr. Pedro Quitorio, poses with Supreme Chaplain Bishop the-Walls Basilica in Rome. They also
William Lori during the pilgrimage of KC Chaplains “to the tomb of Peter the
attended the rites of the closing of the
Apostle” on the occasion of the closing of the Year for Priests in Rome, June
7-12, 2010.” Year for Priests, which was presided
Fraternal counselor
Paul II is enshrined highlighted the KC
priests’ pilgrimage.
The KC priests visited and prayed
at the Basilica of St. John Lateran and
at St. Mary Major Basilica where they
were personally received by Cardinal
Bernard Law, the archpriest of the gets 1st KC Life’s car
loan program
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.
The Mayor of Rome received the KC
priests at the City Hall during the K of C
90th Anniversary in Rome and Opening
of Exhibits at the Capitoline Museums
on June 9. LAURO Evangelista of the Central Luzon Believers
The KC priests’ pilgrimage ended is the first fraternal counselor who has availed of a
with a Eucharistic celebration held car loan program, which is one of the recent incen-
at the Basilica of St. Francis of As- tives for productive fraternal counselors.
sisi and a visit to the Papal Apart- Evangelista is the FC of the Year in 2008 and
ments and Audience Hall on June 12. in 2009 and is aiming for a grand slam this year.
He is also currently the District Chairman for the
(CBCPNews)
Fraternal Protection Program in District M-22,
Bulacan.

Prospective Fraternal Counselors attend training

EIGHT new fraternal counselors attended the
fraternal service training (FST) conducted by KC
Life’s training department held from June 17-18,
2010 at the Social hall of the Fr. George J. Will-
mann, SJ Center, Intramuros, Manila.
The following fraternal counselors received
their certificates of completion of the two-day
training seminar facilitated by Bro. Gari M. San
Sebastian, FBSD Manager: Paul Dexter A. Capi-
ral, Alicia A. Capiral, Jose W. Hortelano, Mely
Rose T. Fronda, Juanito M. Cayapan, Emmanuel
T. Villegas, Benedicto A. Burgonio, Ramon F.
Briones
The FST is the first training seminar prepared
by KC Life for brother knights and family mem-
bers who have the desire to serve as fraternal
counselors. The program includes the following
topics which prepared the would-be-fraternal
counselors to become successful in their work:
History of KC Life; Relevance of Insurance in the
Knights of Columbus; Services of Life Insurance;
Life Insurance Plans; How to Compute Insurance
Contribution; Accomplishing the Application
form; Non-Medical Privilege; Policies and Pro-
cedures of KC Life; Servicing Brother Knights;
Comparative Advantage of KC Life. (Joseph P.
Teodoro)
According to Joseph P. Teodoro, Vice-President
of the Fraternal Benefits Group, the car loan pro-
gram is one of the means for top fraternal coun-
selors to attain peak performance and optimum
productivity.
Those who may join the program must be the
Fraternal Counselors who have been with the KC
Life for the last three (3) years from the application
of the car loan and must show proof of excellent
performance.
The said car loan program is limited to 4-door
sedan cars manufactured by Toyota, Mitsubishi,
Honda and Nissan. (KC Life News)
 The Cross
CBCP Monitor
C2 Vol. 14 No. 14
July 5 - July 18, 2010

By Joseph P. Teodoro

Congratulatory Message For Brother Knights by Brother Knights

The Knights of Columbus in the Philippines

A New
and KC Life congratulates His Excellency
BENIGNO SIMEON C. AQUINO III as the
15th President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Columbian Year,
A personal message from the
Knights of Columbus Luzon
Jurisdiction Deputy, ALONSO
L. TAN.

A New Beginning
IN behalf of the officers and mem-
bers of the Knights of Columbus
Luzon Jurisdiction, we express
our sincerest congratulations to
the new President of the Republic
of the Philippines, His Excellency
Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III. JULY 1st of each year is the start of holders of KC Life.
We assure you of the full a new Columbian Year, which also From FBG’s end, we have lined up
support and cooperation of the signals a new beginning, a fresh start a series of executive visitations for our
132,000 members of the Knights with renewed expectations for a better sales people to make them aware of the
of Columbus in 1,082 Councils year to come. developments in the Association, semi-
Luzon-wide, through our various For one, there will be new council nars to hone their selling skills and new
church-based service programs officers headed by the grand knight incentive programs for District Deputies
for the community. and his cabinet members so to speak. and councils.
In our esteem for you and your parents who have done a great service to There are also new activities lined up On the part of our field sales repre-
our Nation and our people, we would be establishing within the year a new for the coming year and old projects sentatives, we expect them to visit all
council in honor of your father the late Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. which were conducted in the past year brother knights and family members
Also, as a sign of our admiration and deep respect to you as our new but with exciting nuances that promise in their councils and tell them the won-
President, we offer 1,000 new members who will be exemplified into our better results. derful and exclusive privilege of being
Order in your honor. A special limited edition certificate of membership With this new morning rising in a member of the Knights of Columbus
will be designed and issued for the purpose. the horizon of our Order the people family.
We offer our fervent prayers for your good health and for the success of involved in the promotion of the insur- Finally, we pray for the success of all
your administration in leading our country to a brighter future. MAY GOD ance program should lose no time in councils in executing their service pro-
BLESS YOU AND GUIDE YOU IN ALL YOUR DECISIONS! getting more KC members and family grams including the insurance program
members enrolled as benefit certificate of the Order.

KC Council conducts bloodletting Frequently Asked

THE Knights of Columbus Christ the King
Council 12342 conducted a community blood-
letting drive in cooperation with the Philippine
National Red Cross Laguna Chapter on June
27, 2010, Sunday at the Christ the King Parish
Questions
Church, GSIS Holiday Hills Village, San Pedro, By Angelito A. Bala
Laguna from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
A total of 18 blood donors participated in this
activity, mostly young individuals and healthy BC Holders’ Relations Office
parishioners. Four members of Christ the King
Council 12342 likewise donated blood. Q. I received your billing notice only to find out that I
Coinciding with this activity, some parish- have incurred a certificate loan. However, I don’t remem-
ioners availed of the free ‘fasting blood sugar’ ber taking out any loan. Can you help me on this?
check-up.
This event was planned and implemented by A. Please check your contract provisions, more spe-
the officers and members of Council 12342 led cifically, the non-forfeiture option in case of contribution
by its Grand Knight Basil B. Occeno. A total of default found in your BC application. Most likely you
10 council members participated in this project selected the contribution loan option. This option instructs
and assisted the Red Cross Volunteers. the Association to automatically deduct the contribution
Moreover, there were seven Red Cross in default from any available cash value of your plan to
Volunteers who came all the way from Sta. keep your benefit certificate in-force. That is, instead of
Cruz, Laguna and took charge in this drive allowing your BC to lapse, the contribution loan keeps you
headed by Ms. Agustina Doncillo of San Pedro, protected with insurance (and your loved ones) as you
Laguna Chapter. continue to enjoy all other living and death benefits plus
This bloodletting drive has, in one way or other privileges. The amount of loan is usually the modal
another, helped in supporting the Philippine contribution plus one year’s worth of interest. In case of
National Red Cross’ advocacy in extending death, the contribution loan plus any accrued interest will
services to various communities in the country. be deducted from the death proceeds.
(Basil Occeño)
Q. How much loan can I borrow from my benefit cer-

State Deputies participate in the 2010

tificate?

A. The amount of loan depends on the cash value of the

Supreme organizational meeting

THE Knights of Columbus (KC) Philippines
State Deputies attended an organizational meet-
ing organized by the KC Supreme Council last
June 3-6, 2010 at the Omni Hotel in New Haven,
Connecticut.
Participating State Deputies in the Philippines
during the meeting were Luzon State Deputy
Alonso Tan; Visayas State Deputy Dionisio
Esteban, Jr.; and Mindanao State Deputy Sof-
ronio Cruz.
The meeting opened with a Eucharistic Cel-
ebration presided by Supreme Chaplain Bishop
William Lori at the St. Mary’s Church.
Supreme Knight Carl Anderson delivered a
keynote address to start the meeting.
Executive Vice-President for Agencies and
Marketing Thomas P. Smith tackled the frater-
nal-agency partnership growth while George
W. Hanna, Senior Vice-President for Fraternal
Services, discussed on Nuts and Bolts of mem-
bership recruitment and announced the 2010-
2011 Circle of Honor Incentive Program.
A workshop about “Volunteerism-The Key
to Growth and Retention” was facilitated by
Deputy Supreme Knight Dennis Savoie and
Robert Ennis, Director of Fraternal Operations
and Programs.
A discussion on state strategic growth plans
and how state deputies’ accountability will
drive success was also held. This was attended
by Supreme Officers and membership program
consultants.
As a closing activity, a fraternal mass, pre-
sided by Bishop Lori was held followed by a
message from Supreme Knight Carl Anderson.
(KC News)
chosen insurance plan. Endowment plans usually have
higher cash values compared to whole life plan series.
The cash value depends on the insurance plan, the age of
the insured, the amount of insurance (face value) and the
number of years the BC has been in-force.
When you purchase a regular plan of KC Life, the
Benefit Certificate will contain a cash value printout
specific to the applicant’s age and plan chosen. From
the table, look under the cash value column, locate the
row to identify the BC number of years in-force and the
intersection will be your cash value per 1,000 of insurance
available to you for the period. To get your gross loan
amount, multiply this tabular cash value by the amount
of insurance then divide the result by 1,000. The net loan
amount is the gross loan amount less one year’s interest
deducted in advance as stipulated in the general contract
provisions.

Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines Inc., The Knights of Columbus Fra-
ternal Association of the Phil-
an established mutual benefits association is currently looking for: ippines Inc., is an established and
progressive mutual benefits associa-
Auditor tion operating for 51 years, has been
Accounting Staff highly committed to provide mutual
aid and assistance to its members and
BC Holders’ Relations Office Staff their immediate families.

Customer Relations Assistant KC Life firmly believes that the con-

tinued progress and success of the
If you are dedicated, service-oriented, and have the promising potential to join us in our continuous drive association depends to a great extent
to provide mutual aid, assistance and excellent service to our members. Kindly send your comprehensive on its human capital.

resume’ thru fax number 527-2244 or hand-carry resume’ with a 2x2 photo and transcript of records to: KC Life also believes that through
training and a host of other benefits
if coupled with hard work, will help
employees and the association, attain
their goals and objectives.

In our continuous drive to provide

excellent service to our members, we
are currently on the look-out for indi-
KC Family... Our Concern viduals with promising potentials. He
must be dedicated, service oriented,
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FRATERNAL and willing to undergo training.
ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC.
Our compensation and employee
Gen. Luna cor. Sta. Potenciana Sts., benefits are comparable, if not better
Intramuros, Manila than most companies of our same size
and nature of business.
You may also call 527 – 2223 local 202 for queries and look for Ms. Kristianne or Ms. April of HRCC.
 The Cross
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 14
July 5 - July 18, 2010
C3

Our Pilgrimage of Faith

By Supreme Knight Carl A.
Anderson
AT the end of May, I spoke to approxi-
mately 100,000 pilgrims at the basilica
in Piekary Śląskie, a city in southern
Poland. Speaking before men from
every part of the country and from
beyond its borders, I recognized that
pilgrimage is an excellent metaphor for
our own lives.
I was proud to have joined a large
delegation of brother Knights from Po-
land and the United States as together
we walked several miles from a local
parish to the basilica.
Pilgrimage—in the traditional sense—
occurs when a person travels to a place
that holds special spiritual promise.
During a pilgrimage, the pilgrim en-
counters days of journey and prayer
completely oriented to increasing one’s
faith. In fact, a person is a pilgrim both
during the journey and at the actual pil-
grimage site, since the journey – often a
difficult one – is part of the preparation
for arriving at a holy place. The pilgrim
gives witness along the way, as well as
at his destination.
As on a pilgrimage, our lives should
be a journey toward a spiritual des-
tination. If an eternity with Christ is
our goal, then our journey should be
oriented to that objective. In addition,
our witness during the pilgrimage of
life must be complete. Each moment in
each aspect of our lives must be oriented
toward our expectation of full unity
with Christ in heaven.
In the 1980s, Cardinal Joseph Ratz-
inger—now Pope Benedict XVI—wrote,
“Faith means entering into solidarity
with salvation history, taking up its
‘already’ and on that basis working
toward its ‘not yet.’”
He continued: “Faith is the appro-
priation of the past history, which finds
itself transposed through love into the
present and so becomes once more
hope for the future. Salvation history
is, therefore, not merely the past. It is
also the present and the future as we
continue on our pilgrimage till the
Lord’s return.”
In other words, each day of our own
spiritual journey and that of the Church
should witness to the significance of
Christ’s life and death for both our pres-
ent lives and our future hope.
In my remarks to those gathered for
the pilgrimage in Poland, I recalled
that the Second Vatican Council
called the lay faithful to seek the king-
dom of God by engaging in temporal
affairs and directing them according
to God’s will. Lay people “are called
by God so that they, led by the spirit
of the Gospel, might contribute to
the sanctification of the world, as
from within like leaven, by fulfilling
their own particular duties. Thus,
especially by the witness of their life,
resplendent in faith, hope and charity
they must manifest Christ to others”
(Christifideles Laici, 15; cf. Lumen
Gentium, 31).
For Knights of Columbus, this means
two things: First, we must witness to the
love of Jesus Christ whether in private or
in public, at home, at work or in the public
square. This means witnessing to charity
for all, to unity with all people (especially
with our fellow Christians), and to a sense
of fraternity with our brother Knights
with whom we work together to better
our communities and the world.
Second, as we enter “into solidarity”
with salvation history, in the words of
Pope Benedict, we should also take up
Pope John Paul II’s challenge of solidari-
ty—a communion among Catholics that
is based upon a common tradition and
a common heritage, and unity based
in the sacraments of baptism and the
Eucharist.
This solidarity ought to transcend po-
litical boundaries, cultural differences
and economic interests. And in keeping
with the Order’s first principle of char-
ity, it should be based on the ancient and
enduring wisdom of our faith – that we
are our brother’s keeper.
If we can witness to our faith daily,
especially by living out Christ’s com-
mandment to love one another, then
we will be living witnesses to Christ’s
love for us along the way and will find
ourselves at the end of life’s journey
ready for our eternal destination.
Vivat Jesus!

KC Fr. George J. A letter from a KC Foundation scholar

Willmann scholar,
Greetings in the name of Jesus Mary and myself that God has granted my wish and or anything of the sort, I will be more than
Joseph! He made Knights of Columbus Scholarship willing to do so because who can better de-
For the past four years that you have nur- Foundation the instrument to my dreams, fine the Foundation’s bigheartedness than

ordained priest
REV. Fr. Ronald Espiritu, a scholar of Fr. George J. Willmann
Charities, was ordained priest on June 10, 2010 at the Cathedral
of St. John the Evangelist in Naga City. His Excellency Most
Rev. Fr. Leonardo Z. Legaspi, the Bishop of Nueva Caceres
was the main celebrant of the Eucharistic Celebration.
Angeles took his Philosophy studies at the Holy Rosary
Minor Seminary and graduated at the Holy Rosary Major
Seminary in Naga City on March 13, 2009. He was ordained
as deacon on July 4, 2009.
The Foundation has two levels of scholarship: first, are
seminarians in their theology studies and, second, priests who
wish to pursue further studies in ecclesiastical discipline in
local colleges or universities.
The Fr. George J. Willmann Charities also manages the
Fr. Michael McGivney Scholarship Fund that gives assistance
to Filipino priests who wish to take up further studies in Rome.
(KC Life News)
tured, supported and tendered me – once a
student and now with God’s help, a Nursing
graduate. A simple word of gratitude will
never be enough but even so, allow me to say
it with a heartfelt desire, THANK YOU.
I could just remember myself four years
ago. I was just one of the many who took
the qualifying exam, oozing with the hope
to be given the chance to study in college
for free. My answer on the last question of
the questionnaire is still vivid to me until
now. “I have to be a K of C scholar because
my parents have done so much for me and
in my own way, I have to somehow repay
them and make them happy”—or so it
goes. Then I received the notice that you
picked me to be a scholar—a full scholar
to be exact, right there and then, I said to
Mace, PhilBritish
conducts Non-Life
my success.
Such is the reason why more than just the
financial support that helped materialize
my dream to graduate a Nursing course, by
accepting me as a scholar, you have given
me my greatest achievement amongst all – I
have made my parents happy and more so
proud.
Yes, it is true that the road may be far off
ahead, many struggles are yet to test me and
my faith, but I am not afraid because being
a Knights of Columbus scholar has taught
me that, if there is faith and if you believe in
God, everything is possible.
As part of my gratitude to the Foundation
that made me reach this far, if you need me
to speak and spread the good word of your
generosity to the Foundation’s Conferences
New KC Priest-scholar in Rome named
SK ALONSO L. Tan, President of KC Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc.
the one who is the recipient of one such
blessing – me.
Last April 11, 2010 was my Graduation
and Pinning Ceremony. And in fact, I am
pleased to inform you that I ranked 6th in
the overall first batch of Nursing board exam
takers in the University (criteria for which
includes grades from first to fourth year.)
In connection, I will be taking the Nurs-
ing Licensure Exam come July 3 and 4, 2010.
With God’s providence, I would humbly
implore you to pray for me so that I will pass
the exam and in doing so, I will be able to
put to proper use and practice what you have
supported for the past four years.
Thank you.
Mind Shoiba P. Tecson, KC Foundation
scholar

KC chaplains granted scholarship

recently named Rev. Fr. Edsel V. Delfin of the Archdiocese of Capiz as the
27th priest-scholar of the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council under the

Seminar
Father Michael J. McGivney Fund for Advanced Studies in Rome.
for licentiate, masteral studies He is a second degree member of the Knights of Columbus of Mt.
Carmel Council 9279 Roxas City where he served as Assistant Chaplain.
Fr. Delfin finished AB Philosophy at St. Pius X Minor Seminary in Roxas
THREE Knights of Columbus Chaplains were awarded 2-year THE Mace Insurance Agency, Inc. (A Subsidiary of Knights of Co- City and his Bachelor in Sacred Theology at the St. Joseph Regional
scholarship grant by the Knights of Columbus Fr. George J. lumbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc.) together with Seminary in Iloilo City with Cum Laude honors. He was ordained to
Willmann Charities, Inc. for their Licentiate/Masteral Stud- Philippine British Assurance Company, Inc. conducted a Non-Life the Sacred Order of Priesthood in 2000.
ies locally. Foundation President, Bro. Alonso L. Tan, named Seminar for its Soliciting Associates held at the KC Life office last Fr. Delfin is the Rector of St. Pius X Minor Seminary where he also
them as Fr. Angelito de Torres of the Diocese of Daet, Fr. June 29, 2010. teaches Spanish Language. Recently, Most. Rev. Onesimo C. Gordoncillo,
Marlon Belmonte from the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia and About 25 Soliciting Associates actively participated in the said DD, Archbishop of Capiz, requested Fr. Delfin to study Sacred Liturgy to
Fr. Enrique Lacostales of the Diocese of Pagadian. seminar. This was also attended by Mace President Mr. Antonio further address the needs of the seminary. Since Fr. Delfin is personally
Fr. de Torres is now pursuing Master of Arts Major in Pas- T. Yulo and Philippine British Assurance President, Ms. Charry interested and involved with Liturgy in the Archdiocese and at present
toral Ministry (Family Ministry and Counseling) at the Center Cuyegkeng. the master of Ceremonies, he acceded to the Archbishop’s request.
for Family Ministries (CFM), Loyola School of Theology in The seminar is intended to enhance the knowledge of the partici- Fr. Delfin will take up Licentiate in Sacred Liturgy at San Anselmo
Quezon City. A member of Council 3748 Daet, Camarines Sur, pants in other non-life insurance products such as Bonds, Livestock University in Rome and will stay at Pontificio Collegio Filippino for the
Fr. de Torres was assigned as Parochial Vicar of the Parish of Insurance, Accident and Health Insurance. (Basil Occeño) duration of his schooling. (Denise C. Solina)
St. John the Baptist prior to his schooling.
On the other hand, Fr. Belmonte enrolled at the University
of Sto. Tomas for some units of MA Guidance and Counsel-
ing as pre-requisite to PhD in Guidance Counseling. He is
the Assistant Chaplain of KC Council 10954 Sto. Domingo,
Ilocos Sur and was previously assigned as Spiritual Director
at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology in Vigan,
Ilocos Sur.
Fr. Lacostales from Mindanao is currently taking up Licen-
tiate in Canon Law at the University of Sto. Tomas. He is a
member of KC Council 8794 where he also served as Chaplain.
Fr. Lacostales has been assigned as Parish Administrator of the
San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish, Tambo, Iligan City before he went
to Manila to pursue further studies. (Denise C. Solina)

New KC Seminarian-scholars announced

KNIGHTS of Columbus Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc.
President, SK Alonso L. Tan, recently announced the new ben-
eficiaries of its Scholarship Program for diocesan-seminarians
in Theology level for schoolyear 2010-2011.
Named scholars for Luzon were Raisun John R. Placino
(Diocese of Lucena), Philip Jerold F. Tan (Apostolic Vicariate
of Taytay), Gerald B. Culla (Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan),
Vic E. Tabernilla (Diocese of Lucena), and Kent Andrew E.
Apeña (Diocese of Malolos).
Chosen scholars from Visayas were Jun Bernard N. Moleño
and D’aaron Q. Fallacorina of the Archdiocese of Jaro and
in Mindanao were Jonathan L. Autida (Diocese of Tagum),
Edgar R. Rebusta, Jr. and Jonald C. Apaon, both from the
Diocese of Iligan.
This brings to 40 the current number of diocesan seminarian-
scholars supported by the Foundation in various seminaries
throughout the country. The Foundation is named after
Fr. George J. Willmann, S.J. (1897-1977) who is considered the
Father of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines which
has at present 262,765 members.
Inquiries about the Scholarship Program may be coursed
through Bro. Roberto T. Cruz, Executive Director at tel. nos.
527-2223 local 210 with office address at General Luna cor-
ner Sta. Potenciana Streets, Intramuros, Manila. (Denise C.
Solina)
 The Cross
CBCP Monitor
C4 Vol. 14 No. 14
July 5 - July 18, 2010

Grand Knight ordained deacon SEMINARIAN Anthony O.
Aguason, 27, Grand Knight
of College Council No. l3997
based at Sancta Maria Mater
et Regina Seminarium (SM-
MRS) in Brgy. Cagay, Roxas
City, was ordained deacon
in a solemn and simple rites
held at the SMMRS Chapel,
June 29.
He was ordained by Most
Rev. Onesimo C. Gordoncillo,
D.D., archbishop of Capiz,
who is also a Fourth Degree
Knight.
The newly- ordained deacon
is the son of Felipe Aguason
and Adelaida Onayan-Agua-
son of Brgy. Dumolog, Roxas
City.
Soon after graduating from
Dumolog high school in 2000
Aguason entered the St. Pius
X Seminary in Brgy. Lawa-an,
Roxas City.
In 200l he transferred to SM-
MRS where he finished Bache-
lor of Arts in Philosophy, cum
laude and Moral Excellence
Awardee in 2005.
Together with KC Life President Antonio B. Borromeo, the 2010 Presidential ring awardees composed of the following show their force of strength: Area Managers/Team The grand knight, heed-
Leaders - Efren M. Casupanan, Armando S. Gonzales, Josefino F. Valencia, Conrado S. Dator, Joel S. Flordelis; Fraternal Counselors - Eduardo V. Cruz, Lauro L. Evangelista, ing to God’s will and call,
Luis F. Ferrer, Bonifacio M. Morales, Ronando M. Rodriguez, Amado S. Miranda, Danilo M. Tullao, Angel F. Rivada, Reynaldo Q. Segismundo, Hugo M. Goce, Angelito T.
Lat, Teofilo A. Samson and Maria Teresa G. De la Mota. proceeded further to take up
Theology at the same semi-
nary where he graduated last
March 20l0.
He undertook a spiritual
pastoral formation break from
academic routine in 2008-
2009, as requisite for gradua-
tion and ordination.
Now, he is addressed not
only as Worthy Grand Knight
but as Rev. Anthony O Agua-
son.
The College Council No.
l3997 was organized on
November 7, 2002 with 32
members. It was suspended
and became inactive because
most of its members who were
all seminarians have gradu-
ated from the seminary.
The KC District Deputy in
coordination with the semi-
nary authorities are helping
reactivate the said council.
With more than l.8 million
members, the Knights of Co-
lumbus is the world’s largest
Catholic lay organization of
men.
It provides members and
their families with volunteer
opportunities in service to the
Catholic Church, the commu-
nity, families and young peo-
ple. (Bienvenido P. Cortes)

KC Luzon conducts 2010 Organizational KC Luzon

Meeting of District Deputies joins 112th
Indepen-
The Knights of Columbus Luzon Jurisdiction
has organized the 2010 Organizational Meet-
ing of District Deputies last June 19-20, 2010 at
the Makati Palace Hotel in Makati City.

dence Day
The meeting was attended by 191 District
Deputies from Luzon, according to the Lu-
zon Deputy, Alonso L. Tan.
According to State Secretary Arsenio
Isidro G. Yap, the seminar covered all as-

Celebration
pects a District Deputy needs to know in
conducting his office as well as his duties
and obligations to the Supreme Office and
the Luzon Jurisdiction.
The welcome remarks and major policies
and objectives of the Luzon Jurisdiction
were delivered by Luzon Deputy Alonso
L. Tan while the 2010-2011 objectives and
strategies on membership and the insur-
ance were presented by State Membership
Director Joseph P. Teodoro who is also FBG
Vice President.
Jose F. Cuaresma, State Columbian Squires
Chairman, then discussed on the organiza-
tion of Columbian Squires.
State Spiritual Formation Chairman Luis
A. Adriano, Jr. on the other hand, tackled the
Spiritual Formation Course Outline.
On June 20, Assistant State Chaplain Msgr.
Pedro C. Quitorio III, presided the Holy
Mass and administered the oath-taking of
the State Officers.
CBCP’s Assistant Secretary- General, Jo-
selito C. Asis together with Msgr. Quitorio
likewise delivered a talk on freemasonry.
The Awarding of the Most Outstanding Dis-
trict Deputy and the Outstanding District Depu-
ties of the Luzon Jurisdiction for the Columbian
Year 2009-2010, highlighted the event.
District Deputy GLENN T. SERRANO of
KNIGHTS of Columbus Luzon Jurisdiction
and the knights from the Diocese of Imus
participated in the 112th Philippine Indepen-
dence Day Celebration held in Kawit, Cavite
last June 12, 2010.
Thousands of Knights with their District
Deputies were present during the flag raising
and wreath laying ceremonies commemorat-
ing the Philippine Independence declaration,
which was held in Kawit 112 years ago.
The celebration was hosted by SK Amado
A. Sanglay, District Deputy of District I-31
and District Roundtable Chairman and the
General Emilio Aguinaldo Assembly, ACN
1438 led by Faithful Navigator SK Marlito
Sotto together with SK Abelardo Patinio,
Master of the 4th degree of Ferdinand Magel-
lan Province District V.
In photo are Luzon State Officers with Most Outstanding District Deputy and Outstanding DDs for the CY 2009-2010. (First row, from The presence of Luzon Deputy Alonso L.
L-R) State Secretary Arsenio Isidro G. Yap, Assistant State Chaplain Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III, Luzon Deputy Alonso L. Tan, CBCP Tan together with some state officers and
Assistant Secretary General Joselito C. Asis, State Advocate Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr., State Warden Pascual C. Carbero. (Second officials enhanced the participation of the
row, from L-R) Most Outstanding District Deputies and Outstanding District Deputies for CY 2009-2010 Awardees. Knights of Columbus in the occasion.
Among the participating groups were
the districts from the Diocese of Imus; 4th

Most Outstanding District Deputy and

District T47 (Archdiocese of Tuguegarao) Degree Assemblies of the Diocese of Imus;
was awarded as the Most Outstanding Dis- Columbian Squires of the Diocese of Imus
trict Deputy. No less than, Luzon Deputy and the Stella Maris Council No. 4265
Alonso L. Tan handed over the trophy to Ladies Auxiliary (Support Group). Some

Outstanding District Deputies of the

him. As an incentive, DD Serrano will get to members of the 4th degree Quezon and the
attend the 128th Supreme Council Conven- Padre Pedro Dandan Assembly, ACN 0991
tion in Washington, D.C., USA on August in Parañaque.
3-5, 2010 with subsidized transportation The participation of the knights has

Luzon Jurisdiction for the CY 2009-2010

expenses courtesy of KCFAPI. marked not only their recognition of this sig-
On the other hand, the following recipients nal historical event, but also demonstrated
of The Outstanding District Deputies for their deep sense of patriotism which is one
the Columbian Year 2009-2010 were also of the cardinal principles of the Order.
congratulated by Luzon Deputy Tan: DD “It is symbolic of our national pride, honor
Calixto C. Betito of District C18 (Archdio- DURING the 2010 Organi- zon Jurisdiction for the the recipients of Out- Fernando S. Laxamana, and dignity as members of the Knights of
cese of Caceres); DD Fernando C. Labita of zational Meeting of District Columbian Year July 01, standing District Deputies District S16 and DD Nar- Columbus and its demonstration of Patrio-
District L56 (Diocese of Lucena); DD Rodolfo Deputies held at Makati 2009 - June 30, 2010. In ad- for the CY 2009-2010 they ciso M. Maniacup, District tism and nationalism being Filipinos,” the
Y. Manumbas of District M22 (Diocese of Palace Hotel, Makati City, dition to the trophy plaque are: DD Calixto C. Betito, S17 (Archdiocese of San organizers said.
Malolos); DD Enrique B. Pilapil of District last June 19-20, 2010, Lu- awarded to him, KCFAPI District C18 (Archdiocese Fernando, Pampanga); They also encouraged other districts and
M82 (Diocese of Masbate); DD Fernando zon Deputy Alonso L. will subsidize his trans- of Caceres); DD Fernando DD Pepito G. Paradero, assemblies to imitate this annual activity to
S. Laxamana of District S16 & DD Narciso Tan congratulates District portation expenses in at- C. Labita, District L56 District S54 and DD Fran- sustain the balance of the fraternal organiza-
M. Maniacup of District S17 (Archdiocese Deputy GLENN T. SER- tending the 128th Supreme (Diocese of Lucena); DD cis Jehu C. Sebastian, Dis- tions in their respective localities.
of San Fernando, Pampanga); DD Pepito G. RANO, District T47 of the Council Convention in Rodolfo Y. Manumbas, trict S56 (Diocese of San “It is also a time for us to showcase and
Paradero of District S54 & DD Francis Jehu Archdiocese of Tuguega- Washington, D.C., U.S.A District M22 (Diocese Pablo; and DD Elson L. demonstrate our strength, unity, and strong
C. Sebastian of District S56 (Diocese of San rao as the Most Outstand- on August 3-5, 2010. of Malolos; DD Enrique Tabor, District T50 (Arch- sense of brotherhood and camaraderie rela-
Pablo); and DD Elson L. Tabor of District T50 ing District Deputy of the In addition, LD Tan B. Pilapil, District M82 diocese of Tuguegarao). tions as a Church-based organization,” they
(Archdiocese of Tuguegarao). Knights of Columbus Lu- congratulated likewise (Diocese of Masbate); DD (KC Luzon) added. (Kate Laceda)

CBCP President and Bishop of Tandag Most Rev. Nereo P. Odchimar, D.D. visits the KC Life office. With him from L – R are: KC Life VP-FBG Joseph P. Teodoro,
Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III, SK Sofronio Cruz, SK Pedro M. Rodriguez, SK Alonso L. Tan, Most Rev. Odchimar, KC Life EVP Ma. Theresa G. Curia, Atty. Allan Nicolas
C. Ouano. At the back from L-R are: Msgr. Joselito C. Asis, SK Dionisio R. Esteban, SK Antonio T. Yulo, KCFAPI officers Rowena M. Diapolit, Carmelita S. Ruiz and
VP Angelito A. Bala.