Monitor
CBCP
JANUARY 22 - FEBRUARY 4, 2018 VOL. 22 NO. 2
THE CROSS
A SUPPLEMENT PUBLICATION
OF KCFAPI AND THE ORDER OF
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Let’s work together, Cardinal
Tagle urges Catholic media
Hundreds of seminary formators and bishops throughout the country gathered at the IEC3 Convention Center in Cebu City from January 22-26, 2018 for the National Conference on the New Ratio Fundamentalis and
National Consultation on the Ratio Nationalis on Seminary Formation. This activity is in line with the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons. PHOTO COURTESY OF CBCP-ECS
Voice vote on Con-ass ‘shameless’ – bishop Archbishop urges tight
CATHOLIC bishops came
out strong against the
lower House for approving
constituent assembly
through a voice vote as means
to amend the Constitution.
Manila Auxiliary Bishop
Broderick Pabillo said such
important decisions should
not have been done through
“viva voce”.
“There should be ample
discussion and deliberate
voting. In what they have
done either they do not
know the importance of their
decision or they wanted to
railroad the process,” Pabillo
said.
The House of
Representatives adopted
on Jan. 16 the resolution
to convene Congress as a
constituent assembly for
Charter change to give
way to a federal system of
government.
A Bishop fears return of police
to drug war
Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan
A CATHOLIC bishop has
warned of more bloodshed
as the police force reignite its
controversial war on drugs.
In fact, Bishop Pablo
Virgilio David of Kalookan
said that killings continued
in his diocese even if the
PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE
A3: NEWS
Bishop visits Marawi cathedral
for the first time since siege
House of Representatives. PHOTO COURTESY OF HOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS BUREAU
The Senate will have to President”.
pass a similar resolution in “This is really railroading-
order for the Constituent a shameless act of Congress,”
Assembly to be convened. he said. “This is a premonition
Bishop Arturo Bastes of of what will happen next—a
Sorsogon also criticized dictatorial rule.”
the House majority for “By this time, the super
“railroading” the resolution, majority of Congress
adding that the lower House should realize that there
“is fast becoming a stamping is a growing opposition to
pad of the wishes of the federalism, a move which
UST disowns Uson award
A photo from the The Varsitarian, UST’s official student publication, shows
Mocha Uson receiving the award for government service from the UST Alumni
Association.
THE University of
Santo Tomas (UST) has
distanced itself from a
government’s drug war was controversial award given
removed from the police in to its alumna, Presidential
October 2017. Communications Assistant
The Philippine Drug Secretary Mocha Uson.
Enforcement Agency (PDEA) The Dominican-run
has since took the job amid school clarified that it has
public outrage against the nothing to do with the
Drug war / A6 award given by the UST
A6: LOCAL NEWS
Duterte urged to intervene regarding
OFW on death row
serves their interest rather
than the common good,”
said Bastes.
For his part, Bishop
Ruperto Santos of Balanga
lamented how Congress
has become just a “political
party of numbers” and
acting according to their
“whims, political interests
and personal benefits”.
CBCPNews
“That will happen with viva
voce,” according to Santos.
He also called on
lawmakers not to rush in
drafting a new Charter and
instead address first the
many pressing needs and
urgent problems of the
country like corruption and
criminalities.
“These are some of things,
legislators (should) do, rather
than discuss or destroy our
Constitution,” added Santos.
(CBCPNews)
Alumni Association Inc.
(UAAI).
The university said that
the alumni association is a
corporation distinct from
UST, has its own board
of trustees and operates
independently.
“The university does not
interfere with the affairs
Disowns / A6
CBCPMONITOR@AREOPAGUSCOMMUNICATIONS.COM
B1: PASTORAL CONCERNS
Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the
26th World Day of the Sick 2018
watch on Cha-cha bid
AN official of the Catholic
Church called for public
vigilance on the Duterte
administration’s bid to
rewrite the Constitution, as
he warned against Charter
change efforts for political
ends.
Archbishop Socrates
Villegas of Lingayen-
Dagupan stressed the need
to keep close watch over
Cha-cha bid over suspicions
that it is a ploy to extend
term of office for incumbent
officials.
“We find this opportunist
and downright morally
objectionable,” said
Villegas, former president
of the Catholic Bishops’
Conference of the
Philippines.
“I am not saying that this
is so, but if it is so, it would
be a grave moral wrong and
tremendous injustice,” he
said.
The archbishop said
Christians have the “moral
obligation” to engage in
the political process “and
to make choices for what is
truly just, socially equitable,
and empowering”.
“Politicians’ promises
should not be the measure.
Careful discernment and
enlightenment coming from
prayerful reflection with
fellow believers should,”
he said.
Malacañang and its
allies in Congress have
been campaigning for the
amendment of the Charter
to give way to a federal
system of the government.
The leadership in the lower
House said that Charter
change would be among its
top priorities for this year
but through a constituent
assembly, a process that
have been opposed by the
bishops.
By Roy Lagarde
IN a country
where words and
images are used to
manipulate people,
Catholic media must
work together to
fight misinformation
and deception
especially on social
media, Cardinal
Luis Antonio Tagle
of Manila said.
Speaking at forum
on “Catholic Media in
Challenging Times” in
Makati City on Jan. 19, he
encouraged a wide array of
church organizations to work
in a spirit of “charity” and
cooperation.
“I hope we could work
on these things together,
we share our resources, we
share the information so that
we could provide for those
Together / A6
Archbishop Socrates Villegas of
Lingayen-Dagupan. CBCPNEWS
Even in the past
administrations, the
consensus among the
bishops is that any move
to amend the Constitution
should be by means of
constitutional convention
where the public can
participate in the process.
Both Senate President
Aquilino Pimentel III and
House Speaker Pantaleon
Alvarez have earlier floated
a no-election scenario in
2019 and a possible term
extension for Duterte if the
shift to federalism pushes
through.
Other lawmakers even
declared term extensions
are inevitable and necessary.
The archbishop said that
for Charter change to be
credible, its authors must be
known for their “probity and
their intellectual acumen”.
“They must be free of
vested interests that
may render suspect their
handiwork as a document
that embodies their own
interests rather than those
of the people,” Villegas
said. (Roy Lagarde/
CBCPNews)
A2 WORLD NEWS
Vatican Briefing
Serving isolated parishes may mean ordaining
married men, cardinal says
The idea of exceptionally ordaining older married
men of proven virtue to celebrate the Eucharist in
isolated Catholic communities is something that
should be discussed, said Cardinal Beniamino Stella,
prefect of the Congregation for Clergy. “It is not
about being in favor of or against something, but
about attentively evaluating various possibilities
without being closed or rigid,” the cardinal said in a
new book in Italian, “TuttigliUomini di Francesco”
(“All Francis’ Men”) released Jan. 22 by Edizioni San
Paolo. The book, by Italian journalist Fabio Marchese
Ragona, includes interviews with churchmen named
to the College of Cardinals by Pope Francis. Pope
Francis was asked by the German newspaper Die
Zeit last year about whether, in the Latin-rite church,
he could see allowing married “viriprobati”—men of
proven virtue—to become priests. (CNS)
Religious orders look at peacemaking in
South Sudan, Congo
Church leaders in South Sudan and Congo often
wonder if they have labored in vain because, too
often, their own people are waging war on each other,
said Father Maurice Ibiko, a South Sudanese. The
root of the conflict, he said, is “the wrong answer to
the question, ‘Who is my neighbor?’” Hundreds of
women and men belonging to dozens of religious
orders gathered at Rome’s Pontifical Urbanianum
University Jan. 18 for a roundtable to share their
experiences of living and ministering in South Sudan
and Congo. The event was a follow-up to a papal-
led prayer service for peace in the two countries in
November. The international unions of superiors
general of women’s and men’s religious orders,
Caritas Internationalis and the Vatican Dicastery for
Promoting Integral Human Development sponsored
both the prayer service and the roundtable. Callista
Gingrich, U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, spoke
briefly at the event, pledging the U.S. government’s
support for peace and the upholding of human rights
in the two countries. (CNS)
Christians must convert to ecumenism,
cardinal says
To be effective evangelizers, the Catholic Church
and other Christian churches must constantly
undergo their own conversion to a stronger
commitment to Christian unity, said Cardinal
Kurt Koch, the Vatican’s chief ecumenist. “So
that the evangelizing task can be carried out in a
credible way, the church itself continually needs
a self-evangelization that includes conversion to
the ecumenical search for Christian unity,” the
Swiss cardinal wrote in the Vatican newspaper,
L’Osservatore Romano. In preparation for the annual
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Jan. 18-25,
Cardinal Koch’s article focused on the connection
between mission and Christian unity, a connection
that gave birth to the ecumenical movement among
Protestants more than 100 years ago and one that the
Catholic Church has acknowledged since the Second
Vatican Council. “Witness to the love of God, which is
an integral and fundamental part of Christian identity,
must be given in an ecumenical communion,” said
Cardinal Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for
Promoting Christian Unity. (CNS)
Pray with courage, conviction, not mindlessly
like a parrot, pope says
Prayer is a “high stakes” endeavor, requiring
courage, perseverance and patience, Pope Francis
said. Courage is needed to stick one’s neck out and
“challenge the Lord,” pursuing and confronting
him with one’s appeals, the pope said Jan. 12 in his
homily at Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae. “If
prayer isn’t courageous, it isn’t Christian,” he said.
The pope reflected on two Gospel readings from St.
Mark -- one describing Jesus’ healing of a leper and
another recounting his healing of a paralytic. The
leper challenged Jesus, begging him on his knees, “If
you wish, you can make me clean.” Meanwhile, the
paralytic and the four men carrying him refused to
let the huge crowd prevent him from seeing the Lord,
so they broke through the roof and lowered the man
down to Jesus. In both cases, the pope said, Jesus
saw the great faith, courage and persistence in the
people asking him for healing. (CNS)
Vatican says Dutch politician’s honor was
simply diplomatic protocol
The former Dutch minister of foreign trade and
development received a papal honor as a matter
of diplomatic courtesy and not because of her
political views, which include support for access
to abortion, the Vatican press office said. “The
honorific of the Pontifical Order of St. Gregory
the Great received by Mrs. Lilianne Ploumen, then
minister of development, in June 2017 corresponds
to the diplomatic practice of exchanging honorifics
between delegations on the occasion of official visits
by heads of state or government at the Vatican,” said
Paloma Garcia Ovejero, vice director of the Vatican
press office. “Therefore, it is in no way an approval
of the policies in favor of abortion and birth control
promoted by Mrs. Ploumen,” the statement released
Jan. 15 said. In January 2017, Ploumen began the
fundraising campaign “She Decides,” in response
to U.S. President Donald Trump’s reinstatement
of the “Mexico City Policy,” which bans all foreign
nongovernmental organizations receiving U.S. funds
from performing or promoting abortion as a method
of family planning in other countries. (CNS)
january 22 - february 4, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 2 CBCP Monitor
March for Life in Paris draws
40,000 despite heavy rain
PARIS, France— Heavy rains did not Ana del Pino, the European the laws on surrogate motherhood,
deter huge crowds from gathering in the coordinator of the OneOfUs Federation, abortion and euthanasia have “a clear
streets of Paris for the city’s March for agreed, emphasizing the need for unity crisscross effect between countries, and
Life on Sunday, Jan. 21. and cooperation among all the European that’s why we believe we have a much
Organizers estimated that about pro-life groups “to present a common more encompassing goal to offer, which
40,000 people showed up for the march, front in defense of motherhood, the is to defend everyone’s life.
which had as its theme, “From darkness family and life.” “We believe that life is a treasure
to light.” In addition to protection for the regardless of the physical or mental
Despite the heavy rain, the marchers unborn, this year the March for Life abilities a person may have and that
completed the entire route. The march placed special emphasis on end-of-life everyone has a lot of contribute. We
lasted about four hours, starting from issues. stand up for everyone, no matter what
Porte Dauphine and ending in the Although active assisted suicide is their situation is,” Siegrist stressed.
Trocadero esplanade, in downtown illegal in France, a bill passed in January Alvaro Ortega, president of the Spanish
Paris. 2016 allows for “terminal sedation.” +Life Foundation, one of the numerous
A minute of silence was held during For those who are determined to be groups of young people attending the
the march for those who have lost their near death, the law permits “heavy and March for Life, said the reason they
lives to abortion. continuous sedation,” administered came was because “we believe it is
More than 200,000 abortions until the patient dies either from the absolutely necessary to defend the most
are performed each year in France, illness or starvation. innocent and defenseless which is the
according to government statistics. In addition to the tens of thousands child who has been conceived but not
March for Life spokesman Emil of French who took to the streets to yet born.”
Dupont told CNA’s Spanish-language demonstrate for life, several pro-life Ortega also stressed the importance
sister agency ACI Prensa that “it is groups from Holland, Spain, Germany, of an international presence in
important to break the silence and speak Italy and Portugal also joined in the demonstrations such as this one because
about the consequences of abortion, march. issues like abortion and euthanasia
which no one want to say anything Pablo Siegrist from the Jerome “come from an agenda organized on the
about. So we’ve got to do it.” Lejeune Foundation in Spain told ACI international level, and so the response
“It is very important to work together Prensa that his group participated in has to also be international.” (ACI
for life,” he stressed. this demonstration in France because Prensa)
In Holy Land, U.S. bishops say building walls does no good
JIFNA, West Bank— Building get a better understanding the creation of the Israeli Father Firas Aridah, parish
walls, whether between of the Holy Land situation separation barrier—which priest at St. Joseph Church,
Israel and the Palestinian and to advocate for “bridges includes a series of 25-foot told the visiting bishops there
territories or the United not walls.” cement walls and fences and are more than 140 Israeli
States and Mexico, can only The bishop said he had is expected to extend more settlements and 636 Israeli
serve to separate people and returned to the Holy Land for than 400 miles -- Auxiliary checkpoints within the West
create more isolation, said the first time in 30 years and Bishop Arturo Cepeda of Bank.
Auxiliary Bishop Eusebio L. had been disappointed by Detroit said the whole use of “We need the recognition of
Elizondo of Seattle. the feeling that the situation the concept of walls prevents the simple human principle:
“Walls can’t bring any had gotten worse rather than people from “seeing the other No people has the right to
positive aspect to any better. as a human person.” impose his occupation on
country,” he said Jan. 21, “It is a tragic feeling coming “If we are not able to see the another people. We are waiting
during a visit to this West to the Holy Land,” a place other as a human person, we for the day when our churches
Bank village. “The image which for centuries has not are missing the point of who will ring their bells, celebrating
is very negative. ‘I am had peace, he said. “It is a long we are. The message is that freedom and justice for all,
keeping you out of my life.’ process. A very slow process. this is about people, it is a Palestinians and Israelis,”
... It creates more resentment I praise and pray for people human crisis ... the challenge Father Aridah said.
and isolation. It makes it in that process, but you have is what is the most effective Earlier, Bishops Elizondo
impossible to see the other.” to be ready for martyrdom way to communicate this,” he and Cepeda concelebrated
Bishop Elizondo was all that time. We humans are said. “This is a human crisis. Mass at St. Joseph Parish. In
among 10 Hispanic U.S. very slow learners.” In our USA, we are facing a his homily, Bishop Elizondo
bishops visiting the Holy While acknowledging very, very hard human crisis, told parishioners that,
Land and meeting with that terrorist violence was which is our immigrants. It is without forgiveness, there
Israelis and Palestinians to one of the push factors for a terrible crisis.” can be no dialogue. (CNS)
Every child ‘a precious gift from God,’ Trump tells pro-life rally
WASHINGTON, D.C.— In remarks
broadcast to the March for Life
from the White House Rose Garden,
President Donald Trump said that his
administration “will always defend
the very first right in the Declaration
of Independence, and that is the right
to life.”
He invoked the theme of this year’s
march, “Love Saves Lives,” and praised
the crowd as being very special and
“such great citizens gathered in our
nation’s capital from many places for
one beautiful cause”—celebrating and
cherishing life.
“Every unborn child is a precious
gift from God,” he said, his remarks
interrupted several times by applause
from the crowd gathered on the National
Mall. He praised the pro-lifers for
having “such big hearts and tireless
devotion to make sure parents have the
President Donald Trump greets a girl after addressing attendees of the annual March for Life rally from the Rose
support they need to choose life.” Garden of the White House in Washington Jan. 19. The live feed was projected onto a large video screen during
“You’re living witnesses of this year’s the rally on the National Mall. (CNS PHOTO/KEVIN LAMARQUE, REUTERS)
March for Life theme, ‘Love Saves
Lives,’” he said. His remarks were receiving U.S. funds from performing ever said it was, but it is the right choice
broadcast to the crowd live via satellite or promoting abortion as a method of ... the self-sacrificial option.”
to a Jumbotron above the speakers’ family planning in other countries. House Speaker Paul Ryan,
stage, a first for any U.S. president, Trump also has nominated pro-life R-Wisconsin, was among several others
according to March for Life. judges to fill several court vacancies who addressed the crowd.
During their tenure in office, President and a day before the March for Life “Thank God for giving us a pro-life
Ronald Reagan, President George H.W. the U.S. Department of Health and president in the White House,” the
Bush and President George W. Bush all Human Services announced formation Catholic congressman said.
addressed the march via telephone or a of a new Conscience and Religious “Your energy is so infectious,” he told
radio hookup from the Oval Office, with Freedom Division in the HHS Office the crowd, praising them for being “the
their remarks broadcast to the crowd. for Civil Rights. Its aim is to protect the vigor and enthusiasm of the pro-life
Trump spoke with a crowd surrounding conscience rights of doctors and other movement.”
him in the Rose Garden, including 20 health care workers who do not want Seeing so many young people “is
students from the University of Mary to perform procedures they consider so inspiring because it tells us this a
in Bismarck, North Dakota. One of morally objectionable. movement on the rise,” he said. “Why
those standing next to the president Jeanne Mancini, president of March is the pro-life movement on the rise?
was a Marianne Donadio, a top official for Life, opened the rally by calling on Because truth is on our side. Life begins
with Room at the Inn, a nationally everyone in the crowd to text the word at conception. Science is on our side.”
accredited Catholic ministry based in “March” to 7305 and to show their Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler,
North Carolina that serves homeless, commitment to ending abortion and R-Washington, gave an emotional
pregnant women and single mothers join their voices in calling on Congress speech about the troubled pregnancy
with children. to defund Planned Parenthood. she faced about four years ago. She
Vice President Mike Pence, who “Do you agree that’s important?” she and her husband, Dan, were told their
addressed last year’s March for Life in asked the crowd. “Yes!” they shouted. unborn child had severe defects, that the
person at Trump’s request, introduced March for Life, she said, is about baby’s kidneys would never develop and
the president as the “most pro-life educating people about abortion and the lungs were undeveloped because of a
president in American history,” mobilizing to end it and to love all those rare condition. Abortion was their only
for among other things issuing an women and families who are facing a option, they were told.
executive memorandum shortly after troubled pregnancy and other needs. Today, that baby is 4-year-old Abigail.
his inauguration to reinstate the “’Love Saves Lives’ is this year’s She and her younger brother and their
“Mexico City Policy.” The policy bans all theme,” she added. “Love and sacrifice father stood on the stage with the
foreign nongovernmental organizations go hand in hand It is not easy. No one congresswoman. (CNS)
CBCP Monitor
Bishop visits Marawi
cathedral for the first
time since siege
Bishop Edwin dela Peña touches a damaged statue of Jesus inside St. Mary’s Cathedral in Marawi City, Jan. 11, 2018. ACN
ILIGAN City— After several failed
attempts, Marawi Bishop Edwin
de la Peña was finally able to revisit
on Jan. 11 the ruined city center
of Marawi and the remnants of a
desecrated Cathedral that he used
to call home.
Upon his entry to the Church,
the Bishop quietly knelt before the
altar where he celebrated Mass
for 17 years. He then proceeded
to the beheaded statue of Maria
Auxiliadora (Mary Help of
Christians), to whom the Cathedral
is dedicated to. Above the Bishop is
the image of Jesus Christ crucified,
face mangled and disfigured when
it was violently brought down by
Islamic State-inspired terrorists.
Philippine soldiers re-hoisted the
image with ropes and nylon wires
when they celebrated Mass on
October 1, 2017.
The city center of Marawi
continues to be a heavily-restricted
area. The residents are still not yet
allowed to return to their ancestral
homes. En route to the cathedral,
the ACN delegation, accompanied by
military escorts, passed by eerie and
abandoned streets ghostly buildings,
mosques and family mansions
severely damaged by the war.
Standing at the site of the
cathedral entrance and fronting
his destroyed residence, the Bishop
could only mutter a few words.
“So many memories. We were the
ones who built this. Now, everything
is destroyed, even the trees we
planted are riddled with damage
from bullets and mortar,” de la
Peña said.
The Bishop then asked the
delegation to go back to the altar
where he asked everyone to gather
in a circle, hold hands and then led
in the praying of the Our Father, the
Hail Mary, and the Glory Be.
Duyog Marawi
Back to reality, the Bishop then
met with volunteers and partners
Scholars decode one of the last fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls
HAIFA, Israel— The
Dead Sea Scrolls,
which are among the
oldest extant biblical
manuscripts, have been
a topic of interest since
they were discovered in
the Qumran Caves in the
West Bank beginning in
1946.
More recently, Israeli
scholars have pieced
together some of the last
fragments of the ancient
documents, revealing
new information about
the scrolls.
Dr. EshbalRatson and
Professor Jonathan Ben-
Dov of Haifa University
decoded 60 previously
january 22 - february 4, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 2 NEWS FEATURES A3
Pope marries couple on
flight during Chilean trip
Pope Francis performs an impromptu wedding ceremony for Latam Airlines employees Carlos Ciuffardi
Elorriaga, 41, and Paula Podest Ruiz, 39, aboard the pontiff’s flight from Santiago, Chile, to Iquique Jan.
18. CNS/L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO
ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT surprised the couple with offering
TO IQUIQUE, Chile— Love was to marry them right there on the
literally in the air as Pope Francis plane.
performed an impromptu wedding Ciuffardi said the pope asked the
ceremony at 36,000 feet aboard his couple, “Well, do you want to get
flight in Chile. married?”
During his flight to Iquique “I said, ‘Well, yes. Are you sure?’
Jan. 18, the pope was approached Then the pope said, “Are YOU sure?’
by LatAm flight steward Carlos I told him, ‘Yes! Let’s get married,’”
Ciuffardi Elorriaga and asked for Ciuffardi recalled excitedly.
a blessing for him and his wife, The newlywed said he asked his
stewardess Paula Podest Ruiz. boss and president of LatAm airline,
The couple was supposed to be Ignacio Cueto, to be his best man
married in their home parish in and one of the Vatican prelates
Santiago Feb. 27, 2010. However, drew up a handwritten marriage
tragedy struck when an earthquake certificate.
destroyed the church. Eight years later, “The pope said it was historic!
they remained only civilly married. Never has a pope performed a
Ciuffardi told journalists aboard wedding on a plane!” Ciuffardi said.
of DuyogMarawi, the social action humanitarian work due to a non-
the flight that, after he explained The pope was on his way from
program set-up by the Prelature declaration of a level 3 emergency
their story, he asked the pope for Santiago, Chile, to Iquique before
to respond to the post-war needs by the Philippine President,
their blessing. heading to Peru later in the day.
of the residents of Marawi. Duyog DuyogMarawi serves as the only
At that moment, the pope (JunnoArochoEsteves/CNS)
in the local language means to alternative voice advocating for
accompany. peace and harmony in these very
The team is led by a few priests,
nuns and Catholic lay leaders who
difficult times,” added Barnido.
As the lives of many families
Why this man says abortion isn’t just a
have worked for Caritas But the bulk are in limbo due to the lack woman’s issue
of volunteers are young Muslim of livelihood and permanent
residents of Marawi. residence, volunteering for DENVER, Colorado— A man who politics. I was just a kid who was
For the past three months, these DuyogMarawi is also an lost his own child to abortion last in his class in high school, who
volunteers have been reaching out to opportunity for Muslim youth to believes men have important things to me, school was just something I
the war-affected residents and IDPs counter the message of conflict, to say on the issue, and their voices had to do to play football.”
living on the outskirts of Marawi. disillusionment, and resentment need to be heard. However, since the moment
The youth have volunteered to that is pervading Muslim “We are told that men shouldn’t he found out that his daughter
man help desks documenting the communities in the region. talk about abortion,” but it’s had been aborted, he says he has
grievances of the locals. More “Truly, DuyogMarawi is an an issue that affects them too, committed his life “to protecting
importantly, they have conducted opportunity to partner with Jason Jones told CNA in a recent women and children from the
humanitarian campaigns and peace Christians in meaningful and interview. “It’s a man’s issue and violence of abortion.”
education sessions in different productive work. It is the only hope it’s a woman’s issue.” Jones, 46, is now a film producer,
Muslim communities. that keeps us going is DuyogMarawi, “As a man, I have something author, and human rights worker
According to the Prelature’s said Hidaya Sultan and Naif Alawi in me that wants to protect the known for his pro-life activism.
assessment, the government, media, who are both Muslim volunteers of vulnerable from violence. That is He remained an atheist for years,
and the public are underestimating the Prelature’s DuyogMarawi. what men do,” he said. though his contact with Christian
the consequences of the dire Communicating closely with Jones, a national pro-life organizations and study of political
situation in the region. Even before the Muslim leaders, Bishop de la advocate, said when he speaks philosophy eventually led him, in
the war, Lanao del Sur is already Peña said Muslims are realizing frankly in those terms, men respond 2003, to the Catholic Church.
the most impoverished region of through DuyogMarawi that they to him, because “we need to say the In his comments to CNA, Jones,
the country. Now, as the locals are need Christians in this period of truth.” who is now married with seven
deprived of an economic center, rebuilding. Conversely, the Bishop “When men speak about abortion, children, said that it can be hard
residents in adjacent towns, as acknowledges Christians also need it is very effective,” he added. to discuss abortion because the
well as IDPs, wallow in poverty and the protection and support of It might seem natural to think friends and loved ones of someone
neglect. This was further aggravated Muslims for DuyogMarawi to be that women are better pro-life who has had an abortion often
by a tropical storm that hit the successful. “spokespersons,” or that men become defensive, saying that to
region just last month. “We are now at this point where should have a diminished role, condemn abortion is to condemn a
“This is fertile ground for terrorist both Christians and Muslims have Jones said. But “men have their person they care about.
recruitment. We can confirm that come to realize that they need each place” in the discussion. “The irony is that you know your
families in far-flung towns are other to move forward,” the Bishop “Men share their stories, and sister had an abortion because she
being offered P40,000 and a water said. their stories are sorrowful. Men called you crying about it, with a
buffalo in exchange for attendance Bishop de la Peña then summed who are scared, and manipulated broken heart. And then when that
to a recruitment session. Terrorists up the dramatic day by looking or coerced someone into having an person stumbles upon a pro-life
then indoctrinate children back on his trip and finding hope abortion. Men who can be humble activist, they get angry because they
and teenagers with extreme in the collaboration being promised and say ‘I coerced my daughter think you are calling their sister a
interpretations of Islam and by the partners and volunteers of or my girlfriend or my wife into bad person.”
eventually train them in military DuyogMarawi. getting an abortion.’ We need to “We need to help people
warfare,” said Bro. Reynaldo “While visiting Marawi earlier, hear those stories.” understand that when a woman
Barnido, Executive Director of all I could think about was how to When men tell the truth about gets an abortion it’s...an act of
DuyogMarawi. start again with all this destruction. their own experience with abortion, desperation,” he said. “She’s a
“With the government focused But as I talk to you, I know there’s “it changes people,” he said. “No victim just like the child.”
on peace-keeping and rebuilding a brighter tomorrow because before one has a happy abortion story. Jones said the pro-life movement
efforts and the international me now is the future of Marawi.” When people tell the truth, it needs an “apologetic” that is able to
community prevented from doing (Josemaria Claro/ACN) influences people.” get the truth about abortion across
Jones, who often shares the in a simple way, and which teaches
story of his own child’s abortion, men to defend women and children.
told CNA he was 17 when he and “You do not need sophisticated
his girlfriend Katie found out they arguments to tell a man: you don’t
unread fragments over celebrations were based Ratzon, according to the were pregnant. Still in high school, pay a stranger to kill your baby. As
the course of a year on the 364-day Jewish BBC. they planned to hide the pregnancy a man, you defend your child from
to discover a festival calendar. While it is not known while he dropped out and joined violence ... you defend the woman
marking each changing Additionally, the who penned the ancient the army so he could take care of carrying your child from violence...
season which was researchers found that texts, some have attributed the baby. He was excited to be a it’s just very simple.”
celebrated by the Jews. a second scribe made them to the Essenes—a father, he said. He said that much of the language
The researchers also additional notes on the Jewish sect who lived in However, while still in basic used in the pro-life movement is
found the name for the scroll, correcting some the desert. The scrolls, training and during their third designed for women and to talk to
festival: the Hebrew mistakes and omissions around 900 in number, trimester, Jones got a call from women who are in a crisis situation,
word “tekufah,” meaning made by the original contain Hebrew, Greek, his girlfriend’s father saying their but men interact differently and
“period.” author. According to and Aramaic writing, and “secret” had been discovered and need to be approached in a different
These fragments, some Ratzon, these notes are thought to date to “taken care of.” He was devastated. way.
of which were smaller made it easier for them between 300 BC and AD An atheist who didn’t fully “When I talk to men about
than a centimeter, to decode the ancient 100. understand what abortion was, abortion, I talk to them as a man.
identified the seasonal scrolls. According to The Jones said he realized his daughter, I talk to them plainly,” he said. “I
celebrations, which “What’s nice is that Telegraph, a statement whom they had already named talk to them as a man that has lost
included the festivals of these comments were from Haifa University Jessica, had been murdered. his child.”
New Wheat, New Wine, hints that helped me said that both Ratson and “That was it for me. It horrified Many people can be cavalier and
and New Oil, which are figure out the puzzle— Ben-Dov have moved me. It was unbelievable,” he said. insensitive about abortion, he said,
linked to the Jewish they showed me how to on to decoding the last “I had never been to church a day explaining that he can become
festival of Shavuot. These assemble the scroll,” said remaining scroll. (CNA) in my life, I knew nothing about Abortion / A6
A4 OPINION january 22 - february 4, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 2 CBCP Monitor

EDITORIAL

Catholic media in challenging times

THIS January 19, the Jesuit Communications and Signis
Philippines spearheaded in convening the forum “Catholic
Media in Challenging Times,” at the Lay Formation Center
in Makati.
The “challenging times” hovered in the thesis of most of the
speakers led by no less than Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio
Cardinal Tagle. But it was only veteran journalist Crispin
Maslog, who candidly pointed out during the open forum
that “I think our challenge is President Duterte.” Indeed,
the incumbency of the current administration maybe said
to have marked the dawn of a decisive campaign against the
professional media which have been repeatedly tagged by no
less than Duterte himself as elitist and a tool of elitists’ agenda.
This juggernaut has been perceived to have chilling effect on
press freedom and have been read as building blocks from

ILLUSTRATION BY BLADIMER USI

which dictatorships are made of.
It is also during this incumbency that the country saw the rise
of “fake news” that were no longer only the work of crackpots
and pranksters, but already by organized and presumably
heavily funded propagandists. What netizens call “keyboard
warriors” (or trolls) are openly let loose like wolf packs ready to
gang up and pound on anybody espousing an opposing opinion
or a different political color. During the current political
watch, news organizations have been threatened with closure
or court cases, for one reason or the other. In the same forum,
broadcast journalist Howie Severino pointed out that “politics
Who can stop people Panaghoy
is at the root of the motivation behind fake news.”
These are challenging times, indeed. Not only for the from complaining? Bp. Broderick Pabillo
media, but for the media publics that has become the arena
in the fight to control public opinion. It is therefore a grace
concern for everybody. It is clearly within the ambit of the
new evangelization.
In his message for the 2018 World Communications Day, CHRISTIAN ethics is clear: there is They even break their promises to the them can be accused as drug coddlers, as
Pope Francis points out that “The best antidotes to falsehoods the priority of human beings over the people! They have no loyalty at all to the obstructing their kind of justice or even
are not strategies, but people; people who are not greedy but state. The state’s purpose is to promote common good, much less to principles. as people involved in drugs!
ready to listen, people who make the effort to engage in sincere and protect the human rights of each The War on Drugs is this country is Now, however, in spite of their
dialogue so that the truth can emerge; people who are attracted person. Each person too is unique and not a war to eliminate drugs but a war violence and false accusations, more
by goodness and take responsibility for how they use language. each one has the same dignity as any to eliminate the poor drug users. The and more people are having the courage
If responsibility is the answer to the spread of fake news, then other. So it is not right for the state to kill target is the poor, who are tagged as to speak out against the government.
a weighty responsibility rests on the shoulders of those whose an individual in the name of protecting drug users. Even if they are involved in Another then ghost is being floated—the
job is to provide information, namely, the journalists, the
itself, or in the name of furthering its drugs, which can never be proven, why ghost of destabilization. The pretext of
protectors of news.”
While admittedly, many local journalists have been sadly programs, no matter how “good” they only the poor? There are also people in destabilization is being leveled against
engaged to further the cause of political propaganda, it may be. the ABC social classes who use drugs, the critics of this government, and the
behooves on Catholic Media, among others, to work for The problem with many people is and who even peddle drugs, but they threat being brought out to stop these
the multiplicity of Catholic journalists whose professional government, especially those who have are not targeted. The poor are easily to “destabilizing moves” is revolutionary
convictions are founded on the truth of Gospel. authoritarian tendencies, is that they blame because they are without voice government, which is just another term
identify themselves as the state, and and without defenders. Once the rich are for dictatorship, pure and simple!
Our great treasure in the Sto. Nino their welfare and safety as that of the touched, they have a lot of influence and But criticisms cannot stop because
people. So when people criticize them, friends and families who are influential, the government has nothing to show
WE really have to be most thankful that even up to now we as it is taken as a criticism against the so they can fight back. that it is bringing about any significant
a people still have a great devotion to the Sto. Nino. Instead of state. Much worse! They claim that the This War on Drugs, as it is being change for the good in the life of the
waning through the years, this popular piety we have toward state is being destabilized! We refuse pursued now, is unwinnable. In fact it people. In fact the people are finding
the Child Jesus has grown. Yes, there are still things that to accept that the government people is not waged to win. It is waged to give the economy worse—higher prices and
should be made right and purified, but we cannot deny that
are the state. They are not! Much so vent to the dictatorial tendencies of bad basic services. The MRT is worse
this devotion has helped us greatly in a world and in times that
are increasingly secularized and paganised. Think of the many since in many cases what they promote the present leaders of our government. than before, so is the traffic in general.
so-called liberal people in the world who have considered faith, is not even the common good but only They have the lame excuse to use Joblessness is rampant, and ENDO or
religion and piety as obsolete. their own selfish interests. They are so force and violence to induce fear and contractualization is as before in spite
Thanks to God the image of Christ as both a child and ready to switch loyalties just because of compliance among the people. Anyone wearing to take it out. Who then can stop
king has truly so captured the Filipino heart (especially the expediencies—their own expediencies. who questions them or who is against complaining in this situation?
Cebuano heart) that whatever situation we may find ourselves
in, whether good or bad humanly speaking, we still keep our
Christian faith and try our best to live by it. How do we solve the
That the Sto. Nino is both child and king somehow reminds
us that we need to be like a child to attain our ultimate kingly
And That’s The Truth problem of Duterteeeeee?
goal of human maturity and Christian perfection. As we Teresa R. Tunay, OCDS
grow older, more exposed to the world and gaining a lot of
experience, we need to be more like a child, deepening and
enriching our spiritual childhood in Christ.
Let’s always remember what Christ himself said: “Unless you EIGHTEEN months two weeks ago, at a small the people—as the Facebook missionary. “Kadiring
change and become like little children, you will never enter
into office and still, gathering of religious and population would say—is presidente”, I’d hiss. But
the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 18,3) Children and heaven are
almost synonymous to each other. No wonder we feel like we Rodrigo Duterte escapes laypeople, the subject of necessarily “complicated”. It as time marches on and the
are in heaven every time we see children around. Every time identification; well, at least Duterte inevitably sprung would be imprudent (and a man reveals more and more
a baby is born, we are very happy because we somehow know as far as my little world is up; then a nun grinned and waste of time) to say anything of himself through word and
that he just did not come out of his mother’s womb, but rather concerned. Whenever two broke into song, a la Sound of conclusive about him or deed, I—for the sake of my
from the very hands of God who created him before the parents or more people are gathered, Music: “How do you solve the his work, in reaction to his blood pressure—am finding
procreated him. and the discussion drifts into problem of Duterteeeeee?” actions, because he himself it judicious to view him
In spite of the many limitations of children, what makes politics, there Duterte is in Aye, there’s the rub! I don’t appears to be a bundle of with a little more Christian
them always desirable is their pure, innocent heart, incapable the midst of them. Whether see Du30 as a problem. Were contradictions. empathy. The man seems
of malice, ambition, pride and haughtiness. They are a source it’s a casual chat between I to join the nun in a duet, I’d Earlier on, when “PRRD” unhinged, but being so is not
of many other good things. Their heart is always trusting in the cabbie and passenger, a change the lyrics into “How was just beginning to be without its uses.
Lord always, just like a little kid is always confident with his
father. Faith and hope easily grow and acquire strength when family reunion, or a no-holds do you solve the puzzle that’s exposed through media, He’s unconventional—
nurtured in a child’s heart. It’s this attitude that leads them to barred exchange between Duterteeeee?” I would cringe at his attending important
go on and move on no matter what, for life to them could only friends or among media I love solving puzzles, from cussing (as we say, “Ang functions in T-shirt and jeans,
be an adventure of discoveries. colleagues, I find myself the simplest kindergarten lutong magmura!”), being or a barong with sleeves
It’s this kind of heart that makes them transparent, sincere having to articulate more stuff to Mensa’s mind embarrassed for the Filipino rolled up, with total disregard
and simple, not afraid to be known as they truly are. They seriously than I would bogglers—and the strangest people. “Gawd, what would for diplomatic refinement—
may still lack the subtlety of prudence and discretion, and be want, an opinion about the chief executive that Pinas the international community but so is his inaugural menu.
prone to spontaneity, but they hardly mind these deficiencies. Philippines’ 13th president. has ever had must be a puzzle say, we have one of the most Avoiding unnecessary burden
They are only interested in doing what they think is good and Due perhaps to my somewhere in between. foul-mouthed leaders in the on the national coffers he
enjoyable. Suggestions and corrections do not humiliate them. occupation as a media From everything Duterte has history of the world?” And chose to feed the dignitaries
Rather, they welcome these suggestions and corrections.
person, I am always, always revealed of himself since pre- I’d also frankly criticize him with munggo and danggit.
Children are humble, teachable, flexible and docile. You can
tell them anything, and they always tend to believe and obey. asked “What do you think of election time to the present, for his brazen display of Impressive conviction—how
Attainments, achievements and successes do not spoil them. Duterte?” I maintain that I I see as a work in progress. misogyny, particularly when many of us would dare do
Neither do difficulties, temptations and failures crush them don’t think of Duterte at all, Neither the man nor his work he joked that he should have that?
and plunge them to sadness or bitterness. but an answer is expected is a simple thing, and so the been the first to rape the He contradicts himself.
They are easy to motivate, to be consoled, to be optimistic. of me just the same. Just relationship between him and murdered Australian woman And That’s the Truth / A7
Falls and mistakes are easily forgotten. They only leave a mark
that becomes a source of precious lessons for them to learn.
They are quick to heal when wounded. Working for God Candidly Speaking

Monitor
CBCP Fr. Roy Cimagala

YES, that’s how our attitude should be At least, it is supposed to be like that, masterpiece of God’s creation, we are
PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE when we work. We have to work for God unless we stray from that basic truth supposed to be working with God and
and not just for men. St. Paul said so: about ourselves. for God, responsible stewards of his, in
Pedro Quitorio “Whatever you do, work at it with all The creator cannot be absent from a manner of speaking. We are meant to
Editor-in-Chief
your heart, as working for the Lord, not his creatures. In our case, since we have cooperate with him in his continuing
for human masters, since you know that been endowed by God with the capacity work of taking care of his creation.
Nirva’ana E. Delacruz Ron Ramos you will receive an inheritance from the to know and to love, due to our spiritual We need to strive to live by this basic
Associate Editor Design Artist
Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ faculties of the intellect and the will, we truth about ourselves and spread it as
Mercedita Juanite you are serving.” (Col 3,23-24) are supposed to enter into a knowing widely as possible. The great majority
Roy Lagarde
News Editor Circulation Manager We need to be clear about this, and and loving communion with God, our of the people all over the world are still
make the necessary adjustments or even Creator. ignorant of this truth. And even for those
Kris Bayos Marcelita Dominguez radical changes in our attitude toward We are supposed to live our life and who in principle know it, do not know
Features Editor Comptroller our work. We should not downgrade the do our work fully knowing that we are how to translate it into actual reality.
objective dignity of our human labor working with God and for God. That is That is why our work often produces
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the Areopagus
Communications, Inc. with editorial and business offices at and just treat it as if it were just purely just how the cookie crumbles. That is a lot of problems—pride, vanity, greed,
Ground Flr., Holy Face of Jesus Center & Convent, 1111 a human affair. the ideal way of working. envy, discord, to name a few. We are
F. R. Hidalgo Street, Quiapo, Manila. Editorial: (632) 404 -
2182. Email Address: cbcpmonitor@areopaguscommunications. Our work, by definition, is also a work Our work then becomes our seeing these problems around. They
com, Business: (632) 404 - 1612. ISSN 1908-2940. of God. And that’s simply because our contribution to the abiding providence have become the common effects of our
whole life itself is always a life with God. of God over all his creation. As the Candidly Speaking / A7
CBCP Monitor january 22 - february 4, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 2 OPINION A5

An untoward award? Another Angle

By the Roadside Fr. Emmanuel Mijares
Fr. Eutiquio ‘Euly’ Belizar, Jr. SThD

MANY UST alumni must have lately felt

like being hit by a train. The controversy
involving USTAAI, an independent (so
says the university) alumni association
linked to the University of Santo Tomas,
giving an award to an undersecretary
of presidential communications, an
alumna, for government service, has
sparked outrage. There was no question
on the recipient’s alumna status. Nor
is her being a high government official
in doubt. What particularly distresses
critics, both alumni and non-alumni
of the institution, is the recipient’s
association with “fake news” and its
dissemination, not to mention her use
of “hate” and “vulgar” language against
administration critics especially on
social media. The student council,
mainstream students, the university
press organ and many alumni inside
and outside the country, including
former award recipients, insist that she
is not only undeserving but may even
be antagonistic to the institution’s core
values. Non-alumni may find this last
beyond them.
But allow me some considerations.
One, UST is obviously a Catholic
institution. The university
administration, student council,
press and its so-called independent
organizations or associations,
including the USTAAI, are certainly
not independent of Catholic values.
For instance, it is a clear teaching
of the Catholic Church: “Users (of
social communications) should practice
discipline and moderation in their
approach to the mass media. They
will want to form enlightened and
correct consciences the more easily to
Praying for the
3rd Filipino saint
THE news about the finding
of forensic experts about
the exhumed body of the
late Archbishop Teofilo
Camomot of Carcar, Cebu
is really unbelievable. The
body may have decomposed
but there are two uncommon
aspects about the remains—
The bones and clothes of the
deceased were “in pristine
condition, uncorrupted by
any form of infestation and
insect activity. There was a
remarkable absence of foul
smell and odor of decay.”
Dr. Erwin Erfe, head of
the forensic team, stated
that “this is the first time
I encountered something
like this… Usually, there is
an odor of decay whenever
we examine remains even
decades after the death of
the person. And usually,
the remains are infested
with insects considering that
the coffin is made of wood.
In the case of Archbishop
Camomot, there’s no foul
smell and its remains were
neither infested with insects.”
The body of Archbishop
Camomot was first exhumed
in 2009 from a Carcar City
cemetery, and was transferred
to the compound of the
Daughters of St. Teresa de
Avila (DST), a congregation
founded by him. My sister
resist unwholesome influences...They
should strive to respect, with equal
practices. But it helps no one when
everyone swims in the quagmire and
Pope Francis and the
care, the nature of the facts and the
limits of critical judgment concerning
throws mud against those who first
did so. Other than constantly pray for Sto. Nino Fiestas
individuals. They should not stoop to our conversion, hers and her bosses’,
defamation” (Catechism of the we show who we are by pointing out
WE celebrate the Feast of the Sto. Niño in the Philippines.
Catholic Church, nn. 2496-2497). That in charity where and how she errs, and
There are street dances, drums, soothes in the faces or bodies
an alumna of a Catholic university, with that she serves the nation and herself
of the devotees and there was the traditional “Palapak” when
a grave responsibility as a presidential best if she changes in the direction of
the faithful asks the altar ministers to let the image of the Sto.
communications secretary, is perceived God’s ways. Truth does not deserve
Nino touch their heads or other parts of the body whom they
as “the main purveyor of politically- being delivered on the platter of hate.
feel need healing from the Son of God.
motivated propaganda against That would be playing the game of the
Obviously, each of all these local fiestas has their own
known members of the government’s arch Enemy who, as we all know, is the
historical and cultures backgrounds. Certainly, many of
opposition, and an avid spreader of “father of lies” and “author of hate”. We
these popular devotions did not originate from the hierarchy,
fake news” (words of the UST Central protest. But we don’t stoop below who
the priests or bishops but from the lay faithful themselves.
Student Council) in itself is beyond we are called to be. For, as St. Augustine
And since they don’t come from the official church, so to
sad. Not even pre-Christian Caesar’s declares: “Nothing conquers except
speak, they are suspect by some members of the ministerial
wife would tolerate a mere perception truth; the victory of truth is charity.”
priesthood. These practices for a learned intellectual could
of impropriety. What more a Catholic Finally, where leaders are elected
even be tagged as pure paganism and does not help in the
university’s alumni association. The on the wave of populism, it has been
spiritual grown of the lay faithful. They could be considered
university’s core values of “compassion, observed that truth often becomes the
as mere superstition or even magic.
competence and commitment” are first victim in governance. For example,
Yet the Holy Father would think otherwise. Rather than
surely not in lieu, but in the service of, it is only in our rather weirdly ordered
lament to the negative degradation of the fiesta he presents
its Catholic identity. world where strongmen are in power
a positive vision for the hierarchy and the faithful to ponder.
Two, it is commendable that that we also hear of the proliferation
In fact they are called popular devotions, popular religiosity
the university respects the alumni of “fake news” and “alternative facts”
and sometimes, popular mysticism. So how does our Pope
association’s independence by non- (which is actually falsehood made to
consider these phenomena which is quite common not only
interference. It is also understandable, appear true). Two US senators have
in Latin America, as for example with regards to the Blessed
considering the many other complex recently warned their own president over
Virgin Mary but also in the Philippines?
aspects of university life. But in having made those terms ‘fashionable’
Pope Francis, in his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii
instances such as this where Catholic especially among the world’s autocratic
Gaudium, highlights the evangelizing power of these popular
(by that I mean the fullness of what the leaders, ultimately using them to harass
piety (popular religiosity). Through popular piety – or popular
term ‘Christian’ means) commitment to the media and the opposition in their
spirituality – many Christians express their faith in a way
truth, justice and the common good are own countries. Alas, how far backwards
that is incarnated in the culture of the people, particularly,
at stake, a Catholic university must also have we gone in history? And yet this
the lowly.
exercise its prophetic role and oppose apparent adversity for democracies
It appears that God, in His wisdom provides an ingenious
what is clearly against its values. In the and, especially for the Church as the
way to let simple people especially the poor ones to relate to
words of Charles Peguy: “He who does bulwark of God’s truth, also presents
Him according to their own capacity and means. The Pope
not bellow the truth makes himself an a challenge and an opportunity to give
continued in the same document that: “It is an expression of
accomplice of liars and forgers.” witness. In the words of St. Athanasius:
faith that is not devoid of content. Yet, it expresses its content
Three, the undersecretary is not “If the world goes against the truth, then
more symbolically than by discursive reasoning. Underlying
the enemy but what she espouses and Athanasius goes against the world.”
popular piety, as a fruit of the inculturated Gospel, is an active
evangelizing power which we must not underestimate. […]
we are called to promote and strengthen it […] to deepen
Duc in Altum the never-ending process of inculturation.” “Expressions
Atty. Aurora A. Santiago
of popular piety have much to teach us; for those who are
capable of reading them, they are a “locus theologicus” [or
“sensus fidelium” (theological place or sense of the faithful)]
which demands our attention, especially at a time when we
are looking to the new evangelization.” (Evangelical Gaudium,
and I are so blessed that we Implementing Rules and these will have effect on the 126)
were able to visit the place Regulations (IRR). Supposed increase in price of goods This point of promoting and strengthening popular
last year, Fr. Heiden Timbang to take effect January 01, 2018, transported from places religiosity or mysticism and not to be underestimated has
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus many products, utilities and where they are harvested (a) an evangelizing power and (b) therefore to consider it,
Parish in Sangat, Carcar, others will be affected, thus, let and manufactured. deepens the “process of inculturation” which is essential
Cebu brought us there. The us expect price increase in all of The Train Law will have in new evangelization. In fact our Lord, in a sense, has
second exhumation was them. Beside the value added beneficial effect to those who inculturated Himself in a Jewish culture which was also
conducted early this month tax, excise tax will be charged are receiving fixed income, popular; on the other hand, He has some teachings that
and his skeletal remains were on all these commodities— like office employees and obviously transcend the Jewish culture though embedded
placed in a fiber glass effigy sweetened beverage and workers, particularly those in it, and therefore could be applied to all cultures. Faith
and laid in a white coffin. cigarettes, petroleum and receiving an annual salary of comes not only from “below”, though it’s expression but
It was buried at the Domus automobile tax. No more tax P250,000 because they are could originate originate from various cultural milieu. This
Teofilo (House of Teofilo) in exemptions in lotto winnings now exempted from tax. Also is the mystery of the incarnation which has two dimensions:
Barangay Valladolid, Carcar and cosmetic procedures. exempted from taxation are the divine and the human. Through the teaching of Jesus has
City after the Mass celebrated We still have to wait for the 13th month pay and bonuses. divine origin, they could find themselves traces In one way
by Cebu Archbishop Jose IRR to check whether or not Estates worth P5.0 Million or another inside the Jewish culture and therefore in any
Palma, who told the people powdered drinks classified and below will be free from cultural traditions.
to pray as the Archdiocese of as milk, juice, tea and coffee, taxation, but P5.0 Million It seems that Jesus in his divine wisdom has purified
Cebu continues the stringent cereal and grain beverages and above will have 6% of elements of the Jewish culture and made its light shine which
process for the beatification and other non-alcoholic the excess over P5.0 Million. could be a light to their other cultures as well. Therefore it
and canonization of the beverages that contain added Before, if the net estate is underwent a certain process, an in-carnational one, but at
archbishop. He urged the sugar are covered by the P200k, estate tax is 20%. the same time we could see that it is beyond that particular
parishioners to emulate the increase. Donor’s tax is now 6% culture and therefore it is possible to be applied to any culture.
life and virtues of the priest. Prices of gasoline and whether donors and donees What the Catholics are invited to do is to discern what is
Abp. Camomot was known diesel/bunker fuel already are related. Before, donor’s True, Beautiful and Good in these popular religiosity since it
for his extreme generosity includes excise tax, which tax is 15% if they are related; contains some religious contents. In each of these practices,
and love for the poor. The would be increased every if not, tax is 30%. The Train there are jewels which are perhaps hidden and could be
Archdiocese of Cebu “took year up to 2020. This Law doubled all documentary brought out into open in order to be applied to other cultural
the fourth, left rib that was would mean corresponding taxes. environment like a catholic cultural environment.
close to Abp. Camomot’s increases in cost of fare (bus, The first tax reform We are invited to find these jewels, that “evangelizing
heart to be a relic or a tangible jeepney, tricycle, boat/ship, package is expected to power”, by not underestimating this “mysticism”, as noted, but
item for veneration in case airline), electricity, water generate P130 billion. The by allowing ourselves to be evangelized by these persons who
the priest will be beatified or and everything which uses taxes that may be collected are mostly poor. They have much to teach us. To do this the
canonized.” these fuel products. With will be used to fund part of church is invited to see this positive jewels to preserve them
*** higher cost of fuel, fare will the Duterte administration’s and maybe affirm them rather than curse its materialistic and
Republic Act 109631 or the also increase. Meralco and “Build, Build, Build” program secularistic expression (which in my opinion is irreversible).
Tax Reform for Acceleration Maynilad/Manila Waters which includes infrastructure For the Pope, although this mysticism “discovers and
and Inclusion (Train) law already announced the price projects that cost from P8 expresses that content more by way of symbols than by
is now in effect. We are increase in electricity and trillion to P9 trillion between discursive reasoning, and in the act of faith greater accent is
waiting for the release of the water, respectively. All of 2017 and 2022. Another Angle / A7

Whatever #HappyHolyHome
Fr. Francis Ongkingco

EVERY parent’s dream is the
happiness of their children in this
life, and eventually, unending
happiness one day in heaven. If this
essential existential goal is not clear
to parents, then nothing is clear to
them.
David Brooks, in his book Road
to Character, wrote as the first point
of his Humility Code: “We don’t live
for happiness, we live for holiness.
Day to day we seek out pleasure,
but deep down, human beings are
endowed with moral imagination.
All human beings seek to lead lives
not just of pleasure, but of purpose,
righteousness, and virtue.” And
he adds: “The best life is oriented
around the increasing excellence of
the soul and is nourished by moral
joy, the quiet sense of gratitude
and tranquility that comes as a
byproduct of successful moral
struggle. The meaningful life is the
same eternal thing, the combination
of some set of ideals and some
man or woman’s struggle for those
ideals. Life is essentially a moral
drama, not a hedonistic one.”
In the spiritual life, God is man’s
true good and happiness. In order to
possess this eternal good, man must
unite himself to God. This union
with God cannot be achieved by
man’s own strength; he needs God’s
help and grace. Only by striving to
orient his entire earthly life can he
hope to one day be eternally happy
with God in heaven.
Now, holiness, as some may
think, is not an unhappy life project.
This is false! Like any ideal, sanctity
entails sacrifice. For example, to
become a good athlete, painter,
doctor, architect or lawyer, one
must invest a lot of time, effort, and
sacrifice. Now holiness, especially
our own and our children’s, is no
exception.
Today the challenge is how to
make sanctity—which is not easy
to click, like, upload or take a
selfie of—something attractive
and meaningfully valuable for
the young, who are caught up
in the waves of instant material
gratification and entitlement.
What can parents do?
• Parents first. The task of making
holiness attractive begins with the
very parents—through word and
deed—themselves. They are not
perfect, but they constantly and
naturally radiate one sincere desire
in their life: holiness is the only
thing that truly matters.
• Heart and mind prints. An
invisible reality like holiness, so
to speak, needs to latch itself to
material things. The best realities
to print onto our children’s minds
and hearts are prayer, offering,
and service. This is done by
accompanying them and gradually
helping them own these exercises.
For example, pray for an intention,
offer a discomfort (i.e. a broken
toy, eating vegetables, and the hot
weather etc.) to God and how a day
cannot end without some concrete
act of service (i.e. learning how to
share their things with others).
• Rewarding the invisible. We
must strive to make them cherish
spiritual rewards: a “please”
accompanied by a smile, an “I’m
sorry” with an embrace and firm pat
on the back together with a “thank
you”. Such spiritual rewards help
to open closed minds, soften hard
hearts, and convert self-centered
wills.
• ‘Godgets’ more. Gadgets today
are one of the most common
Whatever / A6
A6 LOCAL NEWS january 22 - february 4, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 2 CBCP Monitor

Free confab on Duterte urged to intervene

‘Church of the regarding OFW on death row
Poor’ set

Professor Dries Vanysacker of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), fourth from left, together
with panelists of a thesis defense under the joint program for Bachelor in Theology and Religious Studies Mary Jane’s parents Cesar and Celia Veloso call for the release of their daughter during a prayer rally in Manila, Sept. 8, 2016. MARIA TAN
of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium and St. Vincent
School of Theology, Adamson University, Philippines. ST. VINCENT SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY A CATHOLIC bishop asked elevated to the Supreme Court,” not the human traffickers,” Santos
President Rodrigo Duterte to Santos said. said.
PROFESSOR Dries Vanysacker of “It is a simple conference, but intervene in the case of a Filipina The Balanga bishop made the “The CA decision is just an added
the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven we open the opportunity to gather inmate convicted of drug smuggling appeal after the Court of Appeals pain and continuous agony for Mary
(KU Leuven) in Belgium will give a people to listen to an expert from in Indonesia. recently affirmed its injunction Jane,” he added.
conference on “Pope Francis and Europe,” he added. Bishop Ruperto Santos, who on Veloso’s testimony against the An Indonesian court sentenced
the Church of the Poor” on Jan. 23, chairs the Church’s migrants recruiters who allegedly tricked the overseas Filipino worker in
8:30 a.m. to noon at the University Free admission ministry, said Duterte must do her into transporting illegal drugs 2010 after being found guilty of
of the Assumption (UA) in this city. The conference will be held at the something to save Mary Jane Veloso to Indonesia in 2010. transporting 2.6 kilograms of
Vanysacker teaches at the Faculty Msgr. Serrano Auditorium at UA. from execution. The prelate argued that Veloso heroin.
of Theology and Religious Studies of Ranked as one of the best 50 “The President, thru Solicitor should be allowed to testify instead Insisting that she was duped by
KU Leuven and is also a coordinator universities in the world, KU Leuven General Jose Calida, could question of the CA giving “leeway” to her her recruiters, Veloso was given a
at the History of the Church and is an institution for research and the decision of the CA not to allow recruiters. last-minute reprieve by Indonesia
Theology research unit of the said education in Flanders, Belgium. Mary Jane deposition. Thru the “It is Mary Jane who must be President Jokowi Widodo in April
university. Teachers and students of theology Solicitor General, it should be protected, defended and be saved, 2015. (CBCPNews)
and religious education, the clergy
Understanding Pope Francis and religious, and lay persons are
“We have to get to know the mind
of the Pope, he gives the direction
invited to attend the conference.
The UA Institute of Theological
Tagle suggests ‘digital detox’ in social media age
where the Church goes, he has a and Religious Studies and the JUST as he praised
heart for the poor, and Professor Mother of Good Counsel Seminary social media and its
Vanysacker can help us understand are hosting the conference. great potential for
him better,” said Fr. Oliver Yalung, Admission is free. Interested evangelization, Manila
head of Theology and Religious parties are requested to reserve Archbishop Luis Antonio
Study at UA. their slots by calling or texting Cardinal Tagle said
The priest commended 09204030631 and 09063443028. modern man’s immersion
Vanysacker as someone “who knows (Fernando Santos with in the digital world could
of Pope Francis’ and the Church’s Reports from Chrixy be leading him back to
advocacy for the poor.” Paguirigan / CBCPNews) silence and reflection.
“Some people are
Disowns / A1
proposing a digital detox…
I don’t know how to do
of the UAAI or any of its alumni The UST Central Student Council
it. But they say, through
organizations,” it said in a statement condemned the award to Uson that
silence, return to reflection
from Prof. Giovanna Fontanilla, it called “an avid spreader and citer
and prayer life,” said the
the university’s director for public of fake news”.
prelate, giving the keynote
affairs. In an editorial titled “Award to
talk of a panel discussion
UST stressed that The Outstanding ‘Mocha’ a libel to UST, the university’s
on “Catholic media in
Thomasian Alumni is the only official student publication, The
challenging times” at the
award bestowed by the university “to Varsitarian, even called on the UST
Layforce Auditorium, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle gives the keynote talk at a panel discussion on “Catholic media in
exceptional graduates after undergoing AAI officers to resign over its decision
San Carlos Seminary, challenging times” at the Layforce Auditorium, San Carlos Seminary, Guadalupe, Makati City, Jan. 19, 2018. ROY LAGARDE
a stringent screening process”. to honor Uson.
Guadalupe in this city.
“They are given only to alumni “For its libel on UST and abetting
Tagle, who hosts the hooked constantly is the Warnings from 1963 use of the means of social
in all areas of studies who have assault on the truth, the UAAI
syndicated TV show The contemporary version According to him, the communication.”
instilled excellent core values leadership should resign,” the
Word Exposed, said that of noise. You don’t hear digital culture seems to “Now they’re talking
academically and socially to the editorial said.
at a time when many enjoy any noise, but you are reinforce the “quest for about addiction to the
public,” it added. UST Rector Fr. Herminio
multiple means of social constantly being bugged… external stimulation.” gadgets and it is a form of
The UAAI on Sunday conferred Dagohoy, who presided a Mass
communication, “people It is the new form of “It’s like we need to be addiction…,” said Tagle.
the Thomasian Alumni Award at the alumni homecoming on
are looking for silence.” noise, the lack of silence,” stimulated all the time by Organized by Signis
for Government Service to Uson, Sunday, has also denied any
he explained partly in an external [stimulant]… Philippines, Jesuit
sparking uproar from former and knowledge of the award to Uson.
Need for silence Filipino. and speed. Everyone is Communications
current UST students. (CBCPNews)
“When people are talking The prelate related in a hurry: instant coffee, Foundation, TV
Whatever / A5 about communication, how a priest revealed even responses should be Maria, Catholic Media
they also rediscover the that before, the first instant,” he said. Network, Paulines,
compensations for children. We have reminders to pray to God, to the need for silence,” he said. thing he did in the The need for constant and Radio Veritas,
to help them realize that these material saints, for the family and friends. While Tagle said morning was to pray, stimulation, explained the panel discussion
things are secondary to God, family, • Create spiritual spaces. Praying social media opens now, it is to check his Tagle, is tied to narcissism, also featured Bishop
friends, and work. This can be done as a family is very important to up opportunities for phone for messages. isolation, emptiness, and Mylo Hubert Vergara,
through the example of temperance nurture desires for holiness. But “solidarity, growing in “For me, [one of the unhappiness. chairman of the CBCP
and sobriety that parents and guardians this isn’t just the grace before unity” as well as the threats is] the lack of The prelate pointed out Commission on Social
constantly live at home and at work. meals or the Rosary. There could “deepening of faith time to reflect. There is how as early as 1963, the Communications, John
• Material reminders. Decorate be prayers said spontaneously for through prayer and no more time to think. It’s Second Vatican Council Nery of the Philippine
the house, without overdoing it, special intentions or events. There through formation,” like everything should be was already calling on Daily Inquirer, and
with simple but elegant images is also the wonderful practice of constant digital exposure fast, [but] there are things the faithful, particularly Howie Severino of GMA
(i.e. our Lord, our Lady, St. Joseph gathering every evening, for less has a downside. that need to be studied, parents, to “to help the Network 7 as reactors.
and a particular saint the family than five or so minutes, to thank “…(T)here are also [and] thought about,” said youth learn moderation (Nirva’ana Ella
is close to, etc.) These are helpful God together for His graces, ask some threats. Being Tagle. and self-control in the Delacruz/CBCPNews)
material pointers that raise the the others’ pardon for some minor
spiritual temperature of the home, faults and to pray for more grace to Together / A1
as members strive to use them as love the next day.
people looking for verification,” has a social communications office, information and the right of people
Abortion / A3
he said. wow!” Tagle stressed. to receive information,” he added.
The cardinal expressed his And amid threats to press freedom, Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara
passionate and wants to remind who might be in a state of fear or appreciation for the efforts of the cardinal emphasized the Church’s of Pasig, chairman of the
people that “we are victims in this crisis because of an unexpected church media organizations to bring “conviction” for free speech and Church’s Commission on Social
too.” pregnancy, said his message to the light of the Gospel to various its importance for facilitating good Communications, backed efforts
When speaking about abortion, them would be “what are you afraid peripheries. governance and transparency. to uphold press freedom in the
he says men should just be of?” According to him, the media if “The right of the people to get country.
themselves: “Don’t talk about “I had that experience, I became properly utilized could be a potent information of course includes “If press freedom… it’s really
abortion differently that you talk a teen parent,” but looking back, force for the Church to drive social the freedom of the people to share clear that we should be free to speak
about everything else, don’t put it “what was I afraid of? … Being a change “since we are serving all over information, including the freedom the truth,” Vergara said.
off to the side. You are allowed, as father is such a beautiful gift ... the country”. of the press,” said Tagle. The two church leaders were
a man, to talk about an issue like there is no more beautiful thing “We could be one source of “This isn’t just an opinion. It’s joined by journalists John Nery and
a man.” in the world than being a father.” verification because the Church is our conviction that there should Howie Severino as reactors during
Jones said his message to people (Elise Harris/CNA) present everywhere and if a diocese be freedom of the people to share the forum.
CBCP Monitor january 22 - february 4, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 2 DIOCESAN NEWS A7

Leyte marks 3rd anniversary

of pope’s visit
Want to help Mayon evacuees?
Accommodate them, says priest
LEGAZPI, Albay— A Catholic
priest in Albay called on
parishioners to open their
homes to evacuees as large
volcanic eruption looms in
the province.
Fr. Rex Paul Arjona,
Director of the Diocese
of Legazpi’s Social Action
Center, hopes that more
people will participate in
the church’s Hararomna
Pagrangasa Orogna
Nangangaipo (Harong)
program.
Pope Francis waves to the crowd after the Mass at the Tacloban airport on Jan. 17,
2015, enroute to Palo, Leyte to visit other survivors of typhoon Yolanda. BENHUR He said that Harong, a
ARCAYAN/MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU volunteer program initiated
back in 2014 when Mayon
homes,” Arjona said over
Radio Veritas.
“This is in order to help
in decongesting evacuation
centers and improve the well-
being of the evacuees, especially
those of the most vulnerable
population,” he said.
More than 30,000 people
have already fled their homes
as the lava from the restless
Mayon Volcano continued
to flow.
Arjona said the diocese
through its parishes is
working around the clock
to help those in need by Evacuees take refuge at a school in Camalig, Albay, January 16, 2018. JUN SANTIAGO
providing food, shelter and III, CSSR

PALO, Leyte—Three
years ago on Wednesday,
thousands of people gathered
in Leyte for the visit of Pope
Francis.
On Jan. 17, 2015, the pope
met with some survivors
of typhoon Yolanda and
church leaders in Palo, but
the highlight of his trip for
many people was his Mass at
the airport in Tacloban City.
Michael Mendroz, a
37-year-old driver from
Tacloban, was among the
volunteers who served during
the papal visit despite strong
rains brought by a storm.
Mendroz said he personally
saw the pope in a close
distance because he was one
of those that secured the
Pope through the human
chain.
“I personally saw Pope
Francis and I felt a different
feeling. It was an experience
I will never forget in my life,”
he said.
During the Mass and
wearing a yellow raincoat
over his vestments, Pope
Francis said he did not know
what he could say to address
the pain of the survivors of
Yolanda that left thousands
dead and millions homeless.
“I don’t know what to day
to you,” said the pontiff.
The pope recalled that as
he watched the catastrophe
unfold from Rome, “I felt that
I had to be here.”
“I am here to be with you.
A little bit late, I have to say.
But I’m here,” he said. “I
come to tell you that Jesus
is Lord. and He never lets us
down.”
Archbishop John Du of
Palo marked the papal visit
anniversary with a Mass at
the Pope Francis Center,
a facility located within
the archbishop’s residence
compound intended for the
orphans and elderly.
The prelate also led the
inauguration and blessing
of a newly-constructed
orphanage building.
A liturgical service was also
held t the Palo Metropolitan
Cathedral, where the pope
had an audience with the
priests and the religious in
2015.
Fr. Gilbert Urbina, the
cathedral’s rector, said he
could not forget the day
Pope Francis visited the
archdiocese.
“Despite of the strong rains
because of the typhoon when
he arrived, no body of us got
sick,” Urbina said.
Few days after the papal
visit, the bishop of Rome
was declared “Super Pope”
by the local government of
Tabontabon town for being
the first pontiff to visit Leyte.
(Nestor Abrematea/
CBCPNews)
Volcano last erupted, also emotional support.
aims to avoid overcrowding “They have opened soup elderly,” he added. food, water, blankets,
in evacuation centers. kitchens while also opening At the same time, the priest sleeping mats, mosquito
“We are campaigning, their facilities, like churches, is knocking on the doors of nets, among others.
especially to residences pastoral centers for the Catholics to gather aid for “We are appealing to
surrounding or nearby vulnerable evacuees, such evacuees as rivers of lava people who have these needs.
the evacuation centers, to as pregnant and lactating threaten thousands of homes. We don’t need clothes yet,”
welcome evacuees to their mothers, PWDs, and the Donations needed include he said. (CBCPNews)
Drug war / A1
death of three teenage drug suspects in Navotas and Malabon. many of the more than 16,000 ‘deaths
the hands of policemen. “The killings by the ‘bonnet gangs’ under investigation’ perpetrated by
But in December last year, President never really stopped after Tokhang was masked vigilantes have been resolved?
Rodrigo Duterte again ordered the return suspended the second time on October Why are the killers never apprehended,
to the Philippine National Police (PNP) 12, 2017,” he said. pursued, or caught by the police?”
the conduct of anti-drug operations in David has also asked for an update asked David.
the country. over the thousands of previous killings Government lawyers earlier declined
“Tokhang was suspended but the linked to the “Oplan Tokhang”. to comply with a Supreme Court request
killings of alleged drug suspects never According to him, the seeming absence to submit copies of police reports and
really stopped. What to expect with its of credible findings on the killings other documents especially on the death
third relaunching? Your guess is as good makes the return of the drug war more of some 4,000 suspects in supposedly
as mine,” David said. worrisome. legitimate drug operations.
Currently the second-in-command “How many of the 4,000 killed in Earlier, Solicitor General Jose Calida
in the bishops’ hierarchy, he said his ’legitimate police operations’ during told the SC that he would comply with
diocese recorded the killing of at least the first two Tokhangs really ‘fought its directive. He later withdrew his own
20 people since October in his diocese back’ (nanlaban) as claimed by the word citing national security. (Roy
which covers the cities of Caloocan, police? Have they found out? How Lagarde / CBCPNews)
Candidly Speaking / A4
work nowadays. unity among ourselves, the temporal and technical in this crucial aspect of our
When we would be more etc. We would strive for aspects of our work to God? life, especially in our relation
aware of this truth, even utmost competence and Do we realize that our work is to God and to others.
if we still can commit diligence. our usual way of giving glory Slowly but steadily,
errors due to our human We need to start with to God? And that it is our without letup, let’s help one
limitations and the many our own selves in learning usual way also of sanctifying another acquire this proper
temptations around, there and living by this basic ourselves and others? understanding and attitude
would be an effort to make truth of ourselves. Are our I believe we have to discuss toward our work and its
our work a source of real motivations and intentions these questions more often corresponding skills. What
goodness, of love and for working the right one? and more openly, if only to a world it is going to be if we
compassion, of energy for Do we know how to relate make ourselves more literate work in this way!
And That’s the Truth / A4

CBCP official lauds creation of OFW Bank
BALANGA City—A special
bank opened this month for
overseas Filipino workers
would be of help to the OFWs
and their families, a Catholic
bishop said.
Balanga Bishop Ruperto
Santos, chairman of the
CBCP Episcopal Commission
on Migrants and Itinerant
People, said it would provide
more protection to the
remittances sent by the more
than 10 million OFWs around
the world.
“It is a valuable help as they
can save from higher remittance
fees of foreign banks in those
countries of work, and they can
be protected from investment
scams,” he said.
The government on Jan.
18 inaugurated the Overseas
Filipino Bank (OFB) in
Manila which offers a fast,
secured, and cheapest
remittance system.
“With OFB our migrant
Another Angle / A5
placed on “credere in Deum”
than on “credere Deum”
. . . it is “a legitimate way
of living the faith, a way of
feeling part of the Church
and a manner of being
missionaries”. It becomes
clear that for Pope Francis
they too are missionaries to
us, [priests and lay] and to be
one with our people in their
popular expression of faith,
“brings with itself the grace of
being a missionary, of coming
out of oneself and setting
out on pilgrimage “with our
people, and perhaps by doing
so we could just ignore its
negative manifestations that
necessarily goes with it.
In other words, to be
recipients of the jewels
hidden in popular mysticism
or by being evangelized by
workers are encouraged to
save, to keep their money to
earn interests and so they can
avoid unnecessary spending,”
Santos said.
The OFB was President
Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign
promise to help the Filipinos
working overseas, including
immigrants and those with
residence visas.
The President signed
Executive Order 44 in
September 2017, allowing the
Land Bank of the Philippines’
acquisition of the Philippine
Postal Savings Bank (PPSB).
The EO then authorized the
PPSB’s conversion into OFB,
which offers microfinance
and micro-insurance
products and services for
Filipinos abroad.
The government is also
planning to set up OFB in
foreign countries to make it
more accessible to Filipinos
abroad. (CBCPNews)
them, so to speak, we also
become evangelizers for
them, co-pilgrims with them
in discerning in a deeper
way together the treasures
hidden by God in these
cultural expressions of faith.
In fact the Pope suggests
that: “taking part in (other)
manifestations of popular
piety, also by taking one’s
children or inviting others,
is in itself an evangelizing
gesture”.
He exhorts: “Let us not
stifle or presume to control
this missionary power!” The
church then is invited not to
loose by default this “religious
power” to the whims and
caprices of secularism and
materialism. VIVA KAY
SENOR STO NIÑO! PIT
SENOR!
He once declared, with clenched
fist, that he would ride a jetski to
plant a Philippine flag on a contested
island grabbed by China. But now
he’s playing footsies with China and
tightening the noose on the United
States. Does he know what he’s doing,
or is it part of a clever strategy? He
once said he’d kill his own children if
he found out they were using drugs,
but is now mum on the six-billion
peso shabu shipment from China
that dragged his son’s name into the
controversy. Once rejecting being
compared to the loose-lipped US
president Donald Trump, he said “He’s
a bigot, I am not.”Months later, after a
friendly phone chat with Trump where
the latter expressed support for his
drug war, Duterte totally forgot that
he might be dealing with a “bigot”.
He carelessly makes promises he can’t
keep. Remember when he swore he’d
stop cussing because his daughter was
getting the flak in school on account of
her president-father’s laughable foul
mouth? He tried, his speech became
bland, but only for a week or so. And
also that incident when he said God
talked to him on the plane, and he
promised never to cuss again because
“a promise to God is a promise to the
Filipino people”? And that campaign
trail promise to rid the country of
drugs in three-to-six months? See the
pattern? Same banana.
He trivializes matters. He blurts out
something infuriating and then turns
around and says he’s just joking. Irate
over the pronouncement of US human
rights experts about the drug killings
being a crime under international law,
Duterte exploded into expletives, called
the experts “stupid”, and threatened to
pull out of the UN, only to say later he
was just joking. At a campaign rally
he said about the raped and murdered
Australian missionary: “Nakita ko ang
mukha, maganda… sabi ko sayang, na
rape, pinilahan nila. Galit ako dahil
na-rape siya, pero maganda, naisip ko,
dapat ang mayor ang pinauna nila.”
(I saw her face and I thought, ‘What a
pity... they raped her, they all lined up.
I was mad she was raped but she was so
beautiful. I thought, the mayor should
have been first.) His office defended his
“joke”, saying it was simply “how men
talk,” but later on issued an apology to
pacify furious female voters.
If people can’t tell when he’s joking
and when he’s not, it’s probably
because the man himself doesn’t
know how to make heads or tails
of the problems in his hands. He
sounded funny and bragging when
he said, campaigning, “If I make it to
the presidential palace, I will do just
what I did as mayor. You drug pushers,
hold-up men and do-nothings, you
better go out. Because I’ll kill you…I’ll
dump all of you into Manila Bay,
and fatten all the fish there.” But
thousands of drug related deaths later,
of mostly of drug users and pushers
who “resisted arrest” by the police,
we realize Duterte wasn’t joking about
fattening the fish in Manila Bay, by
feeding them the small fry. A funny
joker president? Scary, to say the least.
Joking or not, Duterte makes brash
off-the-cuff remarks that should easily
earn him the title of “Pambansang
Kahihiyan”. Anyone who causes him
displeasure he cusses as a “son of a
whore”—former US president Obama
and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon
(“a fool”) over human rights issues,
and Pope Francis (“you son of a whore,
go home and never come back”) for
indirectly causing him to get stuck in a
traffic jam. Du30’s mouth also spewed
obscenities when the European Union
urged his government to investigate
human rights abuses, calling the EU
hypocrites, giving them the dirty finger,
and accusing them of “atoning” for their
ancestors’ sins and “guilt feelings” over
occupying other countries in the past.
Are his intentions noble? Is he a
misguided maverick? He always says
he loves his country and would get
rid of anyone harming it or hurting
the Filipinos. But the drug users and
pushers are Filipinos, too. So why is he
vowing to kill the country’s alleged three
million drug addicts—“I’d be happy to
slaughter them as Hitler massacred
the Jews… to finish the problem of my
country and save the next generation.”
Or does he simply enjoy shocking polite
society, as when at a meeting with
businessmen, he bragged about being a
womanizer thus, “I was separated from
my wife. I’m not impotent. What am I
supposed to do? Let this hang forever?
When I take Viagra, it stands up.”
If the surveys are to be believed,
PRRD seems to be still enjoying a high
trust rating. Why? Is it because he
pushed for free education up to college,
higher salaries for soldiers and teachers,
more services for the poor, the purge
against corrupt officials, etc. etc.? I
for one, though not a fan nor a critic
of the man, think his warrior nature
served the country well when he put
his foot down on the terrorists during
the Marawi siege. The first video I saw
of it was of the ISIS recruits burning
the cathedral and bashing the images
inside. The fact that the terrorists are
well funded from abroad shows this
is a real threat to the country, and the
president for once acted as a president
should—with determination to fight
off the invaders. I shuddered to think
what could have happened had the one
sitting in Malacañang then been any of
his rivals—Roxas, Binay, Poe, or (RIP)
Santiago?
If everything is wrong about Duterte,
then not everything could be right
about the 16,000,000 Filipinos who
put him into office. They heard him
during his campaign. They knew he
was a womanizer. They enjoyed his
jokes and his cussing and counted on his
promises. And yet they voted for him.
Lest we forget that the Philippines is not
just its president, or the president and
his supporters, but is each and everyone
of us, we need to discern more in order
to make of ourselves the best we can
before the sake of our country and the
future of our children. How do we solve
the problem of Duterte? Accept that
in spite of our purest intentions there
are things we cannot change—surely
not the habits of conflicted leaders
that go against our grain or violate
our standards of decency—and so try
to focus on changing ourselves. We
can help ourselves through prayer and
obedience to the Father. How do we
solve the puzzle that’s Duterte? How
do we face the challenge that’s Duterte?
Like it or not he is a challenge to our
faith, our humility, our charity, and our
avowed desire for God’s will to be done.
And that’s the truth.
A8 PEOPLE, FACTS, AND PLACES january 22 - february 4, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 2 CBCP Monitor

Leyte town to name Duterte names new envoy

road after Pope to the Vatican
Francis MANILA—AS had been expected
for the past week, President Rodrigo
Duterte has nominated Grace
Relucio-Princesa as Philippine
Ambassador to the Holy See.
“NanayAmba,” as she is known
by friends, had spent more than 20
years in the Philippine Diplomatic
Service before she was named
Assistant Secretary of the Foreign
Affairs Department’s Legislative
Liaison Unit.
She was the first female Philippine
Ambassador to the United Arab
Emirates and had previous postings
in Iraq, USA, Egypt and Switzerland.
Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman
of the CBCP’s Commission on
Migrants and Itinerant People, has Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa. DFA FILE PHOTO
welcomed the nomination, saying
that it’s an added “blessing” for “We welcome her appointment, very religious and honesty is their
Princesa “to work in Vatican and extends our cooperation and natural traits,” said Santos.
for the Vatican”. collaboration with her,” he said. “Surely it will be holy and happy
“NanayAmba is very known for In Italy, aside from the 57 Filipino relationships of NanayAmba Grace
our OFWs in UAE where she was centers all over the country, the with our OFWs, priests and religious
posted before. She has her heart for CBCP has at least five Filipino sisters,” he added.
OFWs, truly caring and working for chaplaincies in Rome, Milan, Princesa’s nomination must
their well-being,” Santos said. Bergamo, Padova and Florence. be approved by the bicameral
The bishop said that they are “Our OFWs fill the Italian Commission on Appointments
ready to work with Princesa, whose churches, and helping the parishes (CA). There has been no vocal
Pope Francis makes a surprise visit to a family in Palo, Leyte on January 17, 2015. BENHUR ARCAYAN/ nomination was announced by as pastoral workers. And our OFWs opposition to her appointment, so
MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU Malacañang on Jan. 20. in Italy are very hardworking, far. (CBCPNews)

PALO, Leyte— The local government

here is discussing honoring Pope
Francis by naming a road after him.
visit to serve as a lasting and fitting
remembrance for the Holy Father’s
visit to Palo,” Agner said.
New Naval bishop assumes post
The pope visited the town and the Jorge Pulido, a resident of NAVAL, Biliran— Newly-
nearby city of Tacloban in January Tacloban, welcomed the move of ordained Bishop Rex
2015 to be in solidarity with the the Palo officials to name the road Ramirez has formally
survivors of typhoon Yolanda. to Pope Francis. took office as the new
Local officials have recommended “I believe there will be no other head of the Catholic
that the newly completed west pope that will come to Leyte in our diocese of Naval in
bypass road will be named after the lifetime, except Pope Francis. It is Biliran province.
81-year-old pontiff. now part of our history that once Ramirez was officially
This resolution will go before the upon a time a pope came to Leyte,” installed as the diocese’s
Palo town council for approval. Pulido said. second bishop in a solemn
Councilor Junie Agner said they The 3.66-km government road ceremony held at the Most
are also discussing the plan with project traverses through some Holy Rosary Cathedral on
concerned government agencies inland villages of the town— an Friday morning.
and the Archdiocese of Palo. alternative road for motorists The installation rite
“Mayor (Remedios) Petilla had told particularly those going to the took place three days after
me to look for a road to be named west side of Leyte. (Nestor his episcopal ordination
after the Pope shortly after the papal Abrematea/CBCPNews) in Palo, Leyte attended
by leading church figures
PHLPost issues stamps for Fatima centenary including Cardinal Luis
Antonio Tagle and Papal
Nuncio Archbishop Bishop Rex Ramirez (center) is greeted by his predecessor retired Bishop Filomeno Bactol (right) and Palo Archbishop
John Du during his installation at the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral as the second bishop of the Diocese of Naval,
Gabriele Cassia. January 12, 2018.
The 50-year-old
prelate succeeded by the clergy and the politicians. The Naval diocese is
Bishop FilomenoBactol people of Biliran since his “There are officials whom one of the four suffragans
who retired from the appointment last October I know do not meet eye-to- of the Archdiocese of
ministry after reaching 2017 by Pope Francis. eye. My role as a bishop is Palo with more than
the mandatory age of 75 Bishop Ramirez earlier clear to me. I will stand by 300,000 Catholics in 16
three years ago. He is now said he will detach from what the Church stands parishes administered
78 years old. political pressures for. I am there for the by around 30 priests.
Bactol said that Ramirez and not influenced by Church and as the Church’s (Nestor Abrematea/
had long been waited squabbles among local representative,” he said. CBCPNews)

Archbishop Palma marks 20th year as bishop with CFC

Thousands of Couples for Christ leaders gathered for the annual CFC Leaders’ Conference, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma
celebrated a Holy Mass together with priests from Metro Manila, Ecuador, France, and Israel, Jan. 13, 2018. PHOTO COURTESY OF RUEL TENERIFE

MANILA— The centenary year
of Our Lady of Fatima has been
commemorated with a national
stamp, the latest honor for the
patroness of the largest Catholic
country in Asia.
The Philippine Postal Corp.
(PHLPost) has released se-
tenant block of four stamps to
mark the series of apparitions of
the Blessed Mother to the three
shepherd children in Fatima,
Portugal.
The Virgin Mary appeared six
times to Lucia, and her cousins
Francisco, and his sister Jacinta
between May 13, 1917 and October
13 of the same year.
There are four designs of the
commemorative stamps featuring
the first apparition, the Our Lady of
Fatima herself, the last apparition
known as “the Miracle of the Sun”,
and the three visionaries.
The agency has printed 80,000
copies of the P12 denomination
of the block of four stamps which
is available for sale in post offices
around the country until December
13, 2018.
It said the layout of the stamps
was done by in-house graphic artist
Eunice Beatrix UyDabu.
The local Church has used the
image of Our Lady of Fatima in a huge
procession against extrajudicial
killings along the historic Edsa
highway last November.
Organized by the Catholic Bishops’
Conference of the Philippines, it
was a prayerful gathering for the
“healing” of the nation marred by
killings and political division as a
consequence of the government’s
controversial war on drugs.
(CBCPNews)
MANILA— Thousands of Couples for
Christ (CFC) leaders who converged
onJan. 13, in Pasay City had an
extra-special guest of honor at the
CFC Leaders’ Conference 2018 in
the person of Cebu Archbishop Jose
Palma, who marked two decades as
a bishop that day.
Leaders from Canada, the
U.S., Australia, Singapore, India,
Indonesia, the Middle East, Africa,
among others, gathered for this
year’s conference, which carried
the theme “Rekindle the Gift…
Fulfill Your Ministry” taken from 2
Timothy 1:6, 4:1-5.
“Speaking of gifts… Twenty years
ago, exactly this day, the 13th of
January, I was ordained a bishop
in Iloilo. Maybe you are wondering
why I’m here…[It’s] because I owe
a lot to CFC and I mean it,” said the
bishop, who was the main celebrant
for the Holy Mass before the main
sessions.
Recognizing the good
“I want to tell you precisely
that I want to unite myself to
you in this meaningful event…
All good things are gifts form
the Lord,” added Palma, who
celebrated the Eucharist together
with priests from Metro Manila,
Ecuador, Israel, France, among
others.
In reference to CFC’s theme for
2018, the prelate then called on
the faithful to “recognize the many
good things, the many gifts we
have received,” noting that such an
acknowledgment is precisely “the
basis” for rekindling those gifts.
According to Palma, rekindling
one’s gifts means to have God as
one’s focus.
“We rekindle [our gifts] when
daily we think of God, when we
realize that because we receive
this from the Lord then our first
responsibility is before the Lord, the
Giver of Gifts,” he explained.
‘Giver of Gifts’
The prelate then quoted St.
Augustine, who said, “You touched
me and I am set on fire. To attain
the peace which is Yours, o Lord.”
He stressed that rekindling
one’s gifts is only possible “if our
intention, if our mindset, if our
reference is the Lord, the Giver of
Gifts.”
The Mass was followed by the
main sessions, which were given by
CFC president Michael Ariola and
by MeloVillaroman, CFC chairman.
(Nirva’Ana Ella Delacruz/
CBCPNews)
CBCP Monitor January 22 - February 4, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 2
Pope Francis greets a sick child during a visit to the Federico Gomez Children’s Hospital of Mexico in Mexico City, Feb. 14, 2016. PAUL HARING/CNS
Mater Ecclesiae: “Behold, your son... Behold,
your mother. And from that hour the disciple
took her into his home.” (Jn 19:26-27)
Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the 26th World Day of the Sick 2018
DEAR Brothers and Sisters,
The Church’s service to the sick and those who
care for them must continue with renewed
vigor, in fidelity to the Lord’s command (cf. Lk
9:2-6; Mt 10:1-8; Mk 6:7-13) and following the
eloquent example of her Founder and Master.
The theme for this year’s Day of the Sick is
provided by the words that Jesus spoke from
the Cross to Mary, his Mother, and to John:
“Woman, behold your son ... Behold your
mother. And from that hour the disciple took
her into his home” (Jn 19:26-27).
1. The Lord’s words brilliantly illuminate the
mystery of the Cross, which does not represent
a hopeless tragedy, but rather the place where
Jesus manifests his glory and shows his love
to the end. That love in turn was to become
the basis and rule for the Christian community
and the life of each disciple.
Before all else, Jesus’ words are the source of
Mary’s maternal vocation for all humanity.
Mary was to be, in particular, the Mother of
her Son’s disciples, caring for them and their
journey through life. As we know, a mother’s
care for her son or daughter includes both
the material and spiritual dimensions of their
upbringing.
The unspeakable pain of the Cross pierces
Mary’s soul (cf. Lk 2:35), but does not paralyze
her. Quite the opposite. As the Lord’s Mother,
a new path of self-giving opens up before her.
On the Cross, Jesus showed his concern for the
Church and all humanity, and Mary is called to
share in that same concern. In describing the
outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the
Acts of the Apostles show that Mary began to
carry out this role in the earliest community
of the Church. A role that never ceases.
2. John, the beloved disciple, is a figure of
the Church, the messianic people. He must
acknowledge Mary as his Mother. In doing
so, he is called to take her into his home, to
see in her the model of all discipleship, and
to contemplate the maternal vocation that
Jesus entrusted to her, with all that it entails:
a loving Mother who gives birth to children
capable of loving as Jesus commands. That
is why Mary’s maternal vocation to care for
her children is entrusted to John and to the
Church as a whole. The entire community
of disciples is included in Mary’s maternal
vocation.
3. John, as a disciple who shared everything
with Jesus, knows that the Master wants to
lead all people to an encounter with the Fa-
ther. He can testify to the fact that Jesus met
many people suffering from spiritual sickness
due to pride (cf. Jn 8:31-39) and from physi-
cal ailments (cf. Jn 5:6). He bestowed mercy
and forgiveness upon all, and healed the sick
as a sign of the abundant life of the Kingdom,
where every tear will be wiped away. Like
Mary, the disciples are called to care for one
another, but not only that. They know that
Jesus’ heart is open to all and excludes no
one. The Gospel of the Kingdom must be
proclaimed to all, and the charity of Christians
must be directed to all, simply because they
are persons, children of God.
4. The Church’s maternal vocation to the
needy and to the sick has found concrete ex-
pression throughout the two thousand years
of her history in an impressive series of ini-
tiatives on behalf of the sick. This history of
dedication must not be forgotten. It continues
to the present day throughout the world. In
countries where adequate public health care
systems exist, the work of Catholic religious
congregations and dioceses and their hospitals
is aimed not only at providing quality medical
care, but also at putting the human person at
the centre of the healing process, while carry-
ing out scientific research with full respect for
life and for Christian moral values. In coun-
tries where health care systems are inadequate
or non-existent, the Church seeks to do what
she can to improve health, eliminate infant
mortality and combat widespread disease.
Everywhere she tries to provide care, even
when she is not in a position to offer a cure.
The image of the Church as a “field hospital”
that welcomes all those wounded by life is a
very concrete reality, for in some parts of the
world, missionary and diocesan hospitals are
the only institutions providing necessary care
to the population.
5. The memory of this long history of service
to the sick is cause for rejoicing on the part
of the Christian community, and especially
those presently engaged in this ministry. Yet
we must look to the past above all to let it en-
rich us. We should learn the lesson it teaches
us about the self-sacrificing generosity of
many founders of institutes in the service of
the infirm, the creativity, prompted by char-
ity, of many initiatives undertaken over the
centuries, and the commitment to scientific
research as a means of offering innovative and
reliable treatments to the sick. This legacy of
the past helps us to build a better future, for
example, by shielding Catholic hospitals from
the business mentality that is seeking world-
wide to turn health care into a profit-making
enterprise, which ends up discarding the
poor. Wise organization and charity demand
that the sick person be respected in his or her
dignity, and constantly kept at the centre of
the therapeutic process. This should likewise
be the approach of Christians who work in
public structures; through their service, they
too are called to bear convincing witness to
the Gospel.
6. Jesus bestowed upon the Church his heal-
ing power: “These signs will accompany those
who believe... they will lay hands on the sick,
and they will recover (Mk 16:17-18). In the
Acts of the Apostles, we read accounts of the
healings worked by Peter (cf. Acts3:4-8) and
Paul (cf. Acts 14:8-11). The Church’s mission
PASTORAL CONCERNS B1
is a response to Jesus’ gift, for she knows
that she must bring to the sick the Lord’s
own gaze, full of tenderness and compassion.
Health care ministry will always be a neces-
sary and fundamental task, to be carried out
with renewed enthusiasm by all, from parish
communities to the most largest healthcare
institutions. We cannot forget the tender
love and perseverance of many families in
caring for their chronically sick or severely
disabled children, parents and relatives. The
care given within families is an extraordinary
witness of love for the human person; it needs
to be fittingly acknowledged and supported
by suitable policies. Doctors and nurses,
priests, consecrated men and women, volun-
teers, families and all those who care for the
sick, take part in this ecclesial mission. It is a
shared responsibility that enriches the value
of the daily service given by each.
7. To Mary, Mother of tender love, we wish to
entrust all those who are ill in body and soul,
that she may sustain them in hope. We ask
her also to help us to be welcoming to our sick
brothers and sisters. The Church knows that
she requires a special grace to live up to her
evangelical task of serving the sick. May our
prayers to the Mother of God see us united
in an incessant plea that every member of
the Church may live with love the vocation
to serve life and health. May the Virgin Mary
intercede for this Twenty-sixth World Day of
the Sick; may she help the sick to experience
their suffering in communion with the Lord
Jesus; and may she support all those who
care for them. To all, the sick, to healthcare
workers and to volunteers, I cordially impart
my Apostolic Blessing.
From the Vatican, 26 November 2017
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of
the Universe
FRANCIS
B2 UPDATES
Mixed marriage:
THE UNITY OF MARRIAGE AND SACRAMENT FOR THE BAPTIZED (part 2)
By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso, J.C.D.
I am a student of Canon Law. Thanks for
the great article on Mixed Marriages (I): Dis-
pensation from the Canonical Form.  You have
in fact enlightened me on some delicate issues,
especially, in the area of dispensation from
canonical form.  I know that the bishops have
the competence to give such dispensation, but
when you suggested a civil ceremony as one
of three possible forms that could be used
when the canonical form is dispensed with,
I wondered: Can a civil marriage become a
sacramental marriage in this case? Can you
elaborate on this point in a future article?
I really expected this question to be raised
and I thank you for doing so. Hence, I hasten
to follow up the previous article with this dis-
cussion of the unity of marriage and sacrament
for the baptized. Indeed this is a principle of
sacramental theology that has been wonder-
fully reflected in canon law.
The Sacramental Dignity of Marriage
It is quite common to refer to the sacredness
of marriage—in the same way that people refer
to the sacredness of the ballot—even when
referring to one between non-believers (i.e.,
natural marriage). But here we are not refer-
ring to this kind of sacredness of marriage as
a natural institution, but rather to the dignity
of marriage between baptized persons due to
its establishment by Christ as a true sacrament
of the Church. We can understand this better
in a discursive manner as follows:
1) Marriage has existed as a natural institu-
tion since the first man and woman came to
(Father Edward McNamara, professor of
Materials for sacred vessels
liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina
Apostolorum university, answers the follow-
ing query:)
Q: According to the General Instruction of
the Roman Missal, No. 328, the sacred ves-
sels should be composed of noble metals.
No. 329, however, grants the power to the
episcopal conferences to allow the use of other
materials it historically or culturally considers
noble, such as certain hardwoods. How does
this regulation affect religious congregations
of pontifical right who span multiple dioceses
and episcopal conferences? Would the effect
of the local episcopal conference and diocese’s
decree differ for these congregations in fully
private Mass among the religious, a semi-
private Mass with outside visitors, and a fully
public Mass? If a material is deemed noble
under the GIRM, No. 329, by one episcopal
conference and brought by the congregation
into another conference which has not made
the official ruling upon that material, may it
still be used in good faith in any of the private/
semi-private/public settings? In any of these
cases, would the ability to determine noble
materials for the whole of the congregation
rest with the general superior of the order? —
B.W., Lipa City, Philippines
A: This very precise question entails a larger
one insofar as it addresses the role of bishops
and above all bishops’ conferences in regulat-
ing the liturgy with respect to religious orders.
The GIRM presents the following summary
of the competences of bishops’ conferences.
There have been some recent modifications
regarding translations which fall outside the
scope of this question:
“386. The renewal of the Roman Missal
carried out in our time in accordance with
the decrees of the Second Vatican Ecumeni-
cal Council has taken great care that all the
faithful may display in the celebration of the
Eucharist that full, conscious, and active par-
ticipation that is required by the very nature of
the Liturgy and to which the faithful, in virtue
of their status as such, have a right and duty.
However, in order that such a celebration may
correspond all the more fully to the norms and
the spirit of the Sacred Liturgy, certain further
adaptations are set out in this Instruction and
in the Order of Mass and entrusted to the judg-
ment either of the Diocesan Bishop or of the
Conferences of Bishops.
“387. The Diocesan Bishop, who is to be
regarded as the High Priest of his flock, from
whom the life in Christ of his faithful in some
sense derives and upon whom it depends, must
promote, regulate, and be vigilant over the
liturgical life in his diocese. It is to him that in
this Instruction is entrusted the regulating of
the discipline of concelebration (cf. nos. 202,
374) and the establishing of norms regarding
the function of serving the Priest at the altar
(cf. no. 107), the distribution of Holy Com-
munion under both kinds (cf. no. 283), and
the construction and ordering of churches (cf.
no. 291). It is above all for him, moreover, to
nourish the spirit of the Sacred Liturgy in the
Priests, Deacons, and faithful.
exist, as beautifully described in the book of
Genesis, chapter 2.
2) What Jesus Christ revealed was his will
to constitute this reality—previously exist-
ing—into a sacrament of the New Law. He did
not will to impose or invent a new and distinct
reality, or even to innovate or change what
already existed. He simply gave that reality
a new mode of existence—without changing
it in any way—as a sign of the union between
Christ and his Church, that is, as a sacrament.
Christ’s words to the Pharisees, derogating
the Mosaic precept of making a libel of divorce
in case of casting away an unworthy wife, are
quite revealing: Have you not read that the
Creator, from the beginning, made them
male and female, and said, ‘For this cause a
man shall leave his father and mother, and
cleave to his wife, and the two shall become
one flesh’? Therefore now they are no longer
two, but one flesh. What therefore God has
joined together, let no man put asunder.
In other words, what Christ wanted was to
go back to the original design of marriage by
the Creator, not to change it.
3) The will of Christ to constitute marriage
into a sacrament means that the spouses—
when both have received baptism—are consti-
tuted as sign, receive a particular supernatural
grace in order to live their conjugal condition,
and are called to carry out a proper task within
the ecclesial community.
In other words, sacramentality is found
within marriage itself—i.e., in the two bap-
tized persons in their relationship as spouses.
Hence, we can speak of the identity between
sacrament and marriage in the case of bap-
tized spouses.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila blows on the vessels of holy oil which will be used in the blessing and anointing of the sick
during a Chrism Mass at the Manila Cathedral on Holy Thursday, March 24, 2016. MARIA TAN
“388. Those adaptations spoken of below
that necessitate a wider degree of coordination
are to be decided, in accord with the norm of
law, in the Conference of Bishops.
“389. It is the competence, in the first place,
of the Conferences of Bishops to prepare and
approve an edition of this Roman Missal in
the authorized vernacular languages, so that,
once their decisions have been accorded the
recognitio of the Apostolic See, the edition may
be used in the regions to which it pertains. The
Roman Missal, whether in Latin or in legiti-
mately approved vernacular translations, is to
be published in its entirety.
“390. It is for the Conferences of Bishops
to formulate the adaptations indicated in
this General Instruction and in the Order of
Mass and, once their decisions have been ac-
corded the recognitio of the Apostolic See, to
introduce them into the Missal itself. They are
such as these:
“• the gestures and bodily posture of the
faithful (cf. no. 43);
“• the gestures of veneration toward the altar
and the Book of the Gospels (cf. no. 273);
“• the texts of the chants at the Entrance,
at the Presentation of the Gifts, and at Com-
munion (cf. nos. 48, 74, 87);
“• the readings from Sacred Scripture to be
used in special circumstances (cf. no. 362);
“• the form of the gesture of peace (cf. no.
82);
“• the manner of receiving Holy Communion
(cf. nos. 160, 283);
“• the materials for the altar and sacred
furnishings, especially the sacred vessels,
and also the materials, form, and color of the
liturgical vestments (cf. nos. 301, 326, 329,
339, 342-346).
“It shall be permissible for Directories or
pastoral Instructions that the Conferences of
Bishops judge useful to be included, with the
prior recognitio of the Apostolic See, in the
Roman Missal at an appropriate place.
“391. It is for the same Conferences of
January 22 - February 4, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 2
The Identity of Marriage and Sacra-
ment among the Baptized in the Code
of Canon Law
This identity of marriage and sacrament is
wonderfully given juridic expression in c.1055
of the Code of Canon Law:
Can. 1055 —§1. The matrimonial covenant,
by which a man and a woman establish be-
tween themselves a partnership of the whole
life, is by its nature ordered toward the good
of the spouses and the procreation and edu-
cation of offspring; this covenant between
baptized persons has been raised by Christ
the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.
— §2. For this reason a matrimonial con-
tract cannot validly exist between baptized
persons unless it is also a sacrament by that
fact.
The wording of §1 in fine is quite significant:
this covenant between baptized persons has
been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity
of a sacrament. The word used—raised—
means that the reality has not been modified
or innovated, but rather simply raised, its
nature remaining intact, to the dignity of a
grace-bestowing sign in the case of baptized
spouses. It is this fact of it having been raised
to sacramental dignity that this reality—i.e.,
marriage contracted between baptized per-
sons—is given such a detailed treatment by
canon law (devoting to it no less than 110
canons), thus giving each of the elements that
enter into its constitution a detailed juridic
protection.
The wording of §2, on the other hand, can-
not be more precise: For this reason [i.e., that
Christ has raised the natural marriage cove-
nant between baptized persons to sacramental
Bishops to attend to the translations of the
biblical texts that are used in the celebration
of Mass, exercising special care in this. For it
is out of the Sacred Scripture that the readings
are read and are explained in the Homily and
that Psalms are sung, and it is by the influence
of Sacred Scripture and at its prompting that
prayers, orations, and liturgical chants are
fashioned in such a way that it is from Sacred
Scripture that actions and signs derive their
meaning.
“Language should be used that corresponds
to the capacity for understanding of the faith-
ful and is suitable for public proclamation,
while maintaining those characteristics that
are proper to the different ways of speaking
used in the biblical books. …
“394. Each diocese should have its own
Calendar and Proper of Masses. For its part,
the Conference of Bishops should draw up a
proper Calendar for the nation or, together
with other Conferences, a Calendar for a wider
territory, to be approved by the Apostolic See.
In carrying out this task, to the greatest extent
possible the Lord’s Day is to be preserved
and safeguarded, as the primordial feast day,
and hence other celebrations, unless they are
truly of the greatest importance, should not
have precedence over it. Care should likewise
be taken that the liturgical year as revised by
decree of the Second Vatican Council not be
obscured by secondary elements.
“In the drawing up of the Calendar of a
nation, the Rogation Days and Ember Days
should be indicated (cf. no. 373), as well as the
forms and texts for their celebration, and other
special measures should also be kept in mind.
“It is appropriate that in publishing the Mis-
sal, celebrations proper to an entire nation or
territory be inserted at the proper place among
the celebrations of the General Calendar, while
those proper to a region or diocese should have
a place in a special appendix.
“395. Finally, if the participation of the faith-
ful and their spiritual welfare require varia-
CBCP Monitor
dignity] a matrimonial contract cannot val-
idly exist between baptized persons unless it is
also a sacrament by that fact. This conclusion
of c.1055 gives juridic expression to a funda-
mental doctrine of sacramental theology: the
identity—not just inseparability—between the
conjugal pact and the sacramental reality. In
other words, between the baptized there can-
not exist a merely natural marriage without it
being by that very fact also a sacrament.
Conclusion
The ultimate conclusion of the foregoing
discussion, when applied to the case of a mixed
marriage that has been granted a dispensation
from canonical form is that whatever public
ceremony it may go through—provided the
other requirements of canon law for a valid
marriage are present (i.e., the active presence
of a sacred minister to ask for the marital con-
sent of the parties, plus two other witnesses)—
that marriage would be a sacrament. This
would include, among other possibilities, the
following (which are in fact those prescribed
by the Spanish Episcopal Conference on
25.I.1971 and confirmed by a General Decree,
26.XI.1983, Art.12, §3):
a religious ceremony acceptable to the non-
Catholic (but Christian) party and/or his/her
relatives;
a religious ceremony acceptable to both
parties;
a non-religious ceremony—e.g., a civil cer-
emony before a civil authority.
In all these cases—we should add—the es-
sential properties and ends of marriage must
not be excluded.
tions and profounder adaptations in order for
the sacred celebration to correspond with the
culture and traditions of the different nations,
then Conferences of Bishops may propose
these to the Apostolic See in accordance with
article 40 of the Constitution on the Sacred
Liturgy for introduction with the Apostolic
See’s consent, especially in the case of nations
to whom the Gospel has been more recently
proclaimed. The special norms handed down
by means of the Instruction on the Roman
Liturgy and Inculturation should be attentively
observed. …”
The 2004 instruction from the Holy See,
Redemptionis Sacramentum, has the follow-
ing to say regarding the authority of diocesan
bishops with respect to religious congregations
and other groups:
“[23] The faithful ‘should cling to the Bishop
as the Church does to Jesus Christ, and as
Jesus Christ does to the Father, so that all
may be in harmonious unity, and that they
may abound to the glory of God.’ All, includ-
ing members of Institutes of consecrated life
and Societies of apostolic life as well as those
of all ecclesial associations and movements
of any kind, are subject to the authority of the
diocesan Bishop in all liturgical matters, apart
from rights that have been legitimately con-
ceded. To the diocesan Bishop therefore falls
the right and duty of overseeing and attending
to Churches and oratories in his territory in
regard to liturgical matters, and this is true
also of those which are founded by members
of the above-mentioned institutes or under
their direction, provided that the faithful are
accustomed to frequent them.”
What is true of norms issued by the diocesan
bishop would equally apply to the norms is-
sued by the bishops’ conference, indeed, more
so if expressly approved by the Holy See.
The exception noted above of “rights legiti-
mately conceded” would refer to a wide range
of possibilities of particular privileges granted
to religious orders. These can cover special
faculties in the sacrament of reconciliation, a
special liturgical calendar including the com-
munity’s saints and even a liturgical rite of its
own such as the Dominican rite which can be
used once more by the members of the Order
of Preachers.
As we have seen above, Church law considers
the materials for sacred vessels are adaptations
“that necessitate a wider degree of coordina-
tion” and thus are decided by the particular
law of the bishops’ conference. Once these
adaptations receive the recognition of the Holy
See, they become binding liturgical law within
the national territory.
This matter would not be included under
the jurisdiction of a religious superior. Nor
would the character of the celebration (open
to the faithful or exclusively for members of
the congregation) make any difference to the
application of the law as religious would not
be exempt from the general law.
Notwithstanding this statement, and beyond
any question of the liturgical authority of a
bishop with respect to religious, the precise
question remains if a sacred vessel which cor-
responds to the norms issued by one bishop’s
Vessels / B7
CBCP Monitor January 22 - February 4, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 2
What it takes to be a diocesan priest
A CATHOLIC priest shared the
challenges and blessings of being a
diocesan priest during the Aranzazu
Vicariate launching of Year of the
Clergy and Consecrated Persons
held last January 19, 2018 at the
Virgen del Pilar School, Burgos,
Rodriguez.
“The life of a diocesan priest is
a parochial life— his works in his
parish shapes him and sanctifies
‘Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Youth Concert
Persons’ song explained features joy of
WITH 2018 declared by the
Catholic Bishops Conference of
the Philippines as the Year of the
Clergy and Consecrated Persons,
the humble role of the priests and
religious in the Church’s mission
is emphasized in one of the theme
songs for the celebration.
Launched early this year, the
song ‘Father, Bless them,’ written
by multi-awarded songwriter
and composer Fr. Carlo Magno
Marcelo reflects how servants who
consecrated their lives to Christ are
to be prayed for in their endeavor to
bring Christ to the people.
“You’d be surprised as to how the
song originally sounded. I first gave
it a ‘Broadway’ feel. It was only when
the composition was almost finished
that I realized that what I made was
more of a prayer that I had to ask
the arranger to slow it down,” said
Fr. Marcelo.
The priest-lyricist said that the
first stanza highlighted the whole
purpose of the song—to lift the
clergy and the consecrated persons
Youth called to be renewed-servant leaders
IN participation to the 2018 theme
Year of the Clergy and Consecrated
Persons, the Holy Spirit Parish in
Calauag, Quezon gathered various
youths for a Vocation Day that
highlighted the clergy and religious’
vital role in the Church’s mission. It
also focused on the young people’s
call to be renewed-servant leaders.
Rev. Fr. Julito Sio, Jr., Holy Spirit
Parish priest emphasized that the
goal of their event is to help youth
become more aware of their calling
“to holiness, to being catalyst of
change and agents of evangelization
in the modern world.”
“The event also promotes youth
encouragement to help them discover
the deepest truth about themselves
and so they can respond generously
and without reservation to their
call, especially to the vocation of
priesthood and consecrated life,”
Sio said.
Youths’ shared role with the YCCP
in evangelization
The parish priest believes that the
youth’s charisms, gifts and talents
will be of great help in the church’s
mission of evangelization together
with the priests and consecrated
persons.
“The life sharing of some young
seminarians and religious persons
are the living testimonies of Gods
him in Christ,” Father Ric Eguia, Our
Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish
of Montalban Parish Priest said.
He highlighted the responsibilities
of a diocesan parish priest, stressing
on how the spiritual formation of
their parishioners tops the list.
“You are the ‘Shepherds’ of your
flocks. It is therefore expected from
you to strengthen the spiritual
formation of your parishioners
up to God, the second stanza tells of
the purpose of the ordained further
stressing why they should be prayed
for.
“Father, Bless Them,” noticeably
carries a very humble color thus
reflecting the humility of the
clergy and the consecrated people.
The lyrics were inspired by the
pastoral letters and the prayers
for the Year of the Clergy and
Consecrated Persons celebration,
while the melody, according to the
artist, was actually an old one that
he already had for an unreleased
song.
The Purpose of the Year
The purpose of this year’s
celebration, as reflected in the
invocation asks a tern ion of gifts;
the restoration of the members of
the consecrated; the recognition
of their service to further empower
them and; the renewal they need to
serve better in the name of God.
“Ordinations and consecrations
are not one time events but are
Attendees gather for an activity in the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons Holy Spirit Parish Vocation Day. PHOTO COURTESY OF FR. JULITO SIO
through the sacraments and to teach
them the ‘Basic Catholic Doctrines’
through catechesis,” he said.
‘Alone but never lonely’
Eguia also noted how diocesan
priests are often alone but are never
lonely, that is only if they learn to
love those who serve with them in
the parish.
“Don’t be surprised, but I live
renewals that must come on a daily
basis. People who will hear this
song will understand that we, the
clergymen and the consecrated, are
not super-people and that we are
not part of the justice league thus we
need prayers ourselves,” he noted.
“We will be young, we will mature,
then we will grow weak then we will
expire, yet nonetheless, the mission
continues for the mission belongs to
God,” he added.
Fr. Marcelo concluded that
“Father, Bless them” is more of an
invocation than it is an anthem. It is
an expression of the prayerful nature
of God’s clergy and consecrated
people through yet a whole other
prayer pleading for the healing and
restoration of those devoted to Him.
Listen to the song here:
https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=cggRMpsgeZg. Another
theme song of the year’s celebration
is entitled ‘Let me be the Bearer
of Your Love’ composed by Fr.
Niño Andrade, OSA. (Niceforo
Balbedina)
Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons B3
with two families in my parish: my
administration family that consists
of my personnel/staff and my
pastoral family that has my pastoral
council, the leaders of the parish.
How can you be lonely if you have
two families?’ he said.
Administrative and
communication skills are also as
important as spiritual leadership
when one wishes to organize
serving the Lord
AS part of the year-round celebration
of Year of the Clergy and Consecrated
Persons, the Dominican Studentate
will hold a ‘Youth Jam’ concert
featuring the true joy of serving the
Lord.
Reginald Zamora, the Vocation
Promotions head of Dominican
Vocations Philippines explains that
the goal of the event would be to
share the joy of the gospel.
“We want to deliver the message
that it is truly a joy to serve the Lord.
Through the concert we also want
to present the joy of religious life,”
Zamora said.
“This is the first year we’ll hold
our own praise and worship concert.
And fortunately it’s the Year of the
clergy and religious, which makes it
timely,” he said.
a parish cleanly and properly
according to the prelate.
Equia also acknowledged the
important role of religious priests.
“There are two types of priestly
vocations—the religious and the
diocesan. Do not think that one
is better than the other. They are
equally important and are, in my
experience, equally good looking,”
he said. (Niceforo Balbedina)
Fun and free!
Featuring the Joyful Friars, the
gathering will be held on February
3, 2018 at the UST- Angelicum Gym,
Angelicum College, Quezon City.
The vocation promotions head
also encourages people from all ages
to attend the gathering, assuring
that it will be fun, meaningful and
enriching.
“There will be praise and worship,
a Holy Mass, and a mini concert.
Best of all it’s fun and free!” he
noted.
Admission if free, for those
who want to register text or call
0925-673-7427 and look for Br.
Andrei, OP or Br. Paulo, OP. For
more information, you may also
contact (02) 712-6275. (Christine
Paguirigan)
working in the life of mission through
the youth,” he stated.
Fr. Sio also reminded that “just like
the objective of this year’s celebration
of having renewed servant-leaders
for the New Evangelization, the
youth must also share in the renewal
of life after Christ and Mary.”
He further added that if a young
person is called to serving through
the vocation of priesthood and
consecrated, simply trust God, and
he will take charge of everything,
after all He is the one who calls
him/her.
The call to a Renewed life
Quoting Saint Pope John Paul
II, he challenged the youth to dare
to go against the tide and proclaim
with vigour and enthusiasm their
personal faith in God, our Lord and
Saviour.
“Our prayers and activities in
this yearlong celebration help
them to fulfill their life with the
joy of the Gospel. So that they may
have a renewed life for the new
evangelization.” he said.
“They are invited to once again
look on Jesus with love and devotions
to help them see the fullness of
their life, humanity and dreams,”
Fr. Sio concluded. (Christine
Paguirigan/With reports from
Niceforo Balbedina)
B4 FEATURES
Shift to Federalism: A lethal experiment, a
fatal leap, a plunge to death, a leap to hell
(Excerpt of the speech delivered by Chief Justice (ret.) Hilario G. Davide, Jr., on November 21, 2017 to business groups in Makati City.)
By Chief Justice (ret.) Hilario G. Davide, Jr.
THE Federal Legislative Power is vested
in a Congress composed of the Senate with
a minimum of two and a maximum of
six Senators from each Region; and the
House of Representatives composed of one
elective District Representative for each of the
Legislative Districts apportioned by law among
the provinces, cities, urbanized independent
component cities and municipalities; and
of party-list representatives to the extent of
20% of the total number of Representatives
including those of the party-list.
The Federal Executive Department is vested
in the President of the Federal Republic. There
is a provision for Vice President.
As to the Eighteen (18) Regions comprising
the Federal State, the Executive Power is
vested in the Regional Governor elected by
direct vote of the people in the Region. There
is a Regional Vice-Governor. The Governor has
the power to grant reprieves, commutation of
sentence, and pardon.
The Regional Legislative Power is vested
in the Regional Assembly composed of three
Assembly Members from each province, from
the highly urbanized independent city or
municipality within the Region, plus sectoral
members appointed by the Regional Governor
for sectors representing labor, peasant
farming, fisheries, and senior citizens.
Under the PDP-Laban Proposal, a
parliamentary form of government is set
up under a Federal system. The number of
Regions or States to compose the Federal State
is still undetermined; it is still under study.
However, Regions or States are to be created
by way of a plebiscite in the proposed Region,
and until they are formally established, the
Federal Government will exercise power over
them.
(CSM – moreover federal/regional
states do NOT have sovereignty)
The Federal Legislative Power is vested
in the Parliament of the Federal Republic,
which shall be composed of two Houses—the
Federal Assembly as the National Legislative
Department and the Senate. The Assembly
shall be composed of not more than 400
Members [60% of whom shall be elected
by plurality vote from each Legislative
Electoral District and 40% by proportional
representation by region for a political party
with closed list of nominees]. The Senate shall
be composed of three Senators from each
Region. The Assembly shall elect a Speaker,
and the Senate, its President.
The Executive Power is vested in the Prime
Minister and his Cabinet. The Prime Minister
is elected by the Assembly. He may be removed
by a vote of no confidence by the Assembly.
Upon the other hand, the Prime Minister may
advise the President to dissolve the Assembly.
The President shall be the Head of State to
be elected by direct vote of the people upon
being nominated by at least 20% of all the
Members of the Assembly who are members
of a registered political party. He shall have
a term of five years and may run for another
term. (CSM – office of VP is abolished.)
The President is even authorized to dissolve
the Assembly for failure of Parliament to pass
a budget for two successive plenary votes or for
two successive majority votes of no confidence
on the Prime Minister.
As to the Regional Government, there should
first be an Organic Act. Below the Regional
Governments would be local governments to
be governed by the 1991 Local Government
Code until the enactment of the Regional and
Local Government Code.
The Judiciary is not even spared in this
Federalization. While basically the Judicial
Power as embodied in Article VIII of the
present Constitution, substantive changes are
proposed. In the Nene Pimentel version the
Court of Appeals is abolished to be replaced
by the Intermediate Appellate Court to be
distributed to the various States. Divisions
of the Sandiganbayan will be assigned to the
component States. In the Gonzales version,
the Court of Appeals is abolished and in its
stead Regional Court of Appeals will be put up.
Eventually, there would be massive
reorganizations of the Judiciary through laws
defining and apportioning the jurisdiction
of the various courts taking into account the
needs of the component States or Regions
resulting in the establishment of State or
Regional lower courts.
Both the Pimentel and the Gonzales
versions abolish the Judicial and Bar Council
(JBC). Appointments by the President of the
Members of the Judiciary shall be taken from
a list of at least three nominees prepared by
the Integrated Bar of the Philippines approved
by the Commission on Appointments in the
Pimentel version and by the Federal Senate
in the Gonzales version.
Similarly, the Constitutional Commissions
would become Federal Constitutional
Commissions (Audit, Civil Service, Elections).
(SECOND OF TWO PARTS)
Former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. FILE PHOTO
What would follow would be the establishment
of States or Regional offices.
By the way, the three proposals retain
the existing political subdivisions or local
government units—autonomous regions,
provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays.
This dividing, breaking up, splitting,
fragmenting, and disconfiguring of the
Philippines will not build a just and humane
society and will not bring a harvest of
harmony, development, progress, prosperity,
peace, and stability. On the contrary, it would
build and bring the opposite.
What then will happen and what shall we
have under a Federal system? So many. But,
let me just enumerate a few – just eighteen,
so far.
First, Federalism would divide our people
and cultivate in them forced double loyalties:
to the central federal government and to
the States or Regional governments which
shall have its own basic law or constitution,
and ultimately own flag and anthem. In all
government buildings we will have two flags.
At flag ceremonies we will sing two anthems.
Second, Federalism would create a horrible
enlarged and bloated bureaucracy. From
hereon I shall refer to this as the Federal
Bureaucracy. This would be due to the
establishments of new layers or strata of
governmental authority or seats of power – the
Federal or central government, the various
component States or Regions and the existing
political subdivisions, and the reorganizations
of the Judiciary as well as the Constitutional
Commissions.
Third, under this Federal Bureaucracy, the
poor would become poorer. Inevitably and
unavoidably, the people would be burdened
with more taxes of all kinds to support and
maintain the Federal Bureaucracy. Some of
you who had worked in some Federal republics
know that a huge part of your income went to
Federal and to State taxes.
(CSM – moreover the Articles XII
and XIII are substantially altered to
remove social justice provisions.)
Fourth, this Federal Bureaucracy carries
with it the creation of more juicy elective
positions which could guarantee fortune,
fame, and power to shrewd politicians and
their families. We shall have more political
dynasties at the different strata.
Fifth, I heard it before, and this keeps on
ringing in my ears, that what would come if
Federalism is erected is not actually Federalism
but FEUDALISM. Indeed, the proliferation of
political dynasties would increase the number
of feudal States or Regions. My good friend
and colleague in the 1986 Constitutional
Commission, Christian Monsod, has already
described most of Philippine society as
“still feudalistic dominated by a ruling class
that rotates among themselves the levers of
power through changes in administration…
The fact is that 1% of the families make the
laws, dispense justice, implement programs,
and control media” (Speech at the Social
January 22 - February 4, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 2
Justice and Human Development MINCODE
National Conference, Ateneo de Davao
University, 8 May 2015).
Sixth, because Federalism breeds political
dynasties and creates feudal societies,
democracy would be at risk. In his latest
book, Understanding Philippine Society,
Culture and Politics (2017 ed., p. 246), the
noted sociologist Professor Randy David
said: “The reign of a few political dynasties,
even if legitimized by elections, goes against
the idea of democracy...viewed against the
exigencies of today’s complex societies,
political succession on the basis of lineage has
got to be one of the biggest sources of societal
dysfunction.”
Seventh, the Federal bureaucracy with
feudalism and political dynasties provide the
greatest temptation to keep and maintain
private armies to ensure perpetuation of
power. Warlordism would be a necessary evil.
Eighth, this Federal Bureaucracy would
necessarily involve the creation of thousands
of new non-elective positions or offices which
will be filled up by thousands of warm bodies
whose main credentials would be loyalty to
politicians. A huge part of the government’s
resources and income would be wasted for
their salaries.
Ninth, this horrible enlarged and bloated
bureaucracy would further widen the grounds
and opportunities for massive graft and
corruption because new offices vulnerable
to graft and corruption would sprout, such
as those for public works and infrastructure
projects and the issuances of permits and
licenses.
Tenth, in this Federal bureaucracy
controlled by feudal lords and political
dynasties, the conduct of free, honest, orderly,
peaceful and credible elections would be a
nightmare. Yet it would be very expensive.
Eleventh, in reality, contrary to the claim
of its proponents, under the Federal system
there can be no equal or equitable distribution
of natural wealth or natural resources among
the component States or Regions because the
natural wealth and resources of our country are
not evenly geographically distributed. Some
States or Regions would be impoverished from
the start as against the others.
Twelfth, this federal bureaucracy would
be a fertile ground for the enemies of the
State—the communists and the terrorists –
to spread their wings and control. They can
either enter the mainstream of society by the
election of their comrades, or hold hostage
political leaders or even political dynasties in
some States or Regions.
Thirteenth, the rule of law will suffer a lot
in this federal bureaucracy in the hands of the
feudal lords and political dynasties.
Fourteenth, the Federal system proposed
both in the Nene Pimentel and PDP-Laban
versions would weaken the Judiciary because
of the return of political interferences and
pressures in the appointments of Members
of the Judiciary. As I earlier stated, in both,
CBCP Monitor
the Judicial and Bar Council is abolished. The
JBC was precisely established in the present
Constitution to insulate the Judiciary from
partisan political interferences and pressures.
There is much politics too in the IBP.
Fifteenth, under a Federal system, the
criminal justice system in the country would
be put in disarray as a consequence of the
unavoidable classification of crimes and
offenses into federal and state crimes and
offenses.
Sixteenth, a constitutional amendment
to adapt the Federal system would more
likely be a red herring. As the process
for that begins, the door would open for
other amendments because the Constituent
Assembly is free to do anything. These other
major amendments could include the adoption
of the parliamentary form of government,
which is now proposed in the PDP-Laban
version; the removal of Filipino citizenship
requirements in the national patrimony and
economic provisions; and even removing
the restrictions on the President’s power to
declare Martial Law or suspend the privilege
of the writ of habeas corpus. Removing the
citizenship requirements would be an outright
surrender of the Philippines to foreigners, at
no cost to them. This is treason.
Seventeenth, if adapted, the transition
to the Federal system would be a slow,
complicated, difficult, even confused and
chaotic. Uncertainty, insecurity, instability
would be its first harvests.
Eighteenth, this is the last so far, and
this affects the business sector – you the
business leaders. The horrible enlarged
and bloated bureaucracy under the Federal
system, with the proliferation of political
dynasties, would make life for you more
difficult. In doing business, you will have
to deal with several layers or strata of
sovereign authority I earlier mentioned.
You will pay more taxes. You can be victims
of more graft and corruption. Worse yet,
more shady politicians and more political
dynasties can hound and harass you no end
during all seasons. They and their families
and cohorts, dummies or nominees can put
up their own business empires. For survival
businessmen may dance the music with
them. That would be costly. They may even
be compelled to abandon values, virtues and
principles they cherish and hold dear.
Let us all pray that our pro-Federalism
Senators and Representatives and other
leaders will hearken to their conscience.
Conscience, according to Mencken, is “the
inner voice which warns us that someone may
be looking” or, according to Polybius who lived
before Christ: “There is no witness so dreadful,
no accuser so terrible as the conscience that
dwells in the heart of every man.”
To repeat what I said earlier, such a shift
would be a lethal experiment, a fatal leap, a
plunge to death, and a leap to hell.
God bless the Philippines and the Filipino
people.
CBCP Monitor
Filipino citizens and citizens of heaven
Pastoral moral guidelines for our Catholic faithful in the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan
DEAR brothers and sisters in Christ:
For some time now, the President
and his followers have campaigned
aggressively for the revision of the
Constitution to establish a federal
government.
As your pastor, I discern the re-
sponsibility to enlighten in the mea-
sure that I am able so that the People
of God entrusted to my pastoral
ministry the Church of Lingayen Da-
gupan may make informed choices
besides participating in the national
conversation. We live here on earth
as citizens of heaven.
What is a federal govern-
ment?  According to respected
lawyers and jurists we have
consulted, a federal government
creates states or regions from the
existing provinces of the country.
The regions that come about as
a result of a federalization of the
nation will wield considerably more
power and exercise a greater share in
the sovereignty of the State than the
present administrative regions do. If
we go by existing models, the regions
will have some form of legislative
assemblies and may call for their
own tier of courts. In fact, the powers
that the states or the regions enjoy
may entail to pass their own laws on
matters delegated to the regions or
the states.
The prevalence of  “may” in this
summary, admittedly inadequate
description, only points to the
fact that choosing a model and a
paradigm for establishing a federal
Philippines is a task far from easy
and definitely not yet fully achieved.
It will certainly not do to transport
one model completely into the
country. The crucial question will
be:  What powers are reserved
to the government in contrast
to the powers delegated to the
states or to the regions to allow
for the more efficient, effective,
prompt and promising response to
people’s needs? What constellation
of powers best empowers the
people? I suggest that all of us get
to work on finding answers to these
questions.
Be cunning as serpents but
innocent as doves. We your pastors
in Lingayen Dagupan are not
unaware that reconfiguring the
Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis at the
World Day of Migrants and Refugees
Family members bring up the offertory gifts as Pope Francis celebrates Mass marking the World Day of Migrants and Refugees in St. Peter’s Basilica at the
Vatican, Jan. 14, 2018. PAUL HARING/CNS
THIS year I wanted to celebrate
the World Day of Migrants and
Refugees with a Mass that invites
and welcomes you especially who
are migrants, refugees and asylum
seekers. Some of you have recently
arrived in Italy, others are long-
time residents and work here, and
still others make up the so-called
“second-generation”.
For everyone in this assembly,
the Word of God has resonated and
today invites us to deepen the special
call that the Lord addresses to each
one of us. As he did with Samuel
January 22 - February 4, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 2
The House of Representative on. Jan. 16 approved a resolution seeking to convene Congress into a constituent assembly that would amend the 1987 Constitution.
Various groups criticized proposals that may extend term of incumbent officials. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
government may be used by the
unprincipled as a pretext for the
extension of their terms of office.
There are many who even declare
that term extensions are inevitable
and necessary.
We find this opportun-
i s t  and downright m o r a l l y
objectionable.  It obscures the
issue: for while the people are
made to believe that the shift to a
federal government is made with
their advantage in mind, what its
authors and schemers actually have
in mind is circumventing the
limits to terms in office established
by the present constitution. I am not
saying that this is so, but if it is so, it
would be a grave moral wrong and
a tremendous injustice.
What ethical norms must govern
changing the Constitution? There
is the big issue of the way by which
the Constitution is revised. There
Vatican Basilica, January 14, 2018
(cf 1 Sm 3:3b-10,19), he calls us by
name - each one of us - and asks us
to honor the fact that each of us has
been created a unique and unre-
peatable being, each different from
the others and each with a singular
role in the history of the world. In
the Gospel (cf Jn 1:35-42), the two
disciples of John ask Jesus, “Where
do you live?” (v. 38), implying that
the reply to this question would
determine their judgment upon the
master from Nazareth. The response
of Jesus is clear: “Come and see!”
(v. 39), and opens up to a personal
are only two ways available when
a revision of the Constitution,
and not merely its amendment,
is in issue: by Congress itself,
acting as a constituent assembly
or by a Constitutional Convention
convened by law.
It is our moral position that if
the outcome is to be a credible
draft of a new constitution, then
the authors who draft the future
fundamental charter of the land
must be known for their  pro-
bity and their intellectual
acumen.  They must be free
of vested interests  that may
render suspect their handiwork as
a document that embodies their
own interests rather than those of
the people.
It is for this reason that it would be
preferable to have a Constitution-
al Convention,  not necessarily
of elected delegates but of citizens
encounter which requires sufficient
time to welcome, to know and to
acknowledge the other.
In the Message for this year’s
World Day of Migrants and Refugees
I have written, “Every stranger who
knocks at our door is an opportunity
for an encounter with Jesus Christ,
who identifies with the welcomed
and rejected strangers of every age
(Mt25:35,43).” And for the stranger,
the migrant, the refugee, the asylum
seeker and the displaced person,
every door in a new land is also an
opportunity to encounter Jesus.
with sufficient civic spiritedness,
familiarity with the law and with
the  constitution, committed
to human rights,and to the de-
fense of civil and political
rights,  who have the fear of God
in their hearts, that should craft the
revised Constitution.
What is our Christian duty
as citizens?  The first moral
obligation of God’s people is
to  INFORM  themselves. There
are enlightened Filipinos who make
their thoughts and views known on
different media, including social
media, free of political affiliations
and allegiances, motivated solely
by the desire to inform. People
should also raise  CRITICAL
QUESTIONS particularly when
opportunities present themselves
such as at barangay or citizen’s as-
semblies, particularly called for the
purpose of disseminating through
His invitation “Come and see!” is
addressed today to all of us, to local
communities and to new arrivals.
It is an invitation to overcome our
fears so as to encounter the other, to
welcome, to know and to acknowl-
edge him or her. It is an invitation
which offers the opportunity to draw
near to the other and see where and
how he or she lives. In today’s world,
for new arrivals to welcome, to know
and to acknowledge means to know
and respect the laws, the culture and
the traditions of the countries that
take them in. It even includes under-
standing their fears and apprehen-
sions for the future. And for local
communities to welcome, to know
and to acknowledge newcomers
means to open themselves without
prejudices to their rich diversity, to
understand the hopes and potential
of the newly arrived as well as their
fears and vulnerabilities.
True encounter with the other
does not end with welcome, but
involves us all in the three further
actions which I spelled out in the
Message for this Day: to protect,
to promote and to integrate. In the
true encounter with the neighbor,
are we capable of recognizing Jesus
Christ who is asking to be wel-
comed, protected, promoted and
integrated? As the Gospel parable
of the final judgment teaches us:
the Lord was hungry, thirsty, naked,
sick, a stranger and in prison—by
some he was helped and by oth-
ers not (cf Mt 25:31-46). This true
encounter with Christ is source of
salvation, a salvation which should
be announced and brought to all, as
the apostle Andrew shows us. After
revealing to his brother Simon, “We
have found the Messiah” (Jn 1:41),
Andrew brings him to Jesus so that
STATEMENTS B5
state-sponsored or other means the
proposition of going federal.
It is our moral duty to know the
issues.  It is also an obligation of
believers to make choices for what
is truly just, socially equitable
and empowering.  Politicians’
promises should not be the measure.
Careful discernment and enlight
enment coming from prayerful re-
flection with fellow believers should.
Which is the reason that taking up
social themes in Basic Ecclesial Com-
munities and Catholic organizations
is likewise an ethical imperative,
and referring to the social teachings
of the Church especially as these
refer to the principle of  subsid-
iarity, the respect for the dignity
of the human persons, its
preferential  option for the
poor  and its uncompromising
position on the  dignity of the
human person.
Let us keep in mind that the pe-
rennial call of the times is person-
al constant conversion and reform
of mind, heart and spirit. The tried
and tested integrity and heroic
selflessness of the governed and
officials in government is the secret
to the progress of the nation. The
government is only as good as
the people who lead it and the
citizens who vigilantly participate
in restoring and maintaining the
social order.
Let us pray for our leaders in
government borrowing the words of
Pope Saint Clement: “Grant to them,
Lord, health, peace, concord, and
stability, so that they may exercise
without offense the sovereignty
that you have given them. Master,
heavenly King of the ages, you give
glory, honor, and power over the
things of earth to the sons of men.
Direct, Lord, their counsel, follow-
ing what is pleasing and acceptable
in your sight, so that by exercising
with devotion and in peace and
gentleness the power that you have
given to them, they may find favor
with you.”
From the Cathedral of Saint John
the Evangelist, Dagupan City, Janu-
ary 15, 2018
 
+SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS
Archbishop of Lingayen Dagupan
Simon can have the same experience
of encounter.
It is not easy to enter into another
culture, to put oneself in the shoes
of people so different from us, to
understand their thoughts and their
experiences. As a result we often
refuse to encounter the other and
raise barriers to defend ourselves.
Local communities are sometimes
afraid that the newly arrived will
disturb the established order, will
‘steal’ something they have long
labored to build up. And the newly
arrived also have fears: they are
afraid of confrontation, judgment,
discrimination, failure. These fears
are legitimate, based on doubts that
are fully comprehensible from a hu-
man point of view. Having doubts
and fears is not a sin. The sin is to
allow these fears to determine our
responses, to limit our choices, to
compromise respect and generos-
ity, to feed hostility and rejection.
The sin is to refuse to encounter the
other, the different, the neighbor,
when this is in fact a privileged op-
portunity to encounter the Lord.
From this encounter with Jesus
present in the poor, the rejected,
the refugee, the asylum seeker, flows
our prayer of today. It is a reciprocal
prayer: migrants and refugees pray
for local communities, and local
communities pray for the newly
arrived and for migrants who have
been here longer. To the maternal
intercession of Mary Most Holy we
entrust the hopes of all the world’s
migrants and refugees and the as-
pirations of the communities which
welcome them. In this way, respond-
ing to the supreme commandment
of charity and love of neighbor, may
we all learn to love the other, the
stranger, as ourselves.
B6 REFLECTIONS January 22 - February 4, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 2 CBCP Monitor

Jesus, the prophet powerful in words and deeds

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B (Mark 1:21-28)
National Bible Sunday, January 28, 2018

By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB

FOR centuries, the Jews had been
waiting for “the prophet like Moses”
who would be for them what the
great leader and legislator had been
for the Israelites during and after
their liberation from Egypt. Nobody
knew, however, what that “prophet
like Moses” would do.
Jesus Christ was the one sent
by God the Father to fulfill the
expectation of the Chosen people
and far beyond. When he began his
public ministry, it was not easy for the
people to see in him the fulfillment
of the prophecy/promise uttered
by Moses some twelve centuries
earlier, for their views were too
much conditioned by their political
and social situations obtaining
at that time. Their concerns and
expectations were still temporal
(limited to earthly hardships), and
nationalistic (limited to the Israelite
nation).
Jesus had to crack that mold and
bring his own people to realize that
there is a harsher form of servitude
than that imposed by the Roman
power – the servitude/enslavement
imposed by the Devil not only on the
Jews but also on all mankind.
His behavior and message
contained in today’s Gospel
passage mark only the beginning
of the revelation of his identity
and mission. Everything in what
he said and did left his audience
wondering . . . Jesus spoke with all
the authority that divine wisdom
and truth possess. He was not El Greco, 1570
one of the many interpreters of
the law, nor a “commentator” like afraid of man—of that Man. mankind. He comes to proclaim that the Reign and more powerful than any simple
so many teachers who could be Things had been different up to Jesus’ behavior in today’s of God is at hand and that the reign man can be, for the saving power of
found throughout Palestine. He was that moment. Men had been living Gospel episode shows that he is a of Satan is done. God is at work in his words and in
showing himself to be a “Master,” in continuous dread of “evil spirits.” LIBERATOR greater than Moses, Today’s account of the liberation his actions.
actually “The Master.” Not a few had become their victims, for he sets people free not from the of the possessed man spells out who As followers of his, we share in his
Authority and majesty radiated “possessed” and tortured by them enslavement to an earthly ruler, is going to be the winner in this most prophetic and liberating mission.
from all over Jesus’ person. In him in frightful ways. Out of fear, entire but from the tyranny of the EVIL “unconventional war.” Powerful in We also share in his strength if we
was the moral power of the Holy One, nations had tried to keep demons ONE. He has come to wage a war his words, Jesus is also powerful in cling to him in our struggle against
who commanded respect even of the quiet through sacrificial offerings of liberation against the devil and his deeds, unlike the people of his Satan. Knowing who will be the
devil. And with good reason. For the . . . the perversion of idolatry that his allies. With Jesus, fear of Satan time; indeed, unlike the people of winner, shall we still wonder on
first time in human history, Satan was had sadly marked the history of and compromise with him are over. all time, unlike all of us. He is braver whose side to stand and fight?

Healings unlimited Christians must

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B (Mark 1:29-39)
Pro-Life Sunday, February 4, 2018 help put closure
By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB

to the history of
suffering
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B (Mark 1:29-39)
February 4, 2018

By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD

IF one takes a bleak look at the In today’s Gospel, however, we

ONE does not need to be pessimistic
to conclude that there is so much
suffering in the world. It is a reality
as old as mankind itself; a reality as
varied as the gradations of gray . . . .
We are afflicted by moral, emotional,
spiritual, and physical suffering . . .
. All these forms of suffering make
life miserable—a veritable “Way of
the Cross”! Job had all the reasons
to complain. (See today’s First
Reading.)
Of all types of suffering, the most
striking is usually the physical one.
It is always a pitiful sight to see
cripples, lepers, persons devoured
by cancer, people who are blind,
maimed, or immobilized for life on
their beds or mats . . . In spite of all
the progress of modern medicine,
all those struck by sickness still
experience a feeling of helplessness
and humiliation. The many forms
of suffering are still with us, and for
all we know, they are here to stay, in
ever-renewed and baffling forms . . .
When he came to share our human
condition, Jesus accepted suffering
as a natural consequence of the
Incarnation and thereby he showed
that he was a human being through
and through. But he was “a man
with a mission”—the mission to
redeem and save every human being
from all that degrades, oppresses
and disfigures him or her. That
was why, part of his mission was
to relieve as many as he could from
any suffering, and especially the one
inflicted by demonic possessions.
Jesus knew that the ultimate cause
of all suffering was the devil. That
was why, he cast out devils as an
integral part of his healing and
saving mission.
But suffering is still with us, even
after the coming of Jesus, as a
perpetual reminder of the frailty of
the human condition in the world. It
is also a sign that the Reign of God
has not yet come in its fullness. It
is only in the New Jerusalem that
“there shall be no more death or
mourning, crying or pain . . . (Rv
21:4).
The healings performed by Jesus
Healings / B7
world, he will see that the present,
like the past, is a story of suffering
and evil. There is much experience
of evil that we read from the
accounts in newspapers, magazines
and the internet, and hear from the
reports on television and the radio—
suffering that stems from injustice,
hunger, poverty, unemployment,
deprivation of freedom, abuse of
human rights, wars and natural
calamities. And there is the suffering
that is unseen—hiding behind the
smile of a prostitute, the clown and
the movie star and behind the joyful
scenes that people upload in social
networks, like Facebook.
In the 1st Reading (Job 7:1-4.6-
7), Job found himself in a similar
situation: the experience of so
much suffering. Eliphaz told him
that his suffering resulted from
his unfaithfulness to Yahweh,
for prosperity and joy come from
faithfulness (Job 4:7). Of course,
this is a popular understanding that
unfortunately is very common even
among Christians. If one prospers,
this is counted as reward from God
for something good one has done;
if one suffers, God must have given
punishment for an evil deed one
has committed. Job, however,
protested against such theology,
for he has, as far as he knew, been
faithful to God, and yet he suffered
(Job 23:11). This probably explains
why, as we notice from the 1 st
Reading, Job had a negative view of
life and his world (Job 7:1-3).
are told that God’s will is not
suffering and evil; on the contrary,
it has happiness and peace. It may
be recalled that, last Sunday, it was
noticed Jesus’ word had authority
and power (Mark 1:27), and in
the concrete, it had power to save
(cf Jas 1:21). In the Gospel, which
continues to tell us what Jesus
did in Capernaum, we see that
Jesus’ preaching of the Kingdom
of God includes saving people from
suffering. The Kingdom of God was
not only preached; it was also being
made present in his healing and
exorcism ministry. For example,
he cured Peter’s mother-in-law of
fever (Mark 1:30), and expelled
many demons (v 39), both of which
being considered as manifestations
of the demonic power. Here we see
the meaning of the preaching of
the word: it is delivered in order to
defeat the forces and manifestations
of evil, save us from suffering, and
let us thereby experience the joy
and happiness of the Kingdom.
The word is thus meant to effect
transformation in our personal lives
and in the life of the community.
Being a bearer of the word in virtue
of his incorporation into Christ
through baptism, the Christian
has a vocation to alleviate human
suffering and free his fellowmen
from the experience of evil. As at
baptism he has been freed from the
clutches of the Devil, he has to use
the power given him to free others
Christans/ B7
CBCP Monitor January 22 - February 4, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 2
Journalists risk death for the truth
By Fr. Shay Cullen
JOURNALISTS, writers, reporters,
commentators will just have to
curb their passion for speaking and
exposing the truth if they want to
continue to live. Too many end up a
corpse in a cold dark morgue, silence
their only companion. That is just
the way it is in the Philippines and
elsewhere. More than 146 journalists
have been assassinated since 1986.
Last November 23 was the 8th
anniversary of the mass murder of
58 Filipinos 32 of them journalists,
in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao
province, in 2009. This was the
worst of all violent assaults on the
freedom of the press anywhere in
one single blow. A powerful political
family allegedly carried out the
killings against their opponents and
killed the 32 journalists covering the
elections. No one has been convicted
for the brutal heinous killings.
The sheer audacity of politicians
or corrupt business personalities to
quell the truth and the blind power
behind the greed and personal vanity
that orders killings of journalists is
outrageous and there is little that can
be done to stop it.
Journalists are just ordinary
people with a story to tell; yet to
tell the truth is to risk one’s life
in many cases. Exposing what is
corrupt and damaging to the public,
is to challenge the seat of political
power and it has dire consequences.
No vengeance is as fierce as that
of a corrupt politician exposed, a
shady business corporation laid
bare, no ignorance as painful as an
uninformed and uncaring public.
The killings go on to this day
and the freedom of the press is
at stake as some politicians try to
control the message and cover up
the truth about their inadequacies
and wrong doings. The task of the
media is to report the facts, bring
to the people the truth about the
achievements, success and the failure
and wrongdoings of government and
the corporate world. That is at the
heart of a democracy. Tyranny is
the alternative, and it descends like
a dark cold cloud of threats and
intimidation.
Media practitioners can be
compliant, cowardly or courageous
and brave. The powerful make
accusations against some journalists
claiming what they publish is Fake
Vessels / B2
conferences may be used in the ter-
ritory of another conference which
has not legislated.
An example of such a difference to
sacred vessels would be that of the
U.S. bishops and the Conference of
England and Wales. The latter limit
themselves to translating the Latin,
making no adaptations:
“326.  In  the  choice  of  materi-
als  for  sacred  furnishings,  be-
sides those which are tradition-
al, others are acceptable if by con-
temporary standards they are con-
sidered  to  be  noble,  are  du-
rable,  and  are  well  suited  for  sa-
cred  use.  The  Conference  of Bish-
ops  will be the judge  on  this mat-
ter (cf. No. 390).
“328.  Sacred  vessels  are to  be
made from precious metal. If they are
made from metal that rusts or from
a  metal  less  precious  than
gold, then ordinarily they should be
gilded on the inside.
“329.  In  the  judge-
ment of the Conference of Bish-
ops,  after  its  decisions  have  re-
ceived recognition of  the Ap-
ostolic  See, sacred  vessels
may  also  be  made  from  other  sol-
id  materials  that  are  precious  ac-
cording to the common estimation
in each region, for example, ebony
or other hard woods, provided that
such  materials  are  suited  to  sa-
cred  use. In  such  cases,  prefer-
ence is always to be given to mate-
rials that do not easily break or de-
teriorate.  This  applies  to  all  ves-
sels which holdthehosts, such as the pat-
en,  the  ciborium,  the  pyx,  the-
monstrance, and oth-
er things of this kind.”
The bishops of the United States
on the other hand say:
“326. In choosing materials for
sacred furnishings, besides those
which are traditional, others are ad-
missible that, according to the men-
tality of our own age, are considered
to be noble and are durable, and well
suited for sacred use. In the Dioceses
of the United States of America these
materials may include wood, stone,
Mediamen cover a press conference at the CBCP headquarters in Manila. FILE PHOTO
News, when in fact it is the truth. The
supporters of the politicians through
blogs or biased columnists spread
the Fake News, or propaganda.
Government officials have
accountability for the billions of
taxpayers, money that too often
end up in their personal bank
accounts as we have seen so many
times in the past. It was the media
who exposed the politicians who
used fake NGOs to steal billions of
pesos of government funds for their
personal use. The Ombudsman is
presently trying their cases.
That is the duty and role
of the media and they need the
constitutional freedom to tell the
truth, which is essential to praise or
question the policies and power of
government. Without this freedom,
there is no institution or individual
or metal which are solid and appro-
priate to the purpose for which they
are employed.”
“327. Among the requisites for
the celebration of Mass, the sacred
vessels are held in special honor, and
among these especially the chalice
and paten, in which the bread and
wine are offered and consecrated
and from which they are consumed.
“328. Sacred vessels should be
made from precious metal. If they
are made from metal that rusts or
from a metal less precious than gold,
they should generally be gilded on
the inside.
“329. In the Dioceses of the United
States of America, sacred ves-
sels may also be made from other
solid materials which in the com-
mon estimation in each region are
considered precious or noble, for
example, ebony or other harder
woods, provided that such materi-
als are suitable for sacred use. In
this case, preference is always to be
given to materials that do not easily
break or deteriorate. This applies to
all vessels that are intended to hold
the hosts, such as the paten, the
ciborium, the pyx, the monstrance,
and others of this kind.
“330. As regards chalices and
other vessels that are intended to
serve as receptacles for the Blood
of the Lord, they are to have a bowl
of material that does not absorb
liquids. The base, on the other hand,
may be made of other solid and wor-
thy materials.”
Both of these texts should be read
in the light of the instruction Re-
demptionis Sacramentum:
“[117.] Sacred vessels for contain-
ing the Body and Blood of the Lord
must be made in strict conformity
with the norms of tradition and of
the liturgical books. The Bishops’
Conferences have the faculty to
decide whether it is appropriate,
once their decisions have been
given the recognitio by the Apostolic
See, for sacred vessels to be made
of other solid materials as well. It
is strictly required, however, that
or group, to reveal corruption and
plunder.
If evil persists unchecked human
rights will continue to be abused,
and the national economy will
be damaged as it was during the
Marcos regime. President Ferdinand
Marcos closed newspapers and radio
stations and controlled all the media
and he plundered at will. Those who
opposed him paid with their lives.
In the Philippines violence against
journalists is frequently the response
to media exposés of wrongdoing and
corrupt practices. As many as 42
journalists have been assassinated
since 2007 and no one has been
convicted. The killers act with
impunity and get away with murder.
However, in the 2017 Global
Impunity Index of the New York-
based watchdog Committee to
such materials be truly noble in the
common estimation within a given
region, so that honor will be given
to the Lord by their use, and all
risk of diminishing the doctrine of
the Real Presence of Christ in the
Eucharistic species in the eyes of the
faithful will be avoided. Reprobated,
therefore, is any practice of using
for the celebration of Mass common
vessels, or others lacking in quality,
or devoid of all artistic merit or
which are mere containers, as also
other vessels made from glass,
earthenware, clay, or other materials
that break easily. This norm is to be
applied even as regards metals and
other materials that easily rust or
deteriorate.”
For example, could a hardwood
chalice with a gilded cup, in confor-
mity with the norms of the United
States, be used in England?
My estimation would be that it
would be admissible as the U.S.
bishops are basically legislating the
examples offered in the original
Latin, and the English bishops,
while not legislating, do not exclude
the use of the elements offered as ex-
amples. Since the two regions share
broad cultural similarities there
would usually be no discrepancy in
appreciation of material such as fine
hardwoods.
The legislating function of the
bishops’ conference is usually to ad-
mit materials esteemed locally. The
bishops’ conference usually knows
best what non-traditional materials
will be suitable, and a two-thirds
majority is usually required for this
form of legislation, as well as the
approval of the Holy See.
These materials may not be
appreciated in another cultural
situation so, in most cases, unusual
materials approved in one area
should not be simply imported into
another even if the bishops have not
legislated.
Unsuitable materials such as those
criticized in Redemptionis Sacra-
mentum should be excluded from
liturgical use.
Project Journalists (CPJ) the
Philippines dropped from 4th to
5th place on the index.
Turkey is the jailer of the most
journalists. President Recep
Tayyip Erdogan has arrested many
journalists, and charged them with
crimes to silence their critical voices.
The Stockholm Center for Freedom,
says that ERDOGAN has jailed 240
journalists who languish behind
bars since May 12, 2017, more have
been jailed since then.
So why do powerful government
officials and politicians fear and try
to silence journalists as happened
to the dedicated Maltese writer
Caruana Galizia. She was killed by
a bomb blast under her car. The
Maltese Prime Minister Joseph
Muscat was suing the journalist over
her allegations of corruption in that
Healings / B6
are signs that the Reign of God has
already been inaugurated and that
the salvation that Jesus proclaims
will surely come in its fullness
when God’s Kingdom reaches its
completion.
As Christians, we are not only
people who have been mercifully
healed by Jesus. We are also
sharers in his mission as “the
healer” of humankind. As such,
we, too, are called to show
Christians / B6
from Satan’s bondage. This is the
call which Peter’s mother-in-law
received. She was healed of her
infirmity through Jesus’ word, and
so she began to serve (v 30). Having
heard and having been formed
by the word of God, a Christian
therefore has a responsibility to
break the history of suffering.
The 2nd Reading also gives us
an example of Paul himself. As a
follower of Christ, he felt it was
his obligation to preach the gospel
(1 Cor 9:16). And what was his
purpose? To save: “I have become
all things to all, to save at least
some. All this I do for the sake of
the gospel, so that I, too, may have
a share in it” (1 Cor 9:22-23). Like
Paul, we, Christians, have the calling
to preach the word with power. We
have to show that our belief in
the Word makes us servants and
partners in accomplishing Christ’s
work of effecting liberation and
happiness to men who suffer. Like
Peter’s mother-in-law, we exercise
our discipleship in roles of lowly
service to heal the world of sin and
suffering.
In our recent history, the
Acquired Immunity Deficiency
Syndrome (AIDS) is an example
of evil that has engulfed the lives
of thousands of men and women.
The Christian has the duty to
show that his being a disciple
of Jesus can help the world be
freed from evil not only by looking
after the needs of AIDS victims,
SOCIAL CONCERNS B7
EU country. Three suspects have
been arrested but the mastermind
behind it has not been named.
The state, corrupt tycoons or
mafia have the power to silence the
journalists. They can use bombs,
bullets, incarceration, threats, false
charges, and accusations. Yet the
power of the word, with one well-
placed out-spoken journalist, armed
with the truth, and evidence of
corruption, can be a bomb-shell.
The truth can bring down the
corrupt politician; expose the movie
mogul, or business tycoon, as seen
in the “#Metoo” movement. That
is why the investigative journalists
of integrity are a dangerous threat
to the wrong doers in society. They
need protection and the freedom to
speak and write the truth and tell
it as it is.
concern for the ailments afflicting
mankind, and to do our best
to reduce them. It is also our
mission to cast out the devil from
our own lives and the lives of
others. This commitment of ours
will be one of the most effective
proclamations of the Good News.
It will be one of the clear signs
that the Kingdom of God is ever
more making inroads in this pain-
ridden world of ours.
putting the service of science and
technology to discover a cure for
it, but also by making his own life
the preached word. He shows, for
example, that a chaste life, a life
that knows faithfulness to one’s
wife and abstinence on Fridays is
a way of defeating the forces of
current evils. Fittingly enough,
only recently, the Catholic Bishops’
Conference of the Philippines
(CBCP) issued a pastoral letter on
AIDS late last year (2011), to create
awareness among people, because
the diseases is taking a heavy toll
in terms of human lives. Much
has to be done to put an end to
the epidemic; obviously, condom
is not the solution. The Christian
community has much to contribute
to halt the increase of incidence.
To be sure, we can always
describe the world in terms of
history of negative experiences,
but such history need not be one of
continual suffering. Evil in history
must be put to an end. Christians
have a vocation to shift its course
because they themselves have
experienced pockets of salvation
effected by the Word. And God’s
will to happiness will become
effective when we ourselves allow
him to use us as his instruments-
-through which the power and
authority of the Word work to
make the world a better place to
live in, in transforming the world
so it may concretely mirror the
vision of the Kingdom of God.
B8 ENTERTAINMENT January 22 - February 4, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 2 CBCP Monitor

Buhay San Miguel Brothers Matias

Ferdinand Lolo Kiko Bladimer Usi

Buhay Parokya FIND 3 MISSING THINGS:

1. St. John the Baptist
2. St. Peter
3. St. Lorenzo Ruiz

DIRECTOR: Carlos Saldanha VOICE CAST: John Cena, Kate McK-

innon, Anthony Anderson, Bobby Cannavale, Peyton Manning, Gina
Rodriguez, Miguel Ángel Silvestre, David Tennant SCREENPLAY:
Robert L. Baird, Tim Federle, Brad Copelandy STORY: Ron Burch,
David Kidd, Don Rhymer BASED ON: The Story of Ferdinand by
Munro Leaf, Robert Lawson PRODUCERS: John Davis, Lisa Marie
Stetler, Lori Forte, Bruce Andersonn GENRE: Animation, Adventure,
Fantasy, Comedy, Family MUSIC BY: John Powell EDITED BY:
Harry Hitner
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Renato Falcão PRODUCTION COMPANY:
Blue Sky Studios, 20th Century Fox Animation, Davis Entertainment
DISTRIBUTED BY: Warner Bros. F.E. (Philippines)
COUNTRY: United States LANGUAGE: English
RUNNING TIME: 1 hour 51 minutes
Technical assessment: Moral assessment:
CINEMA rating: V13 (Ages 13 down with parental guidance)
MTRCB rating: GP

Ferdinand the calf is not bitchy Lipizzaner horses

aware that bulls are sent
to the ring to fight for their
lives until he loses his father,
a champion bull, who never
returns from a bullfight. At
the breeding stable Ferdinand
(who loves to sniff flowers)
is bullied by other calves but
he refuses to be intimidated;
he is provoked but he’d
rather sit it out. He is rudely
told, “Fight! If you don’t
fight, you’re meat!” Seeing
this truth he soon escapes
and lands providentially
in a flower farm where a
little girl Nina (Lily Day)
and her single father adopt
him as a pet. In this loving
environment Ferdinand
(John Cena) grows into a bull
of monstrous proportions but
is (un)naturally non-violent.
When he follows Nina and
her father to a local flower
festival, mayhem begins.
An adaptation of the
1936 classic by Munro Leaf
and Robert Lawson, “The
Story of Ferdinand”, this
message-movie is a first rate
animation that’s made to
appeal to viewers of any age.
To make the 36-page book
into a full-length feature film,
screenwriters Baird, Federle
and Copelandy pad it up
with the antics of secondary
characters like a resourceful
hedgehogs who help
Ferdinand escape captivity,
Meant to Beh
with pastel-colored manes,
and a slightly unhinged goat
(Kate McKinnon) acting as
his coach to train him to
face the famous matador El
Primero (Raul Esparza) in the
bullring. Pastoral landscapes
are both eye candy and soul
soothers, while the scenes in
the “chop shop” (a high tech
slaughterhouse) might spoil
your enjoyment of your next
burger meal.
Ferdinand in promotional
posters carries the slogan
“built to fight, born to love”,
which, though probably
unintentional, forms the
solid foundation for this
fable. Children who may
be experiencing bullying
in school or peer pressure
in the community may
find especially applause-
worthy the bullring scenes
showing how Ferdinand
sticks to his commitment
to non-violence in the face
of life-threatening odds.
Adults will get Ferdinand’s
message about corruption
in bullfights and logically
conclude that the same
thing can happen in boxing,
basketball, or other sports
event, although the best
take-home message here is,
between the slaughterhouse
DIRECTOR: Chris Martinez na sina Christian (JC Santos), ng komedi ang pelikula at pagsasama ay hindi nakita sa
and the bullring, there is a
LEAD CAST: Vic Sotto, Dawn Alex (Gabbi Garcia), at Riley naibigay naman ito, sana lang pelikula. Di naman masama
way out: the commitment to
Zulueta, JC Santos, Daniel Mat- (Baste) na walang hinahangad nilagyan na nila ng saysay ang mag mag-good time dahil
love. Humans, take note.
sunaga, Sue Ramirez, Andrea kundi ang magkasundo silang ang layuning ito para naging may social needs din ang
Torres, Gabbi Garcia, Ruru
dalawa at maging masaya pagkakataon na magbahagi tao bilang dibersyon mula
Madrid, Baste Granfon ang kanilang pamilya. Subalit ng magandang aral sa buhay sa pagpapagod sa trabaho
SCREENWRITER: Vanessa matapos ang matagal na habang nakakapaglibang ang pero hindi para pumasok sa
R. Valdez, Kiko Abrillo, Anna pagsasama ay matatanto nila manonood. Maayos naman ang pagkakasala. Tama naman na
Karenina Ramos, Janica Mae na di nila talaga mahal ang disenyo ng produksyon at mga nirerespeto ng mag-asawa ang
Regalo isa’t isa kaya magpapasya kuha ng kamera. Naipakita desisyon at choices ng bawat
PRODUCER: Vic Sotto silang maghiwalay. Nang kung anong klase ang pamilya isa pero hindi ang choice na
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Emerzon nagsisimulang makipag- Balatbat at ang trabaho ni magtaksil. Mas responsable
Texon date sa ibang partner ang Andrea sa isang publication. pa sa relasyon ang mga anak
GENRE: Comedy dalawa ay mababagabag ang Kung ikukumpara sa mga at mas may malasakit na
DISTRIBUTOR: OctoArts Films magkakapatid kaya mag-iisip naunang pelikula ni Sotto na magbuklod ang pamilya. At
RUNNING TIME: 120 mins at magsasagawa sila ng mga sinali sa filmfest ay mas maigi- dahil marahil komedi, pinilit
LOCATION: Manila, Baguio paraan para magkabalikan sila. igi pa itong Meant to Beh. pa rin haluan ng kabaklaan.
RUNNING TIME: 120 minutes Halu-halong eksena ng Kapansin-pansin din na walang Sa hanay ng propesyonal
Technical assessment: mababaw na kwento ang Meant kasamang advertisement ng na tagapamahala ng isang
Moral assessment: To Beh, mga eksenang tila mga produktong iniendorso ni magazine ay binigyan-daan ang
CINEMA rating: V14 sinama lang para humaba at Sotto kaya nakapagpahinga ang napakakabang uri na pagkahilig
MTRCB rating: PG 13 bigyan ng exposure ang mga manonood sa mga commercials ng mga bakla sa katawan ng
nagsiganap. Mabuti na lamang na itinatambad sa mukha nila lalaki. Maari namang maging
Hindi masaya sa kanilang at kasama sina Zulueta at ng binayaran nilang panoorin. binabae at manatiling disente
arranged marriage ang mag- Baste sa pelikula. Nakakaaliw Sa pamilya Balatbat, sa halip at wag magsamantala sa kapwa
asawang Balatbat na sina panoorin ang batang aktor na magulang ang nagbibigay lalaki. Sa kabuuan, bagamat
Ron (Vic Sotto) at Andrea at ang kanyang timing sa ng gabay ay tila, sila pa ang kahanga-hanga ang intensyon
(Daw n Zu l u e t a). Lag i na pagpapatawa. Gayundin si nangangailangan nito. Ang ng mga anak na magbuklod
lang silang nag-aaway at Zulueta na mas kilala sa drama pag-ibig sa pagitan ng mag- ang kanilang pamilya,
nagkukumpetensya sa at mga seryosong pelikula. asawa na dapat ay lumalago nakakabahala ang tema at ang
atensyon ng kanilang mga anak Sinsero sa paghahatid habang tumatagal ang maraming eksena sa pelikula.
 THE CROSS
A Supplement Publication of the Order of the Knights of Columbus and KCFAPI
CBCP Monitor Vol. 22, No. 2 January 22- February 4, 2018

In photo (L-R): Visayas Deputy Anthony P. Nazario, Luzon North Deputy and Supreme Director Jose C. Reyes Jr, and Luzon South Deputy Ramoncito A. Ocampo during the series of meetings held within their respective jurisdictions.

Knights of Columbus PH jurisdictions start

year with meetings of District Deputies
TO start the year 2018, the various
state jurisdictions of the Order of
the Knights of Columbus in the
Philippines initiated their Mid-
Year Meeting of District Deputies’
nationwide to recap the past year
and convey what should be and what
must be done for the current year as
part of the continuous intensification
of the order within the country.
The Visayas Jurisdiction held the
event last January 5 to 7, 2018 at
Metro Centre Hotel and Convention
Center, Tagbilaran, Bohol. It was
attended by the State Officers,
Diocesan Membership and Program
Coordinators and their Assistants,
and District Deputies. During the
meeting, as emphasized by Visayas
Deputy Anthony P. Nazario, brother
knights are reminded to deepen the
role of the Knights of Columbus
in Building the Domestic Church.
According to him, “The call for the
new evangelization requires the
need to revisit the missionary roles
of the parents in the faith formation
of their children.” The initiative of
“Building of the Domestic Church
While Strengthening the Parish”
was launched three years ago
by the Supreme Knight Carl A.
Anderson himself. As the program
progresses to different stages, from
the movement of the councils to
the parishes, dynamic participation
of the families to the activities
of the parish and eventually the
integration of the youth program
of the Order to the youth ministries
of the Parishes provide harmony to
its objective since its establishment
by the Venerable Servant of God Fr.
Michael J. McGivney in 1882.
The Visayas Deputy lauded
the strong performance of the
jurisdiction in every aspect of the
goal requirements given by the
Supreme Council. He motivated the
Visayas Leadership on their role to
evangelize more Catholic gentlemen
by constantly inviting them to join
the Knights of Columbus so that
others may also experience the joy in
every faith journey of every member.
Finally, he took the opportunity to
invite everyone to the 11th Knights of
Columbus National Convention on
May 10-13, 2018 at Iloilo Convention
Center, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. As
the host jurisdiction, he encouraged
the full support of the leadership
by attending this biggest gathering
of the Knights of Columbus in the
Philippines. The day was capped by
a mass presided by Bishop Alberto S.
Uy, from the Diocese of Tagbilaran,
who challenged all the participants
to be more giving and available
especially to the poor, neglected and
considered outcast of the society.
Meanwhile, the Luzon North
Jurisdiction held the event last
January 13-14, 2018 at the Manila
Grand Opera Hotel with the theme,
“A Call to Become Builders of the
Domestic Church.” The two-day
event was led by its State Deputy and
Supreme Director Jose C. Reyes, Jr.
who gave the Report on the Meetings
and Workshops in Washington DC
together with the Review of the
Jurisdiction’s Action Plan. Focusing
the meeting on their theme, Rev. Msgr.
Pedro C. Quitorio III enlightened
everyone with his talk on “Building
the Domestic Church Initiative.”
Other highlights of the program
were the Supreme Council and State
Deputy Assessments given by its State
Secretary Pascual C. Carbero, various
workshops and a Spiritual and Values
Formation forum.
On the other hand, the Luzon
South Jurisdiction, led by its State
Deputy Ramoncito A. Ocampo,
held their Mid-Year Meeting of
District Deputies last January 20-21,
2018 at North Bridgeway, Filinvest
City, Alabang. This year’s theme,
“Endowed by God’s Love and Power”,
was inspired by the 135th Supreme
Convention last August 2017. During
the event, Bro.Ocampo gave his state
deputy reports. In the meantime,
Bro. Vince A. Pacis, Membership
and Program Consultant apprised
everyone with his talk, “DD Midyear
– Where we should be.” Workshops
were also held during the day for
the participants. To develop a sense
of deep fraternity, a fellowship was
held on the first day and a fraternal
mass on the second day.
The DDs Mid-year meetings
were attended by KCFAPI’s Vice
Presidents: Bro. Ronulfo G. Infante
and Bro. Angelito A. Bala for Luzon
North and Bro. Gari M. San Sebastian
for Visayas and Luzon South.
The Mindanao State Jurisdiction
will hold its Mid-Year Meeting of
District Deputies on the latter part
of January 2018.
For this Year 2018, Year of the
Clergy and Consecrated Persons,
the Order of the Knights of
Columbus in the Philippines, will
continue to be advocates of life
and will lead the individuals in
nourishing their lives in different
chosen vocations subsequent
with the teachings and visions of
the magisterium and the church.
(APNazario;JSServiento)

RELIEF DISTRIBUTION. The KC Philippines Foundation, Inc., the corporate social responsibility arm of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal
Association of the Philippines, Inc., through Rev. Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III , KCFAPI Spiritual Director and Rector of the Shrine of the
Miraculous Medal, Sabang, Borongan, Eastern Samar, donated PhP 100,000.00 to the victims of the Typhoon Urduja that hit the area
last December 2017. The distribution of the relief operations were held for the residents of three barangays: San Mateo, Lower San
Andres and Mana-ili. The foundation also donated PhP 100,000.00 to the Visayas Jurisdiction for the victims of typhoon Urduja and CHRISTMAS KNIGHTS FOR THE CHILDREN. The Luzon South Jurisdiction’s Holy Family Council 16141 of GMA Cavite led by its
another PhP 100,000.00 to Mindanao Jurisdiction for the victims of typhoon Vinta. (Photo credits to the Shrine of the Miraculous Grand Knight Manuel L. Mendoza had their Gift Giving last December 28, 2017 at the Holy Family Parish. Two hundred thirty-
Medal Facebook Page; Caption: JSServiento) six children attended the event; a number of which are persons with disability. (JSServiento)
C2 January 22 - February 4, 2018, Vol 22, No. 2 THE CROSS
Ramoncito A. Ocampo Jose C. Reyes, Jr.
President’s Chairman’s Message
Message
A New Year’s Message

EVERY December 30, St. Joseph and Mother Mary faith, how harmonious have God and country, service for
Welcoming the New Year we celebrate the Feast did the same, by not standing been the relationships with the Church and the poor,
with Positive Thinking of the Holy Family. We in the way of God’s plan. one another and many more sacrifice, and many more
commemorate the coming On the Feast of the Holy aspects. that will make our families
AS we close out 2017 and welcome 2018 with mixed emotions- of Jesus as a human being Family every year, let us Let us look up to the like that of the Holy Family
glee, excitement and even fear of the uncertainty the year has through the family. He look back on the year that Holy Family of Jesus as our of Jesus.
in store for us. We’ve come through a year filled with both humbled himself to be born passed and assess one’s self model. Our families are Let us show gratitude to
challenges and victories. How reassuring it is to know we have in a manger and be subject how well we did as head far from perfect. But let us God for all the blessings we
people—loved ones and friends around us whom we can count to his foster parents, Joseph of the family – how much make holiness as our focus in receive by being a blessing to
on regardless the circumstances we are facing. Let us take a and Mary. Within the Holy closer have I brought my building our families. Let us other families in need. May
moment, to thank each and every one of them for their efforts, Family of Jesus, He showed family members to God, be obedient to God’s Will. As God bless our families and the
support and by staying on our side. Himself as an obedient Son. how affectionate have I parents, let us teach within Knights of Columbus family
While the road to 2018 had been the best so far for some, Up to the end of His life on been to them, how much our families the virtues of where we belong.
others had been praying for it to end, and are eagerly waiting earth, Jesus followed the knowledge have I shared patience, understanding, Wishing you all the best for
for the New Year to come hoping that the coming year will be Holy Will of God the Father. to them about the Catholic forgiveness, respect, love for the New Year!
kind to them. While others are living their dreams, others are
still dreaming and are working hard for their lives to be better. Ma. Theresa G. Curia
Not undermining the prevailing issues of the country such as
poverty, juvenile delinquency, crimes, and natural calamities,
brothers and sisters who are greatly affected need our utmost Curia Settings
support, guidance and consideration. Resilient—that is what
we are. With the support of the people who truly cares for us, KCFAPI... on to its 60th Anniversary
we can and we will survive no matter what.
In short, the current circumstances are all quite challenging
for us. However, no matter what the circumstances are, we
must not lose sight of our priority: to be strong body, mind and “A Diamond is Forever!” of Fr. George J. Willmann, the grand As a member of KCFAPI or as a
soul that does not only consider oneself, but care and love for ON to its Diamond Jubilee, the Knights jubilee celebration will start with the Benefit Certificate Holder, we become
each and every one of us must prevail, in everything that we of Columbus Fraternal Association of the traditional Mass-on-TV to be held at San Benefactors of the priests and college
do. As Pope Francis would refer it as “Mercy and Compassion”. Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) has become Agustin Church, the oldest church in the scholars nationwide, and we participate
Showing our brothers and sisters who are in need that giving stronger than ever, with more than P5.4 Philippines. Activities are lined-up for in all the activities of KCFAPI’s two
up is not an option and there will always be a bright tomorrow billion in total resources, with more this year’s celebration to include various (2) Foundations: KC Philippines
for them. than P5.2 billion in living and death benevolent projects, scholars’ gatherings, Foundation, Inc. and the Fr. George
The past few years left a significant impact on all of us. benefits paid to its members. KCFAPI summits, recognition and awarding, and J. Willmann Charities, Inc. We
Thus, it is important to reflect on how our life went through was chartered on August 9, 1958 and was printing of memorabilia/coffee table participate in providing assistance to
the years. And regardless of your experience ranging from granted by the Insurance Commission its book. The celebration will be capped by calamity stricken areas, livelihood,
great to worse—the most important thing is that we never stop first Certificate of Authority to operate a gala night to be held in the evening at housing, education and other benevolent
learning. It is also important for us to manage our time wisely as a Mutual Benefit Association on the Diamond Hotel, Pasay City. activities of the Knights of Columbus
and move forward as decisively and swiftly as we can in 2018. September 9, 1958. We now boast of What makes KCFAPI different? nationwide. Most importantly, since
Another year means another chance to live your life anew as our strong workforce of 106 employees KCFAPI is the ONLY Catholic Life KCFAPI is operated by the Knights of
we welcome the New Year with Positive Thinking. and 1,100 field representatives from Insurance organization in the Philippines. Columbus for the Knights of Columbus,
Vivat Jesus! our KCFAPI and its wholly-owned and In fact, if you are not a member of the it has unprecedented fast adjudication of
majority-owned companies: Mace Order of the Knights of Columbus or benefits and claims. Who would not want
Arsenio Isidro G. Yap Insurance Agency, Inc., Kompass an immediate member of his family, to have the peace of mind when a Brother
Credit and Financing Corporation, Keys you cannot be a member of KCFAPI. is to take care of another Brother?
A Brother’s Insight Realty and Development Corporation
- operating Holy Trinity Memorial
The Organization serves the primordial
aspirations of the Founder of the Knights
We praise, thank and honor our God
Almighty for all the wisdom and guidance
Chapels, a premier mortuary company of Columbus, Fr. Michael J. McGivney, and for all our past and present Board of
The Mass at the heart of Sucat, Paranaque; and which is: To render pecuniary aid to its Trustees and Board of Directors, serving
Columbus Plaza Hotel, an award-winning members and beneficiaries of members. our companies as Fraternalists. We can
business hotel also at the heart of General This was made possible by the Founder of never be where we are now, if it were not
Santos City in Mindanao. KCFAPI and the Father of the Knights of for their call to serve!
FOR us Catholics the Mass or the Eucharistic Celebration is the On September 14, 2018, on the Columbus in the Philippines, Fr. George Unconquerable and enduring, KCFAPI
“Source and Summit of the Christian Life”. It tells or re-enacts occasion of the 41st Death Anniversary J. Willmann, now Servant of God. like a Diamond is Forever!
the life story of our Lord Jesus Christ where His promise of
Resurrection is always emphasized. It is the declaration of our Karlo Serviento
Faith.
The Mass is so important for us Catholics and yet it leaves
me wondering why so many take it for granted? It is said that a Pondering the Words
mass you hear in your lifetime is worth more than a thousand
after we passed away. And yet, many seem to be not worried
that they may not have heard enough masses in their earthly life. And He dwelt amongst us
Here are some of the bad things we do in church whether we
are aware of it or not? We chat or exchange text while the mass
is going on or worse even answer or make calls, we do not turn GOING back to our history, that day came when some Being young in mind and at them, “they can because they
it off or put in on silent mode. the image of Sto. Niño was children wanted to be near heart, children have open ears are.” People depend on what
Some attend mass as if they are in movie houses wherein they given by Ferdinand Magellan Jesus. Hence, the disciples and hearts. They are always they are without considering
can come in at anytime and complete the mass if ever they will, to Rajah Humabon in 1521. restrained them of being ready to listen to what their the fact that without a Lord,
in the next scheduled mass. On that year, Christianity closer to Jesus. With this superior commands. Without they are nothing. As we
Some would attend mass in their most comfortable attire within the archipelago was scenario, we might wonder hesitation, they immediately depend on our God, we also
like jogging pants, shorts, t-shirts in flip-flops or even bedroom born. The Roman Catholic why the Lord wants children. obey. The Lord asks us now to let everything go, and offer
sandals. Others seem to have just wakened up from their sleep Church started with a gift and Children are the most obey what is instructed unto our all to God as we go forth.
and did not even have the time to even comb or brush their hair is indeed a gift for us through humble beings. One reason us. Whatever He asks is for The Feast of Sto. Niño is
or change their attire. generations. To begin the why Christ chose to dwell with our common good. The busy the most festive feast within
These are just some of the obnoxious things people do in year 2018, Year of the Clergy us is to teach us to be humble. throngs of the world keep us the country incorporated
church. and Consecrated Persons, let From ashes, we have become astray from the voice that with the devotion of
Come to think of it, attending the Mass is so important in us reflect on the childhood a being, we knew it. Being the calls us. But in silence, the our countrymen to the
our Christian life that not only does it remind us of our faith of Christ, in which with His lowest in the eyes of men, is Master speaks, and with the Child Jesus. For us, the
but somehow we believe that it atones for our sins or our incarnation, he chose to live the greatest in the eyes of God. children’s heart, we will listen incarnation of the Son of
shortcomings to our duty as a Christian. with us and dwell among Nowadays, we might hear and we will obey. God is a manifestation that
In contrast, here are some of the things we do in our private us, to consecrate us as His some abuses of power and the Children are dependent. God is with us. For ages and
lives. When we apply for a job, we always put our best forward. children with a deeper sense of growing poverty rate. Tracing They are willing to give their generations, this devotion
Not only are we properly attired, we make sure that all discipleship and communion its cause we can see the lack full trust to their superior. For will grow and flourish as we
documentary requirements are on hand and we even review towards a common journey of humility. We are blinded them, the superior knows best all need a God. At all times,
or prepare the best answers to the possible questions during to heaven by living a life of by the powers of the world than they are. Full of trust, we need Jesus. May this feast
the interview. We are also very prepared for an exam to qualify holiness. and money. For us, power they depend everything on remind us that He became
us for employment. Our cell phones are in silent mode if not “Let the little children come and money is the summation their Master. As children of man to be with us and in our
turned off. We also arrive thirty minutes or even an hour or so to me; do not stop them; for of one’s life. But let us stop, God, we too are asked to trust lifetime, in the midst of trials
of our scheduled interview to make sure that we do not miss the it is to such as these that the there’s a place waiting for in the Lord with all our heart. and success, we can because
opportunity of landing a job. kingdom of God belongs. us beyond this life that no Our Master knows best than we have a Jesus that will
But why is the mass seem to be less important? Had we really (Mk.10:14)” During His power or money can have, our we are. These present days, dwell among us.
evolve that we are able to completely separate the different ministry, Jesus met many heavenly dwelling. others believe in their own Full of hope, together let us
A Brother’s Insight / C3 persons of different ages until Children are obedient. capacities as human. For say: Viva Señor Sto. Niño!

Erwin John Mallari

THE CROSS EJ’s Corner

A Supplement Publication of the
Order of the Knights of Columbus and KCFAPI
Editorial Board
Oh come all ye faithful!
Jose C. Reyes, Jr.
Chairman A FEAST is celebrated during January 6 of myrrh. The three gifts had a spiritual Jesus has become an important gesture
every year. This day is dedicated for the 3 meaning: gold as a symbol of kingship on religious practices because indicated
Ramoncito A. Ocampo men who followed the star of Bethlehem on earth, myrrh (an embalming oil) as a showing great respect and thus adopted
President and visited Jesus after he was born. symbol of being mortal and frankincense by the early church and is still being
Collectively, these three men are known (an incense) as a symbol of being God. practiced to this day.
Ma. Theresa G. Curia
Executive Vice President in many names such as the biblical magi, The magi can be found in the Bible According to a brief research on the
the 3 wise men, or most popularly known in the Gospel of Matthew wherein the subject, the visit of the 3 wise men is
Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III as the 3 kings. story of how they came from the east to also known as the “Epiphany” meaning
Spiritual Director The Magi were wise men who had the worship the “King of Jews” is told. The revelation. Both the visit of the wise men
affinity to study the stars. It is precisely gospel does not specifically state the and the baptism of Jesus are known as
Mary Magdalene G. Flores because of their interest in astrology that exact number of the magi who visited epiphanies because both are times when
Editor-in-Chief
they were able to find their way to Jesus but it has been traditionally assumed as Jesus was revealed as very important.
Ronald L. Romero by following the Bethlehem star. They three because of the three gifts that they The day is known as the festival of the
Associate Editor are commonly known under the names offered to baby Jesus. As for the magi Three Magical Kings (Fiesta de Los tres
Melchior, a Persian Scholar; Gaspar, being known as kings is associated to have Reyes Mages) and is celebrated in a big way
Erwin John B. Mallari, Jerome P. De Guzman, an Indian Scholar; and Balthazar, a come from Psalms 72:11 which states that in Spain. It is during this time that children
Gecerin Sayen DC. Ocampo, Juan Karlo Serviento Babylonian scholar. Each of them offered “May all kings fall down before him”. This receive their presents as it is delivered by
Contributors a gift to Jesus: gold, frankincense, and falling down, kneeling, or bowing before EJ’s Corner / C3
THE CROSS January 22 - February 4, 2018, Vol 22, No. 2
The teachings of humanae vitae and advancements in the science of fertility can help us build a culture of life
By Supreme Knight
Carl A. Anderson
AS WE PREPARE to observe
the 45th anniversary of the
U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe
v. Wadedecision, another
anniversary comes to mind.
July will mark 50 years since
Blessed Pope Paul VI’s 1968
encyclical, Humanae Vitae, on
the regulation of birth.
The legacies of both are
related to extraordinary
scientific advances that
opened up new technological
means to control the
transmission of human life.
When the Supreme Court
revisited Roe in the 1992
Planned Parenthood v. Casey
decision, the 5-4 majority
argued that Roe could not be
overturned because, for two
decades, people had made
choices about their lives and
intimate relationships “in
reliance on the availability
of abortion in the event that
contraception should fail.”
Pope Paul had a very
The Gentle Warrior
The Priesthood
THIS task, alone, would be more
than enough for any ordinary man. But
Father Joe Murphy had said, explicitly,
“an extraordinary Revisor”. The work
given to George Willmann was certainly
extraordinary.
In the official archives of the Society of
Jesus, his assignments at the Ateneo de
Manila are listed this way:
1936 – 37 Revisor Arcarum
of the Philippine Mission
Jan - Dec 1937 Dean of
Discipline
1937 - 39 Treasurer
1937 - 40 Professor of
Economics and Sociology;
Moderator of the University
of the Philippines
Student Catholic Action
1938 - 63 Chaplain of the
Manila Knights of Columbus
1938 - 40 Dean of the College
of Commerce and Moderator of
the Law School Sodality
1938 - 53 Managing Editor of
the magazine Filipinas
1936 - 44 Director of the Social
Apostolate and Moderator of
youth clubs in Sampaloc, at
Padre Faura, at San Ignacio
and at some Manila schools
(Arellano and Mapa).
He was Revisor of the entire Mission;
Treasurer of the Ateneo; Professor of
Economics and Sociology; Dean of
Discipline; Moderator of the Sodality in
the Law School; Moderator of Student
Catholic Action at the University of the
Philippines, which was right across the
street from the Ateneo; Managing Editor
of a national Catholic magazine; and
Moderator of Youth Clubs all over the
city. And then — just to be sure that he
had enough to do — they made him Dean
of the College of Commerce!
As soon as he came down the gangplank
from the boat at the pier in the Port Area
of Manila, George could see why the
Ateneo de Manila, itself, was having
financial trouble. He did not go from
the Port Area to Intramuros, because the
old Ateneo in Intramuros had burned
down. — Grade School, High School, College,
A devastating fire swept through the
Walled City in 1932. It did not start in the
Ateneo. But it crept, remorselessly, from
building to building, until it engulfed the
BUNDLES OF JOY. The Knights of Columbus Visayas Jurisdiction led by its State Deputy
Anthony P. Nazario commenced the year 2017 by holding the “Bundles of Joy Activity”
last December 30, 2017 at Dumanjog, Cebu. This has been a tradition, done for 16
years to-date, of sharing within the community particularly the residents of the far
flung baranggays in Dumanjog, Cebu. This year’s activity was made more special with
the presence of Most Rev. Gerardo Alminaza, D.D. from the Diocese of San Carlos who
also stands as the State Chaplain of the jurisdiction. More than a thousand beneficiaries
(both adult and children) attended the event. They received grocery and gift packages.
(APNazario)
C3
The Gift of Life
different response to such this: “The acceptance of our its teachings to gain wider
challenges — one that has bodies as God’s gift is vital acceptance. That is one reason
been described as “Christian for welcoming and accepting why he developed a “theology
personalism.” In Humanae the entire world as a gift from of the body,” and why he
Vitae, he wrote this about the Father and our common devoted so much time to it.
married love: “Husband home, whereas thinking that But already in 1968, natural
and wife become in a way we enjoy absolute power over family planning advocates
one heart and one soul, and our own bodies turns, often such as my friends Drs.
together attain their human subtly, into thinking that we John and Evelyn Billings
fulfillment. It is a love that is enjoy absolute power over welcomed Humanae Vitae and
total. … Whoever really loves creation” (155). supported its teaching with a
his partner loves not only for Science and technology natural method of fertility
what he receives, but loves will confront us with new management now known
that partner for the partner’s questions about what it as the Billings Ovulation
sake” (9). means to be human. And the Method.
Humanae Vitae proclaims answers will be increasingly Just last year, the European
that each person is worthy difficult as the line between Union certified a new mobile
to be loved and respected for reality and virtual reality is app that uses an algorithm
his own sake and possesses blurred. developed by a Nobel
a dignity that is inviolable. Today, as in 1968, Humanae Prizewinning physicist to Organization has classified bodies. They encourage better
This proclamation is more Vitae is an important part measure a woman’s body estrogen-progestogen oral communication and respect
necessary today than ever of the Church’s response. temperature to accurately contraceptives as Group 1 between husbands and wives.
as scientific experiments Unfortunately, some will use predict ovulation. According carcinogens. That means they Perhaps this new “science”
in areas such as artificial the occasion of the anniversary to one English news source, are known to be carcinogenic of the body will enable a
intelligence, robotics and to reignite old controversies, the app, known as Natural for women, increasing their new generation of Catholic
genetic manipulation push but this approach will miss its Cycles, “could spell the end for risk of liver, cervical and spouses to live an authentic
past boundaries of even the enduring value. hormonal and intrusive birth breast cancer. theology of the body in their
most imaginative science St. John Paul II promoted control measures.” Natural family planning marriages and will help the
fiction writers. Humanae Vitae, though Such a result would methods encourage women to world rediscover the dignity
Pope Francis, in his he thought that further come not a moment too better understand the delicate of human life and love.
encyclical Laudato Si’, wrote explanation was needed for soon. The World Health natural processes of their Vivat Jesus!
An INVITATION to become a
FR. GEORGE J. WILLMANN, SJ FELLOW
By James B. Reuter, SJ THE “Fr. George J. Willmann Fellows” was launched by the Knights
of Columbus Father George J. Willmann Charities, Inc. last June
29, 1997 during the Centennial Birth Anniversary celebration of Rev.
CHAPTER THREE : Boot Camp Fr. George J. Willmann, S.J. This fund-raising campaign finances
the theological research expenses necessary to possibly raise Fr.
Willmann to the honors of the altar. Last December 7, 2015, Manila
Jesuit school. By Archbishop Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle has officially opened
the grace of God, the Archdiocesan Process for the Causes of Beatification and
all of the boarders Canonization of Fr. George J. Willmann and monthly Ecclesiastical
had enough time inquiries are being held at the Manila Metropolitan Tribunal.
Membership to the Fr. Willmann Fellows is open to all Knights of
to get out of the Columbus councils, members, their families, friends and even to
building, so none business institutions. As of August 2017, more than 1,100 individuals
of them were and 36 institutions all over the country have already joined this
killed, or injured. fellowship. Father Willmann Fellows serve as co-sponsors in the
It happened work of spreading the good news about Fr. Willmann’s life, works and
in the evening holiness. Their donation is a lifetime subscription to the initiative of
of Friday, the the Knights of Columbus of promoting awareness on Father Willmann
in order that authentic devotion to him may be encouraged among the
thirteenth, in faithful, especially those who need his intercession for God’s grace.
1932. It was We therefore cordially invite you and your loved ones to join the Fr.
a holiday. The Willmann Fellows. Aside from being an advocate in spreading the
boarders were sanctity of Father Willmann and the graces that come with it, each
playing basketball Fellow is entitled to receive the following items as memorabilia: (1) a
in the patio. The Certificate of Membership, (2) a lapel pin and (3) a pamphlet entitled “A
Quest for a Cause of Fr. George J. Willmann, S.J.”. We further urge
fire started in the
you to fervently seek Fr. Willmann’s intercession in all your petitions
corner of Real for God’s graces and to report to the Foundation all blessings you
and General may have received with the intercession of Fr. Willmann.
Luna Street, but
leaped across KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
streets, from roof FR. GEORGE J. WILLMANN CHARITIES, INC.
to roof, until it Gen. Luna cor. Sta. Potenciana Sts., Intramuros, Manila
Tel. Nos. 527-2223 local 221 & 527-2244 (Fax)
was bursting out
of the windows APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
of the College of to FATHER GEORGE J. WILLMANN, S.J. FELLOW
Santa Isabel. It
ate up the Public 1. Name of Applicant (individual or institution):
Works Building, George visited the Jesuit stations in
and then the Ateneo. The students ran 2. Address:
Mindanao. Many of the missionaries
Tel. Nos.
out of Intramuros through the Santa had schools. Armies of children, running 3. Office Name & Address:
Lucia Gate, across the grass covered around, many of them barefoot. The Tel. Nos.
hollow where the moat once was, to schools never had enough text books, 4. K of C Council Number and Location:
a sloping bank of grass at the edge and the teachers were underpaid, but the 5. Enclosure:
of Bonifacio Drive. From there, they schools were the pride of the little towns [ ] Cash P _________ [ ] PMO/check No.___________
watched the drama of the fire. in which they were. - P __________
(Note: Please make check payable to
There was a bridge across the street, George realized why a revisor was KC Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc.)
from the school to the Mission House, needed. The poor parish priests were Date:
the headquarters of the Superior of the expected to be zealous missionaries, Signature:
Mission. Father John F. Hurley came walking long hours through bad roads
out on that bridge with the Blessed and flooded rivers to say Mass in a
Sacrament, and blessed the fire. mountain barrio. They were expected to A Brother’s Insight / C2
Father Hurley had deep faith, but he be spiritual guides for everyone — from aspects of our lives? That we are Catholics only for an hour at
backed up the Blessed Sacrament with the educated Belgian nun to the old the most on Sundays? A student, an employee or whatever from
a couple of fire hoses. The fire did not man of the village who never learned 8am to 5pm, from Monday to Friday or for some up to Saturday?
leap across the street, or run across to read or write. They were expected to A parent or a child at dinner time and the mysterious individual
the bridge. But it burned the Ateneo be educators — capable of teaching the in between those times?
to the ground. brilliant, and the retarded, on all levels. The Mass not only reminds us of our Faith but it also put
When George saw the site of the old They were expected to be masters of our Christian Life on track, making us a Christian student or
school, where he had taught as a Regent, oratory, on Sunday mornings in the employee, a Christian parent or child and a Christian wherever
the building was gone. There were plans pulpit, speaking in a language that was we are. We should always remain true to our Faith, whoever we
to build a new Ateneo Grade School not their own. And they were expected to are, wherever we are whenever we can be, twenty four hours a day.
in that area, but the Grade School was be financial wizards, able to administer I hope and let us pray that we may be able to resolve not only
not built yet. The whole student body a parish, able to organize a school, able to attend but rather to participate in our Sunday Masses.
to make the school a self-sustaining
and Law — was now at Padre Faura, operation — though their parishioners EJ’s Corner / C2
which used to be San Jose Seminary. The and their students were almost destitute. the three kings. During the morning of this celebration, bakers sell
buildings were different, but the spirit of a special cake called a ‘Roscón’ which is ring shaped and is filled
the students was the same. (to be continued on the next issue) with chocolate and decorated with a paper crown. A similar cake
can be found in France, known there as ‘Galette des Rois’, which
is also decorated with a gold paper crown. In Mexico the day is
known as “El dia de los Reyes (the day of the three kings) where
in you can eat the “Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Cake). A figure
of baby Jesus in hidden inside the cake and whoever gets the slice
with the baby Jesus in it becomes his Godparent for the year. In
Belgium, Children dress up as the three wise men during this day
and go door to door to sing songs as the people give them money
and sweets. Those are really awesome ways to celebrate the day
especially for those who have a sweet tooth and cake lovers!
In our country, the day is known as the Feast of Epiphany, also
called the Feast of the Three Kings. It is a day of feasting, visiting
and gift giving. The homilies during the mass on this day will be
dedicated to the biblical magi. In some provinces a tradition of
three men dressed up in royal robes and riding horses parade
the streets distributing gifts to children lined up along the street.
They all then attend mass and exchange gifts afterwards.
The Philippines is known as the country that celebrates the
RIZAL DAY CELEBRATION. Brother Knights from the Mindanao Jurisdiction participated
at the Rizal Day Celebration held last December 30, 2017 at the Rizal Park Davao City. longest Christmas and the feast of the three Kings is the final
(JSServiento) part of this Grand celebration. Happy three kings everyone!
C4 January 22 - February 4, 2018, Vol 22, No. 2 THE CROSS

KC Philippines Foundation, Inc. holds

Christmas gift-giving at KC-GK Village
THE KC Philippines Foundation,
Inc. has spent time for fun and
excitement at the Knights of
Columbus – Gawad Kalinga
Village, Tungkong Mangga, San
Jose del Monte, Bulacan on
December 27, 2017.
A Eucharistic celebration was
held prior to the event led by
Fr. Benjo Fajota. Inspirational
messages were given by the
officers of the foundation: Bro.
Alonso L. Tan, President; Sis.
Ma. Theresa G. Curia, Executive
Vice President; and Bro. Jose C.
Reyes Jr., Trustee, Chairman of
KCFAPI and Luzon North State
Deputy. Some employees were
also present to give a smile for
the beneficiaries.
Bags of groceries were also
given; games and prices were
prepared as well as raffle
draws for the lucky neighbours.
Children have received gifts and
cash from “KC Santa”.
The KC-GK housing project
is under the auspices of the KC
Philippines Foundation, Inc., a
corporate social responsibility
arm of the KC Fraternal
Association of the Philippines,
Inc. (tasked to render charitable
projects to its beneficiaries).
(Yen Ocampo) A Christmas gift-giving project was initiated by the KC Philippines Foundation, Inc. at the KC-GK Village, Tungkong Mangga, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan on 27 December 2017. (Yen Ocampo)

KCFAPI holds its First Sto. Niño Exhibit

VIVA Señor Sto. Niño!
These were the shouts that
resounded during the most
festive day of the year in
the Philippine Church in the
third Sunday of January as
we celebrate the Feast of the
Sto. Niño, a proper feast in
the country.
As part of the Knights of
Columbus Fraternal Association
of the Philippines, Inc.’s
60th Founding Anniversary
this coming September, an
exhibit featuring the different
images of the Child Jesus were
held at the KCFAPI Center
from January 15-26, 2018
through the initiative of Bro.
Michael Cabra, Administrative
Manager. Rev. Fr. Benjamin
Deogracias M. Fajota from
the Diocese of Cubao presided
the celebration of the Holy
Eucharist for the opening of KCFAPI STO. NIÑO EXHIBIT. The Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) is overwhelmed by the
the exhibit and blessing of participation of different images of Sto. Niño from camareros Bro. Lauro Reyes, Bro. Jerry Bautista, Jr., Bro. Anthony Miñas, Bro.
Edcel Dela Buena and others. Also in the photo were KCFAPI EVP Ma. Theresa G. Curia, Bro. Michael Cabra and Rev. Fr. Benjamin
images. Afterwards, KCFAPI Deogracias M. Fajota. (PHOTO & TEXT: YEN OCAMPO; JSSERVIENTO)
Executive Vice President
Ma. Theresa G. Curia led the from the different parts of this year’s exhibit were also available to the public until
ribbon cutting ceremony. Metro Manila and the nearby present during the ceremony. January 26, 2018, 4:30 p.m.
Image owners (camareros) provinces who participated in The exhibit will be (JSServiento)

Last January 11, 2018, Luzon Fraternal Benefits Managers had their opening meeting
JANUARY 18, 2017 - Being a part of the San Agustin Parish Church, the Knights and contract signing at the KCFAPI Center, Intramuros, Manila. Present during the
of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc., sponsored the 7th day event were KCFAPI Executive Vice President Ma. Theresa G. Curia and Vice President
Novena Mass in honor of the Sto. Niño de Cebu presided by Rev. Fr. Kali Pietre M. for Fraternal Benefits Group Gari M. San Sebastian. (JSServiento)
Llamado, Vice Rector of the Manila Cathedral Basilica and a concelebrant from
the Augustinian Order. Executive Vice President Ma. Theresa G. Curia attended
the mass together with the KCFAPI Chorale and other employees. In gratitude,
the parish gave the association a commemorative tile of the image of the Child
Jesus. (JSServiento)

LUZON OPENING SALVO. To celebrate the start of the year, Luzon Fraternal Benefits FRATERNAL SERVICES TRAINING 1. KCFAPI Vice President for Fraternal Benefits Group
Managers and Fraternal Counselors gathered last January 12, 2018 at the KCFAPI Gari M. San Sebastian, Luzon Fraternal Benefits Managers Danilo Cosme, Manuel
Center, Intramuros, Manila for an opening salvo that is conducted to give an overview Naldoza and Reynaldo Valencia with the newly accredited Fraternal Counselors during the
of the new incentive programs, targets and plans for the ensuing year. (JSServiento) two-day training held at the KCFAPI Center last January 16 to 17, 2018. (JSServiento)