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The News Supplement of Couples for Christ
Vol. 15 No. 21
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TOP officials of different Christian churches have issued a unified declaration demanding an end to large-scale surface mining by transnational companies (TNCs) in the Philippines.
The Ecumenical Bishops Forum (EBF) declaration calls for
the government to scrap the Mining Act of 1995 that allows foreign investors to fully own local mining ventures. (See B5 for full text of the Declaration) The faith-based group, which has advocated for environmental protection, said that the guaranteed economic benefits of mining are outweighed by dislocation of communities, the risk to health and livelihood, and massive environmental damage. Thus, to further liberalize the mining industry in favor
of the mining corporations as being trumpeted by the Aquino administration will mean more suffering and death, dislocation, displacement and ruin of the environment, they said. The organization of Catholic, Protestant, and Evangelical bishops made the statement on October 6 at the end of their twoday mining forum in Legazpi City, Albay. Destructive mining is blatantly unethical, unjust, and senseless for it exacerbates pov-
erty, causes dislocation of livelihood of the people, and even threatens the base of life and life itself, the EBF said. It is lamentable that the national government equates TNC mining with development, and is remiss in its duties in protecting the environment to the detriment of the people, it added. The church leaders also called on the public to demand moratorium of large scale mining and the demilitarization of mining communities as well for the pas-
sage of the proposed Peoples Mining Bill, known as the HB 4315. Important role Responding to the EBF statement, the Kalikasan Peoples Network for the Environment (KPNE) lauded the faith leaders against the destructive mining activities particularly in Bicol region. Defend Patrimony commends EBF in putting forward the demands of the people on the
issue of mining, said Clemente Bautista Jr. of KPNE and one of the conveners of the Defend Patrimony Alliance. The support of church leaders is very important in the continuing campaign against environmental destruction and mineral resource depletion brought about by large-scale mining, he added. Titled Oppose the continuing onslaught on the earth, the EBF had expressed alarm over
Mining / A6
Archbishop Sergio Utleg (2nd from right) joins hundreds of cyclists in the two-day advocacy bike tour led by the Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples (ECIP) of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines to raise awareness on the plight of indigenous people in the country and for the protection of the environment. The Padyak para sa Katutubo at Kalikasan started on Oct. 8 from Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan, passing through Kalookan, Baclaran and Pasig, and ended at the Antipolo Cathedral the following day.
EPISCOPAL Commission on Youth Executive Secretary, Fr. Conegundo Garganta confirmed that 99 percent of the Filipino delegates to the World Youth Day held in Spain have already made it home. In a media forum held October 11, Garganta made
FILE PHOTO
Pro-RH / A6
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Mexican organizations praise court decision upholding pro-life reforms
MEXICO City, Oct. 5, 2011Some 400 organizations in Mexico have praised the countrys Supreme Court for upholding pro-life constitutional reforms in the states of Baja California and San Luis de Potosi. In a democratic country, the organizations said in an Oct. 3 statement, everyone, without exception, has the duty and responsibility to follow and uphold the law. They noted that the federal constitution and the international treaties ratified by Mexico guarantee the right to life, and therefore state congresses can establish that human life must be protected from the moment of conception. The organizations also pointed out that the pro-life reforms keep in place the exceptions for abortion established by law and prevent a woman who commits an abortion for those reasons from being criminally punished. In 2008 and now in 2011, Justice Margarita Luna Ramos voted to uphold the right of state congresses to legislate on this issue, while Justices Sergio Salvador Aguirre Anguiano and Guillermo Ortiz Mayagoitia, then and now, voted to uphold the right to life. They were joined by Justice Jorge Mario Pardo Rebolledo, who made forceful legal arguments in support of their position. The right to life from the moment of conception/fertilization does not harm or take away any rights for women, the organizations stated. On the contrary, the essence of the reforms is to provide protection to women and safety for their unborn children. (CNA)
World News
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 21
October 10 - 23, 2011
Vatican Briefing
Officials named for Roman Rota
An Italian and a Spaniard have been named prelate auditors of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota. The Vatican announced Oct. 4 the appointment of Msgr. Vito Angelo Todisco of the clergy of the diocese of Avellino, Italy, and Msgr. Felipe Heredia Esteban of the clergy of the diocese of Calahorra y La Calzada-Logrono, Spain. The former was defender of the bond at the Tribunal of the Roman Rota and the latter was judge of the Tribunal of the Rota of the apostolic nunciature to Madrid. The Pope also appointed Fr Kevin Gillespie, official of the Congregation for the Clergy, and Fr Massimiliano Matteo Boiardi, official of the Section for Relations with States of the Secretariat of State, as masters of pontifical ceremonies. (Zenit)
Pontiff makes appeal for Horn of Africa
Benedict XVI made an appeal for the Horn of Africa, which has been facing a severe drought and food crisis since July. Dramatic news continues to arrive concerning the famine which has struck the Horn of Africa, the Pope stated. Some 13.3 million people are threatened by the conditions that are spread throughout Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya. The Pontiff greeted Cardinal Robert Sarah, president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, and Bishop Giorgio Bertin, apostolic administrator of Mogadishu, who accompanied a group of Catholic charity representatives to the audience. (Zenit)
Angels are protecting us, assures pope
Benedict XVI today affirmed that guardian angels surround human life with unceasing protection from its beginning until the hour of death. The Pope said this Oct. 2, which is the feast of the guardian angels, in his customary address before praying the midday Angelus. He said: Dear friends, the Lord is always near and working in human history, and he also accompanies us with the unique presence of his angels, whom the Church venerates today as guardians, that is, ministers of the divine care for every man. (Zenit)
Vaticans Council for Migrants opens web site
VATICAN City, Oct. 6, 2011 Like Pope Pius XI, who founded Vatican Radio and built the Vatican train station, Apple cofounder Steve Jobs recognized the importance of expanding communication, a Jesuit told Vatican Radio. Jobs, 56, died Oct. 5 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Basically, Steve Jobs most important message was this, Stay hungry, stay foolishin other words, maintain the ability to see life in new ways. The stay hungry quote was from a commencement address Jobs gave at Californias Stanford University in 2005. On his own blogwww.cyberteologia.itFather Spadaro embedded a video of Jobs giving the Stanford commencement address and wrote about how some of his points echoed points made by the Jesuits founder, St. Ignatius of Loyola. Jobs told the new graduates, Remembering that Ill be dead soon is the most important tool Ive ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Father Spadaro said that in his Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius wrote that one way of making an important choice is to examine how one would go about making that decision if he knew he were about to die. In the cases of Ignatius and Steve, death isnt a bogeyman, but is present as a reminder that
in the face of death, the only thing that remains is what is truly important for each person, he wrote. I dont know if Jobs was a believer, the Jesuit wrote. In the Stanford speech, he said, Jobs was speaking simply about the interior disposition one must have when making important decisions in life, focusing on what counts. No one, believer or non-believer, can make choices in life if he thinks hes immortal. Under the headline The talented Mr. Apple, the Vatican newspaper put news of Jobs death on its front page. Steve Jobs was one of the protagonists and symbols of the Silicon Valley revolution, which brought changes not only in technology, was also a revolution of customs, mentality and culture, said LOsservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper. Jobs was a visionary who united technology and art, the paper said. He was a man of talent, pure talent. (CNS)
The Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers has launched a Web site at www.pcmigrants.org. The multilingual site will give visitors the Christian vision for people in varied situations of human mobility ranging from refugees to sailors, nomads, airport employees, and people who live and/or work on the street, a note from the council announced. The framework of the site is in Italian. This pontifical council has been led since February 2009 by Archbishop Antonio Maria Vegli. (Zenit)
Indonesia can be beacon of religious freedom, pope says
Pope Benedict XVI told Indonesias bishops Oct. 7 that their country can be a shining example of religious freedom for the rest of the world. Your country, so rich in its cultural diversity and possessed of a large population, is home to significant numbers of followers of various religious traditions, observed the Pope. Thus, the people of Indonesia are well-placed to make important contributions to the quest for peace and understanding among the peoples of the world. The Pope was addressing the Indonesian Episcopal Conference at the end of their regular ad limina visit aimed at updating the pontiff and Vatican officials on the health of the Church in the vast Asian country. (CNA)
Pope Benedict: modern life needs silence
A remarkable Vatican-Swedish project is providing a new 3-D insight into Christian Romes architectural history. Its what we call building archaeology, Olof Brandt of the Pontifical Institute for Christian Archaeology explained to CNA. He is currently working on a 3-D study of Romes Lateran Baptistery, situated next to the Cathedral of St. John Lateran. Thats the archeology of existing structures, which is about reading the traces of the past in the existing walls of a building. Brandt points out the tell-tale signs as to how and when the baptistery evolvedfrom the 4th century foundations to the later 16th-century windows. (CNA)
commitment to the constitution by the civil government. Along with the rest of the Indonesian bishops, Bishop Situmorang is in Rome for their regular ad limina visit to update the Pope and the Vatican on the health of their dioceses. (CNA)
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The lack of silence in contemporary society is making many peoples lives more agitated and at times convulsed, Pope Benedict XVI has said. Some people are no longer able to stay long in silence, he told members of a silent Carthusian monastery in the southern Italian region of Calabria Oct. 9. Most young people, who are already born in this state, seem to fill every empty moment with music and images, almost afraid to feel, in fact, this void. The monastery visit was the Popes last stop on a one-day trip to the south of Italy. Upon his arrival in the town of Serra San Bruno, crowds of over 30,000 greeted the Pope as he made his way through the streets on the Popemobile. (CNA)
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CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 21
October 10 - 23, 2011
News Features
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ing upon states to institute a moratorium on the use of the death penalty. The 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church recognized as well-founded the right and duty of legitimate public authority to punish malefactors by means of penalties commensurate with the gravity of the crime, not excluding, in cases of extreme gravity, the death penalty. At the same time, it said, bloodless means that could protect human life should be used when possible. The extreme gravity loop-
hole was tightened with changes made in 1997, which reflected the popes 1995 encyclical, Evangelium Vitae. It specifies that the use of the death penalty is allowed only when the identity and responsibility of the condemned is certain and if capital punishment is the only possible way of effectively defending human lives against the unjust aggressor. However, given the resources and possibilities available to governments today for restraining criminals, cases of the absolute necessity of the suppression
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possible for the peoples of Europe to discover the world and for scientists to begin the experimental study of nature, which led to the birth of modern science. Why deny, then, civilizations cultural debt to Christianity? There is nothing more anti-historical and senseless, as Jews and Muslims have clearly understood. Its a matter of reason, not of faith. (CNA/EWTN News)
in mind that without the support of the poor in his locality, he will not be in the position where he is today, said Kadamay-QC. The urban poor will remain vigilant on the war being waged by the government against them and that the [city] government must prepare for intensification of the peoples resistance against demolitions in forms of barricades and bigger street protests in the days to come, they said. (Noel Sales Barcelona/CBCPNews)
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EDITORIAL
Opinion
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 21
October 10 - 23, 2011
The protest which started peacefully in the spirit of the Arab Spring degenerated into total chaos when security forces reportedly intervened by violently repressing the protesters with armored vehicles. It ended with 25 dead and 500 wounded. Coptic priest Father Daoud said he saw a tank roll over 5 protesters to death. Two days after the rampage, about 20 thousand people attended the funeral of the victims at the Coptic Cathedral in Cairo where the Coptic Patriarch Shenouda III announced three days of mourning and prayers to commemorate the victims whom they regarded as martyrs who have saved the Church. A Coptic, Aida Mahrous, told the press: the next regime will be the same as the previous one. Politics will never change. To solve our problems we need to show that Christians and Muslims are one people, because otherwise the government will remain a mass of corruption. For now, nobody really can tell what is the next pictureexcept that tentacles of winter seem to be inevitably coming out of the Arab Spring.
Tidbits
IT is not only disturbing, but sad, to hear that suicide rate in our society is becoming more frequent among our young adults and teens. Some TV shows, local as well as national, have of late been giving some significant time slots on the matter, giving account on the increasing number of its frequency, and then, asking questions that could unsettle our social conscience. Is it true that three out of five young Filipinos have already in one way or the other been contemplating of ending their lives in the face of their problems? Life is a precious possession, a gift that has to be appreciated, cared for, and defended. For a Christian, human life is sacred. He knows full well that life is not his, but Gods. From its inception it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end (cf. CCC 22258). God is the Lord of life, its sole owner. Hence, no one has the
rightful claim under any circumstance to snuff off his own life. It is interesting to note that many of those who have thought of committing suicide are young individuals who have no more grounding in God, or, who have left behind the practice of prayer. Forgetfulness of ones connection to the Transcendent One may not be the only cause of suicide. But for sure one who does not take his faith in God or friendship with Jesus seriously is bound to recoil unto himself in times of crisis. Without God man feels himself to be the centre of the universe. But such a mentality is precarious even for the mature and the experienced among us. For, existential problems that come into mans life are simply too staggering for any self-centered individual to face without succumbing to helplessness and despair. There is no Other to hang on to; no Transcendent Being to assure him of that promise: Do not be afraid.
Love Life
Prayer for breastfeeding mothers Dear Lady of La Leche, Mother of Mothers, we ask you to bestow your special blessing upon all the mothers present here who are breastfeeding the little one they received from the Father in heaven. You granted them the privilege of motherhood so that we ask you to give them the physical and spiritual strength that they need to exercise their duty to their baby through the selfless act of breastfeeding. By your loving grace, teach them the proper way to nourish the life that they brought out into this world. Please inspire them with the motherly sentiments that you felt when you also nursed your child, Jesus. By your example, please help them to nourish their child to perfect health by fulfilling their blessed duty of breastfeeding that God has so ordained. Panalangin para sa isang ina na nagpapasuso Mahal na Ina ng La Leche, Ina ng mga Ina, hinihiling po namin na bigyan mo ng espesyal na grasya ang lahat ng ina na nagpapasuso sa kanilang sanggol na nandirito ngayon. Salamat po sa biyaya ng pagiging ina na inihandog ninyo sa kanila. Ipagkaloob din po sana ninyo sa kanila ang lakas na pisikal at spiritual na kailangan nila upang magampanan ang kanilang tungkulin sa kanilang maliit na anak sa pamamagitan ng pagpapasuso. Sa tulong ng iyong grasya, Ituro mo po sa kanila ang tamang pag-aaruga sa iniluwal nilang sanggol sa mundong ito. Bigyan mo po sila ng inspirasyon tulad ng dinama ninyo nang kayo ay nagpasuso
Love Life / A7
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Living Mission
ON October 27, 2011 the Church commemorates the twenty-fifth anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi, a special event convoked in 1986 by Blessed John Paul II. The original 1986 event, as well as its 2011 commemoration, incorporates both ecumenical and interreligious dimensions; both occasions highlight three spiritual elements present, although in different forms, in almost all religious traditions: prayer, pilgrimage, and fasting. The 1986 Assisi Assembly attracted much worldwide publicity. What caught the attention and imagination of people was to see so many representatives of the worlds principal religions gathered together. Such an event had probably never occurred in history; it emphasized the unique spiritual dimensions of the search for peace. Blessed Pope John Paul II was deeply committed to promoting positive relations among the followers of the worlds living faiths. He took great pains to explain and communicate the meaning of the Assisi
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event, making it the topic of his annual curial Christmas address in 1986. As Pope Benedict XVI travels to Assisi on October 27, 2011, Catholics can recall and learn much from John Paul IIs reflections on what has been termed: Assisi One. John Paul II noted: The fact that we came together in Assisi to pray, to fast and to walk, in silenceand thus in support of the peace which is always fragile and threatened, perhaps today more than everhas been, as it were, a clear sign of the profound unity of those who seek in religion spiritual and transcendent values that respond to the great questions of the human heart, despite concrete divisions. The pope affirmed: The appropriate key to interpret such a great event derives from the teaching of the Second Vatican Council. More than once the Council established a relationship between the very identity and the mission of the Church on the one hand, and the unity of the human race on the other. The pope recalled the
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 21
October 10 - 23, 2011
Opinion
RH is unreasonably expensive!
unprecedented attack on religious liberty. It is forcing Catholics to support something that is against their religion. It is not anymore tolerating people to do what they like, even if it is against religion. It is forcing them to support what is against their religion. The current American scene seems to be drifting toward creating a welfare state, with the government taking a bigger role in peoples lives, clearly going against the social principles of common good, solidarity and subsidiarity. It is not only spoiling people. It is forcing people to get spoiled. And to think that the American political leaders pride themselves of being the first promoters of democracy and religious freedom and teach other countries to follow them! They have to be clear about these in their own country first. The Philippines would be in a funny situation if it would just blindly follow the American model of RH. That is why, we need to closely monitor the proceedings of the proposed legalization of the RH Bill. This issue has gone beyond the field of group advocacy. It has become a concern for all of us. I would suggest that the true picture of the RH Bill be shown, discussed and, if need be, debated upon in schools, parishes, offices and even in families. We have to be warned about a subtle but persistent campaign to change the concept of morality itself and to recast the social principles that should govern our national life. We are now entering a stage of world history where the issues that we need to resolve are not anymore strictly social, economic or political in nature. They now have a fundamentally moral character and they call for a fundamentally moral resolution. We need to stop and reverse this slippery slope to a deeper secularized world culture that tackles human affairs from a restrictive frame of economics and politics alone, and ignoring the most basic aspect of religion and our inner beliefs. I must say that we have been had for a long time by this questionable kind of culture that tends to separate reason from faith, science from religion, our human affairs from God. The state is made to conflict with the Church. While there is distinction, there is also inherent connection between them!
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Rev. Eutiquio Euly B. Belizar, Jr., SThD
Candidly Speaking
NOW it can be told. And it needed Senator Lito Lapid who is supposed to be not known for his speaking prowess to get this data. The budget for the implementation of RH for the year 2012 alone ishold your breathP13.7B! According to experts, that figure is even higher than the individual budgets of the departments of energy, finance, foreign affairs, justice, labor, science, tourism and trade. Its even bigger than those proposed for the Office of the President and Congress, and the entire Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. OMG! What a waste of tax money that would be! What distorted sense of priority! And to think that the RH Bill does not even pass the preliminary smell test of morality, and the fact that many of its provisions are redundant since they are already covered in many other laws of the land! We cannot help but suspect theres something serious that is hidden under the beautiful features with which the RH is marketed to the public. We have to look more closely at this initiative now forcefully pushed by women senators with radical feminist agendas. We already know that US Secretary Hillary Clinton admitted that RH by definition includes abortion. So even if our version does not include abortion yet, we can suspect that it would just be a matter of time before this evil gets legalized under RH. In fact, there are now many people in the country openly voicing their support for abortion. We also know from some declassified document that the US has been eyeing the Philippines for quite sometime now for birth control. Its part of the geo-political game that the US is playing. Thats why our Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile is suspicious about the RH Bill as being not so much for reproductive health as a tool to effect birth and population control. And under the current American leadership, there is also a strong lobby for RH not only in the US but also all over the world. In the US alone, part of the Obamacare program forces everyone to get medical insurance that includes paying for sterilization, contraception and even abortionall against Catholic moral teaching. This has led American bishops to call this Obamacare provision as an
Duc in Altum
vention, I must immediately remedy the situation. Thank God, Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in U.N. Avenue, Paco, Manila is available as the new Convention venue. To all Convention delegates, please contact Laiko Office c/o Joseph Jesalva or Kate Buenconsejo through phone number 527-5388, telefax number 527-3124, Mobile 0919-863-4218 and email laiko_phils@yahoo.com.ph, for your accommodation at Pius Center. *** It is noticeable that unlike Ondoy when there was much rain, Pedring is purely winds and not much rain. Pedring coincided with strong winds, 1.6 meters of high tide, malfunctioning of bombastic pumps of Navotas, broken dikes in Malabon, release of waters from dams. It was just fortunate that power supply was cut off, lest many would be electrocuted. The Diocese of Kalookans observance of the Closing of the National Laity Week on October 1 was cancelled; how ironical that it is about Philippine Red Cross Workshop on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness. Definitely, the people need this workshop. *** Happy Birthday to my nephews Patrick Robby Santiago (October 16) and Michael Gerald Rosales (October 17). Birthday greetings also to the clergy of the Diocese of Kalookan: Fr. Larry Toledo, Fr. Edgar Guantero, Fr. Wilfredo Cabrera, OMI and Fr. Chris Tibong. Happy 33rd Sacerdotal Anniversary to Fr. Gaudioso Sustento. Grazie to Fr. Michael Mike Mata for his nice words about this column; he reads the CBCP Monitor online. Fr. Mike was formerly with the Diocese of Kalookan and co-anchor at Veritas 846 Hello Father 911; he is now in Oristano, Sardegna, Italy.
abroad, who gave me inspiring messages and moral support when flood hit our Navotas home; the space is not enough to mention your name, but you all know, and God too, who you are. You all gave me physical strength to carry on; emotional strength when almost everything is drifting away; spiritual strength to stand firm in my faith, acknowledging that our God will not allow this trial if I could not handle it. One very touching message I received: All things come to pass, Atty. Au. What is important is that you are well and out of harms way. God is Good and all things work for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). *** Typhoon Pedring also caused enormous damage to several establishments and hotels along Roxas Boulevard in Manila and Cultural Center Complex in Pasay City. Waves from Manila Bay, as high as the building, struck everything that blocked their direction. Portions of the famous Bay Walk in Roxas Boulevard were completely washed away. Tons of garbage and debris from the sea were swept inland; the same thing happened in Navotas. Flood in Roxas Boulevard was waist deep, also in the same level as the sea. *** Bayview Park Hotel in Roxas Boulevard, Manila, was one of those which suffered severe damage to its facilities and power system. It was the venue of the 17th Biennial Convention of the Sanggguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas (Laiko) on October 22-23, 2011. In its letter, the hotel regrets the cancellation of Laikos booking because it would take at least one month to repair its power system and facilities. As Chairperson of Laikos National Con-
Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) all over the country took a stance against the dictator and his cronies. In the process many church people lost their livesFr. Godofredo Alengal, Fr. Rudy Romano, Fr. Tulio Favale and several pastoral workers and leaders of BECs. The Catholic Church was the only credible institution that could stand up against the dictator. The peaceful EDSA people power that ousted Marcos would not have been possible without CBCPs condemnation of the election fraud and without the support of Cardinal Sin, the nuns, priests and lay people who faced the tanks armed with their rosaries, crosses and statues of their saints. Even with the restoration of democracy, Church people continued their engagement in the political and social arena. They brokered the peace negotiations between the Government and the NDF. They set up Zones of Peace in Negros and Mindanao. They monitored the conduct of elections through the NAMFREL and PPCRV. They were at the forefront of the defense of the environmentleading the struggle against the logging companies in Bukidnon that led to the declaration of the total log ban in the province. They supported the campaign against mining and opposed the government pro-mining policies. They condemned extrajudicial killings that were carried out by death-squads inspired by military and local government officials. They mobilized
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Local News
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 21
October 10 - 23, 2011
Rodolfo Diamante
FOLLOWING the Vienna declaration wherein each country is to look for the possibility to adapt restorative justice paradigm, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care
Taxes / A1
Mining / A1
Section 9, which declares family planning supplies as essential medicines, requires that hormonal contraceptives, intrauterine devices, and injectables, among others, be included in the regular purchase of essential medicines and supplies of all national and local hospitals, provincial, city, and municipal health offices, including rural health units. Meanwhile, Section 10 mandates the Department of Health (DoH) to lead in the procurement and distribution of family planning supplies for the whole country. The section prescribes a formula for determining budget allotments: (a) the number of women of reproductive age and couples who want to space or limit their children; (b) contraceptive prevalence rate, by type of method used; and (c) cost of family planning supplies. Reading the two sections together, Recto said the bill would
Price Tag / A1
require the government to pay for the contraceptives of as much as 44 million people. Cayetano admitted that the DoH had sought P13.7 billion in funding for the RH bill for 2012 alone. Cayetano said P7.5 billion would be needed yearly to pay for 22,000 nurses and 4,500 midwives. Such huge funding requirement would take away resources needed to combat the leading causes of deaths in the country, which are heart disease, cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, tuberculosis, respiratory diseases, and diabetes, Recto argued. Are you going take it from these? Its a zero sum game, unless you ask people to contribute more payroll tax or through PhilHealth, he said. Recto added: Were promising too much and you cant deliver And is this the best way to help the poor? Cayetano offered to delete Section 10. (Dominic Francisco)
the wanton abuse of natural resources by the TNCs with their local cohorts in South Luzon Region, especially in Bicol. The experience of the Bicolano people is no different from the plight of local communities in mining areas throughout the country: massive environmental destruction, shrinking economic base of the people, militarization of mining communities, and displacement of communities due to land-grabbing and unjust land-conversion, gross human rights violations, destruction of flora and fauna, and further impoverishment of the country, EBF said. The unresolved and ever continuing polymetallic mining operations in Rapu-Rapu Island, Albay, Labo, Paracale, and Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte, the aggressive mine expansion in Aroroy, Masbate by Filminera Resources Corp., the peculiar magnetite off-shore mining in
Pro-RH / A1
Camarines Sur by Bogo Mining Resources Corp; the Palanog Cement Plant in Albay, Panganiban and San Andres, Catanduanes, and the deeper quagmire of maldevelopment of mining in Matnog, Sorsogon challenge us to rethink our role as responsible Gods stewards of creation, it added. Protest Two days after the EBF meeting, Cagayan residents called on the Aquino administration to stop magnetite mining along Cagayan River and the provinces coastlines. Protesting what they call human and environmental injustice the clergy of Tuguegarao archdiocese and the Federation of Anti-mining Advocates of Cagayan (FAMAC), led rallyists last Oct. 8 demanding an end for mining operations in the province. The continued extraction of magnetite sand along the
provinces northern coastlines and Cagayan River in Lal-lo and Camalaniugan, has worried residents because of its impact on environment and livelihood of citizens. Antonio Liquidan, vice president of FAMAC said the extraction of sand may lead to erosion and destruction of the ecosystem. Cagayan River is a Key Biodiversity Area and our people depend on its bounty. However, due to licenses given by the local government, the destruction of the riverbed is legalized, hence, which may cause gradual soil erosion and killing of riverine ecosystem, he said. Liquidan pointed out that extraction of magnetite sand on the seashores of Aparri, Gonzaga and Buguey undermines the capacity of the coastlines to block storm surges. The destruction of Buguey sand dunes, he said, threatens the fisher folk community and
the neighboring farmlands. He further noted that 80 percent of the town is an Important Bird Area (IBA) considered by Birdlife International. Aparri parish priest, Fr. Adelbert Barot has lamented the inaction of government on the issue. We are saddened that our national government does not heed our call. Without our knowledge Cagayan River and our shorelines has been mapped out to be sold. This is an utter insult to the integrity of creation and violation of human rights, Barot said. He explained that the whole issue boils down to exacerbate disaster risks especially in the time of climate crisis in which unpredictable extreme weather conditions may happen anytime. Natural physical set-up of rivers and coastlines serves as natural disaster risk reduction mechanisms. (With reports from Noel Sales Barcelona and Pinky Barrientos, FSP)
interject, asking why DOH officials did not mention the amount in budget hearings. Enrile blasted RH proponents for not being transparent on the real purposes of the bill, pointing out that billions of pesos of taxpayers money could go only to artificial birth control and that this could all boil down to tawaran or haggling. This now suggests to me that at the bottom of this bill this is a measure to control the population of the country. Why is DOH not telling us that it is anticipating that it will involve such a huge amount of funding coming from tax money? We have to scrutinize this bill very carefully. This might be a trap for the country. Enrile recalled that the Marcos regime did not entirely implement a US-funded population control program, as it was a US foreign policy dictate. True enough, the declassification in the 1990s of the National Security Study Memorandum 200: Implications of Worldwide Population Growth for U.S. Security and Overseas Interests, written by former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in 1974, showed that the Philippines was among 13 countries targeted for depopulation to protect American commercial interests. This bill is unfair to the Senate. It does not tell us what it wants to do. Maybe Im dense or not as intelligent as the sponsors of the bill but my impression is this bill is not candid enough on what is its real purpose, he said. In response, Cayetano again resorted to appeals to emotion,
nearly shedding tears in describing the situation of poor families and mothers dying of childbirth ignoring recent studies that maternal deaths have gone down by more than 80% since the 1980s. Cayetano said part of the funding would go to basic and comprehensive facilities, or birthing centers at the community level. Senate Majority Leader Vicente Tito Sotto III, however, said such facilities have long been put up in the communities, even without an RH bill. Bishop dismayed Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo was dismayed upon learning the hefty 2012 proposed budget of the Department of Health (DOH) to implement the Reproductive Health (RH) bill. I am deeply saddened. The country has more issues we need to address first. Why is there a proposed budget already when the RH bill is still under debate? asked Pabillo. Filipinos were surprised when they learned of the new figure which was in contrast to what Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman stated months ago. We have been checking around with eligible authorities on the adequate budget on the implementation of RH bill, and they are talking about in the vicinity of 3 billion. Why dont they just help people in need especially now? said Pabillo, referring to victims of recent typhoons Pedring and Quiel which swept the country, while packing relief goods bound for Nueva Ecija. (CBCP for Life)
stayed calm, perhaps mindful that other senators had been ridiculed and demonized by pro-RH lobbyists for daring to question the bill. Recto pulled out 2008 data that respiratory ailments are the No. 1 cause of death among women, not complications due to pregnancy as claimed by Cayetano. Universal access Noting that Senate Bill 2865 requires reproductive health education for ages 10-19, Recto asked whether barangay health centers would give contraceptives to children, and whether children would be taught how to use them. Is it clear that there is no barangay health center that will give contraceptives to [those who are] 10 to 19 years old? 10 to 18? Below 17 years old? Cayetano replied that children will not be given contraceptives. Recto seemed incredulous, pointing to Section 2 of the bill, which says: The State likewise guarantees universal access to medically-safe, effective, legal, affordable, and
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quality reproductive health care services, methods, devices, supplies and relevant information and education thereon according to the priority needs of women, children and other underprivileged sectors. Section 9 states that even rural health units should be stocked with an adequate supply of artificial contraceptives. It wasnt even clear whether individuals would be informed of the contraindications and adverse effects of artificial contraceptives, he said. Moreover, Section 18 on prohibited acts penalizes those who Knowingly withhold information or restrict the dissemination thereof, and/or intentionally provide incorrect information regarding programs and services on reproductive health including the right to informed choice and access to a full range of legal, medically-safe and effective family planning methods, Recto added. The lawmaker also criticized the onesize-fits-all education mandate of the bill, which will require all public and private schools, including those run by the religious, to follow a single RH curriculum.
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[Our parents] may have taught us sex education but they certainly did not give us contraceptives, Recto said. Cayetano said she understood that the bill wont do such things, but claimed individuals as young as 10 years old will have RH needs that have nothing to do with not getting pregnant. Telling Cayetano that the wording of the bill clearly states otherwise, Recto said: In the House, Im telling you, its totally different, referring to the debates at the House of Representatives. Recto also questioned the purpose of mobile health care service vans that will be given to each congressional district under Section 12. He said these could be used to distribute contraceptives nationwide, as Section 12 speaks of the delivery of healthcare goods and services and a wide range of reproductive health care materials. Cayetano again blew her top and said: It is not a contraceptive ice cream truck. I am offended. Recto replied: But its shown in the bill! (Dominic Francisco)
people during the WYD Madrid celebration. World Youth Day celebration has become a portal for opportunists who have plans to work in a foreign land. It was reported that the WYD held in Rome in 2000 had the most cases of tnts while the 2008 WYD in Australia had all delegates returned 100 percent back to the country. The said commission cannot yet confirm if there are so-called tnts for this years WYD, but members of the ECY Philippines delegation have all returned home. Aside from the official delegation under the ECY, there are other 1500 delegates who belonged to other-groups. Youth leaders from the said groups will report on Oct. 13 for their accountability. (Jandel Posion)
currently living in evacuation centers. It said the number could still rise as floods, particularly in the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga, have not yet receded. Their situation worsens day by day due to inadequate administrative assistance and prevailing bad weather. Urgent relief and recovery assistance are vital to lessen the peoples vulnerabilities from disaster, Caritas said. Please extend your assistance in our relief operations and for a long-term
involvement. The need is dire and we all must act with the greatest possible urgency to rush aid and relief to those affected, it added. According to Fr. Edu Gariguez, Caritas Filipinas executive secretary, an initial P1 million from its Alay Kapwa fund has also been set aside to support the immediate needs of the displaced families. Among the items urgently needed by the affected families, he said, include sleeping mats, blankets,
jerry cans, clothes, kitchen sets, cooking utilities, hygiene materials, and tarpaulins. Gariguez appealed for financial assistance that may be coursed through the PhilTrust Bank account of CBCP CARITAS FILIPINAS FOUNDATION, INC. through account number 00320013778-3. He also related that the Caritas foundations in Norway, Korea, Singapore, and New Zealand have already made pledges of assistance. (CBCPNews)
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Vol. 15 No. 21
October 10 - 23, 2011
Diocesan News
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Bulacan bishop leads relief operations, turns over new homes for Ondoy victims
MALOLOS CityWith typhoon Pedring out of the countrys area of responsibility, thousands of residents from Calumpit and Hagonoy towns still have to recover from floods brought about by the release of excess water from Angat dam and clogged waterways. Malolos Bishop Jose Francisco Oliveros said he has already ordered the release of P200,000 to immediately respond to the basic needs of the affected victims but admitted they would need additional assistance from the CBCPs National Secretariat of Social Action, Justice and Peace and Caritas Manila. You must understand Calumpit sits beside a river which serves as Angat dams outlet while Hagonoy is just near Manila Bay with some clogged waterways, the prelate told CBCPNews. He expressed appreciation of NASSAs immediate response by sending a team to do on-site data gathering. Oliveros said the flood victims need additional food supplies and basic utensils. The prelate said in response to calls for safer home sites, the Diocese of Malolos which is celebrating its Golden Jubilee, will turn-over 20 homes under Phase 1 of their Jubilee Homes project in Plaridel town for the poor and rendered homeless by typhoon Ondoy two years ago. Initially funded by Caritas Australia, Jubilee Homes will have 300 row houses for the poor and homeless while duplex homes will also be constructed for the Diocese of Malolos employees under a rent-to-own arrangement. Individual homes will also be sold to interested buyers for the upkeep of the residential area, the 65-year old prelate said. He went on to describe the project as just like any other subdivision, complete with a chapel and livelihood programs. The Basic Ecclesial Community will be established in the area. The prelate remains optimistic the government, through Bulacans lawmakers, will be able to put enough funds to build a school for the residents. (Melo M. Acua)
Briefing
Control dams to prevent damaging floodsyouth group
Anchors of the Rosary Relay headed by Fr. Philip Francis Bersabe, Director of Caceres Catechetical Ministry (extreme left).
of St. Paul. Bicolanos working and living outside Bicol were able to listen to it through the website of the Archdiocese of Caceres and through www.immacolata.ws, the website of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate. Although some parishes had some difficulties in getting a
clear signal, around 97 percent of the parishes relayed the rosary well to the central station. The activity was launched through the effort, support and creativity of the Parish Priests, their Parochial Vicars, Media partners, the Kabalikat Bicol and those who prayed for its success. (Sr. Lou Ranara, FSP)
ANTIPOLO CityDamage caused by massive flooding because of the releasing of water from different reservoirs in Luzon could have been minimized, if not prevented, if the State has total control with these dams, a lawmaker said. State control over the operations of dams such as the release of water couldve diminished the ravages of typhoon Pedring. Corporations or establishments such as dams which has the capacity to inflict hazard to peoples welfare should have government intervention regardless of being privately-owned or not, said Kabataan Rep. Mark Louie Aquino. (Noel Sales Barcelona)
PHL govt fails to curb illegal recruitment, trafficking group
Help Put a Bible in Every Filipino Home The Bible: Breaking Bondages, Building Lives
Total Funds Needed for Printing and Transport of Bibles in 2011: P45M Members of the MTBO Advisory Committee: Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo, DD, Fr. Oscar A. Alunday, Mr. Rod G. Cornejo, Mr. Rene E. Cristobal Sr., Dr. Philip C. Flores, Mr. Dante M. Lanorio, Fr. Antonio B. Navarrete, Fr. Art B. Orense, Dr. Natividad B. Pagadut and Mr. Albert S. Tanlimco. Praise God for a meaningful and challenging celebration of the 3rd Anniversary of the MTBO Bible campaign last September 30. The event was marked by a Musikapihan and testimonies of people whose lives were powerfully changed by the Word of God. Pray that more key media outfits (TV, radio and newspapers) will support and promote the MTBO Bible campaign to help accelerate the dissemination of Gods Word in the country. To learn more about how you can be part of the Campaign and make significant change, call us at PBS 526-7777, ECBA 5279386 or visit www.bible.org.ph and www. ecba-cbcp.com. Donations can be made by making a deposit to the following bank accounts: PBS-MTBO Account #393-0649-34 (BPI Sta. Mesa Branch) Fax deposit slip to 521-5803 or ECBA-CBCP Account #0251021376 (BPI-Tayuman Branch) Fax deposit slip to 527-9386. For credit card payments go to PBS website (www.bible.org.ph)
QUEZON CityIn spite of laws and other efforts, the Philippine Government is, still, a failure in terms of curbing illegal recruitment and human trafficking, according to a migrant watchdog. The analysis came after the number of victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking, particularly in the Middle East, continues to rise. Migrante Middle East regional coordinator John Leonard C. Monterona said that Migranteaffiliate groups have been processing a minimum of 10 cases per month, of illegal recruitment, from different parts of the oil-rich region. What is saddening, he said, is that the government has resolved only a fraction of the cases filed before the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). (Noel Sales Barcelona)
Dont let NPA ambush deter peace talksbishop
CALOOCAN CityThe attack staged by the New Peoples Army on three mining firms in Mindanao stresses the need to continue the peace talks between the government and the rebel group, an ecumenical group said. According to the Philippines Ecumenical Peace Platform, the government should not let the peace negotiations be affected despite the recent attacks by the insurgents. We hope that it will not be used to stall the peace talks between the GPH and the NDFP, said Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iiguez, PEPP Secretary. (CBCPNews)
Anti-Apeco groups seek ally in Senate
Norma C. Cocos
Bibles Distributed (Jan. 1, 2011 - Oct. 4, 2011) : 156,232 copies Bibles Distributed by Languages Bicol (3,748 cps.) Cebuano (41,465 cps.) English (28,415 cps.), Hiligaynon (12,401 cps.), Ilocano (8,281cps.), Pampango (1,922 cps.), Pangasinan (1,033 cps.), Samarenyo (2,524 cps.), Tagalog (56,443 cps.) Parishes/Communities served in 2011: 163 Total Bible Distribution: (Jan 2009Sept 12, 2011): 464,020 cps Target No. of Bibles for Distribution for 2011: 300,000 cps.
ANTIPOLO CityAnti-APECO [Aurora-Pacific Economic Zone and Free Port] groups are seeking allies in the Senate that would help them scrap an onerous project. Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) Vice Chair Salvador France said that they had been expecting the senators about the issue and review the project which they believe will just bastardize the waters and land of Aurora and the nearby provinces, and will evict the thousands of fisher folks and peasants from their lands. (Noel Sales Barcelona)
Farm group asks concrete support from govt
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ANTIPOLO CityFarmers from Central Luzon appealed to President Benigno C. Aquino III to give them concrete support since their crops and properties have severely been damaged by typhoon Pedring (Nesat). Nelson Canlas, chairperson of the Peasant Alliance in Central Luzon (PACL), said that they expect that the lives of the already poor farmers would be poorer as they always plant through credit. What is saddening, according to Canlas, is that the help coming from the Government does not suffice. (Noel Sales Barcelona)
Mati celebrates October as Rosary month for vocations
playboy philosophy of eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die. A pleasurable life no doubt, but a flat one, boring due to its shallowness. To get back our young to their senses we need to bring the Good News to them, proclaim to them again that Jesus is the answer to their life. It may sound naive, simplistic. But there is wisdom to this activity in as much as it is based on the nature of man and Gods loving plan for His people. Man
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simply cannot be satisfied with the things of the earth; his longing is eternal. Devoid of the eternal, man succumbs to restlessness, to a feeling of meaninglessness, to boredom. There exists within man an unquenchable fire that burns him ever to restlessness, making him incapable of ever settling him down to full peace; a desire that cannot be satisfied. In a language that is consonance to him as a poet, Plato described this state of mans restlessness thus: We are fired into
life with a madness that comes from the gods and which would have us believe that we can have a great love, perpetuate our own seed, and contemplate the divine. Augustine is simpler in his declaration: You have made us for yourself, Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you. The restless soul of our young can only find rest in Jesus. For this, he needs to listen again the proclamation of the Gospel, the Good News.
MATI, Davao OrientalFor the Diocese of Mati, October is praying the rosary for vocations. The diocese has added the prayer for Vocations composed by Blessed John Paul II along with the daily praying of the Holy Rosary in all parish churches, at Mass time or during the dawn rosary processions for the entire month of October as it celebrates Vocation month. Mati kicked off its celebration of the Vocation month with a Holy Mass on the feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, patroness of the missions. (Sr. Marietta Alo, OND)
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sa iyong anak na si Hesus. Sa pamamagitan ng iyong halimbawa, tulungan mo po sila na matutunan ang tamang paraan ng pagpapasuso na iniatas ng Panginoon upang mabigyan ng kalusugan ang kanilang sanggol. Feel free to copy these prayers and distribute it to others. For more information and materials on devotion to OLL, contact Mrs. Remedios Baby Gonzales 0917-815-6524
showing all these joining hands with the brothers of the other religions, was a visible expression of these statements of the Second Vatican Council. With this day, and by means of it, we have succeeded, by the grace of God, in realizing this conviction of ours, inculcated by the Council, about the unity of the origin and goal of the human family, and about the meaning and the value of the nonChristian religionswithout
the least shadow of confusion or syncretism. At Assisi, in an extraordinary way, there was the discovery of the unique value that prayer has for peace; indeed it was seen that it is impossible to have peace without prayer, the prayer of all, each one in his own identity and in search of the truth. The pope even went so far as to say: We can indeed maintain that every authentic prayer is called forth by the Holy Spirit,
who is mysteriously present in the heart of every person. In his 1990 mission encyclical, Redemptoris Missio, the pope reiterates this striking statement of his conviction (cf. RM 29). On the twenty-fifth anniversary of Assisi One (1986-2011), Benedict XVI again reaffirms the Churchs commitment to interreligious dialogue, bearing witness before the world of a common interfaith commitment to world peace.
partisan politics and should not allow herself to be associated with any political party or ideological group since her mission is primarily religious and moral in character. But what appears as socio-political issues and concerns are moral issues which the Church need to address. Thus, the Churchwhich includes the clergy, religious, lay organizations, renewal movements and the BECs- cannot remain silent and inactive when faced with injustices, poverty, corruption, the environmental destruction and the various manifestations of the culture of death. Calling this interference in politics and symbolizing it as Padre Damaso betrays ignorance of the nature and mission of the Church and a misinterpretation of the meaning of the separation of Church and State. (Visit www.cbcpbec.com and www.amadopicardal. blogspot.com)
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THE Committee on Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is organizing a national assembly of diocesan BEC directors this month. Fr. Amado Picardal of the CBCP BEC Committee said the diocesan BEC directors will have a simple gathering at the Bukal ng Tipan Center in Taytay, Rizal from October 11 to 13. The purpose of this gathering is to establish contact between the CBCPBEC national office and the diocesan BEC directors, to come up with a general assessment of the BECs in the Philippines, to make preparation for the regional BEC assemblies starting 2012, and to prepare for the National BEC Congress in 2015 in line with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Vatican II, Picardal said. Since participation at the national assembly of diocesan BEC directors will be paid for by the dioceses, the CBCP-BEC Committee expects only at least one delegate for each of the 86 dioceses and archdiocese nationwide. We are asking each diocese to shoulder the travel expenses and the registration fee for their respective delegates. The registration fee is P1,950. This already includes the board and
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Vol. 15 No. 21
In this file photo, leaders of basic ecclesial communities in different dioceses across the country gathered to share and listen to one another during the 2nd BEC Congress held in Cagayan de Oro City in 2008.
lodging for the duration of the assembly (air-conditioned/double occupancy per room), the use of the facilities and other material, Picardal added. Expected to grace the assembly is Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo and Davao Auxiliary Bishop George Rimando. Pabillo is the Chair of CBCP-NASSA While Rimando is the head of the CBCP Committee on Basic Ecclesial Communities.
Earlier, Picardal attended a gathering of Asian BEC leaders to assess the state and development of BECs in their respective countries, fifty years after the BEC was conceptualized during the Second Vatican Council. BEC practitioners from India, Sri Lanka, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, China and the Philippines gathered at the One World Community Service
Center in Taipei from September 2 to 5 for the Asian Continental BEC Meeting to report on the state and development of BECs in their respective countries. Picardal represented the Philippines. According to Picardal, the conference, themed BECs in Asia 50 years after Vatican II, was held in preparation for the anniversary of the Second Vatican Council next year, when a
separate conference for BEC practitioners all over the world will be held in Germany. The continental conferences and that which is slated in Germany next year are meant to identify the challenges to the BECs in Asia and throughout the world in the light of the recent social, economic, and cultural developments, especially globalization and post or late modernity. (CBCPNews)
on coming home to their respective dioceses after completing their studies in Rome. And please come home. There are some who, despite being sent by their bishops to study in Rome, do not find the enthusiasm and desire to go home and serve their dioceses. This is very sad, he said. The Collegio is currently home to at least 18 Filipino priests and eight foreign priests, apart from the administrators and lay and religious support staff. (CBCPNews)
Markings
INSTALLED. A priest of the Mission Society of the Philippines has been appointed by the Vaticans Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples (CEP) as the new ecclesiastical superior of two atolls in the Pacific. Fr. Oliver Aro, MSP was officially installed in the Catholic Church in Nukunonu Atoll on October 2, 2011 by Archbishop Daniel Balvo, apostolic nuncio to New Zealand. The installation rite was witnessed by Fr. Alfie Africa, MSP Moderator; Msgr. Patrick Edward OConnor, outgoing ecclesiastical superior of the islands; and the faithful of Tokelau. Aros assignment in the island officially opens for the MSP a new mission in the Pacific, particularly in the small island of Tokelau. Aro took over from OConnor, a native of New Zealand who has served as ecclesiastical superior of the islands since 1992 until his retirement in May 2011. OConnor became ecclesiastical superior of the islands at the time when the Archdiocese of Samoa-Apia and Tokelau was split in 1992 and Tokelau became Mission sui iuris (independent Mission) of Tokelau. Ordained priest in 1997, Aro has served as a missionary in Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. As ecclesiastical superior of the Pacific islands, Aro will be part of the conference of bishops in the Pacific, known as CEPAC, and will join the bishops in their regular ad limina visits in Rome. DECLARED. One of the oldest parishes in Batangas was declared Asias very first Catholic shrine in honor of St. John the Baptist last Aug. 29 during a Mass to commemorate the saints martyrdom. The declaration was held in the town of Lian at the Parish of St. John the Baptist, which now bears the name the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. John the Baptist. Even before, the parish has already been known to house the old life-size image of San Juan Bautista (as the patron saint is locally known), which the community regards as miraculous. Because of this miraculous image, faith is strengthened in Lianthis is acknowledged in the official declaration: By reason of special devotion, this parochial church is frequented by the faithful as pilgrims. Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles cited in his homily the age-old tradition of hosting San Juan, by way of his image, during special occasions. Now that the image of San Juan is more apt to stay at the shrine, replicas have been made to accommodate the requests of the devotees as well as to continue the tradition of honoring the patron saint. The building is currently being renovated to improve the facilities, especially to accommodate the pilgrims. CELEBRATED. 25th anniversary of the foundation of the congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Face of Jesus, October 1, 2011. A thanksgiving Mass presided by His Eminence Jose Cardinal Sanchez and concelebrated by 7 other priests was held at the Sisters convent chapel at Hidalgo Street in Quiapo at 10 a.m. of October 1, the feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. In connection with the silver jubilee celebration, the sisters held a musical concert on September 12 at the Philam Auditorium in United Nations, Manila. The concerts main performers were the Holy Face Sisters and 7 Priests in the City. The activity aimed to raise funds to build an extension of the Sisters convent in Hidalgo. On October 2, a convention of the Crusaders of the Holy Face was held also in Hidalgo. The Holy Face congregation was founded by a former Carmelite, Mother Therese Vicente on October 1, 1986. She was Mother General of the congregation until her death in 1995. During its recent chapter, Mo. Teresita Bantillo was elected by the sisters as Mother General. The congregation currently has 28 professed sisters and 9 under formation. It has communities in Alaminos, Cagayan, Pampanga, Antipolo and a novitiate in Quezon City.
their involvement in pro-life causes, the rector explained. Others prolife advocates who graced the event include Sr. Pilar Verzosa, representatives from the Pro-life movement, and Tahanang Walang Hagdan, among others. Celebrants of novena masses include Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi, OP; Bishop Honesto Ongtioco; Bishop Teodoro Bacani; Fr. Melvin Castro; Fr. Rolando de la Rosa,
OP; Fr. Tamerlane Lana, OP; Fr. Ernesto Arceo, OP; Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, OP; and Fr. Filemon dela Cruz, OP. Novena masses run from Sept. 30 to Oct. 8, while the grand procession with Asias first canonically crowned image was held on Oct. 9 at 4 pm. All masses and the grand procession on October 9 were livestreamed on www.lanavaldemanila.com. (Levine Lao)
www.cbcpforlife.com
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Vol. 15 No. 21
October 10 - 23, 2011
Pastoral Concerns
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mission is still at the beginning and that we must commit ourselves with all our energies in its service (John Paul II, Redemptoris Missio, No. 1). We cannot remain tranquil in face of the thought that, after two thousand years, there are still peoples who do not know Christ and have not yet heard his message of salvation. Not only this; the multitude
www.msp.org.ph
LEFT: The mission sui iuris of Tokelau is now under the care of the Mission Society of the Philippines.
grows of those that, even having received the proclamation of the Gospel, have forgotten and abandoned it, not recognizing themselves now in the Church; and many environments, a l s o i n traditionally Christian societies, today are refractory in opening themselves to the word of faith.
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Updates
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 21
October 10 - 23, 2011
Delicta Graviora
By Fr. Jaime Blanco Achacoso, J.C.D.
ABOUT a year ago, the Bishop of our diocese called a special meeting of the clergy in order to read to us what seemed to be new guidelines from the holy See for the handling of cases of sexual improprieties of priests. At that time, the scandal of the abuse of minors in Irelandnot to mention similar scandals that continue to surface in the United Stateswas still very much in the media. As happens with such indications, without the benefit of the text for closer study and reference, I left the gathering a bit confused regarding the different provisions, albeit quite clear about the gravity of the matter. Can you please tackle this question in a more structured way, understandable to a non-canon lawyer like me? In Part I of this article, we quoted extensively from a Historical Introduction, prepared by the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith on the occasion of the publication of the new guidelines published in May 2010, for the handling of allegations of the so-called delicta graviora (more serious crimes) typified in the Penal Law of the Church. 1 In part II, we tackled the substantive (dispositive) part of the Norms on Delicta Graviora, approved by the Holy Father on 21 May 2010, which dealt with other matters than the crimes related to sexual misconduct by clerics. In this concluding part, we finally look at the provisions concerning sexual misconduct of clerics, which the document refers to as more grave delicts (delicta graviora) against moralsin as compared
images of minors under the age of 14 years for purposes of sexual gratification. These are three different acts of increasing malice: firstly, the mere act of procuring (even without owning) the pornographic material is already constitutive of the delict; secondly, the actual possession (retention, whether as property or otherwise) of the pornographic material; and finally the distribution of the said material. Furthermore, the norm limits the form of said pornographic material to images (not literature), but includes all formatsby whatever means or using whatever technologywhether hard copies (prints) or soft copies (electronic files). Statute of Limitation: Prescription for More Grave Delicts Art.7 1. A criminal action for delicts reserved to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is extinguished by prescription after twenty years, with due regard to the right of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to derogate from prescription in individual cases. 2. Prescription runs according to the norm of c.1362, 2 of the Code of Canon Law. however, in the delict mentioned in art.6, 1, n.1, prescription begins to run from the day on which a minor completes his eighteenth year of age. This norm establishes the length of time after the criminal act (or the day when it ceased if it were a repeated or habitual) act in which charges can be filed, what is more commonly known as the statute of limitation, and in canon law by the more
A: This theme is succinctly addressed in the instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum, No. 55: In some places there has existed an abuse by which the Priest breaks the host at the time of the consecration in the Holy Mass. This abuse is contrary to the tradition of the Church. It is reprobated and is to be corrected with haste. It is hard to be much clearer than that. This abuse seems to have arisen from a literal and somewhat dramatic interpretation of the words of the institution narrative of the consecration He took the bread, broke it ... This might be a symptom related to our televised society where the visual image predominates over the deeper meaning. And so, some priests, often in good faith, have been led to adopt in a more dramatic or even theatrical mode while celebrating the Mass. Thus, some see themselves almost as acting out the role of Christ by imitating his words and gestures. This phenomenon, however, may also be indicative of a lack of formation and of a defective understanding of the priests ministerial role as acting in persona Christi and the theological content of the words of consecration as form of the sacrament. Of course, if one were to be totally consistent with this view, then Communion would logically have to be distributed immediately after pronouncing the words gave it to his disciples, etc. As far as I know, this has never been attempted. In a way, the other parts of the Eucharistic Prayer explicate what is contained within the institution narrative as the summit of Christs paschal mystery of his death and resurrection, the center of salvation history. During the course of the celebration each element of the consecration is rendered clearer and in a way is also made present. During the offertory the Church takes the bread and wine and offers up thanks and praise to the Father. Before the consecration the Church also calls upon the Holy Spirit to intervene just as he did in Christs incarnation and throughout his life. The prayer which immediately follows the consecration, often called the Anamnesis, because it begins with a phrase such as Father, calling to mind his death and resurrection is, in a way, the Mass defining itself by explaining what is meant by Christs command to the apostles to do this in memory of me. This prayer shows that the priest, in the consecration, is saying and doing more than just repeating Christs words and gestures. What is called to mind and made present throughout history is Christs death resurrection and ascension into glory. The command to do this also means imitating in our lives the attitudes of the loving and total self-giving which Christ demonstrated in his sacrifice. After this the Eucharistic Prayers generally invoke the Holy Spirit once more so that we may obtain the fruits of the celebration, above all to be united in charity and to intercede along with Christ for all those, living and dead, who need our prayer. This is done so that the overall purpose of the Eucharist is achieved when we are united with the saints in heaven. Finally, in the doxology, we recognize that all that is done through, with and in Christ in union with the Holy Spirit, is done for the Fathers honor and glory just as Christ constantly offered all to the Father. This might seem to be a digression away from the main point of the question. But I wish to show that unless the Eucharistic Prayer is complete, the full meaning of the gesture involved in breaking and giving is truncated and not fully grasped. The gesture is not the breaking and giving of a piece of bread but of the Lords Body sacrificed yet risen and ascended into glory. It is not partaking of a simple meal, but of Christs eternal sacrifice from which springs our salvation. Perhaps I am reading too much into what might appear as a simple practical gesture, albeit one that has been present from the beginning of Christianity. Yet I believe that many of these gestures obey an inner logic and may not be tampered with without peril.
appointed, who is to be a priest, possessing a doctorate in canon law, outstanding in good morals, prudence, and expertise in the law. he is to carry out his office in all grades of judgment. Art.12 For the functions of Notary and Chancellor, priests are appointed, whether or not they are officials of this Congregation. Art.13 The role of Advocate or Procurator is carried out by a priest possessing a doctorate in canon law. he is to be approved by the presiding judge of the college. Art.14 Indeed, in the other tribunals dealing with cases under these norms, only priests can validly carry out the functions of Judge, Promotor of Justice, Notary, and Patron [Procurator and Advocate]. Art.16 Whenever the Ordinary or hierarch receives a report of a more grave delict, which has at least the semblance of truth, once the preliminary investigation has been completed, he is to communicate the matter to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith which, unless it calls the case to itself due to particular circumstances, will direct the Ordinary or hierarch how to proceed further, with due regard, however, for the right to appeal, if the case warrents, against a sentence of the first instance only to the Supreme Tribunal of this same Congregation. Art.17 If a case is referred directly to the Congregation without a preliminary investigation having been undertaken, the steps preliminary to the process, which fall by common law to the Ordinary or hierarch, may be carried out by the Congregation itself. Art.20 The Supreme Tribunal of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith judges in second instance:
to the more grave delicts against the faith and against the sanctity of the sacraments (of the Eucharist, of Penance and of Holy Orders). Again I shall quote extensively from the aforementioned document. More Grave Delicts against Morals: Sexual Misconduct with Minors Art. 6 1. The more grave delicts against morals which are reserved to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith are: 1 the delict against the sixth commandment of the Decalogue committed by a cleric with a minor below the age of eighteen years; in this case, a person who habitually lacks the use of reason is to be considered equivalent to a minor. 2 the acquisition, possession, or distribution by a cleric of pornographic images of minors under the age of fourteen, for purposes of sexual gratification, by whatever means or using whatever technology; 2. A cleric who commits the delicts mentioned above in 1 is to be punished according to the gravity of his crime, not excluding dismissal or deposition. By the above norm, two classes of acts are typified as crimes: 1st, External sexual acts (not just desires, which fall under the night commandment of the Decalogue, which are beyond the purview of canon law) committed by a cleric (i.e., a deacon, priest or bishop) with a minor below the age of 18 years (completed at the time of the act). A person who habitually lacks the use of reason is considered legally equivalent to a minor. Furthermore, the law does not specify the sex of the minor, thereby including in the typified delictive act not only heterosexual activity but even homosexual ones. Neither does it distinguish between pre-pubescent, pubescent or adolescents properly speaking, thus including all minors below 18 years of age. 2nd, The acquisition, possession or distribution by a cleric of pornographic
general term of prescription. The present law lays down the general norm of 20 years for all crimes reserved to the CDFe.g., the more grave delicts against the faith and against the sanctity of the sacraments of the Eucharist, Penance and Holy Orders previously discussed in Part II. However, for the more grave delicts against minors less than 18 years old, the new law increases the time of prescription (at the same time facilitating its calculation) by computing the 20 years from the day the minor completes 18 years of age (instead of from the day of the criminal act or its cessation). Procedural Norms Without going to the minute details, we can outline the procedure established by the new norms as follows: Art.8 1. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is the Supreme Apostolic Tribunal for the Latin Church as well as the eastern Catholic Churches, for the judgment of the delicts defined in the preceding articles. 3. The sentences of this Supreme Tribunal, rendered within the limits of its proper competence, do not need to be submitted for the approval of the Supreme Pontiff. Art.9 1. The Members of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith are ipso iure the judges of this Supreme Tribunal. 2. The Prefect of the Congregation presides as first among equals over the college of the Members, and if the office of Prefect is vacant or if the Prefect himself is impeded, the Secretary of the Congregation carries out his duties. Art.10 It is necessary that such appointed judges be priests, of mature age, possessing a doctorate in canon law, outstanding in good morals, prudence and expertise in the law. Such priests may at the same time exercise a judicial or consultative function before another Dicastery of the Roman Curia. Art.11 To present and sustain an accusation a Promotor of Justice is to be
1 cases adjudicated in first instance by lower tribunals; 2 cases decided by this same Supreme Apostolic Tribunal in first instance. Art.21 1. The more grave delicts reserved to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith are to be tried in a judicial process. 2. however, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith may: 1 decide, in individual cases, ex officio or when requested by the Ordinary or hierarch, to proceed by extrajudicial decree, as provided in c.1720 of the Code of Canon Law. however, perpetual expiatory penalties may only be imposed by mandate of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. 2 present the most grave cases to the decision of the Roman Pontiff with regard to dismissal from the clerical state or deposition, together with dispensation from the law of celibacy, when it is manifestly evident that the delict was committed and after having given the guilty party the possibility of defending himself. Art.27 Recourse may be had against singular administrative acts which have been decreed or approved by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in cases of reserved delicts. Such recourse must be presented within the preemptory period of sixty canonical days to the Ordinary Session of the Congregation (the Feria IV) which will judge on the merits of the case and the lawfulness of the Decree. Any further recourse as mentioned in art.123 of the Apostolic Constitution Pastor bonus is excluded. Art.28 A res iudicata (i.e., final and executor sentence) occurs: 1 if a sentence has been rendered in second instance; 2 if an appeal against a sentence has not been proposed within a month; 3 if, in the appellate grade, the instance is abated or is renounced; 4 if the sentence has been rendered in accord with the norm of art.20.
1
Ref. www.vatican.va/resources/resources_introdstorica_en.html.
www.traildino.com
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 21
October 10 - 23, 2011
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Mikey Alfaro
Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo (center) with the cast of the musical Gleeorious.
IN tandem with the citys theater groups, the Archdiocesan Youth Apostolate of Jaro has organized a musical concert in time for the celebration of CBCP Year of the Youth. Together with Sikat Academy and the University of the Philippines Marketing Society, the Commission of Jaro Archdiocesan Youth Apostolate (CJAYA) has organized a fund-raising musical project, titled Gleeorious, written and directed by Prof. Kevin Pison Piamonte. The musical concert aims to raise funds to finance the formation of the different vicariate youth ministers in the 14 vicariates of Jaro archdiocese. Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo has given his full support and blessing for this undertaking. In his opening remarks at the musicals premiere, the Archbishop recalled the unique definition the 3rd Diocesan Synod of Jaro has given to the youth ministry: Nurturing Presence. He said that aside from the quality that the
Youth Ministry should be nurturing, which could mean growth, facilitating, affirming, empowering he emphasized that there is special need of presence. Explaining his point further, Archbishop Lagdameo stressed the need of personal presence, of concrete persons to carry the nurturing qualities and not just provisions, modules or facilities, but warm-blooded ministers that young people can open up to and seek advice from, persons they can journey with in discovering more deeply life and God. He pointed out that there are 93 parishes in Jaro but the Archdiocesan Youth Apostolate has only four full-time staff and a few volunteers, thus has a very thin presence in the archdiocese. The prelate appealed for all out support to fund the formation program of full-time youth ministers so that the youth apostolate will have a fuller presence in the Archdiocese in the coming years. Gleeorious is an adaptation of the popular youth-oriented TV musical Glee with a glorious
twist. Following the basic plot of a struggling glee club, Gleeorious focuses on the conflicts among the musical director of New Directions, the school principal and the captain of the cheering team. The play follows the journey of the glee club from auditions to the choral competition where they try to prove their best against another show choir. Gleeorious aims to appeal to the interest of the youth and at the same time to strengthen core values such as perseverance, hard work, selflessness, compassion, equality, and faith. Likewise, Gleeorious will provide a venue to showcase the wonderful talents of the Ilonggos and give their students an enjoyable yet learning experience in theater arts. Performers are from the Sikat Academy Summer Workshop, a brainchild of Atty. Jobert Peaflorida and Professor Kevin Piamonte with the support of a core group of professional artists. The workshop has successfully mounted in 2008 Journey to Forever, a Golden Jubilee Musical of the Ateneo de Iloilo that raised funds for the new Ateneo campus
in the city. The Sikat Academy intends to duplicate the same effort as it did for the Ateneo de Iloilo by mounting another fund-raising musical, this time for the benefit of the Archdiocese of Jaro, particularly for the Commission of the Jaro Archdiocesan Youth Ap os t ol a t e , a s t he CBCP celebrates the Year of the Youth this year. As a truly youth-oriented project, the University of the Philippines (Visayas) Marketing Society, AGORA National Awardee as Most Outstanding Youth Marketing Organization, has been tapped as partner for all the marketing and production support services. Gleeorious held its premier on September 16, 2011. The play is scheduled to run until December 3, 2011, every Saturday, with three shows at 10 am, 2 pm and 6 pm at the Colegio de San Jose (CSJ) Auditorium, Iloilo City. A Grand Finale will take place on December 8, 2011, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, coinciding with the culminating activity of the Year of the Youth. (Fr. Mickey Cardenas)
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Yesterday, today and tomorrow
Celebrating the Daughters of St. Pauls 75th Foundation Anniversary in the Philippines
By Sister Gloria V. Felix, FSP
Yesterday In distant 1937, two Daughters of St. Paul Sisters Elena Ramondetti and Maria Cleofe Zanoni were on board the Italian vessel Conte Rosso headed to Manila, Philippines, where the 33rd International Eucharistic Congress was to take place. With them too was another Daughter of St. Paul, Sister Edvige Soldano, tasked to chaperon them in their maiden missionary voyage to the Orient, specifically, to China. Although young and inexperienced at that time, Sister Elena and Sister Maria Cleofe were full of faith and trust in God, beaming with holy enthusiasm and apostolic zeal. They set out courageously and plunged unhesitatingly into the immense and mysterious Orient, relying fully on Gods grace and the assuring words of Father James Alberione, the saintly Founder of the Pauline Family, who told them the following words on the eve of their departure for the mission. how very lucky indeed you are! You need not be afraid because you would be on a eucharistic voyage. Put all your trust in Jesushost who is your light and strength as you sail off for your new destination. Their voyage to China via Manila was not only significant but also indicative of what God intended the Philippine Foundation of the Daughters of St. Paul would be: A foundation born of the Eucharist, just as the Congregation itself had been twenty years earlier; that is, like the Eucharist it is to be a presence, a covenant, a thanksgiving, a nourishment, and a pleasing sacrifice to the Father through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit for the Filipino people. Meanwhile, the dream of the young missionaries to go to China for the spread of the Gospel would only be partly realized, for the hazards and fury of the Sino-Japanese War drove them out of China, forcing them to flee to India where they waited for the deadly war to ease out a little. God seemed to have in mind a different task for them elsewhere. Thus while keeping temporary residence at New Delhi, an urgent dispatch from Rome, from Mother Thecla Merlo, the Co-Founder of the Institute as a matter of fact, had reached them with the instruction that they pack up their belongings, and take a boat that would bring them to Manila. Ever obedient to the summons of Gods will and to the call of duty, the two missionaries brushed off their most cherished dream, and without much fanfare they once more boarded the ship that brought them to the Philippines. On October 13, 1938, their ship dropped anchor at the Manila South Harbor. Two weeks later, on October 28, 1938, the pioneering Daughters of St. Paul set up their first Pauline foundation on Philippine soil. And what an awesome co-incidence it was the month of the Holy Rosary! It has always been the profound wish of the Founder that every Pauline Foundation should take off from Bethlehem. Translated into practical ways and parlance, it means that every foundation should be characterized with humility, poverty and simplicity. Such was Father Alberiones firm recommendation to the departing Sisters when they came to see him for his blessing on the eve of their departure: Remember, just the way it has always been done here! True to the spirit that characterized every Pauline foundation, LIPA, a municipality in the province of Batangas, became the crib/cradle of the new Philippine foundation. The first convent was roomy but devoid of furnishings. The two Founding Sisters meanwhile waited for Gods hour to strike. As a matter of fact, their first apostolic ministry consisted in performing humble and hidden tasks like what Mary of Nazareth did during her time. For about a couple of years they gladly did housekeeping for the priests of the Society of St. Paul and the young boys being prepared for their priestly studies. Year 1939 marked the first sign of progress for the new foundation. It was the year the first batch of reinforcement arrived from Italy in the persons of Sisters Gaetanina Modenese, Bertilla Lorenzi and Melania Ravarotto. In 1940, the first Filipino vocation, Maria Giuseppina Formalejo from Bicol, entered the Congregation. This joyful event seemed to have been the answer to their earnest prayers and sacrifices, especially during their trying life of constant mobility in China and the bitter rejection from the ecclesiastical Authority in India. Thus their expectations rocketed and their hope became even more profound as they start to witness the initial but steady growth of the community. So, with bold eagerness yet with fear and trembling, the first squads of Gospel diffusers set out on the road and inaugurated their book mission to the families in cities, towns and far flung villages in the provinces of Batangas, Laguna and Quezon. The prospect of progress, however, was cut short with the outbreak of World War II. Once again God had placed their faith and steadfastness to yet another test. The tiny band of Daughters of St. Paul, like most Filipinos during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, experienced hunger, constant flight from dangers, and privations of all sorts. But however difficult and trying circumstances had been then, the Sisters of the nascent community kept faithfully to their mission and call. Today As the Filipino Daughters of St. Paul celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Foundation of the Congregation in the Philippines they can look back at their history with hearts overflowing with gratitude. Surely, the event is an invitation to recall the great marvels the Lord has done for them, in them, with them and through them in the Church, and in the Philippine society for the glory and honor of God and the salvation of peoples with the Media of Social Communication. Humbly counting their blessings they could cry out without ceasing, Te Deum laudamus (We praise you God), bearing in mind and heart what the Founding Daughters of St. Paul from Italy had help create and bring about in the Philippinesa Province composed of 186 professed members; 33 young women in formation, 18 branch houses cum book and media centers, a Novitiate House in Lipa, the cradle City, a modest yet modern publishing house (Paulines Publishing), a radio and AV production studios, and a Center for Media Literacy Education (MLE); a compound on 2650 F. B. Harrison Street in Pasay City that houses the Sanctuary of Mary Queen of Apostles and the 7-storey Alberione Home equipped with a 400-seating capacity auditorium. Now that vocations to the Congregation are no longer as abundant as years ago, the Philippine Province still is able to continue commit itself in providing missionaries to Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa, believing in what St. Paul said: He who sows abundantly will also reap abundantly. This
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Features
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 21
October 10 - 23, 2011
October 6 Thursday The Alumni went to the Shrine of Divino Amore in Rome, then to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in the outskirts of Rome. 5:00 p.m. - Opening of exhibit (in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy to the Holy See) of Liturgical Vestments by Chez les Saints. Invited were Filipino priests and religious, rectors of other national and international colleges and members of the diplomatic corps. After Fr. Gastons opening remarks, he asked the Philippine Amb a s s a d o r Thanksgiving Mass of the Collegio community
stoles, which were blessed and used for the Mass. Santos sister and two nieces came over to exhibit other chasubles, stoles, albs and copes from their collection, and provided multimedia presentations of their products. In the Philippines Chez les Saints would in many occasions allow the priests to take home their vestments after the Mass, the present celebration was taking place not in the Philippines but in Rome, and Chez les Saints intention is specifically to donate
October 5 to the Holy Wednesday 10:30 a.m. - The PCF commu- S e e , H e r nity joined the General Audience Excellency which the Holy Father holds on Mercy TuaSt. Peters Square every Wednes- son, and the day. We were given special newly apseats, on the box to the left of pointed Amthe Holy Father. Turning to the bassador to English-speaking pilgrims, the I t a l y , H i s Holy Father said, My special Excellency greeting goes to the alumni and V i r g i l i o friends celebrating the fiftieth Reyes, Jr., anniversary of the Pontifical to give their respective Filipino College. 4:00 p.m. - Recollection re- messages to flection by Bp. Jesse Mercado the attendof Paraaque (Batch 1981). He ees. Aside Academic conference with Cardinal Grocholewski shared memories the Diamond of his stay as a stuJubilee comes dent and later on 25 years from as PCF Rector in now. 1994, and encourThe Mass aged the present that followed students to make immediately the most of their was presided stay in Rome. over by Arch6:00 p.m. - Mass bishop Ramn with Bp. Angel C. Argelles of Hobayan, Bishop Lipa. BelongEmeritus of Cataring to Batch man in Samar as 1972 and havthe main presider. ing been PCF He belongs to the rector in the first batch 1961 of early 1990s, PCF Priests. At he encouraged the beginning of Cardinal Vidal (third from left) with alumni-bishops and -priests of the Collegio the mass he joked that he had from welcoming the guests, the students to respond to the to wait for fifty years before he they highlighted the excellence challenges of today and to prewas given the chance to be the of Philippine products which we pare themselves well through main presider in a mass at PCF. could all be proud of. Finally, their studies as the Church He recalled his memories of Cardinal Vidal led the prayers. continues to proclaim the Gospel October 7, 1961, when the Holy Instead of the usual ribbon message in the present world. Father Pope John XXIII came to cutting, the exhibits opening bless the PCF. The homily was was signified by the ringing of October 7 Friday 10:00 a.m. - Academic Conferdelivered by Bishop Manolo de the bell. Tito Santos, creator of the ence with H.E. Zenon Cardinal los Santos of Virac (Batch 1988), who shared his reflection on how liturgical vestments who hails Grocholewski, Prefect of the the Church is concerned with the from Bulacan, donated to the Vaticans Congregation for peoples day to day life, in their PCF 50 gold chasubles with Catholic Education. The confer-
the 50 golden chasubles to the PCF; thus the priests in this case should kindly not bring the vestments home. He later added that since the PCF already had 50 chasubles, the PCF will just need to ask 25 more chasubles, and not 75, when
ence was conducted in Italian: Il Ruolo del Pontificio Collegio Filippino nel Perfezionamento della Qualit (The Role of PCF in the Pursuit of Excellence). He said that we are in a privileged environment, in the midst of the center of Catholicism, amongst the best ecclesiastical universities, and in close union with the Holy Father. We had to live sub umbra Petri, that is, under the shadow of Peter, one with the Pope in our sentiments, in utmost fidelity to Christs teachings as he handed them to us through the Church. Among other things, Cardinal Grocholewski emphasized that the PCF is not a hotel or a boarding house, but a house of formation. And that we continue to strive for excellence not only in our studies, but also in our spiritual growth, community life and pastoral ministry. The 50th Anniversary picturetaking took place right after the academic conference. Lunch followed. 6:00 p.m. - Mass of residents and alumni. Main Celebrant was His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal. He used to be chairman of the Episcopal Commission on the PCF of the CBCP. He thanked God for the PCFs contribution to Philippine Church in these past 50 years, and the great responsibility of the priests who undergo formation in this institution. At the end of the mass, Fr. Gaston said that after another 25 or 50 years, we will be looking back at our celebrations today and look at the pictures and videos being taken. And like the alumni of today, years from now we will also be trying to identify the persons appearing in those images, and guessing their whereabouts. 7:30 p.m. - Dinner, then tribute to all alumni, Dominican Sisters and personnel. The alumni bishops and priests were asked to share their memories of the PCF, and to give their advice to the present students. Incidentally, October 7 is also the feast of the Sisters, who belong to the Province of the Holy Rosary, of the Congregacin de Religiosas Misioneras de Santo Domingo. October 8 Saturday 6:00 a.m. - The PCF alumni started early for whole day Pilgrimage to Lanciano (where they celebrated the Mass at 8:30 a.m.) and to Padre Pio. Meanwhile, those who remained at the PCF had their 7 a.m. Mass, presided over by Bishop Jose Oliveros of Malolos (Batch 1975). The years that he was in Rome were turbulent times, considering the social turmoil going on in Europe and in the Philippines. In spite of that, the students had to do their best to focus on their studies and to even go beyond their academic requirements, learning other languages and exposing themselves to the reCollegio / B7
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 21
October 10 - 23, 2011
Statements
October 30, 2011 TheMe: We have the same Father One God who created us
THE church deems it important that every year we celebrate Prison Awareness Sunday to remind us that our brothers and sisters who are behind bars are included in the kingdom of God. The prisoners are people we often forget and perhaps we do not want to think about. But they are still our brothers and sisters who like everybody else Jesus wants us to understand and accept. Jesus wants us to help them see their mistakes and be sorry for them and to right the wrong that they have done. He wants us to be bearers of Hope and Love. Todays reading reminds us that God is our Father and that One God created all of us. May this observance of Prison Awareness Sunday give us the grace to open our hearts to be compassionate to those who are in prison and help them to be re-integrated in our community. Let us pray that we become heralds of Gods infinite compassion and forgiveness. Let us call on God and ask him for the grace to recognize and serve him in our brothers and sisters especially those who are in Prison. Let us pray: * That our church leaders be faithful witnesses of Gods kingdom of love, justice and peace by living the gospel values they preach; * That our government leaders set aside personal gains and interest and work together for healing and renewal in our country;
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FILE PHOTO
WE, the Ecumenical Bishops Forum (EBF), express alarm over the wanton abuse of natural resources by the Transnational Mining Corporations (TNCs) with their local cohorts in South Luzon Region, especially in Bicol. The experience of the Bicolano people is no different from the plight of local communities in mining areas throughout the country: massive environmental destruction, shrinking economic base of the people, militarization of mining communities, displacement of communities due to land-grabbing and unjust land-conversion, gross human rights violations, destruction of flora and fauna, and further impoverishment of the country. The unresolved and ever continuing polymetallic mining operations in Rapu-Rapu Island, Albay, Labo, Paracale, and Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte, the aggressive mine expansion in Aroroy, Masbate by Filminera Resources Corp., the peculiar magnetite off-shore mining in Camarines Sur by Bogo Mining Resources Corp; the Palanog Cement Plant in Albay, Panganiban and San Andres,
United Church of Christ MOST REV. JOEL Z. BAYLON, D.D. Bishop, Diocese of Legazpi BISHOP ARTURO R. ASI Bishop, South Luzon Jurisdictional Area United Church of Christ in the Philippines MOST REV. ARTURO M. BASTES, SVD, D.D. Bishop, Diocese of Sorsogon RIGHT REV. RONELIO V. FABRIQUER Diocese of Romblon Iglesia Filipina Independiente BISHOP GABRIEL A. GAROL United Church of Christ in the Philippines RIGHT REV. JOSELITO T. CRUZ General Secretary Iglesia Filipina Independiente RIGHT REV. PEDRO C. OJASCASTRO Diocese of Cavite Iglesia Filipina Independiente
A Pastoral Letter on the 20th Death Anniversary of Fr. Nery Lito Satur
THIS coming October 14 we will be celebrating the 20th death anniversary of Fr. Nery Lito Satur. And on October 16, we declare it to be Fr. Neris Sunday in the Diocese. This will be a special day for us to remember Fr. Neris heroic struggles for the liberation of the poor and the integrity of creation. We know that it was the gospel values enunciated in our Diocesan vision-mission which inspired Fr. Neri to zealously implement the logging moratorium in the Province of Bukidnon. He religiously performed the task of a deputized forester as integral to his priestly ministryeven at the cost of his own life. As we celebrate the 20 years of Fr. Neris martyrdom, we are also challenged to renew our commitment to continue the unfinished human and ecological struggles of the Church he died for. We are living in a particular historical context that is, perhaps, ecologically worse than Fr. Neris time. In spite of the imposition of the logging moratorium in the Province of Bukidnon in 1990, our natural forests and watershed areas continue to decline. In fact, as of 2005, the estimated remaining forest cover of Bukidnon was only 24.9% of its total land area. Sad to say, this alarming percentage is already far lower than the ideal minimum requirement of an ecological balance, especially that Bukidnon crucially serves as a headwater province in Mindanao. Expectedly, we are continually threatened by the real possibility of water crisis and plagued by various forms of ecological disasters largely due to the insufficient forest cover that could no longer render its usual ecological services to the community of life. Moreover, it can be shown that many of the major causes of our poverty today are intimately linked to the ecological crisis. We are also aware of the fact that the first to be greatly affected by this ecological crisis are the rural poor farmers, especially the indigenous peoples, whose daily survival entirely depends on the providence of nature and the irreplaceable ecological services of the forests. For this reason, the Catholic social teaching categorically declares that the ecological crisis is a moral issuei which challenges the Church not to remain silent and neutral. Our negative experience of the ecological crisis that aggravates poverty makes us realize that there must be something wrong with how we relate with Gods creation. As your shepherd in this diocese, I invite you to discern the right human attitude towards Gods creation in the light of the Catholic social teaching. Let me point out three important moral principles that would guide our Christian understanding and judgment in this moment of ecological crisis. First, we reaffirm the religious truth that human beings, as made in the image of God (Gen 1:27), are called to exercise a responsible stewardship over nature,ii even as we enjoy the gifts of its natural beauty and goodness. This means that we are not the absolute ruler of creation and that our relationship with non-human creatures should mirror the creative love of God. iii In this light, the ongoing abuse of our remaining Bukidnon forests and watersheds makes us irresponsible stewards of Gods creation. Second, we uphold the ethical principle that the goods of the Earth have to be accessible and made available to all, especially to the poor, including the future generations. It is a violation to the inter-generational justice if we would hand on to the future generations a planet which is depleted of its resourcesiv. Moreover, it would be a violation to the ecological justice if we do not give to the Earth the proper care it deserves. Since we are all interconnected in the web of life, we should go beyond the human level of common good by embracing the greater common good that considers the interests of the Earth community. This moral imperative is rooted in our covenant with God to love both our human and non-human neighbors as ourselves. (cf. Mk 12:31). Our Christian commitment to this covenant moves us to condemn the greedy and selfish exploiters of the Bukidnon forests. Third, we need to strengthen the indigenous Filipino cultures that recognize the sanctity of life and the integrity of creation. Our tribal brothers and sisters remind us that the exploitative approach to the natural world is foreign to our Filipino culture.v In the face of unhealthy modern lifestyles, they teach us how to live the value of simple lifestyle in harmony with nature. With them, we are convinced that the assault on creation is sinful and contrary to the teachings of our faith.vi Guided by the imperatives of these Christian principles, let us discern what our local church can specifically contribute and concretely do to continue the unfinished mission begun by Fr. Neri. So far, I can propose at least four areas of concern which I find very important today. 1. We need to continually deepen our knowledge of the ecological issues, including the phenomenon of climate change and the global ecological crisis. We may begin this locally by updating ourselves with the present ecological situation of Bukidnon. This is in line with the Churchs teaching on ecological conversionvii that calls us to critically appropriate the best available knowledge offered by the ecological sciences in view of our important role as responsible stewards of Gods creation. Let us make these ecological insights available to the grassroots level by producing a module which would facilitate the education in ecological responsibilityviii both in the BECs and individual families. 2. We need to situate our mission to care for Gods creation within the deep and solid foundation of our Christian faith and spirituality. Our ultimate guide to this way of life is no other than Jesus Christ himselfthe Incarnate Wisdom and Word of Godwho proclaimed the coming of Gods Kingdom, which is the fulfillment of the new heavens and a new earth (2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1-2). This Christian hope for the future must be manifested in our religious devotions and various forms of spirituality. We must be creative in our liturgical celebrations and community devotions (e.g., Ecological Rosary) so that they may become sacramental and symbolic expressions of our care for Gods creation. 3. Let us strengthen our advocacy and campaign for a clean environment, free from any harmful chemicals that poison the soil and threaten the health of the community of life. As an alternative, we promote the practice of sustainable agriculture and agroforestry throughout the Diocese. 4. Let us continue our legal advocacy by supporting the bills (e.g., alternative mining bill) and other ecology-friendly movements that seek the common good both of the humanity and the natural environment. Let this memorable day of Fr. Neris martyrdom remind us of our Christian mission to build not only ecclesial and human communities but also ecological communities grounded in the perfect and eternal communion of the Blessed Trinity, in whom we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:28). In Jesus Christ the Lord, MOST REV. JOSE ARANETA CABANTAN, D.D. Bishop of Malaybalay
i John Paul II, Peace with God the Creator, Peace with All Creation: Message for the World Day of Peace 1990 (December 8, 1989), no. 15. ii Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate: On Integral Human Development in Charity and Truth (June 29, 2009), no. 50. iii Benedict XVI, The Human Family, A Community of Peace: Message for the 2008 World Day of Peace (December 8, 2007), no. 7. iv v
CBCP, What is Happening to Our Beautiful Land: A Pastoral Letter on Ecology, (29 January 1988); printed in Sean McDonagh, The Greening of the Church (Quezon City: Claretian Publications, 1990): 207-16, 212.
John Paul II, God Made Man the Steward of Creation (17 January 2001), no. 4.
viii
See John Paul II, Peace with God the Creator, no. 13.
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Ref lections
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 21
October 10 - 23, 2011
Should our country be placed no longer under God, but only under judges and lawyers?
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A (Matt 22:15-21) Oct. 16, 2011
By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD
WHICH things are Gods? If the decision of the judges of a federal appeals court that ruled a few years ago that the US Pledge of Allegiance vowing fealty to one nation under God is unconstitutionalsince this violates the basic constitutional tenet of separation of church and stateis to be followed to its logical conclusion, only our private life belongs to God. Writing to the Newsweek editor, April Collins seems to share this view: Please take God out of Inaugurations and out of the Pledge of Allegiance. People who use it and insist on keeping it are juvenile. America was not founded on God. Im Roman Catholic and still believe that as a 6-year-old in schoolwhether I happen to be Buddhist or a Native American whose God is a bird, or I believe in a rockI should not be forced to say God. Ours is a country of many religions. Lets keep church and state separate and keep God out of it all. Belief belongs in the home or church, not in the state just as the Filipinos never relished being under the Japanese during the Second World War, the Jews hated the Romans. Of course, the Pharisees accepted the Roman occupation, and true to their ideology, counseled submission to it. The Herodians were obviously supporters of Herod who governed Palestine under the auspices of the Roman Emperor. In todays pericope, we are told that these two groups wanted to put Jesus in a dilemma by asking him: Is it lawful to pay tax to the Emperor or not? (Matt 21:17). The dilemma was this: should he tell them it was all right to pay tax to the Emperor, Jesus would certainly be ostracized by the common people who hated the Roman tribute as a symbol of political and economic subjugation. But should he answer that it was not right to do so, the Pharisees and the Herodians would certainly brand him an anti-Roman, if not a revolutionary. Jesus answer to the trap, as already noted, was to give Ceasar what was his, and to give God what belongs to him. And it being a trap, the course to take is
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or government or school. Religion is private, and this is a free countrylets keep it free. That God or religion should be confined to private life cannot, however,
be accepted in the life of anyone who professes himself to be Christian. For one thing, the idea that God should be kept out of the state contradicts what the Sacred Scripture itself teaches in the
Gospel today: Give to Caesar what is Caesars, give God what is Gods (Matt 22:21). To understand this saying, it may be helpful to recall that at the time of Jesus, Israel was under Roman rule. And
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At the same time, however, it left many ordinary mortals disturbed. For them, the mountain of evidence uncovered by the prosecutors and presented by witnesses was enough to convince them about the truth of the charges. Obviously, it was difficult for them to understand that truth was served by the thrust of the defense lawyers to block evidence on the ground of irrelevance and immateriality. It was easier for them, for example, to go with Sen. Aquilino Pimentel who declared, I vote to open the second envelope because that is the only way to determine whether or not the contents are relevant or material to the case
particular situation and age through enactment of laws. But when one considers that provinces, municipalities, and barangays also pass laws and ordinances in order to apply the fundamental law in the concrete circumstances of the peoples life, one can only imagine the mountain of laws that he must observe as a good Filipino citizen! At the same time, one must admit that there are few mortals like Joker Arroyo or Estelito Mendoza, just as in Jesus time, many people were not as knowledgeable about laws as the Scribes and the Pharisees. Given the plethora of laws to be observed, the Jews needed
to know what is central to the precepts and prohibitions so that by observing it, they would not have to bother about the overdevelopment of minor laws in order to be good Jews. That seems to be the context of the question that a lawyer posed to Jesus in todays Gospel: What commandment of the law is the greatest? (Matt 22:36). Out of the 613 commandments (mind you, not 10 commandments) of God, Jesus cited two. The first one comes from the heart of the Shema, which is an ancient Hebrew prayer lifted from the historical prologue to the Deuteronomic Code: Hear, O
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These two loves are prioritized but also complementary none of the two is perfect without the other. Love of God is number one. It grounds and gives meaning to the love of neighbor. It keeps all the elements of the construction together. But love for God finds its necessary and most challenging manifestation in the love for neighbor, as Jesus showed us through his life and death. Two loves, one heart, one attitude, then. These two related loves shouldnever be dissociated, never opposed. St. Johnno doubt echoing his Masterspelled out their relatedness and complementariness when he stated, If anyone says, My love is fixed on God, yet hates his brother, he is a liar. One who has no love for the brother he sees, cannot love the God he does not see (1 Jn 4:20). Therefore, Whoever loves God must also love his brother (1 Jn 4:21). Itisonlybykeepingthesecommandments together and living them out, day by day as Jesus did, that the Kingdom grows and becomes ever more an integral part of our life.
ENCouNtErs
A LATIN proverb somehow meant the equivalent of the above title. Robur pacis veritas (True peace is stable when founded on truth). Reproductive Health bills are presently stirring hot controversies. Why so? Lets face the barrage of questions relevant thereto. Is it pro or against life? Well, if it is open to abortifacients and abortion, it will lead to a decline in population. Why is it that well funded international agencies lend support to controlling Philippine population? Is that not an inalienable private right of concerned couples regarding the number of children they are to have? Is it really promoting the health of mothers? We
must keep in mind Gods law that says: So always treat others as you would like them to treat you; that is the meaning of the Law and the Prophets (Mt. 7:12). How come therefore the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) under the World Health Organization has stated the following: IARC Monographs Programme Finds Combined Estrogen-Progestogen Contraceptives and Menopausal Therapy are Carcinogenic (cancer inducing) to Humans (quoted in the book BishopsLegislators Caucus of the Philippines, page 107, under the sub-titleThe Truth and HalfTruths About Reproductive
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CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 21
October 10 - 23, 2011
Social Concerns
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involves money, only the haves are privileged. True, the have nots have a fighting chance if a finance or insurance company can guarantee for the accused by posting the necessary bail (again defined in money terms) but the accused has to pay this back in time. This is a major cause of congestion in our jails, because most of those apprehended and subsequently thrown to jail until their trial comes heaven knows when are the have nots. Is it possible to post bail not in monetary terms? For instance, can a community or a group
or organization guarantee the good behavior and accessibility of the accused until trial? Unless the objective of the bail system is to raise funds from the pockets of those who have none, there is no reason why this cannot be pursued, especially since a group or a community is taking full responsibility of an accused. Another concrete step is to fully enforce the law on juvenile offenders and to adopt more restorative interventions in the treatment of children in conflict with the law. Our laws are quite clear and explicit. Minors
cannot be held fully accountable for the crimes that they are accused of. If found guilty, they are not committed to prison but to a diversion program. The law that explicitly provides this is often ignored allegedly for lack of necessary funds and training of personnel. Again, we call attention to the role which a community could play. A community of individualsprofessional social workers and church volunteers alikeor their organizations could assume custody of the accused and continue to work for the rehabilitation and subsequent integration to society of those convicted. As custodians they could assume responsibility over the person in conflict with the law. The members of the community can act as mediator between the offender and the victim to explore with more creativity how to right the wrong that has been done and heal the wounds caused by crime. The important thing is to provide a more appropriate environment and atmosphere conducive to turning a new life as they continue to interact with their community. Clearly our two proposals underscore the important role that a community plays in the justice system. This is in pursuit of a new paradigm in the criminal justice system. Called the Restorative Justice system, this one seeks the restoration of broken relationships, the offender and the victim, on the one hand, and their community, on the other. Unlike the punitive or retributive which more often than not only succeeds in escalating hatred and violence, restorative justice is justice that heals! (Rodolfo D. Diamante is the executive secretary of the CBCPepiscopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care)
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October 24-30, 2011 TheMe: We have The Same Father One God Who Created Us
The activities at the National Office in Manila for this weeklong celebration include the following: * Opening and Thanksgiving Mass October 24, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the CBCP Chapel. The celebration will underline the need to continue advocating for justice that heals. * Press Conference on Reforming the Justice System October 25, Tuesday, 10 a.m. in Ilustrado Restaurant, Intramuros Manila. The conference aims to inform the public through the media of the reform agenda on justice by the church and nongovernment agencies involved in the field of correction. * Seminar on Restorative Justice entitled Moving Beyond Punishment and Alternatives to Imprisonment October 26, 2011, Wednesday from 8 a.m. 5 p.m. at the Audio Visual Room of the Social Development Complex, Ateneo University, Diliman Quezon City. This seminar aims to promote the adoption of a more restorative intervention in our penal system and the need to pass legislations that will enhance the dignity of the prisoners. The seminar will also affirm the RJ Advocates stand to implement the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act of 2006. * Visit of Female Detention Prisoners at Camp Karingal on October 27, 2011 at 9 a.m. The event wishes to expose volunteers on the flight of detention prisoners especially the vulnerable group the female prisoners. * Solidarity with National Prisoners New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City on October 28, Friday at 9 a.m. and the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City on October 29, Saturday at 9:30 a.m. The event aims to celebrate with the prisoners the unconditional love of God especially to the less privileged people and the solidarity of the volunteers with the flight of the prisoners and their families. * National Eucharistic Celebration/Gawad Paglilingkod Award October 30, 2011, Sunday at 10 a.m. at Mary the Queen Parish at Madison St. Greenhills West, San Juan City. The CBCP-ECPPC will likewise award outstanding individuals who have served in the prison ministry for many years. This will cap the week-long Prison Awareness Celebration.
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encouraging statement of St. Paul might take sometime to fully become a reality, speaking of the Pastoral work for Vocations, but the Daughters of St. Paul in the Philippines are wholly convinced that in Gods time springs of water would once again gush forth from the rock to irrigate the barren desert as Moses experienced during the 40-year sojourn in the wilderness. God is faithful and he is true to his promise. Indeed, great is the Lord, he is merciful and just! At present the Daughters of St. Paul, through their specific mandate in the Church are profoundly immersed in the present Philippine realities socioeconomic-politico-cultural-educational realities that demand of every Filipino Daughter of St. Paul fidelity, faith, courage and dedication that the first Daughters of St. Paul embodied in life, words and actions as they blazed the trail for the first Pauline Foundation in the
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country. Indeed, they certainly deserve our grateful remembrance for gratitude is the memory of the heart. Tomorrow The future certainly lies in Gods hands, but the new breed of Daughters of St. Paul that God raises now in this Pauline Congregation are being formed to the keen awareness of their great and unique mission which is to give to the world Jesus Christ who defined himself as the Way, the Truth and the Life. A task of staggering proportion, we might say. To measure up to so stupendous a mission, the Daughters of St. Paul boldly strain ahead and joyfully accept the challenge by keeping faithful to the same pactthe Pact of Success that Father Alberione, the Founder stipulated with the Lord: To commit ourselves to seek wholeheartedly in all things, in life and in the apostolate, only and always Gods glory and peace to all peoples.
And now as the Daughters of St. Paul in the Philippines celebrate their 75th Anniversary of Foundation, with bended knee they bow in humble adoration before Gods majesty, begging not just for his continuous blessings on them, but with a contrite heart, they also ask God for mercy and forgiveness for the lack of faith, generosity, and apostolic passion for the triumph of Gods reign in the life, hearts and homes of the Filipino people. And lastly, the Daughters of St. Paul earnestly lift their grateful prayers up to God for their own families, benefactors and friends living and dead, who have accompanied them in their 75-year most exciting, fruitful and grace-filled journey in the field of evangelization with prayers, sacrifices, and with financial offerings. May God reward them with peace in this life and everlasting joy in his heavenly kingdom. Not to us, Lord, not to us, But to your name give the glory. (Ps 115:1)
alities of other countries. He was glad when he realized that he was actually celebrating the PCFs first Mass for the next 50 years. October 9 Sunday Most of the alumni continued on to their respective journeys. For the few who were still around, it was a day for masses with the Filipino Communities. For example, Cardinal Vidal celebrated the mass for the Pundok ni Beato Pedro Calungsod Filipino Community, while Bishop Jesse Mercado celebrated the mass for the PCF community. October 10 Monday Mass of the Holy Spirit to open the Academic Year, with His Eminence, Ricardo Cardinal Vidal. This is a tradition of the PCF and other academic institutions, in which the Holy Spirit is invoked to shower his gifts, upon those involved in academic undertak-
ings, especially the gifts of wisdom, understanding and knowledge. This week has truly been a week of thanksgiving for the past fifty years. Our celebration has not only been for one day, on October 7, or for this whole week. We have celebrated for the past three years, the Year 2009 being a year of Conferences, 2010 a year of Constructions, and 2011 a year of Celebrations. This year Jubilee Year 2011 had three peaks: first, our audience with the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI last February 19, 2011; second, our annual Collegio Day last May 1 (which was also the day of Pope John Paul IIs beatification), in which our Filipino Communities in Rome and Italy came to celebrate with us; and third, this weeks events. We will continue to celebrate until the end of this year, and indeed, continue to implore Gods guidance and strength for the next fifty years.
to escape it, and that is what Jesus, wise as he was, exactly did. He got away from their trap by putting the burden of the question on the Herodians and the Pharisees themselves! Knowing that the tax was paid in Roman currency, he asked for a Roman coin, and raised the question: Whose head is this, whose inscription? (Matt 22:20). Scholars surmise that the coin probably showed the head of the Emperor with the inscription Tiberius Caesar, Son of the Divine Augustus, High Priest. What was Jesus purpose in asking for a coin? It must be stressed that then Ten Commandments explicitly prohibit graven images, like the image of the emperor on the coin (Exod 20:4). Consequently, by
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demanding that he be shown a coin, he was subtly accusing the emissaries of the Pharisees and the Herodians that they were violating the commandment of God, because they brought with them a graven image, the image of a pagan high priest, to the holy land. Yet, never did the Pharisees or the Herodians protest against it. But if they never gave a hoot about that flagrant transgression, why would it bother them to pay tax to Caesar? In other words, by answering that they give to Caesar what is his (Matt 22:21b), Jesus was cleverly saying that since you have already violated Gods commandment, why worry about whether paying taxes is against Gods will or not? In truth, though, Jesus must
have, in the context of his theology of the kingdom of God, thought that paying tribute to Caesar was against Gods will. It must be noted that one of the revered beliefs in Judaism is Gods ownership of the land of Israel: The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine, and you are but aliens who have become my tenants (Lev 25:23). That the Roman Emperor occupied Israel, the Jews understandably regarded it as usurpation, and since there seems to be no evidence that Jesus rejected that belief, it is most likely that he thought of it like an ordinary Jew didit was not according to Gods will to recognize the authority of the Emperor. Of course, Jesus
did not say it; or he would have fallen into the trap, but that is exactly the meaning of the punch line of the second segment of the saying: Give to God what is Gods (Matt 22:21). In Jewish thoughtand there seems to be no evidence that Jesus departed from itthere is really nothing that belongs to Caesar that does not belong to God, including political power. For a Jew, all power comes from God, and if anyone, like the Emperor, exercises it, it is because God permits it (Rom 13:1b). But it was clear to the Jews that it was not his will that the Emperor should put Israel under his rule, because God called Israel to freedom. Therefore, that the Roman should oppress, disenfranchise,
alienate and discriminate them, and violate their rightsthat could not have been legitimized, for they opposed Gods call to liberty and freedom. What, then, is due to God? Everything. There is no sphere of life that can be claimed as an exclusive domain of the state. The state, any state, belongs to God, and state power can be said to be legitimate only if it does not oppose Gods call to liberty and freedom. The idea, in other words, that the realm of God should be confined merely to private life or to the sacristy and the rectory can be grounded only on a misunderstanding of what it means to believe in a God who cares for the salvation of the world. Which is why,
one can understand the reaction of US leaders to the decision of the federal court regarding the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. For the decision does not simply touch on the freedom of expression, pace the claim of Daan Schoemaker of Amsterdam in his letter to the editor (Newsweek, 9/16-23/03). It has to do with ones and the nations world view. In fact, by confining God only to private life, the decision of the federal court virtually placed the nation not under God but under the lawyers and judgeswhich is what the title of a lead article in Newsweek is all about: One Nation Under Judges. In effect, law and lawyers have substituted God!
Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone! Therefore you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength (Deut 6:5). The second comes from the Code of Holiness: You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Lev 19:18). For Jesus, these two are the most central commandments in the 613 laws of God found in the Torah. What Jesus introduced to his listeners, however, is not the combination of these two. In fact, we already find this in, for example, the Testament of Issachar: But love the Lord and your neighbor, and show compassion for the poor and the weak (T.Issac 5:2). What is new
here is the view that both commands are on equal plane: the second is like it (Matt 22:39a). The second is similar to the first in theological depth, and there is an interrelationship between them. That is to say, although love of God comes first, yet there is no true love of God that is not incarnated in the love of neighbor. The proof that we love God lies in our love for our neighbor. This in a way is reflected in John: If anyone says, My love is fixed on God, yet hates his brother is a liar. One who has no love for the brother he has seen cannot love the God he has not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: whoever loves God must also
love his brother (1 John 4:20-21). Whats the point we are driving at? Law in Judaism at the time of Jesus has become a complicated phenomenon, with various groups making their own interpretation of the laws of God, a complication that is not without some similarities in what the Filipino people witnessed during the Impeachment Trial of Estrada. And as already noted, the average Filipino might not be able to follow the finer points of law, whose distinctions could be perceived easily only by the likes of Joker Arroyo or Estelito Mendoza. Jesus audience, on the other hand, never had the sophistication of the Scribes and Pharisees, for it was a
popular and simple one. Understandably enough, since it was his purpose that the law of God could be easily understood and followed by the common people, Jesus taught them what was so central so that by obeying it, they were assured that they have already followed the whole law. And what is so central is love. That is Gods will for man. In other words, for Jesus, anyone who loves God in his neighbor has fulfilled the whole law. Hence, the additional comment of Jesus to what we find in the Gospel of Mark: On these two commandments the whole law is based, and the prophets as well (Matt 22:40). What does this imply? In being Christian, what counts, in the
ultimate analysis, is life. But life is not all about laws, and it is too preciously to be placed in the hands only of lawyers. Before anything else, life is about love, and that life is meaningful if it embodies a love of God that is incarnated in the love of neighbor, in the love of others. No wonder, St Augustine could say, Love, and do what you will. Obviously, when a person loves, he fulfills what is most necessarily in life, and love is possible for any person, simple or not, even if he does not have the sophistication of an Estelito Mendoza or a Pharisee. After all, the best lawyer is not necessarily the good Christian; but a lover qua Christian lover surely is.
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Entertainment
Moral Assessment
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 21
Technical Assessment
TITLE: No Other Woman CAST: Kristine Reyes, Derek Ramsey, Anne Curtis DIRECTOR: Ruel Bayani GENRE: drama DISTRIBUTOR: Viva, Star Cinema LOCATION: Philippines RUNNING TIME : 110 minutes Technical Assessment: Moral Assessment: Cinema Rating: For viewers 18 years old and above
ISANG furniture designerproducer si Ram (Derek Ramsay), tapat sa asawang si Sharmaine (Cristine Reyes) at gustong mamuhay nang maayos para sa kinabukasan ng kanilang magiging pamilya. Sa panahong iniaalok niya ang kanyang mga disenyo upang makuha ang kontrata mula sa Costa Luz beach resort, makikilala niya si Cara (Anne Curtis), anak ng may-ari, si Mr. Zalderiaga. Matitipuan siya ni Cara at hindi siya tatantanan hanggang hindi bumibigay ang kanyang pagkalalaki dito. Paglalabanan ni Ram ang kariktan ni Cara, ngunit mapilit ang babae, at sasabihing wala siyang tangkang umibig sa lalakio ibigin nito. Sa paningin ni Cara, isa siyang liberated woman na nakukuha ang anumang gustuhin niya. Bagamat mahal ni Ram ang maybahay niyang si Sharmaine, madadarang din ito sa init ni Cara. Matutuklasan ni Sharmaine ang nangyayari, ngunit tigas nang tatanggi si Cara na mawala sa kanya si Ram. Umiibig na siya, sa wakasamin
ni Cara sa kanyang matatalik na kaibiganat ipaglalaban niya ang karapatan niyang umibig. Nakakagulat na napakaraming tao ang gustong manood ng No Other Womansa unang araw ng labas nito, puno ang isang sinihan sa Makati na karaniwan namang hindi naglalabas ng pelikulang Pilipino. Nang magtanong kami, yon palay dahil sa pag-aakalang mas marami itong naglalagablab na eksena kaysa My Neighbors Wife. Ngunit lalong higit sa maiinit na eksena, ang dialogue ang nagdadala ng kuwento sa No Other Woman. Makatapos naming mapanood ito, naisip namin: para lang kaming nanood ng isang TV drama sa higanteng screen. Pero narinig namin mula sa isang nanood, Parang Korean telenobela na pinagkasya sa dalawang oras. (Hindi kami maka-sang-ayon pagkat hindi kami mahilig manood ng Korean telenovela). May kuwentong maayos at madaling sundan ito, pero nilagyan ng subplots na hindi naman pinakitaan ng resolusyon sa dulo. Kakaunti ang mga tauhan, at halos ay nakatutok ang kamera sa maliit nilang mundo. Magaling ang pagganap ng mga pangunahing artista, ayon sa hinihingi ng kuwento, bagamat hindi naman gasinong mabigat ang hinihingi ng mga papel nila. Minsan, pagkat masasabi mo na humigit-kumulang ang magiging katapusan ng kuwento dahil sa takbo ng usapan ng mga tauhan, ang pansin mo
ay maaagaw ng nakikita mo, ang ibinibilad na katawan ng mga artista, lalol na ni Curtis, ang magandang karagatan, magarang mga kuwarto, atbp. Ang pinakamabuting parte ng No Other Woman ay ang pagtataguyod nito sa kasagraduhan ng pagaasawahan. Malinaw at matuwid ang katapusan. Ipinapakita rin nito ang katotohanan na pighati ang ibinubunga ng kapalaluan at katigasan ng ulo. Palalo si Cara sa pag-aakalang kayang-kaya niyang kontrolin ang sarili ngunit hindi ito kinunsinti ng kuwento. Naging mahina din si Ram, subalit ipinamalas din ng pelikula ang mapait na ibinubunga nito na maaaring kumitil sa anumang kabutihang nasa buhay na niya. Maliwanag na sinasalamin ng pelikula ang halaga ng pagharap sa sariling kamalian, ang paghingi ng kapatawaran, at ang nararapat na pagpapatawad. Pagkamatuwid ang nananaig sa lahat, na siya lamang karapat-dapat ayon sa batas ng kalikasan, ng tao at ng Dios. Makabubuting panoorin ito ng mga mag-asawa o ng mga taong gusto nang magasawa, at nang mapag-usapan ang mga maseselang bagay na humahadlang sa tagumpay at ligaya ng pag-aasawa. May matututuhan din dito ang mga babaeng Cara sa ating paligid. Sige, maging pasaway kayo, pero hindi ninyo masasabing hindi kayo binalaan ng No Other Woman.
MAC en COLET
Ni Bladimer Usi
Look for the images of Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, Crucifix and Dove. (Illustration by Bladimer Usi)
Buhay Parokya
TITLE: Friends with Benefits CAST: Justin Timberlake (Dylan), Mila Kunis (Jamie), Patricia Clarkson (Lorna), Jenna Elfman (Annie), Bryan Greenberg (Parker), Richard Jenkins (Mr. Harper), Woody Harrelson (Tommy) and Emma Stone (Kayla) DIRECTOR: Will Gluck SCREENWRITER: Keith Merryman, David A. Newman PRODUCER: Mr. Gluck, Martin Shafer, Liz Glotzer, Jerry Zucker and Janet Zucker EDITOR: Tia Nolan MUSICAL DIRECTOR GENRE: Romantic Comedy CINEMATOGRAPHER: Michael Grady DISTRIBUTOR: Screen Gems LOCATION: New York & Los Angeles, USA; RUNNING TIME: 107 minutes Technical Assessment: Moral Assessment: Cinema Rating: For viewers 18 years old and above
THE movie tries to place a contemporary spin on an old boy meets girl-loves girl but doesnt know it plot with sex in the equation. It follows how best friends Jamie (Mila Kunis), the emotional wreck, and Dylan (Justin Timberlake), the emotionally unavailable, decide one night that they can push their friendship a little further without having to worry about the emotional entanglement that comes after. So after some time of sexual trysts, their friendship deepens until bam they fall in love but refuse to admit it to themselves, much more to each other. So, their friendship is tested, they part ways and realize they cant live without each other. Of course, as any other romantic comedies, in the end the boy gets the girl. (So much for not wanting to do another romantic clich.) Lets look at the movie as a romantic comedy. Was it funny? At times. Was it romantic? A little. Was it a genius? No. And heres why. The plot is tired formula. You immediately knew where it will go, how it will end and how it will get there. Even the dad suffering from Alzheimers or the gay friend who served as triggers for Dylan to reflect and realize his feelings is absolutely pathetic. The comedy was mostly derived from the awkwardness of the sex scenes, which have elicited more frowns and disgust than chuckles. The effort to give an old plot a fresh approach failed because save for the awkwardness of the premise, the movie had nothing more to offer. Technically, Friends with benefits is acceptable. The acting was passable, although Kunis exerted more effort than Timberlake who probably thinks that baring his butt makes up for his shallowness. Their chemistry, however, was good and believable. The scoring was cute and made up for the lack of emotional sympathy of the scenes. Overall, this is not one of those romantic comedies youd like to watch with a significant other. The greatest problem this movie poses is its very understanding of sex as merely an emotional consummation of a romantic relationship. It is enough to have gone 5 dates with a guy so that sleeping with him becomes acceptable. It is simply a physical need, like hunger or sleep, which needs to be addressed. It never mentions commitment and responsibility as part of it. As the movie title implies, SEX is just a BENEFIT that comes with having a boyfriend/girlfriend,instead of being an intimate act between two people within the confines of a perpetual vow to love each other exclusively. The sexual cannot be without emotional and spiritual attachment for the partner because this is when you bare yourself and your soul to someone whom you trust and who will accept you for who you are. That is why it should be exclusively for mature adults who are willing to commit to marriage. Even the end scene failed to redeem the convoluted morals of the story as we see Dylan and Jamie passionately trying to get under each others clothes in public. FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS should be for discerning adults who have mature consciences so that they can clearly distinguish between being genuinely funny and being contemptible.
Vol. 15 No. 21
October 10 - 23, 2011
CBCP Monitor
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to come out of our comfort zone and be ready for a lot of sacrifices along the way. We need to aspire for greater things. CFC is called to a more public life and to exercise our prophetic role. We are being asked to let the Lords goodness shine in CFC, a light that attracts others. We need to be grateful for everything that
Many of the IC members and wives confessed that their hearts stirred powerfully within them when Proclaim the greatness of the Lord from Luke 1: 46 was finally considered as the CFC theme. Although it is a Marian statement, the focus is on the Lord. The choice to make Mary the Mother of God is
The Handmaids of the Lord in Europe marched to this chant during the 11th HOLD European Conference held from September 30 to October 2. The Geneva PALEXPO in Geneva, Switzerland reverberated with about 300 joyous voices as the conference, aptly titled a Call to Arms A Call to Victory unfolded over the following three days. This years gathering was very special because of the ingenuity in the way songs of praise and worship were presented by each delegation, coming from around 20 countries in Europe and at least three countries outside Europe, including Canada, the USA and the Philippines. . It was a welcome change from the usual praise parade normally witnessed in previous conferences. To the many HOLD present, it evoked the image of Joshua and the chosen people marching around the fortified city of Jericho, blowing their trumpets and chanting loudly, inevitably bringing down the city walls.
about A Call to Arms. A Call to Victory. She emphasized the importance of claiming the victory that the Lord Jesus has already won for us. It was an inspiring sight when she led brothers and sisters representing each of the family ministries: the Couples, the Servants, Handmaids of the Lord, Singles and the Kids for Christ, to wave their respective banners while everyone sang the song of victory. We will march to victory for God has won the fight. Of course, the weekend with the Lord would not be complete without fellowship with one another. The night of singing and dancing on Saturday was enjoyed by all. To add to the enjoyment, an impromptu program with presentations from the different delegations proved that Handmaids are gifted with loads of talents. The weekend ended all too soon for the Handmaids who received so much in terms of insights and learnings which they vowed to echo in their respective countries. At the end of the conference, it was announced that the 12th HOLD Eurocon will be held in the Netherlands.
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Ugnayan
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 21
October 10 - 23, 2011
THE Kids For Christ Australian Kids Village (AKV) last September 23 to 25 at the Merroo Christian Centre, Sydney, with the
By Jessa Dasas
by Chino Jose
YFC Metro Manila Central B held its seventh sector conference last September entitled I AM HIS with the tagline My Pride, His Glory. It was a one-day event held at Aula Minor Auditorium in Pasig Catholic College. The conference used 2 Corinthians 12:9 as the anchor verse. --But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christs power may rest on me. The past sector conferences had based their themes on revival and recovery. This year, inspired by the superhero trend, which served as the conferences creative handle, the overall theme focused on humility. The morning of the event was pumped up with an opening worship led by the
held the whole morning. Marky Abisado, Sector Head of Campus Based, led the opening worship to open the second half of the conference. JQ Quimpang, a YFC fulltime pastoral worker, gave the first session entitled His Glory, expounding on the truth that Gods glory will never fade, will never end and will remain forever. Deciery Pagara, a fulltime
THE North B sector, as one of geographically bigger sectors of CFC Youth for Christ in Metro Manila sprawling from the Katipunan area all the way to the southern portions of Fairview, has been the home of countless steadfast servant leaders of the Lord. At present, YFC North B has already held a total of 6 sector conferences, including the most recent Overflow sector conference last September 17, 2011 at the Claret School of Quezon City Gymnasium. On that day, North B Youth for Christ members from the different programs - Campus Based, High School Based, Community/Parish based, R.O.C.K. (Reaching out Christ to Kids), YCom (Youth Communications), and the recently re-opened TORCH (Towards Renewal in Christ) program gathered as one to celebrate and enjoy Gods overflowing love. Part of the event had members and groups showcasing talents ranging from singing, dancing and simply entertaining the crowd, through the Band, Show Choir, Dance and Gag competitions. The Isaiah Band from the Community Based program won the band competition.
CABAG (Campus Based A Capella Group) won first place for Show Choir. The Exodus Dance Group, also from Campus Based, danced their way to victory, and the Community Based gag performers impressed the youth. All of these winners will participate in the creative competitions of the YFC Metro Manila Conference this month (October) Following the competitions were creative and immensely inspirational videos including one of Nick Vujicic, a man with no arms and legs, who testified that God is all we really need to finish strong everyday. Chaz Michael Datu, North Bs overall sector youth head, then led the main session for the conference. He spoke about Gods promises to the youth and the youths response to Gods love in the midst of insecurities,
struggles, losses, and forgotten dreams. Chaz encouraged the conference participants to surrender everything to God by listing down their complaints on provided pieces of paper. As each YFC submitted their lists, they were given in exchange a brief letter from the Lord assuring them of His undeniable love and the mission everybody has to live out in Jesus. The theme of the sector conference, OVERFLOW was inspired by the Bible verse We love because God loved us first. Through the conference, everyone was reminded to fill their hearts with nothing but pure love given by God. They were reminded to accept Jesus Christ whole-heartedly into their life. With Jesus in them, they can love anyone in this world with all their heart and soul.
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 21
October 10 - 23, 2011
Ugnayan
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ANCOP UAE Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony; Construction of San Mateo ANCOP Homes Begins
ANCOP United Arab Emirates (UAE) held a ground breaking ceremony in early September in Barangay Bane, Balanga, Bataan where it will build a community of 30 ANCOP U.S.A. homes. This community is part of 135 homes to be built for poor Filipinos in a piece of land donated by Dr. Amang and Christy Abello, ANCOP U.S.A. supporters from San Antonio, Texas. Among those who attended the simple ceremony were Ricky Cuenca, Couples for Christ chairman, Dr. Joe Yamamoto, ANCOP Chairman, Eric de los Reyes, ANCOP President & CEO, Grace Princesa, Philippine Ambassador to UAE, Ramuel Garcia, Head of ANCOP UAE and local officials of Balanga. Construction of the ANCOP UAE homes will begin shortly. Four months ago, ANCOP U.S.A.s South Central Region held a similar ANCOP Chairman Joe Yamamoto and CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca (standing, center) with Amb. Grace Princesa (seated, middle) and other ANCOP officials and local government officials after the groundbreaking ceremony. ceremony in the same area for the building of a 30home ANCOP U.S.A. comBahrain, Oman and Kuwait. ring Community (Maryland) in Our munity. Meanwhile, Elmer Pacia, ANCOP Lady of Banneux ANCOP Community Eric de los Reyes said that five other U.S.A. Community Development Pro- in San Mateo, Rizal has started. ANCOP groups from Middle Eastern gram Director, announced that conPacia said the eight homes will be countries will also donate 30 homes in struction of the first eight of 30 homes in turned over to their owners before Barangay Bane, namely, Saudi Arabia, the ANCOP U.S.A. Kathleen Scher- Christmas.
ANCOP USA Walk Young Fil-Am uses birthday fest Raises P5.6 Million to raise funds for ANCOP CSP
By ANCOP USA News Bureau
SEPT 26, 2011 - Gian Lizardo of Chicago is a young FilipinaAmerican. She turned 25 years old earlier this month. To celebrate this important event in her life, she thought of serving God by helping some poor children in the Philippines through ANCOP. Gian approached ANCOP U.S.A. and inquired how she could help the poor children in her parents native country on her birthday. She was advised to create a solicitation page from www.firstgiving. com. ANCOP U.S.A. has an account with that web site where anyone could create a page for fundraising purposes on behalf of a non-profit organization like ANCOP. Gian did exactly as advised. She now has a page at http://www.firstgiving. com/fundraiser/gian/kingdombuilding. Titled Building the Kingdom of God, Gian wrote the following introduction: As Im entering my 25th year of life, I reflect on everything thus far and see how beautifully God has worked throughout my life. I am confident in the many more miracles He has in store. For me personally, I know that He has called me to help build His Kingdom and free all those oppressed by struggle. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18-19). So for my birthday this year, I wanted to share the blessings that
THE ANCOP U.S.A. Walk 2011 held last month in 19 cities in 12 states around the U.S. raised the equivalent of$130,000 or 5.6 million pesos, according to Rollie Balanza, ANCOP U.S.A. Chief Financial Officer. The money will be used for ANCOPs two major programs, namely the Child Sponsorship Program (CSP) and the Community Development Program (CDP). The annual project, which is held globally, is a three-mile walk aimed at raising funds for ANCOP programs. The 2011 ANCOP USA Walk was held in: Coconut Creek, Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa, Florida; Albany, Georgia; Hoffman Estates, Illinois; Baltimore, Maryland; Metropolitan Washington, D.C.; Jersey City, New Jersey; Waxhaw, North Carolina; Milpitas, San Mateo, Vallejo and San Dimas, California; Dallas and Houston, Texas; Virginia Beach, Virginia and Richland, Washington. The number of registered participants totaled 2,247.
He has showered upon me with those whom we most often forget we are sent to truly serve. With a new school year upon us, I thought it would be great to help send ONE child through ONE year of elementary or high school ($32/month or $384/year), and ONE young adult
through ONE college ($64/ month or $768/year) through ANCOP Foundations Child Sponsorship Program (CSP). In total, my goal is to raise $1,152 to send two youth to school. As of this this writing, Gian has raised 56 percent of her goal.
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who have light. The event started with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by Rev. Father Jun Lingad, from Don Bosco Seminary, Paraaque city. This was followed by opening remarks delivered by Vic Yamamoto, CFC Metro Manila South B Family Ministries Head. Michael Bocalig, one of the ANCOP Chapter Heads from the SB5 cluster, led the opening worship. The Outburst chant
was then played and taught by the Sector band together with the YCom Dance Crew and the Emcees. This was followed by the creative competitions such as, band, dance, acappella and gag videos. Lance Katigbak, Chapter Head in the SB5 cluster, delivered a short session on life. He emphasized the importance of saying yes to life. The afternoon worship was then led by Guio Pimentel, Cluster Head of SB9, followed by a
Praise and Fashion presentation featuring the Sector Youth Heads, Cluster Heads, Presidents, Program Volunteers and High School Program Volunteers. Pat Acapulco, Community Based Sector Youth Head, de-
livered a very inspiring session entitled Black and White. His session tackled faith, friends, family, and school, the four areas important in the life of the youth. Chibang Ebron, Cluster Head of SB4, shared about his experiences at school; Rachel Delos Reyes, Cluster Head of SB7, shared about her family; Renz Gamo , a high school based member, shared about his friends; and, Wen Alegre, Cluster Head of SB1, shared about his faith.
Gerald Sobrevega, Over All Sector Youth Head, delivered the last session entitled Outburst of Colors. He emphasized the importance of Gods light as he showed the youth the colors of the rainbow that can also symbolize the 7 identities of YFC. The event ended with a praise fest led by PJ Arcillas, High School Based Sector Youth Head who reminded everyone that the Lord always has bigger plans for us.
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By Ricky Cuenca
Ugnayan
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 21
October 10 - 23, 2011
By Melo Villaroman
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 21
October 10 - 23, 2011
Ugnayan
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By Joe Yamamoto
Into Galilee
(Part 3 of the series The Pilgrims Journey) The third leg of the pilgrimage brings us to Tiberias, an ancient town on the western edge of the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee bears other names -- Lake Galilee, Lake Tiberias, Lake Gennesaret, and Lake Kennereth (Chinnereth). In ancient Israel, the Sea of Galilee was called the Sea of Chinnereth ( from the Hebrew word kinnor, meaning harp, indicating the shape of the lake). In the times of the New Testament, the name Sea of Gennesaret was also applied. The Jewish Talmud ( 2nd century AD) referred to it as Lake Tiberias. The Sea of Galilee, mainly situated in the northern half of Israel, is the setting of many events that occurred during the Galilean ministry of Jesus. The largest freshwater lake in Israel, the Sea of Galilee is fed mainly by the Jordan River with waters coming all the way from Mount Hermon to the north and other tributaries. Beyond the lake the Jordan River continues until it drains ultimately into the Dead Sea to the south. Since early prehistoric times, this vital lake area has drawn people to it because of the warm weather, lush vegetation, and plentiful fish. To us Christians, the Sea of Galilee has so much special significance, as it was in its surrounding areas that Jesus was most active, performed many miracles, and held many of His powerful teachings and discourses. Familiar to all Christians are such places around the Sea of Galilee as Mountain of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Tabgha where Jesus performed the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes and the Church of the Primacy of Peter. Compared to other bigger bodies of water in other parts of the world, the Sea of Galilee is small and rather ordinary. And yet it holds so much importance and impact in the history of our faith. The relation between man and His Creator and that of man with others has been defined by so many events that transpired in and around Galilee. MOUNTAIN of the BEATITUDES The traditional name of the discourse that Jesus delivered in Matthew 5 has been called the Sermon on the Mount. The Sermon is a manifesto of the Kingdom of Heaven and has become a code of Christian morality. The demands of the Sermon are challenging but they are key to the authentic Christian life. The Mountain of the Beatitudes is located on the northwestern shore of the lake, above Capernaum. The place where Jesus delivered the Sermon is now occupied by an octagonal shaped Church, each side commemorative of each Beatitude. The Church of the Beatitudes is situated on top of the mountain. Standing on its high ground, a pilgrim has a commanding view of the Sea of Galilee. The place is so inspiring that one cannot help but reflect on how the disciples would have felt as they were listening to the powerful words coming from the very lips of Jesus. The message was important then as it is relevant today for the contemporary believers. It is not difficult to imagine that the listeners would have been moved by the beauty and the power of the discourse of Jesus. The beatitudes provide the road map that the followers of Christ need to follow as they journey in their life of faith. CAPERNAUM There is a steel gate that a pilgrim goes through in entering the ruins of a village. A sign boldly proclaims Capharnaum, the Town of Jesus. Perhaps it is a testament to the fact that during the Galilean ministry, Jesus considered Capernaum his second home. Located in the northern tip of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum was the site of many sermons preached by our Lord and He performed more miracles there than anywhere else. Capernaum has the distinction of being the fishing village where Jesus recruited his first disciples - Andrew, Simon Peter, John and James. In Luke 5:10-11 Jesus said to Simon- do not be afraid, from now on you will be catching men. When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him. Matthew the tax collector was also from Capernaum. The town of Capernaum was where the mother-in-law of Simon Peter and the paralytic ( Mark 2:4-5 (NIV) were healed. There is currently reason to believe that the healing of the paralytic occurred in the house of Peter. Three other homes in this famed town are mentioned as well in the gospels -- the house of Matthew the tax collector, the house of Jairus and the house of the Centurion, the one whose servant was healed by Jesus. TABGHA Located in the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee and not far from Capernaum, Tabgha is the traditional site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes (Mark 6:30-46) and the third postresurrection appearance of Jesus (John 21:1-24). The sites name is derived from the Greek word Heptapegon (seven springs), testament to its providing abundant water to the lush gardens that once occupied the place. Today the Church of the Mulmessage of the miracles is that the twelve baskets of leftovers appeal particularly to the Jews, who were the primary witnesses to the event (i.e.the twelve tribes) while seven is the number applicable to the Gentiles who were the principal witnesses to the second multiplication. It is fitting to know that these two miracles happened in the final year of ministry of Jesus. The clearly unmistakable message is Jesus came for all, Jews and Gentiles alike. FEED MY SHEEP-the Primacy of Peter A Franciscan church called the Church of the Primacy of Peter stands along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. This is the site of the poignant and momentous that led to the calling of the first disciples, Jesus gave instructions: cast the net on the right side and you will find some. It was an understatement, because Peter and company caught a netful of fishes, one hundred fifty three in all. The gospels relate two miraculous hauls of fish -- the first at the time of the call of the first disciples and second during the post-resurrection appearance of the Risen Christ. Both happened in Galilee. At that very instance, their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus; the apostle John said it clearly: It is the Lord and excitedly Peter preceded them all and plunged into the water. After they had their fill during the truly special Breakfast by the Sea, Jesus taught a lesson that was unforgettable for its importance The glorious event that subsequently happened, for Peter, was very personal and up close. Jesus restores Peter to his rightful place. It was a unique and extraordinary way for Jesus to reinstate Simon Peter and make him realize that all is well and he is forgiven for his threetime denial of Jesus. Three times Jesus asked Peter Do you love me? Three times Peter responded in the affirmative Yes Lord, you know that I love you. The final instruction of Jesus was captured in the powerful words - Feed My Lambs... Tend my Sheep,... and Feed My Sheep. Peter grieved at every question but felt relieved and restored at the ultimate affirmation from the Lord. The final chapter of John ( John 21) provided the fitting closure to the four gospels of the four evangelists. For all the lessons learned, every struggling Christian, especially those tasked to be leaders of their community, must accept the dual personality of a leader-- initially as the Fisherman who draws people by casting the net of Gods word and drawing them in and later, who allows himself to metamorphose to a Shepherd of the flock as Peter had once been. LEARNING FROM SIMON PETER As Christian leaders working in challenging environments and confronted with the modern day realities of materialism, selfishness and hedonism, will Simon Peter be a good role model? Peter had once been like every one of us, unprepared and perhaps even unconcerned with the affairs of the world. As we encounter the Lord and allow His grace to work in and through us, just as Peter found out, we are likewise invited to discipleship. What is critically important is to follow the examples of Peter in terms of his willingness to be present with the Lord, to be ready with our own journey of spiritual and personal transformation and to allow the Lord to reach down to us and look after our welfare and safety. As a disciple of Christ, Peter learned to confront his own failings but he never had a fallout with God because he recognized Gods indispensability in his life. Just like Peter, we must profess that Jesus is our Messiah and like him, we will not leave as Jesus is the Son of God and he has the words of eternal life. To whom can we go? In response to his call, Peter allowed Jesus to transform him from an unassuming fisherman to an obedient and ever ready fisher of men and to a shepherd called to feed Gods sheep. Such attitude must imbue us in our daily life- to desire to be in the presence of God. POSTSCRIPT The Church of the Primacy of Peter is important to us Catholics not only because its hallowed ground witnessed the full restoration of Simon Peter but also highlighted his role as the first Vicar of Christ entrusted with the mission to Feed my Sheep. This chapel lies to the north of the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes. In the ninth century, the church was called the Place of the Coals, referring to the incident where Jesus prepared the meals for the apostles after building a charcoal fire with which to cook the fish. About that time frame as well, there were Twelve Stones, heart shaped and placed along the shore to commemorate the twelve apostles. Finally, in front of the present altar of the church, there is a projection of limestone rock , venerated as the Mensa Christi, Latin for table of Christ. According to tradition, this is the spot where Jesus is said to have laid out a breakfast of bread and fish for the apostles, and told Peter to Feed my sheep.
tiplication stands in the place where Jesus stood as he blessed the loaves and fishes that will feed the crowd who have come to hear him. This was the first multiplication of the loaves and fishes (Matt.14, Mark 6, Luke 9 and John 6) where Jesus fed five thousand people and the leftover crumbs were collected in twelve baskets. Not too long after was the second multiplication of loaves and fishes (Matt.15 and Mark 8). In the latter instance, Jesus fed four thousand and the leftover bread crumbs were collected in seven baskets (see Catholic Bible Dictionary, p.621). The first miracle was in Tabgha whereas the second miracle occurred farther to the north and west towards Gentile territory. Of noteworthy significance are the twelve baskets in the first and seven in the second. The
encounter between Jesus and the disciples after the Resurrection. Afraid and at a loss to comprehend the death and crucifixion of Christ, six other disciples joined Simon Peter to fish in the Galilee --Andrew, John, James, Philip, Nathanael, and Thomas called Didymus. The final chapter of John (John 21) could very well be entitled Breakfast by the Sea for at the crack of dawn the Resurrected Jesus made his presence felt and later known. Once again, Peter was not content with doing nothing and declared I am going fishing. Readily the other disciples joined him in the boat. As in a similar earlier encounter, the disciples caught nothing. An as yet unrecognized Jesus asked if they had any food; the unanimous reply was: No. Once again, much like the event
By Jun Uriarte
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Ugnayan
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 21
October 10 - 23, 2011
allowed us to use Our Lady of Lourdes primary school facilities to conduct the first parish based Christian Life Program. The community continued to grow over the next decade and went from two households to several chapters. All the Family Ministries were in full swing and grew steadily throughout Brisbane. With the grace of God, we were able to host numerous Oceania Conferences and actively worked with the archdiocese. However, in 2009, the ramifications of the split in Couples for Christ Philippines became evident in Brisbane. On 1 January, 2009, CFC Brisbane announced that it was officially joining an
hardships ahead. To do this, the remaining members of Singles for Christ were gathered and Marcy Mission from CFC Sydney conducted a series of information sessions explaining the events surrounding the decision of CFC Australia National Council to remain an independent group. He clarified the differences between the new group, CFC (Australia) Global Mission Inc., and CFC (Aust.) Oceania Mission Ltd., the original group which was affiliated with CFC Global Mission Inc. (Philippines). Members made their decisions about where they would commit their service to and we moved on. Nevertheless, such significant
CFC Brisbane held a joyous celebration of 15 years of life with the Lord on Sunday, September 11. IC member Joe Tale, who is also the Continental Overseer for Oceania (which includes Australia), was the guest of honor during the celebrations. CFC Brisbane was severely affected during the 2007 separation, with the bulk of their membership choosing the independent option, meaning they affiliated with neither group. That they are now celebrating, in great numbers, is evidence of Gods spirit working in those who remained and of their dedication and commitment to intensify efforts to evangelize. Roland Tenorio, who was among the few who opted to stay loyal to CFC Global Mission Foundation, shared his and the original groups struggles during the anniversary (see sharing at left). He affirmed that CFC Brisbane is cognizant of their being part of the CFC global family. The anniversary celebrations were capped by a praise and worship concert on September 17, with the Brisbane Music Ministry Band, named All for God, performing. According to Roland, the months of preparation and hard work really paid off. It was a great event for the community to worship and appreciate Christian music as well as to evangelize their friends and families. build the Church of the home and working for the poor. As we herald the fifteenth anniversary of Couples for Christ Brisbane, the fruits of our labor become particularly apparent to me during praise and worship, as I am surrounded by a hall full of hopeful, faithful people who are surrendering their lives to His call. They are not only couples who have been married for many years but also, newlyweds and their young families starting their journey, members of Singles for Christ preparing for the sacrament of marriage, youth on fire who are shaking up their generation and children who will live a childhood where they know and experience Gods love every day. Our loving God gave CFC Brisbane the experience to grow in Christ, and when the times are tough, when we feel alone, it is then that we must be strong to face the problems that lie aheadit is then that we Put on the full armor of God.
including from the heavy equipment that they use. But I showed them that I could do the job; in fact I was joyfully singing praise and worship songs while I was cleaning, glorifying and thanking God for that job. I was so happy when I went home that first day because aside from my days pay, I was also given free meat. This privilege was granted to me everyday that I worked there, which meant that my children and I always had food on our table. We never failed to thank God for all these blessings But one night, something happened to me. At around 3 AM I woke up with so much pain in my arms and hands. The pain was unbearable so much so that I felt like cutting off my arms! I cried and prayed to God to heal me because I really needed to go to work at the butcher shop. I fell asleep praying and crying, and woke up in tears. My children told me that they would come with me to help me at the shop so that I wouldnt lose my job. I was quite hesitant to bring them but I had no choice, so I took my chances and brought them with me. To my surprise the people at the shop did not even question us and were even happy to see my children working with me. Looking at my three children working, I felt so happy because of their sense of responsibility but guilty at the same time because they were forced to work at their age. My seven year old son was joyfully wiping the glass surfaces. His
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 21
October 10 - 23, 2011
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and act on it. Beyond biology is the primacy of the Word of God, and here is where Lukes Mariology is coming to surface. Luke asserts that for Jesus, my mother hears the Word of God and does it. Martha and Mary Lukes fundamental assertion on Mary is made clearer in Lk 10: 38-42. In the story of Martha and Mary, Martha always did all the serving while Mary always sat down at the Lords feet to listen to his words. Martha asked Jesus, Lord, dont you care that my sister has left me to do all the serving? Jesus answered, Martha, Martha, you worry and are troubled about many things, whereas only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken away from her. Msgr. Vengco explained that Jesus answer to Martha is a clarification by Jesus to a dear friend. One thing is needed, tiyakin mo na ikaw ay busog sa diwa at kaluluwa. (Be sure that you are filled both in mind and spirit.) Mary was like a student listening to a teacher, bawat kataga ay dinadampot. Kaya, hindi ko siya uutusang tumigil sa pakikinig sa akin. (every word is picked up. That is why I do not ask her to stop listening to me.) Addressing the CFC leaders, Msgr. Vengco exhorted: Marami kayong gagawin sa CFC. Bago kayo sumugod, kayo muna ay umupo sa harapan ng Guro at makinig sa Kanyang salita. (There are many things you need to do in CFC. Before you rush to do them, first you need to sit in front of the Teacher and listen to His words.) Stories peculiar in Luke Just as the Wedding in Cana is an account peculiar to John, Msgr. Vengco called attention to a story peculiar only to Lukes Gospel. In Lk 11: 27-28, As Jesus was speaking, a woman spoke from the crowd and said to him, Blessed is the one who bore you and nursed you! Jesus replied, Surely, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it as well. Msgr. Vengco noted that Jesus answer is the same as His answer to Martha. Infancy narratives After noting that Lk 8:21, 10:28, and 11:28 are consistent in saying that Sa totoo lang, ang pagpapala na higit sa lahat ay nagsalita ang Diyos, ang Kanyang Salita ay napakinggan at isinabuhay, (In truth, the greatest blessing is that God spoke and His Word was listened to and lived.) Msgr. Vengco directed the attention of the CFC leaders to Lk 1: 26 -38, the Annunciation. The Angel Gabriel was sent to a young virgin. Therefore, according to Msgr. Vengco, the Word of God was delivered by an angel the bearer of the Word of God to Mary. When the angel said: Hail favored one, the Lord is with you, Mary was troubled at these words. Msgr. Vengco explained that Mary was troubled because the angels greeting is a direct quotation from Zephaniah 3:14-17, which are Gods words to Israel, but this time, delivered to a woman. Msgr. Vengco proceeded to discuss the interaction between the God who speaks and Mary who listens. In Lk 1: 34, Mary asked: How can this be? as if asking How can the Word of God happen? Mary, said Msgr. Vengco, is so much one of us. She was puzzled and she asked questions. But when God speaks, there comes a dialogue. In Lk 1:38, there is an end to the dialogue, with Mary saying: I am the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word. Msgr. Vengco expounded that, servant means one who hears every word that a master utters; a good servant is a good listener. Mary is saying, I am listening to Your every word, O God. Servant also means that what she hears, she obeys. Mary is saying: God, before You I now stand. I will listen to your Word and I will carry out Your Word. To be a servant, then, is to be both a hearer and a doer. Msgr. Vengco cautioned that Hearing without doing leads to condemnation, while doing without hearing leads to disaster to self and to others. Mary, the first disciple Being a servant is the most succinct expression of Marys spirituality: listening attentively, and carrying out effectively. Mary is a good soil (Lk8:15); one who has chosen the better part(Lk 10:42); and one who listens to the word of God and keeps it as well (Lk 11:27). Mary therefore, is the first and perfect disciple of Jesus Christ.
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In Lk 2: 41-52, Mary had a new experience in hearing the Word of God. While before, the word was delivered to Mary by an angel, or the shepherds, or through Simeons lips, Mary heard the Word of God this time coming from Jesus at 12 years old: Why were you looking for me? Do you not know that I must be in my Fathers house? This verse, according to Msgr. Vengco, is equivalent to Johns depiction of Jesus in the Wedding of Cana. For Jesus, the most important is the Fathers will. Jesus belongs to the Father, and the house of the Father is wherever the Father is Father. Jesus is saying, I am here in the world to obey my Fathers will.
Msgr. Vengco concluded that the challenge is to focus on the will of God, by being a servant, hearer and doer. This takes a journey, to believe and to trust, just like Mary. Quoting Pope Benedict XVI, the Word of God is like a seed. To grow, two things must happen: (1) the seed must be willing to take the soil and live rooted in the soil; and (2) the soil must be ready to surrender to, and accept the seed; it must belong to the seed. Msgr. Vengco concluded the session by praying over the CFC leaders that they be recognizable as Marys children, by imitating Mary as hearer and doer of the Word.
deeply moving recollection for the whole CFC Community in Brunei. He challenged the community to deepen their spiritual life and enhance pastoral relationships. He went on to exhort them to go back to your prayer life and to start a lifestyle attuned to God. He reminded each one to take a more serious look at the covenant they made with God when they completed the CLP and committed themselves to CFC
ucanews.com/2011/09/26/ lay-ministry-reaps-rewards/. September 26, 2011 Dozens of tribal parishioners in Nepal September 26 vowed to pray and study the Bible following a three-week Couples for Christ program at St Ignatius Loyola parish church. The Couples for Christ movement is a lay ministry formed in the Philippines
ported by lay people from Assumption Church and the India-based Sisters of Charity of Saints Capitanio and Gerosa, who run a nearby hostel. Inductees to the movement were given certificates, Bibles and prayer leaflets by Father Jomon James of St Ignatius, an Indian priest who arrived in the parish this year. I started living here in the Church this year even
Therefore, we need to be constantly reminded of our covenant and take a daily dose of CLLoRet: Commitment, Love, Loyalty, Respect and Trust to invigorate us. In this session, a parade of the various communities under the banner of the Church of Our Lady of Assumption garnered a resounding cheer from all the participants. The next battlefield is the one closest to our hearts the family. Solina Kua-Lau, from CFC-Sibu, Sarawak, clearly described the attacks on the family today and how each attack aims to destroy Gods plan for man when He created man and woman together. Finally, Nanette Ramos, CFC-HOLD from Brunei, expounded on our own personal spiritual battle
since Satans ultimate target is to destroy the person and his relationship with God. Knowing that one will not/may not come out unscathed in a spiritual battle, she led all women present in consecutive prayers: for healing, for protection; and lastly, a prayer for putting on the full armor of God the armor described in Ephesians 6:10 -18, in order to be battle-ready in all fields of spiritual conflict. The conference ended with a prayer by Fr. Arin Sugit which he explained, was a prayer before going into battle. With yellow flags bearing the insignia of COLA waving and with wrists bound with yellow ribbons signifying unity, the women marched out, singing and praising the Lord - ready for battle.
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By Erika Marie Enaje
LAST September 24, 2011, an estimated 34,000 people, 23,000 of them children, in the Philippines and all over the world joined the Kids For Christ - Global Day of Service (GDS)
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2. On this day, the kids with their parents, families, friends, fellow students, teachers, ROCK facilitators and Couple Coordinators came together in their respective areas to do acts of service and love in various schools, barangays, home for the aged and orphanages. The KFC GDS (Global Day of Service) was launched last year in response to the challenge of becoming World Changers. It was participated in by 10,000 kids from the Philippines and all over the world serving others (e.g. feeding street kids, visiting the elderly, assisting in medical missions), serving in Mass, and serving the environment (e.g. tree planting, clean-up and waste segregation). This year, all the CFC sectors of Metro Manila and 49 provinces in the Philippines conducted their Global Day of Service in public schools, where they cleaned classrooms, planted trees, repainted walls, conducted feeding programs and medical missions. Outside the Philippines, Kids for Christ in some states in the US visited a rehabilitation center, entertained old folks at an elderly home, served in Mass, served in the CFC Assembly and gathered to collect donations for ANCOP. In Europe, KFC Milan and KFC Geneva served in the Holy Mass while in Seychelles, Africa, kids visited the elderly in their homes. Kids from countries in the Middle East and Australia, among other countries, also did their part by doing different things for
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 21
the environment. The message of the yearly GDS was Kids Can! - Kids can lead! Kids can serve! Kids can make a difference! This was derived from the verse of Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Thus, GDS 2 concentrated on the dec-
laration that Kids Can Lead believing that through the kids service and leadership, many will be inspired to do something about changing the world and bringing it back to the plan of God. This year was once again a success and the kids are excited for the third Global Day of Service 2012.
ish center, the venue of the CLP. We were greeted enthusiastically by the participants as Jorge Asensi was getting ready to give talk 4, Repentance and Faith. Two priests, Fr. Bosco and Fr. Augustine (a different Fr. Augustine, both Myanmar (locals), alternated in being the interpreters for the talks. Interestingly, Fr. Bosco and the first Fr. Augustine studied in Manila for sometime in connection with their priesthood. A female Myanmar also spent around nine months in the Philippines to study English under the sponsorship of the bishop a few years ago. During talks 8 and 9, the electricity started to sputter intermittently, and by the time the pray-over was being done, there was a brownout. The LCD projector could not be used. When the corporate worship started, it was pitch black. Only the generator of the parish saved us but it was able to turn on only the LCD projector and the microphones. We were praising the Lord in darkness and the single fluorescent bulb that illumined the hall during the mini-praisefest, exploded while we were teaching them how