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Pope announces Year of Faith to help renew missionary energy

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Revisiting the Standard Days Method - Seven Perspectives

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The Cross
A Supplement Publication of KCFAPI and the Order of the Knights of Columbus

Bishop hopes militaryMILF clash wont deter peace talks

A CATHOLIC bishop appealed to the Aquino administration to continue the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) despite the bloody encounter in Basilan province. Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad said the deadly clash between the government troopers and the MILF should not disrupt the peace process to end the decades-long armed 00 conflict in Southern Philippines.
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October 24 - November 6, 2011

Vol. 15 No. 22

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Prelate raises alarm over blood trade

LIPA Archbishop Ramon Arguelles has expressed alarm over reports that many jobless Filipinos in Saudi Arabia are selling their own blood to hospitals just to make ends meet. At the same time, Arguelles called on the Aquino administration to seriously address the issue, which according to him, is an indication of the governments inability to address the needs of poor Filipinos. Its clear that they (government) are not providing hope within the country. This is alarming because it shows how miserable the life of our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers), he told church-run Radio Veritas. Even here in our country, many are selling their organs just to survive and earn money for their families. This is a sign of misery that there is no (job) opportunity in the country, said Arguelles. According to the prelate, the government should act on the problem immediately before it is too late or before more Filipinos resort to such desperate measure. I hope the government would take action [on] this and help our OFWs in Saudi, Arguelles added. Above all, to avoid these problems, lets create more jobs here in the country, he also said. Migrante-Middle East earlier reported that some jobless and undocumented OFWs were forced to sell their blood to survive and send remittance to their families. The migrant watchdog estimated that there are between 8,000 and 10,000 undocumented OFWs in Saudi Arabia. (CBCPNews)

CBCP wants swift justice for Fr. Pops

By Roy Lagarde

THE Catholic hierarchy has challenged the Aquino administration to resolve the killing of Italian missionary Fr. Fausto Tentorio in the soonest possible time.
In a statement, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said the challenge now lies in the hands of the government and its law enforcers.

If the case will not be resolved soon, they said, it will just be like any other cases of extrajudicial killings that will be reduced to statistics and embolden the perpetrators of violence. The government must act decisively and swiftly. It must investigate thoroughly every angle of the murder of Fr. Fausto. It cannot simply point at the usual scapegoats, said Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar, CBCP president. In Rome, Pope Benedict XVI expressed his condolences for the murder of Tentorio, and lauded the priests missionary

for his bravery and good work. Distressed by the incident, the pontiff said Tentorio was a good priest, a fervent believer who for many years served the people of the Philippines in a courageous and indefatigable way. He also called for the renunciation of violence and the building of a just and peaceful society where all live together in harmony in the country and offers his blessing as as a pledge of comfort and strength. Tentorio, 59, was shot inside the church compound in Arakan, Cotabato on October 17. He had

served for the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) in Mindanao since 1978. Unfazed Various human rights and environmental organizations believe that the man who killed Tentorio was probably hired by certain personalities seeking revenge against the Italian priest. Piecing together various angles, many believe that Tentotios murder may have something to do with his advocacy against mining and his commitment to the defense of the indigenous peoples.

Despite the incident, religious leaders stressed that the priests death would not silence the church in pursuing his advocacies to preserve the environment and protect indigenous people against corporate exploitation. If the perpetrators think that his murder would silence priests, religious sisters and brothers, and bishops from proclaiming the justice of Gods kingdom, they are wrong, said Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo. The blood of martyrs, like Fr. Fausto, fans the daring and courage of those who care about peace and justice enough to sacrifice themselves while traveling the road of active non-violence, he said. For Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso, the Italian missionarys killing would also inspire more priests and Filipinos to take up Tentorios cause. The thinking of environmentalists and us priests is that whether we get killed or run down, we have to continue with what we are fighting for, said Medroso. Even if Fr. Tentorio was killed, I believe that more people will surface to advocate and protect the environment, he added. This our mission The potential for peril will not prevent the PIME missionaries to minister to the inner regions of Mindanao. Though Tentorio is the third PIME priest to be killed in the resource-rich but largely poor area where Muslim rebels and alQaida-linked militants operate, the PIME is still unfazed. My answer was sometimes I felt tired, sometimes I felt fear.
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Bishop hits Aquino for silence on agrarian reform

A CATHOLIC bishop has criticized President Aquino for his conspicuous silence on agrarian reform amid talks of a looming termination of the extended Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo argued that Aquinos lack of serious commitment for CARP may have contributed to the poor performance of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). The poor performance of DAR in land acquisition and distribution reflects the absence of clear signal and support of the President for agrarian reform, Pabillo said. Pabillo questioned DARs lackadaisical performance in land distribution which only figured to 140,000 hectares as opposed to 200,000 hectaretarget of DAR for 2011. The same was true for 2010 when DAR only managed to distribute 107,000 hectares out of it 200,000 annual target, he said. Pabillo also chairs the National Secretariat for Social ActionJustice and Peace (Nassa) of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). Farmers groups also hit the President for lack of

Catholic priests light candles as they call for justice for slain Italian missionary Fr. Fausto Pops Tentorio after a Mass for Justice and Peace held at the Quiapo Church in Manila, 24 October 2011.

Health pros urged to expose link between cancer and contraceptive use
DESPITE the celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month every year in October, the connection between cancer and oral contraceptives use is never addressed, a Cebu-based physician said. Cebu-based Human Life International (HLI) Pilipinas director Dr. Rene Josef Bullecer pointed out that it is ironic that the celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month only focuses on its campaign on the cause, prevention and treatment of the disease, and patently ignore the connection between cancer and oral contraceptives. Major events such as seminars, fun runs/walks, free clinics and features on breast cancer survivors have been lined up to mark the month-long celebration, and of course these activities are very commendable, he said. But I was viewing a local TV program several nights ago where the guestsobstetricians and an event directordiscussed the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, how to avoid breast cancer and the contributory factors on how women may be afflicted with breast cancer. I was shocked that they never mentioned the role of oral contraceptives in triggering breast cancer. One of the doctor-panelists even denied the pill-cancer connection, Bullecer related. As a doctor of medicine and a prolife fighter, I cannot afford to just close
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Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media

leadership and clear signal that demonstrate his determination to complete and implement agrarian reform. Protests came after Aquino failed to mention asset reform in his keynote address

at the National Anti-poverty Commissions Sectoral Assembly recently. Agrarian reform is the fruit of sacrifices of the farmers. This is his mothers
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Priests, nun help clean up coastal waters CBCP lauds appointment of Manila
SEVERAL Catholic priests and a nun are joining a team of scubasureros for an underwater cleanup in Visayas. Fr. Tito Soquino, executive director of the Sto. Nio De Cebu Augustinian Social Development Foundation, said the church people are part of a diving group called Sea knights which collect garbage from the sea. There are 5 to 10 priest scuba divers who are involved in this. As a matter of fact, there is also a nun who is still training, Soquino said during a recent press briefing in Manila.

archbishop-elect Tagle
THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has welcomed the appointment of Imus Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle as the new archbishop of Manila. Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar, CBCP President, said that the Vatican has to go through the usual arduous task in selecting the next head of Manilas Catholic Church. Tagles appointment, he said, only means that he is the most qualified to hold what church observers described as the powerful position in the Catholic Church. The selection is a tedious process which include among other things the secret scrutiny made on the bishops, religious and lay people regarding his personal spirituality, his capacity to lead this prestigious archdiocese in the Philippines, Odchimar said. At the end of it, Archbishop Tagle has been found to be the most capable among those contemplated for the position, he said. Tagle served as member of the International Theological Commission while it was still chaired by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, later Pope Benedict XVI.
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lustration by Bladimer Usi

Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media

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Archbishop-elect Luis Antonio Tagle

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World News

CBCP Monitor
October 24 - November 6, 2011

Vol. 15 No. 22

Church remembers John Paul II on first feast day

On Bl. John Pauls first feast, sister begins spreading his charism
ROME, Oct. 21, 2011The Church will celebrate the first memorial for Blessed Pope John Paul II on Saturday. Oct. 22, 1978, was the day he was installed as Pope, and the date chosen for his feast. Vatican Radio today offered two tributes to the Polish Pontiff. The first focused on the Holy Fathers prayer life. It was an interview from the archives with Cardinal Roberto Tucci, who organized many of the Pontiffs trips abroad. The second tribute focused on the Popes personality, drawing from the personal experiences of papal biographer George Weigel and Vatican reporter John Allen. Weigel described the Polish Pontiff as relentlessly curious, and said he was constantly looking ahead that there was nothing nostalgic about his personality. This trait, however, Weigel characterized as a reflection of the Holy Fathers Christian faith: He really believed that Providence was at work in history and therefore he wanted to know what was going on because that allowed him insights into how the divine will was working itself out in perhaps surprising ways at this moment in time. Allen, for his part, shared an insight into the Popes capacity as a communicator, when the Holy Father was able to put him at ease during their first personal interview. (Zenit)
www.open-doors-at-st-joseph-maplewood.blogspot.com www.catholicnewsagency.com

Pontiff praises work of public officials

Benedict XVI is highlighting the great dignity of the work done by public officials, reminding them that public administration exists to serve citizens. The Pope said this when he received in audience a group of prefects of several regions of Italy, together with the Minister of the Interior, Roberto Maroni. The civil function is so eminent and distinguished as to have an almost sacred character, the Holy Father told them, hence it calls for being exercised with great dignity and with a great sense of responsibility. (Zenit)
American named apostolic nuncio in Peru

Cardinal Zen ends Vatican Briefing hunger strike for freedom of Hong Kong Catholic schools
HONG KONG, Oct. 22, 2011Cardinal Joseph Zen Zekiun, emeritus bishop of Hong Kong, has completed a three-day hunger strike undertaken as an act of protest against losing a long-standing legal battle with the Hong Kong government over how aided schools should be run. The 79-year old prelate, who looked fragile but appeared in good spirits, ended the fast at 10 am today after he had camped in protest outside a Salesian community house here, with a prayer with dozens of Catholics present there. He told reporters briefly that he would further study the school regulations, hoping Catholic education be continued under the school management system. Cardinal Zen, who suffers from high blood pressure and diabetes, noted his health indicators remained normal during and after the fast. He thanked medical workers who closely monitored his health condition, as well as local faithful and citizens for their support and care. Hong Kongs Court of Final Appeal had earlier rejected the dioceses appeal against government-directed measures which end the Churchs full control over Church-run schools, by allowing outsiders to be on the school management boards. Hours before the end of the fast, on Oct. 21 evening, more than 100 faithful, priests and local people had gathered and prayed with the fasting cardinal. With rosaries, hymns and Scripturereading, they showed solidarity with him and expressing supports for Catholic education values and Catholic educators. Cardinal Zen told the prayer gathering that the Church hopes to preserve Catholic values in education, emphasizing the importance of life education, love, sanctity of marriage, respect for human dignity and morality. Citing Pope Benedict XVIs encyclical Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth), the cardinal said it is important for students to learn from school the values of justice, love and the respect for the weak and marginalized. He said the Church would continue to seek advice from Catholic legal practitioners on

Vatican voices hope for peace in Libya

Cardinal Joseph Zen Zekiun

The Vatican responded to recent news of the death of Libyas dictator with a statement expressing the hope that Libyans will be spared further violence. The note said the news of the dictators death marks the end of a much too long and tragic phase of a brutal struggle to bring down a harsh and oppressive regime. The statement emphasized that this dramatic event leads to reflection on the immense toll of human suffering which accompanies the affirmation and collapse of any system which is not based on the respect and dignity of the human person, but rather on the prevailing affirmation of power. (Zenit)
Pope canonizes three new saints

Pope Benedict XVI has canonized three new saints at a ceremony in St. Peters Square in Rome, describing the heavenly triumvirate as a model for all believers. Let us be attracted by their examples, let us be guided by their teachings, so that our whole existence becomes a witness of authentic love for God and neighbor, the Pope Benedict said to tens of thousands of enthusiastic pilgrims Oct. 23. The three new saints are Sister Bonifacia Rodriguez y Castro, Archbishop Guido Maria Conforti and Father Luigi Guanella. (CNA)
Pope officially opens Australian pilgrim center in Rome

Pope Benedict XVI officially opened Australias first ever pilgrim center in Rome on Oct. 19. The Domus Australia will play an important part in creating a home for Australian pilgrims in the city of the Apostles, the Pope said at a special dedication service. The Domus Australiaor Australia Houseis former Marist Brothers study center built in the 19th-century. Three years ago it was acquired by the Catholic Church in Australia. It has since been heavily renovated and restored. Only five minutes from the citys main train station, it now boasts 32 guest rooms, a conference center and chapel. (CNA)
Vatican laments violence at Occupy Wall Street protests in Rome

The director of the Vatican press office, Father Federico Lombardi, denounced the violence that characterized the recent Occupy Wall Street-inspired protests in Rome. During the event, a large crucifix and a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes were destroyed. The violence that took place yesterday in Rome is unacceptable and unjustifiable, Fr. Lombardi said on Oct. 16. We condemn all violence, as well as violence against religious symbols. Organizers planned to march from a square near the citys central train station, past the Coliseum to the Basilica of St. John Lateran. However, shortly into the protest, groups of young people began looting stores, setting cars on fire and clashing with police. (CNA)
Vatican document calls for global authority to regulate markets

how to operate based on Catholic education values under the school management. During his three-day fast, hundreds of Church school students, teachers and principals, faithful, local people and politicians visited him and expressed support and concern. Founding chairman of Democratic Party Martin Lee and media owner Jimmy Lai, both Catholics, visited the cardinal on Oct. 21 evening. Cardinal Zen told the press that Lai did not mention his donations, but expressed worries about the impact of school-based management policy, and it is important the international world knows about the matter. The school-based management policy within the Education Ordinance was introduced in 2004, which requires all primary and secondary schools here to set up incorporated management committees by 2010. The proportion of board members representing school-sponsoring body will be reduced to 60 percent within the committee, allowing parents, alumni and community members to make up the rest 40 percent. At the start of his fast, media reported a total of HK$ 20 million (2 million euros) was given by Lai to Cardinal Zen in the past few years. The cardinal admitted he received from Lai the donations, but emphasized the offer was unconditional and not with political aims, and disclosed that the money was used for charities and support to China Churchs open and underground communities. (AsiaNews)

www.bcfoley.blogspot.com

Philadelphia-born Archbishop James Patrick Green has been named the apostolic nuncio to Peru. The 61-year-old prelate had been the nuncio to South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland and Botswana. And the Pope chose Monsignor Draen Kutlea to be the coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Porec i Pula, Croatia. The 43-year-old bishop-designate was an official at the Vatican Congregation for Bishops. He will serve as coadjutor with Bishop Ivan Milovan, 71. The Diocese of Porec i Pula has around 185,000 Catholics served by some 115 priests and 80 religious. (Zenit)

WASHINGTON D.C., Oct. 22, 2011The first John Paul II sister will launch a year-long series of talks on the life, charism and spirituality of Blessed Pope John Paul II. Over a number of years, Ive been preparing a lot of material that relates to John Paul IIs charism and his spirituality and his writings in different areas, Sr. Bernadette Pike, MG, told CNA on Oct. 21. Her series of talks, titled Living the Legacy, is intended to present this information to lay people who are interested in living after the example of the late pontiff. As a John Paul II sister, Sr. Bernadette is a member of the broader group, the Missionaries of the Gospel. The community is still in its very early stages, with its first members still receiving their own formation. The Oct. 22 launch date for her talks was chosen to correspond with the first official celebration of Bl. John Paul IIs feast day in some dioceses. The possibility of adding the feast day of Bl. John Paul II to the Church calendar for the United States will be discussed at the upcoming November meeting of the U.S. bishops. Until then, it is up to each bishop to decide if the feast day will be celebrated in their diocese. Several dioceses, including Rome, Krakow and Washington, D.C., will celebrate Oct. 22, 2011 as the first official memorial of Bl. John Paul II. Sr. Bernadette hopes that her talks will offer listeners a deeper insight into where the Holy Father was coming from and what the Holy Spirit was trying to

do through him in order to renew the Church. The international talks, which will be given bi-weekly for a year, will not yet be broadcast publicly but will instead be held through a video conference. Sr. Bernadette said that she has sent a link to the conference to people across the world, who have expressed interest in participating in it. Originally from Australia, Sr. Bernadette said the idea of the John Paul II sisters was initially proposed in 2004. Archbishop Barry James Hickey of Perth, Australia was supportive of the idea, but over the course of several months of discussion and prayer, it was determined that the community should include more than just the sisters. Lay men and women had expressed interest in living after the example of John Paul II, and a discussion of establishing the John Paul II priests and brothers had also arisen. The decision was made that a larger community should be established to encompass the various groups wishing to live the charism of John Paul II. With the guidance of Archbishop Hickey, the Missionaries of the Gospel were officially established on June 23, 2007. Sr. Bernadette made her final vows as the first John Paul II sister on Oct. 16, 2008. Two other women who had been in formation with her became ill and had to leave the community. Although Sr. Bernadette is now the only John Paul II sister, she said that she is in contact with several other women who are interested in joining the community. (CNA)

Archbishop urges Catholic media to share Christs love

SANTIAGO, Chile, Oct. 21, 2011The president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications recently reminded Catholic media professionals to communicate the love of Christ. Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, made his remarks during the closing Mass of the 2nd Congress on the Church and the Digital Culture in Chile on Oct. 19. In his homily, Archbishop Celli noted that the task of Catholics is to communicate and share the love we have for Jesus with somebody. The congress included a talk by Pauline Sister Joana Puntel of Brazil, who gave an address on strategies for communicating the faith in a digital society. The changes brought on by the new social media demand a new mentality in which users must be attentive to every message, she said. The head of the Department of Communications at the Catholic University of Chile, Silva Pellegrini, spoke on the subject of ethics in the new media, which poses new problems in light of the multiple forms of expression in the digital world. In his address, Christoph Dietz of the Catholic Media Council said in order for a project to be successful, its creators must focus on a specific audience and the means it prefers to use to communicate. He advised that financial risks be kept to a minimum and that improved financial management receive greater attention. (CNA)

China suspends open bishop

BEIJING, China, Oct. 21, 2011A Vaticanapproved bishop of the open Church has been suspended from his post by the government for his failure to participate in an illicit episcopal ordination in Shantou diocese earlier this year. Bishop Paul Pei Junmin of Liaoning (Shenyang) was suspended from his posts as vice president of the Bishops Conference of the Catholic Church in China (BCCCC) in mid-August and as head of the Catholic Patriotic Association (CPA) and the Church Affairs Commission of Liaoning in September, said a reliable Church source who declined to be named. Since late September, inaccurate reports have circulated on Catholic blog sites and online chat groups that Bishop Pei had resigned his posts. The Church source said that government officials took disciplinary action against the 42-year-old bishop after he failed to preside over the episcopal ordination of Father Joseph Huang Bingzhang of Shantou, who had no papal mandate. However, Father Joseph Yang Yu, spokesman of the CPA and BCCCC, denied that Bishop Pei had been sanctioned. There is no announcement on our website, he said, adding that Bishop Peis name and biography remain on the site. Bishop Pei reportedly attended under pressure a previous illicit ordination in Chenge last November. He was subsequently elected vice president of the BCCCC during the National Congress of Catholic Representatives in December. A week before the Shantou ordination on July 14 this year, about 80 diocesan priests gathered at Bishop Peis house to prevent him from being taken away by government officials. The ordiBishop Paul Pei Junmin nation was finally presided over by Bishop Johan Fang Xingyao of Linyi, chairman of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association (CCPA). The Church source said Bishop Pei is now confined to his house and not allowed to meet other priests or visit parishes. (UCAN)

A Vatican document called for the gradual creation of a world political authority with broad powers to regulate financial markets and rein in the inequalities and distortions of capitalist development. The document said the current global financial crisis has revealed selfishness, collective greed and the hoarding of goods on a great scale. A supranational authority, it said, is needed to place the common good at the center of international economic activity. The 41-page text titled, Toward Reforming the International Financial and Monetary Systems in the Context of Global Public Authority was prepared by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and was released Oct. 24. (CNS)

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Pope announces Year of Faith to help renew missionary energy

VATICAN City, Oct. 18, 2011 Pope Benedict XVI announced a special Year of Faith to help Catholics appreciate the gift of faith, deepen their relationship with God and strengthen their commitment to sharing faith with others. Celebrating Mass Oct. 16 with participants in a Vatican conference on new evangelization, the pope said the Year of Faith would give renewed energy to the mission of the whole church to lead men and women out of the desert they often are in and toward the place of life: friendship with Christ who gives us fullness of life. The pope said the observance would begin Oct. 11, 2012 the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and conclude Nov. 24, 2013 the feast of Christ the King. It will be a moment of grace and commitment to an ever fuller conversion to God, to reinforce our faith in him and to proclaim him with joy to the people of our time, the pope said in his homily. Pope Benedict explained his intention more fully in Porta Fidei (The Door of Faith), an apostolic letter released Oct. 17 to formally announce the special year. Faith grows when it is lived as an experience of love received and when it is communicated as an experience of grace and joy, the pope wrote. He said the Catechism of the Catholic Church, first published in 1992, should serve as the handbook for helping Catholics rediscover the truths of faith and deepen their understanding of church teaching. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, he said, will publish a note to help people live the year in the most effective and appropriate ways at the service of belief and evangelization. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, told reporters the document would be published by the end of the year; its tone will be pastoral, rather than doctrinal, giving bishops and Catholic faithful ideas for implementing the popes call to deeper faith and greater missionary commitment. In his apostolic letter, the pope said the years focus will be on Jesus Christ because in him, all the anguish and all the longing of the human heart finds fulfillment. Pope Benedict said that in addition to studying the catechism and gaining a greater understanding of the creed, the Year of Faith also must be accompanied with more acts of charity. Faith helps people recognize the face of Christ in those who are suffering, and it is his love that impels us to assist him whenever he becomes our neighbor along the journey of life, the pope wrote. Pope Benedict said Catholics cannot grow lazy in the faith. What the world is in particular need of today is the credible witness of people enlightened in mind and heart by the word of the Lord, and capable of opening the hearts and minds of many to the desire for God and for true life, life without end, he wrote. The papal Mass and announcement of the Year of Faith followed a daylong conference Oct. 15 sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization. The morning session brought together representatives of 33 bishops conferences and 115 new movements, organizations, charismatic groups, parish renewal programs and study groups. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, head of the council, told the representatives that their presence and activity is proof that the new evangelization isnt something new introduced with the pontifical council; its a reality already working in the church. Conference participants discussed how to better evangelize in the area of culture, among immigrants, in Catholics political involvement, through the use of media, in families, through the liturgy and in active, lively parishes. The main points were illustrated by leaders from Communion and Liberation, the Community of SantEgidio, the Brazilian media group Cancao Nova, the Neo-Catechumenal Way, the Emmanuel Community, the charismatic renewal and an Italian parish renewal program. Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington told the gathering that catechesis is essential for any program of new evangelization. When a person is wellgrounded catecheticallythat means each one of us renewing our faiththat person has the confidence to be able to express it and to invite others into the experience of faith, he said. We have spoken a great deal today about this very secular world in which we live, he said, but we also need to recognize that among many, many of our young people there is an enormous openness to hearing about Christ. Many of them are seekers. (CNS)

Family values the solution to Freedom from hunger is essential part of right to life, pope says economic crisis, says Pope
VATICAN City, Oct. 18, 2011Benedict XVI says a key to solving the economic problem is strengthening the family, since it is in the family that a person leans how to interact in the world of work. The Pope said this Saturday when he received in audience members of the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation, which promotes the social doctrine of the Church. Their meeting this year marked the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul IIs encyclical Centesimus Annus, published 100 years after Leo XIIIs Rerum Novarum, as well as the 30th anniversary of the apostolic exhortation Familiaris Consortio. Benedict XVI cited his predecessor in noting how a family teaches the values that society needs. John Paul II wrote. By respecting and fostering personal dignity in each and every one as the only basis for value, this free giving takes the form of heartfelt acceptance, encounter and dialogue, disinterested availability, generous service and deep solidarity. From this perspective, Benedict XVI said, the family passes from being a mere object to being an active subject capable of recalling the human face that the world of economy must have. He said that the familys model of love, gratitude and gift can be applied to a universal dimension. Commutative justice give to have and distributive justicegive to owe are not sufficient in social living, the Pontiff explained. VATICAN CITY, Oct. 17, 2011Pope Benedict XVI appealed for immediate and long-term relief for the worlds hungry, saying the right to adequate nourishment is a fundamental part of the right to life. The hunger crisis that affects millions of people today is a sign of the deep gulf between the haves and the have-nots of the world and calls for changes in lifestyle and in global economic mechanisms, the pope said in a message marking World Food Day Oct. 16. The text was addressed to Jacques Diouf, director-general of the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization. Citing the famine and refugee crisis in the Horn of Africa, the pope said the painful images of starving people underline the need for both emergency aid and long-term intervention to support agricultural production and distribution. Freedom from the yoke of hunger is the first concrete manifestation of that right to life which, although solemnly proclaimed, often remains far from being effectively implemented, he said. The theme of this years World Food Day focused on food prices, and the pope said current pricing volatility reflected the tendency toward speculation on food commodities. He said a new global attitude is needed.

Catholic News Service

Pinky Barrientos/CBCP Media

To have true justice it is necessary to arrive at gratuitousness and solidarity. Solidarity is first and foremost a sense of responsibility on the part of everyone with regard to everyone, and it cannot therefore be merely delegated to the State. While in the past it was possible to argue that justice had to come first and gratuitousness could follow afterwards, as a complement, today it is clear that without gratuitousness, there can be no justice in the first place. There is no market of gratuitousness the Pontiff said, citing Caritas in Veritate, and attitudes of gratuitousness cannot be established by law. But both market and politics need

individuals open to reciprocal gift. So although the Church cannot define how to address the economic crisis, the Holy Father noted, it is the Churchs members who have the duty to denounce evils, to attest to and to keep alive the values on which the dignity of the person is founded, and to promote those ways of solidarity that foster the common good, so that humanity will become the family of God. The Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation was founded by Pope John Paul II in 1993. As a lay foundation, it aims to promote the social doctrine of the Church in professional and business sectors. (Zenit)

Govt urged to protect indigenous communities, not mining companies

MANILA, Oct. 18, 2011A group that advocates empowerment among marginalized people has called on President Benigno Aquino III to repeal his approval for mining companies to organize its own armed units to protect its operations. The Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center Kasama sa Kalikasan / Friends of the Earth - Philippines (LRCKKsK/FoE-Philippines) in a statement on October 16, said it is the indigenous people and rural communities who are in need of government protection from violent attacks, and not mining corporations. We are demanding from President Aquino to make a break in the cycle of violence that has marked government policies and actions in the past. Do not use the rebel attacks against mining operations in Claver as an excuse to again escalate conflict and violence in ancestral domains and rural communities, the group said in a statement. The president has recently approved proposal of mining companies to create their own Special CAFGU Armed Auxiliary (SCAA) units to secure their operations. On October 12, Aquino sanctioned the deployment of paramilitary units to protect mining companies after forces of New Peoples Army attacked mining operations at Surigao del Norte, killing three private security guards. Amnesty International in a statement said the Aquino government should withdraw the plan of deploying militias noting that CAFGUs (Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Units) has a long history of human rights violations in the country. It stressed that it would be on the governments responsibility if human rights violations are committed by militias which the military has trained, equipped and deployed, even if they are securing private interests of mining corporations. For its part, the LRKC said the presidents approval of mining militias violates the rights of indigenous peoples right to self-determination inside their ancestral domains. The indigenous peoples continued resistance against mining operations on their ancestral lands has sparked violence and death among leaders in the community. The deployment of military units in 2008 in Compostela Valley by then President Arroyo after a gold processing plant was attacked by NPA rebels led to the harassment and displacement of hundreds of indigenous people in the area. Similar instances of violence involving paramilitary units had been reported even before as in the case of Sibuyan Councilor Armin Marin who was killed by a security guard in 2007 during a protest against nickel mining in Sibuyan Island. Other anti-mining advocates who met their death in the course of their struggle against mining include Eliezer Billianes who led campaigns against the Swiss Xstrata Tampakan Gold Copper Project, and was killed in a public market in 2009. Ricardo Banad who had opposed the Mindoro Nickel Project of Norwegian Intex Resources was killed in his house in 2010. In January this year, Dr. Jerry Ortega who denounced mining in Palawan was killed by hired killers; while in March, Rudy Segovia, another antimining advocate was gunned down in a road blockade set up in protest of TVI Resources Development (TVIRD). The group said that even without the government sanction of deploying militias in mining areas, environmentalists and human rights defenders have been killed. Approving their deployment would be tantamount to formalizing mining related human rights violations, they stressed. Again we urge President Aquino to put an end to all this violence, prioritize the protection of indigenous peoples and rural communities and work to give justice to mining related human rights violations, the group stated. It is also time for government to end facilitating and protecting corporate plunder of the environment at all costs in exchange for a pittance in government revenues. A new Minerals Management Law must be enacted to replace the conflict causing Mining Act of 1995, they further said. (CBCPNews)

There are clear signs of the profound division between those who lack daily sustenance and those who have huge resources at their disposal, he said. Given the dramatic nature of the problem, reflection and analysis are not enough action must be taken, he said. The pope said it was easy but mistaken to reduce every consideration to the food demands of a growing population. Demographic experts have predicted that the earths population will reach 7 billion by Oct. 31. The real solution to food imbalances, the pope said, lies in modifying behavior and changing structures so that every person, today and not tomorrow, has access to the necessary food resources and so that agricultural production has stability. He said the major challenges include lifestyle changes to promote moderation in consumption and the protection of natural resources, as well as new investments in agricultural infrastructure. (CNS)

DOH chief cites PH top health concerns; RH not among them

MANILA, Oct. 16, 2011Amid persistent claims by backers of the Reproductive Health (RH) bill that the urgency of reproductive health warranted its prioritization, Health Secretary Enrique Ona revealed three crucial health concerns confronting the Philippines in a recent meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO)-Western Pacific Region Office. The three health concerns were poor air quality, alcohol and trauma, with poor air quality being the major cause of hospitalization and deaths from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, according to Ona. This is very interesting especially with regards the issue of the reproductive health bill, because it has been again and again stated and claimed by the pro-RH legislators and [the bills] supporters that birth- related and reproductive health-related concerns or health of women related to pregnancy and giving birth are top priority in our country, remarked Msgr. Juanito Figura, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Secretary General. Figura said that the health secretarys disclosure indicates that such claims are unfounded. Although we are aware that there are victims of poor maternal health and of problematic childbearingthey are not that many. Now, we are not in any way saying that we should forget because they are less in number, but if we are to base our giving of priority to more cases, we are to give priority to cases related to health problems related to alcohol, trauma and polluted air and other concerns of sanitation, he said. Figura also expressed hope that Onas statements at the four-day WHO meeting attended by health ministers and experts from the Western Pacific region would put an end to the spinning of claims and to coming up with so-called data or statistics which are not founded because these all the more confuse our people. Now were getting it from the Secretary of Health himself that we should give attention to these other three concerns, he stressed. (CBCP for Life)

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EDITORIAL

Opinion
Year of Faith

CBCP Monitor
October 24 - November 6, 2011

Vol. 15 No. 22

POPE Benedict the XVI has officially announced the Year of Faith that will commence on October 11, 2012 and end on November 24, 2013the feast of Christ the King. This will mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and the 20th anniversary of Blessed John Paul IIs publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The formal announcement was made last October 15 during an international conference on new evangelization held in Rome that was attended by 33 bishops conferences and 115 new movements, organizations, charismatic groups, parish renewal programs and study groups; convened by the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization. The intention and content of the Year of Faith is extensively explained in an Apostolic Letter titled Porta Fidei (The Door of Faith) which the Vatican released two days after the formal announcement of the Year of Faith. This, of course, is all about the new evangelization which the Holy Father is strongly pursuing in response to a profound crisis of faith that has affected many people the world over. In Porta Fidei, he reveals, Ever since the start of my ministry as Successor of Peter, I have spoken of the need to rediscover the journey of faith so as to shed ever clearer light on the joy and renewed enthusiasm of the encounter with Christ. If the composition of those who were invited to the international conference on the new evangelization where the Year of Faith was formally announced were any indicator, then one may surmise of the directions this new initiative is going to take. Present during the conference were the so-called leaders of Communion and Liberation, namely, the Community of SantEgidio, the Neo-Catechumenal Way, the Emmanuel Community, the Charismatic renewal communities, the Brazilian media group Cancao Nova, and an Italian parish renewal group. Reportedly, the new Catholic movements dominated the crowdwhich may be a manifestation about a heavily but spontaneously emerging pastoral in the Church today. But even more telling were the topics discussed during the same conference. The discussions focused largely on how to better evangelize in the area of culture, in political involvement, in the use of media, and in the regular apostolate among migrants, families and parishes. The opening of the Year of Faith will be occasioned by the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2012 on the theme The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith. It will be interesting, and one can hardly wait, how the Synod will come up with the new ways of transmitting the faith so that, as the Pope pointed out, there will be a renewed energy to the mission of the whole church to lead men and women out of the desert they often are in But will the android, the apps and the iPad be counted?

Oscar V. Cruz, DD

Views and Points

SO there is a new man named to become the Archbishop of Manila. So there are questions raised and speculations made about the future of the Archdiocese of Manila. So there are hopes and fears on the vision-mission of the Church in the Philippinesconsidering that the CBCP too is going to have a new President next year. Questions: What will the Archbishop-Elect of Manila do? How would the Archdiocese of Manila fare under his pastoral leadership? What is in store for the Church in the Philippines as far as the administrative stewardship of incoming CBCP President in concerned? Answers in particular: The incoming Archbishop of Manila is wise and prudent, knowledgeable and competent, humble, kind and prayerful. He has a well-deserved Doctorate in Theology. He successfully occupies responsible positions in the local Church. The Archdiocese of Manila will be then in good hands. Its real and genuine assets are the millions

Grace of God plus good will of man

mystical vein, in the absence of the empowering grace of the Good Lord, Clerics in particular with leadership positions would find it humanly impossible to accomplish their tasks, to fulfill their commitments to, in and for the Church. The grace of God plus the good will of manthis is the infallible combination of ecclesial strength. Such is the pairing that brings about spiritual empowerment in the Church as a whole. Such is also the spiritual compound that makes wonders and miracles, that brings about Saints. Without the grace of God, what can man do? Without the good will of man, how would Gods grace work in the ordinary day-to-day life of the Church? Would that we be all in peace and at ease. This is not the first timemuch less the last timethat someone new becomes the Archbishop of Manila, that the Archdiocese of Manila has a new pastoral leader, that the CBCP has a new President.

Creating a Culture of Peace

LIKE concentric circles spreading out from the core value of Human Dignity, a Culture of Life gives rise to a Culture of Human Rights, which in turn brings forth a Culture of Peace. There can be no true peace without respect for life itself and the human rights of every person. Opus Justitiae Pax, (Is. 32:17) the motto of Pope Pius XII, highlights this intimate relationship: Peace is the fruit of Justice. Indeed, peace itself is seen as one of the rights a community can lay moral claims on. In his latest message for the World Day of Peace, the Holy Father calls our attention to two indivisible and interdependent rights: the right to peace and the right to an integral development born of solidarity.6 Thus, a Culture of Peace includes the development imperative as well as a sense of solidarity among communities, nations, and peoples of one world. In a pluralistic society with diverse cultures and religious traditions, this sense of solidarity can only come about through dialoguethe kind that leads to mutual understanding and respect. In Mindanao, over the past three years, Catholic and Protestant bishops have entered into dialogue with their religious counterparts, the Muslim ulama, to reinforce the peace process, based on the spiritual traditions of both religions. They are also starting to include leaders of the indigenous peoples communities in this dialogue of life, of common action, and of religious experience. Last November, the Bishops-Ulama Forum sponsored a Mindanao-wide Week of Peace to highlight the common aspirations of all cultural communities to put an end to the fighting. There are other initiatives for peace being worked at by other peace advocatesNGOs and Posthat over the years have been persistently hammering away at the deep-seated obstacles to peace among our people. The campaigners for a gunless society are one such group. So too are those dedicated men and women thanklessly working with our basic sectors to lessen governments neglect of them. Ten years ago, the CBCP had already issued a pastoral letter to Seek Peace; Pursue It. Today we ask our government officials to resume or continue peace talks with armed groups to arrive at a comprehensive and honorable peace for all. We are ready to collaborate in this noble effort. Peace-making and rejecting all forms of violence are some of the building-blocks for a Culture of Peace. This work for peace starts with the individual, the family, and the local community and reaches out to include inter-cultural solidarity and care of the environment. It is with these sentiments that Pope John Paul II challenges the young of today: peace within you and peace around you, peace always, peace with everyone, peace for everyone. (Cf. Message for World Day of Peace, 1 January 2000, no. 13.) The Churchs mission of dialogue, according to the Synod Fathers of Asia, is grounded in the logic of the Incarnation and partakes of the Fathers loving dialogue of salvation with humanity. (Cf. Ecclesia in Asia, no. 35. Vatican City, 1999.) Through this ongoing dialogue, Christians help bring about a culture where openness to the Transcendent, the promotion of the human person and respect for the world of nature are shared by all.9 All this is what we mean by a Culture of Peace. Building a culture of peace by respecting life and human rights, 2000

of remarkable lay people, Religious Men and Women plus an able and dependable clergy. As a whole, the Church in the Philippines cannot be but going towards the right and proper direction as fortified by faith and guided by reason. The CBCP will be well and alive, active and proactive especially in the realm of ethics and morals in Philippine society. Answers in general: There is that standing and inspiring tenet in the Church that when the Good Lord assigns or reposes a particular task on someonesuch as the assumption of the Office of the Archdiocese of Manila by the Cleric thereto assignedit incumbents upon God to help the man with the fulfillment of his commission. This is not only reasonable but also credible. Otherwise, without the enabling grace of God especially in favor of her merely human leadership, the Church all over the globe would not be now more than 2000 years and still going on and on. In the same

Celebrating a hundred years

WHENEVER I introduce myself as a Good Shepherd Sister, the response I get is Good Shepherd Baguio? Ube jam? So I smile and reply, Yes, that is one of our Houses here in the Philippines. But I am assigned to Welcome House in Paco, Manilaa shelter for girls and women in crisis. The Good Shepherd Sisters arrived in the Philippines a hundred years ago. Bishop Petrelli in Batangas had requested our congregation for Sisters to set up a school in his diocese. Our Generalate in Rome assigned some Sisters in Burma to go to the Philippines and begin a mission here. That was in 1912. Although the Sisters came from Burma, they were all Irish Good Shepherd Sisters. A couple of rooms in the sanctuary of the church, now the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Batangas City, was their humble beginnings. Today, visiting the Sisters in St. Bridget College, Batangas, one can just praise the Lord for the generosity of the Batangas people who have assisted the Sisters to establish the school from kindergarten to post graduate levels, graduating no less than His Eminence, Cardinal Rosales, dozens of priests and Religious Sisters, community leaders who excel in their professions, and model families now active in spreading the charism of the Good Shepherd of mercy and compassion to the least, the last and the lost in society. This year, we began the celebrations which will end in October 2012 or next year. The symbol that our Province leaders have chosen for the Journey of a Hundred Years is the Good Shepherd Staff. They had a six-foot staff made, much like a bishops crosier, although ours is made of wood, not gold or silver! When I first read of the shepherds crook and staff in Psalm 23, I did not know its purpose or significancethe Philippines is not a sheep country. Our pastors (or pastol) take care of cows and goats. But being named after the Good Shepherd, our congregation has seen to it that

Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS

Love Life
we were provided with many readings and reflections on the life of the GOOD Shepherd as found in the scriptures. And indeed, I learned of how important a staff is for the shepherd to bring back the lost and the stray sheep. Our wooden staff will journey to all the houses of the Good Shepherd Sisters around the country this year. It started in Batangas City last July. At present, it is at our main compound in Aurora Boulevard where we have the Provincial House, Heart of Mary Villa Maternity Home, Euphrasia Residence for troubled girls and women, Center for Overseas Workers, St. Bridget School, the Formation House, the Infirmary and Retirement Home. On Oct. 28, the staff will come to Welcome House. We will also set it up at our parish, Our Lady of Peafrancia de Manila in Paco. It will then travel to Our Lady of Assumption Parish in Leveriza, Malate and the Holy Family Parish in San Andres Bukid where we have Sisters involved in the BEC programs. By next year, the staff would have travelled to our Houses in Northern and Southern Luzon, in the Visayas and in Mindanao. At present, we have 24 foundations in the Philippines, including the four convents of our Good Shepherd Contemplative Sisters located in Tagaytay, Cebu, Virac and Butuan. The past one hundred years have been a time of grace, not only for the thousands of students in our schools but also for the hundreds of girls and women we have assisted to reconcile with their families, move on in life after much abuse and battering, take their place as leaders in their tribal communities or live the charism of the Good Shepherd within their rural and urban poor areas. The past hundred years have been above all, a life of Love, Joy and Commitment to the over 150 Filipino RGS vocations here and in the foreign missions.

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Bp. Broderick S. Pabillo

Pedro C. Quitorio
Editor-in-Chief

Ronalyn R. Regino
Layout Artist

Panaghoy
THE Church has offered once again another precious life in its service to Gods people and the poor. The CBCP-National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace expresses deep anguish and condemnation over the horrific murder of Fr. Fausto Tentorio. He was shot eight times by an assassin as he was getting into his pick-up truck parked at the Mother of Perpetual Help Church compound in Arakan, North Cotabato. Fr. Pops was a staunch advocate against mining and other extractive operations that threaten the indigenous people. He

When will the killings stop?

because of the lack of protection and justice that our government affords to human rights defenders. Beyond the usual expressions of condolences and condemnation, the government and state authorities have not really done anything that will reverse the trend of senseless killings in the country. But the victims, their families and friends dont need these futile words. Rather, we desire to see these killings stop than be consoled by the platitudes they give in exchange of our grief.

Pinky Barrientos, FSP

Associate Editor

Gloria Fernando
Marketing Supervisor

Roy Q. Lagarde
News Editor

Ernani M. Ramos
Circulation Manager

Kris Bayos
Features Editor

Marcelita Dominguez
Comptroller

The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP Communications Development Foundation, Inc., with editorial and business offices at 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila. P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO. Editorial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612.; ISSN 1908-2940

had been an inspiration to his parishioners as well as the lumads who have been opposing activities that are harmful to the environment. We join Fr. Pops brothers at the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME), the Diocese of Kidapawan, and the hundreds of human rights activists that demand justice for our slain priest. No peace workers and human rights defenders should ever live in fear or shed blood because of what they believe in and what they stand for. Fr. Pops murder reveals a culture of impunity that has prevailed in our society

lustration by Bladimer Usi

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 22
October 24 - November 6, 2011

Opinion
Silence and noisy mass actions
we start to distort the meaning and purpose of our life here on earth. That is when, in his terms, virtuality can overtake reality. To him, silence and solitude are not a way of isolating ourselves. Rather, it is the opposite. They are meant to foster our union with God, and through God, our link with all the others and with everything else in the world. That is why he told the Carthusians that their way of life has something to share with the rest of humanity who now are in danger of what he termed as anthropological mutation, a drastic, erroneous change in the understanding of what man is. This is a challenge that we have to face nowhow to purify and enrich our culture so that this human need for silence and solitude become functional in our active life of work and other earthly concerns we have. We have to be clear about one thingthat no amount of mass actions, even if they are successful in social, economic or political terms, can substitute our need for a living contact with God that we can have through silence and solitude. Even the expressions of popular piety, that, thanks to God, we still have in abundance in our countryfor example, the vast devotion to the Sto. Nino, the Black Nazarene, and many other Marian devotionscannot replace this need for silence and solitude. Given our human condition that includes a realistic consideration of our weaknesses and sinfulness, we need silence and solitude to be able to discern the spiritual and supernatural realities that govern us and that are a key to knowing the objective reality. We are prone to be overrun b our emotions and passions, and so our thinking and reasoning are often compromised. Our judgments and decisions are also affected by the effects of our sins, ours and those of the others that sometimes become so widespread that we can now talk about structures of sin. Silence and solitude enable us to attain what St. Paul once proposed to us: Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever modest, whatsoever just, whatsoever holy, whatsoever of good fame, think on these thingsand the God of peace shall be with you. (Phil 4,8-9)

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Bp. Leonardo Y. Medroso, JCD, DD

Fr. Roy Cimagala

Candidly Speaking
WE are now witnessing the spread of protest actions all over the world. The latest is the Occupy Wall Street that from New York has gone to many cities and communities in the US and has leapt beyond the boundary to go as far as Rome. Social observers say it has been inspired by the Arab Spring phenomenon and other rallies and demonstrations in Europe like in Greece and Spain. Previous to these was the Tea Party movement in the States that also left a deep dent in the national political terrain. We are not strangers to these mass actions. We had our share that culminated in the now world-famous People Power. But to be sure, their differences far outnumber their similarities, and so we have to be careful in assessing them. They are not all the same. They have different ethos that inspire them. Its clear that the world is entering a new phase in history as it grapples with new challenges that go beyond the simply ideological differences of yesteryears. The issues focus more on micro domestic concerns that were widely taken for granted before and now have grown to cancerous proportions. Again, lets hope that these developments will trigger the earnest search for the appropriate solutions. For this to happen of course, we need a new breed of leaders, if not a new culture that incorporates better the spiritual and supernatural dimensions of our life. At the moment, what is more important to consider is that while these mass actions have their importance and relevance, we need to realize also that personal silence is necessary for any true development and improvement to take place not only in ones personal life, but also in that of society. Without this aspect in our lifestyle, we are prone to thoughtless and rash actions that can end up in riots and violence. We can cause more harm than good even if we have the best intentions. Pope Benedict has something very interesting and intriguing to say about this. In a recent visit with Carthusian monks, he proposed that everyone needs to have silence and solitude in order to get in touch with reality. He said that without silence and solitude, we risk in failing to experience God who is the author of reality. That is when

Tidbits Senior citizens in our society

THE first days of October 2011 ushered me to the world of the elderly and the retired, to groups of individuals who were sixty years old and above, giving me that precious opportunity to engage them in lively personal conversations, sharing of experiences, and interesting testimonies of life. One group was composed of homogeneous membership, widows all, while the other group was a heterogeneous one whose membership was open to all card holder senior citizens. They seemed to be fairly contented and well with the way they were in themselves, confident in bearing themselves with their peer group, boldly joking with one another and laughing heartily at themselves, enjoying the program they themselves have prepared, singing songs, reciting poems, and dancing on the stage improvised for the occasion. They, the elder folks of our society, were alright and well. But is this really true? Is it the authentic picture of the world of our sixty-years old and above citizens? For me there was in those two occasions some hint of sadness in their voice that was too subtle to detect, a lack of luster in their faces, absence of the glitter in the eyes of many of them. The smoothness and fluidity of the bodily motions, the graceful sway that should come along with the lilt and cadence of the waltz music, the springy foot work, the fluid swing of the arms, all of these were not there. They knew very well the dance, they knew the movements required of it, but to put them into a bodily show that could entertain the beholders they no longer had it. They were senior citizens. Reality of old age no doubt. The process of aging has finally caught up with them. For with old age comes the weakening of strength, the rigidity of the muscles and the throbbing aches of the joints, the loss of memory, vitality, and health. But on reflection it may be that our society causes the hastening of the aging process of our elders. We are living in a culture that has a strong bias for the young, the strong, and the skilled, those who are useful to its secular world view of life, an asset to its business and industry. It idolizes those who can produce the goods and deliver the services, gives high premium to those who are creative and talented, those who show leadership skills, astuteness in business, physical strength, prowess in making profits, ability to get fast promotions in office, the boldness and the brazenness to scale the social ladder of our society, the love for the fast life, comforts, cars, night life. It is a culture that gives priority to business profit rather than to the value of persons, things rather than people. These sixty and above citizens of ours by the estimation of such a kind of society are liabilities for they can no longer contribute to the advancement of the community. They have to be eased out. Harsh logic it is that soon opens as a necessary consequence the way to the enactment of the Law of Retirement. By force of that law, the once productive members of our society are cut off from their workplace and their productiveness, banishing them from social, economic, political life. It is true that the law premises itself with a human and humane ideal, that is, to give due rest to our citizens who have contributed much to the good of our society, repay them for what they have done. Hence, the law provides specifically for a pension to sustain them in the last cycle of their existence. It also declares medical and dental privileges, such as 20% discount from purchases of food, beverages, transportation, and medicines. There is even a provision to allow them to be again employed. It truly is a humane and compassionate law, a creation of a society that has the senior citizens in its heart. But all those benefits and privileges cannot heal the deep feeling of nostalgia, that wistful yearning of their soul to be respected as persons, to be listened to as beings of feelings and emotions, to be accepted as persons with dignity and value, members of the society which they have loved and served. To be retired is to be declared as cut off from the workplace, exiled from the community that he has through all those years come to love and cherish. It is therefore a kind of life that would make any person despondent, making the most alive and strong among us depressed. As one senior citizen put it: When after dinner I hand over to the waiter the senior citizen card, I feel like a beggar, begging for discount. Is there a value to the life of the senior citizens? Can they still be a useful cog of our society and not a mere commodity to be grudgingly supported by the taxes of the young and the able? Lest it be forgotten the knowledge and the wisdom that they have heaped up through years of hard work, sweat, blood, tears, and concentrated study are lodged deep in their innermost being. They are the genuine treasures of our society. Meantime, I noticed that the group of widows was more enthusiastic and optimistic. They called themselves Happy Widows. They attended the Holy Mass in Lindaville Church, their way of launching the birth of their organization that has committed itself to a spiritual vision and religious goals, social programs and activities. They are determined to respond with dignity to their state as senior citizens, reap whatever benefits society offers to them; to continue to live and let live the remaining years of their lives with Christian faith, hope and love. After all they have realized that life as a whole has been good to them. They had built up their careers, carved out a place in society, gained the respect from many. For them old age is pay off time. They have been given time to dedicate themselves to a ministry of giving back that sense of humanity if not Christianity to others. To start with the group of widows formed themselves into an organization with set of rules to follow and of officers to implement the vision, goals and objectives. They made themselves open and available to other senior citizens like them, to spend time listening to their personal stories, their secret longings and unfulfilled dreams, their hurts and joys, their successes and frustrations. It is a ministry of bringing humanity to our materialistic world, conveying person-to-person relationship to a community that is fast becoming impersonal. May their tribe increase.

Living the face of Christ for social transformation

THE Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas (Laiko) had just successfully concluded its 2-in-1 Affair: the 2nd National Congress of the Laity and the 17th Biennial National Convention. The theme of both events is very timely: Standing Firm in the Faith: Sharing the Richness of the Mother Church for Social Transformation. Delegates from 50 Archdiocesan and Diocesan Councils of the Laity and 50 associations, organizations and communities all over the Philippines which are members of Laiko, participated in the Congress and the Convention. The Congress Keynote Speaker, Rev. Monsignor Gerardo Santos, brought the delegates through a journey of 500 years of the Philippine history of Christianity. His thesis about the transformation of the Philippine Catholic Church from the selfless and brilliant missionaries of the 16th century to the present, has revealed the enduring role of the laity in the on-going evangelizing work. He posed the following challenges to the delegates: (1) The Formation of the Laity is indispensable in the empowerment of laity today; (2) The strengthening of lay ministries in the Church; (3) Mission in life by bringing the Gospel in their way of life and their employment. The delegates, through Laiko, accepted the challenges and committed to respond to whatever is needed from them. The Convention Keynote Speaker, Dr. Jesus Estanislao, contextualized his inspirational message within three basic elements of the Catholic faith: (1) Belief in one God with an essentially Trinitarian character; (2) We have been made after the likeness and image of our Trinitarian God; and (3) Because we are made in Gods image, each one of us is of great worth and worthy of great respect. Dr. Estanislao identified the Richness of the Mother Church which he said only us

Atty. Aurora A. Santiago

Duc in Altum
without bureaucratic impositions. Finally, all of these values of Integrity, Fairness, Courage, Commitment, etc., come from our faith and the richness of our Mother Church. However, these values have to be translated into virtues. They have to be integrated, incarnated, trans-substantiated, in every individual, community and society. They have to find expression in lay leaders like ourselves. In closing he exhorted that it is great to be a Catholic. We know that these challenges are ahead of us but we can rise up to the challenge because we are men and women of faith. During the Convention, the voting delegates elected the 15 new members of Laiko Board of Trustees who, in turn, elected among themselves the Laiko officers for the years 2012-2013: Atty. Aurora A. Santiago (President), Atty. Jose Tale (Executive Vice President), Mrs. Ma. Julieta Wasan (Vice President for Ecclesiastical District of Manila), Dr. Amelita Dayrit-Go (Vice President for Luzon), Ms. Nida Ruiz (Vice President for Visayas), Mr. Solomon Badoy (Vice President for Mindanao), Ms. Gertrudes Bautista (Secretary), Mrs. Estelita Macalaguim (Treasurer), Mrs. Zenaida Capistrano (Auditor), Engr. Victorino Lahoz (PRO), Trustees Mr. Apolinario Carandang, Dr. Romeo Cruz, Sr., Mrs. Maria Isabel Descallar, Mr. Loreto Guinhawa, Mr. Edgardo Malay. The new set of Laiko officers, through this representation as Laiko National President, commits that as good Catholics we will continue to stand firm in the Catholic faith, carry on the evangelization work and share the richness of the Mother Church. *** Birthday greetings to my youngest brother Roberto Santiago; also to Rev. Fr. Gaudioso Sustento of the Diocese of Kalookan and Fr. Len Hernandez of the Diocese of Malolos and former co-anchor at Radio Veritas846 Hello Father 911 Saturday edition.

Catholics can claim, The Eucharist, the protective mantle of the Blessed Mother; and we are people of union, a people of communion and therefore we are Church. Our Faith and the Richness of the Church should be our platform to effect social transformation. (1) He stressed that social transformation begins with personal transformation. In effecting this, he mentioned that we have to be men and women of INTEGRITY, FAIRNESS and JUSTICE, and COURAGE and SELF CONTROL. (2) The second element is the TRANSFORMATION OF THE BASIC INSTITUTIONS THAT WE HAVE IN SOCIETY and he referred to three basic institutions: the Family as source of new life; the school as source of new ideas; and business enterprises as the source of new relationships. (3) In effecting these transformations we are called upon to give our commitment and to win hearts and minds. Service to others demands that we aspire for higher levels of professionalism and patriotism. Professionalism ensures our excellent service. Patriotism, on the other hand, concerns the way we relate to our own people and our nation. Social transformation begins with the recognition of our personal dignity; the reason why we fight against poverty; the protection of the unborn; the rights of children; and providing opportunities for the marginalized. We need to ensure that individual decisions and decisions made by authority are made with the COMMON GOOD in mind. Social transformation has to have the principle of Subsidiarity with Solidarity meaning, rendering individual decisions but with teamwork. Subsidiarity means everybody shares and participates in the common welfare that we are trying to create. This means that as individuals we make decisions for the common good at our own level,

Atty. Jo Imbong

Pro Bono
FUNNY, the month of the rosary brings to mind St. Peters Basilica in Rome that houses the Chapel of the Pieta. That side chapel, in turn, houses Michelangelos famous depiction of Christ and his Mother Mary looking upon Him who is lifeless. That is what you see if you approach the statue frontally. It is from another angle of it that you could be overwhelmed by what you might see. If you stood by the left of the statuary with your eyes at the level of Marys downcast face, imagine what you see. From that angle, Marys head would be slightly bowed, her eyes in a halfopen gaze at her Son, seemingly soaking herself in the moment and treasuring it all in her heart. The wonder of photography gave me this startling discovery because one day, an unexpected friend gifted me with a 12-page calendar with 12 different depictions of the Virgin Mary. This was one of them, and it is my favorite to this day. Why is that? From that rare angle, what you see is a face unlike any other of Our Lady in grief. It has nothing of the lachrymal drops on the cheek or the obligatory sadness. There is not a suggestion of bitterness at such a violent death, no hint of desperate resignation at such a dishonorable fate in mens eyes. Rather, her face is suffused, as it were, with transcendent meaning. It is as though for her, the moment is the beginning of a triumphant countdown to

Why I love La Pieta

new Life, rather than a shaming moment of defeat. Her loving gaze at the limp body on her lap freezes in a moment where Mother and Son are locked in an eternal oneness of obedience to the will of the Divine Father. The eyes say it all: in their halfclosed contemplation, there is a tinge of a promised victory. How can she not exude it when her Son just purchased Heaven? And being a Mother that she is, her heart must have lifted as at the Magnificat with the thought of the vastness of her impending spiritual motherhood. My spirit rejoices in God my Savior. In her eyes are echoed a Mothers own Consumatum Est, a moment presaged by her Fiat Mihi once in time when the Holy Spirit came with the fruit of her womb at the Annunciation. If we must attribute a stronger emotion in her gaze, it is that her eyes mock death. For she, like her Son, knows the squalor and miseries of a humankind that makes its own crosses. But like her Son, she ascends to the heights of His triumph over all the black Fridays of humankind. That is why her delicate mouth, from such angle still, subtly suggests an oncoming smilelike a rosebud not yet there, but set to blind all her children with a radiance unequalled of a sun that blooms at Easter dawn. La Pieta captures the pathos of Lent. But no, it is already Easter in Marys heart. She, after all, is Mother of Life. Only Mary can gaze at a fallen Jesus that way. That is why I love La Pieta.

Read daily church news at www.cbcpnews.com

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Local News

CBCP Monitor
October 24 - November 6, 2011

Vol. 15 No. 22

Not the right time for Charter change Manila bishop

SAYING that it is not the right time, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo has opposed any amendment of the 1987 Constitution. Pabillo said the country has so many problems that government officials should address instead of Charter change (Cha-cha). Andami nating dapat pahalagahan, ang pagbabago pa ng konstitusyon ang pakikialaman nila. Hindi naman natin sila pinili para galawin ang Saligang Batas natin, Pabillo told church-run Radyo Veritas. Earlier, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte both agreed to begin exploratory talks for the possibility of amending the Charter. The officials, however, clarified that the changes to be proposed would be limited only to the laws economic provisions. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has repeatedly rejected efforts of the Arroyo administration to initiate changes in the Constitution. The prelates reasoned that Charter change should be best done after the 2010 national to remove doubts that those elected would extend their terms in office. (CBCPNews)

VP confident US will allow return of Balangiga bells

Archbishop warns against SSPX priests

A CATHOLIC archbishop has warned the faithful against the presence of priests from the controversial Saint Pius X Society (SSPX) in the Archdiocese of Davao. Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla noted that the religious organization does not have a canonical status in the Church, thus its ministers do not exercise legitimate ministries in the Church. Quoting a letter from Pope Benedict XVI, he stressed that the SSPXs status within the Church remains in question because of its rejection of certain portions of Second Vatican Council. Though validly ordained, the priests do not have legal or canonical status on the local Church, said the 77-year old
Justice / A1

archbishop. Capalla then called on the clergy and the Catholic faithful to shun participating in any ministryMass, teaching, and communityof the Society of Saint Pius X. At least three SSPX priests are currently residing and holding their ministry at the citys Carpio subdivision. Organized by Archbishop Lefebvre in 1969, the SSPX has rejected modern rites of the liturgy, rejected some portions of the Vatican II documents and questioned papal authority on several occasions. In 1988, Lefebvre consecrated four bishops against the will of Pope John Paul II, a move Vatican declared to be a schismatic act.

Archbishop Fernando Capalla

He and the four bishops were excommunicated by John Paul II in 1991. But in December 2008, Pope Benedict XVI

lifted the excommunications in hopes of restoring full communion with the Church with the SSPX. (CBCPNews)

However, this is our mission. This is what God has given to us, said Fr Giovanni Re, PIME regional superior. There are 22 PIME (or Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions) missionaries in the Philippines and Tentorio, or Father Pops as he was popularly known, was one of the 10 assigned in Mindanao. Tentorio had worked among the indigenous peoples in North Cotabato and lived with them. His advocacy also included his commitment to ensure the survival and rights of the IPs, often marginalized and robbed of their land. He worked, he spoke for them, he helped them until the time came that he was killed, said Re. I hope his sacrifice will help us in fulfilling our own mission that God has given to us. I know there are times that our will weakens but let us pray to God to give us more courage and strength in fulfilling our mission, he added. Of the three PIME missionaries murdered in Mindanao, Tentorio was the second in North Cotabato. In October 1985, his fellow missionary Fr. Tullio Favali, 39, was killed in Tulunan, North Cotabato by a group of private armed guards, and Fr. Salvatorre Carzedda, engaged in dialogue with Muslims, was killed in Zamboanga City in May 1992. In 1998 Fr. Luciano Benedetti was kidnapped. His abductors, a Muslim group, released him after about 2 months. In 2007, Fr. Giancarlo Bossi was also kidnapped by an armed group, but was released after two months of captivity Aquino not off the hook Church leaders said the Aquino administration should share the blame for the killing of Tentorio. How long will evil men conAgrarian / A1

tinue to plot against those who courageously protest against the sufferings of the poor and the degradation of Gods creation? How long shall they continue to snuff out the lives of those who dare to speak against injustices and imbalances in our society? How long will they continue to roam around freely without being brought to justice? Odchimar said. The problem, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said, is that the government failed to address the culture of impunity with cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances still being committed in the country. Thats why they have the guts to kill anyone because no one is being held accountable, said Pabillo, who chairs the National Secretariat for Social Action of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). The prelate lamented that the government has failed to investigate and prosecute killings and enforced disappearances perpetrated during the last decade and the recent abuses. We may not entirely blame the government for what happened to Fr. Fausto but definitely they are not off the hook for failing to address the culture of impunity, said Pabillo. The Promotion of Church Peoples Response (PCPR) said Tentorio was the third church people killed under the current administration. PCPR general secretary Nardy Sabino said Fr. Tentorios death preceded the killings of Benjie Bayles, a member of Iglesia Filipina Independiente, and Abe Sungit of United Church of Christ in the Philippines. All of them were advocates and supporters of justice, peace and integrity of creation. Fr. Tentorio is the 31st church people and 2nd Roman Catholic victim of killings since 2001, said

Sabino. 3 angles While others suspect the Tentorios campaign against mining was behind his murder, authorities revealed that they are looking into three possible motives for his killing. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jessie Robredo, however, refused to give the details of their investigation. He said they are exploring different angles and added that the investigation has yet to zero in on the mining angle. Lets look at all the possibilities and we are looking at three possible angles, Robredo said. At this point in time, (lets give) equal importance and attention to all possible angles. The DILG chief also said this is due to the fact that they are not even sure if the angle being focused by media reports is already certain. We do hope that we will be able to resolve it the soonest, he said. In North Cotabato, Chief Supt. Lester Camba, head of the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Fausto, also said they have not yet sketched the priests killer. What we have right now is the sketch of a male person who could give a lead to the killing. This person was monitored to have been looking for Father Tentorio for four times since January, said Camba. Reports saying the police had already released a cartographic sketch on the priests killer, according to Camba, were lies. I have not said that in any interview I had with any media. What I claimed was that the computerized criminal illustration we have right now was not the suspects sketch, he stressed. Camba, however, is not discounting the possibility that the person in the sketch might be

involved in the killing. What would be his reason for asking the priests whereabouts? Since January, the same person was looking for Father Tentorio for four times. He only asked one question: Where is Father Fausto? After knowing that the priest was inside the chapel, he would leave the place. So that raised a doubt, said Camba. The STIG Fausto has at least eight witnesses, three of them are church workers, a mother and her child, and three are public school teachers. They, however, have yet to execute their affidavits so that the Police could use the documents for the eventual filing of charges against Tentorios killer or killers. Tentorio was laid to rest in Kidapawan City on October 25 after a solemn funeral service at the Our Lady of Mediatrix of All Graces Cathedral with more than 40 bishops, priests and PIME missionaries as concelebrants. In his homily, Kidapawan Bishop Romulo de la Cruz lauded Tentorio for defending the rights of the poor, the tribal people and for leading the fight against environmental destruction in his diocese. He revealed that the priests last will and testament, written in both Italian and Visayan, expressed his love for the people of Arakan, where he served as parish priest for several years, and the poor people in Mindanao. After the Mass, thousands of Tentorios friends walked to his burial site inside the compound of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Bishops Residence in the citys Balingog village. Also in attendance were Italian Ambassador Lucca Fornari, Tentorios brother Felix, with his wife, children, and other friends from Italy. (with reports from Malu Cadelina Manar/Mindanao Cross)

THE Philippine government has expressed optimism that the United States Congress will decide favorably on pending resolution returning the century-old historic Balangiga bells to the Philippines. Vice President Jejomar Binay said that after years of negotiation, he is confident that the US would finally heed the voice of the Filipino people clamoring the return of the Church bells to Balangiga town in Eastern Samar. Through the years there have been dialogues between independent bodies; and the governments of the two nations, in hopes of arriving at an equitable solution to the issue, said Binay. The vice president made the statement in a letter to US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas sent last October 5. Since both parties, it would seem, have reached a consensus to return the Bells to our country but for the opposition of former Wyoming Governor David Freudenthal, I am optimistic that the United States Congress shall soon decide the matter in our favor, he added. Binay noted that the bells return is also hindered by an amendment to the US National Defense Authorization Act that bars the return of veterans memorial objects to foreign nations without specific authorization in law. The Vice President urged
Coastal / A1

that concerned parties seek all available avenues to resolve the matter. He added that the two nations must heed the voice of the people in settling the issue. Since the Filipino populace, the Wyoming Veterans Council, and the Catholic Church are considered as the major stakeholders in this issue, it would be safe to assume that the peoples voice calls for the return of the Bells to the Philippines, he added. The Balangiga Bells were taken by US forces as a war trophy in the aftermath of the Balangiga Massacre in Samar during the PhilippineAmerican War. Efforts to return the Bells to the Philippines have started in 1957 when Jesuit historian Fr. Horacio de la Costa requested the 13th Air Force in San Francisco, California to repatriate the bells. One of the bells is in the possession of 9th Infantry Regiment at Camp Red Cloud based in South Korea while two others are at a former base of the 11th Infantry Regiment at F. E. Warren air base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Meanwhile, the Balangiga Historical Society through the National Historical Institute and the Department of Foreign Affairs initiated formal government efforts in reacquiring the Bells in 1989. (CBCPNews)

CBCP Media

We train people to become scuba divers. We ask them to be concern about the marine environment, he said. Since the goal of the group is to protect the coastal marine resources, he said, they are hoping that more people particularly priests will join them as time goes on. We are encouraging the clergy (to join) our aim is to develop more priests who will join and become scuba divers, Soquino said. The activity is part of this years Duaw sa Sto. Nio or the visit of the image of the Holy Child Jesus through a fluvial procession to Biliran province on October 20 in coordination with the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coastguard. Bringing the Sto. Nio closer to the people and spreading the Churchs teachings on ecology, particularly the fight against cliArchbishop / A1

mate change and what the people can do to respond to the problem, are the themes of the event. The Duaw Sto. Nio is one of the major projects of the foundation wherein the Sto. Nino visits the different islands in the archipelago. Its part of the Thousand Islands project which aims to reach out to 1,000 islands in the country particularly those vulnerable to climate change, said Soquino. The priest added that it is also for this reason that Naval Bishop Filomeno Bactol asked them to also visit his diocese. He invited us to also visit the diocesan shrine of the St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Calubian, Leyte, to precisely help in the diocesan program of environmental protection, he said. The shrine will be celebrating its fiesta on October 22.
Coastal / A7

This only means, according to Odchimar, that the 54-year old archbishop-elects face and voice are familiar in the Vatican. Tagle, he said, is not only a deeply religious man but also a recognized figure not just in the Philippines but also internationally as a theologian and as a speaker. He is a blessing to us Filipinos because we Catholics in the Philippines look to this prime

archdiocese also for leadership, said Odchimar. On October 13, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Tagle as the 32nd archbishop of Manila, replacing retired Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales who served the post for eight years. In a statement, Tagle asked for prayers, saying that he would be able to do his tasks with Gods help.
Archbishop / A7

legacy to the poor, said Evangeline Mendoza, farmer-leader of Philippine Peasant Support Network (PESANTE), whose members are currently holding barricade in a Yulo Estate in Canlubang, Laguna. PESANTE is pitted against the Yulos and the Ayala Land, Inc. The latters real estate and luxury home projects have displaced thousands of farming families in the area. Talks about the looming CARP termination started swirling when a presidential executive order instructing DAR to downsize its personnel came to the attention of civil societies and agrarian reform advocates early this year. Agrarian reform cannot and should not end by 2014 because there are still a lot of pending cases that have run for 40 years now, like that of hacienda Yulo.

Agrarian reform is one of the most effective mechanisms to stem rebellion in the countryside, said Mendoza. We dont want to take up arms because it is not the solution to our problem, but still, a lot of farmers are now losing hope because of the way this government has treated us, she added. Lawyer Christian Monsod, a known agrarian advocate, said that DAR needs to accomplish 440,000 hectares by end of 2012 and 300,000 hectares a year in 2012 and 2014 to keep up with its backlogs and finish the 1.1 M hectares of land that remains undistributed. Monsod, who co-convenes the Sulong CARP with Extension and Reform coalition with Pabillo, also raised issue about the budget. He disclosed that contrary to CARP-

ER law, the government only provided about P55 billion for the first three years of CARPER (including 2012) as against a requirement of P90 billion or a shortfall of about P35 billion. CARP termination in 2014? There is prevailing misconception in Congress that agrarian reform will be terminated by 2014, said Rep. Kaka Bag-ao of Akbayan partylist. But constitutional mandate will not end by 2014. Only the budget will expire, not the program. In other words, all the other components, like resolution of agrarian disputes, provision of support services as well as the distribution of lands with notices of coverage, will go beyond 2014, she said. Bag-ao was among those who helped

draft the CARPER bill and lobbied for its passage. She reiterated the need for DAR to provide support services to agrarian reform beneficiaries. At the moment, government has failed in giving sufficient support to farmers. DA cannot assume the responsibility since their credit scheme is not socialized and therefore way beyond the capacity of small peasants to repay, she lamented. Doomed to failure Monsod said that the presidents lack of political will has triggered wideranging demoralization in DAR. DAR is seeking the leadership of the President. Without that, CARPER is doomed to fail. The local DAR is demoralized. If agrarian reform will be terminated in 2014, they are already

looking for other jobs and fearful of being sued by landowners whose cases they handled, he said. Monsod said this was the time for the president to show leadership to avert possible social and political unrest. EDSA is now 25 years behind us but the state of inequalities is still the same. Unless government intervenes, the poor will always be left behind, he said. Pabillo meanwhile pointed out Aquinos huge role in improving the morale of the DAR personnel and fast tracking the implementation of CARPER. DAR and DA are under him. He also has many allies in Congress. He can finish agrarian reform by 2014 if he only displays political will for it, he said. (CBCPNews)

CBCP Media

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 22
October 24 - November 6, 2011

Diocesan News

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Sto. Nio a unifying factor, says Augustinian missionary

CALUBIAN, Leyte The visit of the revered image of the Sto. Nio de Cebu in the province on Oct. 23 drew almost everyone in the community to prayer at the Shrine of St. Therese some three kilometers from the heart of this once-bustling town. Fr. Tito Soquino, OAR and caretaker of the pilgrim image of the Sto. Nio said that people from all walks of life have come together to join the celebration which is a rare occasion among its devotees. Political leaders from different political persuasions gathered around the Sto. Nio to give praise and pray, a proof that the Sto. Nio is a batobalani or magnet because it would be difficult to gather these personalities to a single occasion, he said. Sioquino said it is a blessing that the Augustinians have been caretakers for more than 400 years of what he described as the Philippines first religious icon. He explained the image of the child Jesus is an instrument to spread the Gospel not only in the Philippines but throughout the world. As the Philippines is in diaspora and everywhere you go, in many places you go, the sinulog is being celebrated and theres a possibility the sinulog would be the impetus to further spread and revitalize the devotion to the Sto. Nio and the faith of the people, not only in the Philippines but worldwide, he added. Before going to Calubian from Cebu, some 5,000 devotees packed Naval towns main road in Biliran and later the Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary as they welcomed the pilgrim image of the Infant Jesus and St. Therese. Time literally and figuratively stood still as the Philippine Navys Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas Emilio Aquinaldo docked at the pier with the revered icon of the Sto. Nino de Cebu. Naval Bishop Filomeno Bactol said the visit of the Sto. Nio to the diocese is a reminder to the faithful that God came to the world and was once a child to underscore the need to love children and life. He said the Sto. Ninos message is simple, that life is precious, that we should all learn to value. Bactol mentioned in his homily the Caravan for Life led by Dr. Rene Bullecer with the image of Mary Mediatrix of All Grace, which the diocese hosted on Oct. 20. They left Cebu for Maasin and passed by several towns and Ormoc on the way to Naval, the prelate said. He underscored the importance of the Caravan for Life as certain sectors continue to push for the passage of the Reproductive Health bill at both Houses of Congress. And now (Friday), the son of Mary, the Seor Sto. Nio accompanied by St. Therese, are now in our midst with the same purpose evangelization, the 71-year old prelate said. He acknowledged the important role of the Augustinian friars led by Fr. Sioquino, as they prepare for the 500th anniversary of the evangelization of the Philippines. How lucky we are, how fortunate we are that Sto. Nio, in his first visit outside of Cebu, he visited Biliran which was once part of Leyte where Magellan first landed, the bishop further said. Need for evangelization cited Bactol said the human family is veering away from God, which made His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI prepare for a synod of bishops on evangelization. He said bishops throughout the world will be invited to initiate programs to bring back more people to God, stressing that God created the world and ordered men to take care of His creation. Bantayi an kapalibutan because we are destroying the world as manifested in global warming with fewer but stronger typhoons in the country, he added. He said he could not recall any super typhoon during his younger days. He called on the faithful to mend their ways and take active part in preventing global warming. He said foreign substances and plastics have been thrown into the sea destroying the once-pristine marine environment. (Melo Acua)

The pilgrim image of Sto. Nio de Cebu is carried from the boat by enlisted men of Philippine Navy during its visit to the province of Leyte, as part of the preparation for the celebration of the 500th anniversary of evangelization of the Philippines.

Army chaplain appeals for sobriety against calls of all-out war vs. MILF
CAGAYAN DE ORO CityLike a voice crying in the wilderness, the Catholic chaplain of the Armys 4th Infantry Diamond Division here called for sobriety Sunday amid calls for government to launch an all-out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as punishment for the murder of 19 Special Forces soldiers in Basilan last Oct. 18. Fr. Leonides Cruel Jr., who holds the rank of Major in the Philippine Army, also castigated those who are urging President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to declare an all-out war against the Moro rebel group now negotiating peace with the government. Its very easy to call for war. But will those who are urging the President the ones who go into the frontlines to fight the MILF? Will their brother/sister, son/ daughter, husband/wife go to the war zone? No! They will stay where we are and just command the foot soldiers to wage war, he said. Cruel pointed out that those are who itching for war with the MILF are not thinking clearly. I was asked about my stand as a priest on this issue. My reply was to look at Christ and His example. What did Christ do when He was falsely accused and charged? What did he do when He was flogged and crucified? Did any of His followers cried war against the Romans? What did Christ do when he was hanging on the cross? Did he curse those who accused Him and called for the wrath of God to fall on them? No! He prayed for them and asked God to forgive them, he told a very silent and raptly attentive parishioners composed of enlisted personnel and their families and relatives at the packed St. Ignatius de Loyola Chapel in Camp Edilberto Evangelista, headquarters of the 4th ID, in Barangay Patag. The chaplain, waving a copy of the book War Wounded by Gail Tan Ilagan, urged those who are urging the government to wage war against the MILF to think and look deep inside themselves if they are following the example of Christ, whose name they carry as Christians. I always read this book. And I urged you to also read this so you will know what war is. I know it is a very common saying that no one wins in war. But I say, there are winners in war; but they are not the combatants. The winners are those who make caskets, the funeral homes, the manufacturers of firearms, weapons and bullets, the middlemen when there are transactions, the suppliers of uniforms and military equipment, he said to a slight giggle from parishioners. He said that soldiers should not be defined by muscle, brawn and courage in the frontlines and how snappy they are but by their ability to think and decide as Christians. This is why, as a person, as a priest and as a soldier, I am happy to be a Christian because we have a Christian President, a Christian Commander-in-Chief who thinks and make decisions as a Christian, a President who does not let emotions and the clamor for war cloud his vision for peace to be attained during his term, he stressed. So my answer to those who asked my personal stand on this war against the MILF issue: No to war! he added. Cruel, however, said that this does not mean that the government will just stand by and not do anything to punish those who commit crimes. Even if we imposed against capital punishment or death penalty against the criminals, this will still not prevent crimes from being committed. The only way to stop crime is for those in authority to be sincere in pursuing and punishing those criminals, beginning with those in government, he stressed. Sincerity, that is the missing element in our fight against criminality, he added. (Bong D. Fabe)

Briefing
Basilan incident imperils peace negotiations

CAGAYAN DE ORO CityThe ongoing peace negotiation between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is heading to the rocks after the MILF allegedly violated ceasefire agreements with the murder of 19 soldiers in Basilan recently. Dean Marvic Leonen, the governments chief peace negotiator said that the findings of the ongoing investigation into the incident may certainly weigh heavily on the peace process. The agreement on the cessation of hostilities for us is an important agreement. Its faithful implementation is necessary to provide the conditions for negotiations to proceed in earnest, he said. (Bong D. Fabe)
Lanao Norte Hajj pilgrims depart for Mecca

TUBOD, Lanao del NorteAround 587 Muslim pilgrims from Lanao del Norte departed for Mecca, Saudi Arabia on October 12 to fulfill one of Islams five pillars the Hajj (pilgrimage) Program head Lyndon Calica stressed this was the biggest number of pilgrims who availed of the Hajj program of the provincial government since it started in 2002. The increasing number of pilgrims in the Hajj program is a testament of its importance and effectiveness in addressing the needs of our Muslim brothers and sisters who wish to take their hajj, Calica said. (Wendell Talibong)
Youth leadership forum held in Marawi

Mining goes on in Zamboanga as anti-mining advocates await SC ruling

DIPOLOG City Mining operations in the provinces of Zamboanga, Dipolog and Pagadian continue even as anti-mining advocates await the Supreme Court to act on their petition to suspend mining activities in the region. Dipolog Bishop Jose Manguiran said mining operations in Siocon has been going on with no let up under the Toronto Ventures, Inc. known as TVI, a Canadian mining company. [It has been said that] even the lumad leader has been coopted by the company and now openly advocates for mining,
Archbishop / A6

MARAWI City, Oct. 16, 2011Around 100 youth leaders and students participated in a recent leadership forum aimed at raising awareness of the youths responsibility in promoting good governance and working for the eradication of prohibited drugs within the campus and in the city. Sixty of the participants were freshmen students of Mindanao State University, while 40 were members of the Silpeace Youth. Focused on the theme Transforming Youth Leaders: Building and Developing Community, the one-day forum gave a brief orientation on the importance of dialogue as a path to peace, according to the mission and vision of Silsilah Dialogue Movement and the role of the movement in drug eradication and youth transformation. (CBCPNews)
Vincentian lay organization formally recognized in Ozamiz

he added. The staunch anti-mining prelate said they are still awaiting the resolution from the Supreme Court of their petition under the Writ of Kalikasan but has not received any feedback as yet. He lamented how mining companies can go around the law. The anti-mining advocates earlier sought an injunction from the Supreme Court of the Philippines seeking the suspension of mining operations in the Dioceses of Pagadian and Dipolog, in the provinces Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte and

Zamboanga Sibugay. Sustained efforts vs RH Bill The diocese had its Pastoral Assembly last Oct. 17-20 to review the programs undertaken by its Basic Ecclesial Communities. Manguiran said that the diocese has sustained its efforts against the reproductive health bill. We are strengthening our Basic Ecclesial Communities here, the 75 year-old prelate told CBCPNews. He added they already had a demonstration against the bill some three months ago.

After each celebration of the Holy Mass in the diocese, an obligatory prayer is said in Cebuano calling for divine intervention to prevent the controversial bills enactment into law. He added that he called on the Catholic faithful to regularly pray the Holy Rosary from October this year until 2012 as mandated by Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines as there are many events going on, such as destruction of the environment in the series of natural disasters. (Melo M. Acua)

OZAMIZ City Ozamiz archdiocese has formally recognized a lay organization of the Vincentians through an issuance of a decree. Ozamiz Archbishop Jesus Dosado, CM said in a decree that he formally recognized the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Francis Regis Clet Conference, a legitimate Lay Vincentian organization in Misamis Occidental. Sr. Estelita R. Borjal, formator of SSVP and Sr. Emma Camilotes, Sister Servant of the Daughters of Charity have earlier asked Archbishop Dosado for a formal recognition of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Francis Regis Clet as a lay organization in Ozamiz City. (Wendell Talibong)
Rosary-Mass Rally for Peace draws thousands

Contraceptive / A1

I face this heavy responsibility with much trepidation, Tagle said. Leaving the Diocese of Imus, my beloved home, at the threshold of its Golden Jubilee, is not easy. But faith in our gracious Lord and love of the Church give me strength. I know that I would find much good will and zeal for my mission in the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Manila. In our openness to the Holy Spirit, we could render a joyful and robust witness to Jesus Christ, all for the glory of the Father and the good of the Church and of society, especially, especially of the poor, he added. Rosales, for his part, said he would live in a retirement home for priests in his native Lipa City, where he also served as archbishop from 1992 to 2003, and plans to write more books. (CBCPNews)
Coastal / A6

Soquino said this is the first time that the Sto. Nio will be visiting a diocese outside Cebu. The Sto. Nio, being an important icon in the Cath-

olic faith here in our country is going out, reaching out to the islands to remind us of our role in becoming stewards of creation, he said. (CBCPNews)

my eyes and ears to the truth that the use of oral contraceptive pills as well as Depo-Provera injectables can cause cancer, as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared on July 29, 2005 that artificial contraceptives are carcinogenic, at par with cigarettes and asbestos, he pointed out. Artificial contraceptives can trigger cancer of the breast, cervix and liver, he stressed. Besides the WHO declaration, Department of Health (DOH) former chief Dr. Esperanza Cabral also admitted in an April 2011 interview over DZIQ that contraceptive pills increase the risk of breast cancer. I really pity our womenfor more than 40 years since the artificial family planning program started in 1967, women were never told about the horrible medical side-effects of these pills, Bullecer said.

How many hundreds of thousands of Filipina mothers have died because of cancers, stroke, hypertension, diabetes triggered by oral contraceptive use? Who will speak for these helpless victims? he said further. I am challenging all doctors, nurses and midwives in this country, particularly those working in the government or NGOs who vigorously promote these products in their day-to-day campaign, and I dare them to speak up for the truth (or they are themselves traitors to their own patients and countrymen) and expose the hidden agenda of the multi-billion peso pill manufacturers at the expense of the health and lives of Filipino women, the doctor said. With the sinister RH Bill pushed in both chambers [of Congress], can the proponents say we never knew about these? And then even proudly declare that the RH Bill is pro-women? he asked. (CBCP for Life)

BACOLOD City Thousands of faithful participated in a grand Rosary-Rally for peace on October 7, feast of the Holy Rosary, aimed at increasing the awareness of the young in their Christian faith and boosting their stand on moral issues confronting the Church and society. An estimated 5,000 faithful comprising students from different public and private high schools, government officials, religious organizations, teachers, sponsors and guests gathered for the Grand Rosary-Mass Rally for Peace at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum organized by the Marian Missionaries of the Holy Cross-Youth for Mary and Christ. (Br. Ignatius Ma. Falquerabao, MMHC)
Peace Talks / A1

Continue the peace talks and dont get tired so that peace and harmony will be attained, said Jumoad. On October 18, nineteen Army Special Forces officers and men died, including six that were injured, captured then executed, after they reportedly encountered joint forces of the MILF and the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group. The encounter occurred despite an ongoing ceasefire agreement adopted by both

parties due to the peace negotiations. The panels from the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF are scheduled to resume the peace talks next month. Bishop Jumoad condemned the recent incident which also killed nine MILF rebels, adding that it was another saddening moment for the Church. It is always painful when fellow Filipinos kill each other, he said. (CBCPNews)

Melo Acua

A8
THE Daughters of St. Paul launched the three-year celebration of the congregations diamond jubilee of foundation in the Philippines in 2013 with a Holy Mass celebrated October 13 at the Sanctuary of Queen of Apostles in Harrison St., Pasay City. Presided by Masbate Bishop Jose Bantolo, the Holy Mass was concelebrated by Manila Archdiocese Vicar for Religious, Fr. James Perry, MM and several priests from the Society of St. Paul. Attended by members of the Pauline family, benefactors and friends of the congregation, the Mass began with the processional entrance of some FSP sisters carrying cultural symbols that represent the various Pauline communities in the country and its year of foundation. A simple reception followed after the Eucharist. The celebration was capped with a musical concert with the University of the East Chorale and the Pauline choir as performers. With Elsie Eranista of the Madrigal Singers conducting, the Pauline choir was accompanied by Alejandro Consolacion II at the organ, and Franz Miguel Ramirez playing the oboe. Themed 75 Years Celebrating Fidelity, Counting Blessings, Reinvigorating Service, the launch of the three-year celebration was done simultaneously in all 13 communities of the Daughters of St. Paul throughout the country. Various activities are lined up during the three years leading to the celebration of the jubilee in 2013, according to

People, Facts & Places

Sr. Evangelina Canag, a member of the core group of the jubilee executive committee. Among the activities she mentioned are the target diffusion of 75,000 thousand bibles to families, conducting of bible studies and lectio divina on the word of God, bible enthronements at homes, publication of pamphlets on the thoughts of Blessed James Alberione, founder of the Pauline family, and publication of books on the life of the pioneer sisters in the Philippines. She also mentioned some other activities that have social impact but are still to be threshed out, like planting trees for the environment and feeding and teaching catechism to children. First foundation after their musical performance at the launching of 75th jubilee anniversary of FSP-Philippines. The Daughters of St. Paul founded its first community in Since then, the congregation has de Oro, Bacolod, Iloilo, Tacloban, Lipa, Batangas when a group of three branched out to different regions across Cebu, Baguio, Tuguegarao, Legazpi Italian Sisters arrived in the country the country and founded communities and Naga. The house of Marikina, in October 13, 1938. The house in Lipa and media centers. The central house is founded in 1993 also serves as the now serves as the novitiate where located in Pasay, Manila, where the ap- Juniorate House where Junior sisters young sisters preparing for consecra- ostolic centers and pre-novitiate house pursuing their theological studies at tion undergo training and study of are also situated. Other communities Loyola School of Theology in Quezon religious life. are in Davao, Zamboanga, Cagayan City, stay.

CBCP Monitor

October 24 - November 6, 2011

Vol. 15 No. 22

Pauline Sisters launch 3-year jubilee celebration

Members of the Pauline Choir and University of the East Chorale pose with Masbate Bishop Jose Bantolo and members of the FSP Provincial Council

The Daughters of St. Paul, whose main charism is evangelization through the means of social communication, are second among the 10 religious and secular institutes founded by Blessed James Alberione, an Italian priest beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 27, 2003. (CBCPNews)

Laiko holds 2nd laity congress at 60th anniversary

THE Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas (Council of the Laity of the Philippines) has organized a 2nd National Congress of the Laity to mark the 60th anniversary of the Catholic Action in the Philippines. A message from the Vatican read by Msgr. Giorgio Chezza, second Counsellor of the Apostolic Nunciature assured congress participants of Pope Benedict XVIs spiritual closeness as he prays that the Congress will be a time of renewed gratitude by all who attend for the richness of the Churchs teaching on the indispensable role of the lay faithful in renewing the social order and building a civilization of love. The letter signed by the Vaticans Secretary of State Assessor Monsignor Peter B. Wells further said the pope hopes that the participants will grow in love for one another and for their brethren, for only in charity, illumined by the light of reason and faith, is it possible to transform society in a truly Christian way. Held October 21 at Pope Pius capped with a Eucharistic celebration presided by Manila Archbishop-emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales. Following the congress was a two-day convention that saw the election of Laikos new officers. Attorney Aurora Santiago, who was vice president of Laiko for 2011, was elected president for 2012-2013. Santiago, incidentally, is a columnist for this paper. Other members of the Laiko board are Atty. Jose Tale, Executive vice-president; Ms. Marita Wasan, vice president for NCR; Mrs. Amelita Dayrit-Go, vice president for Luzon; Ms. Nida Ruiz, vice president for Visayas; Mr. Solomon Badoy, vice president for Mindanao; Ms. Estelita Macalaguim, Treasurer; Mrs. Gertrude Bautista, Secretary; Mrs. Zenaida Capistrano, Auditor; and Mr. Victorino Lahoz, PRO. The Board of Trustees are Mr. Apolinario Carandang; Dr. Romeo Cruz, Sr,; Mrs. Ma. Isabel Descallar; Mr. Loreto Guinhawa; Mr. Edgardo Malay; and Mr. Edgardo Tria Tirona, ex officio member. (CBCPNews)

Markings
CONFERRED. Manila Archbishop Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales was conferred with Caritas Manilas first ever Vincentian Leadership Award for his shared values and contribution to the community. Fr. Anton Pascual, executive director of Caritas Manila, said they chose to give the special recognition to Rosales, also in appreciation of his great service to the Church. The award was given to Rosales October 11 during the Caritas Thanksgiving lunch at the Arzobispado de Manila in Intramuros, Manila. The affair also served as some sort of a despedida for the cardinal who has retired as Archbishop of Manila this year and whose successor, Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle of Imus has been named by Vatican to assume the post vacated by Rosales. Ramon Del Rosario, vice-chairman of the Caritas Board, also took the opportunity to thank the 79-year old Cardinal for his guidance, leadership and inspiration as chairman of the board for seven years. ORDAINED. Three young men from the parish of St. John the Baptist in Taytay were ordained priests October 15, 2011 in a solemn ceremony led by Antipolo Bishop Gabriel Reyes. Rev. Mark Anthony Naval of Brgy. Sta Ana, Rev. Glenn William Relucio of Brgy. San Juan, and Rev. Ferdinand Delatado of Brgy. Dolores, were joined by fellow ordinand, Rev. Moises Villamayor who hailed from nearby town of Angono. Bishop Reyes led the 9 a.m. Holy Mass, with Antipolo Auxiliary Bishop Francisco de Leon, D.D. and Batanes Diocese Most Rev. Bishop Camilo Gregorio, D.D. concelebrating. Rev. Msgr. Peter Caonero, Diocesan Chancellor and Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Parish expressed his heartfelt gratitude to those who attended the affairthe generous donors, benefactors, families and friends who had supported the ordinands since their seminary life until their ordination. Witnesses to the occasion include those who have come from faraway places such as priests and seminarians from the Diocese of Batanes where the ordinands served as Deacons. Parish lay volunteers were on hand to assist visitors. The St. John the Baptist Parochial School Drum and Lyre band played their festive pieces. The kid majorettes complemented by the three giant mascots of higantes festival did amusing tricks and dances to entertain the crowd. Receptions were held at the parish premises and at the Sienna College in Taytay. Thanksgiving Mass of Rev. Fr. Moises in Angono was held on the 15th of October at 6 p.m. Rev. Fr. Mark will celebrate his on the 16th, Rev. Fr. Glenn on the 23rd and Rev. Fr. Ferdinand on the 30th at St. John the Baptist Parish in Taytay respectively. The whole affair served as a beacon call for vocation awareness and promotion, which is observed this month of October. LAUNCHED. CBCP Media Office and Radio Veritas 846 launched October 13 the Blessed John Paul II Novena for Life, followed by 30-second modules on the late Popes teachings about life and a 5-minute documentary and aired from October 13 to 21. Modules were aired from 12 noon to 12:15 p.m., followed by the airing of the Blessed John Paul II Novena composed by incoming CBCP Secretary General Msgr. Joselito Asis. The Novena Mass followed at 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m., also from October 13 21. Novena pamphlets were distributed after every Mass held at the Veritas chapel. A statue of Bl. John Paul II and the papal chair used during the pontiffs visit to the Philippines in 1995 were on exhibit at the Veritas chapel for the duration of the novena. LAUNCHED. A month-long pilgrimage dubbed as Marian Caravan for life was launched by a group of Catholic faithful from the Visayas and Mindanao with Sogod, Southern Leyte as the starting point. The event was aimed to ignite the devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary as one of the most vital weapons against anti-life legislation. Organized by Human Life International (HLI) Pilipinas and the Confraternity of Our Lady Mediatrix of All Grace, the caravan include visits to parish churches in the Dioceses of Maasin and Naval targeting 10 big parishes and two cathedrals along the route. The Caravan will culminate in Ormoc Citys Sts. Peter and Paul Church after visiting the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cathedral in Naval, said Dr. Rene Josef Bullecer, HLI Pilipinas country director. Next on the itinerary of the Marian Caravan for Life in the coming weeks are churches in the Dioceses of Talibon, Antique, Kalibo, Borongan, Calbayog, Catarman and the archdioceses of Palo and Jaro. Organizers are hoping that with the intercession of Our Lady, the pro-RH lawmakers especially the ones who refer to themselves as Catholic will cease to be merely Catholic in name only but remain true to the faith they profess and switch to the pro-life camp.

New officers of the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas were elected during the 17th Biennial Convention of the Council of the Laity of the Philippines held at Pope Pius XII Catholic Center, Oct. 22-23.

XII Catholic Center in Manila, the laity congress drew around 600 participants nationwide, representing 11 Catholic schools around Manila area, 33 national lay organizations and 25 archdiocesan and diocesan councils of the laity. Themed Laiko at 60, Standing Firm in the Faith, Sharing the Richness of the Mother Church, the congress had Msgr. Gerardo Santos, executive secretary of the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Educa-

tion as keynote speaker. He spoke on the identity and mission of the lay faithful in the Church and in the country. Paraaque Bishop Jesse Mercado, current chairman of the Episcopal Commission on the Laity spoke on the developments that evolved from the first National Laity Congress up to present. A panel of speakers also discussed during the afternoon session the way and means to evangelize the future church today. The day-long congress was

3 Oblate nuns missioned to Filipino migrants in Japan

Three Sisters from the Oblates of Notre Dame were sent as missionaries to the diocese of Naha, Okinawa in Japan to serve in the pastoral care ministry for Filipino migrants. The three OND missionaries, Srs. Stella Marie SM LLerin, Teresita Caytor and Rochelle Caminse were sent off in a ceremony held at the Our Lady of Hope Chapel in the OND Novitiate Grounds in Tamontaka, DOS, Maguindanao. OND Superior General Sr. Rose Susan RS Montejo and Sr. Stella Marie had visited the diocese last year upon the invitation of the bishop of Naha, Most Reverend Bernard Oshikawa, OFM Conv. to discuss the new ministry to be opened in his territory. Fr. Alfie Africa, the current Moderator of the Mission Society of the Philippines (MSP), a group with whom the ONDs had been working closely in Papua New Guinea had recommended the OND sisters Bishop Oshikawa. After the visit, Sr. RS told her sisters the great pastoral need to accompany the Filipino migrants, as well as the heartwarming hospitality and generosity of the Okinawans. She also shared how the three misioneras got to study and are trying to be proficient in the Japanese language to enable them to integrate effectively into the JapaneseOkinawan culture, as they also aim to develop an inculturated Christian Formation program for Filipino wives and their succeeding generations, while also attempting to develop a self-sustaining center. Moreover, the sisters will be familiarizing themselves with the customs, food and climate and other realities of the new culture, discerning how the mission engagement in Miyako can become a venue for ONDs to make alive Missio Dei so that, as Sr. RS said, we may be for the people of the Diocese of Naha and for the Filipinos there an experience of a God who comes into the lives of all people and into the world in new ways. The General Team further entrusted the new mission into the loving and caring hands of Mary, Mother and Patroness, to accompany the missionaries in their journey of pleasing God always, according to OND motto. (Sr. Marietta Alo, OND)

Marriage, purity of heart tackled in Freedom to Love series

THE Couples for Christ, through its Gift of Life Ministry, is holding the Freedom to Love Study Group DVD Series By Christopher West, a five-part group study based on Blessed John Paul IIs Theology of the Body. The Freedom to Love Study Group Sessions will deepen ones understanding of Theology of the Body and will provide greater insights on how to apply the principles in daily life, enabling one to live a life of authentic freedom and love. Theology of the Body is one of the landmark teachings of Blessed John Paul II which delves on love, human sexuality, purity of heart, freedom, and marriage crucial and especially timely considering the attacks on the value of life and family in recent years. West, an international speaker and acknowledged expert on Theology of the Body, was in Manila in June to hold talks and symposia for students, faithbased groups and the general public. The concepts he presented in this five-part group study may change everything, including ones worldview. The study consists of five talks by Christopher West on DVD and group discussions to help participants process and reflect on each sessions topic. Interested participants may choose from two schedules: Option 1: Oct. 20-Nov. 17 (5 Thursdays) Theology Classroom 3, Theology Bldg. (beside Layforce), San Carlos Seminary, Guadalupe, Makati City, at 7:30-10 p.m. Option 2: Oct. 26 to Nov. 23 (5 Wednesdays) St. Luke Room, Christ the King Parish, Greenmeadows Subd., Quezon City, at 7:30- 10 p.m. Walk-in participants are welcome at the Christ the King group. For those interested in the San Carlos study group, please reserve slots by Oct. 17, Monday. Registration fee is P250 for the entire series. Attendees will need a Freedom to Love Workbook to maximize participation. These will be sold at the venue at P220 each. If interested, please email joykatigbak@gmail.com to indicate which option you would like to take. (Joy Katigbak)

Participants laud 1st Vocation Jamboree in Borongan

AROUND 1,000 participants attended the Diocese of Borongans 1st Vocation Jamboree held at the Seminario De Jesus Nazareno on October 21 to 22. Organizers said the gathering was a success because from the 800 expected delegates, the number went up to 1,000 participants coming from different parishes and schools in the diocese. Fr. Jan Michael Gadicho, Borongans Vocation Director said he was overwhelmed by the response of the schools and parishes as it reflected the number of delegates. We never thought that we would reach the 1000 mark, we even exceeded [it]. But the number of participants is just a bonus point, for Gadicho. For him, the important thing is that the diocese was successful enough to enlighten the youth that when we say vocation, it doesnt mean vocation to the priesthood or religious life alone. Vocation is about God calling us to a life of service and love. Thus, whether you are a priest or not, you can be of service to God as long as what you are doing is centered on Him, he added. With the theme Vocation: a call to serve life and environment, the jamboree was filled with music, laughter and prayer. Contained in the schedule were animations, dances, songs, a production number from the priests and seminarians and nuns. Talks were also given as well as sharing of vocation stories from a nun and a priest. Andrian Barbo, a 4th year college student said that the vocation jamboree was very unique. He further said that the relationship of the youth sector of the diocese became more intimate. It was a good experience because its the first time that an activity was held to reawaken the hearts and minds of the youth, said Cresty Tomenio, a member of the Singles for Christ. It was a unique experience to know God, she added. In the closing Mass, Borongan Bishop Crispin Varquez lauded the organizers, the Commission on Vocations and the participants. He also suggested that the vocation jamboree be held every year. (Roel Joe Abonal)

Photo courtesy of Laiko

Reajoy San Luis, FSP

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 22
OCtober 24 - November 6, 2011

Revisiting the Standard Days Method Seven Perspectives

All Natural Family Planning as a Pastoral Imperative
11 July 2011 Dear Brother Bishops, Family Life Coordinators, and Pro-Life Advocates, In our CBCP Pastoral Letter of 30 January 2011, we expressed our rejection of the Reproductive Health Bill because of its promotion of artificial methods of family planning. On the other hand, we also said that we are pro-life and for the responsible and natural regulation of births through Natural Family Planning. Hence, the active and widespread promotion of NFP becomes a pastoral imperative for all our dioceses. Several dioceses have started to implement a serious and systematic program on NFP. In particular, the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro over the past five years has implemented an All-NFP program. This All-NFP program has three meanings: (1) We teach all modern, scientific methods of NFP, including the Billings Ovulation Method (BOM), and the Standard Days Method (SDM); (2) We reach out to all parishes and kapilya communities through volunteer resident NFP counselors; and (3) We promote NFP all the wayi.e., without back-up contraceptives. Despite the evidence-based results achieved by the program (e.g., there are now more than 4,500 NFP couple-users as of June 2011, we still hear some disturbing reports about some individuals claiming to be the diocesan coordinators of the Family Life Apostolate or representing the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life. They allege that SDM has not been approved by CBCP and that the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro promotes SDM with back-up contraceptives. It is in this light that we wish to reiterate the Consensus Statement that we bishops made in January 2009: (1) The Standards Days Method, provided it is not mixed with contraceptives, is a natural family planning method and is consistent with the moral teaching of the Catholic Church. This was earlier affirmed by Cardinal Alfonso Trujillo of the Pontifical Council on the Family during the bishops ad limina visit in 2003. (2) While acknowledging the individual bishops pastoral discernment to promote SDM or not in his diocese, he may not prohibit any couple in his diocese from using SDM as their method of natural family planning.
Photo courtesy of CDO-Christian Family & Life Apostolate

Pastoral Concerns

B1

By Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J.

[After several years of contention on SDM, the author summarizes seven perspectives on how SDM has been adopted by various organizations. He points out the differences between a natural family planning (NFP) method and a fertility awareness-based (FAB) method with a back-up contraceptive. Likewise, he distinguishes the inclusion of SDM in an All-NFP program of the local church from the value-neutral approach of government agencies in the promotion of family planning. The article ends with a reflection on the consensus statements of the bishops after their dialogue on NFP and SDM in January 2009 and July 2011.] As a recently developed method of natural family planning, the Standard Days Method (SDM) has been the subject of much discussion and debate among church circles and lately even among some government agencies. One group favors SDM because it is simple and works and can reach out to many more couples. Others question SDM because for them it is not scientific, is not reliable for women with irregular cycles, and does not involve the daily observation of bodily signs. Still others object to SDM as an NFP method because it includes the use of back-up contraceptives and is promoted by government agencies in this way. In order to weigh and balance all these contentions, it would be helpful to examine seven perspectives on SDM. 1) SDM as a Fertility Awareness-Based (FAB) method This is the scientific description of SDM as developed by the Institute for Reproductive Health of Georgetown University, and as classified by the World Health Organization in its listing of birth regulation methods. Awareness of a womans fertility cycle can be determined by various indicatorse. g., through basal body temperature, cervical mucus secretions, the start of the menstrual cycle, etc. One of the earliest attempts to predict the fertile period was the calendar rhythm method pioneered separately by Kyusaku Ogino in Japan and Hermann Knaus in Austria in the late 1920s. This was based on the individual womans recorded observations of her past menstrual cycles. In contrast to this customized calculation of the womans fertile period which proved to be cumbersome, SDM provides a simplified and standardized formula based on computer simulations of more than 7,000 actual menstrual cycles. This makes it applicable to women with an average menstrual cycle ranging from 26-32 days. Its effectiveness rate is reported at 95.25%. Approximately four-fifths of all women have this average cycle. 2) SDM as a Natural Family Planning (NFP) method Practically speaking, fertility awarenessbased methods can be equated with NFP, but with the crucial assumption that abstinence and only abstinence is observed during the fertile period to avoid pregnancy. The option of the couple for abstinence from marital intercourse is seen as part and parcel of any NFP method. The length of the abstinence period varies with each NFP method e. g., 8-9 days for the Billings Ovulation Method, 12 days for SDM, and as long as 17 days on the average for the Basal Body Temperature method. Any NFP method, with its estimated duration for abstinence, will entail some sacrifice and discipline from both partners.

Every NFP method moreover will also have its own manner of calculating the fertile and infertile period e.g., by daily observation and charting of mucus secretions, daily temperature-taking, counting of beads, etc. Any of these methods may or may not appeal to one or both of the spouses. In this light the adoption of a particular NFP method is best left to the judgment of the couple themselves. 3) SDM as an FAB method with back-up contraceptives Some family planning organizations and some government workers have promoted SDM with the suggestion of combining it with a back-up contraceptive method during the abstinence period. Practically speaking, this would mean resorting to the use of condoms (but not pills, which would disrupt the length of the menstrual cycle). IRH-Georgetown in its own research addressed to westernized readers states that SDM is a fertility awareness-based method of family planning in which users avoid unprotected intercourse during the fertile period. Apparently, the authors have adopted this double-negative phrase as a technical description to include within the potential scope of SDM even non-NFP adherents. On the other hand, IRH spokespersons have pointed out that this does not preclude faith-based organizations from including SDM in their natural family planning programs by simply advocating for complete abstinence during the fertile period. Indeed the original objective of IRH was to address the need for a simplified NFP method. One of these ways was precisely to standardize the calendar method for a larger group of potential users. 4) SDM as part of an All-NFP program Since the start of their discussions on SDM, Catholic bishops have noted this ambiguity in the adoption of SDM with or without back-up contraceptives. Thus, during the CBCP Plenary Assembly in July 2003, the body passed a consensus vote that SDM without any of the contraceptive component could be used by a diocese in its program of Natural Family Planning. It was in this light that the Prelature of Ipil baptized SDM and included it in its All-NFP program. Subsequently, All-NFP carried three connotations: (1) the program included all modern, scientifically-based NFP methods; (2) it would reach out to all barangays and kapilya communities; and (3) it would promote NFP all the wayi.e., without any back-up contraceptives. As a pastoral approach of the local church, the inclusion of SDM has noticeably quickened the pace of NFP promotion. From the mid-70s to the turn of the century, the records of family life workers in Ipil indicated a yearly average of only 20 new couple-users of NFP methods. Over the past few years, on the other hand, the numbers have increased by the hundreds, and have now reached more than 2,000 users. After hearing about SDM for the first time, not a few couples have mildly chided our FLA workers by asking, Why only now? In effect, couples have expressed their sentiments that they have a right to information regarding all NFP methods, including simplified ones like SDM. It is in this light that the prelature has considered the inclusion of SDM in an All-NFP program as a pastoral imperative. In interviews of young couples about to be married, our family life workers have come to realize that most couples today have three felt needs: (1) They want to plan their

familiese.g., in terms of family size and spacing of births; (2) They prefer natural family planningif they are given enough information about the what, why, and how of NFP; and (3) They want to choose among available NFP methods. Couples appreciate the stance of the local church that they have a choice of any NFP method that best suits their circumstances with the provision that they follow carefully the requirements inherent in the particular method. Included in these requirements is the practice of complete abstinence during the identified fertile period, i.e., if one wishes to avoid pregnancy for the time being. 5) SDM as a pedagogical approach The teaching of natural family planning starts with fertility awareness. However, according to our NFP trainors a considerable number of married persons are not even aware of the fertility cycle of the womans body. Although the determination of the days when a woman is fertile or not fertile has been fine-tuned by the daily recording of body temperature levels or cervical mucus secretions, this may have only added to the difficulty of many couples in comprehending the natural rhythm of the human body. As a simplified method, SDM has been more readily understood by first-time adopters of NFP. With the visual use of colored beads as a pedagogical tool, SDM has also become eye-catching, and even a subject of jokesan effective way of communicating with regard to culturally-sensitive matters. Starting from the simple to the complex has been a cardinal principle of teaching from kindergarten pupils to adult couples. From the experiences of our NFP trainors, SDM as a first step has enabled them to explain more readily the other NFP methods like the Basal Body Temperature (BBT) method or the Billings Ovulation Method (BOM). On the other hand, if SDM is presented last, it enables the trainors to summarize concisely all the various methods as ultimately based on fertility awareness. One trainor has remarked that it takes her only five minutes to explain SDM, in contrast to the five fours needed to explain BOM. With this in mind, several couples have started to combine NFP methodsone to serve as a back-up to the other. It is not unusual to hear from couples that they have moved from SDM to BOM or viceversa, while retaining the earlier method as a counter-check. In the same way that the Sympto-thermal method (STM) combines the temperature and mucus methods, some couples are now beginning to adopt an SDMmucus method. Ultimately, our NFP counselors are finding out that the inclusion of SDM in an All-NFP program is a win-win solution. It reaches out to more NFP adopters by increasing SDM users as well as more users of BOM and other NFP methods. Our current All-NFP programs have recorded a marked increase of BOM users compared to the earlier numbers when BOM alone was being promoted. The competition is not between SDM and BOM. Rather the choice for many couples is either: SDM or contraceptives; SDM or no NFP method at all; or, worst still, SDM or abortion. Excluding SDM from an NFP program would result in a loss-loss situation for potential NFP users and for the local churchs ministry for family and life. 6) SDM as part of the governments NFP program During the last quarter of 2006, the Director of the Commission on Population and the
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(As Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro, let me state categorically that our All-NFP program has never included back-up contraceptives. Neither have we promoted only SDM, but have rather included six modern NFP methods. We have also not received any USAID funding, but have depended mostly on local resources and a two-year grant from Catholic Relief Services. Archbishop Aniceto has visited our NFP pilot sites in 2008 and listened to actual testimonies from appreciative NFP users.) We appeal to all our brother bishops, family life coordinators, ECFL members and pro-life advocates to heed the Consensus Statement of CBCP on SDM. By eliminating the traces of infighting among NFP advocates, we can present a united and positive alternative to the RH Bill. Looking ahead, Hapag-Asa, the supplemental feeding program of Assisi Foundation, as well as Caritas-Manila, have both organized All-NFP training seminars for their workers and have started to integrate NFP in their existing social action programs. Likewise, the Catholic Womens League national board has offered the services of their diocesan chapters in helping promote All-NFP in their areas of responsibility. All they need is the go-signal of the local bishop. In a consultation meeting on NFP among bishops on 7 July 2011, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales of Manila, Ambassador Howard Dee of Assisi Foundation, and Dr. Zenaida Rotea of the Catholic Womens League expressed their full support for the widespread promotion of All-Natural Family Planning. On the part of the Archdiocese of the Cagayan de Oro, we are ready to share our All-NFP training Seminars and manuals with any interested diocese. Sincerely in the Holy Family, +PACIANO B. ANICETO, DD Archbishop of San Fernando Chair, Episcopal Commission on Family and Life +ANTONIO J. LEDESMA, SJ, DD Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro

Photo courtesy of CDO-Christian Family & Life Apostolate

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Updates
How Latin Could Serve as a Bond of Unity

CBCP Monitor
October 24 - November 6, 2011

Vol. 15 No. 22

The Language of Liturgical Celebration

By Uwe Michael Lang, CO
LANGUAGE is not only an instrument that serves to communicate facts, which it seeks to do in the most simple and efficient way, but it is also the means to express our mind in a way that involves the whole person. Consequently, language is also the means by which we express thoughts and religious experiences. Christine Mohrmann, the great historian of the Latin of Christians, affirms that sacred language used in divine worship is a specific way of organizing the religious experience. In fact, Mohrmann maintains that every form of believing in supernatural reality, in the existence of a transcendent being, leads necessarily to the adoption of a form of sacred language in worship, whereas radical secularism rejects any form of it. In this connection, Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith, the archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka, explained in an interview them from the ordinary or popular language. Often this separation is the consequence of linguistic developments in the common language, which then are not adopted in the liturgical language because of its sacred character. However, in the case of Latin as language of the Roman liturgy, a certain separation has existed since the beginning: Romans did not speak in the style of the canon or of the prayers of the Mass. As soon as Greek was replaced by Latin in the Roman liturgy, a highly stylized language was created as a means of worship, which an average Christian of Rome of late antiquity would have had difficulty in understanding. A foundation Moreover, the development of Christian latinitas could have rendered the liturgy more accessible to the people of Rome or Milan, but not necessarily to those whose mother tongue was Gothic, Celtic, Iberian, or Punic. Nevertheless, thanks to the prestige of the Church of
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to the Italian daily La Repubblic in July 2009 that the use of sacred language is a tradition in the whole world. In Hinduism, the language of prayer is Sanskrit, which is no longer in use. In Buddhism Pali is used, a language that today only Buddhist monks study. In Islam, the Arabic of the Koran is used. The use of a sacred language helps us to live the sensation of the beyond. The use of a sacred language

in the liturgical celebration is part of what St. Thomas Aquinas in the Summa Theologiae calls the solemnitas. The Angelic Doctor teaches: What is found in the sacraments by human institution is not necessary to the validity of the sacrament, but confers a certain solemnity, useful in the sacraments to exercise devotion and respect in those who receive it (Summa Theologiae III, 64, 2; cf. 83, 4). Sacred language, being the

means of expression not only of individuals, but rather of a community that follows its traditions, is conservative: it maintains the archaic linguistic forms with tenacity. Moreover, introduced in it are external elements, in so far as associated to an ancient religious tradition. A paradigmatic case is the Hebrew biblical vocabulary in the Latin used by Christians (Amen, Alleluia, Hosanna, etc.), as St. Augustine already observed (cf.

De doctrina christiana, II, 34-35 [11, 16]). In the course of history a wide variety of languages has been used in Christian worship: Greek in the Byzantine tradition; the different languages of the Eastern traditions, such as Syriac, Armenian, Georgian, Coptic and Ethiopic; Paleo-Slavic; the Latin of the Roman rite and of the other Western rites. Found in all these languages are forms of style that separate

Celebrating the memorial of John Paul II

(Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university:) Q: Is it OK in the United States to celebrate liturgically in the Liturgy of the Hours and the Mass the memorials of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Blessed John Henry Newman and Blessed John Paul II?A.W., Sacramento, California A: The most recent norms relating to this theme are contained in a notification published by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, on Sept. 20, 1997. These update and complement the norms given in the general calendar and the more-detailed norms given in the instruction Calendaria Particularia, issued June 24, 1970. This document touches on the subject of inserting the blessed in local calendars in several places, but above all in Nos. 25-37. In general, the document warns against the excessive multiplication of celebrations, so as to keep the general Roman calendars basic unity intact. Especially in the first years after beatification or canonization, it is probably better to limit the celebration to the locales more intimately united to the saints life before seeking permission to include a new saint or blessed in a diocesan, regional or national calendar or in a religious orders general calendar (Nos. 28, 30). The celebration of a blessed differs from that of a saint, above all with respect
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to the universality of the veneration that may be offered to them. The blessed are usually venerated with celebrations on a local level in places where they were born, where they died, and where their relics are preserved. They are also venerated in places that had a long-term association with their activities, in a church dedicated to them, or within the confines of the churches and oratories of a particular religious order which has its own liturgical calendar. However, even in these cases, it is better to begin by inserting this celebration as an optional memorial and later expand, both territorially and in liturgical ranking, as devotion spreads (No. 31). In some cases, especially in ancient dioceses, it might even be better to restrict this initial veneration to the church where his relics are kept or to his native town. A priest may celebrate a saints feast day anywhere in the universal Church as an optional memorial, even if this feast is not included in the general calendar. However, he must respect the general liturgical norms regarding the precedence of different celebrations. This means that such a celebration may only take place on days where there is no other feast or obligatory memorial during ordinary time, in the weekdays of Advent before Dec. 17, those of Christmas after Jan. 2, and during Eastertide after the Easter octave (No. 33). In order to include the celebration of a blessed in the national or diocesan calendar, or to dedicate a church to a blessed, either the bishops conference

or the local bishop, as the case may be, requests permission from the Holy See. The inclusion of a new saint or blessed into a national calendar requires a twothirds majority of the countrys bishops in a secret ballot and the recognition of the Holy See. Once the Holy See has granted permission, the blessed may be included in the national, regional, diocesan or religious order calendar according to the liturgical ranking permitted. A blessed is usually accorded the ranking of optional memorial, occasionally an obligatory memorial, rarely a feast (and even then usually restricted to a church containing relics), but never a solemnity. Thus, in the examples you pointed out: A priest in the United States can celebrate Blessed Junpero Serra, who has been included in the U.S. calendar. But a priest in Rome may not celebrate except, I think, within the North American College, which, like all of Romes national colleges, is permitted to follow the home calendar. A priest may not celebrate Blessed Mother Teresa or Blessed John Henry Newman in ordinary churches unless the Holy See has granted permission to include the celebration in the diocesan regional or national calendar. But Mother Teresas feast may be celebrated anywhere in the world within the chapels and oratories of the Missionaries of Charity. With respect to John Paul II, the Holy See issued a decree concerning liturgical

worship in honor of the beatified Pope on the anniversary of his death April 2, 2011, in view of his upcoming beatification. The decree of the Congregation for Divine Worship acknowledged that the great Pope was a special case: Given the extraordinary nature of this event and the numerous requests received concerning liturgical worship in honor of the new Blessed at certain times and in certain places, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments sees fit to communicate in a timely manner what has been decided in that respect. It then made the following dispositions: It has been decided that during the year following the Beatification of John Paul II, that is, until 1 May 2012, it will be possible to celebrate a Holy Mass of thanksgiving in certain places and on certain days. The responsibility of establishing the day or days as well as the place or places for gathering the People of God for this purpose belongs to the Diocesan Bishop. Similarly, in religious communities, it is the responsibility of the Superior General to establish the days and places of such celebrations for the entire religious community. The annual celebration of Blessed John Paul II is to be inserted into the liturgical calendars of the Diocese of Rome and all the Dioceses of Poland as a memorial to be observed on 22 October. As for the liturgical texts, the Collect and the second reading of the Office of Readings, together with its Response, are

to be inserted into the Proper of Saints. The other texts are to be taken from the Common of Pastors: For a Pope. With regard to other local calendars, any request that the celebration Blessed John Paul II be observed as an Optional Memorial is to be submitted to this Congregation by a local Conference of Bishops when it involves an entire territory, a Diocesan Bishop when it involves an individual dioceses, and a Superior General when the request pertains to a religious community. An indult of the Apostolic See is needed to dedicate a church in honor of Blessed John Paul II (cf. Ordo dedicationis ecclesiae, Praenotanda, n. 4) unless a celebration in his memory has already been inserted into the local calendar; in this case the indult is not necessary and the memorial is elevated to a liturgical Feast in the church named for the Blessed (cf. Congregatio de Cultu Divino Sacramentorum, Notificatio de cultu Beatorum, 21 May 1999, n. 9). Therefore, although the same basic rules regarding the celebration of a blessed are to be observed for John Paul II, the congregation has clearly indicated that it will quickly approve requests to insert his name into the national or local calendar. Such requests regarding the national calendar have to be voted upon by each bishops conference. If this is done and approval has been received from the Holy See, then it will be possible to celebrate the Mass and office of the new blessed.

Roy Lagarde / CBCPMedia

Secretary of the Department of Health approached the CBCP Permanent Council regarding the possibility of church-government collaboration on natural family planning for the country. From the side of government, this was a response to a directive from President Gloria M. Arroyo to promote only natural family planninga preference she had enunciated since the start of her administration. Since then, POPCOM has launched its nationwide ResponsibleParentingMovement that includes values formation modules that approximate the churchs outlook on personhood, human sexuality and responsible parenthood. DOH on its part has now recognized SDM as an NFP method. Under the previous DOH administration, SDM was considered only an adjunct NFP method that was still considered experimental. Church leaders responses to the overtures from the executive branch of government have, on the one hand, been praiseworthy of the NFP direction being charted, but non-committal in terms of collaboration. This hesitation is partly explained by the historical context. Older family life workers recall that in the early 70s, church and government joined forces to promote NFP. Government and USAID funding helped support NFP training seminars for church workers. The earlier-known temperature and Billings mucus methods were at that time being propagated. By the mid-70s however, church leaders decided to cut off the collaboration because of the introduction of contraceptive methods, with major support coming from foreign funding

organizations. Throughout the 80s and 90s, dioceses on their own continued their efforts at NFP promotion. Perhaps, the most notable among these was the series of inter-diocesan summer workshops on family life values and NFP promotion conducted in Camp Phillips, Bukidnon, by Fr. Vicente San Juan, S.J., and his team from the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life. On the whole, however, based on national surveys, NFP has so far barely reached one percent of married couples of reproductive age. It is this enormous need and challenge that confronts both government and church groups if they wish to promote NFP separately or in collaboration with each other. The availability of simplified NFP methods like SDM and, more recently, the Two-Day Method (TDM), can be the crucial factor in mainstreaming NFP in Philippine society. On the other hand, there is also need for the churchs values formation to ensure that NFP methods, including SDM, are not mixed with back-up contraceptives. WhenSDMwasfirstintroduced in the Philippines in the early 2000s, it was the Prelature of Ipil that first included it in its NFP program, long before the local government agencies took cognizance of it. It is this pastoral experience spanning more than nine years now that has made the All-NFP program in Ipil credible to government officials and, ironically, incredible to some church observers. 7) SDM in actual church programs The All-NFP program in Ipil

Prelature (now a diocese) was started in mid-2002 and has covered 20 of its 21 parishes, with resident NFP providers in more than half of all the chapel communities. Upon my transfer to Cagayan de Oro Archdiocese, a similar program was introduced since August 2006 in nine pilot parishes. After a year of piloting with encouraging results, the program has been opened to other interested parishes and now extends to four-fifths of the archdioceses 60 parishes and chaplaincies. As these pastoral programs continue in both areas, it would be good to clarify some misconceptions being spread around about the All-NFP program being carried out by our family life workers: 1. We do not promote SDM only. Rather we present all NFP methods and let the couples decide, according to their circumstances and preference. 2. We do not include back-up contraceptives with the use of SDM. Throughout the training, we stress that complete abstinence during the fertile period is integral to the meaning of natural family planning. 3. We do not find SDM ineffective. SDM is the most widely accepted by couples in our semi-annual reports, ranging from 40 to 50%. There have been reports of couple failuresi.e., by couples not following the SDM protocol. But, surprisingly, our NFP counselors have not received any report of method failurei.e., due to the method itself. 4. We do not present information on artificial contraceptives. On the contrary we point out the health risks of contraceptives principally through the sharing among

participants about their current family planning methods. 5. We do not receive any USAID funding for our NFP promotion. We have received rather some assistance from individual donors and church-related support agencies, like Misereor and Catholic Relief Services, for the training seminars and IEC materials. But the bulk of NFP promotion is done by hundreds of volunteer counselors who reside in the chapel communities. 6. We do not force parishes to join the All-NFP program. We start with orientation talks for all the clergy and diocesan family life workers. Then we wait for invitations from individual parishes to start a six-step implementation plan for the AllNFP program to reach out to as many of the chapel communities as possible. As with the whole NFP program itself, we find that the principle of attraction, rather than condemnation, has gained more solid adherents to the program. Bishops consensus statements on SDM and All-NFP On January 21, 2009, at the end of the bishops seminar on peace-building at Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila, Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, CBCP President, convened a dialogue meeting on Natural Family Planning and the Standard Days Method. The dialogue was opened to all the bishops. Twenty-nine bishops attended or roughly half of all those who had just finished the peace-building seminar. These included Archbishop Lagdameo and bishop members of the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life. Bishop Gabriel

Reyes of the Commission on the Laity facilitated the dialogue. The dialogue group first listened to the impressions of bishops whose dioceses were already including SDM in their NFP programi.e., Cagayan de Oro, Ipil, Isabela (Basilan), Jolo, Digos, and Cotabato. In general, the bishops did not find anything objectionable with SDM being included as an added option in the local churchs NFP program, except that there might be need for more training and monitoring. The group then listened to objections and reservations brought up against SDM as an NFP methode.g., that it was not natural and appeared too mechanical with the use of beads; that the information on the internet included the use of backup contraceptives; that it was as ineffective as the old calendar rhythm method. The third part of the dialogue consisted of a general discussion and clarifications that led towards the formulation of the consensus statement. At the CBCP Plenary Assembly three days later on Jan. 24, the consensus statement was included in the report of Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, ECFL Chairman. The consensus statement was drafted and read by Bishop Reyes. This was distributed to all the bishops. After some discussion on the floor of the assembly, this consensus statement was affirmed and left unchanged by the body. This is now part of the minutes of the CBCP Plenary Assembly. As I review the consensus statement, three salient points can be noted: 1) Recalling their earlier

consensus vote in July 2003, the bishops merely explicitated their view that SDM in itself, without mixing with contraceptives, is consistent with the moral teaching of the Church. 2) The statement asserts the responsibility of each bishop to decide whether or not to include SDM in his dioceses pastoral program at the present time. 3) On the other hand, it also asserts the right of a couple in any diocese to adopt SDM as an NFP method. Pope John XXIIIs statement aptly describes the spirit of the bishops dialogue and consensus statement: In whatever is necessary, unity; in whatever is doubtful, liberty; in everything, charity. More recently, on July 9, 2011, at the start of the CBCP Plenary Assembly, Archbishop Aniceto as Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life and I were requested by our brother bishops to prepare a joint statement on SDM and NFP. This proposal arose from the floor of the Assembly to summarize and articulate the current stand of the bishops in terms of providing a positive alternative to the Reproductive Health Bill. It was also meant to dispel any further doubts about the inclusion of SDM in a churchsponsored program for NFP (Perspectives 4 and 7). The full text of this joint statement is highlighted in this page (B1). Concluding remarks After examining these seven perspectives on SDM and the bishops consensus statements, NFP advocates may find themselves in the same posture
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CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 22
October 24 - November 6, 2011

Year of the Youth

and the government have a direct influence on the youths upbringing. Parents, government officials and priests like us have the crucial obligation to mirror an image worthy of emulation to our youth. It is that image we portray that they tend to follow, he added. It was recalled that youngsters have been reportedly involved in murder, suicide, drug addiction and even robbery. Garganta said the increasing number of juvenile delinquents is proof of an alarming trend of the shortcomings of the family, school, church and government in shaping the youth of today. Garganta said it is about time that the family, school, church and government gather for a serious dialogue to finally launch a collaborative effort to save the youth from being delinquents and social liability. These institutions should gather for a serious dialogue to identify the root cause of the problem and form solutions together. Otherwise, raising juvenile delinquents will be a vicious cycle in our society, he added. (YouthPinoy)

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FOLLOWING a recent spate of various crimes involving juvenile delinquents, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on teachers to be role models of God-fearing and law-abiding citizens to the youth. CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY) executive secretary Fr. Conegundo Garganta said teachers and professors have a crucial role in shaping the values, character and principles of the youth who spend almost 20 years of their lives inside the classroom. The priest said he is appalled to hear students saying that teachers, who are supposedly the light of education for our youth, can be bribed to pass their subjects or to get a desired grade. It is very important for our teachers to be role models to the youth because most of their developing years are spent inside the classroom, he said. Aside from teachers, Garganta also called on parents, church leaders, and government officials to exhibit the traits of a responsible citizen and practicing Catholic which the youth can emulate. Like the school, the family, the Church,

Teachers urged to be role models of youth

Parents should protect children against harmful TV programsCBCP

National Youth Day logo explained
A GROUP of youth leaders from different dioceses and organization gathered to come up with a united logo for the celebration of this years Year of the Youth of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP-YOTY). Fr. Conegundo Garganta of the CBCP Youth Commission said they gathered a team to plan and conceptualize a common logo that will best represent the commissions celebration of the Year of the Youth and the 25th anniversary of ECY. Garganta also said that the logo was designed for the youth to understand what the celebration is all about. According to the National Youth Day primer, the Cross stands for Jesus Christ our Lord, Brother of the young, the center of youth ministry. Its central position signifies the fundamental role of Jesus in the Double Celebration. Its standing firm resonates with the Scripture theme of the Double Celebration: Stand firm in the faith, Do all your work in love. It added that the yellow color depicts that Jesus is the light of the world, especially of the youth, and that he is the model for youth ministry. Its inclined stance towards the three human figures gives emphasis to the Incarnation, the prime basis and motive for youth ministry. The three human figures reaching out to and holding the Cross symbolize the youth who yearn for meaning and fullness in the Lord. They also represent the Catholic youth ministry in the Philippines, with its three goals of establishing and strengthening the youths relationship with Christ, providing opportunities for personal growth, and encouraging community involvement. The colors yellow, orange and red signify the following about the Filipino youth: their energy and passion, their diversity, as well as their vital importance in the life of the Church and society. Their one direction represents the journey of youth ministry towards one vision, despite its various forms and settings, it emphasized. On the other hand, the number 25 depicts the number of years since the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Youth was created. The creation of the commission and of other youth ministries in the dioceses and in other levels is a grace from God and a gift of the Catholic Church in the Philippines to the young. The inclination of the number to the Cross show that these years were lived in constant striving to be faithful to the Lord and His preferential love for the youth, it explained. The blue circle at the background symbolizes the fullness of life which the Church, through her youth ministry, would like to offer to the youth. The color blue also stands for Mary, our mother and model for young people on loving surrender to Gods will, she who is present in every young persons journey with Christ. It also represents the spirit of ecclesial communion, with everyone in the Church taking part, in which the Double Celebration and youth ministry are undertaken, the primer furthered explained The explanation of the YOTY logo was taken from the primer of the National Youth Day. (Youth Pinoy) AN official of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines emphasized that parents have a vital role in protecting their children against negative influences from television. E x e cut i v e S e cr e t a r y F r . Conegundo Garganta of the Episcopal Commission on Youth said in a recent forum that parents have an important role to protect their children, the youth who can be easily influenced by television programs, particularly teenagers wearing skimpy shorts and other sexy dresses. Garganta also said that aside from media programs on television, the youth can easily imbibe what they see among their peers and society in general. He emphasized that the parents must help their children to weigh what is right or wrong when it comes in imitating things, dressing up, etc. Garganta reiterated that the Episcopal Commission on Youth is making continuous movement, balancing how young people respond to the problem or issues of the society in which they engage or will affect them. He said the upcoming National Youth Day celebrations on Nov. 14-19 will present new challenges to our youth for a greater involvement in church, family, government and schools. Garganta believes that the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) is making policies or rules that aim to protect the viewers dignity and moral sensitivities. If this agency will not safeguard policies, rules and sensitivity with ethical standards, the Philippines will be a place free of sex tourism because of the kind of shows we produced on television, he said. Examples are dancers [in] noontime variety shows and other game shows. It is like we are advertising that we are like this, these are our faces, and so we provide that image to foreigners who wanted or planning to visit our country, explained Garganta. Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, also a panelist during the forum said, We parents must be the first one to make a move. I think we can do censorship in our own household. Even if it will be applied only inside the household, as simple as it is, our children will realize that it will be good for them not to see things that are not for them to see at their age. (Jandel Posion)

Cubao WYD pilgrims to share experiences with youth offenders in prison

WORLD Youth Day pilgrims from the diocese of Cubao will hold their traditional post-WYD Outreach at the Medium Security Compound of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City on October 30, 2011. Pilgrims of the said diocese attended the WYD 2008 in Sydney and WYD 2011 in Spain. The event, dubbed as Walk with Us: Youths Journey of Faith beyond Boarders is organized by the Ministry for Youth AffairsCubao (MYA). The website of MYA-Cubao (mycubao. org), says that the event will be a celebration of faith, both of the youth coming from the free society as well as of those who are in prison. According to the organizers, it will also be a testament of communion which has been best experienced during the days of World Youth Day. For this event, MYA-Cubao ties up with the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service (PJPS) at the New Bilibid Prison. The event is also open to non-WYD Pilgrims. For individuals and organization who wish to participate, you may contact Ms. Len at 723-5113 to 18 loc. 517 or e-mail MYA-Cubao at mycubao@gmail.com. Participation fee is P650.00 which includes transportation, lunch, token for inmates and a t-shirt. (Jandel Posion)

Ateneans, professors in Naga pledge to conserve rice

MORE than 500 Ateneans and university professors based in Naga City are joining the youth in their pledge to conserve rice to help the country attain rice self-sufficiency by 2013. In a recent student forum conducted to encourage the youth to contribute in nailing the countrys goal, college students and university professors in Ateneo de Naga University said they will consider ordering rice that they can consume and will also try other sources of good carbohydrates for healthier options. A survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology revealed that each Filipino wastes three tablespoons of rice every day, registering at least P23 million worth of daily rice wastage. Further analysis of the data revealed that the country could save P9.6 billion from rice importation and can feed 4.3 million hungry Filipinos in a year. In a press release, Ella Lois T. Bestil, campaign coordinator, said that they are seeking the support of the youth in helping relay the message of rice conservation as their population, implying around 21 million, is a strong force in engaging other sectors in the society to conserve rice. The forum, which will also be conducted in universities in the Visayas and Mindanao, further highlighted the nutritional aspects of eating the right amount of rice for better health. Joy Bartolome Duldulao of
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PhilRices Rice Chemistry and Food Science Division said in a press release that Filipinos eat way too much rice, thus restricting their energy source also to rice. In an ideal meal, grains like rice should occupy only of a dining plate. Half the plate should be fruits and vegetables, and the rest should be proteins. Filipinos should also try to diversify their diets to include good carbs other than rice, Duldulao added. There were also contests on Essay Writing and Fan Sign for the youth aged 15-24 years old. The contest aims to share their thoughts on how to conserve rice and the benefits of eating the right amount of rice. In addition, the Save Rice, Save Lives Movement is engaging the

City Government of Naga in this campaign. Some policies on rice conservation and activities for the National Rice Awareness Month this November are in the pipeline. DA-PhilRice is a governmentowned and controlled corporation that aims at developing high-yielding, costreducing, and environmentfriendly technologies so farmers can produce enough rice for all Filipinos. The forum was the first of a three-part university forum series being conducted by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in celebration of the National Rice Awareness Month slated in November. PhilRice partnered with the Ateneo de Naga Economics Society for the event. (CBCPNews)

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Rome and the unifying force of the papacy, Latin became the singular liturgical language of Christianity, and subsequently one of the foundations of culture in the West. The distance between liturgical Latin and the language of the people became greater with the development of the national cultures and languages in Europe, not to mention the mission territories. This situation did not foster the participation of the faithful in the liturgy, and that is why the Second Vatican Council wished to extend the use of the vernacular, already introduced to a certain degree in the preceding decades in the celebration of the sacraments (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy Sacrosanctum Concilium, Article 36, No. 2). At the same time, the council stressed that the use of the Latin language [...] should be kept in the Latin rites (Ibid., Article 36, No. 1; cf. also Article 54).

However, the conciliar fathers did not imagine that the sacred language of the Western Church would be totally replaced by the vernacular. The linguistic fragmentation of Catholic worship was pushed so far, that many faithful today can hardly recite a Pater Noster along with others, as can be seen in international meetings in Rome and elsewhere. In an age marked by great mobility and globalization, a common liturgical language could serve as a bond of unity among peoples and cultures, apart from the fact that the Latin liturgy is a unique spiritual treasure that has nourished the life of the Church for many centuries. Undoubtedly, Latin contributes to the sacred and stable character which attracts many to the old use, as Benedict XVI wrote in his Letter to Bishops, on the occasion of the publication of the Summorum Pontificum (July 7, 2007). With the wider

use of the Latin language, an altogether legitimate choice, but little used, in the celebration of the Mass according to the Missal of Paul VI, could manifest, in a stronger way than it has often up to now, that sacredness (Ibid.). Finally, it is necessary to preserve the sacred character of the liturgical language in the vernacular translation, as noted with exemplary clarity in the Instruction of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments on the translation of liturgical books Liturgiam Authenticam of 2001. A notable fruit of this instruction is the new English translation of the Missale Romanum, which will be introduced in many English-speaking countries in the course of this year. (Oratorian Father Uwe Michael Lang is an official of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments and consultor of the Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff.)

as the man who holds a tiny bird in his hand and asks his audience, Is the bird dead or alive? SDM is that bird which we can either allow to fly as a new NFP method or crush to death. Ultimately, we can ask ourselves the same question that the late Fr. San Juan raised when asked about SDM: Does it help the couple or not? It is in this light that we can make three calls with regard to the SDM issue: (a) a call to openness on the part of the clergy and family life workers to the possibilities of new NFP methods; (b) a call to dialogue, not debate, among those for and against particular perspectives on SDM; learning to listen and respect contrasting views can be the characteristics of a church in via; and (c) a call to actual observationor testingin a pilot parish or diocese. Talking and listening to actual users of SDM and other NFP methods can give us a more realistic assessment of the

seven perspectives. In this regard, let me reiterate an open invitation for any interested and serious observer of NFP programs to attend our training seminars or to visit our pilot parishes in the local churches of Cagayan de Oro and Ipil. Seeing for ones self should be the first step before judging and acting. Likewise, more than 20 other dioceses in Mindanao, Luzon, and the Visayas have already undergone training seminars on All-NFP and started their own programs over the past year. With the inclusion of SDM as an added option in the NFP programs that are said to be ongoing in practically all our dioceses, the Church in the Philippines can indeed present a united and positive alternative to the RH Bill. Then perhaps we can become the first country in the world to truly promote a widespread Culture of Natural Family Planning that is integral to a Culture of Life.

Photo courtesy of Diocese of Cubao

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Statements
CEAP Statement on the Murder of Fr. Fausto Pops Tentorio, PIME
THE Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), consisting of 1,345 member schools nationwide, expresses its profound condolences to the PIME Congregation and to Bishop Romulo de la Cruz of the Diocese of Kidapawan on the brutal murder of Fr. Fausto Pops Tentorio, PIME, head of the diocesan committee on Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and staunch advocate of sustainable pro-people development in Mindanao. He opposed largescale mining activities. The CEAP calls for justice for Fr. Tentorioand for the people whom he served. The murder at this point cannot incontrovertibly be laid at the feet of large-scale mining activities in Mindanao. Fr. Tentorios anti-mining advocacy however is a possible, if not probable, cause for his murder. Since 2003, he has lived with the threat of death because of his service to the Indigenous Peoples of Cotabato and his advocacy of a safe environment. Fr. Tentorio understood the disastrous effects mining activities would have on his peopledespite the consent some were giving these under the influence of the mines. As a man of God, therefore, giving voice to the voiceless, he opposed thesetaking no heed of the danger this brought him. Perhaps he should have taken heed. Now he is dead. We hope he shall not have died in vain. We take the occasion of his death to resurrect in us all the passion he had to protect his people and all the Filipino people from the adverse effects of mining, whether large- or small-scale. It was in this context that the CBCP lamented in its 1998 Statement of Concern on the Mining Act of 1995 that the implementation of this law severely skewed in the interest of foreign mining investors would certainly destroy both environment and people and will lead to national unrest. Their warning unheeded, the CBCP in 2006 called on all religious leaders: To support, unify and strengthen the struggle of the local

CBCP Monitor
October 24 - November 6, 2011

Vol. 15 No. 22

Let Him Not Have Died in Vain!

NCCP Statement on the Killing of Rev. Fr. Fausto Pops Tentorio, PIME
And some of the Pharisees in the multitude said to him, Teacher, rebuke your disciples. He answered, I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out. (Luke 9:39-40) THE National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) joins the Manobos in Arakan Valley, North Cotabato, Mindanao in mourning, following the brutal assassination of Rev. Fr. Fausto Tentorio yesterday in the hands of motorcycle-riding men. The NCCP adds its voice to the outrage and condemnation at this latest assault on church workers. In September 5, 2011, Mr. Rabenio Sungit, a layleader of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines was gunned down in Quezon, Palawan. Both of them chose the vocation to serve and speak for indigenous peoples. The killing of Fr. Tentorio took place at a time we are observing indigenous peoples week, a time to learn and appropriate for ourselves indigenous peoples values for the care of the earth. The ministry of Fr. Tentorio is known in the ecumenical circles. His ministry with the Manobos was intended to bring out the best in them. His ministry offered an alternative to the economic and social neglect of the Manobos, long denied the basic services of education and economic livelihood. He taught the Lumads to live out their human rights and claim for themselves the right to live with dignity. His prophetic witness exposed the deliberate attempts of those in power to maintain the marginalization of the indigenous peoples. It is not unknown that Fr. Tentorio spoke against military presence in the villages of these indigenous people. He spoke loudly that the states security force has become the tool for the peoples insecurity. His assassination, the continuing assault on church people and the impunity are death knells to the spiritual soul of this country. As church people are harassed and killed, we are deeply concerned that wearenotlearningthevaluesofpreservingournationalresourcesand sense of community as a country, long treasured by the indigenous peoples. Instead, our leaders have succumbed to the intent of trading our resources for a pair of shoes and people who speak the truth about being responsible to the future must be eliminated. This is the spirit of Oplan Bayanihan, the state policy designed to silence all principled dissent. It is a despicable policy that continues to target un-armed civilians like Fr. Tentorio, Mr. Sungit and many more. It is a policy that begets further violence. As we join the demand for justice for Fr. Tentorio, we affirm our call to an end to impunity. Comfort, comfort my people, declares the prophet Isaiah, for every valley shall be lifted up. In the death of Fr. Tentorio, a martyr is born. He has left a sign directing especially the Lumads in Mindanao to just and lasting peace. Let us not be faint in continuing the shout that justice roll down like a river. We are not alone in this prayer and work. Around the world, people are now demanding an end to the oppression the greedy have imposed upon us. REV. REX RB REYES, JR. NCCP General Secretary October 18, 2011 flow of water to the downstream communities proximate to the mine. That these mines, built on an earthquake fault, would further put people at risk, since their large catchment of toxic tailings would not be invulnerable to damage, especially in case of earthquake. That the monetary guarantees for rehabilitation in case of accident or damage are grossly inadequate. That the Philippine military service is sometimes used more for the protection of mining investments with their foreign owners rather than of vulnerable local communities. The CEAP condemns the murder of Fr. Tentorio. But it also reiterates the long-term local demand that government de-militarize the affected communities and stop the militarization of Indigenous Peoples. It calls attention to the explosive situation in Mindanao where the interests of mining, both large-scale and small-scale, continue to militate against the interests of local communities and of the environment. With the CBCP, the CEAP asks that the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project in South Cotabato be stopped. The CEAP asks that legislation such as HB 3763 or The Minerals Management Bill, that better protects the welfare of the Filipino people and the Filipino environment, be passed. It also asks that the Aquino administration re-visit its pro-mining policies, and seek ways of national development that are more sustainable and protective of our peoples and our environment. The CEAP, also as a result of the last CEAP National Convention, urges that Catholic schools intensify their activities aimed at peace education, incorporating elements of reconciliation with God, human society, and the environment. In this context, it urges all CEAP schools to support awareness of the negative impacts of mining and to advocate legislation that favors the Filipino people and truly protects the Philippine environment. Let Fr. Pops not have died in vain!

Churches and their constituency against all mining projects, and raise the anti-mining campaign at the national level; To support the call of various sectors, especially the Indigenous Peoples, to stop the 24 Priority Mining Projects of the government, and the closure of large-scale mining projects, for example the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project in South Cotabatoamong others; To support the conduct of studies on the evil effects of mining in dioceses; To support all economic activities that are life-enhancing and poverty alleviating. Nevertheless the large-scale mining activities persist, even as a more enlightened Minerals Management Act, which would better protect Filipino interests in mining activities, is pending, but not priority legislation in Congress. Lamentably so. Where the activities of large scale mining continue to inexorably seek to exploit our natural resources, but where the lives, livelihood, and cultures of the Filipino people, but especially of the Indigenous People and the poor are genuinely threatened by these activities, where the consultations with the affected

persons are more formal than real, conducted in a medium that is virtually foreign and incomprehensible to the people, where short-term benefits are made to seem more important than long term impacts, where the benefit of the foreigner and the profit of a few are confused with the national interest, where hypocrisy, prevarication and manipulation are part and parcel of democratic processes, people will be driven to violence. Fr. Tentorio was a victim of this violence. It was certainly not unknown to him, as it was known to his Bishop, Romulo de la Cruz of Kidapawan, that: The SMI-Tampakan mines would leave an open pit at least five-hundred hectares large and 800 meters deep with no statement from the company that it would not be larger, and no statement from the company how it would restore the environment after creating such a gaping hole. That these mines would cause the displacement of 4000 people, including 3000 IPs. That these mines would deprive the people of their fresh water rights. The mines would catch fresh water into a 500 ha. dam and substantially lessen

Statement On The Killing of Rev. Fr. Fausto Pops Tentorio, PIME

Greater love has no man than that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13) FR. FAUSTO Tentorio, (fondly known as Fr. Pops to those who knew and loved him), lived this passage from scriptures in his life as a priest until he paid the ultimate price. On October 17, Fr. Fausto was brutally killed when preparing to leave his parish for a diocesan meeting in Kidapawan. Fr. Fausto was shot at close range 10 times, becoming yet another victim of a motorcycle riding assassin using a 9mm weapon. The culture of impunity which exists allows such brutal slayings to continue, with the perpetrator casually riding off knowing that to date no one has been convicted of any of the extra judicial killings. He becomes the 54th victim of such killings under the Aquino Government. Fr. Fausto spent almost all of his ordained life in the Philippines. He has lived the call of Vatican II, to make his own the joys and the hopes, the grieves and the anxieties of the people of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted because, these too are the joys and hopes, the grieves and anxieties of the followers of Christ (Church in the Modern World, No.1). Since being assigned to North Cotabato in 1985, he has taken to heart the joys, hopes, grieves and anxieties particularly of the Monobos in the Arakan Valley. Here he served them providing schools, day care, health services, sustainable agriculture and livelihood projects for this people whom he loved so much. He was head of the tribal Filipino Apostolate in the Diocese of Kidapawan. Fr. Fausto believed in community development which empowers the people. He therefore questioned the so called development projects supported by the government and large foreign corporations, such as plantations and mining, seeing they were not for the good of the people. He became a vocal critic in defending their rights and the integrity of mother earth. We condole with the people of the Arakan Valley who have lost a wonderful priest and friend. We condole with his Congregation, the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) who has lost a faithful member. We thank God for the prophetic life of Fr. Fausto who left all, including Italy, his country of birth, to follow Jesus until death. We as religious are challenged to follow this prophetic stance of Fr. Fausto and be prepared to lay down our lives for the poor and oppressed no matter what the cost. We condemn the brutal killing of Fr. Fausto and call on the Government to break the prevailing culture of impunity and make all effort to charge and convict his brutal murderer. As religious, faithful to the life of Jesus and the teachings of our Church, we will follow his example and not rest until there is justice not only for him but for all victims of extrajudicial killings. SR. PATRICIA FOX, NDS Convenor Religious Discernment Group (RDG)

Press Statement
THE Philippine Misereor Partnership Anti-Mining Campaign strongly condemns and shares in the deep bereavement for another great loss in the aspirations of peoples and communities for a more just, peaceful and sustainably developed society. Fr. Fausto Tentorio, a 59year old Italian priest of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME), a Romebased missionary group, was mercilessly shot to death by an unidentified assailant and motorcycle-riding accomplice earlier this morning, October 17, 2011, in the church compound of Arakan Valley, North Cotabato where he is parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. We profoundly express condolences and share in the grief of his family, his community and congregation, his diocese of Kidapawan and the peoples and communities he has shepherded for many years, in this senseless killing of a man of peace. We call on the authorities to conduct serious investigation on this most recent of the nth time killing of human rights, IPs and environmental advocates and activists. We demand justice be served for his death and for the many others who have been killed before him. Fr. Tentorio had been in Mindanao for more than 30 years now. To the local folks and communities with whom he has shared his selfless life with, he is known for his missionary zeal of championing the rights of the indigenous people. As the coordinator of the Tribal Filipino Program of the Diocese of Kidapawan, he has tirelessly advocated and supported the tribal organizations in their struggles. In the process of fulfilling his missionary work among the poor and the marginalized particularly the IP communities, Fr. Tentorio was never unfazed by threats to his life believed to be resulting from his crossing paths with powerful interest groups and its armed cohorts. According to blog entries of a fellow missionary assigned in the town of Columbio, last year the Community Based Special Operation Teams (CBSOT) soldiers who set up their outposts among the civilians, threatened to paralyze peoples organizations and even church activities. They organized the Barangay Defense System (BDS) in an attempt to use civilians as counter insurgency agents and
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RGS-WJPIC Statement of Protest On the Killing of Fr. Tentorio

WE, the Good Shepherd Sisters of Mindanao and the RGS-WJPIC Mindanao Network, condemn the brutal killing of Fr. Fausto Tentorio, 59 years old, an Italian Missionary of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) on October 17, 2011. We mourn the loss of a beloved missionary of 31 years, 28 of which had been spent in Mindanao. With zeal, he pursued the service for the downtrodden in Mindanao: the farmers and the indigenous peoples. We decry this crime against a friend, defender and shepherd of the Filipino poor and advocate of the environment. As a Christian country in Asia, we deplore this act against a missionary who has embraced us as his own people and uplifted so many for a better life. We honor the courage and generosity of this follower of Christ in his outstanding gift of service. He sought the education, the health and well being of the peoples of this land, boasting of 3000 lumads and peasant scholars served under his programs. He helped establish 10 Ata-Manobo schools and a health program for the tribal peoples under the Tribal Filipino Program Center for Development (TFDCI). Under threat of the Alamora vigilant group since 2003, he continued his prophetic work of being critical of development that harms and destroys the legacy of the land for the indigenous peoples, being a staunch advocate of anti-large scale and foreign mining. He engaged actively as board member of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) and the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc. He espoused and supported the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill (GARB) or House Bill 374 as the change most needed by the farmers for total human development and progress. In this affront to peace, we call on President Aquino to stop the political killings in this country, to cease the operation of Oplan Bayanihan and to put an end to impunity and bring to justice the countless victims of extrajudicial killings. We challenge the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of Justice to conduct immediate investigation and prosecution of those responsible for this cowardly act. We urge peace loving Filipinos to join the Churchled Justice for Father Fausto
RGS / B7

Mindanao IPs mourn the death of Fr. Pops, missionary to the Lumads
IT is a great tragedy and irony that during the indigenous peoples month of October, a great advocate of the Lumads has been ruthlessly shot and killed. Fr. Fausto Tentorio, PIME, Italian priest and missionary to the lumad tribes of Arakan Valley, died of multiple gunshot wounds this morning, October 17, as he was preparing to go to a clergy meeting in Kidapawan City. Initial reports of his death said the assailant is a helmetwearing, motorcycle-riding gunman, typical of the military death squads that tainted the Arroyo regime. Kusog sa Katawhang Lumad (KALUMARAN) holds responsible the Oplan Bayanihan of President Aquino as the motivating force behind Fr. Tentorios death. Fr. Pops, as he was fondly called, had criticized the military for its operations in the community he embraced, and pronounced the peace and development programs in Arakan Valley as contrary to the aspirations of the people. Fr. Pops worked with local indigenous peoples organizations to build a school for Lumad youth in Arakan Valley and developed the local economy through sustainable agriculture. TinananonKulamanon Lumadnong Panaghiusa (TIKULPA), a local organization which he and his staff have supported through capacity building programs, has stood firm against agri-business plantations and other corporate business interests in the area. His work has brought ire among local tribal leaders and government officials who want to reap profits from the ancestral domain of the Manobo and other tribes in the area. In 2003, Fr. Pops was hunted down by Bagani paramilitaries in Kitaotao, Bukidnon, but he was shielded by the community and the threat was deterred. The death of Fr. Pops is a continuation of the reign of terror in Lumad communities that began under the Marcos regime and has persisted through subsequent presidencies. Like his mother, Noynoy Aquino is pursuing a low-intensity conflict strategy against those individuals and communities that work for alternative, community-centered forms of development preventing the entrance of foreign capital and big business in ancestral domain areas and rural communities. Fr. Pops death was preceded this year by the deaths of Lumad Higaonon leader Datu Lapugotan
IPs / B7

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CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 22
October 24 - November 6, 2011

Statements
invested for peace-building. We cannot possibly start from scratch all over again by resorting to an all-out war. Time and again, the Bishops have issued statements calling for peace; they have actively participated in interfaith and multi-sectoral dialogues meant to facilitate peaceful processes that could put an end to conflict in Mindanao. This is the opportune time to share our commitment to true and lasting peace. Nobody wins in a war; let us renounce violence; let us not allow these violent acts of lawless elements to provoke us to further violence. Let us pray and work for peace in Mindanao and in our entire country. For the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. +NEREO P. ODCHIMAR, DD Bishop of Tandag President, CBCP October 24, 2011

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THE string of violent events in Mindanao in the past few days is expectedly causing reflex reactions from many sectors who are favoring an all-out war again in this wartorn and war-weary region of our country. No doubt, the reactions are an expression of indignation against the brutal murder of Rev. Fr. Fausto Tentorio, PIME, and the series of massacres of our soldiers by lawless elements. The reactions are valid, and the perpetrators of these dastardly acts must indeed be pursued relentlessly and brought to justice. Nevertheless, we, Bishops as heralds of peace and hope, feel that it would be ill-advised simply to throw away the tremendous efforts that have been poured in the work for peace-building in Mindanao. We affirm the general pulse of our brother Bishops in Mindanao which is to continue the peace negotiations despite these recent setbacks. A lot of lives and resources have been wasted in the past in Mindanao; a lot of time, energy and resources have been

Give Peace a Chance!

Statement of the PIME General Directorate in Rome on the Killing of Fr. Fausto Tentorio in the Philippines
MASS media in Italy, in the Philippines, and in the world have already reported the killing of our confrere Fr. Fausto Tentorio in Arakan, on the island of Mindanao. We confirm the principal facts of the case, that is, that an unknown gunman fired several times at Fr. Tentorio as he was about to get into his car in front of the parish church. The killer fled on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice. So far we know neither the identity of the killer nor the precise reason for this crime. None of our confreres has the intention of being a hero, but simply of being faithful to his missionary vocation. Some time ago Fr. Fausto Tentorio signed a declaration in which he stated: Thankful to God for the great gift of a missionary vocation, I am aware that it involves the possibility of finding myself in situations of serious risk for my health and personal safety on account of epidemics, abductions, assaults and wars, up to the eventuality of a violent death. With trust in God I accept everything as coming from His hands, and I offer my life for Christ and for the spread of His Kingdom. That is what he declared and that is what he lived. His sacrifice took place only a few days before World Mission Sunday and coincided with the call of Pope Benedict XVI to give a new impetus to the new evangelization and to the mission ad gentes. We are grateful to all those who have expressed their closeness to us in this moment of sorrow, whether directly to the PIME community in the Philippines or to the entire Institute through our Superior General. For our part we pray, and ask everyone to pray, for the repose of the soul of Fr. Tentorio and for those suffering the most from this sad event: his family members, among his faith and love were nurtured; the Church and the people of Mindanao, whom Fr. Tentorio served and whom he loved so much; the PIME community in the Philippines, suffering once again because of the violent death of a confrere. Finally, we pray for the conversion of the killer and those who commissioned him, so that they may open their hearts to the Lord, who desires not the damnation of the sinner, but that he repent and have eternal life. FR. GIAN BATTISTA ZANCHI, PIME Superior General Rome, October 18, 2011

CBCP Statement on the killing of Fr. Fausto Tentorio, PIME

ON this World Mission Sunday, October 23, 2011, we acknowledge our great indebtedness to all foreign missionaries. They are friends of our people. In great sacrifice they have strengthened our faith and assisted the poor and the needy. We pray for them today. We pray for Fr. Fausto Tentorio, PIME, a missionary for more than 30 years. His brutal murder outside the parish rectory in Arakan, Diocese of Kidapawan has shocked everyone. We condemn and denounce in the strongest possible terms the heinous and monstrous crime against the life of Fr. Fausto. Simple and humble in life, Fr. Fausto was deeply esteemed by the indigenous peoples whose cultural and territorial rights he promoted and defended. He was deeply loved by the people whose spiritual welfare he looked after. How long will evil men continue to plot against those who courageously protest against the sufferings of the poor and the degradation of Gods creation? How long shall they continue to snuff out the lives of those who dare to speak against injustices and imbalances in our society? How long will they continue to roam around freely without being brought to justice? The government must act decisively and swiftly. It must investigate thoroughly every angle of the murder of Fr. Fausto. It cannot simply point at the usual scapegoats. We express our deep sympathy with the missionary community of the PIME, to the Bishop, clergy, religious, and laity of the Diocese of Kidapawan and to Fr. Faustos relatives in Italy. Our grieving with them goes beyond words. Fr. Fausto strove throughout his priestly and missionary life to walk humbly, act justly, and love the Lord and his people passionately. May Mary our Blessed Mother lead him to the fullness of life given by Jesus her Divine Son. +NEREO P. ODCHIMAR, DD Bishop of Tandag President, CBCP October 23, 2011

You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

Statement of PIME community in the Philippines on the Killing of their Confrere Fr. Fausto Tentorio
his apostolate and in his advocacy for the marginalized people, especially the Indigenous People, and for the integrity of creation. We, the PIME Missionaries in the Philippines, with hearts heavy with sadness and pain, condemn in the strongest way possible the killing of Father Fausto and cry out for justice for him. Father Faustos merciless murder has renewed in all of us the pain and the loss of our two brother martyrs: Father Tullio Favali, killed in Tulunan in April 1985, and Father Salvatore Carzedda, killed in Zamboanga City in May 1992. At this point in history, we, the PIME community in the Philippines, renew our commitment to witness the Gospel in spite of risks of all kinds. We have made a promise to serve the Church and the people in the Philippines as we have done since 1968, counting on the presence of the Lord Jesus: Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age (Mt 28: 20), and so we will not leave at this moment, but remain and continue to serve. Evil will not triumph with the death of Father Fausto! Lastly, we make our own the words of Archbishop Orlando Quevedo, former Bishop

THIS is the Biblical passage we read in the Last Will and Testament of Father Fausto Tentorio, our Confrere in PIME and mission. These words in a nutshell contain all the life and mission of our brother priest. In truth, he walked humbly with his God, doing justice and loving goodness on behalf of the poorest among the poor and marginalized as Filipino Indigenous People and farmers have been and still are in Arakan Valley, North Cotabato. For over 30 years Father Fausto was a father to them (they affectionately called him Tatay Pops), a brother, a mentor and a friend, selflessly identifying himself with them in their life and culture. He was truly one of and with them! The PIME community in the Philippines praises and thanks God for His gift of martyrdom. God has called him to make the ultimate sacrifice in Gods service and in the service of Gods people. We know that Father Tentorio was a gentle man, evangelically simple and prudent, but fiercely courageous and consistent in

of Kidapawan. Father Faustos death is pure murder. I totally condemn it as a crime that cries out to heaven. If the perpetrators think that his murder would silence priests, religious sisters and brothers, and bishops from proclaiming the justice of Gods kingdom, they are wrong. The blood of martyrs like Fr. Fausto fans the daring and courage of those who care about peace and justice enough to sacrifice themselves while travelling the road of active non-violence. I strongly appeal to the authorities to search for the perpetrators and bring to justice. (Excerpts from Martyr for Justice and Peace by Archbishop Orlando B. Quevedo, OMI). We take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to all the people of good will who condoled with us and sustained us with their solidarity. Your prayers and your being one with us in seeking justice for our murdered confrere is of great comfort and source for renewed commitment. May the God of peace and love bring lasting peace and justice in Mindanao! PIME Regional House Suterville, Zamboanga City October 19, 2011

Statement on the Killing of Fr. Fausto Tentorio, PIME

TODAY, October 17, 2011, FR. FAUSTO TENTORIO, 59 years old was fatally shot to death by an unknown assailant. He was about to leave his parish, Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Arakan, Cotabato around 8 a.m. to go to Kidapawan City for the regular Presbyterium assembly at the Bishops Residence, when shot at the car garage of the parish. He was taken to the Medical Specialist Hospital in Antipas, Cotabato where at 9:05 a.m. he was pronounced Dead on Arrival (DOA). Father Fausto was born on January 07, 1952 in Santa Maria Di Rovagnate, Province of Lecco, ITALY. He was ordained priest for the PIME Missionaries on June 18, 1977. He was assigned as a missionary to the Philippines first in the Archdiocese of Zamboanga and then in the Diocese of Kidapawan, where for 31 years he served in the parishes of Tulunan, Cotabato, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat and Arakan, Cotabato. Besides his work as parish priest of Arakan, he was also the Director of the Indigenous Peoples Program of the Diocese of Kidapawan from June 2009 till his death. We call on every believer and his friends to pray for the repose of the soul of this good and faithful priest. We also call on all the law enforcement agencies of the government to speedily solve this crime and bring the perpetrators to justice. We grieve for this great loss, but we trust in Gods mercy that Justice may be served. +ROMULO T. DELA CRUZ, DD Bishop of Kidapawan October 17, 2011

Martyr for Justice and Peace

I HAVE no hesitation to call Fr. Fausto Tentorio, PIME, as a martyr for justice and peace. He is a worthy member of that noble line of martyrs in the Church in Mindanao who in their lives advocated causes that would help create a more just, a more peaceful, a more loving society. Such causes are for the poor like the indigenous peoples as well as for the integrity of creation. That line of martyrs includes Fr. Alingal, S.J., and Fr. Satur (diocesan priest) in the Diocese of Malaybalay, Fr. Tullio Favali, PIME, in the Diocese of Kidapawan, Fr. Carzedda PIME in the Archdiocese of Zamboanga, Bp. Ben de Jesus, OMI, Fr. Benjie Inocencio, OMI, and Fr. Rey Roday, OMI, all three from the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo. Fr. Fausto was a young missionary priest when he was assigned to the Diocese of Kidapawan which I led as its Bishop. He learned Ilonggo quickly and spoke it almost all the time. Like all the PIME in the Diocese of Kidapawan, he was very close to the people, and his convento in Arakan or in Columbio was open to the people. It was always a great joy for me to see him at the Bishops Residence in Kidapawan taking his day off and watching a VHS movie or two after a long week of trekking up the mountains of Arakan or visiting the villages of Columbio. Like Fr. Tullio he had a soft easy smile and a voice that invited conversation. The only enemies he could make are those who wanted to silence his voice appealing for justice and peace for the indigenous peoples and for Gods creation. I cannot fathom the minds of people who would be so evil as to plot the killing of a justice and peace loving missionary like Fr. Fausto. His assassination creates profound sadness and brings tears to the people who know of his kindness as well as his courage in the face of hazards to his life. His death is pure murder. I totally condemn it as a crime that cries out to heaven. If the perpetrators think that his murder would silence priests, religious sisters and brothers,
Martyr / B7

WE, bishops and priests of the Visayas Clergy Discernment Group (VCDG) are appalled with the brutal murder of our brother priest, Fr. Fausto Tentorio of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME). Fr. Fausto was shot in broad daylight at the garage of Our Mother Perpetual Help Parish Church Convent, Arakan, North Cotabato, yesterday, October 17, 2011. The manner of how he was murdered unmasks the culture of death that has pervaded the Philippine society. His killing is another number added to the more than 50 victims of extrajudicial killings since President Benigno Aquino III took office. We join the local church of the Diocese of Kidapawan the clergy, religious and laity in mourning for the death of Fr. Fausto who has served the diocese for 33 years. As a true follower of Christ, Fr. Fausto held the griefs, hopes, joys, and anxieties of the poor as his own. He was a modern prophet, who like Amos spoke and acted for the Shalom or well-being of the poor and the oppressed in society. (Visayas Clergy Gathering Statement, November 9, 2010) As a rural missionary and as an anti-mining advocate, he helped and worked with the indigenous peoples in opposing the operation of large-scale plantations and mining which would harm them. As a human rights advocate, he joined in calling for justice for slain human rights workers and farmers in Central Mindanao in 2002. Despite threats to his life, he fearlessly persisted in the work for justice and peace. His

Fr. Tentorios death must wake us up

martyrdom, in the words of Archbishop Orlando B. Quevedo, OMI of the Archdiocese of Cotabato, will fan the daring and courage of those who care about peace and justice enough to sacrifice themselves. His death must wake us in our slumber and passivity. How many more people should die before we unite in putting an end to this culture of impunity? Blessed John Paul II in his encyclical, On Social Concerns, exhorts us to do our duty as Christians, One may sin by greed and the desire for power, but one may also sin in these matters through fear, indecision, and cowardice! (Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, 47) Thus, we are one with all people of good will in calling for justice for all martyred and disappeared priests such as: Fr. Cecilio Lucero who was murdered on September 6, 2009 for being a human rights advocate; Fr. Nery Satur, killed on October 14, 1991 for his advocacy for the environment; Fr. Rudy Romano who was disappeared on July 11, 1985 for his struggle against martial law. Until today, most of the perpetrators of human rights violations against the clergy, and the marginalized sectors such as peasants and workers have not been brought to justice. We call on the Aquino government and its pertinent agencies to investigate and find justice of the death of Fr. Fausto and other victims of human rights violations so that it can significantly differentiate itself from the previous administration. Otherwise, its slogans of straight path will
Wake up / B7

www.washingtonpost.com

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Ref lections
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A (Matt 23:1-12) October 30, 2011
By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD
IN face of todays global terrorism, spiraling cost of electric power, frequent kidnappings and proliferation of illegal drugs, hoodlums in robes, and other gargantuan problems, how is one to envision the country that Filipinos can live in with dignity? It might be recalled that former President Macapagal-Arroyo, in her State of the Nation Address, described the vision of her administration in terms of a strong republic, and by this she meant one that takes care of the people and takes care of their future, built on the foundation of citizens with rewarding jobs paying decent wages. To build the foundation, she would generate investments and jobs by addressing the problems of graft and corruption, peace and order, and high power rates. In an editorial, Small steps, that treated of the Presidents SONA, the PDI writer observed that these working agenda were a little more than reflex reactions to major problems identified by businessmen and independent observers. He faulted the administration for being unable to see any problems unless others point them out. No wonder, it cannot offer any fresh insights into what ails the nation. However much one agrees with the editorialists critique, one cannot dispute

CBCP Monitor
October 24 - November 6, 2011

Vol. 15 No. 22

What was Jesus vision for His Church?

that what we envision for the future of our country is a reflex reaction to what we identify as inconsistent with what a republic ought to be. Todays Gospel hardly qualifies as a State of the Community Address, but there is no doubt that like the SONA of former President Arroyo, it provides us a glimpse of how Jesus and the early Church envisioned the Christian community. If Arroyo saw the republic against the current problems, so Matthews portrayal of the Christian community uses as foil what is perceived to be the imperfections of Judaism known to his community. In particular, he outlines practices of the Judaism of the Pharisees and scribes that have no place in the community. (Of course, it must be admitted that from the point of view of biblical scholarship, this description of the Judaism of the Pharisees must be seen as a caricature. but can be maintained, being too real in our experience, as a portrait of what the community ought not to be.) These practices are contained in the three woes. The Jesus of Matthew accused the Pharisees and the scribes of separating their religious belief from everyday life: Their words are bold, but their deeds are few. They bind up heavy loads, hard to carry, to lay on mens shoulders, while they themselves will not lift a finger to budge them (Matt 23:4). He accused
Vision / B7

How should Christians live out their faith in view of the fulfillment of history?
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A (Matt 25:1-13) November 6, 2011
that for two months he perfected his right punch, and its awesome impact was more than enough to retain the crown. Obviously, Rikkiatgym did not watch the right hand of the Filipino champion; or if he did, he was not prepared enough. That is why he suffered a stunning defeat. A similar lesson is presented in todays Gospel one who does not watch, or does not prepare himself adequately at the coming of the Son of Man will suffer exclusion from the victory of the Christian community. In view of the delay of Christs arrival, the proper attitude of the Christian is constant readiness and vigilance. Matthew stresses this point in the parable of the Ten Virgins (Matt 25:1-12). If one assumes that Jesus told this story, the parable may have referred to the imminent but unpredictable arrival of the Kingdom of God. Seen in this perspective, it must have taught that those who accept Jesus message about the coming of the Kingdom will have access to it when it finally comes, but for those who rejected it, it will be too late for them to realize that they will not be given entry. But as we find it in the Gospel, it is an allegory that the Church applied to those who follow Jesus in their watchful expectation of Jesus return. In this allegory, the ten virginsthe

By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD

WHEN Fahrakorb Rikkiatgym, the Thai challenger in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super bantamweight division, climbed up the ring at the RMC stadium in Davao City sometime in 2002, he packed a record of 33 straight wins, 22 by knockouts, and 2 losses. Confident that he could snatch the crown from Manny Pacquiao, he hoped, it was said, to return to Thailand with the title as a gift to his king and his people. What he did not know was that the lone reigning Filipino world boxing

FiLe PhOtO

Reflections on the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time (A) October 30, 2011
By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB
EVERY people, nation or group needs leaderspersons who set goals, formulate and enforce just laws . . . people who inspire their fellow citizens with the clarity of their vision and the consistency of their actuations. When forming His Chosen People in the desert, the Lord did not neglect this important aspect of their becoming a nation. He gave them spiritual, religious, political and military leaders in the persons of Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and their associates. Unfortunately, Israel often lacked a righteous and inspiring leadership, not only in the political but also in the religious spheres. We have an example of this failure in leadership in our First Reading. This situation of crisis in the religious leadership was quite severe even in the time of Jesus. Hence, his scathing remarks about the behavior of the scribes and the Pharisees, whose bad example the faithful should not imitate. (See Mt 23:3.) But, in spite of this practical failure in many of the religious leaders of his time, Jesus wanted his Church to be guided by people like Peter and the rest of the Twelve. They were not perfect, nor would their successors be perfect. And yet, authority and leadership in the Church are part of Gods plan for it. Their mission is to lead the People of God with wisdom and their good example. History documents the failures of a number of leaders of the Church, even at the highest levels. But it also documents that many did live up to the ideal and example set by Jesus, thanks to the unfailing assistance of the Holy Spirit. It is He who both raises great leaders in the Church, and continually challenges and empowers all those in authority to follow the example of Jesus: to lead by vision and example, in a spirit of service, with humility, consistency, and dedication even unto death. All through the centuries Jesus remains the ideal and real leader of his People. The closer our leaders follow his example, the greater will they be in the eyes of God and their flock.

Leadership by vision and example

champion was very much in shape and well honed, swearing in fact that he was ready for the gory. No soon than the first round began than a right ram, which could have been mistaken for a set-up jab, landed on the bewildered Thai, mercilessly sending him to the floor. Seconds later, another blitzkrieg of punches was unleashed and floored the poor challenger, and after he was able to get up, another power-packed punch proved difficult to absorb. Before the first round was finished, the goner was flat on the floor, and had to be rushed to the hospital. Pacquiao is, of course, known for his lethal left, but it was claimed

first five foolish, the second wiseare supposed to represent Christians in the community, some of whom are ill-prepared, the others well prepared for the parousia; the bridegroom is Christ, the Son of Man; the return of the bridegroom is the second coming of Christ; the delay in his coming is the postponement of the parousia; and the wedding feast is the messianic banquet. In trying to emphasize the need of vigilance, Matthew warns us about the fate of the five foolish virgins. Since they were not ready for the moment when the groom arrived, they were excluded from the wedding banquet, in much the same way that Rikkiatgym

failed to get the crown, as he did not watch Pacquiaos right hand. In effect, the parable is about practical wisdomwhat is a Christian ought to do, as the Son of Man is delayed in his arrival? That one needs this practical wisdom to be saved is the point of the First Reading: She hastens to make herself known in anticipation of mens desire; he who watches for her at dawn shall not be disappointed, for he shall find her at the gate (Wisd 6:13 -14). If one possesses this wisdom, it is certain that he will survive the last judgment. When this time comes, God will bring forth with him from the

History / B7

The wisdom of preparedness

Reflections on the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (A) November 6, 2011
By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB
WE Christians cannot afford to while away our lifetime like those who have no superior ideals or no faith. We just cannot behave like those who get drowned in their daily activities, as if work, profit, and pleasure were the most important things in life . . . . We Christians should characterize ourselves as expectant peoplepeople who have something very important to look forward to: our encounter with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. He made a very important promise: I shall come back to take you with me, that where I am you also may be (Jn 14:3). He also warned his disciples and us that he will come at a time we least expect. (See Mt 24:43 and 25:13.) Hence, we have to be watchful, in joyful expectation. The Jews were supposed to be an expectant people, too. For centuries they had yearned for the coming of the Messiah. But, when he finally came, few were ready to welcome him. The majority behaved like the unwise bridesmaids of todays Gospel parable. Thus the Chosen People missed its greatest chance in historyits appointment with the long-awaited Messiah. Their lamps lacked the oil of faith and wisdom. These are two qualities that we all should treasure. Our waiting for the Lord has got to be eager, wise, fruitful . . . . The more he seems to delay his coming, the more we should strive to be worthy of him, by behaving as children of light, and doing as much good as we can. If such is our disposition, we will not mind waiting, just as we will not mind leaving everything aside to go with Jesus when he comes. Both waiting for and going with are two necessary stages which prepare us for the final one: being with Him forever in the eternal wedding banquet of heaven.
Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media

Fr. Francis Ongkingco

WHATEVER

Understanding sickness well

effect. It wounded human nature. And this wound is not only a spiritual disorder, but also has physical effects. It altered our physical integrity and made human nature vulnerable to sickness and ultimately its most dreadful manifestation in death. Although sickness and death are the strongest manifestations of and are also the punishment for sinning against God, physical and physiological illnesses are not real evils. Mans spiritual powers (i.e. love, freedom, will, etc.) are not hampered by anything physical. In fact, physical suffering can become a path allowed by God, in the example of our Lord Jesus Christs life. Jesus revealed during His lifetime that mans sufferings are an occasion for God to show forth His glory (cf. Jn 9:3). Although Scripture does not reveal if our Lord was ever sick, we are nevertheless moved to see how intimately Jesus shared in our own physical limitations when He also became tired from (definitely not of) work, when He was hungry and thirsty. Moreover, Jesus had a special place in his heart for the sick and dying even though He did not come to the world to simply relieve us of bodily pains and aches. For example, He cured the paralytic (Mt 9:1-8), He made the man born blind see (Jn 9:1-17) and even cured St. Peters mother-in-law from fever (Mt 8:14-15). He became perfect God and perfect man, so that He may save us through His suffering upon the Cross and His victory over death through His Resurrection. Finally, our Lord converted our physical sufferings into something advantageous. This happens when we fully unite our sufferings to and in a mysterious way complete our Lords afflictions (cf. Col. 2:24). Thus, whenever we encounter sickness or suffering in our life, we must strive to learn how to engage this new ingredient in our life. Since it is one more thread in the fabric of the gift of life, then we must not reject it, but learn how to engage it as one more part in the art of learning how to live. This can be called engaging the lifestyle of our illness. If we learn to grow in this perspective of our physical trials, with the help of God and our loved ones, we will find a unique way to become another Christ, and Christ Himself by being sick, naked, hungry. Sickness or suffering now become giftwrappers to give ourselves to God in a more humble, pure and loving way. We gradually weave every thread of our life into our wedding garment to enter Heaven one day. Here are some helpful remedies to the negative attitudes we may have towards our own illnesses or the sickness of a loved one: Negative Attitude with a frowney: Positive Remedy with a smiley: Fear and insecurity. These are natural reactions to physical or bodily disease. There is the fear of pain and suffering. There is the insecurity and shame of no longer being useful and not being able to carry out what one used to do (i.e. at the office or at home). This is aggravated when ones uncontrolled imagination ravages the patient with all the possible worse-case-scenarios that his malady could bring.
Whatever / B7

NOW there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethzatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed. One man was there, who had been ill for thirtyeight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, Do you want to be healed? (Jn 5:2-6) You and I, like the man by the pool of Bethzatha, would have also expressed the same eager desire of being cured. No one wants to be ill because health or wellness is a natural good of our body. On the other hand, sickness is the absence of the good of health. Mans susceptibility to illness actuallybelieve it or not stems from the sin of our first parents, Adam and Eve. When they disobeyed Gods will, this first caused a disorder in mans spiritual potencies. This condition of pride or self-love is called sin. This is the only evil because it is the only reality that can separate man from Gods love. But their sin also had another

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 22
October 24 - November 6, 2011

Social Concerns
Small-scale farmers can double food production within ten years in critical regions through ecological or sustainable farming methods. There exist similarities among developing countries like the Philippines because farmers from other Southeast and South Asian countries do not necessarily own the lands they till. Fr. Gariguez said appropriate technology may not suffice simply because access of land and lack of land tenure security are critical to rural poverty alleviation and achieving a hunger-free world. The Philippines may soon be able tocatchupwiththeunfoldingevents as the governments Department of Agriculture Secretary and former three-term lawmaker Proceso J. Alcala, in a number of engagements said he fully supports sustainable agriculture. Using the Systematization of Experience, aptly described as learning from each delegates development experience, the delegates have sharpened their respective skills and increased the appreciation and acceptance of SoE as a tool of learning from development experiences of various Caritas Asia partners. The delegates had the chance to plant rice while on an exposure trip to The Diocese of Butuan, a prime mover in sustainable agriculture under Bishop Juan De Dios Pueblos. Caritas Cambodias Na Vichheka said more and more farmers have sold their lands to big business, especially with the influx of foreign capital thereby reducing their farmers to mere laborers instead of crop producers. For SeDec-Sri Lanka, Fr. Sam Perrera said he was more than delighted to see Filipino communities in Butuan City farming the organic way. South Koreas Stella Jung-Hyun Kho said she felt the need to go back to the villages and encourage farmers to motivate their children to go into organic or sustainable agriculture as more farmers send their children to colleges and universities in the cities. We have to get younger people to farm, she added. However, Vietnamese priest Duong Cong Ho and his associate Nguyen Ba Hung said their communities in the upland areas have already produced enough organic vegetables to fill the requirements of at least a thousand expatriate families in Ho Chi Mihn City. They plan to expand operations though a bit slowly as it takes time to convince other farmers to go organic.

B7
Indonesias Rifanda Ansori said he has learned a lot from his counterparts on sustainable agriculture. Caritas Asias Gabriel Baroi said it may be difficult to sell the idea of organic farming to the regions farming communities considering government programs with chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Considered one of Asias best hydrologists, Haridas Varikkotil Raman said the green revolution of decades ago failed to produce enough food for the world because of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. During a field visit to an organic farm in Butuan City, Harridas said there are plants that grow endemically in farms that could be processed into natural pesticides. It is never too late to return to the basics, he said. Other participants have come from Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Hong Kong-China, Nepal, Mongolia and the Philippines. Bangkok-based Joeri Leysen of Caritas Belgium and CRS Country Representative Joe Curry also expressedsupportandappreciation to the organizers for their relentless efforts to see to it that the Philippinesponsored undertaking would turn out to be a success.

Sustainable agriculture: A better alternative

By Melo Acuna
THE Philippines played host to farmers, farm workers and priests from various South East and South Asian countries to reflect on how far they have gone into organic farming. Theyve also come to share common experiences and learn from their Filipino counterparts on techniques to assure everyone of feasible ventures. Its been said too much of everything would spoil even the simplest dish. True enough, what used to be fertile lands have turned toxic for ordinary crops with too much use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Gradually, there is a growing appreciation, backed up by empirical studies, that sustainable organic farming can be the key to food security, outperforming conventional farming that relies heavily on expensive chemical inputs, thus observed Fr. Edwin A. Gariguez, executive secretary of CBCPs NASSA-Caritas Filipinas. He cited a study by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food Olivier De Shutter that the need to shift to agroecology or sustainable agriculture to boost production has been confirmed.
Vision / B6

Press / B4

them of ostentation: All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and wear huge tassels (Matt 23:5). Finally, he accused them of seeking first places in the assembly, and honor in society: They are fond of places of honor at banquets and front seats in synagogues, of marks of respect in public and of being called Rabbi (Matt 23:6). For Matthew, these practices veer away from the nature of a true people of God. They are religious aberrations. What, then, ought to exist in a true community of God? For Matthew, religious practices must flow from a correct understanding of the nature of the community. The Christian community ought to be a family of Godit is a community under the fatherhood of God, and no one can exercise that role: Do not call anyone on earth your father. Only one is your father, the One in heaven (Matt 23:9). One implication of this description is that the family is a brotherhood and sisterhood of women and men. This means that the community is not to be seen as primarily an institution that stresses organization and structures. On the contrary, what seems to be important is the relationship within the community. Because God alone is father, all the rest are brothers and sisters to one another. As such, it can be described as a fraternity or
History / B6

sorority of equals, since all members form one body in which they share the same dignity. They may be numerous, but the fatherhood of God makes them one family, and their being all children of the same God establishes equality in dignity. Which is why St. Paul describes the Christian community as a family of coequals: There does not exist among you Jew or Greek, slave of freeman, male or female. All are one in Christ Jesus (Gal 3:28). Differences in nationality, social status, and gender can create social tension, but because Christians have been born in baptism, and incorporated into Christ, their belonging to the body overcomes these tensions. Vatican II seems to echo this self-understanding when it speaks of the Churchs mission: By virtue of her mission to shed on the whole world the radiance of the gospel message, and to unify under one Spirit all men of whatever nation, race or culture, the Church stands forth as a sign of that brotherliness which allows honest dialogue and invigorates it. Such a mission requires in the first place that we foster within the Church herself mutual esteem, reverence, and harmony, through the full recognition of lawful diversity. Thus all those who compose the People of God, both pastors and the general faithful, can engage in dialogue with ever abounding fruitfulness. For

the bonds which unite the faithful are mightier than anything which divides them (Gaudium et spes, 92). In place of these polarities and tensions, what ought to characterize the Christian community is service: The greatest among you will be the one who serves the rest. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, but whoever humbles himself shall be exalted (Matt 23:11 -12). Of course, Jesus himself is the model of service. Referring to himself on the issue of authority and power, Jesus said: Such is the case with the Son of Man who has come not to be served, but to serve, to give his own life as a ransom for the many (Matt 20:28). This self-understanding of the Christian community is enshrined at the Second Vatican Council: Inspired by no earthly ambition, the Church seeks but a solitary goal: to carry forward the work of Christ Himself under the lead of the befriending Spirit. And Christ entered this world to give witness to the truth, to rescue and not to sit in judgment, to serve and not to be served (Gaudium et spes, 3). In this understanding, the community is encouraged to look beyond its internal affairs, to be involved in making the world a better place to live in by proclaiming, through its life of service, Jesus vision of the Kingdom of God where there is peace, justice and forgiveness.

to protect the projects of Development Aggression like mining, plantations, etc. The same blog also posted anti-mining sentiments and strong opposition to Sagittarius Mines Inc (SMI) by the Tribal Filipino Program of the Diocese of Kidapawan, of which Fr. Tentorio is Coordinator of. It highlights the immense threats it poses to the ecological balance around Columbio and in several adjacent provinces. The blog also expressed dissatisfaction that last year, the public scoping hearings on the Environmental Assessment (EIA) conducted and presented by SMI did not give a fair chance to the opposition to present their side. The Dioceses of Marbel, Digos and Kidapawan are currently coordinating efforts to stop SMI from getting its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from DENR to operate its Tampakan Project. Fr. Tentorios colleagues believe that his killing could have been related to his work defending the rights of indigenous people and helping them hold on to their ancestral land. It was a delicate mission because when you deal with the marginalized and the poor, you are bound to step on the toes of some people and this could

Photo courtesy of CBCP-NASSA

have been the source of the problem of why he was killed, Fr Giulio Mariani, PIME, said in an interview with the Associated Press. Meanwhile, Atty. Mario E. Maderazo, PMPI-AMC Project Officer said, this senseless killing should be a wake-up call for the Aquino Administration to reconsider its recent decision of backing the formation and deployment of militias to beef up security for mining corporations. This move will only perpetuate the condition which made the killing of Fr. Faustino possible. The rule of law will not spring from use of arms and armed militias. Only an empowered citizenry capable of combating poverty, inequality and injustice in their communities will bring genuine peace to our land and people. Let not the death of Fr Tentorio paralyze us. Let it be a lasting testimony to our resolve to pursue peace. For the Philippine Misereor Partnership, Inc. ATTY. MARIO E. MADERAZO PMPI- AMC Project Officer YOLANDA R. ESQUERRA PMPI National Coordinator October 17, 2011

dead the wise believers who have fallen asleep. At the sound of the archangels voice and Gods trumpet, they will rise first, and the wise who are still living will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the airan event that born-against Christians call rapture (1 Thess 4:16-17). But this is an apocalyptic imagery that cannot be taken literally; but what this means to us is that the wise believer is assured that he will be restored in the Christian community, now transformed into a perfect one, in fellowship and love. It is Matthews wish that
Whatever / B6

the members of the Christian community on earth should not be excluded from this fellowship at the end of time. They should be wise enough to be in a permanent state of readiness for the arrival of the Son of Man. For this reason, he presents us model of Christian behavior the five wise virgins who never ran out of oil. Unlike the foolish ones who, in bringing their torches to meet the bridegroom, brought no oil along, the wise virgins, sensible as they were, took flasks of oil. Because of the long wait for the bridegroom, the foolish ones realized later

that their torches used up the oil they contained. For Matthew, a sensible Christian should not run out of oil. By what is meant by oil? The popular suggestion is that this refers to good works. Comparison is often made with the guest without a wedding garment in the parable of the wedding banquet (Matt 22:1114) and the five foolish virgins without oil, and what is lacking in both is supposed to be good works. Of course, the theme of good works is not foreign to Matthew. In the Sermon on the Mount, Christians are exhorted to let their light shine

so that people will see their good works and glorify their father in heaven (Matt 5:16). But as Garland suggests, it might be more consistent with Matthews theology to take oil not allegorically but parabolically. Since the main point of the story is that the foolish virgins were not ready when the great moment finally came, Matthew could have identified the oil not simply with the performance of good works, but with the tireless doing of other obligations abstinence from bad behavior (15:19), love for enemies (5:44), love of other Christians (24:12),

forgiveness of others (18:2135), unhesitating faith (21:21), loyalty to Jesus (10:32), and love for God (22:37). In other words, the parable is basically an exhortation on living out the Christian faith. Only those who live out their faith in every circumstance of their lives keep their eyes open (Matt 25:13). In the parable, the five wise virgins represent them. Of course, the problem of division in the Christian community between those who live out and those who do not is a reality. Today, the Church sees the flourishing of various faith communities and
RGS / B4

movements, where members take seriously their Christian faith and obligations, but one is afraid that enthusiasm might easily wane. In the 1960s, the Cursillo movement took the Philippines as if by storm; one found the movement in almost every parish. Today, they are few and far between. Indeed, for many, being Christian may not be more than just a name. If Christian faith finds its communal expression in the Sunday Eucharist, one wonders about the percentage of the baptized who really go to Mass and who fulfill their other Christian obligations.
Wake up / B5

Acceptance and Abandonment. We are our bodies and we must learn to accept it even in the ill condition that it may have. This is not easy, but being sick also converts us into occasions of charity for the others to help us and show their kindness and gratitude. We must learn to accept our sickness and those who are sick, as we put in sacrifice by adjusting our own timetable or forgoing some rest or leisure in order to care for a loved one. *** Silence and isolation. When one gets sick, one tends to become quiet for the simple reason of not being an inconvenience or burden for others. This is, however, a proud reaction and may perhaps be rooted in being ashamed of being seen in a state of physical debility or pain. One may also isolate himself from others and seek a cure for himself. Prayer and humility. Learning to pray our illness is one very good and effective means to overcoming our silence and self-isolation. This is also a beautiful and personal way to embrace this lifestyle of our sickness and transform it into something we can offer to God. Humility will also help us to constantly realize the frailty of our nature, and that we are nothing before God. Moreover, humility helps one to value more his friends, relatives and doctors for the efforts they exert to help us regain our health and well-being. ***

Self-medicating. This is one form of silence and self-isolation. This is also one unrealistic and proud attitude of not seeking help from the others. Instead, one presumes that he can manage pretty well by himself. This may be alright in cases of very simple illnesses, but it would be imprudent to simply take the liberty of healing oneself and possibly exposing oneself to unknown side-effects, applying the wrong remedy and making unnecessary expenses in medications. Docility and Obedience. Life would be more simple and even alleviating if we simply informed a kind and understanding friend about the state of our health. In more serious and perhaps, difficult conditions the best solution is consulting a family physician. This immediately gives moral certainty and confidence in confronting whatever is affecting ones health. *** Irritability, exaggerating and complaining. The more one enters into the stage of any sickness he or she will manifest a wide range of irritation and complaints. Although this is due to the inconveniences brought about by any physical weakness (i.e. headaches, bodily pains, and nausea, etc.), more often than not it is attached to the anxiety of being prevented from doing what one intended to do because of his sickness. One succumbs to frustration because he wants to get well right away! and get back to doing what he wants.

Patience and serenity. Part of being realistic about our illness is learning the hard lesson of patience and serenity. This doesnt mean not conveying or expressing our inconveniences. Rather, it means realizing that ones irritability and complaints in his desire to be rapidly cured will only aggravate psychologically and emotionally the illness. He must learn to adjust to this natural new lifestyle and function according to the bodys natural limitations. It is in this state of limited or minimum capacity that one ought to learn to value the little that he or she can do because of the sickness. *** Tiredness, sadness and loneliness. There is a saying that goes: When the body is well, the soul dances! It is only natural that when the body experiences any form of illness, there is a drop in ones moral. Even abusing ones sleep or skipping meals are conditions that may lead not only to a lowering in bodily resistance, but makes the person lose energy, enthusiasm, and cheerful. Being realistic. There is a need to help the person achieve the necessary rest and nourishment. Sometimes simply sticking to a balanced schedule of work and rest are sufficient. But when one already feels the symptoms of tiredness and sadness, one has to promptly and reasonably detach himself from his engagements, in order to gain a healthy activism to better control his life and profession and not vice versa.

Tentorio Movement to release the floodgates of justice and integrity. Fill the streets with marches and songs, prayer vigils, candle lighting and drum the beat for truth to come out free and victorious. RGS-WJPIC Mindanao Network October 18, 2011
IPs / B4

remain empty. Fr. Faustos life and martyrdom will not be in vain. His death strengthens our resolve to continue Christs work in building a society of justice and peace, even if it means giving the ultimate sacrifice for the common good. +GERARDO ALMINAZA, DD Auxiliary Bishop of Jaro Head Convenor, Visayas Clergy Discernment Group October 18, 2011
Martyr / B5

and his nephew Solte San-ogan in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, as well as the deaths of Jimmy Arion, Nicomedes de la Pea, Sr., Nicomedes de la Pea, Jr., and Ruben Gatong in San Fernando, Bukidnon. Lumad paramilitary groups formed and supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines are responsible for their deaths. KALUMARAN condemns the killing of Fr. Fausto Tentorio and holds the Aquino regime accountable for this crime. The reign of impunity must come to an end! MONICO CAYOG Chairperson, KALUMARAN October 17, 2011

and bishops from proclaiming the justice of Gods kingdom, they are wrong. The blood of martyrs like Fr. Fausto fans the daring and courage of those who care about peace and justice enough to sacrifice themselves while travelling the road of active non-violence. I strongly appeal to the authorities to search for the perpetrators and bring them to justice. My prayers to the loving Lord for my friend, Fr. Fausto, PIME. +ORLANDO B. QUEVEDO, O.M.I. Archbishop of Cotabato

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Entertainment
Moral Assessment Technical Assessment

CBCP Monitor

OCtober 24 - November 6, 2011

Vol. 15 No. 22

Abhorrent Disturbing Acceptable Wholesome exemplary

Poor Below average Average Above average excellent

TITLE: The Three Musketeers CAST: Logan Leman, Mila Jovovich, Matthew Macfadyen, Ray Stevenson, Luke Evans, Christopher Walz, Orlando Bloom DIRECTOR: Paul W.S. Anderson SCREENPLAY: Andrew Davies, Alex Litvak GENRE: Action-Adventure DISTRIBUTOR: Constantin Film, Summit Entertainment LOCATION: France RUNNING TIME: 110 minutes Technical Assessment: Moral Assessment: Cinema Rating: For viewers 14 years old.

THIS is another big screen adaptation of the Alexandre Dumas peres historical novel of The Three Musketeers with some twists here and there to make the plot more familyoriented. Like the novel, the film version follows DArtagnan (Logan Lerman) travel to Paris to become of the Musketeers like his father. He is a well-trained fighter but is hot-headed and aggressive often ending up at the end of his opponents sword. On his first day in Paris, he manages to almost get killed by the Cardinals guards, gets into petty fights with the Athos (Macfadyen), Porthos (Stevenson) and Aramis (Evans) and challenges each to

a duel at midday. But when the Cardinals guards come to arrest the Musketeers, the 4 come together and defeat all 40 of them. DArtagnan is invited into the Musketeers homes and learns that life has become dull and boring for the 3 since they no longer have a cause to be passionate about. Meanwhile Cardinal Richelieu has taken control over France because King Louis XIII (Fox) is far too immature and inexperienced to lead France seriously. Later, the Musketeers and DArtagnan find their respective causes when they are tapped by the Queens maid-in-waiting to retrieve a diamond necklace from Lord Buckingham (Bloom) to avert the Cardinals plan to tarnish the Queens reputation and launch a war between France and England. The story tries to be faithful to the novel and cleverly adds the right twist to make the plot more palatable to the younger audiences. The costumes and set design are outrageously impressive. There was an attempt to update the dialogue but it didnt really quite have enough wit and bite to be funny and memorable. The characters and their acting feel caricaturist and theatrical. The battle and fight scenes are lame and

tedious. There is no excitement either in the choreography or the shots or the over-all direction of the scene. The special effects were done to impress rather than to deliver a point. As a whole, the movie which had enough promise and potential did not really get there and failed to be engaging to its audience. The good news is the movie has very little disturbing scenes, save for the inevitable swordfights, some crass language and the musketeers love for liquor. It briefly talks about honor, valor, friendship and loyalty to the crown but does deliver a clear message. Even the famous All for one and one for all battlecry has been lost. Although some might find the role of the Church against the monarchy a bit disturbing, especially since the real-life Cardinal Richelieu did play a controversial role during the time of King Louis XIII, is still presented as fiction and should not be taken any more than a twist in the story. The move has no valuable message to take home but neither does it have any objectionable one. As long as viewers are clear that they are watching fiction, mature teenagers can handle both the material and the treatment but the younger ones should be guided by their parents.

MAC en COLET

Ni Bladimer Usi

TITLE: Real Steel CAST:Hugh Jackman (Charlie Kenton), Dakota Goyo (Max), Evangeline Lilly (Bailey Tallet), and Anthony Mackie (Finn DIRECTOR: Shawn Levy SCREENWRITER: John Gatins PRODUCER:Stephen Spielberg GENRE: Drama, Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy DISTRIBUTOR: Dream works Pictures & Touchstone Pictures LOCATION:USA RUNNING TIME: 230minutes Technical Assessment: 4 Moral Assessment: 3 Cinema Rating: For viewers 13 years old and below with parental guidance

Buhay Parokya

Look for the images of all Saints, Chalice, Pope John Paul II. (Illustration by Bladimer Usi)

REAL Steel is based on the 1956 short story Steel by Richard Matheson and center on the father and son story of Charlie (Hugh Jackman) and Max (Dakota Goyo). It is 2020 and boxing has now become a sport between mechanically controlled robots instead of real people. Charlie, a retired boxer, is being chased left and right by his loan shark creditors while his son Max, must spend the summer with him for the first time after his ex-girl and Maxs mother dies. Charlie makes one attempt after another to win a match and make some money to pay off his creditors, however his arrogance and lack of foresight lead him to bigger debts and trouble. Now, Charlie must struggle to make some decent living and build a non-existent relationship with his 11 year old son before his past catches up with him. Real Steel is a delight to watch with enough high-tech gadgets amidst the grit and ruthlessness of real life. The story is well meaning and well told. One cannot help but be caught with Charlies constant attempt to be the person he ought to be and his unspoken desire to be a better father. Jackman and Goys chemistry is as explosive as the fight scenes and manage to capture the sympathy of their audience. The CGIs and postprod techniques are amazingly realistic and truthful. For a few minutes, the movie successfully transports the viewers to another time which is for more advance technologically but as dramatic as any other time. Overall, the movie is visually enjoyable and worth watching. A world of robot and underground combat teamed up with gambling and illegal betting naturally spells violence. Now, thrown in an 11-year old kid who shockingly adapts so easily with that kind of world makes the situation a little more unsettling. For this matter, Real Steel is not a suitable movie for young audiences. However, there are little bits of lessons of life through here and there that could be picked up by adults and children alike. For one, the unmistakable love between father and son and their struggle to build a relationship is touching. Second, the movie beautifully shows how the power of love can transform the a hardest heart to make him want to be a better man. And last, hope and determination is amidst struggles and failures are emphasized in the father and son journey to win a fight.

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 22
October 24 - November 6, 2011

C1

A Supplement Publication of KCFAPI and the Order of the Knights of Columbus

The Cross

KCFAPI celebrates Feast Day of Blessed John Paul II

IN celebration of the first Feast day of Blessed John Paul II on October 22, the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) hosted a procession and thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration at the San Agustin Church in Intramuros last October 21, 2011. The celebration of JPIIs feast day is an obligatory memorial in his native Poland and in the diocese of Rome where the Pope also served as Bishop. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines during its July plenary has approved the celebration of the feast of JP II as an optional memorial in the Philippines. An optional memorial in the Roman liturgy means that the celebration is limited to a specific diocese, region or country. The KCFAPI together with the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines (K of C) is probably the first group to initiate the celebration of John Pauls feast day in the country. KCFAPI Officers and employees along with its subsidiaries and the different KC councils and various communities within Intramuros got together on October 21 at 7 a.m. for a procession from the KCFAPI head office in Intramuros, Manila to the San Agustin Church, where a Mass was celebrated at 8 a.m. Among those who attended the celebration initiated by the KCFAPI and KC in the country were the parents and students of KABAKA Day Care Center, Taytay Youth Ensembles, staff of NYK-FIL Ship Management Inc., local officials from Barangay 667, Zone 70 of District 5, among others. The Eucharistic celebration was led by Msgr. Pedro Quitorio III, KCFAPI Chaplain and Director of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines Media Office, together with Msgr. Joselito Asis, incoming CBCP secretarygeneral; Fr. William Araa, OSA, and Fr. Asis Bajao, OSA. A prayer composed by the late pope on the promotion of life was read by KCFAPI President Guillermo Hernandez, while Supreme Director Alonso Tan led the prayer for the beatification of Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ, founder of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI). Meanwhile, Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco invited all the K of C in the Philippines to attend the commemoration of Pope John Paul IIs beatification at the Araneta Coliseum on October 29, 2011. Pope John Paul II was beatified on May 1, 2011 and October 22 was chosen to be his Feast day as it was also the anniversary of the liturgical inauguration of his papacy in 1978. (KC News)

KCFAPI Awards Academic Excellence in Cebu

KNIGHTS of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Phils., Inc. (KCFAPI) found an opportune time to award the Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ Medallion for Academic Excellence during the 129th Culmination Rite of Columbus Day celebration on October 14, 2011, hosted by Council No. 6309 held at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Minglanilla Fr. George J. Willmann Awardees for Academic Excellence, Ms. Dee Margaux V. Sudario (left photo) Cebu. and Ms. Diane Mae V. Sudario (right photo) flanked by Host Grand Knight of Co. No. 6309, Bro. Juditho Recipients of the awards un- Bargayo (extreme left), KCFAPI Fraternal Benefits Associate, Ms. Allen C. Bohol and Fr. Jojo Deligero der the Bar and Board Pass- during the celebration of the 129th Culmination Rite of Columbus Day. ers category were the Sudario sisters namely, Diane Mae and Cebu Council No. 3940, who censure Examination given last respectively. The awards were conferred Dee Margaux of Naga City, both passed the Nursing Li- December 2010 and June 2011 to them by the Parish Priest of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Fr. Scipio Jojo Deligero, assisted by the host Grand Knight, Bro. Juditho Bargayo and Sis. Allen C. Bohol of KCFAPI. Present during the awarding ceremony, was the proud father of the two awardees, Bro. Gaspar Sudario, who was a former Visayas Officer. The Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ Award for Academic Excellence was sponsored by KCFAPI to recognize the members of Knights of Columbus and their immediate families who have excelled in their studies. (A. Bohol)

KCFAPI offers novena prayer to JPII in defense of Life

THE employees of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) were united in praying with Blessed John Paul II to Mary, Mother of Life, for the promotion of the Culture of Life. In response to the invitation of the president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar, the KCFAPI employees prayed the novena prayer to Pope John Paul II in time for the celebration of his first feast day on October 22. May we invite therefore all our sisters and brothers, who in one way or another were touched by the charisma of Blessed Pope John Paul II, to say this novena prayer, Bishop Odchimar said in his circulated invitation. The KCFAPI employees-led Spiritual Committee held the novena prayer from October 13-22, which culminated with a Eucharistic celebration at the San Agustin Church. It is our ardent desire that through the intercession of the amiable Pope, the Reproductive Health Agenda would not pass and be entirely scrapped in the Philippine Legislature, Bishop Odchimar added. The late Pope John Paul II was beatified on May 1, 2011 (Divine Mercy Sunday) by Pope Benedict XVI at St. Peters Basilica in Rome, witnessed by a multitude of the faithful. Blessed John Paul II is also known as Pope of Life because of his passionate teachings on the defense of human life, especially in his Encyclical Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), which provides a strong foundation for the defense of human life and the promotion of the culture of life against the culture of death. (KC News)

Fathers for Good-Phils Awards highlight 2012 KC Confab

THE highlight of next years K of C National Convention State Dinner on April 27, 2012 will be the awarding of winners for the Fathers for Good - Philippines. The 2011 search for Fathers for Good-Philippines is a joint project of the 3 State Jurisdictions, KCFAPI, and Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ. Foundation to recognize fathers who have shown by their life and examples the exemplary values of a model Catholic father. Among its objectives are to recognize Knights of Columbus members who exemplify the inspiring characteristics, virtues and role model qualities of a good Catholic father through responsible parenting; to project a strong public knowledge of the Mission of the Order of the Knights of Columbus as a means to attract new members; and to provide inspiration to all members to live up to the cardinal principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. The Board of Jurors is composed of KCFAPI
Confab / C3

New Manila Archbishop was KC Scholar, Chief Squire

THE Knights of Columbus in the Philippines lauded the appointment of the KC Supreme Council Scholar and former Chief Squire, Imus Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle, as the 32nd Archbishop of Manila. On 13 October 2011, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Bishop Tagle also known as Fr. Chito of Tagaytays Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol as the successor to Manila Archbishop Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales who retired after eight years of service in the countrys Primal See. Bishop Tagle, a known theologian, was awarded a scholarship by the Supreme Council Headquarters in 1973. The Supreme Council gave him an amount of P2,000-a-year award for four years as recognition for his outstanding performance as a Columbian Squire. The young Tagle was marked as the first K of C Supreme Council Scholar at San Jose Seminary in Quezon City and became a youth model as the Chief Squire of the Rajah Soliman Circle No. 2180 in Imus, Cavite. Meanwhile, Luzon State Columbian Squires Chairman Jose Cuaresma said they are proud for having a former Chief Squire become Manila Archbishop. and in behalf of all the Columbian Squires, we are looking forward to produce more youth leaders in our Church as well as

District Deputies Mid-Year Meeting CY 2011-2012

ALL District Deputies are encouraged to attend the District Deputies Mid-Year Meeting for Columbian Year 2011-2012 to be held on December 3-4, 2011 at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel, Doroteo Jose corner Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila. The Knights of Columbus Luzon Jurisdiction will take care of the hotel accommodation of the participants including meals as well as the reimbursement of the transportation expenses based on commercial transport rate. However, District Deputies with advance reservation per group of two will be given pri-

ority in the room assignment. Luzon Deputy Arsenio Isidro Yap reminds all the attendees to check with their Grand Knights the various council reports and payments. State Secretary Joven Joaquin said that the meeting is strictly for the District Deputies only, and that a Christmas fellowship of District Deputies will follow afterwards. Participants may confirm their attendance with Sister Nhets Casio at telephone numbers 527-2245 or 527-2248 or via celphone number 09177883-380. (KC News)

in the Philippine Government to serve our country for a better society, Cuaresma added. Likewise, the San Jose Major Seminary has joined the Archdiocese of Manila in welcoming the news of the appointment of their esteemed alumnus as the new Manila Archbishop. Born in Manila on June 21, 1957, Bishop Tagle finished his undergraduate degree in Philosophy at San Jose Seminary and Ateneo de Manila in 1977 and his Masters degree in Theology in the same seminary and Loyola School of Theology in 1982. He earned both degrees, summa cum laude. He was ordained to the priesthood on February 27, 1982, at the age of 25. From 1985 to 1992, he was sent for further studies at the

Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. where he earned his Doctorate in Sacred Theology. Since 1997, Tagle was a member of the International Theological Commission of the Vatican. In 1998, he was an expert at the Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Asia that took place in Rome. On December 12, 2001, he was ordained Bishop of Imus. Since then, his activities have been as numerous as in the past. He travels throughout the country in answer to many invitations as a speaker. At the Synod of Bishops held in Rome in 2005, he was elected member of the post-synodal Council and assistant to Cardinal Angelo Scola, general reporter of the Synod. Tagle is currently the chairman of the Commission on Doctrine of the Faith of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). I face this heavy responsibility with much trepidation. Leaving the Diocese of Imus, my beloved home, at the threshold of its Golden Jubilee is not easy. But faith in the gracious Lord and love of the Church give me strength, Bishop Tagle declared. No date yet has been set for the installation of the new Manila archbishop. (CBCPNews)

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Hilario G. Davide, Jr.

The Cross
By Rowena Diapolit
IT has been over a year when Republic Act No. 9994, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act was approved. However, many of us still have no full knowledge of this Act, which grants additional benefits and privileges to senior citizens, further amending Republic Act No. 7432, otherwise known as an act to maximize the contribution of senior citizens to nation building, grant benefits and special privileges and for other purposes. With the implementation of this Act, some 5.8 million senior citizens, defined as resident citizens of the Philippines aged sixty (60) and above (may also apply to those with dual citizenship status provided they prove their Filipino citizenship and have at least six (6) months residency in the Philippines), will get the following privileges, among others: Income tax exemption to those who are minimum wage earners, or those whose taxable income during the year do not exceed their personal exemptions (subject to compliance of requirements). Twenty percent (20%) discount and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT), if applicable, on the sale of the following goods and services from all establishments, for the exclusive use and enjoyment or availment of the senior citizen: - Medicines; - Professional fees of attending physician/s and/or licensed professional health workers providing home health care services; - Medical and dental services, diagnostic and laboratory fees; - Actual fare for land transportation travel; - Actual transportation fare for domestic air transport services and sea shipping vessels and the like; - Utilization of services in hotels and similar lodging establishments, restaurants and recreation centers; - Admission fees charged by theaters, cinema houses and concert halls, circuses, leisure and amusement; - Funeral and burial services for the death of senior citizens. In case of discount promos, the senior citizens shall avail themselves of either the promotional discount or the 20% discount, whichever is higher. Five percent (5%) discount on water bills (if consumption is less than 30 cubic meters a month) and electric bills (if consumption is less than 100 kilowatt-hours). This privilege is granted per household regardless of the number of senior citizens residing therein. Educational assistance for those who shall meet school admission requirements. In case of death, the nearest surviving relative of the deceased senior citizen shall get Php2,000. Additional Government Assistance: - Social Pension. Indigent senior citizens shall be entitled to a monthly stipend amounting to five hundred pesos (Php500.00) to augment the daily subsistence and other medical needs of senior citizens, subject to a review every two (2) years by Congress, in consultation with the DSWD. - Mandatory PhilHealth coverage. - Social Safety Nets. Social safety assistance intended to cushion the effects of economics shocks, disasters and calamities shall be available for senior citizens. This act benefits not just the senior citizens but also the establishments granting the discount, entities employing senior citizens as employees, and senior citizens center and residential care/group homes that are government-run or non-stock, non-profit domestic corporation organized and operated primarily for the purpose of promoting the well-being of abandoned, neglected, unattached, or homeless senior citizens, subject to the guidelines formulated by the DSWD. The establishment granting the discount may claim such as tax deduction based on the cost of the goods sold or services rendered provided that the cost of the discount shall be allowed as deduction from gross income for the same taxable year that the discount is granted and the total amount of the claimed tax deduction net of VAT, if applicable, shall be included in their gross sales receipts for tax purposes and shall be subject to proper documentation and to the provisions of the Tax Code, as amended. Private entities that will employ senior citizens as employees shall be entitled to an additional deduction from their gross income, equivalent to fifteen percent (15%) of the total amount paid as salaries and wages to senior citizens, subject to the provision of Section 34 of the Tax Code, as amended, provided that such employment shall continue for a period of at least six (6) months and that the annual income of the senior citizen does not exceed the latest poverty threshold as determined by the NEDA of the NSCB. At least fifty percent (50%)

CBCP Monitor
October 24 - November 6, 2011

Vol. 15 No. 22

Chairmans Message
IN this issue, our The Cross focuses on Blessed Pope John Paul IIwhose papacy would have been on the 33rd year if he were aliveon the occasion of the celebration last 22 October of his Feast Day as proclaimed by the Vaticanand on All Saints Day and All Souls Day. As Pope of the turbulent years of our troubled world during most of the last quarter of the 20th century in the second millennium and the first few years of the first quarter in the third millennium, he was the greatest Pope who strengthened the foundations of the See of Peter in Rome and renewed its vision; made it a mission to unify Christianity and the Christian Churches; pursued genuine efforts in interfaith dialogues; became the most effective instrument to end the reign of the Godless ideology of communism; and who brought to the world the blessings of the Great Jubilee 2000. His divinely inspired encyclicals beginning with Redemptor Hominis (The Redeemer of Man) that outlined his programs for his pontificate, and which include the famous Veritatis Splendor and Evangelium Vitae, apostolic letters and exhortations, apostolic constitutions, as well as his homilies and speeches, had demonstrated and proven his primacy as Christs chosen one to be, as Pope John Paul II himself said at the inauguration of his papacy, the servant of your servants to succeed St. Peter, not to be afraid to renew the face of the earth by and through the Cross and the Faith, Hope and Love which is Christ. Crossing the Threshold of Hope, he was the Witness to Hope who invited all to Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way. Thus, his pontificate was the golden age, the renaissance of the Church in modern times. He is the Universal Father, a living Saint who was uncompromising in his defense for the life of the unborn and his opposition to divorce and same-sex marriage. The Philippines and the Filipino people have a special place in the heart of Pope John Paul II. He made two apostolic journeys to the Philippines. In the first, he knelt and kissed the Philippine soil, expressed profound gratitude to God for being able to come to the Philippines and great joy to set on the soil of this beloved country whose Cebu City is the seat of Christianity in Asia. The enthusiastic welcome on that visit evoked in him the full measure of my pastoral love and concern for the Philippines, which was highlighted by the beatification of Lorenzo Ruiz of Manila, who later on was canonized as the first Filipino saint. It was also during his papacy that another FilipinoPedro Calungsodwas beatified. All Saints Day and All Souls Day are traditions deeply ingrained as part of the rich religious and cultural heritage of our country. They express our Christian belief that death is not the end, but the beginning of immortality; and remind us that our loved ones, relatives, friends and even our enemies who have gone ahead of us into the Great Beyond had touched our lives and remembering them would enrich our faith, hope and love. We, too, will leave this mortal life and our remembrance of the departed whether they are now saints or souls is a guarantee that we too in the next world would be remembered in the same way. The traditions then are a celebration of life. VIVAT JESUS!

Benefits under Expanded Senior Citizens Act

discount shall be granted on the consumption of electricity, water, and telephone by the senior citizens center and residential care/group homes that are government-run or non-stock, non-profit domestic corporation organized and operated primarily for the purpose of promoting the well-being of abandoned, neglected, unattached, or homeless senior citizens, subject to the guidelines formulated by the DSWD. Any person who violates the provision of this Act for the first time will face two (2) to six (6) years imprisonment and a fine ranging from Php50,000 to Php100,000. Subsequent violators, on the other hand, will face two (2) to six (6) years imprisonment and a fine ranging from Php100,000 to Php200,000. Anyone who abuses the privileges granted in the law shall pay a fine of Php5,000 to Php50,000, and shall be jailed for at least six months. The passage of this act indeed became a challenge that the Philippine government has very well responded to. Among the many benefits stated above, the VAT exemption is one with the most impact since before this Act, senior citizens have only been able to enjoy eight percent (8%) of the supposed twenty percent (20%) discount. Republic Act No. 9994, together with Republic Act No. 7432 and Republic Act No. 7876, otherwise known as the Senior Citizens Center Act of 1995, are considered as landmark legislations which promote the welfare and uphold the rights of older persons. Senior citizens have worked so hard and contributed so much to society that it is the societys turn now to serve them.

The Cause for the Beatification of Father George J. Willmann, SJ

EMULATING the virtues that bespeak of sanctity of a person, like Father George J. Willmann, SJ, is what we need today to draw us into a deeper living out of the fullest meaning of our Catholic Faith in the context of increasing secularism. Thus, we believe, is one of the most important objectives in initiating the Cause of the good Father George. As prescribed by the Congregation for Causes of Saints in Rome, a person may be elevated to the honors of the altar if he has lived up to a heroic degree of the supernatural virtues of faith, hope and charity, as well as the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance. We believe that Father Willmann practiced them all to an exceptional degree. In order to establish and widen the fame of Sanctity of Father Willmann, may we call on all Brother Knights, their families and friends to respond to the following appeal: Submission of testimonies on Fr. Willmanns heroic virtues; Recitation of Prayer for his Beatification in private and during K of C meetings and affairs; Invocation of his intercession in our prayers; Submission of Reports on answered prayers through the intercession of Father Willmann; Visitation of his tomb in the Sacred Heart Novitiate Cemetery, Novaliches, Quezon City. Membership to Fr. George J. Willmann Fellows. This is a challenge for all of us Knights of Columbus members, who dearly love Father George J. Willmann, SJ.

Guillermo N. Hernandez

Presidents Message
Novembera month for our departed
NOVEMBER, the penultimate month of each calendar year, is often referred to as the month for the departed probably because the month traditionally opens with the celebration of All Saints Day on November 1 and All Souls Day on November 2 followed by a daily call for Masses and prayers all for the dead. As sure as the sun rises in the early morning and sets at dusk, we expect the cemeteries in the Philippines to always be crowded every year whenever the month of November begins. In fact, it has become so important an occasion for us, Filipinos, that literally millions flock to the various cemeteries around the country to remember and honor their respective deceased relatives and friends during these days. We traditionally remember to honor our departed loved ones in two basic ways: by offering our prayers and/or by devoting our physical presence to be with them at their last permanent addresses. For the more mundane approach, we show our earthly love and devotion for our dead with the annual trip to the cemetery during November. Despite a myriad of inconveniences which one must face in order to visit his/her departed at a given cemetery, most of us somehow make it to the resting place of our beloved to offer beautiful flowers, say our prayers and attend a big family reunion between the living and the dead. Unfortunately, as years pass, the frequency of our visits to our departed gradually tends to drop and the usual inconveniences previously experienced more and more become our excuse to skip this years traditional gathering at the cemetery. For those who could still make it, the occasion gets transformed to be more of a reunion or picnic instead of a devoted event for prayer. On the other hand, there are those who prefer to honor their dead via a more spiritual approach. Even weeks before November, some already start praying for their dead by filling up those blank lists/ envelopes with the names of their departed friends and relatives and depositing these in the drop boxes found in Churches so that they may be included in the Congregations prayers every time the Eucharistic Celebration is offered. For others, they achieve the same gift of prayer for their loved ones through the recitation of novenas, the rosary, partaking in Masses or with their own individually-styled conversations with our Lord, Jesus Christ. Definitely, each one of us has his or her own unique way of remembering and honoring our beloved dead. But it would also be good if we could also remember the multitude of souls who have no one to pray for them. We also make it a point to pray to the more popular departed Saints and Martyrs such as our Blessed John Paul II whose feast day we celebrated last October 22. But praying for the anonymous millions would be one simple way for us to manifest our charity to share those valuable indulgences in prayers with those unfortunate and forgotten souls. As brothers in the Order of the Knights of Columbus, we should all be our brothers keeper in this small and simple way praying not only for our living brothers, but more so for the departed. Eternal rest grant unto all of them, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they all rest in peace. Amen. VIVAT JESUS!

KCFAPI to produce radio drama on the life of Fr. Willmann

THE Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) is currently pursuing the advancement of the noble Cause for the Beatification of its founder, Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ. In 2001, upon consultation with then Eminence Jaime Cardinal L. Sin, D.D., the KCFAPI officers met with the Jesuit Provincial, Fr. Romeo J. Intengan, SJ to present a formal plea for the Jesuits to initiate the Cause, but the Father Provincial cited that it was premature for the Jesuits to promote Fr. Willmanns Cause due to the need to ascertain the existence of a true and widespread fama sanctitatis. There is a need to make Fr. Willmann known to the greater majority of the faithful throughout the country. The National Committee for the Cause of Fr. Willmann agreed to promote the latters saintly deeds in order to perpetuate his model life and virtues for all Filipinos to emulate. The promotion can be done in so many ways and one of the more effective ways is through the media, particularly radio. Radio communication is still the most popular medium in the country, especially for the masses. Among the radio programs in both urban and rural settings, radio drama comes next after news and public affairs. This is the reason why most AM radio stations air radio drama on certain hours of the day. The Catholic Media Network has about 40 AM stations throughout the country. A drama on the life of Fr. Willmann aired in these radio stations and in other commercial stations, will be a big help in raising awareness on the cause of Fr. Willmann among the Catholic faithful. Aside from airing a radio drama in several radio stations nationwide, it can also be broadcasted in the internet through social networks and in the website of the Knights of Columbus. It may also be distributed in a CD format to all KC Councils in the country. Mr. Bernard Factor Caaberal of Family Rosary Crusade and Radio Veritas will be the producer of radio drama on Fr. Willmann. Caaberal is a well known radio drama producer. He used to be with the Manila Broadcasting Corp. (DZRH) before he transferred to Fr. James Reuter in 1980s. He also used to be the Executive Director of Holy Rosary Crusade. Aside from producing Catholic radio dramas, he has a daily radio show at Radio Veritas and a weekly TV program on Studio 23, Once there was a Saint. (KC News)

State Deputies invite Supreme Officers for 2012 KC National Convention

THE three State Deputies of the Order of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines, namely Luzon Deputy Arsenio Isidro Yap, Visayas Deputy Rodrigo Sorongon, and Mindanao Deputy Balbino Fauni have sent a letter of invitation to the KC Supreme Officers to attend the K of C National Convention in the country to be held on April 27-29, 2012 at the historic Manila Hotel with the theme So That The World May Know New Hope. The list is headed by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson and wife, Sis. Dorian. It will be recalled that Carl Anderson was the main guest during the 8th KC National Convention held in 2010 at the Cebu Waterfront Hotel. He delivered his speech connected with the theme Volunteerism: Neighbors Helping Neighbors. After the last convention, Anderson expressed his desire to attend the next National Convention in Manila. If ever, it will be the second time that the Supreme Knight Anderson will be visiting Manila. The first time was when he attended the KC centennial celebration in Manila five years ago. Meanwhile, there will be about 10 Bishops and 100 Priests who will be attending and concelebrating the three Holy Masses which will be offered during the three-day National Convention next year. KC Spiritual Director and CBCP Media Director Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III cited that 40 KC Priest-Scholars nationwide will meet during the convention. Sixty KC Chaplains will also be invited. (KC News)

Luzon conducts skills training and livelihood programs

THE Knights of Columbus in the Philippines-Luzon Jurisdiction in cooperation with the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI), the Department of Social Welfare and the Manila Manpower Development Center of the City of Manila, will conduct some Skills Training and Livelihood opportunity such as Celphone Repair & Maintenance and Hotel and Restaurant Service. The Celphone Repair & Maintenance is the first course to be offered, which is already accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The duration of this training is from November 7 to December 2, 2011 (20 days = 80 hours) from Mondays to Fridays, 1:00PM 5:00PM to be held at the KCFAPI Building, 3rd floor Social Hall, Intramuros, Manila. Pre-registration for the Celphone Repair & Maintenance training is now on-going, which started last October 10 and will end on November 4, 2011. The second course to be offered is the Hotel and Restaurant Service, which is also accredited by the TESDA. This program will run from March 5 to March 30, 2012 (20 days = 80 hours) from Mondays to Fridays, 1:00PM 5:00PM and will also be held at the KCFAPI Building, 3rd floor Social Hall, Intramuros, Manila. Pre-registration will run from January 16 to February 29, 2012. The training package for the Hotel and Restaurant Service training includes table setting, napkin folding, table skirting, cocktail mixing, hotel housekeeping, barista, and flower arrangement. The training is open for all physically and mentally fit individuals ages 18-35 years old. The registration for the skills training and livelihood opportunity project of the Luzon Jurisdiction is a first come first serve basis since there will only be a total of 40 participants who will be accommodated per course. For more details and information regarding pre-registration requirements, please contact Sister Nhets Casio of the K of C Luzon Jurisdiction office at telephone numbers 527-2245 or 527-2248. (KC News)

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 22
October 24 - November 6, 2011

The Cross
Shrine of Blessed John Paul II. We will also establish a permanent museum on the life and papacy of John Paul II, and to give lasting expression of his desire to foster unity and solidarity among all the people of our hemisphere, we will establish a new museum to celebrate the 500-year Catholic heritage of North America. It will be a place where English, Spanish and French-speaking pilgrims from throughout North America will encounter the mission and legacy of one of historys greatest popes. And it will be a place where they will continue to experience his blessing. It will also be a place where our children and grandchildren will learn about their great heritage as Catholics. It will be a place where they will be proud to be Catholic. To house this project, we will purchase the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, D.C., located just down the street from three other institutions which the Knights of Columbus has long supported: the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, The Catholic University of America, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. True to Pope John Paul IIs vision, and using the story of his life as an inspiration, this Shrine will be an opportunity to evangelize and spread the good news of the Gospel through a New Evangelization. And just days ago I received a letter from Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State, expressing his support for our project, stating: I offer heartfelt good wishes for its successful realization. I am particularly appreciative of the desire of the Knights not only to cultivate devotion to the late Pontiff, but also to advance his insightful teaching on the complex and fruitful interplay of faith and culture in the New World. ... I am deeply gratified that your Order has wished to carry forward that vision as part of your commitment to the new evangelization and to the strengthening of the Churchs witness to Christ at every level of American society. Pope John Paul II came to the United States seven different times. Included in his trips was his participation at World Youth Day 18 years ago this month here in Denver. Then, nine years ago, in Toronto, he again led a World Youth Day on this continent on one of his many visits to Canada. His first international trip as pope was to this continent as wellto Mexico City, to visit Americas mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe. And an estimated five million peopleone the largest everattended his Mass in Manila on Jan. 15, 1995. Because of his tireless evangelization efforts, an entire generation of Catholics has become known as the John Paul II Generation, and certainly we are honored to continue to spread his profound and powerful message of hope for our country, our continent and our world. Over the past year, I have met with Pope Benedict XVI and heard him thank the Knights of Columbus for our many contributions to the Holy See. I visited Dartmouth College and the Naval Academy and have seen the future of the Order in the motivated young Knights there. In Latin America, I have seen first-hand both the sacrifices and the good that the Knights of Columbus is doing in Mexico and Cuba. I have been honored to represent the Order at the beatification of John Paul II in Rome, and join with many Knights from Canada at the canonization of Brother Andr. Through the countless charitable actions of thousands of local councils we know that John F. Kennedy was right when he said that here on earth, Gods work must be our own. It is witnessed daily in our charitable works and embraced by people throughout the world who now know new hope.

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Preserving Blessed John Pauls Legacy

By Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
SIXTEEN years ago, Pope John Paul II traveled to New York City to speak before the General Assembly of the United Nations. He said he came as a witness: a witness to human dignity, a witness to hope, a witness to the conviction that the destiny of all nations lies in the hands of a merciful Providence. In Spe Salvi, Pope Benedict put it this way. God is the foundation of hope: the God who has a human face and who has loved us to the end (31). That is the message that we Knights must share, in as many ways, in as many places, and with as many people as we can. It is never too late to touch the heart of another, Pope Benedict wrote. As Christians we should never limit ourselves to asking: how can I save myself? We should also ask: what can I do in order that others may be saved and that for them too the star of hope may rise? (48) All of us have had the privilege to have seen and heard Blessed John Paul II, in person or on television. We have known himand known him to be a special friend of the Knights of Columbus. I think future generations will look back with envy that this was so. And I think they will also ask us what we did to keep his memory, his legacy, and his vision alive. In his message to the Knights of Columbus in 2003, Pope John Paul II wrote: By bearing witness to the faith that works through love, the Knights can offer our world a powerful sign of the presence of Gods Kingdom and an attractive invitation to rediscover the reasons for the Churchs hope. This witness to a hope that does not disappoint is especially important. Today, I take great pride in reporting to you that because of the recent action of your Board of Directors, the Knights of Columbus will be at the forefront of preserving his legacy for generations to come. In the coming year, working closely with Cardinal Donald Wuerl of the Archdiocese of Washington and Archbishop Allen Vigneron of Detroit, we will establish in Washington, D.C., a national center and

Our work bears new fruit in restored hope: for Haitis children, for AIDS orphans in Africa, for families in Pakistan, and, closer to home, for cold children in the winter, for communities damaged by natural disasters, and for hungry families throughout the year. My brother Knights, we are called to be witnesses to hope. Not just among ourselves, not just in our councils and parishes and communities, but before the entire world. In hope we are saved. Let us go forth and share the hope that saves. Let us live differentlywith hopeso that we might help others, and inspire others. This is the witness to which strong men are called. This is the witness of the Knights of Columbus. Vivat Jesus!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Mario carries P50,000 life insurance with his wife Maria as beneficiary. Both perish in an aviation disaster. To whom shall the insurance be paid? Could the problem be avoided by any special provisions in the benefit certificate?

Angelito A. Bala

Joseph P. Teodoro

For Brother Knights by Brother Knights

Fraternal Benefits Group Updates

2011 FYCI Targets The optimism that the unfavourable variance of actual first year contribution income (FYCI) over the year-to-date target will be erased by September 30, 2011 was derailed by the recent two (2) typhoons, Pedring and Quiel. The 3 top area performers were the most severely hit, namely: Central Luzon Believers (CLB), Central Luzon Conquerors (CLC) and the North-eastern Luzon Cavaliers (NEL). Individual Area Performance As expected, North-western Luzon Thunders (NWL) and Southern Luzon Lakers (SL) headed by Josefino Valencia and Conrado Dator Jr., respectively hurdled their 2011 FYCI targets as of October 24, 2011. The two area managers joined 3 other area managers who made their 2011 FYCI targets as early as September 20, 2011. Dominador Aspuria of the Cordillera Braves (CAR) promised to give his best in leading their sales area to their best performance in 3 years with a 25% over his 2011 FYCI target. He will be joined by at least 2 fraternal counselors in the annual awards. Vimar Trinidad of the Metro Manila Achievers (MMA), the most senior area manager, will be rallying his fraternal counselors to their best achievement in 20 years. Victor Pulangco of the Central Luzon Diamonds (CLD), promise to bring in at least 3 awardees to cap his area 2011 sales performance. The 3 areas whose target attainments were affected by the 2 recent natural calamities are expected to pass the grade by November 30, 2011. Area Manager of the year The much coveted area manager of the year (2011) will be exciting with the entrance of new faces in the contest. Area Manager Conrado Dator Jr. will have his hands full defending the title he has held for the past 3 years. Annual Awards More new fraternal counselors will vie for the elite circle of Annual Family Service Chairman of the Board. Clodualdo Fernandez (CLD) is one of those expected to pass the minimum qualifying requirements. 2011 Search for Fathers for Good-Philippines As of this writing, 86 Brother Knights have joined the 2011 Search for Fathers for GoodPhilippines. The number will reach not less than 100 as the deadline of October 31, 2011 comes to an end. The validation period will formally start on the first week of November.

A. In the event of a disaster that involves both the loss of life of the insured and the beneficiary, there is no common-law presumption as to the survivor. As to the rights of the estates of each are concerned, much will depend on establishing who of the two outlived the other. Many courts have held that the burden of proof rests upon the representatives of the beneficiaries. For example, if a husband insures his life naming his wife as beneficiary and both are killed in a disaster under doubtful circumstances as to who died first, the benefits of the insurance will not go to the wifes estate unless it can be shown that she actually survived her husband. Because many insurance policies today, if they do not have contingent beneficiary, provide for the reversion of the beneficiarys interest to the insured when the beneficiary dies first, proof of survivorship by the beneficiary is required. However, the need is taken care of in many policies by including a common disaster clause. The clause states that in case of death in a common accident (or within a specified number of days such as 60) the insured is presumed to have survived the beneficiary. This prevents the payment of the insurance proceeds to the beneficiarys estate and permits the proceeds to be distributed through the insureds estate or as otherwise provided for in the common disaster clause. This usually reduces estate taxes, because the amounts are not taxed in both estates. In the US, many legislators have passed a law, called Uniform Simultaneous Death Act, in order to reduce the problem of proving who died first. If the insured and the beneficiary both die and there is not sufficient evidence that they have died at different times, the policy proceeds shall be distributed as if the insured had survived the beneficiary. Other states such as Ohio, use a set of presumptions as to who died first, such as older before younger persons, female before males, and other rules.
Confab / C3

Supreme Convention to be held in California

WHILE the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines is busy preparing for next years national convention, the K of C Supreme Council is also getting ready for the 130th Knights of Columbus Supreme Council Annual Convention to be held in August 2012 in Anaheim, California where the famous Disneyland is located. It will be recalled that Anaheim was also the venue of the Supreme Council Convention held about ten years ago. More than 200 Filipino Knights attended the occasion. Meanwhile, during the 129th Supreme Convention in Denver last month, the Order has launched the new Marian Prayer Program in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Hundreds of copies of the framed images of Our Lady of Guadalupe have been distributed to be used for a two-year prayer program in which local councils will organize special prayer services at churches and other locations. The first year of the program will culminate with the second international Guadalupe Festival, scheduled to take place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 4, 2012, immediately prior to the 130th Supreme Convention in California. (KC News)

Next years KC Confab aims for 2,000 delegates

THE Knights of Columbus Luzon Deputy, Arsenio Isidro G. Yap is aiming to achieve an attendance of at least 2,000 K of C members nationwide in the 9th K of C National Convention to be held on April 27-29, 2012 at the historic Manila Hotel with the theme So That The World May Know New Hope. Once again, we will come to gather as one of the largest organization of Catholic Gentlemen in the whole world, said Yap. The Luzon Deputy and the Chairman of the 9th K of C National Convention has called a meeting to prepare the road map towards the realization of the two thousand attendance objective. Yap also encourages the K of C members to fill up the survey form and send it back as soon as possible as a surprise gift awaits the first 500 delegates who registers with payments. He also persuades his fellow brothers to discover the rich history of Manila, cruise along, or have a Calesa ride in Manilas historic Walled City Intramuros, Fort Santiago, and Rizal Park (Luneta). Historical churches that Brother Knights may enjoy as delegates for next years convention are: the Manila Cathedral, San Augustin Church, the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church), and the Blessed Lorenzo Ruiz Shrine (Binondo Church).

Chairman Hilario G. Davide Jr, KCFAPI President Guillermo N. Hernandez, State Deputies Arsenio Isidro G. Yap-Luzon, Rodrigo N. Sorongon-Visayas, Balbino C. Fauni-Mindanao, KCFAPI EVP Ma. Theresa G. Curia, Mr. Jesus P. Estanislao, Sis. Maria Pilar Versoza, and KC Spiritual Director, Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III.

As of this writing, 86 Brother Knights have been nominated to the first ever 2011 Search for Fathers for Good-Philippines. The number of nominees is expected to increase before the nomination ends this month of October. There will be one winner per State Jurisdiction. (Mike Medina)

INVITATION TO BID
The Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) invites contractors with the following qualifications: Must be a member of Philippine Constructors Association Inc. with PCAB License Class A With a minimum of five (5) years experience in medium rise building Knowledgeable in building construction restrictions in Intramuros Preferably a Knights of Columbus member The Association will be constructing a 4-storey building located at the compound of Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ Center in Intramuros Manila with a lot area of 210 sqm and total floor area of 900 sqm more or less. Interested parties must submit the ff.: Letter of Interest to bid Company Profile Articles of Incorporation/SEC registration VAT registration Latest Audited Financial Statements Latest Income Tax Return List of Completed and On-going projects To: Ronulfo G. Infante Vice President, Information and BC Holders Services Fr. George J. Willmann SJ Center Building General Luna Cor. Sta. Potenciana Sts., Intramuros Manila Email address: kcfraternal@kofc. org.ph Contact Number : 527-2223 loc 211 Deadline for submission of required documents is on November 7, 2011.

Participants may also visit the underwater world at the Manila Ocean Park and walk along at Bay Walk in Roxas Boulevard. Meanwhile, the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) Executive Vice President Ma. Theresa G. Curia has prepared a list of KCFAPI officers and employees who will form the nucleus of the KCFAPI. Registration fee for the confab is Php3,000.00. So come and join us on this exciting event and learn the true meaning of the theme So That The World May Know New Hope, Yap added. (KCFAPI News)

Holy Trinity Memorial Chapels and Crematorium, now on its 29th year and moving forward
THE Holy Trinity Memorial Chapels and Crematorium (HTMC), owned by the Keys Realty and Development Corporation a subsidiary of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI), celebrated its 29th anniversary last October 10, 2011 with a Eucharistic Celebration held at their office in Sucat, Paraaque. For the past years, HTMC remained focused on their mission to provide the best service to their clients. They continue to be flexible and responsive to their individual needs as they fulfill their vision to be the premier provider of memorial services befitting the dignity of man. HTMC translated these mission and vision statements into concrete and visible actions through improvements in their facilities. The construction of a multi-level parking building is now in the pipeline to accommodate the growing number of vehicles coming in and out of their building to visit their friends and relatives whom they are servicing. Once completed, the building will house around 100 vehicles. This will provide safety and comfort to their clients. To reinforce HTMCs position in the industry as the premier provider of memorial services, investments in infrastructures had been carefully planned and included in their plans and programs. Part of which is the construction of bigger and modern chapels which will start within the year. As HTMC celebrates its 29th year, they promise to remain as the Home for Peace and Prayers for the Deceased and Comfort for the Bereaved.

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The Cross
KCFAPI Relief Operations

CBCP Monitor

October 24 - November 6, 2011

Vol. 15 No. 22

District Master Mauricio A. Padawan, 65

(From left) Bro. Joel A. Flordelis, Team Leader of CVA, Bro. Dionisio R. Esteban, Jr. Immediate Past Visayas Deputy, Atty. Allan Nicolas C. Ouano, State Administrative Asst. Region VII & VIII, Sis. Allen C. Bohol, KCFAPI Fraternal Benefits Associate, Sis. Vivian N. Padawan and Maurice N. Padawan the bereaved wife and son of the late SK Mauricio A. Padawan during the handing of Resolution of Condolence and Check representing proceeds of insurance of SK Padawan from KCFAPI.

9th National Convention of the Knights of Columbus

THE Knights of Columbus Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao Jurisdictions announce its 9th National Convention slated on April 27-29, 2012 to be held at the historic Manila Hotel with the theme: So That The World May Know, New Hope. It is estimated that about two thousand Brother Knights and their ladies will attend said gathering. Among the highlights of the convention is the opening mass wherein an estimated 100 chaplains will concelebrate with at least five bishops headed by Archbishop Luis Tagle, D.D. of Manila. One hundred honor guards will also participate in the mass as well as all the District Masters of the Fourth Degree with their District Marshals. The Vice Supreme Master will also don his regalia in leading the Color Corps. Faithful Navigators and Past Faithful Navigators with their commanders are likewise invited to wear their regalia in the opening mass. There will also be a drill competition right after the mass among the different assemblies. The opening session shall be presided by Luzon Deputy Arsenio Isidro G. Yap who was also designated as Convention Chairman with Luzon as the Host Jurisdiction. At the same time, the 100 chaplains will be having a special seminar with Fr. Grace from the Supreme Council in a separate venue. After the opening session, and the seminar of the 100 chaplains, the Knights and the Clergies will prepare for the State Dinner wherein our Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson would be the Guest of Honor and Speaker. It is also expected that Bro. Anderson would be accompanied by his better half, Dorian. The awarding of winners for the Fathers for Good-Philippines, shall likewise be held during the 1st day of the National Convention. A Special Luncheon will be prepared for the ladies on the second day with Mrs. Anderson as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. The ladies will also have a tour around the historic Intramuros and the Manila Ocean Park. Plus, they will also get to experience shopping at the Mall of Asia should time permits. Meanwhile at the Manila Hotel, Visayas Deputy Rodrigo N. Sorongon will be presiding the morning session while Mindanao Deputy Balbino C. Fauni will handle the session in the afternoon. There will also be an optional Barrio Fiesta in the evening of Day Two, wherein Brother Knights are encouraged to attend. Cultural presentations from the different regions will be presented. Surprise presentations are also being planned which are not normally being done during the past national conventions.

Photos above were taken during the two-day relief operations led by KCFAPI on October 5 and 7, 2011, for the victims of typhoons Pedring and Quiel in Candaba, Pampanga.

SIR Knight Mauricio Nonong Padawan, Master of the Fourth Degree, District VIII died on September 26, 2011. Bro. Nonong, as he was fondly called by his brothers in the Order was a native of Zamboanga City. He just turned 65 on September 22, 2011. Due to severe illness, he missed the 20th District Masters Conference held at the Marriott Hotel in Cebu City last September 24, 2011, where he was supposed to receive an award for attaining the most number of new fourth degree members in his district. Hence, the Vice-Supreme Master, SK Pedro M. Ro-

driguez, Jr. and wife Bituin, assisted by the officers of the Visayas Jurisdiction personally presented the award to SK Mauricio A. Padawan at his residence in the presence of some fourth degree members of the different assemblies, a day before he died. Bro. Nonong had been very active in the Order having held the following various positions: Past Grand Knight, Former District Deputy, Past Faithful Navigator, Past Visayas State Warden. He also served as a Fraternal Counselor of Sotero Cabahug Council No. 6160 in Mandaue City. (A. Bohol)

The convention will culminate with a Eucharistic Celebration to be presided by His Eminence, Honesto F. Ongtioco, DD, Bishop of Cubao and State Chaplain of Luzon. In anticipation of this event, the three State Deputies, Yap, Sorongon and Fauni are encouraging delegates to register early and avail of discounts and preferential seating assignments. Simply complete and detach the survey form below and mail it to: Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ Center Gen. Luna cor. Sta. Potenciana Sts., Intramuros, 1002 P.O. Box 510 CPO Manila Or you may contact: Trunkline: (02) 527-2223; Fax: (02) 5272244, (02) 527-2241 E-mail address: kcfraternal@ kofc.org.ph http://www.kofc. org.ph

Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines Inc., an established mutual benefits association is currently looking for: Human Resources & Corporate Communications Staff Marketing Staff BC Holders Relations Office Staff Actuarial Assistant If you are dedicated, service-oriented, and have the promising potential to join us in our continuous drive to provide mutual aid, assistance and excellent service to our members. Kindly send your comprehensive resume thru fax number 527-2244 or hand-carry resume with a 2x2 photo and transcript of records to:

KC Family . . . Our Concern KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES INC. Gen. Luna cor. Sta. Potenciana Sts., Intramuros, Manila You may also call 527 2223 local 202 for queries and look for Ms. Kristianne.

Cabanatuan Councils conduct relief operations

CLBI Area Manager, Efren M. Casupanan (right) and FC Ronando Rodriguez (left) awards a check representing a death claim to Sis. Arlene Flores, wife of the late PGK Alex Flores. The check was awarded in the presence of FDD/PFN Jaime Maniego, FDD Bill Castro, DD Arty Ireneo Romano, KC Members and Officers of Councils 14441 and 10104. The late PGK Alex Flores was a former member of Sto. Cristo Council 14441 under the stewardship of incumbent Grand Knight Allan Manahan.

Cabanatuan Brother Knights render assistance to the victims of Typhoons Pedring and Quiel in their local communities.

CABANATUAN Councils of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines have recently conducted relief operations in their local communities for the victims of Typhoons Pedring and Quiel.

Council 9763, led by Grand Knight Edgardo Valdez has prepared some 150 packs of relief goods plus medicines for the victims of back to back typhoons Pedring and Quiel in Barangay Bateria, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija.

Meanwhile, Council 6000 led by Grand Knight Amado Cortez together with the KASAPI Lending and Microfinance & Rural Development Inc., conducted a soup kitchen for the 200 evacuees at the Nueva Ecija National

High School Gym in Cabanatuan City. The relief operations were initiated by the Brother Knights of Central Luzon Conquerors led by their dedicated Area Manager Manuel Naldoza. (KC News)

CLBI Area Manager, Efren M. Casupanan awarded the death claim check to Sis. Celia Mendiola, daughter of the late Bro. Romeo San Pedro of Barasoain Council, Malolos, Bulacan.