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

Aquino urged to give strong signal on Maguindanao massacre

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III should give a strong signal of his political will to resolve the Maguindanao massacre as soon as possible. What is needed, said Bishop Arturo Bastes of Sorsogon, is for the government to ensure that justice will be committed for the victims and their families. The 2009 massacre case, which claimed 57 lives, including 31 journalists that were either gunned down or hacked to death, has been dragging on for nearly two-and-a-half
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Aquino performance not enough bishops

THE government is not doing enough to deal with poverty, unemployment and extrajudicial killings, Catholic bishops pointed out ahead of President Benigno Aquino IIIs State of the Nation Address set this month. While Bishop Jose Oliveros of Malolos acknowledged that the Aquino administration is doing something, more work and concrete measures are needed to address such concerns. I can say that Aquino is doing something but then again, its not enough. I will give him a passing grade but not excellent, Oliveros said. The bishop also called on the President to reveal the real situation of the country when he delivers his SONA at the start of the 15th Congress on July 23. Oliveros said the president should inform people about the countrys real situation and on how to solve them. Although we expect that he will reveal his achievements as President, I just hope that he would also be fair in reporting to the nation. I hope he will also state to the people, his boss, what is really happening to the country, Oliveros said. The bishop particularly called on Aquino to reveal his achievements in terms of addressing the cases of extra judicial killings in the country and environmental concerns like mining and illegal logging. In terms of poverty and unemployment, what are his achievements? Why is it that
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Church to oppose mega casino project

By Roy Lagarde

July 2 - 15, 2012

Vol. 16 No. 14

Php 20.00

IF the government would allow the proliferation of more casinos in the country, it must prepare for the consequences of having more addicts, stealing and putting more stress on their families, a ranking Catholic bishop said.
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said that more casinos could also boost its social cost on the locality. Its not really easy to generalized but we know from our experience that where there is sort of culture of gambling that develops, other corresponding things (prostitution, addiction, among others) could happen, Palma said. As we know because of gambling, failed bettors will resort into other crimes robberies and others that may happen in many places, he said. The CBCP head was reacting to a plan by Australian billionaire James Packer and Lawrence Ho, the son of Macau gambling mogul Stanley Ho, to invest at least $1 billion in a Manila casino project. Government-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) said discussions are still ongoing with Mr. Packer and Mr. Ho's casino venture. But this early, Palma said the church would oppose the project because of the social ills and unfair impact on
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Bishops in procession for the Mass presided by Papal nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto in observance of the Popes Day at San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila on July 2, 2012. In his homily delivered before churchgoers including several members of the Diplomatic Corps and papal awardees, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle urged the faithful to pray for the Holy Father that he will continue to have the purity of the faith of an apostle amid burdens brought by various concerns of the universal Church.

Bishops, legislators to discuss mining

CATHOLIC bishops and legislators will meet on July 5 to discuss mining, a top and very controversial environmental issue in the Philippines today. Amid controversies hounding the mining industry, the forum hopes to arrive at a consensus to pursue collective work on the legislative campaign to protect the environment and the communities. Other topics that will be discussed, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said, are core provisions and salient points of the proposed Philippine Mineral Resources Act (PMRA) of 2012. The forum also seeks to generate solidarity among the affected communities, support groups Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). Aside from him, convenors of the forum will be CBCP President and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, Senator Sergio Osmea III, and Congress Representatives Erin Taada, Teddy Brawner Baguilat, and Arlene Bag-ao. Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, and around 30 other legislators and representatives of civil society organizations are expected to attend the forum. Mining has been a very divisive issue in the country over the past decades. The government cites economic benefits as sufficient justification to support
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Photo courtesy of CBCP-NASSA

Catholic schools bracing for enrollment drop due to K-12

PRIVATE colleges and universities will be financially challenged to maintain their operation and compensate their teaching staff with the expected decrease of enrollees starting 2017. Administrators of private schools offering tertiary education, including those under the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), said they are bracing for the expected drop in freshman admissions as a result of the implementation of Kindergarten to 12 (K to 12) basic education program this school year. Under the governmentenforced K to 12 system, students can already forego going to college after undergoing two more years in senior high school. Technical and vocational skills will already be taught to students to help them land a job or engage in entrepreneurial endeavors after graduating high school. Since pursuing a college degree will remain an option for selected students who still want specialized education and training, freshmen enrollment is expected to generally decreasewith the drop more felt by private schools than state universities because of the difference in tuition costs. In fact, college enrollment in private Catholic schools is expected to decline by as much as 50 percent, according to CEAP president and Adamson University president Fr. Gregg Baaga Jr., CM. All of us are threatened because for years, there will be less students to enroll in college because of the K to 12 program, he said. With the decrease in enrollment, Baaga said private colleges and universities stand to lose revenue and be forced to layoff professors just to maintain their operations. But all of CEAPs 1,345 member-schools nationwide are still supporting the shift from the previous 10-year basic education program to the new 12-year curriculum. Even if it is bad for Catholic private schools like ours, we support the K to 12 because it will be good for our country in the long run, Baaga added. The priest said the K to 12 program will help address the rising number of unemployed graduates since students will be equipped with basic skills that can already help them earn a living or go into business, without necessarily obtaining a college degree. It will also diminish the number of graduates with jobs that are not matched with their educational training, he added.

The Bishops-Legislators Forum on July 5 is set to discuss mining issues including the ongoing extraction of magnetite in farmlands of MacArthur, Leyte by Nicua Mining Corporation.

and leaders of the Church and legislative champion, Pabillo said.

Pabillo chairs the National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace of the Catholic

Church leaders condemn killing of Dutch aid worker

THE tragic killing of a Dutch land reform advocate has provoked outrage and reignited concerns among Church leaders. Willem Geertman, 67, was shot dead by two unidentified men riding a motorcycle in tandem in front of his non-government organizations office in San Fernando, Pampanga last Tuesday. Geertman was the executive director of the Alay Bayan Inc. (ABI), an affiliate of the Alyansang Magbubukid ng Gitnang Luzon, the mother unit of an alliance of farmers from Hacienda Luisita. This is saddening and outrageous that another person helping our fellow Filipinos was killed, said Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo. The head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace described Geertman as staunch advocate against mining and the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone (APECO). Until now, extrajudicial killings in the country remain unresolved two years after President Benigno Aquino III assumed his post, he said. I challenged President Aquino to tackle in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) the human rights violations in the country and how the government is addressing this probChild Labor / A6

Students, teachers encouraged to attend Catholic social media summit

USING social media should be among the innovations that educators should imbibe in their teaching strategies, especially in promoting Christian values. This was what Fr. Gregg

Baaga, Jr., C.M. said as he encouraged students, teachers and officials of some 1,345 Catholic schools, colleges and universities under the Catholic Educational
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Illustration by Bladimer Usi

Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media

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World News
ROME, Italy, June 28, 2012Archbishop William E. Lori today addressed the introductory meeting of the newlyestablished Religious Liberty Observatory in Rome. The Observatory is an initiative of Italys foreign affairs office which aims to support Italian international diplomacy with regards to violations against religious liberty. Archbishop Lori, who is Chairman of the United States Bishops Ad Hoc committee for religious liberty, was invited to speak to the Observatory because of his role in promoting and defending religious liberty. Religious freedom in the United States is currently being threatened by the US governments Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate; under this mandate, institutions would be required by law to provide contraceptive pharmaceuticals and medical procedures for employees, regardless of religious belief. In his speech titled Religious Liberty: Gods Gift to all Nations is our Responsibility to Defend, Archbishop Lori spoke about the importance of ensuring that religious freedom is rightly understood and protected. Individuals and groups, the archbishop maintains, have the right not only to worship freely, but indeed to put their faith into practice, both publicly and privately. Currently taking place in the United States is the Fortnight of Freedom, an initiative introduced by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in the two weeks leading up to Independence Day on July 4th. Its purpose, says Archbishop Lori, is to pray that our freedom to proclaim and practice our faith will be preserved, and to spark among ourselves, and our fellow citizens that internal vigilance, which is the price of freedom.

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Vol. 16 No. 14
July 2 - 15, 2012

Pope: Catholics and Orthodox continue the path towards full unity
VATICAN City, June 28, 2012Fifty years on from Vatican II, Benedict XVI today recalled that the Council gave the right start to "an important stage" in relations between the Catholic Church and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, with the "rediscovery of the deep fraternity" that binds them and with the "progress" of the Mixed Commission for theological dialogue. The feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul, patrons of the Church of Rome, as well as that of Andrew, patron saint of the Church of Constantinople, has become the traditional occasion for an exchange of visits of delegations of the two "sister churches" to reaffirm the common desire to pursue the road to " bring closer the blessed day when we can share the Eucharistic table." The 50 years since Vatican II were the focus of the greeting Benedict XVI gave to the Orthodox delegation, composed of Adamidis Emmanuel, Metropolitan of France, Director of the Office of the Orthodox Church to the European Union; Ilias Katre, Bishop of Philomelion (USA) and deacon Paisios Kokkinakis, Codicographer of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. "This yearthe Pope saidmarks the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, which will be solemnly celebrated on October 11th. It is in conjunction with the Council, at which, as you well know, there were some representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as fraternal delegates, that an important new phase of relations between our two Churches began. " "Recalling the anniversary of Vatican II, it seems right to remember the figure and the work of the unforgettable Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras, of whose death we will in a few days mark the fortieth anniversary of his death. Patriarch Athenagoras, with Blessed Pope John XXIII and the Servant of God Pope Paul VI, animated by passion for the unity of the Church which comes from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, became proponents of bold initiatives which paved the way for a renewed relationship between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Catholic Church". A journey,

Observatory on Religious Liberty commences in Rome

Violations against religious liberty should alarm us all, the archbishop continued, whether one is religiously inclined or not. Something fundamental is being lost in American culture and law. If this loss of freedom does not and will not serve the common good of our nation, or of other nations where bloody religious persecutions are underway, at the end of the day we will be judged by our fidelity to our responsibilities and how we sustain that fidelity. Our responsibilities call us to rally for religious freedom in the context of the national common good, and as a beacon of hope for people suffering religious persecution in many parts of the world, he said. Chairman of the Religious Liberty Observatory Massimo Introvigne, who moderated the conference, explained the decision to invite an American archbishop to introduce the initiative, rather than a representative of a country where religious persecution is manifested more with greater force. Archbishop Lori, he explained, has been active in a very important field, a field which should be our starting point: What is religious liberty? And why is religious liberty important? Religious freedom, Introvigne said, is the very cornerstone of our freedoms and liberties. It is important, moreover, to show that violations against religious liberty are happening throughout the world. It is an alarming trend in recent years Introvigne continued, to witness serious problems of religious liberty in the West, in Europe, in North America. And I think we should all be aware that religious liberty is not only a problem in Africa or in Asia. Its a problem everywhere, and there are some disturbing developments also in the West. (Zenit)

Benedict XVI receives the delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to Rome for the feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul. Vatican II, which opened 50 years ago, opened the path that has led to the rediscovery of the "deep fraternity" between the two Churches.

the Pope concluded, which the current Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew I, is continuing with "renewed faithfulness and abundant creativity". (AsiaNews)

Austrian cardinal hands ultimatum to disobedient priests

VIENNA, Austria, June 28, 2012Austrias Roman Catholic Church has laid down the law to its rebel priests by telling them they could not support a reform manifesto criticized by Pope Benedict and stay in an administrative post. One priest told Reuters he had already stepped down from the post of deacon rather than renounce the Call to Disobedience manifesto that challenges Church teaching on taboo topics such as womens ordination and offering communion to non-Catholics. Another priest had withdrawn his support for the reform campaign and kept his job, a Church spokesman said on Wednesday. He added that two or three more have yet to decide whether to withdraw their support from the manifesto from a reform group called Priests Initiative whose demands have been echoed by some Catholic groups and clerics in Germany, Ireland, Belgium and the United States. You can easily remain a member of the Priests Initiative. You must only distance yourself from the Call to Disobedience in an appropriate way, Church spokesman Nikolaus Haselsteiner said. In an average company, a department head cant say he doesnt care what the CEO says, he added. The Vienna archdiocese said on Tuesday its head, Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, had told priests last month he would not appoint manifesto supporters to the post of dean and those coming up for renewal in the post would have to choose. Schoenborn, a close ally of Benedict, has met the rebel priests, including their leader Rev Helmut Schueller. But Tuesdays announcement

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Vatican Briefing
Benedict XVI appoints Apostolic Nuncio to the EU

was the first sign he had taken steps to rein them in. Schueller says his group represents 10 percent of the Austrian clergy. The group has won broad public backing in opinion polls for its pledge to break Church rules by giving communion to Protestants and divorced Catholics who remarry. Rev. Peter Meidinger, who was dean in a district of

Vienna archdiocese, said he stepped down from that post after Schoenborn made his options clear in a recent conversation. I spoke to the archbishop and perhaps you cannot say I had to choose, but I had the impression that there was no way out for me so I am stepping down and freeing up the spot, he told Reuters on Wednesday. (UCAN)

On June 23, the Holy See press office announced that Benedict XVI has appointed Archbishop Alain Paul Lebeaupin as the Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union. The French prelate succeeds Archbishop Andr Dupuy, who was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to the Netherlands. Born in Paris, France, Archbishop Lebeaupin first served the Holy See diplomatic service in New York at the Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations, beginning in 1979. He then served in the Apostolic Nunciatures in both the Dominican Republic and Mozambique. After serving several years as the Charg daffaires at the Apostolic Nunciature to the European Union, he was appointed Titular Archbishop of Vico Equense and as Apostolic Nuncio to Ecuador. (Zenit)
Vatican opens search for new bank president

Thai Catholics at the Eucharistic Congress: experience of faith, for the nations progress
which experts and scholars reflected on the ecclesiology of communion in the 50 years since Vatican II. In an interview with the Catholic weekly Udomsarn on his return from Ireland, the Archbishop of Bangkok emphasizes that the Congress is an occasion for Catholics across the world to "come together and celebrate Jesus Christ in the Eucharist." It is a sign of thanksgiving to the Lord, added the prelate, for the "precious gift" of faith that he has given mankind, as well as to pool efforts in "spreading the Word of God" in the world today. Bishop Kovithavanij finally recalled the 50th anniversary of the opening of Vatican II, and the value of all "unity" among Christians. Among the highlights of the Irish experience the delegation members remember the morning prayers, which were followed by meetings and discussion on various subject matters ecclesiastical, spiritual and social. In the afternoon, there were testimonies and catechesis by members of different congregations, experiences of pastoral life. There were also private spaces for pilgrims to medicate the Word of God before the Eucharist, in groups or alone. Friday, June 15th Patriarch Fouad Twal presided over a Mass in which he prayed for peace in the Middle East, Sunday Mass was celebrated by the papal delegate, attended by around 72 thousand people from 120 nations of the world, after which a video message from Benedict XVI was broadcast. (AsiaNews)

The board of the Vatican bank IOR (Institute for Works of Religion) met to discuss a replacement for the former head, Ettore Gotti Tedeschi, who was fired recently. Among the board members are Vice President Dr. Ronaldo Hermann Schmitz, a former executive of the German Deutsche Bank, Dr. Carl Albert Anderson, head of the Knights of Columbus, Dr. Antonio Maria Marocco, an Italian notary, and Dr. Manuel Soto Serrano of Spains Banco Santander. After the meeting the Board reported to the Commission of Cardinals, presided over by Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. Pope Benedict XVI is closely following the situation of the Institute for Works of Religion and is being constantly briefed by the Cardinal Secretary of State, said a Vatican statement issued after the meeting. (Zenit)
Cardinal Bertone calls for free AIDS treatment in Africa

A delegation from Thailand led by the Archbishop of Bangkok at the event held in Dublim. Thai Religious: the Eucharist the center of life. Bishop Kovithavanij: unity among Christians in the footsteps of Vatican II. Moments of prayer and meetings, built on the principles of love, unity and harmony.

BANGKOK, Thailand, June 30, 2012 An experience of faith that will strengthen "our lives" built on the principles of "love, unity and harmony" that help to instill "more joy in society", thus contributing "to the progress of our nation" . This is how Brother Louise, a member, describes the recent experience of the International Eucharistic Congress to AsiaNews, held in midmonth in Ireland. The Thai delegation led by Msgr. Francis Xavier Kirengsak Kovithavanij, archbishop of Bangkok and vice-president of the Episcopal Conference, was composed of 41 pilgrims, including nine priests, a group of men and women religious and various lay people. "I am grateful for the opportunities

receivedadds the religiousto see with my own eyes the work of Congress. To see people of different cultures and nationalities showing all this zeal for the Eucharist at the center of Catholic life, it has made my faith even stronger. " The 50th International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) - scheduled for June 10 to 17 - brought lay and religious Catholics from around the world together to Dublin (Ireland). The event is held every four years (the first participation of a Thai delegation dates back to 2004) and the 2012 edition focused on the theme "The Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with one another." The Congress was preceded by a theological Symposium (June 6 to 9), in

Benedict XVIs secretary of state called June 22 for access to free treatment for AIDS, as he gave the opening address at the 8th International AIDS Conference at the San Gallicano Institute in Rome. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone made a strong appeal for international cooperation to assist AIDS patients. In the presence of so many authoritative ministers and persons in charge of health care, I would like to address an appeal to the international community, to states and to donors, he said. Let us provide soon to AIDS patients free and effective treatment! May universal access to treatment be agreed! Let us do so beginning with the mothers and children. In this See, in the name of the Holy Father, I make myself the voice of the many who are suffering, of so many patients who do not have a voice. Let us not waste time and invest all the resources necessary! (Zenit)
Pope names German bishop as new head of doctrinal office

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Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Bishop Gerhard Ludwig Muller of Regensburg, Germany as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and leader of three other important commissions. Bishop Muller, whom the Pope elevated to archbishop, will also head the Pontifical Biblical Commission, the International Theological Commission and the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, which oversees Catholics who celebrate the traditional Latin Mass. He will succeed the American Cardinal William Levada, who submitted his resignation upon reaching the age of 75. (CNA)
American bishop appointed as key player in SSPX talks

Bishops draw battle lines after Obamas healthcare victory

WASHINGTON D.C., June 29, 2012Catholic bishops have vowed to continue the fight against what they say is one of the most objectionable outcomes of the health care law that the Supreme Court largely upheld on Thursday: the requirement that religious institutions that arent strictly for worship, including hospitals and schools, provide birth control with no co-pay as part of insurance plans. In an email blast to supporters after the court decision, bishops told people to continue praying for an end to this mandate and for the renewal of our nations commitment to religious freedom. The email comes in the middle of a two-week long series of prayer vigils and rallies in dozens of dioceses around the country against what church leaders have called an assault on religious freedom. The Catholic churchone of the biggest opponents of the Obama administrations health care legislationwas not part of the lawsuit that the court ruled on Thursday, but it still took the opportunity to rally its supporters and reiterate its claims that the law threatens the church. Leaders of the church say the Affordable Care Act is flawed because it doesnt include conscience protection, in which hospitals and employers can object to providing health services and health care coverage that is against their moral or religious beliefs. The church has also said the health care law does not provide adequately for undocumented immigrants. The decision of the Supreme Court neither diminishes the moral imperative to ensure decent health care for all, nor eliminates the need to correct the fundamental flaws, bishops said Thursday in a statement. The bishops kicked off their Fortnight for Freedom events against the contraception policy a week ago with a Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption in Baltimore. More than 1,000 Catholics attended the standing-room only event, including some who came from neighboring states, according to a spokesman for the Baltimore archdiocese. (UCAN)

Pope Benedict XVI has appointed a Rome-based American archbishop to be a key player in the negotiations between the Vatican and the breakaway traditionalist group, the Society of St. Pius X. The Holy Father has appointed as Vice President of the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei His Excellency Archbishop Joseph Augustine Di Noia, titular archbishop of Oregon City, now Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, read a statement issued by the Vatican Press Office June 26. Di Noia, 68, is a native of New York but of Italian parentage. He was ordained a Dominican priest in 1970. He was appointed Under-Secretary at the Congregation of the Faith in 2002, which, at that time, was headed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. He has held his current post at the Congregation for Divine Worship since 2009. (CNA)
Pope approves Archbishop Sheens heroic virtues, step toward sainthood

Pope Benedict XVI has approved the heroic virtues of U.S. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, the Vatican announced June 28, clearing the way for the advancement of his sainthood cause. Among the others honored in decrees announced the same day were first prelate of Opus Dei, the Canadian and Irish-American founders of two orders of religious women, a priest murdered by the Sicilian Mafia, and 154 martyrs killed during the Spanish Civil War. Archbishop Sheen heroically lived Christian virtues and should be considered venerable, said a decree issued by the Congregation for Saints Causes and signed by Pope Benedict. Before the archbishop can be beatified, the Vatican must recognize that a miracle has occurred through his intercession. (CNS)

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Pontiff says pallium is sign of tie to heaven and earth, Christ and pope
VATICAN City, June 29, 2012After placing a woolen band around the shoulders of 44 new archbishops as they knelt before him, Pope Benedict XVI told them it was a reminder of their ties to heaven and earth and of their loyalty to Christ and the successor of Peter. You have been constituted in and for the great mystery of communion that is the church, the spiritual edifice built upon Christ as the cornerstone, while in its earthly and historical dimension, it is built on the rock of Peter, the pope said June 29 during his homily on the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. However, he added, the church is not a community of the perfect, but a community of sinners, obliged to recognize their need for Gods love, their need to be purified through the cross of Jesus Christ. Before celebrating Mass in St. Peters Basilica, Pope Benedict gave the archbishops from 23 countries the woolen pallium as a sign of their sharing with him authority over the faithful in their archdioceses. The pallium is presented every year to new archbishops or those who have been assigned to a new archdiocese. The archbishops included Archbishops Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia; William E. Lori of Baltimore; Samuel J. Aquila of Denver; and William C. Skurla, who leads the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh. Among the others were four prelates from Canada, including Archbishop Christian Lepine of Montreal, and two from Australia, including Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane. Two new archbishops were unable to attend the ceremony and received their palliums at home, making the final count 46 new archbishops from 24 countries, including South Korea, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The ceremony in St. Peters Basilica began with a fanfare of trumpets and Tu es Petrus sung by the Sistine Chapel Choir and the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir of Great Britain. The pope invited the Anglican choir to sing with the papal choir, bringing two distinctive choral styles together at an event reaffirming papal authority and Catholic bishops unity with him. Anglican Father John Hall, the dean of Westminster, said he hoped the historic visit would help the church and the Anglican Communion progress along the long and tortuous path toward full and visible unity. Also present at the Mass was a delegation sent by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople. The pallium ceremony saw a small but significant change this year, since it came before the start of Mass, so as to avoid interrupting the flow of the Mass or seeming to suggest that the bestowal of the pallium has the status of a sacrament. In his homily, the pope said Sts. Peter and Paul represent a new brotherhood in which differences can be harmonized in unity with love for Christ. That unity extends not just among Catholics, but all believers in Christ as they pursue full communion, he said. Together we are all cooperators of the truth, which as we know is one and symphonic, and requires from each of us and from our communities a constant commitment to conversion to the one Lord in the grace of the one Spirit, he told the archbishops. Speaking to Catholic News Service, the U.S. archbishops reflected on the deeper meaning of the ceremony. Archbishop Chaput said because the pallium is a symbol of the relationship between the bishop and the pope, every time he puts it on, I pray for the people of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and I also pray for the Holy Father and his associates as they serve the universal church. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is facing a multimillion dollar debt and recent trials of priests on charges related to sex abuse, he said, so theres a lot of tension in our local church, and as the archbishop Im carrying
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Vatican rolls out events, logo for Year of Faith

VATICAN City, June 21, 2012Many of the Vaticans events for the forthcoming Year of Faith were announced today as organizers unveiled the official logo in Rome. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization, told CNA June 21 that the significance of the logo is very simple. The boat is the sign of the Church, and you can see this is a moment of movement, he explained, we also have the cross, and the cross is the sign of love, its the sign of our faith. And together with the cross there is the sign of the Eucharist, and the Eucharist for us is at the center of our lives, it is the center of the life of faith. The Year of Faith was announced last fall by Pope Benedict as a means to give momentum to a new evangelization. It will run from Oct. 11, 2012 to Nov. 24, 2013. The logo was unveiled by Archbishop Fisichella at a June 21 Vatican press conference. He also announced the creation of a new website www.annusfidei. va, which will soon be available in six languages, including English. It outlines the key religious and cultural events that will mark the year in Rome and will be attended by Pope Benedict XVI. The opening liturgy will take place in St. Peters Square on Oct. 11, the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Second Vatican Council. There will be a solemn Eucharistic celebration concelebrated by the Synod Fathers, the presidents of the worlds episcopal conferences and by Council Fathers who are still alive, Archbishop Fisichella said. So far 35 bishops who took part in the council have been invited. The archbishop also announced that Vatican officials recently approved a special Mass for New Evangelization as a sign that during the Year of Faith priority will be given to prayer, and especially to the Eucharist as source and summit of all Christian life. Another key moment for 2012 will be the canonization of seven martyrs on Sunday, October 21, as well as two American saints, Blesseds Kateri Tekakwitha and Marianne Cope.

that tension. Pope Benedict actually confirmed me, in faith and also in my work as archbishop, when he placed the pallium on my shoulders today, Archbishop Chaput said. So it means a lot in this difficult moment in our local church. Archbishop Lori, who came to Rome with nearly 100 pilgrims, said, When we wear the woolen pallium around our neck, we are symbolizing our call and responsibility to go in

search of a lost and suffering humanity and gently to lay that upon our shoulders and bring everyone as much as we can to safety and to joy, to peace, to salvation. Archbishop Aquila said the pallium ceremony keeps very much alive the consistent teaching of the church, the consistent reflection of the church, with the teachings of Christ himself and of the apostles that all Christians are called to imitate Christ the good shepherd. (CNS)

Blueprint for 2012 evangelization synod unveiled

VATICAN City, June 19, 2012The working document that will guide the deliberations of the 2012 synod of bishops on the New Evangelization has been unveiled. The purpose of the new evangelization is the transmission of the Christian faith, the urgent task of transmitting to new generations the Gospel of Jesus Christ, said Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, at a June 19 press conference. The 13th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops will bring bishops from all over the world to Rome from October 7-28 to discuss the theme of The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith. The gathering coincides with the launch of Pope Benedicts Year of Faith, which will begin on October 11. Archbishop Eterovic explained that the working document or Instrumentum laboris consists of a preface, introduction, four chapters and a conclusion, which are the fruit of consultations with the worldwide Church for over a year. Archbishop Eterovic said he hopes the synod would be an opportunity to discuss and compare points of view and practical experiences of evangelization. He then walked through the document and provided a brief explanation of each section to the press. The introduction brings the text by summarizing the consensus of bishops from across the globe on the need for new tools and new forms of expression to make the Word of God more understandable in the life of modern man. facilitate discussion on what the New Evangelization actually is and the challenges it faces today. The new challenges to evangelization in the contemporary world are described in various different scenarios, he explained. A measure of evangelical creativity and boldness will be required, he said, if the new evangelization is to renew the ordinary pastoral activity of particular Churches while also reaching out to lapsed and non-Catholics. Chapter three deals with Transmitting the Faith and outlines the need for personal holiness on the part of Catholics. Archbishop Eterovic noted how a faith lived passively or privately, a refusal to be educated in ones faith, a separation between life and faith can repel others from Catholicism, while pressures from outside the Church such as secularization, nihilism consumerism, hedonism can also have the same effect. He hopes that the Year of Faith will be a pressing appeal to conversion so that, transformed by grace, each individual Christian and each community may produce abundant fruits. The fourth and final chapter is entitled Revivifying Pastoral Activity and focuses on the first proclamation (of the Gospel), Christian initiation and educationwhile seeking to adapt them to current cultural and social circumstances. These discussions will also include a better understand the sequence of the Sacraments of Christian initiation, which culminates in the Eucharist, he said. (CNA/EWTN News)

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Archbishop Nikola Eterovic in the Vaticans press office.

Moving into 2013, Catholic movements, old and new, will gather in Rome on May 18. On the Feast of Corpus Christi, June 2, the Blessed Sacrament will be adored at the same time all over the world. Seminarians and novices from across the world will arrive in Rome as they end a pilgrimage to St. Peters Basilica on July 7. September 29 will be dedicated to catechists, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church marks its 20th anniversary. To assist with catechesis, a multilingual pastoral guide entitled Living the Year of Faith will be published in September 2013. Finally, the closing celebration of the Year of Faith will take place on November 24. Archbishop Fisichella said the Church and society are at a peculiar moment in history which is a moment of crisis, a big crisis, and also faith is in a traumatic situation. He wants the Year of Faith to reach out to all baptized Catholics, including lapsed believers and those who have the desire of God but cannot find sign of faith. He is also eager for dioceses and Catholic bodies around the world follow Romes lead in drawing up a calendar of events. (CNA)

The first chapter is titled Jesus Christ the Good News of God to Humanity, and aims to explain the central nucleus of Christian faith, of which many people are unaware, and presents the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the Good News for modern man. It aims to outline why the new evangelization is not a weary response to the crisis of faith and the challenges facing the Church in the modern world but an appeal to men and women of good will to embrace the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of the mystery of God revealed in Jesus Christ. The second chapter carries the title Time for a New Evangelization and, Archbishop Eterovic said, works to

Vatican constructing social networking site for Catholics

VATICAN City, June 29, 2012After establishing online presence of the Catholic Church on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube, the Holy See is now setting up its own social networking site to better communicate with the worlds 1 billion Catholics through various multimedia platforms. Answering the Holy Fathers call for new evangelization, the Pontifical Council for Social Communication, the Pontifical Council for New Evangelization and H2Onews have partnered in setting up Aleteia: Seekers of Truth (aleteia.org). Aleteia, which means truth in Greek, claims to be an accessible multimedia online reference for Catholics on their faith-related questions and concerns so as to help quench the thirst of those seeking the truth. Membersreferred to as friendsof Aleteia are encouraged to post any question about faith, life and society. The site promises to give clear, documented and multimedia answers on all subjects related to the Catholic Faith. We want people to know, understand and experience what we believe in as Catholics, and invite every seeker to find with us the right answers, the creators of the site said.
www.aleteia.com

The answers provided by Aleteia are prepared by experienced journalists with the help of specialists and may come in the form of articles, videos, podcasts, references, and the selected sites related to each topic. More than virtually gathering Catholics online, Aleteia hopes to extend the Churchs reach to those dealing with faith-related doubts and reservations. Aleteia is intended to promote a worldwide dialogue

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on faith, and is designed to leverage the vast Catholic networks around the world so we can extend our reach to all those seeking truth, the creators added. The site is still under construction but creators are planning on formally launching it on September 21. Creators of Aleteia are inviting journalists, bloggers, and educators to partner and contribute contents and publish their works at the site. (YouthPinoy)

'To preserve marriage, treat family as blessing'

MANILA, June 29, 2012Keeping family traditions and treating ones family as a blessing are vital to a successful marriage, said a wife and a mother when asked about the various joys and challenges that married couples experience in contemporary times. Everyday with the family is a blessing. Our kids are the biggest blessing, of course, because they are the fruits of our union and love for each other, said Vania Padilla-Edralin of Couples for Christ for Family and Life (CFC-FFL). Having family traditions like having dinner as a family, praying together and having quality time with kids are great things to have and will certainly fill everyones love tank. With the advent of wedding preparation services in recent years, attention to marriage preparation has been overlooked in many cases. The result for numerous couples has been a lack of understanding of the nature and ends of marriage, and inadvertently a waning conviction of marriage as a lifelong commitment. Accepting early on that a happy marriage requires both faith in God and personal effort is crucial, Edralin pointed out. There is no way you can fully prepare for marriage. It is the decision to love someone unconditionally, knowing that by being together you bring out the best in each other and put God at the center of your relationship. The rest, its just a day to day learning experience, she said. You can never foresee what your future life will be with this person; you just have to experience it a day at a time. Its how you face the challenges and how you deal with the good times and the bad that make it work. The mother of three children admitted an awareness early on that tough times were part of every marriage and had no expectations of married life that would be smooth-sailing all the way. When [my husband and I] were still BF-GF we would fight or disagree, so what more when we would be living together and being with each other 24/7? I knew that marriage was definitely not a bed of roses, but something that we needed to work at, to be better persons for each other, she explained. Edralin pointed out that the support of the State in strengthening the family and protecting marriage would matter a lot, since these are, after all, the basic building blocks of any society. Rather than thinking of providing measures for an easy way out should the marriage not go as planned, she suggested more focus be given to marriage preparationlike educating couples before getting married on discerning well before saying I do to a lifelong commitment. Developing seminars or marriage enrichment sessions to help couples through common challenges in marriage would also be worthy pursuits, she added. If couples were properly guided before and during marriage, there wouldnt be a need to push for divorce. Asked whether she considers divorce as something we as a people would want for the Philippines, she replied, Definitely not. Having divorce would be insulting the sacrament of matrimony. Its like saying, one day I love and commit to you and the next day You annoy me, I dont love you anymore, she explained. It makes love shallow and allows people to be self-centered enough to only think about themselves. (CBCP for Life)

A4
EDITORIAL

Opinion
Abridging religious freedom

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 14
July 2 - 15, 2012

THE subtlety of abridging religious freedom was riding on the tide of complacency until, in the United States, the Obamas Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act became a law and recently upheld as constitutional by the Supreme Court. Reportedly, a dozen of lawsuits started making their way through US courts challenging those areas in the legislation which the Church views as breaching the First Amendment. Last month, New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, led the launching of national campaign opposing President Obamas health care mandates and other government policies that threaten religious freedom. He was quoted saying, Sometimes, throughout our nations history, we have had to lift our hands in defense, and take up arms to defend our sacred liberties. Today we lift up our hands in prayer, to thank God for them and ask him to protect them. As in no point in American history, the American Catholic Bishops are now challenging the Obama administration over a requirement that many religious institutions, including hospitals, provide employees with insurance that covers contraception, sterilization and other forms of birth control. And there is more stack of other contentious issues that smack of abridging religious liberty, such as the following: New York Citys push to prevent congregations from holding prayer services in public schools; some states termination of contracts with Catholic Charities because the organization will not place adoptive children with same-sex couples; and Catholic organizations losing contracts to fight human trafficking because they will not refer victims for abortions or contraception. At first blush one would think that these controversies are just confined to the legislative process and, consequently, in view of good governance. But on a deeper perspective, it may not take a space scientist to realize that those instigating these legislations stem from a growing hostility against the Catholic Church primarily because of its teachings on the dignity of life and human sexuality. The streaks of such a foreboding scenario was already in sight right from the attacks hurled both from within and from without against Pope Paul VI when he issued Humanae Vitae in 1968. In the Philippines it is not implausible to think that those obsessively working for the passage of the Reproductive Health Bill and all other anti-life bills now inching in both houses of Congress proceed from the same deep-seated antagonism against the Catholic Church and its teachings. Expectedly, the louder the proclamation of the Church on the Gospel of Life, the deeper the counter-hostility that it will create among those ganging up against her.

Fr. James H. Kroeger, MM

Living Mission
Vatican II Perspectives
AN oldbut clearly falseadage asserted that the role of the laity in the Church was to pray, pay, and obey. However, the vision of the Second Vatican Council in its Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity (Apostolicam Actuositatem) promotes the active involvement of the laity in the faith and life of the Church. The Council provides for the dynamic participation of the laity in a variety of lay ministries: in divine worship, pastoral councils, catechetics, and various social apostolates. Some have asserted that the proper role of the clergy is in the inner religious affairs of the Church and the laity is to be involved in secular worldly matters as their area of competence. The Vatican Council does not authorize such a sharp division of labor. Many positive developments have been introduced since the Council that expand lay involvement in the Church. The Holy Spirit continually opens new vistas for expanded Church serviceto clergy and laity alike.

An active laity in a Church of compassion

The Catholic Church as a community of compassion functions on both the universal and local levels; for example, Caritas, the Churchs arm for social service, operates both internationally and locally. Vatican II clearly emphasized the importance of the involvement of the laity on many levels. In addition, the Church recognizes a great diversity of apostolic approaches; each in its own way contributes to the beauty of the Church and to the carrying out of her mission (UR 16) of compassionate service. An often quoted Vatican II text notes that the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of people of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ (GS 1). Christians see the world and respond to the situation; they seek to practice Christ-like deeds of mercy and compassion. In the renewed Church of Vatican II, clergy, religious, and laity are invited to be servants of Christs compassionate love.

Social justice and love

DEVELOPMENT cannot be achieved unless it is thoroughly imbued with justice and love. These are the principal laws of social life. (Evangelii nuntiandi, 35) Justice rejects such situations as dishonesty in the market place, graft and corruption in private and public life, and unjust wages for employees. As important as justice is in individual relationships, we need to emphasize even more today than in our past, in the light of our national disorder, the moral value of social justice. Nationalist desires, ecological concerns, issues of integrity and transparency in public and private life, rampant gambling with its attendant evils affecting the family, the youth and public authorities, conflicts created by favoring short term benefits for the few which can only bring long term disaster for the many are issues that involve social justice. It is the justice of the common good. It is not only enshrined in our Philippine Constitution in a very emphatic way but it is also the hopeful and poignant cry of the land as expressed in such slogans as Bayan muna bago sarili. (Sollicitudo rei socialis, 40) But for our interpersonal relationship and social structures to be put in order, justice is not sufficient. (Octogesima adveniens, 23) Love is necessary. While the demand of justice is implied by love, still justice attains its inner fullness only in love. (Justice in the World, 1971, 34). For in justice, the other person can remain another, an alien. In love the other is a friend, even a brother or sister (Mt. 23:8; Gaudium et spes, 32) in Christ. Love is fraternity. Love is at the heart of solidarity. In the concrete, if our nation and the world are ever to overcome the age-old hostilities which divide ethnic and religious groups, it will not be done on the basis of justice alone. The histories are too long, the wrongs done date too far back, the episodes of revenge and counter-revenge are too complicated ever to be sorted out on that basis. The only hope is rather solidarity, an acceptance of the fact that we are all members of one communitylocal or national or internationaland that we must therefore be willing to sacrifice something of what we see as our rights for the sake of the common good. It is for this reason perhaps that John Paul II has enriched the phrase of Pius XII, Opus justitiae pax, expressing it as Opus solidaritis pax, (Sollicitudo rei socialis, 39) the fruit of solidarity is peace. (Acts of the Council, nos. 304-306) Acts and Decrees of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines, 1991

One area of mutual involvement is in the field of compassionate social ministry. In fact, in his opening speech at the Council, Pope John XXIII projected an image of the Church as a compassionate community that desires to show herself to be the loving mother of all, benign, patient, full of mercy and goodness. The Church always prefers to make use of the medicine of mercy. This same compassionate attitude is found in several of the sixteen Council documents. Catholics are urged to put on a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, patience (LG 40). In serving humanity, the Church establishes works of mercy and similar undertakings (GS 42). Since all Catholics, clergy, religious, and laity are called to be missionary, they must bear witness to Christ by charity and works of mercy, with all patience, prudence, and great confidence. Thus, they will prepare the way for the Lord and make Him present (AG 6). Mercy and compassion are distinguishing marks of the community of Christs disciples.

Stepfathers
THE increasing number of sexual abuse cases referred to us lately has made me analyze and reflect on the incidences presented. Many of our colleagues involved in reaching out to these girls and women have come to the same conclusions. Rough estimate shows that out of four cases of rape or molestation, three of the perpetrators are the stepfather of the victim/ survivor and one is the father. The other dozens of abusers would be the grandfather, uncle, brother, brother-in-law or unclein-law, especially if the girl has been made to stay with her aunts family if her parents are unable to raise her up themselves. We have no report of a legally adopted child being molested by the legal adopting father. But there are also many incidences of informal foster fathers abusing the child that was entrusted to them by a relative or neighbor. In the cases of fathers abusing their own daughter, many of the mothers are overseas workers and are informed of the abuse often by other people, not by the child herself. Besides sexual abuse molestation, acts of lasciviousness or rape, the girls (and boys too), disclose physical harm, verbal and emotional abuse. They suffer a lot due to neglect lack of food, clothing, sleeping area, proper education opportunity, guidance and spiritual development. Abuse could be happening for years, sometimes the mother or other members of the household know about it but are helpless with the situation, especially if the man is violent or threatening everyone within his reach. That is why the victim/survivor does not directly disclose the abuse

Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS

Love Life
to her mother. Often, it is to a friend/classmate, cousin, aunt or teacher. Then, it takes quite some time again before action is done to put her in safety and all the while the abuse continues. Passage of the laws on rape, sexual abuse, violence against women and children and sexual harassment have helped to prevent further abuses and extension of necessary assistance to these girls and women, however, we know that so much more has to be done. DSWD present statistics gathered from the police, NBI and barangay blotters, from their own regional centers, and from private agencies attending to these kinds of cases but again, we know that thousands more go unreported and the victims continue to languish in their situation. I chose the title Stepfathers in order to emphasize that remarriage or re-partnering is not the solution to failed relationship with the first husband or partner. While many women think that she should have a man in the house in order to help raise the children especially financially, in the long run, more problems crop up bigger than if she had struggled through settling the marital relationship with the help of counselors or her own family members. With the impending bill in congress to allow divorce in our country, I can foresee an upsurge, not only of broken marriages, but also of abuses by the stepfathers. A divorce law creates a mentality wherein a couple during courtship, have reservations in their mind that if their marriage will not work out, they can divorce and get
Love Life / A5

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Fr. Roy Cimagala

Candidly Speaking
Pedro C. Quitorio
Editor-in-Chief

Again the priesthood

Lord be with you, and also with you (or now with the new English translation, and with your spirit). Everyone of us needs to relate himself with God. Its our constant task, especially for priests who have to help the others to fulfill that responsibility too. The priests identification with Christ, as distinct from that of the layman, is that of Christ as head of the Church, not just as a member of the Church which is how the layman is identified with Christ. While there is fundamental equality between priests and laymen in the sense that everyone is called to sanctity and to participate in the apostolate or the continuing redemptive work of Christ in the Church, there is an essential difference in the way they are conformed to Christ, a difference reflected in their lifestyle and functions. Priests have certain powers the laymen
Candidly Speaking / A7

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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

SOME friends of mine just celebrated the silver anniversary of their priesthood. Occasions like this are always happy moments of thanksgiving as we look back at those years of service that, more than our efforts, were made fruitful because of Gods grace and mercy. Of course, it should be a thanksgiving that goes beyond the sentimental. It has to be accompaniedthats the unavoidable consequenceby a renewed and deepened sense of commitment and fidelity. If we have been giving our all these past years, we still have to give more and more for the coming years till death. Thats quite clear. We have to be ready to be squeezed like a lemon until our last breath. His Eminence Cardinal Vidal graciously celebrated the thanksgiving Mass for my friends and gave a beautiful homily about

the identity of priests. Not that we did not know it. But its always good to be reminded even if we have our doctorates and quite a vast experience of pastoral work. Basing on Church teaching, particularly the documents titled Pastores dabo vobis (I give you shepherds) and the Directory on the Life and Ministry of Priests, he reminded the jubilarians, one of them already a bishop, that a priest is not a man living on his own. He is to be with Christ. He is Christs minister. He has to be identified with Christ. Of course, when I heard that, I immediately thought that in fact everyone, priest or layman, does not and should not live by his own self. Our life is always a life with God, our Creator and Father, who does not stop being with us just because we seem to be able to live by ourselves. God is always with us. Thats the reason we keep on repeating at Holy Mass, The

Illustration by Bladimer Usi

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 14
July 2 - 15, 2012

Opinion
FABC BILA IV on WOMEN 2012
can engage digital media for its message and incorporating wireless devices for Church activities ministries. Atty. Jose Tale, Laikos Executive Vice President, will represent Laiko. *** The Filipinos were very disgusted in the split decision declaring Timothy Bradley as the winner in the Pacquiao-Bradley fight. Almost all boxing aficionados all over the world are of the opinion that Manny Pacquiao won. Due to the scandal, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) assigned a group of 5 boxing experts to review the tape of the fight; the result: the WBO judges unanimously ruled that Pacquiao won the fight. Be that as it may, the championship belt is still with Bradley. *** The Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, His Excellency Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto tendered a luncheon reception at the Apostolic Nunciature on the Feast of the Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul to celebrate the 7th year of Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. This representation is blessed to be invited and got to meet Most Rev. Msgr. Seamus Horgan, First Secretary of the Nunciature; he is a Canon lawyer. The Nuncio talked about the forthcoming canonization of the second Filipino saint, Pedro Calungsod, a model catechist and missionary whose life was inspired by the Gospel and a worthy communicator of the Words of Jesus. The Nuncio also announced Cebu as the venue of the 2016 International Eucharistic Congress. He relayed Pope Benedicts message: to the people of the Philippines, I send world greetings and the assurance of my closeness in prayers during your preparation for this gathering and pray that it brings lasting spiritual renewal not only to them but to all the participants from across the world. *** Those who are interested in the Laiko 10 days Pilgrimage on the Canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod from October 18 to 27, 2012, land arrangement are available for those coming from outside the Philippines. You may get flyers from Joseph S. Jesalva/Catherine Buenconsejo, Laiko office at LAIKO Building, 372 Cabildo Street, Intramuros, Manila; Telephone No. 527-5388; Fax No. 527-3124; Mobile No. 0919-863-4218, email laiko_phils@yahoo.com.ph. *** Happy 9th Anniversary of the Announcement for the Establishment of our Diocese of Kalookan. Happy 153rd Foundation Day of San Jose de Navotas Parish and 23rd Foundation Day of San Antonio de Padua Parish of the Diocese of Kalookan. Happy Sacerdotal Anniversary to Fr. Edgar Guantero and Fr. Antonio Nopasa of Kalookan Diocese. Belated Happy Birthday to Manuel L. Caballero of Filipino Reporter, a U.S. Fil-Am newspaper in the East Coast.

A5
Rev. Eutiquio Euly B. Belizar, Jr., SThD

Atty. Aurora A. Santiago

Duc in Altum
THE Office of the Laity and Family (OLF), Womens Desk of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences (FABC) has organized the FABC BILA IV on WOMEN 2012 from July 9 to 13, 2012 at the Camillian Pastoral Centre, Latkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand. Ms. Wendy M. Louis of FABC OLF, Womens Desk is in charge of the event. Participants are Bishops, Religious, Clergy and Laity responsible for the Laity, Womens Desks (wherever Womens issues are being handled Caritas, Human Development, Justice & Peace, Family Commissions, etc.). The Philippine delegation is composed of Atty. Aurora A. Santiago (National President of Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas or Laiko), Dr. Ma. Julieta Wasan (Laikos VP for Ecclesiastical Province of Manila), Dr. Amelita Dayrit-Go (Laikos Vice President for Luzon) and Ms. Fenny Tatad (Executive Secretary, Womens Desk of CBCP). The Conference flyer mentioned it is already 4 years since there was a meeting on Womens issues at Asian level. Since April 2008, a series of regional meetings were held to take up the issues and challenges raised at the Asian level meeting. As 2012 begins there is a need to review and be inspired once again to take up the ministry and mission towards a more just and egalitarian society. The conference is the opportunity to review the last Asian meeting attended by 10 bishops who expressed the need to confront cultural practices that discriminate against women with the egalitarian values of the gospel, as well as to promote and sustain counter-cultural Christian communities. That inspired with the compassion of Jesus and the courage of Mary, the Church in Asia can make a difference in the reality of women. Each countrys delegation will present report on the progress and update on womens concerns, plans and best practices for formation and growth. *** YouthPinoy!, an alliance of young Filipinos who bear witness to their Catholic faith through online evangelization, will conduct the 1st Catholic Social Media Summit on July 14 and 15, 2012 at the Renaissance Convention Center, Marikina City. It is focused on the social network and how this modern media could participate and be utilized by the Catholic Church in its evangelization and mission. The theme of the event is Ministering Grace to this Generation, taken from Ephesians 4:29 Do not let even one bad word come from your mouth, but only good words that will encourage when necessary and be helpful to those who hear. The 2-day event will show how people around the world are connected through this form of media and how this could affect our culture and the Church of tomorrow. Among the talks during the summit are: using social media in the evangelization events, how the Church

By the Roadside Postponing the inevitable

AH! What a sign it is of evil life, Shakespeare once wrote, when deaths approach is seen so terrible. Many times when I visit the sick among our poor in my parish somewhere in Eastern Samar (and they are only the majority, truth to tell), it always hits me how not only in facing life but also in facing death itself the inequality among Filipinos almost borders on the incredible. For instance, its not even a week since I last saw Mano Ben (not his real name), a part-time fisherman, part-time farmer, as most men are in my parish. He had the same ailment as one national celebrity, a comedian. But Mano Ben is about ten years younger. Mano Ben spent his entire life doing back-breaking work day in and day out just to feed his family and send some of his children to school. But he had an overriding vice. He smoked like a chimney. That was how he relaxed, he told everyone who cared. His wife and children tried many times to have him lick his vice, to no avail. His habit having taken its toll, Mano Ben finally gave it up when he was seventy. But it was too late. He already had a permanent pulmonary condition that transmogrified him into some gaunt skeletal figure who could hardly be heard when he talked and who could hardly take in air when he breathed. Doctors told him and his family he needed to be brought to the city and given proper medical treatment, including a tracheotomy. So I was told by one of his married daughters who regularly cared for him. But Mano Ben and his family didnt have enough money. He told his family he didnt want to die in the hospital and asked to be brought home. This was when they called me to give him the Anointing of the Sick. I could make neither head nor tail of what he was trying to tell me when I asked him if he wanted to go to confession. Finally I decided the Lord himself wouldnt have required him to talk. I asked him if he was sorry for all his sins and he nodded weakly but emphatically. After I gave him the absolution and later the Anointing, he motioned his right hand as if he was asking me permission to lie down and rest. Of course, Mano Ben, I said. This is your home. Im just your guest. I was trying to make light of the situation. I had no idea if Mano Ben appreciated my attempt at humor. But he smiled weakly and lay down again on his mat. Three days later I was told Mano Bens rest became permanent. Just then as I was watching the evening news with a friend, it was announced to a nationwide audience that the condition of the celebrity comedian, with the same ailment as Mano Bens, had significantly improved. Good for him, I said. I wish Mano Ben had the same chances. Or circumstances. My friend turned to me and said, Dont worry. Its just another postponement of the inevitable. Were all going there, anyway. Dont you think? I had to agree. And it also struck me that everything we are doing mostly in this life is just postponing the inevitable. Advances in science and medicine, in nutrition and physical conditioning, we must admit, are geared mainly to help us delay the coming of the Ripper at our doors. We hide him behind our gigantic efforts to look and feel young, aside from more beautiful or more handsome. Isnt it revealing that modern medicine now includes anti-aging schemes as an essential part of its services? Or what do we make of the present rage among the Filipino elite, politicians and celebrities included, to have themselves or their older folks brought to Germany for stem cell therapy? I said to myself, What? Aging is already a disease instead of the crown of a life well-lived? Is it really progress that today we prefer to ask mostly the practical question of how we can best prolong our (earthly) life when we also need to ask the ultimate questions of why life, why death, how to live and how to die? As I write I feel myself reeling over the words of the book of Wisdom, read on the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, as it asserts that God did not make death and that God formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made him and that by the envy of the devil death entered the world (Wis 1:13; 2:23-24). Wouldnt it seem to you and me, modern humans that we like to see ourselves, that the introduction of the devil into the mystery of life and death is a laughing matter? Or anachronistic? It could, we muse. And yet, wouldnt the lie of an eternal earthly life be consistent with the plans and wiles of Gods archenemy? Consider this: While were all trying our best and hard to prolong life on earth, wouldnt we be under the illusion that this is simply the real life and that theres no other? Of course, we are obliged even by faith to take care of our bodies. But when we give in to the secular mind, doing so is all that matters. On the other hand, wouldnt we be looking away from the better plan of the Maker, something Paul underscored when he said: This corruptible body must be clothed with incorruptibility, this mortal body with immortality. When the corruptible frame takes on incorruptibility and the mortal immortality, then will the saying of Scripture be fulfilled: Death is swallowed up in victory (1 Cor 15:54). Why prolong corruptibility when you could have incorruptibility, Scripture asks us. I now realize that much depends on whether or not a person has faith. Which is why, to the woman whom Jesus cures of a vicious twelve-year-old hemorrhagesomething that could lead to death, he says: Daughter, you faith has saved you (Mk 5:34) and to Jairus whose dead daughter he raised to life, Do not be afraid, just believe (Mk 5:36). Jesus is the Victor over death but his victory is ours only through faith. My friend said, You know, the issue is the choice between working for D.D. and living for E.L. What do you mean by D.D. and E.L.? I asked. Delayed Death. Everlasting Life. So to me here is the crux of the matter: Mans program is Delayed Death. Gods program is Everlasting Life. We make the choices and live or die with the consequences.
Love Life / A4

Separation of Church and State

SEPARATION of Church and State is a legal principle misunderstood and wrongly invoked to discredit the pro-life agenda. This is unfortunate, for the principle actually protects the realms and mandates of those two institutions which are both oriented to human good. To dispel the error, I am posting a refutation of U.P. Professor Florin Hilbays Paper that was published in a broadsheet on June 7, 2012. What the Constitution says on the principle of separation is, One, the State cannot establish a national religion, and Two, the State cannot interfere in the free exercise of religious belief of its citizens. To simplistically interpret this principle to mean that religion is anathema to good governance is to fail to understand that the function of the State is to serve the well-being of its citizens. Man is made up of body and soul, and the Constitution acknowledges this spiritual orientation of man when it mandates that the State should not violate the religious belief of its citizens. This is so because religious belief is essentially part of a citizens perception of his well being. The flaw of Prof. Hilbay lies in his assumption that there is an inherent conflict between the State and religion, and that all conflicts and differences connote contradiction or incompatibility. According to Filipino philosopher Felix M. Montemayor, there is no such thing as contradiction in nature. Contradiction occurs only in language. Rather, there are only opposites, polarities or contrasts. Opposites and contrasts co-exist and are inseparable from each other (e.g., body and soul, freedom and obligation, right and duty, male and female) without which, humanity is non-existent, in the same way that without positive and negative polarities there is no electricity, just as there is no day without night, etc.

Atty. Jo Imbong

Pro Bono
way around. Life is the end, and economics is only the means to sustain it. German philosopher Emmanuel Kant is of the same mind with his moral philosophy that man is always the end and never a means to anything else, economic or otherwise. AngProlife, like other like-minded groups, is composed of civic-minded persons motivated by the desire to become responsible and upright citizens except that most of all, it is committed to protect life and the family, the latter being the basic foundation of society, an institution that has become marginalized by the practices which the reproductive health bill seeks to legitimize into a norm of society, dooming it to decadence. Will the fact that AngProlife believes that to protect life is more than just a constitutional mandate but a transcendent spiritual truth operate to disqualify it from the Party-list system? Do Pro-Life groups have to profess Atheism to be able to participate in a political exercise? But does not the Constitution precisely protect the free exercise of religious belief? One should go slow in demonizing religion whose only concern is the development of virtuous people. Prof. Hilbay should realize that only a virtuous people can be promoters of the common good. In fact, history teaches us that without a strong moral foundation no civilization can survive. If civilization is the fruit, morality is the stem and religion is the root. Considering the importance of religion to national development, Church and State relations should not be interpreted along the divisive spirit of contradiction and separation but by the harmonization and the reconciliation of the material and spiritual demands of mans well being. Church and State are both needed to promote the wellbeing of man.

The same thing can be said of the State and religion. They may differ in their domain and purpose, but they do not necessarily antagonize or cancel each other. In fact it is only through their co-existence and harmony that the well-being of man is achieved, that is, the State providing for the material goods of man and religion ministering to mans spiritual needs. This co-existence comes about because they have a common form of referencemans well-being. The next thrust of Prof. Hilbay is that, being openly against the reproductive health and divorce bills, same-sex union and the recent concert of Lady Gaga, the organization AngProlife is necessarily an association organized for religious purposes, hence, disqualified from the Partylist system. This is false. AngProlifes objection to the reproductive health bill is anchored on the sanctity of life and the corresponding right to life which the Constitution recognizes as the highest in the hierarchy of rights. In fact, this right to life constitutes the very reason under the Social Contract doctrine why the people have found the need to organize the state at all: to protect the former against the state, including assault against the former by the state. The right to life is inalienable and non-waivable even by man himself. The economic theory of population control to promote the alleged quality of life is nothing less than putting the cart before the horse, which is an absurdity. If Prof. Hilbay will look deeper into the reproductive health bill he will discover the bills fiendish attempt to eradicate poverty by eliminating the poor for being a burden to the economic resources of the country. But life is more than bread. It is also about knowing what is right and what is wrong. Life precedes economics, not the other

Fr. Francis Ongkingco

Whatever
AFTER food, clothing and shelter, education comes as one of the priorities of parents. Mom and dad are ready to do anything (e.g., invest money, adjust schedules and even sacrifice personal comforts, etc.) in order to help the kids advance in their knowledge and skills necessary to face the challenges of life and profession. Besides the numerous tutoring centers and the rise of home schooling methods, the Internet now plays an important role in imparting many of todays indispensable learning skills like reading. The Internet provides easy and effective access to thousands of books and materials that students can simply click on and start devouring. This technological tool will undoubtedly contribute to the students academic performance. Or will it? There are, however, studies that state the contrary. David Brooks tells of one done by researchers from the University of Tennessee reveal that children who read real books ended up with higher reading scores than their peers. Richard Allington gave 852 disadvantaged students 12 books of their choice to take home at the end of the school year. After three years, they outperformed their classmates. Moreover, these students were less affected by the so-called summer-slide which is a common decline in performance among lower-income students during vacation time. It seems that keeping those 12 books gave a similar advantage to attending summer school. (David Brooks, The Medium is the Medium, 8 July 2010) What about the educational

Surfeading
edge that the Internet claims to offer? Brooks adds another striking study by Jacob Vigdor and Helen Ladd of Dukes Stanford School of Public Policy. They examined computer use among half-million 5th through 8th graders in North Carolina and found that the spread of home computers and high-speed Internet access was associated with significant declines in math and reading scores. () And this study used data from 2000 to 2005 before Twitter and Facebook took off. (Ibid.) Brooks, however, does not discredit the educational contributions of Internet use. Advocates of Internet and computer use for learning say that these tools actually improve a persons capability to process information and focus attention (i.e. in the case of computer games). They conclude that the Internet is a boon to schooling and not a threat. The Internet undoubtedly seems to offer a whole wide range of learning advantages. For example, David observes that The Internet helps you become well informed knowledgeable about current events, the latest controversies and important trends. The Internet also helps you become hip to learn about whats going on, as J. Epstein writes, in those lively waters outside the boring mainstream. (Ibid.) Despite this positive aspect of this hi-tech communication media, one can still list down a lot more advantages by extracting and absorbing information from an honest-to-goodness hardbound book. Here are some, perhaps taken for granted reWhatever / A7

married again. The will to keep the relationship well is therefore not pursued at the slightest difficulty encountered. They are always looking for a better one instead of accepting that this is it, in sickness and in health till death do us part. While we admit that there are times when it is better that the couple separate for the sake of the life of the wife or the children being battered, the law on annulment or legal separation is

already there to run to. And note legal separation means no second partner, therefore, no stepfather coming into the scene. Is this pill too hard to swallow for those women who think that they need to have a man in their life to help with the children? Think again. Besides pregnancy-related problems, Pro-life office can assist you refer cases of sexual abuse to crisis centers. Contact: 733-7027, 0919233-7783 or life@prolife.org.ph.

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Local News
AN attempt to intimidate some witnesses to the murder of Italian priest Fr. Fausto Tentorio last year by threatening them with death was revealed by the victims fellow missionary. In a radio interview, Fr. Peter Jeremiah of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Mission said some people accused in the crime continue to make threats, as the investigation is ongoing. Theres a reaction from some accused and that is by threatening the witnesses and their families and the community, said Jeremiah over Manila archdiocese-run Radyo Veritas. Jeremiah is a known closest confrere of Tentorio, a staunch anti-mining advocate, who was gunned down inside his parish churchs compound in Arakan Valley, North Cotabato last October 11. According to Jeremiah, the suspects, who he refused to identify, earlier sent feelers of cooperating with the authorities in order to clear their name instead of making any threats to the witnesses. They should tell what they know about the actual incident and the one behind the crime even just a partial

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 14
July 2 - 15, 2012

Social Media Summit to launch countdown to Calungsods canonization

A 100-DAY countdown leading to the canonization date of Blessed Pedro Calungsod will be launched at the 1st Catholic Social Media Summit (CSMS) in Marikina on July 14 and 15. Clarke Nebrao of +Big Movement said the countdown to 100 days of Bl. Pedro Calungsod, also called Big Move: 100 days to Pedros canonization, will be inaugurated during the celebration of the Catholic Social Media Summit as one of the events highlights. Nebrao also said the countdown was not originally in the plan but was set through the intercession of Pedro Calungsod. It seems that Pedro orchestrated everything that the launch will be at the CSMS which is already the language of the young of today. Therefore, launching him in the event will make it more meaningful that the church of today, especially our Catholic bishops acknowledge that social media or the internet is the new cyber country where majority of us are citizens, he said. The launching of the countdown will be done simultaneously with Cebu. Also to be launched during the event, aside from the countdown, will be the San Pedro Calungsod website together with its social networking sites such as facebook and twitter. Blessed Pedro Calungsod is set to be canonized together with six others at the Vatican on October 21. (Jandel Posion)

Witnesses to Italian priests murder bare death threats

participation, he said. We are really seeking for justice. Last December, Jimmy Ato, one of the primary crime suspects, was arrested but the investigations up to date are at a standstill. Ato pleaded not guilty, noting that he only had a marginal role in the death of the missionary. The other four people involved in the killing are still at large. Tentorio is the third PIME missionary to be killed in the Philippines, particularly in the island of Mindanao. On April 15, 1985, Fr. Tullio Favali was shot dead by a paramilitary group in Tulunan, North Cotabato. On March 20, 1992, two men on a motorcycle gunned down PIME priest Fr. Salvatore Carzedda in Zamboanga City. In 1998, Fr. Luciano Benedetti was kidnapped near Sibuco town in Zamboanga del Norte but his abductors released him after 68 days of captivity. Fr. Giancarlo Bossi was also kidnapped by at least 10-armed men in Zamboanga Sibugay in 2007, but was freed a month after his captivity. (CBCPNews)

Bishops: No need to replace Manila as Philippines capital

THREE Catholic bishops said that there is no need to replace Manilas status as the countrys capital city. Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said it is better to maintain status quo rather than declaring Quezon City, the largest in Metro Manila or the National Capital Region, as the capital of the Philippines. There were reasons for making Manila the capital of the Philippines. We cannot keep changing some things that are meant to last, Ongtioco said. The prelate was reacting to a resolution filed by a Quezon City councilor Francisco Calalay Jr., urging Congress to enact a law, declaring it as the new Philippine capital. Quezon City was the nations capital from 1948 until 1976 when former President Ferdinand Marcos transferred the title to Manila being the center of transportation, commerce, culture and education. But Calalay said Quezon City has already surpassed these qualifications since most of the major thoroughfares in the country are now located in the city, including the Light Rail Transit, making it the center of transportation. Because Quezon City, the most populous and the riches city in the Philippines, is the former capital, some national government offices are located in the city. According to Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez, however, the reasons cited by the proponent to replace Manila as the capital is not good enough. For Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes: Quezon City was already declared capital of the Philippines years ago. But since Manila is known throughout the world because Malacaang is there, Manila became the capital again. So no need to change it to Quezon City again. (CBCPNews)

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poor people are increasing? And also in terms of peace and order, illegal drugs, and corruption, he said. For Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, rising unemployment negatively affects the performance of the Aquino administration. There are job opportunities but what kind of jobs are they creating because casualization and contractualization
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still continue, said Pabillo. More Filipinos are going out to find jobs abroad. Pabillo chairs the National Secretariat for Social Action Justice and Peace of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. He also questioned the increased US military presence in the country. This utters that we are really under the influence of the US, he said.

The prelate is disappointed over the slowpaced process for the government to craft separate peace pacts with the two main rebel groups in the country, the communist New People's Army and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The government is also not doing enough to protect our environment from illegal loggers and destructive mining, Pabillo said. (CBCPNews)

www.cebuarchdiocese.org

the poor. People are spending money believing that it could eradicate poverty or belief that gambling, through luck, can free them from poverty, he said. Thats why, in general, we tried to discourage all forms of gambling in our country. Its a game of chance. We should rather teach Filipinos to work hard, said Palma. Gambling economy Known anti-gambling crusader, retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz said the proposed project only highlights the gambling economy being pursued by the Aquino administration.
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lem, said Pabillo. He pointed out that extrajudicial killings would continue in the country unless Aquino would issue strong words and implement measures against it. President Aquino should really take this issue seriously, he said. Mr. Geertman had been working in the country for 46 years, also helping environmental groups and indigenous peoples. The Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines said the death of Mr. Geertman is a big loss to the farmers. Fr. Marlon Lacal, AMRSP co-chairperson, believed that the incident may have something to do with his support for the Hacienda Luisita farmers. I believe that the issue on Hacienda Luisita has something to do about this because the victim is a very vocal supporter of the farmers, Lacal said. The National Council of Churches
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in the Philippines (NCCP) also condemned the death of the social development worker. The killing of Geertman builds on the sad chapter of continuing extrajudicial killings in this country, the NCCP, an organization of Christian churches, said in a statement. We will not dwell on the statistics, but we decry the failure of the government to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of this wanton taking of human lives, they said. The United Nations Human Rights Council has examined the human rights record of the Philippines recently and said that the Aquino government needs to do more in complying with human rights protocols it has signed. Thus, we join the demand for justice for Geertman and others felled by assassins bullets. This call becomes more urgent as the impunity heightens, and earlier killings remain unresolved, the NCCP said. (CBCPNews)

He warned that establishment of more casino will worsen the problem of corruption in the government and the detriment of the countrys culture. The archbishop maintained that gambling addiction causes ethical deterioration and moral debasement in terms of personal degradation and social deterioration. He also said that the megacasino would only spawn more graft and corruption and spur money-laundering activities by unscrupulous individuals. Hoodlums and money launderer will patronize it. Casino invites those who are greedy. That gambling economy they are thinking is

bad. Its not good to legalize addiction, Cruz said. The bishops collegial body already has three statementsin 1972, 1996 and 2003all saying that the CBCP is against all forms of legal and illegal gambling. One of the statements, issued when Cruz was CBCP president in 1996, read: Many attempts are being made to legalize all forms of gambling even as casinos and lotto are now legal. But again, for us pastors, given the fatal lure of gambling to the Filipino psyche, the legalization of organized gambling in order to raise funds, even for development, is a form of demoralization.

Fight continues Reports earlier revealed that the first facilities of PAGCORs Entertainment City are scheduled to open in 2013. With the Las Vegas-style gaming hub, the government is hoping that the project will have a huge impact on the countrys tourism industry. Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles said the church will continue to fight against the promotion of gambling in the country. Instead of gambling, it would be better if foreigners will know and come to our country because of its innate beauty, Arguelles said.

Baaga said private schools especially those being run by parishes and congregations still support the K to 12 basic education program despite its ill effects on their operations because it will make the quality of Filipino graduates at par with the global standards. The priest claimed that the previous 10-year basic education program downgrades Filipino graduates when compared to graduates of other countries. Filipino graduates may get employed overseas but they are given
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lower compensation compared to others who underwent 12 years of basic education. With K to 12, our graduates will be at par with global educational standards, he added. To counter the effects of K to 12 in the enrollment, officials of private schools, particularly those offering tertiary education only, will be asking government to allow them to offer Grades 11 to 12. Baaga said the proposal would be formally made to the Department of Education soon. (YouthPinoy)

and encourage mining. On the other hand, environmental and religious groups strongly oppose mining because of its well-known negative environmental and health impacts. Pabillo said that the controversial policy on large-scale mining has not yet been adequately addressed by the Aquino administration. While notable steps have been made on moratorium on new mining permits, he added that there remain gaps and problems in monitoring, enforcing and regulating the mining industry. Some of our dioceses are experiencing problems related to these, for example, in the issues concerning social conflicts and human rights abuses in Leyte, Zamboanga and Tampakan, South Cotabato, said Pabillo. Other issues, he said include the worsening environmental destruction such as fishkill, flooding in
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Agusan, increasing conflicts with local governments in South Cotabato and Romblon; and unabated violation of IP rights in Nueva Vizcaya, Palawan, Mindoro provinces and Sibuyan. The forum will take place at the Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila, ahead of the CBCPs plenary assembly, which officially starts on Saturday. Mining issue gained media attention lately after Malacaang said that President Benigno Aquino III is set to sign a new executive order on mining, hoping that it would strike a balance between conflicting interests between the mining industry and environment. But this early, some bishops have already expressed reservations on the new mining policy. Digos Bishop Guillermo Afable, for instance, urged Aquino to be considerate with the people opposing mining in their areas, saying that they are the ones

who will suffer most of the consequence of mining. He also called on the President to study carefully before signing the governments new mining policy and seriously consider its effects to the communities and the environment. At the end of the day, for better and for worse, the local people will face the effects (of mining) and not those in Manila, Afable said. Pabillo also questioned the upcoming EO because it could set aside local ordinances against mining. I think somethings wrong. They have all the rights to oppose because they are ones who will suffer from the ill-effects of mining, he said. Pabillo clarified that the church is not against mining per se, but believes that measures to safeguard the environment, and protect indigenous communities rights should be required. (CBCPNews)

years and three witnesses have already been slain. The death of the witnesses is saddening. It just shows that our justice system is so weak and slow, Bastes said. I hope President Aquino should give a strong signal and statement about the case. The bishop lamented that even if two alleged masterminds of the incident are already detained, killings of the witnesses continue. Where are the authorities? This case might just be put to waste and the Ampatuans would be released if we run out of witnesses, he said. Bastes said the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) must also give a statement for the court to hasten the massacre trial without

sacrificing due process. Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco appealed to the public to continue praying that justice will be served and the prosecution of those behind the massacre. We continue to pray for justice, reconciliation, peace, forgiveness and unity... prayer for the conversion of those responsible for this horrendous crime, Ongtioco said. Malacaang on also called on the Supreme Court to find a way to accelerate the trial. Lets have a speedy trial in the Ampatuan massacre case because that is a blot in our Philippine judicial system, Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said at a press briefing. (CBCPNews)

Association of the Philippines (CEAP) to attend the 1st Catholic Social Media Summit, being organized by YouthPinoy in partnership with the CBCP Media Office, Episcopal Commission on Youth, Episcopal Commission on Missions, and the Catholic Media Network. Baaga, who is concurrently CEAP chief and president of Adamson University in Manila, said Catholic educational institutions should follow the Churchs lead in using social media to teach the youth about Christ. In this age of everchanging technology, the Church, through various means, conscious of its role and presence in parishes, schools, communities, or-

ganizations and certain situations, is using social media to teach the world about Christ, especially the youth, he said. The priest encouraged teachers, officials and administrators of CEAP member-schools to do the same, adding that the responsible use of social media especially in the promotion of Christian values should be highlighted in our teaching ministries. Baaga added that CEAP will be in support of YouthPinoy, a group of young Catholics promoting the use of online media to evangelize, and other organized groups of young people striving to become communities of disciples of Jesus Christ. The CEAP will always be

supportive of organizations providing spiritual formation, in whatever available means with the view of producing young Christian leaders who will work for social transformation. The association has been longing to see similar groups being organized, strengthened, and recognized in our schools and is committed to give them full support, he added. The 1st Catholic Social Media Summit, themed Ministering Grace to this Generation [cf. Eph 4:29], is co-organized by youth groups behind +Big, a new lay movement aiming to inspire Filipinos to live their lives like Blessed Pedro Calungsod did, and the promoters of the 2012 CBCP Year of Mission.

The summit will be held on July 14 to 15, 2012 at the Renaissance Convention Center, Riverbanks, Marikina City. Registration fee, including summit kit, meals and certificate, costs P1,000 per participant. Interested parties can register at the YouthPinoy office, 3rd Floor CBCP Building, 470 Gen. Luna St. in Intramuros, Manila, or contact Ms. Nirva Delacruz through mobile: +639321469436/ +639164831443; landline: +6327096486; and email:ypopportunities@ gmail.com. Details of the summit, such as the program, registration guidelines, and summit files, are available for online viewing at www.youthpinoy. com. (YouthPinoy)

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 14
July 2 - 15, 2012

Diocesan News

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Local folks ask court to stop mining operations in farmlands

MACARTHUR, Leyte Farmers and fisherfolks in Leyte have asked the local court for an injunction to stop mining operations in prime agricultural lands of two barangays in this town. Local organization Unahin Lagi Natin ang Diyos Bito Lake Fisherfolks Association (UNLAD-BLFA), filed for a Temporary Environmental Protection Order (EPO) from the court to prevent Nicua Mining Corporation from extracting magnetite in rice fields at Villa Imelda and adjacent barangays in MacArthur. UNLAD-BLFA president Jesus Cabias pointed out agricultural lands should not be converted for mining purposes, as it threatens our food security, right to clean water, and livelihood. The groups lamented the destructive effects of mining in their farmlands and lake. Water is life and must be saved as all costs. Allowing mining to continue here will affect not only our primary source of water and livelihood but also the future generations, said Cabias. An earlier report by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has confirmed that contamination from oil and grease from mining operations was one of the causes of the massive fish kill in Lake Bito. Meanwhile, Church officials urged government agencies to act decisively on the appeals of farmers and fisherfolks and stop the illegal mining operation in their barangays. Palo Archbishop John Du and some diocesan clergy on June 13 visited Lake Bito, the illegally converted mining site and the barricades that residents had put up to secure the area from further destruction. Dus visit followed the solidarity mission con ducted on June 11 to 12 by the National Secretariat for Social ActionJustice and Peace of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, together with the Archdiocese of Palo and Dioceses of Calbayog and Borongan to find out the extent of damages inflicted on peoples livelihood and the environment. Fr. Edu Gariguez, CBCPNASSA executive secretary, after visiting the area, said they found the impacts of mining on environment and livelihood terrible and devastating. We call on the national offices to act on this, at the same time we hope that the Regional Trial Court can immediately hear our petition and issue a temporary environmental protection order to stop Nicua Mining Corporation from operating in the area, he said. The 30-page petition has been filed at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 10 in Abuyog, Leyte. Environmental Protection Order or Temporary Environmental Protection Order (EPO/TEPO) is an injunction order under the new Environmental Rules

Local folks put up a barricade in an attempt to secure ricefields and lake from further destruction due to mining.

of Court that directs or enjoins any person or government agency to perform or desist from performing

an act in order to protect, preserve or rehabilitate the environment. (CBCPNews)

Bishop open to Charter Change

TAGBILARAN CityA Catholic bishop has given a cautious approval for constitutional amendments being floated by some lawmakers. Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso welcomed the idea of Charter Change if amendments would only be confined to economic policies as being proposed by lawmakers like Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. Well I am with Senator Enrile that our Constitution really needs amendment. Our economic policy really needs to be friendly (to foreign investors), Medroso said. We should create policies that offer incentive and protection to foreign businessmen so that we can attract more investors to put business in the country, he said. Enrile earlier emphasized on the need for deliberations on the amendments of the Constitution but changes, he said, must be confined to economic policies. The debate, he said, must be limited to constitution provision restricting foreign ownership of certain industries and exclude proposals to revise the political structure of the country. Medroso affirmed that some provisions of the Constitution and other policies are driving foreign businessmen away causing poor investments in the country. (CBCPNews)

Malolos revives love of poetry among Bulakenyos

MALOLOS, BulacanThe Diocese of Malolos is reviving a cultural gem the province of Bulacan is known for, as it celebrates its golden jubilee. Fr. Dars V. Cabral, Director of the Malolos Diocesan Commission on Social Communications has launched a monthly poetry reading program on June 30 at the Museo Diocesano de Malolos in Barasoain Church. Cabral said that he wishes to revive the spirit of being "makata" and love of poetry in the Diocese of Malolos. He said Bulacan in known for love of arts especially for poetry and it is part and parcel of the provinces culture. A prominent Filipino poet, Francisco Baltazar (Balagtas) was a native of Bigaa, Bulacan. It was from him that balagtasan, a popular form of debate in Filipino was named. Since only few appreciate poetry like ballet and classical music, it is important that we make poetry alive as an art, Cabral added. Cabral, a good poet himself, welcomed participants to the poetry reading event themed "Of Love, Of Poetry". Among those who read poems were Ms. Marida Paez, Mr. Alex Cruz, Mr. Arvin Ray Jimenez and Fr. Dars Cabral. Ms. Paez read two poems: "Hasten Now, My Lord" and personally composed "Must I Write" which speaks of her love for poetry. Mr. Cruz performed "I Will Not Die an Unlived Life" by Dawna Markova. Mr. Jimenez delivered "Letters to a Young Poet" written by Rainer Maria Rilke. Fr. Cabral delivered Edgar Allan Poe's "Annabel Lee", a poem that according to him he first recited in Grade 5. Even as attendees expressed their appreciation of the event, professors of literature and humanities who were present commented on the good practice of poetry reading to inculcate the love for culture and literature among students. Meanwhile, Cabral encouraged everyone to value and practice poetry citing that it only needs a lot of creativity and imagination for one to write good poems. The next poetry reading is set this coming July 21 at Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish in Sta. Rita, Guiguinto, Bulacan. Themed "I am Me", participants are encouraged to recite their own poems or deliver poems of their choice that speak of their person. (Arvin Ray Jimenez/CBCPNews)

Briefing
Seminarians hold book fair

IMUS City, July 3, 2012Seminarians from the Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol Seminary in Tagaytay City launched a book fair on July 2 for religious and lay people who are book enthusiasts. The book fair seeks to provide affordable books to priests, seminarians and lay people who do not have the chance to go to Manila to buy religious or spiritual books. Aside from books, CDs and DVDs of religious music, movies and documentaries are also available. Proceeds of the book fair, which will end on July 31, will be used for the formation fund of Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol Seminary. (Esteve Mata/Jandel Posion)
Malolos launches painting exhibit to mark jubilee year

Environmental pilgrim Cross tours Luzon provinces

Fr. Ernie Pesimo, a priest from the Diocese of San Jose, Nueva Ecija and a member of the SSMNA celebrated the liturgy of the Word. Explaining the rationale of the advocacy, the priest said that man as stewards of Gods creation have a responsibility to care for nature. Through the cross man attained salvation, he said. At present, it is our nature that needs to be saved and there is still hope for it to be saved. He urged the people not to turn their back from responsibility and protect the environment from destruction. Malolos diocese has also its share of issues that threaten integrity of creation, such as mining in Biak na Bato, mining and landfill problem in Doa Remedios Trinidad, and quarrying in Angat Dam. Other environmental concerns also hound the towns of Obando, Norzagaray, San Jose del Monte, Marilao and Meycauayan. Some parts of Bulacan, like Hagonoy and Calumpit are easily affected by heavy flooding during rainy season. On June 28, the cross was brought from San Miguel to St. Monica Parish in Angat, Bulacan and to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Malolos City on June 30. The pilgrim cross is currently going around different dioceses in Metro Manila. (Arvin Ray C. Jimenez/CBCPNews)

MALOLOS, BulacanMalolos Bishop Jose Oliveros has inaugurated a painting exhibit featuring 50 Artists from Bulacan to celebrate the jubilee year of the diocese, June 29. Fifty local artists have donated their paintings to the Diocesan Commission on Social Communications for exhibition at the Museo Diosesano de Malolos in Barasoain Church, Malolos City. The artworks consist of churches in Bulacan and different expressions of faith are aligned with the diocesan jubilee theme, 50 Years of Transforming Grace and Unwavering Faith. Sponsored by the COSC headed by Fr. Dars Cabral, in cooperation with the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP), the exhibit also serves as a fundraiser to finance other activities. (Arvin Ray Jimenez/CBCPNews)
Concert seeks to inspire youth to imitate Calungsod

Environmental advocates and St. Paul University students carry the cross from the churchs entrance into the sanctuary.

CEBU City Youth leaders from the Archdiocese of Cebu are organizing a praise and worship concert to animate young people to deepen their relationship with God in imitation of Pedro Calungsod. The concert, themed Break the Silence: Dreaming and Healing for the Nation through the intercession of Blessed Pedro Calungsod, is slated on July 28 at the Blessed Pope John XXIII Seminary Football field in Mabolo, Cebu City. Organizers said the concert is meant to galvanize the youth to build an intimate relationship with God by way of helping His people in times of need through the intercession of Pedro Calungsod. (Jandel Posion)
Catholic writers launch 1st archdiocesan youth news bulletin

DIGOS City, June 26, 2012Almost 40 young writers from different parishes in the Archdiocese of Davao gathered at the Our Lady of Mt. Apo Parish Formation Center in Davao del Sur for a two-day planning and conceptualization of Kalakbay Youth Newsletter, the official youth bulletin of the archdiocese of Davao. To come out monthly, the newsletter of the youth apostolate will be launched this October in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Davao Archdiocesan Youth Coordinating Apostolate (DAYCA). The young writers were guided by their editorial consultants: Ms. Cheryl Vilog (DC Herald Proofreader), Mr. John Frances Fuentes (DC Herald News Reporter), Mr. Erick Hernandez (Kalakbay Managing Editor); and DAYCA director Fr. Jemasol Ortiz, DCD. (Jecy Opada/Jandel Posion)
Parish community inaugurates Catholic movement

SAN MIGUEL, Bulacan A wooden cross that symbolizes a groups advocacy against environmental abuse is being brought in pilgrimage through various provinces threatened by ecological destruction. The Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance (SSMNA) is bringing the Sierra Madre Cross to different parishes in an effort to raise awareness on the abuses done on nature, specially mining and illegal logging along Sierra Madre. Made from mulawin driftwood, the Sierra Madre Cross was created through
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the help of some Ifugao natives. The cross has been touring provinces along Sierra Madre, such as Cagayan, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Viscaya, Quezon province and Bulacan. Brought by some volunteers from Dinggalan, Quezon the cross arrived at the Parish of St. Michael the Archangel (PSMA) in San Miguel, Bulacan on June 25. Some Malolos clergy, environmental advocates, parishioners, teachers, and students from St. Paul University of San Miguel (SPUSM) welcomed the cross.

QUEZON City The Diocese of Novaliches has launched on June 29 Proudly Catholic Movement, an organization seeking to uphold the unity and universality of the Church. Led by Parish Pastoral Council president Leandro Palma and other leaders, the movement was established to be one with the Roman Catholic Church in having a Christ-centered, abundant and peaceful society where every Catholic grows in faith towards the newness and fullness of life. The group is targeting not only parishioners of the founding parish but all Catholics to join the group. (Jandel Posion)

do not have, but these powers are not for them just to enjoy and to use to dominate others, but rather to be of service to the laity. These are powers that require of them, us priests, to be most determined to identify ourselves with Christ all the way to be willing to wash the feet of the others, as Christ did. Thats why the good Cardinal, again echoing what the Church has been teaching, encouraged all priests to be resolute in taking care of

their spiritual life that should be nourished daily and abidingly by a number of highly recommended acts of piety. He mentioned mental prayer, daily celebration of the Holy Mass that has to be prepared for adequately each time and other Eucharistic practices, spiritual reading, examination of conscience, holy rosary and other Marian devotions, the praying of the divine office which Im afraid many priests have forgotten, etc.

In fact, when the Cardinal rattled them off, I overheard someone sigh in disbelief as if to say, wow, thats impossible! Of course, I understand him, but thats the point. We just have to struggle to keep those practices of piety, otherwise we would just be like hired actors performing an act. Priests lend their head and heart, their lips and hands, their feelings and passions to Christ such that where they are and when they speak it is Christ that others see and hear.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

They should not see the priest as this or that individual, but Christ himself. So the need for the priests to know how to hide and disappear, how to avoid any possibility to show off. I know this is not going to be easy and there now many instances when this ideal is openly violated. But theres always hope. Continuing formation and constant prayers from everyone can help a great deal. Please pray for us, your priests.

Whatever / A5

wards of booking (reading and learning from a real book) over surfeading (the net as the main source of learning): a) Focus and attention span having a concrete material task (in the form of book) at hand seems to have a gradual and gentle learning challenge for the reader. The book is not engaged and conquered until one has set to read it from page one to page end. For now, it seems that the Internet cannot offer something as engaging. This is because one can easily disconnect either by turning the computer off, or by shifting or multi-tasking to one webpage or webtask (i.e., Face-

Book, Twitter, etc.) to another. b) Developing other virtues Brooks points out an interesting observation that is still absent in the Internet. He says that real reading would require one to enter a hierarchical universe, with classic literary works at the top and beach reading at the bottom. One joins as a novice, and slowly explores the work of great writers and scholars. Deference develops towards writers and thinkers who transmit a lasting wisdom. (Ibid.) The Internet, on the other hand, smashes hierarchy and is not marked by deference. This digital culture is

egalitarian where the young are more accomplished than the old, and there dominates a free-wheeling disrespectful anti-authority disputation. (Ibid.) Thus, a reader must at least already foster personal discipline, and even the proper orientation in order to filter positively what may be useful and avoid superficial surfeading. c) Sense of accomplishment and selfesteem. The fact of gradually collecting books and coming up with a personal library can be very fulfilling. This does not only stand as a testimony of what one has read, but such a feat makes the

readers see themselves as members of a different group. (Ibid.) The net may boast accessible material amounting to many libraries. This, however, can lead one to fall prey to the easy temptation of merely storing and collecting virtually and arbitrarily anything that the net offers for downloading. Sadly, this can be compared to many who store thousands of digital images in their machines and not have the time to collate, select and creatively present their pictures. These points taken up in favor of good

old-fashioned reading dont mean that the Internet has nothing better to offer than superficial information. Brooks says that this will perhaps change. Already, more old-fashioned outposts are opening up across the Web. It could be that the real debate will not be books versus the Internet but how to build an Internet counterculture that will better attract people to serious learning. (Ibid.) In the meantime, lets get the kids to choose some good books and gradually put up their own mini-library which they can share with friends and even one day with their own children.

Photo courtesy of ATM

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People, Facts & Places

POOR parishioners in the Archdiocese of Manila can now avail of free legal services from the Quiapo Churchs newly inaugurated Ministry for Legal Assistance. The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo Church has launched the Ministry for Legal Assistance in time for the celebration of Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio G. Tagles birthday on June 21, also the feast of St. Aloysius Gonzaga. According to Msgr. Jose Clemente Ignacio, Rector of the Minor Basilica, Tagle requested for the setting up of the office as the Churchs response to the needs of the poor who cannot afford the cost of legal services. Expressing gratitude for the special gift on his birthday, the archbishop also thanked the San Beda College of Law for its commitment to offer free legal services. SBC rector, Fr. Aloysius Maranan, OSB, has committed free legal assistance from its law student interns and law faculty alumni to the devotees of the Nazarene and poor parishioners in Manila archdiocese. The top 45 graduating students of the San Beda College of Law as well as the staff and

CBCP Monitor

Vol. 16 No. 14

July 2 - 15, 2012

4 Pinoy archbishops receive pallium in Rome

Quiapo Church launches legal services ministry for poor parishioners

Archbishop Jose Advincula

Archbishop John Du

Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle

Archbishop Romulo Valles

FOUR Filipino archbishops received their pallium from Pope Benedict XVI during a ceremony at the Vatican on June 29. Archbishops Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila, Jose Advincula of Capiz, John Du of Palo and Romulo Valles of Davao were among the 43 archbishops from 23 countries across the world who were conferred the pallium on the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. The papal pallium is a liturgical insignia of the archbishop made of white wool, which symbolizes the office of archbishop, particularly their bond and shared responsibility with the pope to be pastors in their regions. Each year on the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, the pope gives a pallium to newly installed archbishops around the world. Last year, Archbishops Jose Palma of Cebu and Sergio Utleg of Tuguegarao also received the same honor at the Vatican. (Roy Lagarde/CBCPNews)

The parish of St. John the Baptist in Quiapo has made available free legal services to the poor constituents of Manila archdiocese through its newly inaugurated Ministry for Legal Assistance.

volunteers of the Restorative Justice Ministry of Caritas Manila were present at the ministrys launching. Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento, also a member of the Faculty of Law of San Beda College, visited the newly blessed office and likewise committed his free services. He promised to rally other lawyers to contribute time and services to the ministry. Sarmiento, a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1987, was instrumental for the provision in the new consti-

tution which states that free legal assistance is a right of citizens who could not afford to pay for lawyers to defend their rights. The Ministry also called on good hearted lawyers to volunteer time and services for the poor who need legal representation. The ministrys office is located on the third floor of the newly constructed Benedict XVI Building at the Quiapo Church Compound with telephone numbers 733-4945 loc. 318 or 319. (CBCPNews)

Markings
ORDAINED. Rev. Randy Daub will be ordained to the Sacred Order of Priesthood for the Diocese of Kabankalan, together with Rev. Alpi Laberos and Rev. Emmanuel Magno to the Sacred Order of Deacons on July 16, 2012 at the Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral, Kabankalan City. Fr. Daub will be assigned in Little Way College Seminary as Dean of Studies while Rev. Alpi and Rev. Emmanuel will have a six-month diaconal program. Kabankalan Bishop Patricio Abella Buzon, SDB will lead the ordination rites. INSTALLED. Fr. Enrique Pineda as rector of Little Way Seminary; Fr. Sabiniano Pinsoy, Jr., vice-rector; Rev. Randy Daub, Dean of Studies; Fr. Rey Capapas, Spiritual Director and Fr. Robert Sermona, Vocation Director, were installed as new set of seminary professors at the Little Way College Seminary during school year 2012-2013. Most Rev. Patricio Buzon, SDB, DD presided the Mass of the Holy Spirit last June 19 at the Little Way College Seminary Chapel. CELEBRATED. Maryknoll Sister Rosalie LaCorte, from the Diocese of Lipa celebrated her golden jubilee with a Mass of Thanksgiving, June 17, 2012, at the Annunciation Chapel, Maryknoll Sisters Center. Born in Lipa, Sister Rosalie entered Maryknoll on June 1, 1962, and spent her first years as a Maryknoll Sister serving in educational administration at Catholic schools in the Philippines, from 1965-1977. In 1982, she was assigned at the Maryknoll Promotion House in Chicago, USA, followed by another assignment in Musoma, Tanzania. Sister Rosalie served in Tanzania for the next 30 years, working in school administration, with youth and AIDS victims, and in the Communications Department for the Diocese of Musome. She started a program in Tanzania called Tupendane, a Swahili word meaning love one another. The program began as a vocational school, meant to build moral values, self-esteem, and independence for young women, many of whom are AIDS orphans. It later on developed into a cottage industry making cards, beaded jewelry, and clothing, and even coffins for sale. Tupendane allows its young women to make money to support themselves and their families. After 30 years in Tanzania, Sr. Rosalie was recalled to the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Ossining, New York in 2010. CELEBRATED. Maryknoll Sister Teresita Rellosa, from the Diocese of San Pablo, celebrated her golden jubilee with a Thanksgiving Mass, June 17, 2012 at the Annunciation Chapel, Maryknoll Sisters Center. Born in Panguil, Laguna, Sister Teresita entered Maryknoll on June 1, 1962, and spent most of her 50 years with Maryknoll Sisters in the Philippines. She was first assigned to work in Maryknoll Colleges regional offices in Manila, then Baguio City, where she served from 1965-1970. After professing her final vows in 1971, she was sent to Maryknoll High School in Mindanao, where she taught math and served as the school registrar through 1972. After earning her B.S. degree in Education and Math from Centro Escolar University, Rellosa spent few years (1974-1983) as a school teacher and administrator, as well as parish worker in Upi and Quezon City. She was assigned to do pastoral work in the rural communities of Buug and Zamboanga del Sur from 1983-1991. After three years working in the Development Department and Information Services Office at Maryknoll Sisters Center in Ossining, NY, she returned to the Philippines, where she worked as Finance Officer for the Institute of Formation and Religious Studies in Quezon City from 1995-1997. She is presently involved with community and advocacy work in Quezon City, a ministry she has been engaged in since 1998. CELEBRATED. Sr. Emma Garol, Sr. Ma. Irma Rios, Sr. Mary Glenda Sarande and Sr. Anna Yap, silver jubilee of religious profession among the Daughters of St. Paul (FSP), July 1, 2012. Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas presided the Thanksgiving Mass held at the Sanctuary of Queen of Apostles located at 2650 F.B. Harrison Street in Pasay City. Garol, a native of Eastern Samar is currently assigned as a missionary in Australia; while Rios, a native of Cavite, is currently based in Baguio City where she takes charge of the communitys media apostolate and pastoral involvement. Sarande is a native of Davao and presently stationed in South Africa where she serves as a council member of the African delegation. Yap, a Malaysian and currently based in Sabah, is a journalist and works as associate editor of the Kota Kinabalu archdiocesan newspaper, Catholic Sabah. CELEBRATED. Sr. Ma. Rhodora Alarcon and Sr. Ling Gutierrez made their perpetual profession of vows among the Daughters of St. Paul on June 30, 2012. Pasig Bishop Hubert Mylo Vergara presided the 4 pm Thanksgiving Mass held at the Sanctuary of the Queen of Apostles at F.B. Harrison Street in Pasay City. Alarcon is now currently assigned at Paulines Publishing House in Pasay, while Gutierrez is sent to carry out the Pauline apostolate in the local Church of Cebu. CELEBRATED. Sr. Catherine Atithaya Jamoo, Sr. Maria Parichat Jullamonthon, both native of Thailand and Sr. Daisy Lorawati Bondaag from Indonesia, made their first profession of vows among the Daughters of St. Paul on 29 June 2012, Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. The ceremony, attended by the Pauline Sisters, respective families of the newly-professed, friends and benefactors was held at the Divine Master Convent of the Pauline Novitiate House in Lipa City.

Archbishop Cruz named Outstanding Dagupeo 2012

RETIRED Archbishop Oscar Cruz has been named as one of the 2012 Outstanding Dagupeos of the Year. The award was handed out by the city government of Dagupan to recognize people for their outstanding contribution to the community. Fr. Jerry Cera, rector of Mary Help Christians Minor Seminary, accepted the award on behalf of Cruz who was not able to attend the ceremony on June 19 at the Dagupan Auditorium. Cruz served as archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan for almost two decades from July 1991 to September 2009 with dedication, integrity, and pastoral charity. Dagupan City Councilor Marc Brian Lim said they honor Cruz for his commitment to social justice and unwavering crusade for good governance capped by his fight against illegal gambling and other ills plaguing the country. Msgr. Cruzs heroism and sterling achievements as Gods servant and human rights activist made him an ideal recipient of the coveted Agew na Dagupan Award, Lim said. In a video message, the archbishop thanked the officials of Dagupan City for choosing him as one of the 10 recipients of the award. Honest, I am very grateful for the recognition even though I know that there are people who are more deserving than me, Cruz said. I

cannot but appreciate this very kind and very generous gesture. In 2006, Cruz was also named Man of the Year by the Philippine Free Press for his tireless work in trying to save hapless Filipinos from the evil of jueteng, an illegal numbers racket. (CBCPNews)

Filipino Focolare youth to join intl gathering in Budapest

YOUNG members of the Focolare movement in the Philippines are set to join other youth of various nationalities in an international gathering called GenFest from August 31 to September 2 in Budapest. The Filipino youth will join the 10th edition of GenFest, an international gathering aimed to unite Focolare youth from all over the world and from various cultures and ethnic groups to agree on the idea that a united world is an ideal worth living for. According to Ms. Rhoda Agcalao, youth leader of Focolare (Youth for a United World) in the Philippines, close to a hundred Filipino youth are expected to attend the meeting. As of the moment, there are 94 youth who are listed to join the international gathering. But it still depends if our fundraising projects can suffice to send these 94 young people. We still continue to believe in divine providence, Agcalao said. Agcalao added that the 10th edition of GenFest titled Lets bridge has a lot of first time. This is the first time that it took us 12 years to organize the GenFest, the last time was in 2000. This is also first time that our founder, Chiara Lubich cant join us because she died last March 2008. But we are thankful for this is the first time that we have Chiara Luce Badano, a 19-year old gen, [who was] declared blessed last 2010. And lastly, this is the first time that the celebration is not held in Italy, Agcalao said. In their official website www.genfest.org, the group said that Budapest will become the capital of the culture of unity with the sport arena and bridges that tower over the Danube will be the main locations where meetings, displays and shows will take place. The group expects the presence of 12,500 young people from about 100 different nationalities to attend the international gathering which was organized by over 3,000 volunteers from all over the world who have been working for months just to bring the said event ahead. They also emphasized that the event will be an experience of unity that is continually at the basis of every effort that leads to true dialogue and builds deeper relationships. They said the gathering is a chance to exchange and compare ideas for those who see a background rich in challenges in todays world, where there is opportunity for change, where the other is placed at the centre.

FILE PHOTO

Focolare foundress Chiara Lubich talks with thousands of youth participants from all over the world in this 2000 photo of GenFest celebration which coincided with the World Youth Day held in Rome.

Various themes will also be discussed such as economy, art, politics, social problems, dialogue among the different religions, the highest human values and even ecology and communication. All in an international context to involve everyone present to build in the first person, and also together with other through bridges of fraternity, they said. The Youth for a United World of the Focolare Movement was founded by Chiara Lubich in Trent on 1943. Their characteristic is universality where they come from all the five continents and from different ethnicities, nationalities and cultures which belong to various

Christian denominations, different religions and some with no profess religious belief but they all have very high human values. They commit their energies into building a united world, to make humankind more and more into one single family, where the personal identity of every individual is respected. Lubich, their founder, was an Italian activist who died at the age of 88 in Rocca di papa, Italy on March 14, 2008. GenFest started in 1973 in Loppiano, Florence. The last GenFest event was held in 2000 at the Flaminio stadium in Rome coinciding with the World Youth Day celebration. (Jandel Posion)

Intl group taps Youth Commission for possible collaboration

AN international Catholic organization has tapped the Episcopal Commission on Youth of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for possible collaboration and support in developing a new region in Asia Pacific. The International Catholic Conference of Guiding (ICCG) represented by Vicky Cuartas, Executive of the America Latine Region Claire de Beaucorps and Assistant of the ICCG World Committee, will be visiting the Philippines on July 8 to 11 to explore the possibility of developing a new ICCG region in Asia Pacific. In a letter sent to Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon, Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Youth, ICCG together with the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) said it would like to take some opportunity to meet key persons responsible in the Catholic Education systems and other Catholic Institutions in the Philippines to personally introduce their organization. They also wanted to have a courtesy call to the bishop for possible discussions on collaboration and support for their new mission here in the country. ICCG was established by 20 organizations belonging to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) where in the GSP is one of the member organizations of WAGGGS. At the World Council in Rome, ICCG adopted the Catholic Guides Charter which laid down the principle for its work. It was recognized by the Holy See as an International Catholic Organization. GSP was chosen by ICCG to be its partner in doing their mission here in the Philippines. (Jandel Posion)

CSC Genfest 2000

www. quiapochurch.com

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 14
July 2 - 15, 2012

Pastoral Concerns

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(A talk delivered by His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal at the National Marian Conference and Pilgrimage of the Clergy held at St. James Parish Church, June 19-20, 2012)
By Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal
Marys Role in Our Redemption The Gospels gave us three important indications of Marys unique role in our redemption. In the Gospel of Luke, Mary accepted the role of being Mother of God with the words, I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to your word (Lk. 1:38). In the Gospel of John, Mary ushered in the public ministry of Jesus with her order to the servants, Do whatever he tells you (Jn. 2: 5). In the same Gospel, Jesus entrusted his mother to the beloved disciple, and likewise, the beloved disciple to his mother. Each of these incidents can stand on their own to show Mary as unique cooperator in our redemption; all three enlighten each other as to just how unique that role is. In the drama of salvation history, the will of man is always an essential part. Salvation is never an imposition on the part of God, it is always an invitation to accept his love or to reject it. While the gift of salvation is offered to each and every individual person, however, the accomplishment of Gods plan depends in part on the will of a few individuals whose acceptance or non-acceptance will have implications on the objective realization of the same plan. Such was the case of Abraham, who was chosen by God to be the progenitor of his chosen people. Such also was the case of Moses, who was chosen by God to liberate his people from slavery in Egypt. In every case, Gods plan depended on the will of individuals whose freedom he respected in every way but whose vocation he has also determined from the very beginning. The mystery of our redemption is therefore intertwined with the vocation of individuals, and there is no vocation more exalted and more pivotal than that of Mary. She was chosen to be Mother of God. It was through her that the Word became incarnate. Though it could be disputed that her fiat carries the fiat of all humanity, it is indisputable that her fiat made all other fiats possible. Marys assent to the plan of God has priority over that of all other Christians, not only chronologically, but also causally. As Saint Irenaeus says, being obedient, she became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race. Marys fiat is cause of our salvation because the vocation to which she responded positively is precisely the way our salvation is to be attained according to the ineffable wisdom of God. All vocations are destined for the salvation of man. We are called to live Gods will for us and to accomplish his mission for our sake and for the sake of others. Yet, while some vocations have only a local value, Marys vocation has cosmic and universal implications. Thus, the Church has always exalted her special predestination. Says Lumen Gentium of the Second Vatican Council: The predestination of the Blessed Virgin as Mother of God was associated with the incarnation of the divine word (Lumen Gentium, 61). Marys vocation therefore stands at the threshold of all other vocations. It is through her vocation that all other vocations are made possible. It is through her response that we can hear Gods call and respond to it. Marys role in our salvation, however, did not end with the incarnation. Vocation is not just a matter of saying yes or no to Gods plan it is also working so that Gods plan may be fulfilled. Hence, vocation is also a mission. This missionary element in the role of Mary is best exemplified in the wedding at Cana, when Mary apparently hastened the revelation of Jesus as the Messiah. As the Gospel of John recounts, the miracle at Cana was the first of Jesus signs He revealed his glory and his disciples believed in him (Jn. 2:11). In the Magnificat, Mary is the first human proclaimer of the Good News (Cf. Lk. 4:18ff). In the miracle at Cana, Mary no longer speaks as a prophet, she actually points to her son as the fulfillment of the prophecy. Like all the prophets of old who might have called all Israel to listen and obey, Mary also called upon the servants to do whatever he tells you. Yet, in these same words, we again hear of Marys docility to the will of God. Some may see in them a presumption of influence, yet, truly, Mary was actually open to Jesus decision on the matter. She did not bring up the matter to the Lord already presuming what should be done. Instead, she directed the servants to await instructions from her Son, so that what actually happened was Jesus decision alone. In this instance, we see Marys subservience to the Lords own mission. Her vocation may have been indispensable to the plan of salvation, but it was only ancillary to the mission of Christ himself. It was her vocation to be Mother of God, yet she is not God herself. It is her mission to reveal her Son to others, but she is only the proclaimer, not the Word herself. Her subservience, however, is the very condition of her unique cooperation, for it is precisely mans openness to Gods will that the fullness of redemption is attained. In Mary, we see the place of man in the plan of salvation acted out exactly in accordance with Gods will. The uniqueness of her vocation is made more special by the way she responded to it. Her vocation was to be the first disciple, and she lived that vocation to the full. Through her discipleship, many others became disciples. Discipleship is the fullness of our response to Gods offer of salvation. The relationship between Mary and Jesus is highlighted in the incident at the foot of the cross, when Jesus entrusted Mary to the beloved disciple. Mary is the mother of Jesus, but by entrusting her to the beloved disciple, she is made our mother as well. Jesus thus opens up her exclusive filial relationship with Mary to all of us who are his disciples, so that she is truly our mother and we are truly her children, who obey Gods commandments and have in themselves the witness of Jesus (Cf. Rev. 12:17). Marys relationship with Jesus therefore makes possible all other relationship we have of him. It is through our kinship with Mary, as woman and mother, that we are also kindred with Jesus, who was born of woman and also son of the same mother whom we call our own. It is through our kinship with Jesus that we are sons and daughters of God. It is through Marys motherhood that we are kin of Jesus. This kinship is by no means a biological This motherhood of Mary in the order of grace from the consent which she gave in faith at the annunciation, and which she continued to give unhesitatingly at the foot of the cross lasts without interruption until all the elect enter into the eternal fulfillment. When she was taken up into heaven, she did not lay aside this saving role but she continues by her intercession for all to gain for us the gifts of eternal salvation (Lumen Gentium, 62). In summary, Marys role in our redemption is unique, first, because salvation is the universal vocation, and her particular vocation as Mother of God is the key to all other vocations. Second, Marys role is unique because salvation is our response to the proclamation of Jesus as Messiah, and her response of faith makes her the first believer and the first proclaimer. Her discipleshipopensthe door for us to become disciples of her Son. Lastly, Marys role is unique because of her special relationship with the Most Blessed Trinity, especially her relationship with the Second Person. When Jesus entrusted her to us as our mother, she did not cease to be his mother, rather, she becomes our way to Jesus just as through her, the Lord humbled himself to share our humanity (from the Roman Missal). The Priesthood in the Context of Marys Role The priesthood is basically an instrument to effect the redemption wrought for us by Christ in his life, passion, death and resurrection. Through the priesthood, the sacraments are administered to any soul that avails of them. According to St. Leo the Great, the work of Jesus has been passed on to the sacraments. The priest therefore continues the work of the Lord through his leadership of the Christian community, especially when this community makes a public act of worship and celebrates the mystery of Jesus in the liturgy. Mary and the priest therefore stand at opposite poles in the timeline of salvation history with Jesus as the fulcrum. On one hand, you have the Blessed Virgins fiat bringing to realization the plan of God, on the other hand, you have the priests yes to Gods call, continuing the work of Christ. In the middle stands Christ whose obedience to the will of God is historically hinged on Marys yes, and is also historically continued in the yes of every priest.
Photo courtesy of Fr. Melvin Castro

Mary and the Priesthood

one. Yet, to say that it is spiritual falls short of the full reality of that relationship. For it is a relationship forged by the will of Jesus hanging on the cross. It is therefore the wish of a dying man, the last testament that assigns inheritance to his heirs. At the foot of the cross, Mary is entrusted to us, and we are consecrated to her. In every respect, Marys role in our salvation is the work of grace. She was prepared for all generations free from the stain of sin. She was chosen to be Mother of God among all women. She hastened the revelation of Jesus as Messiah and Jesus confirmed her role with his miracle at Cana. She was made mother of us all by the will of her Son. Yet, in all these instances of Gods predilection, the Blessed Virgins salutary influence on men originates not in any inner necessity but in the disposition of God. (Lumen Gentium, 60). This makes her vocation all the more remarkable because it is a free act of God. Lumen Gentium thus recognizes the unique role of Mary in our salvation:

The ministerial role of Mary therefore, that of facilitating the fulfillment of Gods plan in human history, is mirrored in the ministry of the priest. Just as Marys fiat made every priests fiat possible, so is every priests vocation an echo of Marys original fiat. And just as Mary gave flesh to the Second Person of the Trinity, so does the priest, in the celebration of the Eucharist, perpetuate the incarnate presence of Jesus in the world. If Marys vocation does not end with the incarnation of the Lord, but continues in her proclamation of Gods Kingdom through the Magnificat, in her role as mediatrix at Cana and as victim and sacrifice at the foot of the cross, the same is also true of the priesthood. The priest perpetuates the incarnate presence of Christ in the world through the Eucharist. But he is also called to proclaim the Kingdom of God, not only by reading the Gospel and commenting on it in homilies, but by being a true leader of the people who must then lead his flock to the promised land. The task of every priest is not just cultic, but also truly socially transformative, in accordance with the values of the Magnificat. To do this, the priest must himself become victim and sacrifice, for the Kingdom of God must suffer violence from this world in order to establish itself. Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain, but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest. (Jn. 12: 24) It is because the vocation of every priest is an echo of Marys fiat and is a mirror of her own mission that priests must learn to be true sons of Mary. It is from her that they must learn. Like the servants at Cana, they must take seriously her injunction: Do whatever he tells you. And like John at the foot of the cross, they must keep to heart the Lords command: Son, behold your mother. This may be just a theological reflection, but it is confirmed in my long years as a priest. A priest can always rely on Mary as mother if he only develops a loving and intimate relationship with her. I have yet to see a priest, truly in love with the Blessed Mother, and praying the rosary daily, fall in a crisis and never to rise from it. It is through a tender devotion for Mary that a priest grows in his spiritual life, and develops a strong identification with Jesus. St. Catherine Laboure, in her vision of Our Lady in the chapel at Rue du Bach, saw our Lady with many rings in her fingers. And from the rings, there are rays of light streaming. But there were a few rings that did not emit rays. When St. Catherine asked our Lady why some rings did not light up, our Lady replied that the rings represent the graces she can obtain for humanity, but there are graces that humanity does not ask. If only all priests will have recourse to our Lady, and ask for her intercession not only at the hour of their greatest need, but especially when temptations are just beginning to assail them, how quickly could Our Lady have come to their aid. For more than anyone else, it is truly Mary who takes to heart the injunction of her Son: Woman, behold your son.

Photo courtesy of Fr. Melvin Castro

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By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso, J.C.D.
ANY responsible person must at one time or another have asked himself the questions: How does the Church support itself? How do the temples get built and maintained? How do the priests live? In short, granted that the end of the Church is a supernatural and eternal one, the fact is obvious that it has a temporal dimension: it carries out its work in this world, until the end of time, steeped in material realities. Hence, it must have material means to carry out its spiritual work in a material world. The Code of Canon Law dedicates the entire Book V to The Temporal Goods of the Church. Title I of Book V is titled: The Acquisition of Goods. We must distinguish two related aspects of this subject: what is understood as the sources of incomesystems of financing or collection of resourcesand the juridical means or manners of acquiring property in Canon Law, which are all the just means of Natural and Positive Law (cc.1259 and 1290). 1. The Duty of the Faithful to Finance the Needs of the Church A premise in this consideration is the option taken by the Church, so that the faithful contribute in a voluntary basis for the subsidy of the common needs of the ecclesial community. Thus, all allusion to tithes and first-fruits in the old Code of 1917 has disappeared in the new Code. The duty of the faithful to finance the Church can be viewed from two different angles: 1) an obligation of the faithful, as c.222,1 explicitly states that the Christian faithful are obliged to assist with the needs of the Church so that the Church has what is necessary for divine worship, for apostolic works and works of charity and for the decent sustenance of ministers; or 2) an expression of the original fiscal sovereignty of the Church. Notwith standing the option for voluntary contribution, the Church has not renounced its original fiscal sovereignty over the faithful, according to which it can demand proportionate contributions from them. This power (to tax the faithful) remains included in c.1260, and is made possible in c.1263. The Church simply considers it more in accord with tradition, with the present sensibilities, and with the condition of the faithful as childrenmore than subjects, to appeal more to their sense of responsibility. This preference was manifested in the work of codification when the order of cc.1262 and 1263 was reversednot without objectionsin order to make it clear what the ordinary way of getting the faithfuls contribution was (c.1262), without thus excluding the possibility of demanding tributes (c.1263). 2. The Different Ways of Acquiring Temporal Goods: With the above premises, we are left with two general ways of getting income for the ecclesiastical patrimony: voluntary contributions of the faithful, and tributes (taxes). Within these two systems of financing, there are variations and even in-between figures, like quotas. a. Voluntary Offerings. Included in this general concept are all contributions of the faithful of a voluntary naturei.e., those which do not correspond to the fulfillment of a strictly juridical obligation. The general rule regarding these contributions is respect for the will of the donor. This principle of Patrimonial Law is enshrined in c.1267,3, which states that offerings made for a specific end should be destined to that finality. The most common forms of voluntary offerings are the ff: 1) Collections, referred to in c.1262. Their specific characteristic stems from their being a response to a petition of the Church (understood in the wider sense of c.1258i.e., not only the universal Church or the Apostolic See, but also any public juridic person within the Church) to the faithful, for them to collaborate for a concrete end (cf. cc.264,1; 791, 3). They should be carried out according to the norms established by the Episcopal Conference in accordance with c.1262. 2) Petition of Alms (FundRaising). These are made by private persons, whether physical or juridic (even if they be for a public institution). The two written permission required by c.1265,1one from their own ordinary, and another from the local ordinaryare designed to avoid conflicts, abuses and scandals. The Episcopal Conference can give additional norms, which may require the aforementioned permissions even for religious mendicants (exempted in c.1265,1). 3) Spontaneous Offerings (Donations). These are made by the faithful on their own initiative, without any concrete or circumstantial petition. Included in this heading are the alms given by hand which is presumed given to a juridic person when the physical person who receives

Updates

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 14
July 2 - 15, 2012

The Temporal Goods of the Church

the offering represents the juridic person in some way (c.1267,1). The acceptance of the donee is required as an essential element for the consummation of the transaction. This acceptance includes the goods donated, the end, conditions and modal obliga tions attached to the donation as follows (c.1267,2): a) Clean Donations, as a general rule, should be accepted. To reject them in the name of a public entity, a just cause is required, aside from the permission of the Ordinary, according to the value. b) Modal or Conditioned Donations, as a rule, require permission of the Ordinary for their acceptance. 4) Offerings occasioned by Pastoral Services. These correspond to the old right of the stole, and are offerings requested from the faithful, on the occasion of the administration of some sacraments and sacramentals (baptism, funeral, blessing, etc.). These are neither taxes nor a fee for the services received; hence, the expression on the occasion of is used, avoiding others which may convey the meaning of remuneration and much less of purchase of spiritual goods, which would be a case of simony. Consequently, the pastoral service which occasions them cannot be denied to those who may not be able to afford such offeringstotally or partially (cc.848 and 1181), and even

to those who refuse to make them. The CIC establishes the following norms in this regard: a) Fixed amount. The amount is fixed by a meeting of the Bishops of the province (c.1264). This fixed amounts mark the maximum that can and should be asked, the faithful remaining free to give more or less than the said quota. b) Ecclesiastical destinatary. When the pastoral service that occasion these offerings falls under the so-called parochial functions of c.531which will be the common case, these offerings are understood to be made to the parishexcept when the contrary will is explicitand not to the parish priest (as was the case of c.463,3 of the CIC 17). This is true even if the cleric who has carried out the function does not belong to the parish in question. The Bishop should precisely establish the destination of such offerings, and provide for the remuneration of those clerics who carry out parochial functions (cc.531 and 551). c) Fees. These are economic obligations, which must be paid by those who solicit an act of ecclesiastical jurisdiction (e.g., permission, dispensation, process, certification). The nature of such quotas is that of a certain remuneration for the act carried out by the ecclesiastical organization (which must contend with office expenses), for private benefit, even if the

Church will never refuse to carry out such act in favor of those who may not be able to give such quotas, partly or totally. b. Taxes (Tributes). Tributes are financial obligations imposed by the authority upon its subjects, without any specific and direct service to the latter in exchange. In this they differ from offerings and fees. As previously pointed out, the present ecclesiastical law tends to consider this system as a secondaryand in a certain way supplementaryway of financing, when the voluntary offerings do not suffice. This does not mean that the imposition of taxes is not congruent with the social nature of the Church, insofar as such constitute a strictly juridical specification of the general and fundamental obligation of the faithful to support the needs of the Church (c.222,1). Three types of taxes appear in the Code: 1) Ordinary Diocesan Tax: Conceived in c.1263 as a general and stable contribution to the needs of the diocese. It has its immediate antecedent in c.1504 of the Code of 1917. 2) Extraordinary Diocesan Tax: A subsidy foreseen by law for the cases when the diocese finds itself in extreme financial need. Its antecedent is the subsidium caritativum of the c.1505 of the Code of 1917. It is an extraordinary tax, which cannot be constituted stably. 3) Seminary Tax. In addition to

the special collection mentioned in c.1266, the Bishop can impose a tax within the diocese to provide for the needs of the seminary (c.264,1). It is of Tridentine origin, and is the only tax which has passed from the old to the new Code without much variation. a) Passive subjects: All juridic persons (public and private) with foundation in the diocese, regardless of whether or not such juridic persons are subject to the jurisdiction of the Bishop. Thus, a strictly territorial criterion is followed (which is an anachronism). b) Specifics: It must be moderate, according to the real needs of the seminary which are not covered by other sources. As can be seen, all three types of Church taxes have certain common characteristics: 1) Discretionary obligations. They are obligations, the effective imposition of which is left to the discretion of the diocesan Bishop, who should legislate opportunely. 2) General Character. They are of a general character, and cannot be imposed on particular subjects. 3) Diocesan. They are diocesan, their establishment, destination, collection and finality circumscribed within the diocese. 4) Moderate and Proportionate. The tax should be moderate and proportionate to the economic capacity of each passive subject.

Removing the Blessed Sacrament

(Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university, answers the following query:) Q: Under what conditions should the Blessed Sacrament be removed from the church? For example, when a concert or secular event is held in church, or when an ecumenical prayer service is held, should the Blessed Sacrament be removed? J.L., Pittsfield, New Hampshire A: There are several occasions when the Blessed Sacrament should or may be removed from the church. The principal situation when this would take place would be when a concert is held in a church. In 1987 the Congregation for Divine Worship published a declaration on concerts in church (Prot. 1251/87). Although centered on the theme of concerts, this document articulated some principles on the character and purpose of churches which would apply to other situations as well: 5. According to tradition as expressed in the rite for the dedication of a church and altar, churches are primarily places where the people of God gather, and are made one as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are one, and are the Church, the temple of God built with living stones, in which the Father is worshipped in spirit and in truth. Rightly so, from ancient times the name church has been extended to the building in which the Christian community unite to hear the word of God, to pray together, to receive the sacraments, to celebrate the Eucharist and to prolong its celebration in the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (Cf. Order of the Dedication of a Church, ch. II, 1). Churches, however, cannot be considered simply as public places for any kind of meeting. They are sacred places, that is, set apart in a permanent way for divine worship by their dedication and blessing. As visible constructions, churches are signs of the pilgrim Church on earth; they are images that proclaim the heavenly Jerusalem, places in which are actualized the mystery of the communion between man and God. Both in urban areas and in the countryside, the church remains the house of God, and the sign of his dwelling among men. It remains a sacred place, even when no liturgical celebration is taking place. In a society disturbed by noise, especially in big cities, churches are also an oasis where men gather, in silence and in prayer, to seek peace of soul and the light of faith. That will only be possible in so far as churches maintain their specific identity. When churches are used for ends other than those for which they were built, their role as a sign of the Christian mystery is put at risk, with more or less serious harm to the teaching of the faith and to the sensitivity of the People of God, according to the Lords words: My house is a house of prayer (Lk 19:46). The document also indicated some practical directives: 8. The regulation of the use of churches is stipulated by canon 1210 of the Code of Canon Law: In a sacred place only those things are to be permitted which serve to exercise or promote worship, piety and religion. Anything out of harmony with the holiness the place is forbidden. The Ordinary may, however, for individual cases, permit other uses, provided they are not contrary to the sacred character of the place. The principle that the use of the church must not offend the sacredness of the place determines the criteria by which the doors of a church may be opened to a concert of sacred or religious music, as also the concomitant exclusion of every other type of music. The most beautiful symphonic music, for example, is not in itself of religious character. The definition of sacred or religious music depends explicitly on the original intended use of the musical pieces or songs, and likewise on their content. It is not legitimate to provide for the execution in the church of music which is not of religious inspiration and which was composed with a view to performance in a certain precise secular context, irrespective of whether the music would be judged classical or contemporary, of high quality or of a popular nature. On the one hand, such performances would not respect the sacred character of the church, and on the other, would result in the music being performed in an unfitting context. It pertains to the ecclesiastical authority to exercise without constraint its governance of sacred places (Cf. canon 1213), and hence to regulate the use of churches in such a way as to safeguard their sacred character. 9. Sacred music, that is to say music which was composed for the Liturgy, but which for various reasons can no longer be performed during a liturgical celebration, and religious music, that is to say music inspired by the text of sacred scripture or the Liturgy and which has reference to God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, to the saints or to the Church, may both find a place in the church building, but outside liturgical celebration. The playing of the organ or other musical performance, whether vocal or instrumental, may: serve to promote piety or religion. In particular they may: a. prepare for the major liturgical feasts, or lend to these a more festive character beyond the moment of actual celebration; b. bring out the particular character of the different liturgical seasons; c. create in churches a setting of beauty conducive to meditation, so as to arouse even in those who are distant from the Church an openness to spiritual values; d. create a context which favors and makes accessible the proclamation of Gods word, as for example, a sustained reading of the Gospel; e. keep alive the treasures of Church music which must not be lost; musical pieces and songs composed for the Liturgy but which cannot in any way be conveniently incorporated into liturgical celebrations in modern times; spiritual music, such as oratorios and religious cantatas which can still serve as vehicles for spiritual communication; f. assist visitors and tourists to grasp more fully the sacred character of a church, by means of organ concerts at prearranged times. 10. When the proposal is made that there should be a concert in a church, the Ordinary is to grant the permission per modum actus. These concerts should be occasional events. This excludes permission for a series of concerts, for example, in the case of a festival or a cycle of concerts. When the Ordinary considers it to be necessary, he can, in the conditions foreseen in the Code of Canon Law (can. 1222, para. 2) designate a church that is no longer used for divine service, to be an auditorium for the performance of sacred or religious music, and also of music not specifically religious but in keeping with the character of the place. In this task the bishop should be assisted by the diocesan commission for Liturgy and sacred music. In order that the sacred character of a church be conserved in the matter of concerts, the Ordinary can specify that: a. Requests are to be made in writing, in good time, indicating the date and time of the proposed concert, the program, giving the works and the names of the composers. b. After having received the authorization of the Ordinary, the rectors and parish priests of the churches should arrange details with the choir and orchestra so that the requisite norms are observed. c. Entrance to the church must be without payment and open to all. d. The performers and the audience must be dressed in a manner which is fitting to the sacred character of the place. e. The musicians and the singers
Removing / B5

Roy Lagarde / CBCPMedia

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 14
July 2 - 15, 2012

Year of Missions

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Pontifical society calls more support for mission work

THE Philippines Pontifical Mission Society urged Filipino Catholics to celebrate, support and promote the works of the Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle as the Church observed St. Peter the Apostle Sunday on July 1. The Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle (POSPA), one of the four Pontifical Mission Societies, was founded by Ms. Jeanne Bigard and her mother Stephanie in 1895 in Caen, France. Both believed that the effort of missionaries in mission lands will be useless unless there will be local priests who will continue their work. With this idea, they started a movement with the aim to support for the formation of local clergy in mission territories and in 1920, it came under the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith by the order of Pope Benedict XV. Pope Pius XI was the one who declared it a Pontifical in the year 1922, said Fr. Socrates Mesiona, PMS National director. POSPAs main work is related to the formation of the local clergy and has two main tasks to carry out which are: providing yearly subsidies to major, propaedeutic, and minor seminaries in the mission lands, in order to contribute to the maintenance of the seminarians; and constructing, enlarging and refurbishing these seminaries. Mesiona estimated that in a year, POSPA would be able to finance 884 seminaries, 291 of which are major, 91 propaedeutic, and 502 minor. These seminaries have a total of 72,682 seminarians, 27,829 of which are major; 3,198 propaedeutic; and 41,655 minor. Mesiona further explained that many major seminaries in the Philippines have already been recipients of support from POSPA for many years. It could be that some priests were able to finish their studies in the seminary with help from the pontifical society and possibly without them knowing it, he said. Aside from supporting seminaries financially, the society is also concerned in the formation of local religious communities as the Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle contributes in financially assisting first year male and female novices or providing extraordinary subsidies in one single sum for the promotion of vocational activities or the maintenance of seminaries. Mesiona said the Philippine Church allots the Sunday nearest to the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul as a special day for POSPA. A special collection [is held] in all masses during St. Peter the Apostle Sunday and the money collected [goes] to the Solidarity Fund of the Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle for its entire subject, he added. The Pontifical Mission Societies in the Philippines is located at 824 Don Quijote St., Sampaloc, Manila. (Jandel Posion)

Fr. Socrates Mesiona, MSP, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies-Philippines poses with the seminarian-participants from St. Joseph Seminary in the Diocese of Dumaguete after his talk on the spirituality of foundress Jean Bigard of the Society of St. Peter the Apostle.

Mission awareness highlighted in nuns assembly

MORE than a hundred nuns from the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena (OPSiena) had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge on the ongoing celebration of the Year of Missions during their annual growth seminar for all Superiors and Administrators of the congregation last June 25 to 29. Themed Rule of Law: Our Guide to Freedom, the national assembly, which highlighted the importance of mission for the year 2012, gathered OPSiena Leaders from various communities in Northern and Southern Philippines at the Mother Francisca Spirituality Center in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. According to Sr. Rosa Go, OP, director for continuing formation of the Dominican Sisters, since it is the Year of Mission, the assembly was opportune time for all the OP-Siena Leaders to get a better understanding of the different Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), their roles and services in the Church and how the schools under the sisters can participate in the promotion of mission among the students. Fr. Socrates Mesiona, MSP, national director of PMS discussed the celebration of the Year of Pontifical Mission clarifying that PMS is not a religious congregation but is a Church office with the role of promoting mission among Catholics. Mesiona also discussed the four Pontifical Societies namely the Propagation of the Faith, St. Peter the Apostle, Holy Childhood and Missionary Union which constitute the important foundations of PMS. The PMS director explained the common purpose of the four societies which is fostering a universal missionary spirit among the People of God. He also invited the Sisters to establish these Societies in the OP-Siena schools as a way of promoting consciousness on the important of missionary activities of the Church among the staff and students and contributing to its vision-mission. Go said the participants were enlightened and inspired by the mission talk. It was definitely not only informative but a very enlightening and inspiring. We were grateful for the opportunity to get to know PMS better. Surely, when the sisters go back to their respective assigned places, they will be bringing the good news of mission, she said further. Most of those who attended the conference were superiors and school heads in their communities and schools. (Jandel Posion)

Fr. Socrates Mesiona, MSP, together with the nun-participants from the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena after his mission talk.

(Lifted from the book of Fr. Ildebrando Jesus Alio Leyson titled Pedro Calonsor Bissaya: Prospects of a Teenage Filipino)
Through storms and an earthquake The San Diego left the port of Cavite and sailed slowly down south-east towards the Northern waters of the Visayas, passing between the islands of Mindoro and Marinduque, then between Burias and Masbate, and then between Ticao and Sorsogon. Did not Pedro Calungsods heart miss a beat as it sighed with natives natural pride: Home is somewhere over there!? On 27 August, the ship passed through the celebrated but treacherous embocadero, the San Bernardino Strait, right above the Visayan Island of Samar. Then, it sailed into the vast blue Ocean while the silent peaks of Ibabao (Samar) slowly faded away and finally disappeared in the horizon behind. That was the last time Pedro Calungsod ever saw his beloved Philippines. The passage across the Pacific was a fortunate one in that it was accomplished in five months instead of the usual eight or twelve. None of those who sailed had any serious misfortune; all arrived at Acapulco safe and well. There was not lacking, however, the usual amount of illness, and nor was the passage accomplished without storms. There was Mass everyday even in the worst weather. The ship encountered one particularly severe storm in which the winds and the sea appeared to have agreed upon the destruction of the San Diego, which rolled and tossed, now high in the crest of a wave, now at the bottom of an abyss. The members of the expedition believed each plunge would carry the ship of the bottom, and all gave themselves up for lost. Padre Diego, seeing that the crew wanted to cut loose the main mast, counseled them saying that the winds were nothing but demons and that soon they would be calmed. Which was true, for within two hours the weather improved and the ship resumed its normal course. The San Diego arrived in Acapulco on 6 January 1668. Pedro Diego had to go personally to Mexico City to ask for the needed sum of money for the mission from the Viceroy, the Marques De Mansera, and from the Audiencia of Mexico which at that time had jurisdiction over the Philippines. The reply was a flat no: the treasury lacked funds and, and in any case, Mexicos Viceroy had received no official instructions from the King to grant the needed money to Padre Diego. The poor priest had to return several times to plead before the Viceroy until a coincidence occurred which was interpreted as a divine intervention. An earthquake struck Mexico City. The Viceroy met hastily the next day with the Audiencia even though it was Sunday and they all immediately pledged money to Padre Diego. Other citizens of the city then donated additional funds as well as jewels, clothing for the natives of the Ladrones and furnishings for the Churches to be built in the Mission. Off to the mission land The months passed. On 23 March 1668, Padre Diego and companions left Acapulco with the San Diego for the Ladrones. Their stopover in Acapulco earned them not only some material goods for the Mission but also more lay volunteer missionaries. Moreover, at that moment, there were on Acapulco some nine Jesuits from Spain who were heading for their new assignment in the Philippines. Being so few, those Jesuits decided to hitchhike on the San Diego which was going to proceed to the Philippines from the Ladrones. Padre Diego had brought from Manila an order from the Father Provincial of the Society of Jesus, giving him the right to choose from among those nine Jesuits the ones whom he wished to have with him in the Ladrones. Of those confreres of his, Padre Diego chose four. The days of the voyage were not meant for idle fun. Pedro Calungsod and the rest of the missionaries were busy learning Chamorro, the language of the people they were about to evangelize, from those Filipino survivors from the Ladrones. Padre Diego himself was also busy preparing a Grammar and Catechism in Chamorro with the help of his Tagalog interpreter. The Grammar first discussed the letters and syllables together with their equivalent or similar sounds in Spanish. When no counterpart was to be found in standard Castilian, Pedro Diego resorted to parallels in Tagalog and once to Andalusian Spanish. The schema of the Grammar was the traditional classical division according to parts of speech. The Catechism served a double purpose: to exemplify and illustrate the Grammar and at the same time to furnish each of the missionaries-Jesuit and lay catechist alike-with not only a handy ritual and manual of prayers, but also with a practical phrase book and conversational guide. After the more usual greetings are set down, the formulas for interrogating catechumens are indicated, followed by the Sign of the Cross, the Profession of Faith, the Ten Commandments, prayers and oblation, the Our Father and the Hail Mary. Where native words In the morning of Friday, 15 June 1668, eighty-nine days out of Acapulco, the welcome cry, Tierra! Tierra!, rang out from a crewman as Mass was being celebrated aboard the ship. Soon Guam, one of the Ladrones Islands, was sighted. The San Diego approached the northern end of the Island and turned left towards its western coast, cruising cautiously in safe deep water outside low reefs marked by moderate surf. Among the reefs lining the entire coast were shallow lagoons, each from about fifty to several hundred yards across, their shores lined by narrow, palm-fringed white sand beaches. Behind the beaches were a series of flat enclaves a mile (1.609) to several miles in width and up to a half mile (.8045 km) deep. Each enclave ended against steep, jungle-clad slopes or rocky, reddish-grey cliffs that led up to a limestone plateau. That broad, flat plateau formed the northern half of Guam. Every enclave contained lush green coconut groves and freshwater springs or small streams that flowed out of the limestone plateau above. Each enclave also held villages of the natives. Ahead, still down Guams north-western coast, the missionaries could see a number of rocky points between enclaves, and a large point of land-a peninsula-jutting out nearly five miles (8.045 km) due west. Mountains, green with grasscovered summits and heavy jungle on their lower slopes, stood in the south beyond the peninsula. In the afternoon, several islanders, both men and women, on dozen of proas surrounded the San Diego for
en.wikipedia.org

Pedro Calungsod: A mission for a Vertueux Catechiste

Photo courtesy of PMS

were not at hand, or might be open to misunderstanding, Spanish is employed; yet such are relatively few. Conscious of the need to adapt the style of the Catechism to the circumstances of the natives, Padre Diego repeatedly insisted upon its provisional character in his text.

Pedro / B7

Photo courtesy of PMS

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(A talk delivered by Most Rev. Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Archbishop of Manila, during the 50th International Eucharistic Congress held in Dublin, Ireland; June 10-17, 2012.)
By Archbishop Luis Antonio G. Tagle
THE 50th International Eucharistic Congress has been providing us with a wealth of reflection on The Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with one another. Having explored communion in baptism, in marriage and family, in the priestly ministry, in reconciliation and in suffering and healing, we now turn to communion in the Word through Mary. Allow me to develop this fascinating theme in two parts. In the first section I will dwell on communion in the Word of God, and in the second I will meditate on Marys experience of communion in the Word as a model for the Church. Part I. Communion in the Word of God How will we approach this topic? It might help to turn to ordinary human experience. One common way of establishing a connection with another human being is through conversation or dialogue. This occurs so often that we seldom notice its significance. Take a person who sees a good movie, excitedly shares it with a friend, who in turn goes to the cinema to watch it due to the friends satisfying experience. Then they spend hours talking about the film, digressing many times to the stories of their lives. Or take another person whose marriage is falling apart, calls up a friend who becomes equally distressed after listening intently. Then they spend hours talking about the sorrows of life, finding hope in each others presence. We now see that human communion ordinarily happens when someone begins to tell a story to another person who listens, enters the experience, and makes it ones own. In the exchange that follows, their roles shift and alternate: the one who narrates also listens, the one who listens spontaneously narrates. Two persons and their unique worlds meet in a unity that goes beyond them. This simple process called communion in the word is at the heart of the mystery and mission of the Church. St. John vividly portrays it in his first letter (1:1-4): What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of lifefor the life was made visible; we have seen it and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible to uswhat we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have communion with us; for our communion is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing this so that our joy may be complete. Human communion. What St. John is describing is similar to the ordinary experiences of communion between two or more human beings we mentioned earlier. But St. Johns account involves a special person, called an apostle who proclaims a special word to a listener. Their converse blossoms into communion with each other, which in reality is their communion with the Father and with Jesus Christ, the Word made visible in the flesh. What a great mystery unfolding in a quite ordinary human experience! Let us delve deeper into this beautiful text. What word does the apostle share with his listener? It is the Word of life, present with the Father and made visible. The word that the apostle proclaims is Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. Simply put, the apostles word is Jesus Christ. We can see it plainly in the New Testament. After Pentecost, Peter proclaimed to his hearers the person of Jesus the Nazorean sent by God, crucified but whom God raised from the dead, making him Lord and Messiah (Acts 2:22-24, 36). Peter declared that salvation comes to us in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:12). But let us not forget that Peter was able to proclaim Jesus because he had heard, seen and touched Jesus. Another great apostle, Paul tirelessly spoke of nothing but Jesus Christ. Not being a member of the Twelve, he nevertheless was graced by a special revelation from the Risen Lord that changed his life radically (Acts 9:1-19). But he received his knowledge about the earthly life and ministry of Jesus from others who had spoken to him about Jesus. In I Corinthians, he said, For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received (1 Cor. 15:3). His encounter with the living Lord and the story of Jesus transmitted to him have equipped him to proclaim Him as the Messiah and Lord. In a nutshell, the apostle proclaims the person of Jesus Christ, the story of his ministry, preaching and healing centred on the Reign of God. He narrates how people rejected and crucified Him and how God raised Him from death. At His resurrection, Jesus was revealed as the Anointed One of God, indeed, the divine Son of God continues to cry out to God with the suffering victims, My God, my God why have you forsaken me? My brothers and sisters please do not say we have not seen, heard, looked upon and touched Jesus. Yes, we have. If only we could listen to Him more attentively, we will have stories of Jesus to tell. Communion with Christ and the Father. St. John claims that the human communion between the messenger and listener centred on the Word of life is not merely a human transaction. It is at the same time their communion with Jesus Christ and with the Father. In other words, this quite ordinary human togetherness has a transcendent dimension. We already said that the word proclaimed by the apostle is not only a historical fact that could be verified by scientific methods but also an experience of the mystery of the Word of God made flesh and who now lives eternally with the Father. Where two or three are in communion with each other on account of Jesus, He is in their midst. This is not just a while neglecting the weak, you do not call that communion; that is oppression! When so-called enterprising persons deal with each other on how women and children could be profitable merchandise, you do not call that communion; that is slavery! When communion consists in Jesus who is the Word of Life then the common good becomes central. And that is pleasing to Gods eyes. To close this section, let me tell you a story. On my way back to the Philippines from one of my trips to Rome, I had a lay-over of more than three hours in an airport. To while away the time, I went around looking for a coffee bar. I found one, placed my order and paid. This is a normal human transaction, so I thought. The man who handed the coffee and the receipt asked, Are you a priest? A bit surprised, I said, Yes. Then the next question, Are you a Filipino? Now truly amused, I smiled and said, Yes. He turned to one corner of the store, and while waving to some people hidden from This child will be holy, the Son of God. She who is a virgin will conceive by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. His name shall be Jesus, for God saves. The angel proclaims to Mary a word about the Son of God. She listens intelligently, accepts in faith and utters her word, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word! This is a singular moment of communion between God and Mary. By calling herself the handmaid of the Lord, she does not debase herself but accepts the grace of being part of Gods saving action. She speaks in union with her people Israel in welcoming the Messiah that they have been pining for. Mary becomes Daughter Zion, the Ark of the New Covenant, by her communion with God in the Word. By being in communion with the Word, the Church like Mary will actively promote Gods saving plan in the world not advancing its own projects but the will of God. B. Let us now follow Mary silence. Gazing upon the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, she nurtures her communion in the Word through silence. By being in communion with the Word, the Church like Mary will gladly listen to the lowly and the poor with reverential silence, listening to God speaking through them. D. With Marys ritual purification over, it is now time to present the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:22-38). God sends another poor man to utter a word about Jesus to Mary and Joseph Simeon, filled with the Holy Spirit. With him is Anna a poor widow. Like the many poor people of Israel, they search for freedom and joy in the promised Messiah. They recognize the Child. Simeon tells his parents that he is salvation (his name is Jesus), a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for Israel. In this Child the nations of the world and Israel will be gathered in communion. But he will also be a sign to be contradicted, destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel. Mary and Joseph are amazed at these words. She comes to the Temple to offer to God no less than what God has given her, namely Gods Son who is her son. But the news of joy from Simeon is coupled with the disturbing word of contradiction that will not spare Mary for she will be pierced by a sword. What is this sword? It is the Word of God, living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword penetrating even between soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12). The sword is Jesus, the Word of God. She is the mother of the One who will bear the cross. Mary listens, accepts and responds in amazement. She goes home to Nazareth where the Child grows in wisdom and grace. She nurtures Jesus her son, who will brings her both joy and sorrow. By being in communion with the Word, the Church like Mary will proclaim Jesus in season or out of season, whether accepted or rejected, joyful with Him, sorrowful with Him (2 Timothy 4:2). At this point, a shift occurs. From now on, the messenger who will speak to Mary about Jesus is Jesus Himself. E. The scene is the annual Passover Feast. The family joins many pilgrims to Jerusalem. The boy Jesus is twelve years old (Luke 2:41-52). After completing their duties in the festivities and offering of sacrifice, Mary and Joseph return to Nazareth but Jesus stays behind unknown to them. After three days of searching, they find him in the temple, listening to the teachers and asking them questions. Mary asks the boy why he did it to her and his father, to which he responds, Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Fathers house? Mother now listens to the stunning word of her Son. Who is this boy? she must be asking. Maybe thoughts like these cross her mind: Sitting with the teachers in his Fathers house, Jesus will surely fulfil the Law and the Prophets. Seeing the blood of the animals offered in his Fathers house, he knows that the sacrifice of a pure heart is more pleasing to the Father than burnt offerings of animals. Mary listens and accepts Jesus enigmatic word to her, even if she does not understand. As before, she keeps all these things in her heart. In that immaculate heart overflowing with faith she knows that one day her Son will disappear again. She knows that her heart will be pierced when that day comes. She knows that she will see him again after three days. She knows her heart will rejoice on that blessed third day. By being in communion with the Word, the Church like Mary will look for Jesus among the lost, wounded, tired and abandoned and lead them with rejoicing to the Fathers house. F. Let us now turn to the public of ministry of Jesus. The wedding at Cana is the site of his first sign (John 2:1-12). Mary tells Jesus that they have run short of wine. He utters a word to his mother that unsettles us, Woman, how does your
Communion / B7

Communion in the Word through Mary

Features

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 14
July 2 - 15, 2012

who exercises full dominion over the world and its future. Whether it is Peter, Paul, Stephen, Philip or Mary of Magdala, the joyful story told is that of Jesus Christ and the destiny of the world in Him who is Divine Saviour and Messiah. We must note that the apostle renders an objective account concerning Jesus. But he can hand on facts about Jesus because he has experienced Him personally. He has heard, seen, looked upon and touched Jesus. Thus an apostles familiarity with Jesus enables him to be the source of a historical proclamation about Him. Here the objective and the subjective, the factual and the personal meet. Those who have listened to Jesus can tell this story to others in a credible way. Then their listeners accept Jesus into their dreams, joys, pains, hopes, frustrations, questions and wisdoms. They bring all these that comprise their worlds as they listen towards communion. You might say, Well and good for the original companions of Jesus. They saw Him firsthand. But how can we who are separated from Jesus by centuries talk meaningfully about Him? Let us not forget that Jesus is alive. He is truly raised from the dead! He is with us now. He rules the world. He continues to visit the homes of many Marthas and Marys of our time to enjoy a restful meal. He continues to weep at our tombs the way he did at the tomb of Lazarus his friend. He continues to quietly call on the Zacchaeuses of our age to pay back what they have stolen. He continues to have compassion for widows who carry their children to the grave. He continues to see the hungry crowds and asks us to feed them with our five loaves and two fish. He continues to welcome the weary and heavy burdened to find rest in Him. He

sociological fact. We believe that this communion with Christ is the action of the Holy Spirit who teaches and reminds us of all that Jesus taught (Jn 14:26). The same Holy Spirit enables us to confess, Jesus is Lord (1 Cor 12:3). The Spirit assimilates us with Jesus Christ so that as children in the Son we can also cry out, Abba, Father (Romans 8:14-15). Now it is clear that communion with Jesus in the Holy Spirit brings about communion with the Father. Jesus reveals the Father to us so that whoever sees Him sees the Father also (Jn 8:9). As the Way (Jn 14:6), Jesus gives us access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18) and to the Fathers house where he prepares a place for us (Jn 14:2-3). What a marvelous communion in the Word that gives us weak and sinful human beings a participation in the eternal communion of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! This is the mystery of the Church celebrated in the Eucharist where the Word proclaimed and received is the same Word become flesh eaten as the Bread of life. Communion in the Word, experienced at every Eucharist is one contribution of the Church to the building up of a world of unity and peace. We see in our time so much exchange of words happening at high speed and across national boundaries. But unfortunately the world is as divided as ever. Why is communion not achieved in spite of the exchange of words? Because Jesus is not the word they share and receive. When financial wizards talk about ways of manipulating the economy for their own profit, you do not call that communion; that is corruption! When politicians talk to people about grand promises without intending to fulfil them, you do not call that communion; that is cheating! When the powerful negotiate among themselves

my sight, said, He is the one! Come! A group of Filipinos working in that airport came rushing to me. They said that they followed on You Tube or Facebook my weekly reflections on the readings for Sunday mass shown on television, titled The Word Exposed. Due to their irregular work schedule, they could not always be present at mass. Through the Word they experience some form of communion with Jesus, they said. One woman commented, Through your stories, we feel united with our families back home. How we miss them! Communion in the Word can happen on-line and in unexpected places. We shared our stories until my coffee turned cold. Part II. Communion in the Word through Mary The Blessed Virgin Mary experienced communion in the Word in an utterly unique way. As a listener to and the bearer of the Word made flesh, she is the model and teacher for the Church. Let us contemplate her Immaculate Heart, where she guarded and pondered the mystery of the Word. In her journey of faith, Mary initially received proclamations about Jesus, the Word of God who will become her son in the flesh. God sent messengers or apostles to her. From them she heard about her Son. A. In the annunciation (Luke 1:26-28), the angel Gabriel sent by God proclaims a word to Mary. The very greeting, Rejoice! signals that a special moment is about to happen to Mary and her people Israel that awaits the promised Messiah. Gabriel tells Mary that she will bear a son. But who is this child? In the words of the angel, Mary learns that her son will be great for he is the Son of the Most High, the Son of David who will rule forever.

as she visits her kinswoman Elizabeth, known to be barren but who is now with child (Luke 1:39-56). Filled with Holy Spirit, Elizabeth tells Mary that the fruit of her womb is the Lord. She is the bearer of the Lord! As David danced before the Ark of the Covenant, now the baby in Elizabeths womb dances before the Ark of the New Covenant. Mary listens, accepts and utters her word, a song in praise of the merciful God, the immortal Magnificat. She sings of Gods mercy in her life and through her, in the life of the poor and the oppressed of Israel. In her prayer she gives voice again to Sarah, Leah and Judith. In her song, we hear Miriam, Deborah and Hanna singing once more. Accepting the revelation about her son through Elizabeth, Mary becomes the mother of grace and hope for the poor. By being in communion with the Word, the Church like Mary will be the companion of the poor so that they could recover their voice and sing for joy. C. Then the time for Mary to give birth to her Son comes (Luke 2:1-20). They are in Bethlehem, the city of David. The Son of the Most High God is born in a manger. God sends messengers to tell Mary about her Son; they are the lowly shepherds. An angel that appeared to them at their night watch said that a Savior who is Messiah and Lord was born in Bethlehem. This birth would be news of joy to all the people. Indeed a multitude of heavenly host appeared to them in joyful praise of God. Mary, with Joseph by her side, listens, accepts and responds in silence. What mother would not be rendered speechless by such a report about her son? Amazed like the rest who hear the story of the shepherds she keeps all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. The most meaningful word is uttered in

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CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 14
July 2 - 15, 2012

Holy See Statement at the Rio+20

(Full text of the intervention of the Holy See Delegation at the Rio+20 delivered on June 22, 2012 by the Popes special envoy, Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Statements

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Statement against the Reproductive Health Bills

The University of the Philippines Student Catholic Action AS both houses of the Philippine Congress convene for the resumption of sessions, our 75 years of undaunted vigilance as THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES STUDENT CATHOLIC ACTION calls us to proclaim and defend the values attacked by the Reproductive Health Bill in its various facets. WE CALL FOR TRUTH. Let the fiction of Reproductive Health needs be exposed for the fabrication that it is. Let there be an end to the safe sex myth that covers up the harms caused by contraceptives, ranging from carcinogenic to abortifacient effects. Let the underlying fear-mongering due to the population explosion hoax be stopped. Let the scientific, medical, economic, demographic, and constitutional factsthat life begins at conception, that our population size is an asset, that our state enshrines protection of the unborn, that not people but corruption and improper government priorities are the main causes of our economic problemsbring finality once and for all to the verbal engineering used to decorate the redundant population control deception. WE CALL FOR FREEDOM. Let the liberty that is enshrined in the constitution and which is fundamental in every human being be respected and protected. Let parents have, by virtue of their being proper guardians, the primary and decisive role in the formation of their children, free from unwanted intrusion of sex agendas integrated in school formation by the state. Let couples be not constrained from receiving marriage licenses shall they not comply with reception of contraceptive instruction that may be against their personal beliefs. Let homes decide and not be meddled with in determining their ideal family size. Let schools, especially the religious ones, be not compelled to teach mandatory contraceptive education to students. Let medical practitioners, in line with their conscience and promises declared in the Hippocratic Oath, be not coerced into performing or prescribing contraceptive procedures which may result to medical complications of patients. Let employers be not burdened, even if un-willfully, with entitling their employees with contraceptive services. Let the state, rather than penalizing with imprisonments and fines and crippling the rights of its citizens be guided by the Principle of Subsidiarity, and not usurp powers and judgments rightfully delegated to parents, students, couples, families, schools, employers, and healthcare practitioners. WE CALL FOR JUSTICE. Let human rights be guaranteed for all people, especially the most small, the helpless, and the very youngfor that a human being is the size of a pinprick does not take away his or her humanity, and never would be a justification for the injustice of abortifacient murder of most innocent lives. Let distributive justice guide the proper appropriation of resources where such is most needed education, agricultural reform, employment generation, healthand not for the mere satisfaction of lust through contraceptives which are after all widely available. WE CALL FOR LOVE. Let us look at the Filipino as a person of potential and not as a population problem. Let us see every offspring as a blessing to be nurtured and not exterminated. Let us reclaim the sexual faculty for its beautiful nature of procreation and union, and not of mere recreation, that is perverted by the contraceptive culture of the misnomer safe or protective intercourse. As members of UP STUDENT CATHOLIC ACTION DILIMAN we irrevocably stand for the ultimate foundation of Human Rightsthat is the Truth that men are created in the image and likeness of the Almighty. We pray that this dignity be upheld and be not compromised for the sake of purported economic development. May Love propel us to the realization that through safeguarding Life and Freedom, we practice the virtue of Justice both to ourselves and to our fellowmen. Urged on by the beacons of Truth, Freedom, Justice, and Love, we call for the immediate disposal of the Reproductive Health Bills and the prioritization of the pro-life bills HB 19 of Rep. Roilo Golez titled An Act Providing for the Safety and Protection of the Unborn Child, SB 2497 of Sen. Juan Ponce-Enrile titled Protection of the Unborn Child Act, and HB 3667 of Rep. Amado Bagatsing titled New Anti-Abortion Act of 2010. Let us not compromise Life and Human Dignity with undaunted liberalism, unsound freethinking, and unbridled modernization. NO TO RH BILL! EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL HUMAN BEINGS!
www.youthpolicy.org

MADAME President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, My delegation warmly thanks the Government of Brazil for hosting this important Conference on sustainable development, expresses gratitude to the people of Brazil for their warm hospitality, and is pleased to participate in this timely gathering of representatives of the international community meeting at this significant juncture in human history. Now is the opportune time to address the many threats to the human family and its earthly home posed by the persisting injustice of hunger, poverty and underdevelopment which continue to plague our societies. It is the firm hope of the Holy See that this opportunity may provide the occasion at last to set aside the hermeneutic of suspicion underpinning partisan self-interest and protectionism in favor of a true solidarity between us, especially with the poor. This is the time to commit ourselves to a more just distribution of the abundant goods of this world and to the pursuit of a more integral development which corresponds to the dignity of every human being. For the Holy See, this requires above all maintaining the proper relation of the means to its end. Standing at the centre of the created world is the human person and, therefore, also at the centre of sustainable development, as affirmed by the First Rio Principle. Each individual human life, from conception until natural death, is of equal value and dignity. Any new model of development, such as the green economy, must be anchored in and permeated by those principles which are the basis for the effective promotion of human dignity, namely: responsibility, even when changes must be made to patterns of production and consumption; promoting and sharing in the common good; access to primary goods including such essential and fundamental goods as nutrition, health, education, security and peace; solidarity of a universal scope, capable of recognizing the unity of the human family; protection of creation linked to inter-generational equity; the universal destination of goods and the fruits of human enterprise; and the accompanying principle of subsidiarity, which permits public authorities at all levels to operate in an efficacious manner for the uplifting of each and every person and community.
Removing / B2

This is all the more marked in international relations where application of these principles between and within states favors an appropriate transfer of technology, the promotion of a global commercial system that is inclusive and fair, as well as respect for obligations in aid-for-development and the determination of new and innovative financial instruments which place human dignity, the common good, and the safeguarding of the environment at the centre of economic activity. The unique and fundamental role of the familywhich the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares the fundamental group-unit of society - deserves special mention here because education and development begins in the family, where all these principles are transmitted to and

The right to water, the right to food, the right to health and the right to education are intrinsically linked to the right to life and to the right to development.
assimilated by future generations so that their members assume their proper responsibility in society. The right to water, the right to food, the right to health and the right to education are intrinsically linked to the right to life and to the right to development. Therefore, we must be bold in affirming them, and equally resolved to safeguard the evident reality that these rights are at the service of the human person. The risk of obscuring this correct relationship seems particularly to be the case in the right to health, where the promotion of a conception of health can be observed that profoundly menaces the dignity of the human person. Imposing death upon the most vulnerable human livesnamely, those in the safest sanctuary of their mothers wombscannot conceivably be brought

under the nomenclature of health-care or simply health. This performs no true service to authentic human development or its true appreciation; indeed it constitutes the greatest violation of human dignity and unjustifiable disservice because development, at all stages of life, is at the service of human life. Madame President, The ongoing economic and financial crisis has risked undermining the great progress made in recent decades in technological and scientific development. Engaging such problems honestly and courageously will challenge the international community to a renewed and deepened reflection on the meaning of the economy and its purposes, as well as a renewal of models of development which will not allow the why of development to be overwhelmed by the urgent how of technological solutions. This examination must include not merely the economic or ecological state of health of the planet, but must also require taking stock of the moral and cultural crisis, the symptoms of which are now evident in all parts of the world. This is undoubtedly a complex challenge to confront, but the Holy See stresses the importance of moving from a merely technological model of development to an integrally human model which takes as its point of departure the dignity and worth of each and every person. Each individual member of society is called to adopt a vocational attitude which freely assumes responsibility, in genuine solidarity with one another and all of creation. Inconclusion,MadamePresident, it is people who are charged with stewardship over nature; but as with everything human, this stewardship necessarily possesses an ethical dimension. In the discharge of this right and duty, a just solidarity with our fellow human beings is always implicit, including those yet to be born. This requires of us a duty towards future generations who will inherit the consequences of our decisions. In this regard, this Conference provides an opportunity for governments to come together to help chart a course for advancing development for all people especially those who are most in need. Once again, Madame President, we express our gratitude for the leadership of Brazil in hosting this Conference, and sincerely hope that this will help promote the future that together we all need. Thank you.

should not be placed in the sanctuary. The greatest respect is to be shown to the altar, the presidents chair and the ambo. f. The Blessed Sacrament should be, as far as possible, reserved in a side chapel or in another safe and suitably adorned place (Cf. C.I.C., can 928, par. 4). g. The concert should be presented or introduced not only with historical or technical details, but also in a way that fosters a deeper understanding and an interior participation on the part of the listeners. h. The organizer of the concert will declare in writing that he accepts legal responsibilities for expenses involved, for leaving the church in order and for any possible damage incurred.

11. The above practical directives should be of assistance to the bishops and rectors of churches in their pastoral responsibility to maintain the sacred character of their churches, designed for sacred celebrations, prayer and silence. The same rules would apply to secular events held in churches, provided that they are duly authorized and not contrary to the holiness of the place. With respect to ecumenical services, the Ecumenical Directory only touches upon this subject when addressing the possibility of shared ownership of a worship space by more than one community: 139. When authorization for such ownership or use is given by the

diocesan Bishop, according to any norms which may be established by the Episcopal Conference or the Holy See, judicious consideration should be given to the reservation of the Blessed Sacrament, so that this question is resolved on the basis of a sound sacramental theology with the respect that is due, while also taking account of the sensitivities of those who will use the building, e.g., by constructing a separate room or chapel. This recommendation, however, that the question be resolved on the basis of a sound sacramental theology, due respect and the sensitivities of those who take part, can be applied when preparing an ecumenical service. Earlier the directory spoke about the

location of such moments of shared prayer: 112. Although a church building is a place in which a community is normally accustomed to celebrating its own liturgy, the common services mentioned above may be celebrated in the church of one or other of the communities concerned, if that is acceptable to all the participants. Whatever place is used should be agreeable to all, be capable of being properly prepared and be conducive to devotion. Ther e is no ment ion her e of removing the Blessed Sacrament so as to allow for such an agreement. Indeed, the Eucharistic presence could be a determining factor as to whether specific Christian

communities would find it agreeable to pray in a Catholic church. Some will have no difficulties and will show due respect to Catholic beliefs. In other cases the groups might still be so far apart that it is better to organize the prayer service in some other venue. I do not believe that removing the Blessed Sacrament so as to favor some form of common prayer in a Catholic church is a good idea ecumenically. It would hardly bode well for fruitful dialogue for one party to set aside such a central aspect of its religious practice so as to appear to be open to the other. True ecumenism acknowledges the differences as well as underlining those things which are held in common.

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Ref lections
Reflections on the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time; Mark 6:1-6, July 8, 2012
argument by attacking the person making it. So a Teen comes back from a deep spiritual experience, and is committed to following and proclaiming Christ. He or she says to his or her Mom or Dad, I love you. And because I love you I have to tell you that you need to be joining us in Church every week and receive communion. And the parent responds, Who are you to tell me what to do? Youre only 16. How does a Teen being 16 changes the facts? Ad hominem arguments are pathetic. C. S. Lewis wrote that we live in a society that has replaced I believe, with I feel. We live in a society where personal values have replaced objective morality. When a prophet comes, a prophet being someone who proclaims the truth, society looks to discredit the prophet. We should realize that if Jesus Christ were walking the earth right now, once more teaching in the synagogues as well as in His own churches, He would be crucified again, most likely through slander, but possibly even with nails. Lets face it, the leaders of the Temple had Jesus crucified because it kept them from running around with their hands to their ears and screaming, La la la la la, so they did not have to hear what He was saying. Many people in our society would rather that Christ stayed in the tomb than have to listen to His confronting them with the Truth. All this leaves us with two questions: First, do I have the humility to handle the truth? And second: do I have the courage to proclaim the truth? First question, do I have the humility to handle the truth? Objective morality tells us that we are not the creators and arbiters of Truth. Truth is not what we say it is. Two plus two is going to be four, no matter what we feel it could be. It takes humility for us to agree that some matters are right or wrong regardless of our feelings. For example, some people feel they have a right to steal from work because they put in extra hours. The humble person would say, Gods law, the moral law is quite clear. It is a sin to steal. Theft is theft. End of story. Many people say that it is OK to have sex outside of marriage, be it infidelity or any form of pre-marital sex, because it feels right. The humble person would say, Right is right and wrong is wrong, no matter how I feel. It takes humility to realize that there is a Higher Authority that keeps us from justifying anything, rationalizing our way to agreeing to anything. It takes humility to be a person of faith, a person who lives his or her faith. It takes humility for a person to say, As much as everything within me wants to do this, it is as wrong for me as it is for anyone else. It takes humility to handle the truth. Second question: do I have the

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 14
July 2 - 15, 2012

A prophet among them

By Father Pellegrino

Joseph

YOU cant handle the truth, Jack Nicholsons character, Colonel Nathan R. Jessep, shouted in court in the 1992 classic movie, A Few Good Men. They cant handle the truth, is really what the Spirit is telling Ezekiel in this Sundays first reading from the beginning of this prophetic book. But that didnt stop the fact that they would know there is a prophet among them. And the people of Nazareth

questioned Jesus teaching. They didnt want to handle His Truth, so they formed an ad hominem argument. An ad hominem argument is the weakest, argument possible. It is an attack on the person not on the question presented. For example, you go into a persons room and see that person watching porn. You say, Youve got to get away from that stuff. It will destroy you and keep you from having a relationship with those around you. The person responds, Oh yeah, well who do you think you are? That is

an ad hominem argument. So, the people in todays Gospel asked, Why should we listen to Jesus teaching. How could he have anything significant to say to us? We know him, his family, his home. Politicians do this all the time. They dont like their opponents stance but cant prove it wrong, so they attack their opponents background, character, etc. We do this all the time. We hear our parents, or our children, or our neighbors say something that we really dont want to hear because we know it is right, so we discredit the

courage to proclaim the truth? The proclamation of the truth demands tremendous courage. Proclaiming the truth means being crucified, figuratively and literally. So you say to others something like, It is wrong to get drunk, whether you are driving or not. It is just worst to be drunk and driving. That will get you insults from your socalled friends. That will result in your being left off the list of those who are invited to a party. And that will have you pigeon-holed as a religious fanatic. It takes tremendous courage to accept the cross. We need to remind ourselves, Jesus Christ is Truth Incarnate. Those who reject the truth, reject Him. But those who have the courage to proclaim His Truth, proclaim Jesus Christ. Back to Ezekiel. The prophet is told, You shall say to them, thus says the Lord God. And whether they heed or resist, for they are a rebellious people, they shall know that a prophet has been among them. People may attack the proclamation of the truth. Certainly many will. People may attack the one proclaiming the truth. That is the behavior of those with an infantile view of life. But nothing can diminish the force of the truth. And in time, perhaps over centuries, people will realize that there was a prophet among them. That prophet is the Lord Jesus Christ, whose Truth we have been called to proclaim.

The mystery and tragedy of rejecting Jesus

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time; July 8, 2012
refused to see and accept him as the Christ, the Anointed One of God, the Savior of the worldtheir Savior. Their pride and prejudices blinded them to the point of rejecting the salvation Jesus had come to offer. And this surprised and distressed him so much. (See Mk 6:6.) But the rejection by the townsfolk of Nazareth was just a beginning, almost an acted-out prophecy foreshadowing the numerous other rejections Jesus would suffer during his apostolic life, and which would culminate in the one that brought him

By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB

BEING appreciated and accepted is a basic human need. Rejection always inflicts an emotional wound which hurts us all the more when it comes from the people we love. Most of the prophets of Israel, especially Jeremiah and Ezekiel, suffered several forms of rejection at the hands of the very people to whom God had sent them. (See todays First Reading.)

Jesus Christ, the greatest of all prophets, did not enjoy a better deal. Old Simeon had prophesied that he would be a sign that will be opposed (Lk 2:34). And the Nazareansthe townsfolk of Jesustook upon themselves the sad task of beginning to fulfill that ominous prophecy. (See Mk 6:3-6.) They thought that they knew Jesus well (see Mk 6:3). He had been one of them for thirty years! When he went back to them no longer as the carpenter they had known for so many years but as the bearer of the Good News, they

to Calvarythe worst rejection that was orchestrated and spearheaded by the religious authorities of the people. The rejection of Jesus as the Messiah by the majority of the people of Israel continues to this very day. This is a deep mystery which tormented the apostle Paul (see Rom chaps 9-10) and still surprises many of us. To his own he came. Yet his own did not accept him, synthesized John in the Prologue of his Gospel. (See Jn 1:11.) This is also their tragedy. Jesus wept bitterly over the failure of his people to recognize

the time of Gods visitation (Lk 19:4144). All these serve as a warning addressed to the whole world (including us) today. It is not enough to acclaim Jesus as Superstar, wise man, friend of the poor, and victim of human injustice. We have to accept him especially as Son of God and Savior of all mankind. Refusal to acknowledge him as such is the worst form of spiritual suicide people could ever commit, for he is the only savior. There is no salvation in anyone else! (Acts 4:12)

Sent to heal and save in poverty and weakness

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 15, 2012
By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB
THE sending of the Twelve was an act of tremendous importance in Jesus apostolic life. Luke informs us that Jesus had chosen the Twelve after a whole night spent in prayer. (See Lk 6:12f.) He chose them from various walks of life to be his assistants, the core group among his disciples. Mark tells us that Jesus went up a mountain and there he summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed twelve (Mk 3:13-14). The number twelve, was neither an irrelevant detail, nor a casual similarity with the number of the tribes of Israel. It was all part of a planChrists plan to make of that special group of disciples the beginning and the very foundation of the new people of God the Church. (See Rev 21:14.) And now there came the first practical assignment: to go and do what Jesus himself had been doing in his apostolic life: to preach repentance, to cast out demons, and to heal the sick. (See Mk 6:12-13.) Jesus took the initiative of sharing with them his own mission. For the time being, their apostolic activity would be limited to the people of Israel, but after the Ascension their field of action would be widened to encompass the whole world. (See Mk 16:15.) But whether they exercised their mission among their own people or beyond the borders of Israel, two things were to characterize them: poverty and detachment. (See Mk 6:8.) After all, they were the disciples and ambassadors of the One who chose to possess not even a stone on which to lay his head. Underlining such external manifestations of the lack of material means was the deep faith in Gods Providencethe reliance on the loving care of the One who sent them on mission. They knew that He who feeds the birds in the sky and makes the flowers grow in all their splendor (see Mt 6:25-34) would surely take care of those He sent to proclaim the Gospel and make it happen in the lives of the listeners. But this absence of (and detachment from) material means did not mean that the twelve were totally helpless and broke. They were endowed, in fact, with two most precious assets: the Message they were bringing, and the power to expel demons and to cure the sick. For all their power, however, they would always remain vulnerable people. The danger of being rejected would accompany them at all times. In this also they would resemble the prophets of old (see the First Reading) and Jesus himself who had been rejected by his own townsfolk. And yet, in spite of their personal weakness and the external oppositions, their mission would go on until the end of time. And they would overcome all obstacles, thanks to the continuous presence and assistance of the One who has overcome the world. (See Jn 16:33.)

Bishop Pat Alo

ENCOUNTERS

Contra factum
IN Latin it was said in theological circles contra factum non valet argumentum (no better argument than the fact itself). Such is also being used in adducing proofs for religion. For example when we ask the point of the actual number of Catholics in the world, as taken from the summary given by Cardinal Angelo Sodano from the yearly statistics which every Catholic Diocese submits to the Vatican Secretariat through the Nunciature in every nation, presently the worldwide Catholic population is 1 billion and 181 million from the total world population of 6 billion and 698 million inhabitants. It is the largest of all Christian groups of believers. One thing which we have to recognize is that it is one in the whole world, acknowledging one authority, the Pope as successor of the first Pope, St. Peter. Ever since the beginning since it was founded by the Holy Founder Jesus Christ and being open to all races and classes of people and being founded from the time of the Apostles, it characterizes itself as one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic Church. If you do research, in the 2,000 years of its existence, you may find thousands of saints in the roster of names of saints. We do not have to make a long story in narrating Gods intervention in the Catholic Church. The statistics are part of the assenting voice of history, plus the very documentation of all miracles that come upon invocation of every saint canonized or sanctuaries (e.g. Lourdes) which also confirm the biblical truth: These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils; they will have the gift of tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison; they will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover (Mk. 16:17-18).

Bo Sanchez

SOULFOOD

Love is expensive
IN many streets of Metro Manila, youll see rugby boys. Its a heartwrenching sight. I cry whenever I see them. Little boysas young as six years oldsniffing rugby on the sidewalk, looking at the world with glazed eyes. These kids are hungry for food. But because food is expensive and rugby is cheap, they go for the drug. To forget their hunger, they sniff the brain-shrinking, neuronburning chemical adhesive. But people who have habitual sins are in the exact same boat. Were hungry for love. But love is expensive and sin is cheap. So we go for our habitual sin to deaden the inner pain of our hunger for love. I repeat: Love is expensive. Believe me. Its not easy to love yourself. To value yourself. To forgive yourself. To accept yourself. Its easier to sin than to do the hard work of loving yourself the way God loves you. How will you know if youve got a Trojan Horse? There are 3 signs to know if theres a Trojan Horse in you First, you dont love yourself. You reject you. You hate you. You dont accept who you are. You dont celebrate you. Second, your most important relationships are dysfunctional. You dont receive love from your closest relationships. Even if there are people around you who truly love you, you cant see this nor receive this love. Third, you worship a rejecting God.Alegalistic,cruel,judgmental God. So you dont receive love from God as well. Unless you heal this inner wound and start learning to love yourself the way God loves you, youll never be able to win over temptation. Receive Gods unconditional love now Let me repeat: The pleasure of sin is the pirated version of the pleasure of being loved. Do you want to experience the pleasure of being loved? Receive Gods unconditional love today! And take your cue from God. Dont focus on your badness; Focus on your goodness. Dont hate yourself. Dont reject yourself. Or this selfrejection will cause you to sin even more. He loves you more than you can ever imagine. Have you sinned? Have you fallen? God doesnt look at what you did wrong. God looks at what you did right. God doesnt focus on your failures. God focuses on your future. In your eyes, youre bruised, bandaged, and broken. In Gods eyes, youre beautiful, beloved, and blessed. The Bible says, but you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. (Romans 8:5, 11) What is God saying here? He says, Dont focus on your sinful nature. Focus instead on your spiritual nature. Can you imagine? My own Spirit is in you! In other words, focus on the good. This is a mind-blowing truth. That the same awesome power that created every atom, molecule, pebble, leaf, tree, valley, ocean, mountain, planet, sun, star, and galaxy yes, the most powerful force in the universe is in you. And that most powerful forcethe Holy Spiritis love.

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 14
July 2 - 15, 2012

Social Concerns

B7
eyesight. He proudly shares that despite his disability he is able to bring joy and laughter to fellow residents because of his optimistic attitude. Here, I am the one doing my bed, my laundry and other personal tasks. I dont let others do it for me, he says. Companionship The elderly residents at Bahay Pag-ibig may be separated from their nearest of kin, but living with fellow elderly has also given them the joy of companionship, comforted by the thought that they have one another to rely on as friends. But visitors also come regularly to bring cheers and gifts to the Lolos and Lolas. That particular Sunday of June 24, three nuns from the Daughters of St. Paul together with lay collaborators brought food and gifts and entertained the Lolos and Lolas with games and songs. As it turned out, the guests were also entertained as some of the residents, like Lolo Juan willingly belted few songs to the delight of visitors. Until death Being a residential institution, the elderly once accepted in Bahay Pag-ibig, becomes a part of the community until he or she dies. Gabalfin says some family members, when notified of the death of a relative, normally leaves the decision to them even telling them to go ahead with the burial. It is because once they entrusted to us the care of their loved ones, their responsibility is already cut off, she explains. In Bahay Pag-ibig, the abandoned elderly are provided with companionship, friendship, care and love that allow them to live their remaining years on earth with dignity until they are ready to meet their Creator.

By Sr. Pinky Barrientos, FSP

Bahay Pag-ibig: Providing love and care to abandoned elderly

I AM an orphan, no more parents, nor brothers and sisters. I am all alone in the world. Elena Labig (not her real name) is an 81year-old woman living in a residential nursing home in the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga. A native of Sta. Rita, Labig is among the 61 elderly people housed and provided for with care and love at Bahay Pag-ibig. The gate to the healthcare facility has no sign written on it to let visitors know if they are in the right place, except a logo of a heart inscribed on the door that says it all. Bahay Pag-ibig, loosely translated in English as House of Prayer is a nursing home situated in an approximately one hectare property at Holy Angel Village in Telabastagan, San Fernando, Pampanga. The sprawling compound has eight ground floor buildings, including a good sized chapel that overflows with people who come to hear Mass on Sundays. Labig says she has been a resident of Bahay Pag-ibig for more than two years already. With no immediate family members, Labig used to transfer residence from one relative to the next until one of them asked the help of the town mayor who recommended her to Bahay Pag-ibig. Still strong despite her age, Labig says she cleans the window panes of their ward and sweeps the surroundings. Although the residents are not expected to do chores around the facility, some residents on their own, perform whatever tasks they can. Butdontcomplainafterwards that you are tired, otherwise, the staff will scold you, since they dont expect you to do the chores.
Pedro / B3

After lunch, we usually have our afternoon rest, then we take our afternoon snack, if there is, otherwise its still okay if theres none, says Labig. Here in Bahay Pag-ibig, we are provided with everything we need. I cant ask for more, she furthers. Reaching out to the abandoned Bahay Pag-ibig was established in 1988 by Fr. Florentino Concepcion, a diocesan priest from Bustos, Bulacan who wanted to reach out to the poor and abandoned old people in the area. The home first started in an old rented house of the Francisco Nepomuceno family in Angeles City but later on transferred in a bigger place donated by the heirs of Don Juan Nepomuceno at Holy Angel Village in San Fernando, Pampanga.

The day to day operations of the facility is being supervised by Fr. Daniel Baul, the current Archdiocesan Apostolate Director. A roster of 16 dedicated volunteer staff including an office coordinator, Laura Simbulan and her assistant Almira Gabalfin, help him run the place. Gabalfin, who has been part of Bahay Pag-ibig since 1995, says their work in the institution is purely motivated by a sense of ministry, although each of the staff is given honorarium for services rendered. The nursing home has no other means of income except donations from generous individuals that keep on coming and have sustained the operations of the institution since its foundation. Gabalfin says the people of Pampanga have been very generous to Bahay Pag-ibig. Even when supplies are about to run out, donations of various

kinds will arrive in the nick of time to replenish what is lacking. Although the nursing home was established to provide a safe and caring place to abandoned elderly who have no immediate family members to care for them, some of its residents actually do not fall under that category. Gabalfin cites some cases wherein the responsibility of caring for an aging parent is surrendered to Bahay Pag ibig due to extreme poverty of the family and other grave reasons. She mentions a case of a daughter who told them that her mother would be better off at Bahay Pag-ibig than to live with her, because she herself struggles to feed her family a decent meal. In situations like this, we have to reconsider, says Gabalfin. The institution has 21 male and

40 female among its residents. They are provided with holistic care that involves the spiritual, psychological and physical well being of the person. A daily program would consist of morning prayers, grooming, exercise, rest and recreation. On Sundays, those who are able attend Mass in the chapel, while those unable follow the liturgy in their rooms. Among its male residents is 68 years old Juan Sinong (not his real name) from Legazpi City who came to Bahay Pag-ibig in 2001. Although blind, Sinong is very active and possesses a sunny disposition. He came to the nursing home together with other four female companions through the help of a social worker from Jose Fabella Center. Sinong says exposure to alcohol in a manufacturing company he worked for could have contributed to the loss of his

the usual barter, shouting in their language, Mauleg! Mauleg!, which means Good! Good!. That may have been the first time Pedro Calungsod saw for himself the people whom Padre Diego said they had to evangelize. The ship continued slowly down the coast and passed beside the shallow sandy lagoon of a bay called Tomhom which the Spaniards would call Tumhon and the Americans much later, Tumon. Along this bay was a lovely palm-lined white beach. Like many of the enclaves of the island, there was also a village in Tumhon shore. By nightfall, the San Diego was in the bay next to that of Tumhon, near the village of Hagta which the Spaniards at first called Agada, and then Agaa, and which would become the modern day Agana. The ship first dropped anchor in a spot with a sandy bottom and slowly dragged anchor during
Communion / B4

the night. While this was going on, the islanders warily remained in their proas despite the missionaries appeals for them to come aboard the ship, which from the islanders experience was an abnormal behavior for the visitors. Pedro Calungsod may have tried outperhaps awkwardly-his newly learned Chamorro phrases as he too called out to the natives, An faharon hamio guini sa miron mani! Only after the missionaries started to chant the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary did the islanders begin to climb aboard the San Diego where they were warmly welcomed by Padre Diego and company, who tried to speak to them in Chamorro. At once the missionaries established their friendship with the natives. Padre Diego did not lose time to start preaching to the natives in the Chamorro language. Meanwhile, some of the missionaries were sent as ambassadors to Agada

to make the necessary agreements with the chiefs of the place about the establishment of a Mission. The following day, Saturday, 16 June, a Christian named Pedro, one of those who remained in the Ladrones after the wreck of the Concepcion in 1638, went aboard the San Diego and presented his two-year-old daughter for baptism. The girl was given the name Mariana. This Pedro proved to be of big help to the missionaries in that he was much esteemed by the chiefs of the Ladrones. He would later introduce the missionaries to the chiefs and act also as an interpreter between the two parties. Francisco Garcia did not specify the nationality of this Pedro. Alberto Risco said the man was a Spaniard, while Robert Rogers presumed that this Pedro was the Visayan Filipino, Pedro Calonsor. Of course, this Pedro could not be Pedro Calungsod because Pedro

Calungsod went to the Ladrones only in 1688 as a young boy, not in 1638, and much less as a married adult. After the necessary agreements were made with the chiefs in Agada through ambassadors, the rest of the missionaries started to disembark in the afternoon of Saturday, 16 June 1668. On Tuesday, 19 June, the San Diego departed for the Philippines, leaving behind the little Mission of approximately fifty men: five Jesuit priests, one Jesuit student, three Spanish officers and about forty-one nonSpaniards. These latter were mostly Filipinos but included some Mexican mestizos of Spanish and Indian descent. Thirty-one of the non-Spaniards were soldiers and the remainder either catechists or servants. This small band of Christians was left to face a population of around 12,000 islanders on the Island of Guam and about

12,000 to 18,000 more throughout the Ladrones, a total of between 24,000 and 30,000 islanders in that year 1668. In appreciation for the support of the Queen regent of Spain Maria Ana of Austria for the Ladrones MissionPhilip IV had already diedand in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Padre Diego changed the name of the Ladrones Islands to las islas Marianas. He also changed the individual indigenous names of the islands he discovered in honor of the saints: San Juan Bautista for Guam, Santa Ana for Sarpana (or Rota), Santo Angel for Aguiguan, Buenavista Mariana for Tinian, San Jose for Saipan, San Joaquin for Anatajan, San Carlos for Sarigan, San Felipe for Guguan, La Concepcion for Alamagan, San Ignacio for Pagan, San Francisco Javier for Agrigan, La Asuncion for Asonson and San Lorenzo for Maug. (To be continued)

concern affect me? My hour has not yet come. For Jesus, his hour is the moment of glorification on the Cross, when life that is given up produces much fruit unto eternity (John 12:23-26). Maybe out of lack of understanding or out of helplessness, Mary listens, accepts and utters her own words to the servers, Do whatever he tells you. They obey her and Jesus. And the miracle happens. It is the beginning of Jesus hour after all. The wine is Gods word and wisdom that will flow in abundance at the coming of the Messiah. Mary, who is obedient to her Sons word, now

asks the servers to give Jesus full obedience as well. In the communion of obedience to the word, miracles happen. We run out of wine too: the wine of wisdom, understanding, insight, energy and meaning. God seems to be unreachable at times. When those moments come, know that Mary is close by. She sees our empty jars. She approaches Jesus. If we listen to Jesus and do what he tells us, those jars will overflow with unbelievably good wine. By being in communion with the Word, the Church like Mary will be attentive to the emptiness

Pinky Barrientos, FSP / CBCPMedia

experienced by our age and lead people not to us but to Jesus for he alone can make miracles happen through his word. G. According to the gospels, the last time Jesus talks to Mary is before he breathes his last on the cross (John 19:23-28). Jewish thought teaches that death disrupts communion, but not so for Jesus. On this hour of his glorification, with the four pagan soldiers vying for his tunic and four women, with the beloved disciple mourning at the foot of his cross, he tells his mother, Woman, behold your son. Then he says to the disciple,

Behold, your mother. Jesus reveals and creates his mother as the mother of the new family of disciples, of those who hear the word of God and act on it (Luke 8:21). Jesus death, freely embraced in communion with God and with sinners, does not destroy community but gives birth to a new family. By the word of Jesus, Mary becomes the mother of both his disciples and the people called to believe in him. She responds to Jesus by doing what he saysshe goes to the home of the beloved disciple. Even now Jesus beholds

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mothers and fathers who lose their children to hunger, diseases, wars, illegal drugs, sex tourism, immorality, false philosophies and empty utopias. Jesus tells us to take care of the sorrowful mothers and fathers for they are our parents too. He tells us to look after the lost children of the world, for they are our daughters and sons too. No wound is so great that it could not be healed by love. By being in communion with the Word, the Church like Mary will be the seed of the new family of justice, healing and peace. I recall a dark day when I was still a priest serving in my home diocese. One morning a young priest, 32 years of age, was found dead. His body, stabbed 32 times, was left in a rice field. He was a former student of mine. At the wake I walked his mother toward the coffin. Upon seeing her lifeless son she shed tears of sorrow and cried out in prayer, My God, you know how heavy my heart was when my son entered the seminary. But you prevailed. So I surrendered him to you. Now you took him again from me. If it is your wish, then I give him totally to you. He is all yours. I could not believe what I was hearing. A few days later, in a forum on justice that we attended, someone asked her, What would you do if the killer of your son is presented to you? I thought it was an insensitive question but before I could stop her, she already responded, Dear police do not hesitate to bring my sons killer to me. Do not fear. I will not hurt him. I just want to know why he

did it. I will observe the dictates of justice but deep in my heart, I will forgive for Jesus tells me to forgive. My love might help make the killer a better person. Once again, I could not believe what was happening. But I know we were again at the foot of the cross and hearing the same words, Woman, behold your son. Son, behold your mother. Those days were followed by many more weeks of listening to the stories of the priests mother about her son and her family, stories that I would hear for the first time. I could not help but think then that I have come to know the priest much better now that he is gone but made more vividly present by his mothers stories. H. I believe this also happened to Mary and her new family. After Jesus ascension into heaven, the extended family of disciples with Mary went to the upper room to await the promised Holy Spirit who would remind us about Jesus (Acts 1:13-14). I would like to think that with the help of the same Spirit that overshadowed her at the annunciation, Mary could now understand better the things about Jesus that she had kept in her heart. Now she could proclaim her stories to her new sons and daughters: what she has heard, seen with her eyes, looked upon and touched with her hands concerning her Son, the Word of life. She must have ended every story by saying, Do whatever he tells you. Like Mary, go and tell the good news of Jesus to the ends of the earth. And do whatever he tells you. Amen.

B8
Moral Assessment

Entertainment
Technical Assessment

CBCP Monitor

Vol. 16 No. 14

July 2 - 15, 2012

Abhorrent Disturbing Acceptable Wholesome Exemplary

Poor Below average Average Above average Excellent

BIGLAANG bibiyahe ang magaamang Go Dong Hei sa Korea sa dalawang dahilan. Una, upang mamasyal at makapag-bonding, ikalawa ay upang tuparin ang isang kasunduan na ipakasal ang isa sa kambal na Kimmy at Dora sa anak ng isang malaon nang kaibigan ng pamilya, bilang pagbawi sa naging pagkakasala ng kanilang amang si Luisito (Ariel Ureta) sa isang babae sa Korea noong kanyang kabataan. Matigas na tatanggihan ito ni Kimmy bilang isang malaking kabaliwan lalo na sa makabagong panahon. Ang inosenteng si Dora naman ay hindi pa maiisip ang maaring idulot ng pagsunod sa kagustuhan ng ama. Higit na bibigat ang sitwasyon sa magkapatid dahil halos sabay na matatanggap nila ng alok na pagpapakasal ng kani-kanilang kasintahan na sina Barry (Zanjoe Marudo) kay Kimmy at Johnson (Dingdong Dantes) kay Dora. Kasabay ng mga biglaang pangyayaring ito sa buhay ng mag-aama ay ang mga kakaibang mararamdaman at makikita nila na gagambala sa magkapatid, pati na sa alagang aso ni Dora, si Mikky. Sa kalaunan madadawit din sa hiwaga sila Barry, Johnson at Luisito. Magaling ang pagkakatahi ng istorya ng Kimmy Dora 2, Temple of Kiyeme. Mahusay ang naisip ng produksyon na makalikha ng bagong kuwento samantalang nanatili ang orihinal na konsepto ng naunang Kimmy Dora, Kakambal sa Kiyeme. Magaling ang takbo ng istorya, ang disenyo ng produksyon, ang special effects ng paglitaw at paglaho ng multo, at ng walang sablay na editing lalo na sa mga eksena ng dalawang karakter ni Domingo. Samantala mas naging interesante sana ang cinematography kung nakapagpakita pa ng mas maraming lugar at kultura ng Korea sa pamamasyal ng magaama. Napakahusay ng pagkakaganap ni Domingo ng dalawang tauhan sa pelikula, ang magkakambal na Kimmy at Dora. Nakatulong sa pagpapaganda ng aspetong teknikal ng pelikula ang epektibong pagpapatawa ng iba pang mga artista at ang pagsisikap ng direktor na buuhin

ang isang seryosong kwento na dinamitan ng pagpapatawa at katatakutan. Tanging kapintasan lamang nito sa aspetong teknikal ay ang mga pinahabang eksena ng pakikibaka sa multo na maaaring makabagot o makasuya dahil sa paulit-ulit nitong pakuwela at special effects. Napapanahon ang pagpapalabas ng Kimi Dora 2, Temple of Kiyeme sa Fathers Day sapagkat muling ipinakita ang kahanga-hangang pagdadala ng isang ama (at pagganap ni Ureta) ng kanyang tungkulin sa kakaibang sitwasyon ng kanyang dalawang anak. Mas magiliw at makalinga sa anak na may mabagal na pag-iisip at buong kumpyansa naman sa matalino at maaasahang anak kasabay ng di nagsasawang paalala na magpasensya sa kakulangan ng kapatid. Walang lihim na di nabubunyag lalo na kung may epekto ito sa hinaharap at sa mga mahal sa buhay. Dapat pag-isipan ng sinumang may pananagutan sa pagtatago ng lihim kung paano ito haharapin sa panahon ng pagbubunyag. Sa panahon ng pagsubok kung kailan wala nang magawa si Luisito kungdi isakrispisyo ang kaligayahan ng anak bilang kabayaran sa kanyang nakaraang pagkakasala ay mananaig ang pagka-ama nito upang huwag nang ipagkanulo ang anak. Sa sitwasyon ng magkakambal na madalas makadama ng panibugho si Kimmy kay Dora sa atensyon ng ama, ay lagi namang nabibigyang-diin ang pagpaparaya, pagtanggap at pagmamahal. Gayundin ipinakita sa pelikula na bawat tao sa anumang kapasidad ay may kakayahan na makatulong katulad ng nagagawa ni Dora sa kabila ng kanyang kalagayan. Sa sitwasyon ng pagiging amo at empleyado nakababahala ang pagpapakita ng labis na karahasan at pagkamatayog ni Kimmy sa sekretarya at sa doktor sa pag-aari nilang ospital, bagamat malinaw ang konteksto na ang masamang ugaling ito ay epekto diumano ng kanyang pagiging dating typhoid patient. Dahil sa ginagawang basehan ng pagpapatawa ng pelikula

Title: Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme Cast: Eugene Domingo, Ariel Ureta, Zanjoe Marudo, Dingdong Dantes, Miriam Quiambao Director: Joyce Bernal Genre: Comedy-Horror Location: Philippines and Korea Technical Assessment: Moral Assessment: CINEMA Rating: V14 (For viewers ages 14 and above)

ang ganitong asal ni Kimmy, nagmumukha tuloy itong isang palusot lamang upang bigyang daan ang husay sa papel na pagtataray ni Domingo. Sa kabila ng intensiyon ng pelikula na maghatid ng mensaheng kapupulutan ng leksiyon sa buhay, maaaring hindi ito ang binibili ng mga manonood na may bitbit pang mga musmos na bata sa sinehan. Ang hanap nilay katatawanan, at katatawanan naman ang inihahain ng pelikula, makatuwiran man ito o hindi. Taliwas sa turo ng Simbahang Katolika ang ipinakikita ng pelikula na labis na kapangyarihan ng isang multo, na sa kanyang paghihiganti ay nagugupo ang sinumang naisin. Hindi maliwanag sa pelikula kung ang takot bang ito sa multo ay nagmumula sa pagkakaroon ng ibang relihiyon ng mag-aama. (Sumamba sila sa isang tila Buddhist temple sa Korea, at ang pamagat mismo ng pelikula ay may kaugnayan sa relihiyon: Temple). Anupaman, sa paniniwala ng mga Kristiyano, ang mga kaluluwa ng yumao na di matahimik ay dapat ipagdasallalo na kung inaakala natin na may mensahe itong ibig iparatingnang sa gayon ay magkaroon ng kapayapaan sa kabilang buhay. Wala ang ganoong elemento dito, bagamat may isang maliit na krus na gawa sa sangay ng punong kahoy ang hawak ng isa sa mga tauhan noong nagri-ritual sila upang tawagin ang espiritu ng isang yumao. May pinanghihinayangan ang CINEMA sa pelikulang Kimmy Dora 2: Temple of

Kiyeme. Sa husay ng teknikal na pagkakagawa nito, naging mabisa sana itong kasangkapan sa pagpapakalat ng higit na makabuluhang mensahe upang maiangat ang kamalayan ng mga manonood na Pilipino. Sa halip, naging sunud-sunuran pa ito sa kalakaran sa entertainment industry sa paggamit nito ng mga may kapansanan bilang ubod ng katatawanan. Si Dora (ayon sa Kimmy Dora 1) diumano ay nagkaroon ng autism gawa ng isang aberiya habang siya ay iniluluwal ng ina. May isang eksena sa swimming pool dito sa Kimmy Dora 2 kung saan hindi iginalang ang kanyang pagiging isip-bata. Nagmistula siyang palakang nakatihaya at lumulutang sa tubig. Oo ngat maaaring nangyayari ito sa tunay na buhay, ngunit sa tunay buhay, hindi natin

hinahayaang mahantad nang mahalay ang katawan ng isang isip-bata, lalo na kung itoy dalaga na; dito, pinupog pa siya ng halik, tuloy lubog sa tubig. Para lang mapatawa ang manonood? Huwag naman. Ang tinawanan ay si Domingo, ngunit kinalimutan nila ang maselang kalagayan ng karakter na si Dora. Kung napapasaya tayo ng ganitong mga eksena, mayroon tayong dapat suriin sa ating kalooban. Napuna din ba ninyo na unano ang isa sa mga tauhang pinagtatawanan, at hindi Tagalog ang kanyang orasyon? Marami nang mga sinaunang pelikulang Pilipino ang gumamit na ng unano para lamang magpatawa; panahon na siguro upang ipakita naman natin na ang mga unano ay mayroon ding puso, kaluluwa, at kakayahang gumawa ng

kagitingan. Ang katulong sa bahay na kung tumawag sa amo ay Maam Dura ay hindi rin Tagalogbakit laging dapat gawing katawa-tawa Bisaya o ang katulong? Maaaring itoy isang maliit na bagay lamang ngunit sa paglakad ng panahon, ang mga maliliit na bagay na ito ang siyang nagpapatibay sa ating mga prejudice laban sa ating kapwa. Ingatan natin ang ating isipan, lalo na ng mga kabataan, hindi lamang laban sa walang humpay na pagmumulto o katatakutan sa mga palabas na ating pinanonood, kundi laban din sa mga kinagisnan nating panglilibak sa mga taong may kapansanan at mga kapos sa buhay, saan mang rehiyon ng Pilipinas sila nanggagaling. Ituring na ninyo itong hamon ng CINEMA sa Kimmy Dora 3. Look for the images of the Holy Spirit, Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, and Saint Matthew. (Illustration by Bladimer Usi)

MAC en COLET Ni Bladimer Usi

Buhay Parokya

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 14
July 2 - 15, 2012

C1

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

Winners of the Summer Supreme Sales Challenge Drive pose with the VP-Fraternal Benefits Group, Gari M. San Sebastian (Center) during their advance training course program held at the Azalea Residences in Baguio.

The Cross

Bar Topnotcher Receives Fr. Willmann Academic Excellence Award

The Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) has awarded Atty. Raoul Angelo Atadero with Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ. Award for Academic excellence, for leading the 2011 bar examinations. The awarding ceremony was conducted during the council meeting of the K of C Council 9440 of San IsidroSan Roque Council in Brgy. Malhacan, Meycauayan City Bulacan. Atty. Atadero received the Photo shows (from L-R) GK Alfredo Balcora, DD award witnessed by his fa- Ireneo Guevara, Lenita Atadero (Mother), Atty. ther Raoul Atadero, mother Raoul Atadero (Awardee), and Bro. Rauol Atadero Lenita and his siblings. (Father). The awarding proper was The Fr. George J. Willmann, S.J. followed by a breakfast fellowship led by District Deputy Ireneo Guevara Award for Academic excellence is an together with Grand Knight Alfredo incentive program of the Knights of Balcora, and District Youth Chairman Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. and is intended to Jaime Roxas. Atadero, an Ateneo de Manila Uni- encourage the members of the K of C versity law graduate, led the 1,913 out and their families to achieve academic of the 5,987 examinees, which passed excellence which is an added element to the first predominant multiple choice building a strong Christian society. The said incentive program runs until question-type tests in Bar examinations 110-year history in 2011 with a rating of the end of the school year 2013 (Mike Medina/FBG News) 85.5363 percent.

FBG conducts training course for 3S winners

The Fraternal Benefits Group of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. has conducted an advance training course program for the winners of the Summer Supreme Sales Challenge Drive last June 8 to 10 at the Azalea Residences Baguio, Leonard Wood Loop, Baguio City. FBG has qualified 6 area managers and 37 fraternal counselors nationwide for the sales contest for the period April 1 to 30, 2012. Winners learned the right communication and negotiation skills, sales tips and

techniques, and some tools in targeting the right prospect for the right plan. They also received a certificate of recognition, Bless Life pin, and allowance. The training course was led by FBG Vice President Gari M. San Sebastian. (FBG News)

Circle of Honor Awardees include Luzon Jurisdiction

The Luzon Jurisdiction of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines is among The Circle of honor Awardees (COh), said Luzon Deputy Arsenio Isidro Yap. Its now official! As of June 22, 2012 we are only the 4th so far to qualify out of 74 Jurisdictions. Based on current trends, only 6 would make it, Bro. Yap added. The Luzon Jurisdiction has exemplified 9,051 new members, 51 more than their required quota. earlier, Bro. Yap posted on the official facebook account of the Luzon Jurisdiction that as of May 31, they needed 500 new members to meet their quota of 9,000 and asked for the help of all Brother Knights to recruit more. Maraming maraming salamat po sa mga District Deputies and Grand Knights na nakapag recruit more than their quotas. You made it possible for us to be in the COh. Vivat Jesus!, said Bro. Yap. (KC News)

KCFAPI President: KC Priests advanced studies will help them effectively in ministry
The President of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI), Bro. Guillermo N. hernandez said he takes pride of the Filipino priests-KC scholars taking up further studies in Rome, as their advanced studies will effectively help them in their ministry. Bro. hernandez met the Filipino priests-scholars of the Knights of Columbus under the administration of Fr. George J. Willmann,SJ Charities at the Collegio Filippino in Rome during a Marian pilgrimage from May 29 to June 4, 2012. It was a very meaningful visit, it turned out not just only a Marian pilgrimage as it was originally planned, we found there that it has a deeper meaning, he said. We take pride having Filipino scholars in Rome. They are the future of the Catholic religion in the Philippines. We are very sure that all the support we give to them will not be meaningless. They are doing their best and we are really pinning our hopes on them, Bro. hernandez said. There are currently three KC PriestScholars staying at Collegio Filippino while taking up further studies in Rome. Bro. hernandez together with his wife Sis. Ma. Theresa hernandez, daughter and some KCFAPI officials including KCFAPI Spiritual Director Msgr. Pedro Quitorio III and Pasay District Deputy Bro. Andrew Ong with son Timothy, stayed at the Collegio while in Rome during the pilgrimage. It was never planned that we will be staying KCFAPI President, Guillermo N. Hernandez (center) with the with the priests in KC Scholar priests at the Collegio Filippino in Rome. Collegio Filippino because the plan all along was to stay help him, Bro. hernandez cited. in a hotel and visit as many churches The Knights of Columbus Supreme as possible focusing only on apostolic Council is funding the studies of the basilica, said Bro. hernandez. three Filipino Diocesan priests through But on their second day Msgr. Qui- the Father McGivney Fund for Adtorio III suggested that they can stay at vance Studies in Rome but the KC Collegio Filippino where the KC Priest- Philippines Foundations Fr. George J. Scholars are staying. Willmann, SJ Charities is the one adminI thought it [Collegio Filippino] was a istering the program. college but it was a place where our priests The KC Priest-Scholars who are curstay similar to a seminary. But they dont rently taking up advance studies in necessarily study there. So when we were Rome are Rev. Fr. Julius S. Cuison from there we found out that one of the schol- the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, ars was encountering some problems on Fr. Edsel V. Delfin from the Archdiocese funding. Then we realized that we came of Capiz and Fr. Ronniel G. Babano from along for a special reason, maybe we can the Diocese of Butuan. (KC News)

Solon Lauds Brother Knights for Disaster Response Team

CAVITe 1st District Representative Joseph emilio Aguinaldo Abaya lauded the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines for organizing a disaster response team as part of its own social responsibility program. I could say mas nauna pa ang Knights of Columbus kesa sa mga local government units, Abaya said in an interview. Abaya has worked under Retired Navy commodore Amado Sanglay, now an executive Director of Bataan Technology Park Inc and K of C I-31 District Deputy and Round Table of District Deputies Chairman in the Diocese of Imus. We were in the navy before and I worked under him. Its quite laudable that the Knights of Columbus partake in the different activities and events not only here in Cavite but in the whole country, Abaya said. The latter pledged his support to the local government units and to the Knights of Columbus councils in Cavite in terms of disaster response. The young Abaya is the second son of the three-term Congressman Plaridel M. Abaya and the great grandson of emilio Aguinaldo, the first Philippine president. He is also the offspring of the revolutionary hero and founding father of Candon, Ilocos Sur Isabelo Abaya. (Yen Ocampo)

Mati diocese wins 3rd inter-diocesan sportsfest

BROTheR Knights under the Diocese of Mati showed dominating performance in various sports events during the 3rd Inter-Diocesan Sportsfest held in Mati Sports Complex, City of Mati last May 26 to 27, 2012. Mati Diocese bested the contingents coming from Tagum, Davao and Digos Dioceses. The theme for this years sportsfest was So That The World May Know New hope. Be fit and Keep healthy More than 200 Brother Knights and their families coming from the Dioceses of Davao, Digos, Tagum and Mati participated in the twoday sportsfest to foster strong camaraderie among Brother Knights in the region aside from promoting healthy lifestyle. The sportsfest started with a motorcade around the city of Mati before it proceeded to Mati Sports Complex for the program proper. SK Felix Lorejo, the District Deputies Roundtable Chairman in the Diocese of Mati gave the opening remarks and SK hernando Silverio, the Provincial Secretary of Mati east welcomed all the participants in this years edition of Inter-Diocesan Sportsfest. SK Reynaldo Trinidad, Regional Secretary of DADITAMA (Diocese of Davao, Digos, Tagum and Mati), gave an inspirational message where he also pointed out that this sportsfest will surely boost awareness about the Order in the diocese due to the overwhelming response of people who witnessed the motorcade. A 1st Degree exemplification and Columbian Squires Investiture was held earlier that day. The sportsfest was done in cooperation with the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI), the optimum provider of mutual benefits to all members of Knights of Columbus and their immediate families. The Association donated medals and trophies for the said event and led in conducting orientation for the 1st Degree Exemplification Program. The sportsfest also got ample support from the Mayor of Mati, Michelle Rabat. Next year, the Diocese of Digos will host the 4th Inter-Diocesan Sportsfest where SK Alliondo Saromines, the Provincial Secretary of Davao del Sur promised to prepare not only to make it memorable and successful but to be hailed as the Inter- Diocesan Sportsfest Overall Champion. (Adrian Boston)

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Hilario G. Davide, Jr.

The Cross
eMULATING the virtues that bespeak of sanctity of a person, like Father George J. Willmann, 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;

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 14
July 2 - 15, 2012

Chairmans Message
We make The Cross supplement to the July issue of the CBCP MONITOR as a herald to the start of our Orders Columbian year 2012 2013. July is the beginning of every Columbian year. Columbian year 2011 2012 has focused on the theme So That The World May Know New hope and the 9th national Convention of the three Jurisdictions of our Order in the Philippines last 27-29 April moved forward with this theme and tried to let the world understand that the Members of our Order in the Philippines know what is the new hope that the world must know. Therefore, Columbian year 2012 2013 poses a tremendous challenge not only for the Knights to remain aware of that new hope, but to keep alive that new hope, breathe into it the fire of faith, and nurture it with the spirit of love. If we fail to do these, or worse, still forget that new hope the 9th National Convention would become an empty gesture, an exercise in futility. Or worse still, this time, shamefully, it would have made us what St. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13: a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. Facing the challenge should not only provide us a chance to prove our worthiness. It would be an opportunity to do the best we can to be able to proudly proclaim that we are faithful to the cardinal principles of our Order and that such faithfulness is sincere and authentic to be demonstrated by hard work that would make us exemplary models of virtues and values in our respective communities, occupation/profession; make us instruments in strengthening our KC councils through increased membership, revival of suspended or inactive councils, and establishments of new ones; and would build up our concern for our loved ones through the full availment of the KCFAPI protection benefits. In short, Columbian year 2012 2013 must make us fearless K of C not just Knights of Columbus, but, more meaningfully, as Knights of Christ. Who must be Light of the world, Salt of the earth. VIVAT JeSUS.

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

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.

Prayer for the Beatification of Father George J. Willmann, SJ

LORD God, look down upon us, your children, who are trying to serve You with all our hearts, in our beloved land, the Philippines. Deign to raise Fr. George J. Willmann, of the Society of Jesus, to the honors of the altar. he is the wise, strong, cheerful, dauntless model that all of our Filipino men need in this new era, in this new millennium. he was your Knight, Your gentle warrior, especially in his ministry with the Knights of Columbus. A man leading other men, in the war of good against evil, in the war of the Gospel of Life against the Culture of Death. Make him the lamp on the lamp stand giving light to all in the house. Make him the city set on the mountain, which cannot be hid, so that all of us may learn from his courage, his integrity, his indomitable spirit in the struggle to lead men to God, and to bring God to man. We ask you this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pedro P. Lubenia

Corporate Governance
hAVING an idea of what good corporate governance should be doesnt make an individual an effective manager or a good director or trustee per se. The principles of good governance must be practiced and applied to the whole organization with the Board and top management setting the tone. At the end of the day, results of operationsbe it good or badreflect the way an organization was managed by people competent enough to run the business and of course, with the guidance of the Board. Periodic performance evaluation is normal for the executive positions, officers and staff but good governance best practices call for an assessment of the Boards performance. KCFAPI and the Board Our Board of Trustees performs an annual self-assessment reflecting their personal view of how KCFAPI complies with the mechanisms of good corporate governance. Basically, the following major concerns are reviewed and their individual assessments are directed by the following: (Note: The following is only a summary of what items are included in the score sheet. Actual Self-Assessment Scoring Sheet details the questions to be reviewed and rated by the Trustees.) 1. Guide questions on THE BOARD concerning: a. Commitment in a written policy in order to i. Promote and safeguard stakeholders value ii. Fully and faithfully comply with statutory and regulatory requirements iii. Develop human resources based on accountability, checks and balances and corporate Code of ethics iv. Sustain a program of corporate social responsibility to enhance the good image of KCFAPI before the general public b. Periodic review and monitoring of KCFAPIs i. Corporate philosophy and mission ii. Strategic and business plans iii. Financial objectives, plans and actions

Self-assessment of the Boards Performance

c.Matters relating to the evaluation of Board performance, succession plans and review of material transactions not in the ordinary course of business d. Mechanisms to search and invite Independent Trustees 2. Guide questions on THE CHAIRMAN relating to the: a. Existence of a Manual on Corporate Governance wherein i. The main responsibility of the Chairman is clearly indicated as being focused on the proper governance of KCFAPI through the Board of Trustees b. Conduct of ensuring an effective and efficient functioning Board i. ensures active participation and sufficiently deep professional involvement of all members of the Board ii. encourages and actively solicit views and opinions of other members of the Board in the process of decision making iii. ensures that all members of the Board are given sufficient and timely information to enable them to carefully and responsibly study issues that come up to the Board 3. Guide questions on MEMBERS OF THE BOARD whether they a. Know and are fully aware that as members of the Board i. Their primary loyalty is to KCFAPI and they represent no other interests ii. Their position is one of trust, having serious fiduciary duties to all stakeholders b. Observe confidentiality and the duty of proper and responsible disclosure c. Take an active interest in corporate governance practices so as to align KCFAPIs practices with the industries best practices and take advantage of training opportunities provided for them d. Draw the line between Board and management responsibilities, not getting involved in management and operational issues, but exercising diligent oversight and regular monitoring of operations e. Recognize (specially the President) the dual role they play, and that in the board, as Trustees, they are to express their views and make decisions with integrity and independence 4. Guide questions on BOARD MEETINGS whether the Board a. Meet regularly b. Meet to consider strategic and long-term positioning issues of KCFAPI at least once a year c. Monitor performance and relate actual performance with both the business plan and targets as well as with the strategic plan d. Assess the risk of the portfolio KCFAPI carries e. Have a performance evaluation system which enables it to assess its own governance mechanisms and performance f. Exercise due diligence and care in looking at, and acting upon, the audit reports submitted through its Audit Committee by the internal auditor, external auditor and the Insurance Commission 5. Guide questions on BOARD COMMITTEES and BOARD ISSUES whether a. The Board have a fully functioning Audit Committee, made up mostly of independent Trustees b. Various Board Committees have written terms of reference approved by the full Board c. KCFAPI has a Governance Committee tasked with performance evaluation, nomination, remuneration and corporate governance d. The Board have a clear, written policy on transparency and disclosure to the regulatory authorities and stakeholders e. The Board insist on strict adherence to KCFAPIs Code of Ethics, which should guide all relations with KCFAPIs stakeholders Rating mechanism The rating mechanism can be done in many ways to suit the needs and purpose of the evaluation. KCFAPIs Self-Assessment Scoring sheet assigns a number 1-10 to each detailed Guide Questions, the lowest being NOT OBSeRVeD and the highest being LARGeLY OBSERVED which reflects the Trustees personal view of the degree of KCFAPIs compliance to corporate governance.

Guillermo N. Hernandez

Presidents Message
2011 PRESIDENTS REPORT - 1st of 2 Parts The year 2011 is another banner year for the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI). Your Association successfully attained its objectives for the benefit of its members and the benevolent causes it supports. I am pleased to present to you KCFAPIs 2011 Operational highlights. ON PROVIDING OPTIMUM FRATeRNAL SeRVICe Protected a total of 96,116 Brother Knights and family members with regular plans and Council Mortuary Benefit Plan (CMBP), 4.60% higher than the previous year. Total Protection Benefits provided amounted to P10.7 Billion, a 5.80% increase from P10.1 Billion in 2010. Posted First Year Contribution (FYC) of P127.0 Million, which is 1.59% higher than target of P125.00 Million and 18.87% higher compared to the same period of the previous year. The CMBP, which offers affordable rates that highlight the social dimension of the plan, covered a total of 716 councils nationwide and contributed P18.6 Million to FYC as it surpassed the target of P17.8 Million by 4.65%. Released Total Living and Death Benefits to Benefit Certificate Holders amounting to P293.0 Million, 16.90% higher than P250.7 Million in 2010, including P78.6 Million death benefits and maturity claims worth P115.8 Million. 1,008 active Fraternal Counselors (FC) nationwide led by the 2011 Area Manager of the Year, Bro. Salvador Aspuria and 2011 Fraternal Counselor of the Year, Sis. emma Nena Gumapac. Sponsored the Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ Award for Academic excellence to inspire members of the KC community to excel academically and become shining example in forming a strong Christian Society. A total of 69 awardees were conferred with Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ Medallions and certificates of recognition in their respective councils or districts. Recognized Knights of Columbus members who exemplify the inspiring characteristics, virtues and role model qualities of a good Catholic father thru the KC-Nationwide Search for Fathers for Good-Philippines. Those awarded were Bros. Alfredo G. Lallana, Gerardo G. Gamposilao and Rosario O. Derilo from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, respectively. ON BeING A UNIQUe MUTUAL BeNeFIT ASSOCIATION The only Catholic Life Insurance Entity in the Country and in the whole of the Asean Region. The only Life Insurance Provider with unfailing increasing Participation of BC holders in Net Revenue. The only Life Insurance Organization with unprecedented record in claim settlement. The only Life Insurance Organization with Evangelization as a major core value. Renewed certification to the International Organization for Standardization or ISO 9001:2008 for the scope of design, development and provision of mutual benefits as conferred by the Certification International Philippines Inc. (CI). Full operation of the on-line connectivity connecting Service Offices in Cabanatuan, Cebu, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Zamboanga to real time information from the Home Office in Intramuros, Manila. Launched the KCFAPI Membership Card, a unique insignia that instantly identifies insured members of the Order of the Knights of Columbus and members of their families. Second part of the 2011 Presidents Report, to be continued on the next issue of The Cross Supplement.

Squires Circle No. 4336 holds leadership training

The Columbian Squires of Bishop Felix P. Perez Circle No. 4336 held planning and workshop with leadership training last June 30. The workshop aimed to familiarize the newly elected and appointed officers on their duties and responsibilities. Columbian Squires Circle 4336 Chief Counselor Esteve Mata said each member should have 4 keys (Physical, Intellectual, Spiritual, and Civic Cultural needs) and 10 keys of attitude (Interest and enthusiasm, Sincerity, Seriousness, Consistency, expect excellence, Spiritual Motivation, Understanding, Patience, Wisdom and Sense of humor). If our Squires and Counselors have these 10 keys of attitudes, our members will be motivated and active. The Squires Program enriches the members in many ways. The Program confirms the Squires' commitment to the Church and strengthens their moral character, said Mata. The Squires Advancement Program is also very important to us we will have a family bonding and we will learn more about the spiritual needs, he added. he also encouraged the Squires parents to support their children in any activities of the Columbian Squires. Meanwhile, newly elected Chief Squire John Paul Purificacion said each member must develop his leadership and initiative in order to attain the mission and vision of the Columbian Squires. It increases the Squires awareness on the social issues and of their responsibility toward their growth to become a better leader, Purificacion added. (KC News)

KCFAPI - Cebu holds Fraternal Service Training

The Cebu Service Office of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) conducted a two-day Fraternal Service Training (FST) for the newly accredited Fraternal Counselors (FCs) last June 15 to 16, 2012 held at the KCFAPI local office in Cebu City. eight new FCs from all over the Visayas attended the said training. Topics that were discussed include KCFAPI FST training modules 1 and 2 including the Gold Series Plans such as the KC Capital Accumulator Plan, KC Assurance Plan, KC Retire Plus Plans, KC enhanced College Savings Plan and KC Super Saver Plan. Fraternal Benefit Associate Floralin C. Bohol discussed the Special Plans for elderly Knights (SPeK), Fraternal Accidental and Death Benefit (FADB), Old Revised Plans (OLe- Ordinary Life, Limited Pay Life and endowment Plans), and underwriting module with the 2012 FCs incentive program. eastern Visayas Fighters' Area Manager eldito Nabong discussed the investment plans, Benefit Certificate reinstatement and proper use of temporary receipt (TR) and collection reports. While Central Visayas Aces' Area Manager Joel Flordelis clarified the filing of insurance applications and the Benefit Certificates non-forfeiture options. Nabong and Flordelis also shared their sales techniques, experiences in selling, and how to convince their prospects. Meanwhile, President and Vice President for Finance and Admin of Keys Realty and Development Corporation, Atty. henry A. Reyes and Riz S. Nicolas, respectively, visited the service office on the second day of their training and delivered some short messages on Keys Realty as a majorityowned company of KCFAPI. Floralin C. Bohol concluded the twoday Fraternal Service Training by giving a parting message and closing prayer. (Mike Medina/FBG News)

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 14
July 2 - 15, 2012

The Cross
ordained to the sacred priesthood in 1877 by Archbishop (later Cardinal) James Gibbons. Since the basilica is connected to the archbishops residence, I will have a daily reminder to give thanks for the gift of Father McGivneys priestly vocation and pray with renewed fervor for his canonization. each time I am in the basilica, I will be reminded of the fruitfulness of Father McGivneys priestly service. I have no doubt that his continued intercession will aid my service to the Archdiocese of Baltimore and to the Order. I often think about how God provided for the Church through Father McGivneys ministry. The Order he founded is a source of great strength and vitality for the whole Catholic community. Just as Father McGivney envisioned, the Church is strengthened by Knights who live their faith so as to be better husbands, fathers and parishioners that contribute to the common good. Just as Father McGivney did not hesitate to address by word and deed the issues confronting the Church in his day, so too do the Knights speak eloquently and forcefully in defending the right to life, the truth and dignity of the vocation of marriage and family life, the priesthood, and religious liberty. In the spirit of Father McGivney, the Knights put the Churchs teaching and sacramental graces into action by serving those in need and by helping the Church to sustain her mission of faith, worship and service. It is easy to see the vision and the hand of Father McGivney in the ways the Knights of Columbus serves the Church. And any family that experiences security and peace of mind because of the Orders insurance and financial services also has our founder to thank. Lessons learned Although Father McGivney lived in an era very different from our own, there are lessons that we can learn from his day and age. Around the time of Father McGivneys ordination, Archbishop Gibbons spoke of the waves of immigrants who were building a young nation and contributing greatly to the growth of the Church in the United States. The archbishop also spoke of the God-given freedom that the Church enjoyed in the United States as a condition for its rapid growth and increasing strength. Gibbons leadership no doubt influenced Father McGivney when he returned to Connecticut. McGivney championed the cause of immigrants and ably represented the Churchs teaching in civic life, despite widespread anti-Catholicism. he exhibited the same sort of confident and prudent leadership that marked the Baltimore prelate who ordained him. These lessons must not be lost on me as I prepare to serve the Archdiocese of Baltimore with its diverse Catholic population and as I continue to be involved in the U.S. bishops efforts to defend religious freedom. As Catholic leaders and citizens, both Cardinal Gibbons and Father McGivney were keenly aware that they were stewards of a precious heritage of recognizing and respecting religious liberty. Archbishop John Carroll, the first archbishop of Baltimore and the cousin of Charles Carroll, the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence, led the way in establishing the Catholic Church in a new nation conceived in liberty. Living in the shadow of Americas first cathedral founded by Archbishop Carroll, I shall be reminded of this heritage every day. Now, as I prepare to begin my service in Baltimore, I ask three favors of the Knights of Columbus family: First, I ask your prayers for the canonization of Father McGivney. We owe him much, and one way to express our debt of gratitude is to pray daily that he will soon be raised to the dignity of the altar. Second, please pray for religious

C3

In Our Founders Footsteps

By Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori
WheN I learned that Pope Benedict XVI appointed me archbishop of Baltimore, my thoughts turned to our founder, Venerable Michael McGivney. I prayed that he would continue to intercede for me in my role as supreme chaplain and now as shepherd of the nations oldest diocese. I commended to his prayers my fellow chaplains, who serve the Order so faithfully, as well as the priests in Baltimore and in Bridgeport, where I have served for the past 11 happy years. In the same breath, I asked our founder to pray for the supreme knight and for all Knights and their families, giving thanks for how the Order serves and strengthens the Church in her mission of spreading the Gospel anew. In service to the Church After this prayer, it occurred to me that Father McGivneys final preparations for priestly ordination took place at St. Marys Seminary in Baltimore. There he grew in the human and priestly virtues that were so evident in his ministry. There he developed the strength of character, wise leadership and holy determination that were essential ingredients in the founding of the Knights of Columbus 130 years ago. And it was there, in the Cathedral (now Basilica) of the Assumption in Baltimore, that Father McGivney was

liberty. how appropriate for us to pray the rosary for this important cause during the month of May. Let us ask Mary to intercede for us as we seek to defend and promote religious freedom in the United States and around the world. Lastly, I ask for your prayers for me and for my service to the Church in Baltimore, and I sincerely thank you for truly being the strong right arm of the Church!

Joseph P. Teodoro

For Brother Knights by Brother Knights

TheRe is one sales activity that a lady Fraternal Counselor can do which cannot be done by a male Fraternal Counselor. This is making a sales presentation to a lady prospect alone inside the latters bedroom. Of course, unless the male counselor is explaining the product features to his own wife. Over the years, KCFAPIs Fraternal Benefits Group has been an exclusive domain of male Fraternal Counselors although our policy does not prevent wives and daughters to be accredited as fraternal counselors. In two instances, the much coveted Fraternal Counselor of the Year Award went to a lady Fraternal Counselor. The last one being Sis. emma Nena G. Gumapac of the Metro Manila Achievers. Today, we have about seven lady Fraternal Counselors who are not only active but distinguished themselves as members of the elite Fr. George J. Willmann, S.J. Chairman of the Board Annual Family Service Awards. Sis. Melissa Lourdes Z. Reyes is from Balanga, Bataan and under the sales supervision of Bro. Victor Pulangco (CLD). She must have the selling genes of her late father, Basilio Zulueta, who was a former Area Manager and a consistent awardee. Sis. Mel is a B.S. Commerce graduate with major in economics at the University of Santo Tomas. She is married to Bro. Fernando Reyes with whom she has two daughters. Sis. emma M. Saclote is one of the three consistent annual awardees of Northern Mindanao. She joined the Fraternal Benefits Group in August 2001. Sis. em is married to Bro. Audie J. Saclote of Council 40237 of Laguindigan, Misamis Oriental. Sis. Veronica C. Casupanan is the wife of Bro. efren Casupanan, Area Manager of the Central Luzon Believers. She was appointed Fraternal Counselor on January 14, 2003 three years before her husband was appointed Area Manager. Sis. Glyceria N. de Ramos is the daughter of Bro. Felix de Ramos of Council 7508. She is fondly called Glace and an education graduate at the West Visayas State University. She was accredited Fraternal Counselor in June 2008. Sis. Rodelma M. Trinidad was accredited Fraternal Counselor in March 2008. A Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in

Featured Fraternal Counselors Part 3

Accounting graduate at The holy Cross of Davao College, Sis. Delma assists her husband, Bro. Rey Trinidad in managing their construction business. Bro. Rey is a very active State Officer of the Mindanao Jurisdiction. Bro. Fidel Blantucas, her Area Manager sees her as potential FC of the year. Sis. Jocelyn G. Ravina was appointed Fraternal Counselor in December 2003. her husband, Bro. Armando or Amanding to friends, died about 2 years ago leaving her to continue the task of Fraternal Counselor under the leadership of Bro. Nonilon Ayon. The six lady Fraternal Counselors may just as well be on the list of Annual Awardees this year. And who knows one of them may post a surprise for the third time this year.

Angelito A. Bala

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is there a life insurance that is specifically designed for senior citizens?
tions made plus interest if the insured dies within two years. After the waiting period, the insured's beneficiaries can receive the full death benefit. It has to be emphasized that the contributions for those who are buying life insurance during their senior years will be much higher compared to one who is ten to fifteen years his junior. Also, when one will buy insurance at this age, the allowable benefit amounts are smaller. That is why it is wiser to buy life insurance while one is still young, and maintain this coverage up to old age. Senior life insurance is basically designed to help one and his family pay for end of life expensesthis includes hospital bills, as well as funeral and burial costs. hence, it is not designed for savings or other needs. One good thing about life insurance offered to seniors by KCFAPI is that the SPeK plan does not require health examinations. One can be assured that the KCFAPI will accept the insurance application, subject to certain limitations or conditions. For those who recently turned sixty, a senior can have more choices: to buy a term life insurance or a whole life plan. A term life plan is more affordable, but if the senior outlives the contract, then he and his family gets nothing. The senior just gets to enjoy protection during the time the benefit certificate is in force. A whole life plan, on the other hand, is more expensive. But, when the contributions are paid when due, the coverage can remain, even when the insured has passed the age of 85. Do you plan to get insurance protection? Call your Fraternal Counselor now!

A. Yes, at KCFAPI there is! The good news is that seniors or those aged 60 to 85 can still avail of life insurance coverage. And even if one has reached this age range, it is not too late to buy life insurance for oneself. Previously, life insurance companies shied away from offering coverage for seniors, which is quite understandable, as they would like to avoid high-risk exposures. however, this perception of risk has changed with the introduction of new and powerful drugs, medical advances in technology, or machines that can detect early symptoms of ailments or diseases, advances that can prolong a persons life. At KCFAPI, the Special Plan for elderly Knights offers whole life insurance to seniors with simplified underwriting to boot. The plan will return the contribu-

Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines Inc., is an established mutual benefits association and a scientifically designed insurance system organized exclusively for the members of the Knights of Columbus and their immediate families. At present, the Association is looking for professionals in the field of: Training Real Estate Audit Accounting Corporate Communications Marketing & Sales Management Administrative Services 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:

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. Ma. Kristianne Pascual or or Ms. Gladys Lovette Luis

KC Family . . . Our Concern

The Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines Inc., is an established and progressive mutual benefits association operating for almost 54 years, has been highly committed to provide mutual aid and assistance to its members and their immediate families. KCFAPI firmly believes that the continued progress and success of the association depends to a great extent on its human capital KCFAPI also believes that through training and a host of other benefits if coupled with hard work, will help employees and the association attain their goals and objectives. In our continuous drive to provide excellent service to our members, we are inviting individuals with promising potentials. he must be dedicated, service oriented, and willing to undergo training Our compensation and employee benefits are comparable, if not better than most companies of our same size and nature of business.

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The Cross

CBCP Monitor

Vol. 16 No. 14

July 2 - 15, 2012

FBG holds Service Training Program

Participants of the two day Fraternal Service Traning (FST) Program held last June 19 - 20 at the KCFAPI Social Hall in Intramuros, Manila flanked by Vice President-Fraternal Benefits Group, Gari M. San Sebastian (extreme left) and FBG Staff, Jemwel V. Santillan (extreme right).

Council 12308 donates bags, school supplies to communities

THE Fraternal Benefits Group (FBG) of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) held its monthly two day Fraternal Service Training Program (FST) last June 19 to 20 at the KCFAPI Social hall in Intramuros, Manila. Thirteen newly accredited fraternal counselors from North Western Luzon, Cordillera, Southern Luzon, Central Luzon, South Western Luzon and National Capital Region including the new addition to the KCFAPI family,

human Resources and Corporate Communications Staff Gladys Lovette Luis participated in the said training. Fraternal Benefits Group Vice President Gari San Sebastian and FBG Staff Jemwel Santillan talked about the fraternal service program, different products, compensation and sales techniques. Underwriting Department Manager Carmelita Ruiz and Benefit Certificate holders Relations Office Manager edwin Dawal discussed the different functions and roles of their respective

departments while KCFAPI Medical Consultant Dr. Jaime Talag discussed significant points regarding medical underwriting. The participants were also familiarized with the history, relevance and role of KCFAPI as the insurance arm of the Knights of Columbus. The two-day training ended with a tour and introduction of the new fraternal counselors to the different departments and personnel of KCFAPI. (MFMedina/FBGNEWS)

Beneficiary students pose with their bags during the distribution of K of C bags and school supplies at the Sta. Teresita Parish Church in Sta. Mesa Height, Quezon City. The distribution was conducted during the unveiling of 4-feet statue of Venerable Fr. Michael McGivney in the said parish.

Council 8832 holds Fraternal Benefits Orientation and First Degree Exemplification
The Dapa Council No. 8832 in Dapa, Siargao Island led by their Grand Knight Willie Penecitos conducted a Fraternal Benefits Orientation and 1st Degree Exemplification last May 5 to 6 of 2012. Mindanao State Deputy Balbino Fauni was also present to preside a meeting together with some state officials, Mindanao State Membership Director, Volmar Clavano, Mindanao State Promotion Chairman and Fraternal Benefits Manager for Mindanao Adrian Boston, District Deputies Rolando Nocon, and Avelino Jarabe. (Minda News)

COUNCIL 12308 of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines has donated more than 400 K of C bags loaded with school supplies to some local communities in Luzon Jurisdiction. The distribution was conducted during the unveiling of the 4-feet statue of Venerable Fr. Michael J. McGivney at Sta. Teresita Parish Church in Sta. Mesa heights, Quezon City last June 2, 2012. The K of C bags with school supplies were donated by the Incoming Faithful Navigator (CY 2012-2013) Danilo F. Del Rosario to the Luzon Jurisdiction headed by Luzon Deputy Arsenio Isidro Yap. We reinstituted some K of C councils in Ilocos province, and the 140 (bags) were donated there through LD Yap and the rest was for our local community here at Maharlika Assembly, Del Rosario said.

He added that the beneficiaries were from different public schools and endorsed by the Grand Knights of diverse councils. We want to help the parents to somehow lessen their expenses in the school needs of their children. And as the Incoming Faithful Navigator, this is my initial project. We have a lot of plans to implement, like we want to help the Sto. Domingo Church to restore their 76-year-old pipe organ, Del Rosario cited. It was the first time in the world that a statue of Fr. Michael J. McGivney was unveiled inside a parish compound. For my Brother Knights, we should help each other and unite to implement the Orders objective in line with the Church's perspective, Del Rosario ended. (KC News)

MACE Healthcare
DAILY HOSPITALIZATION BENEFIT MACE HEALTHCARE shall pay the Daily Hospitalization benefit per schedule for the period of confinement for a covered disability or illness in a DOH registered and accredited hospital for a maximum of thirty days within contract year. Granting of hospitalization benefit shall commence after eighteen hours of confinement. Outpatient Coverage, not included. PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE MACE HEALTHCARE shall pay the principal sum to the member or to the beneficiaries in case of death and total permanent disablement. HOSPITAL MISCELLANEOUS BENEFIT MACE HEALTHCARE shall cover any hospitalization medical expenses incurred during confinement based on maximum limit. EMERGENCY ROOM BENEFIT MACE HEALTHCARE shall cover ER expenses incurred during confinement based on maximum limit for life threatening cases only. (Doctors services, Medicines used during treatment for immediate relief, Oxygen and Intravenous fluid, Dressing casting and sutures, Laboratory X-ray and diagnostic examinations related to the emergency management of the patient.)

Mindanao Deputy Balbino Fauni, standing 5th from left together with state officials and K of C members of Dapa Council No. 8832.

KC joins 'Oplan Kalayaan 2012'

Photo shows Brother Knights with Cavite 1st District Representative Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya and Former Congressman Plaridel M. Abaya.

The Luzon Jurisdiction of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines joined the Kawit Commemoration of 114th Independence Day last June 12 in coordination with the management of the emilio Aguinaldo Shrine. Luzon Deputy Arsenio Isidro Yap was represented by State Secretary Joven Joaquin, State Program Director Ramoncito Ocampo, Church Director Vic Ortega, and Columbian Squires Chairman Jose Cuaresma.

This years K of C involvement was co-hosted by District I-37 and the Philippine Centennial Assembly ACN 2584, supervised by District I-31 headed by I-31 District Deputy and RTDD Chairman Amado Sanglay. The Fourth Degree members of the K of C District V led by Isagani Maghirang, other members of the Order, the Disaster response Team, Knights Security Marshals, and the Columbian Squires also participated in order

to project and exercise the patriotism and nationalism elements as one of the pillars of the Order and display the deeper meaning of national honor and pride, according to Sanglay. Brother Knights from 4th Degree Assemblies, Districts and Councils from the Diocese of Imus were mobilized and consolidated as well as the Columbian Squires in the Luzon Jurisdiction. We project, display and demonstrate our unity and strength;

Luzon Jurisdiction honors 10 outstanding District Deputies

The Luzon Jurisdiction of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines awarded its top ten District Deputies during their 2012 organizational meeting last June 30 July 1, 2012 held at the Manila Grand Opera hotel, Manila. The Jurisdiction awarded Francisco eJ Atienza (C40) as the most outstanding District Deputy. Atienza posted a 503.7% membership growth as of 01 June 2012; and established three new councils plus two new Columbian Squires Circles. The nine outstanding District Deputies are Nicanor C. Felix (A11), Arturo A. Valdez (B26), Clodualdo R. Fernandez, Sr. (B34), Manuel P. Delica (C41), Manuelito R. Putong (I 36), Ruben L. Ramirez (M26), Manuel R. Cabungcal (N35), Joseph H. Ortiz (S21), and Marcial G. Villanueva, Jr. (S51). Meanwhile, the Luzon Deputy lauded the awardees and encouraged the other District Deputies to follow their footsteps and bring more honors to the Jurisdiction.

the spirit of Brotherhood and camaraderie; and exercise the symbolic sense of Patriotism and nationalism, said Sanglay. Among the guest of honors were Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Sec. Mar Roxas, Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla, Cavite 1st District Representative Joseph emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, and Former Congressman Plaridel M. Abaya. (KC News)

The awardees together with State Treasurer Joseph P. Teodoro, Supreme Director Alonso L. Tan, Luzon Deputy Arsenio Isidro G. Yap, and State Secretary Joven B. Joaquin.

We are hoping that the other DDs will be able to duplicate the awardees' feat and next year would be competitive enough to belong to the top 10. Our

congratulations to the top 10 outstanding District Deputies for the Columbian Year 2011-2012, said Yap. (KC News)

Bro. Volmar Clavano, Unit Manager - Southern Mindanao Marlins (2nd from left) handed over to Mrs. Natalia D. Sabado and her family the proceeds of the KCFAPI insurance coverage of her late husband Bro. Oscar Sabado of Council 4639 in General Santos City, assisted by Bro. Balbino Fauni, Mindanao Deputy (extreme left) and Fraternal Counselor Sis. Corazon Clavano, (extreme right)