Professional Documents
Culture Documents
God would be doubly heinous and must be condemned by all people of good the CFC International Elders members that
will,” he said. Council. will lead the organiza-
Immediately after the bombing, Cotabato Auxiliary Bishop Jose Colin M. Echoing the homily tion within two years.
Bagaforo called on medical doctors to extend assistance to the injured victims of Manila Archbishop Congresses for bishops,
rushed to different hospitals in the city. Gaudencio Cardinal Ro- clergy, lay and migrants
In a text message sent to concerned Cotabato residents, the prelate requested sales during the Thanks- were also held and or-
local residents to visit hospitals and extend whatever assistance they could to giving Mass that served Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales (3rd from right) and Archbishop Ramon Arguelles (2nd ganizers said at least
the injured victims. as the climax of the cel- from right), with some members of the CFC International Council and Board of Elders 50,000 members partici-
during the thanksgiving Mass held at Quirino Grandstand on June 27. (From left) Dr.
Bombing / A6 ebration, Tale urged the Joe Yamamoto, the new CFC Executive Director, Rouquel Ponte, IC member, Joe Tale, pated in the activities.
CFC community to look the new CFC chairman, Joey Arguelles, IC member. (Kris Bayos)
World News
CBCP Monitor
A2 Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
© www.asianews.it
governments of Canada, France, Ger- tional cooperation. resources,' is maintained and increased,
many, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United In order to function, the technical not only despite the crisis, but precisely
Kingdom and the United States. solutions adopted by the G-8 must keep because this is one of the principal ways
Italy also invited the leaders of Bra- in mind certain ethical values because of solving it," he said. (CNS)
business and economy," he said. The Knights' insurance program has more than "Doing the right thing isn't always the most prof-
Announcing the encyclical June 29, the pope $14 billion in assets and some $71 billion worth of itable," he said, but that is not the point. "You are
said it would reflect on "some aspects of holistic insurance in force, Anderson said. For the 34th year called to be faithful not because it will make you
development in our age in the light of love in truth," in a row, the program has earned the top rating successful, but for other reasons. And hopefully
Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson and he said he hoped it would help those working given by A.M. Best and for the 17th year in a row you are successful."
ROME, July 1, 2009—When Pope Benedict XVI's for "sustainable progress in full respect for human it earned Standard & Poor's top rating. Anderson said, "A Christian, if he or she is seri-
social encyclical is released, Catholics shouldn't just dignity and the real needs of all." "The thing about the K of C is that we have tried ous, sees a person as a gift of God. If a person is
ask, "What does the pope say I'm doing right?" but L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, hard to run our business enterprise according to (considered) 'a contraceptive mistake,' that's a really
"What should I do to act more morally?" said the said Pope Benedict hit some of the same points the social doctrine of the church," Anderson said. different attitude."
head of the Knights of Columbus. made in the encyclical during his homily June 28 "We are not perfect at that, people make mistakes," When people realize they are a gift of God and so is
Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson, who heads closing the year of St. Paul. but "at the end of the day we have tried to run an everyone else, "then everything changes," he said.
the 1.7 million-member fraternal organization "For Christians truth and love go together," the ethical enterprise and it has succeeded." If each life has value, then everyone has an obliga-
and its enormous life insurance business, spoke to pope had said. In fact, "love is the proof of the The Knights are "very conservative" in their tion to work to ensure that everyone has the food and
Catholic News Service July 1 in Rome. truth," so those who truly believe will be committed investments and have ethical guidelines for pur- other things they need to survive, he said. (CNS)
Peace advocates
Holy Father explains mission praise archbishop
and meaning of priestly ministry for bombing
response
VATICAN CITY, July 1, 2009─At the mission to the full, announcing the
general audience in St. Peter’s Square Word and administering the Sacra- MANILA, July 6, 2009—Archbishop Or-
this morning, Pope Benedict XVI spoke ments,” he added. lando Quevedo of Cotabato said a bomb
of the Year for Priests, laying out the The Pope noted that after Vatican attack in Cotabato City that killed five
essentials of the priestly mission and Council II, "in some places the impres- people and injured at least 43 did not
identity. He also prayed that this Year sion arose that there were more impor- target the cathedral, as earlier reports
will be “an opportunity for the inner tant things in the mission of priests in had claimed.
renewal of all priests and, consequently, our time: some people believed that the He called for calm in a statement to
for the revitalization of their commit- priority was to build a new society." media on July 5, the day of the blast in
ment to the mission." However, Pope Benedict countered the southern city.
The Pope announced that much of his that “announcement and power” re- “Violence does not achieve anything.
teaching in coming months will center main the “two essential elements of Violence begets violence,” the bishop
of St. John Mary Vianney, during this priestly ministry,” demonstrated when said. “Let’s all pray for the conversion
Year marking the 150th anniversary of Christ sent his disciples to preach the of the bombers.”
his death. Gospel and gave them power to drive The Oblates of Mary Immaculate
© Noli Yamsuan / RCAM
Of the many virtues exhibited by the out demons. In other words "Word and (OMI) prelate said he believed extortion
Cure of Ars, the Holy Father said he Sacrament, are the pillars of priestly was the motive, and he later reaffirmed
finds that one of the most remarkable service, over and above the many forms to UCA News that the bombing “is not
was “his complete identification with it can take." about religion, the Muslims' desire for
his ministry. He used to say that a good The Pope warned that when this two- ‘self rule’, or anything political.”
pastor, a pastor after God's heart, is the fold core of the priest is forgotten, “it be- He told UCA News he had felt com-
greatest treasure the good Lord can give comes truly difficult to understand the pelled to issue statements to e-groups
a parish.” abundantly to one another.” sue of priestly identity, saying, "In the identity of priests and of their ministry and the media to correct reports that
This charity is dispensed through face of so many uncertainties and so in the Church.” He called on all people the cathedral was the target. There were
The Priestly Mission love for others and works of mercy, much weariness, even in the exercise to remember this important truth dur- no blasts inside the cathedral and the
“In fact, it is by considering the dual which Benedict described as “not so of priestly ministry, it is vitally impor- ing this Year for Priests, and to “pray for bomb was not set to go off as people
term 'identity-mission' that each priest much a question of social morals as the tant to regain a clear and unequivocal all the clergy. ... Prayer is the primary were coming out of church, he clarified
will become better aware of the need for expression of a sacramental conception view of the absolute primacy of divine duty, the true path of sanctification for in his messages.
that progressive self identification with of Christian morality.” These outward grace.” "The mission of each individual priests and the heart of authentic pas- Peace advocates praised Archbishop
Christ which guarantees the faithful- manifestations of the indwelling of priest depends, then, also and above toral care of vocations.” Quevedo for his response.
ness and fruitfulness of his evangelical charity finds its full expression through all on an awareness of the sacramental Benedict concluded by offering en- “We applaud the courage and wis-
witness,” Benedict continued. “Thus, in priestly ministry, where “the spiritual reality of his 'new existence.' Upon the couragement, saying, "The low numbers dom of Archbishop Orlando Quevedo
the life of a priest, missionary announce- sacrifice of all the faithful is accom- certainty of his own identity - not arti- of priestly ordinations in some countries OMI who, even as he condemned the
ment and worship are inseparable, just plished, in union with the sacrifice of ficially and humanly constructed but not only must not discourage us, it bombing as sacrilege, has called for
as sacramental identity and evangeliz- Christ, the only mediator,” the Pope freely and divinely given and received should stimulate us to dedicate greater restraint,” the Philippine Council for
ing mission are likewise inseparable.” said. “This is the sacrifice that priests - depends his perennial enthusiasm for space to silence and to listening to the Islam and Democracy declared in its
The goal of priests' mission, the Pope offer bloodlessly and sacramentally the mission." Word, to improving spiritual guidance statement on the bombing.
taught, could be described as, “'of wor- while awaiting the second coming of “Having received such an extraor- and the Sacrament of Confession, so Archbishop Quevedo explained to
ship': that all men and women may offer the Lord.” dinary gift of grace with their conse- that the voice of God, which always UCA News in Manila, on his way to a
themselves as a living sacrifice, holy and cration, priests become permanent continues to call and to confirm, may bishops' retreat, that he was preaching
acceptable to God, receiving the charity Priestly Identity witnesses of their own encounter with be heard and followed by many young on priests and prophecy when a bomb
which they are then called to dispense Benedict XVI also addressed the is- Christ,” and “are able to carry out their people." (CNA) exploded across the street from the
It observed that "in this time of global- practice torture to extract information in confession which violates human as committed to building a "peaceful,
ization, cultures and religions approach rights,” he said. progressive, and democratic Muslim
each other more and more, and that in “Hence, the AFP has had a dismal human rights record,” added Reyes. Mindanao," condemned the blast as a
the heart of all cultures, an authentic Last Sunday, Roxas recounted how military agents tortured her last month “terrorist act” and called for prompt
desire for peace is emerging." Archbishop Antonio Maria Vegliò action to bring perpetrators to justice.
while forcing her to admit that she was a member of the communist group,
At the same time, it added, "we see "an occasion for dialogue and listening, New People’s Army (NPA). Archbishop Quevedo noted that
misunderstandings, prejudices and inasmuch as it puts people in contact The US-based member of the leftist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan bombings in recent years of businesses
deeply rooted misconceptions that raise with other ways of living, other reli- (Bayan) is filing a case against the Philippine government, adding that in Cotabato, General Santos, Kida-
barriers and nurture divisions" aris- gions, other ways of seeing the world she would not want other people to suffer similar fate at the hands of the pawan and Koronodal cities as well
ing from the fear "of what is different, and its history." military. as Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat
unknown." "It is likewise an invitation not to Militant / A6 provinces were found to be linked to
Tourism, the council noted, can be Holy See / A6 Response / A7
A4 Opinion CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
EDITORIAL
Charity in truth
RERUM Novarum of Pope Leo XIII in 1891 was a trailblazer. It
was the first social encyclical that opened the eyes, though how
late, of most in the Church who have been largely if eternally
preoccupied only with either solving theological problems or
refining the pageantry of the sacristy or both.
A far cry from the usual concerns of the church that was more
serious with indulgences rather than temporal inadequacies, this
pioneer social doctrine addressed the condition of labor and the
challenges of the Industrial Revolution’s widespread exploitation
of workers. Being new and, well, strange, it somehow resounded
throughout the Christendom as it upheld the rights of employees
to organize, and rejected communism and unbridled capitalism.
The social encyclicals that followed were built from Rerum
Novarum’s foundations—all the way from Quadragesimo Anno to
Mater et Magistra, and Pacem in Terris, to Vatican II’s Dignitatis
Humanae and Gaudium et Spes, until Paul VI’s Populorum
Progressio and the three blockbuster social encyclicals of Pope
John Paul II.
Thence come Caritas in Veritate (Charity in truth).
Issued last July 7, 2009, this maybe the social encyclical of
the century, with the most “teeth” of them all. It condemns
corruption, the exploitation of workers, the destruction of the
environment, the continued practice of wealthy nations imposing
high tariffs on imports that consequently shut poor countries out
of the international marketplace, and the enforcement of patents
“TO have a heart of fire for charity, and a heart of bronze for chas- if he himself experiences from the bottom of his heart the same par-
tity...” don that God has bestowed on him for his own sins. A priest who
These are not two different hearts but one human heart: the experiences in his flesh and bone God´s pardon can readily and
same heart with which we love our parents, our friends─all our more meaningfully bring the same pardon to other souls. The priest
Pedro C. Quitorio loved ones. It is the same heart with which we love God. Charity should teach how to pardon. And he teaches it by giving witness
Editor-in-Chief and chastity are two sides of a coin. One does not exist without the through his own experience.
other. Pastoral charity, for a newly-ordained, is understood as an “To console and to bless always...”
Pinky Barrientos, FSP Kris P. Bayos effort and a fervent petition to God “to make all our human affec- A blessing is always a consolation. Oftentimes, out of humility
Associate Editor Feature Editor tions pass through the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate (perhaps), a newly-ordained would refuse to extend his hand when
Heart of Mary”. It is because the heart, if not guarded with seven an elderly woman would try to take it to ask for a blessing (pagma-
Melo M. Acuña Laarni Bergado locks, would tend to attach itself to human affections─attachments in mano). The priest thinks he is too young or too unworthy to do so.
Managing Editor Marketing Supervisor things and in persons. And if a newly-ordained is not careful, these But he should think that when people ask for a priest´s blessing, they
attachments would tend to detach himself from God. are actually asking Christ´s blessing, not the priest´s.
Roy Q. Lagarde Ernani M. Ramos
News Editor Circulation Manager “To teach and to pardon...” And Christ´s blessing brings consolation. The channel for such
Apparently, these are two different aspects of a priest`s life: the blessing, for such consolation, is the priest. But oftentimes, it is the
Laurence John R. Morales Marcelita Dominguez prophetic and the sacramental dimensions of priestly ministry. priest himself that longs for such consolation. He can only be a chan-
Layout Artist and Online Editor Comptroller Indeed, a priest is a teacher. But more than just “mere teaching” nel if he himself enjoys such divine consolation. But such consolation
Catholic doctrines and dogmas, a priest gives testimony. Pope Paul can only be experienced through an intimate relationship with Jesus.
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP Com- VI rightly noted, “modern man listens more willingly to witnesses Yet, as St. Teresa of Jesus once said: “search not for the consolation
munications Development Foundation, Inc., with editorial and than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they of the Lord, but the Lord of the consolation.”
business offices at 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila.
P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO. are witnesses”. “My God what a life, and it is yours...”
Editorial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612. In the Sacrament of Penance, the priest pardons. But in reality, it A priest does not belong to himself anymore, but to Christ and to
ISSN 1908-2940 is Jesus Himself—through the instrumentality of His minister—who His Church. Hence, his personal plans and projects in life are geared
gives pardon. The priest`s instrumentality becomes more profound Cogito / A6
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
Opinion A5
Jose B. Lugay
Fr. Carmelo O. Diola, SSL
All set for 2010
Laiko Lampstand automated elections? Spaces of Hope
THE citizens of the Philippines all breathed
a sigh of relief when Comelec Chairman Jose
Melo announced last July 3, that Smartmatic
larly the grasping paws of greed for profit or
power. It is sinfulness that is at the root of
our socio-economic and political problems,
CBCP’s challenge to the laity: “We challenge
the Catholic laity, in particular, to take the
lead in the task of moral renewal towards
Gideon
I SEE a river of change flowing through our dear land, fed by
and Total Information Management (TIM) and we need to name the problems by their a deeper and more lasting change in the
various tributaries of transformation. Our land and people, made
finally agreed to register their joint venture true name of sin.” Philippine society,” It should start with
barren by corruption, is slowly watered by this river whose
agreement with the Securities and Exchange “274. The necessity of social transforma- the election of officials with moral integrity
source is God’s love pulsating through the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Commission. One month beyond Comelec’s tion is not a new demand. What is new is its who possess the knowledge to govern for
in union with the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
target date for the signing of the bidding faith-motivation, as a demand of Christian the common good.
The Year of the Two Hearts for Peace Building and Lay Par-
contract left everybody wondering whether discipleship.” Some advocacy groups are already in-
ticipation in Social Change from 19 June 2009 to 19 June 2010
there was enough time for the winning bidder Consequently during election years, volved in the evangelization of politics.
captures this reality. It sets the spiritual groundwork for mean-
to supply the 82,000 Precinct Count Optical CBCP issues pastoral letters exhorting the The Diocese of Malaybalay has published a
ingful work for peace and change that includes engagement in
Scan (PCOS) machines, transport them to faithful especially the laity to be the agents political guide, Talita Khoum, especially for
the 2010 elections.
all the precincts in the archipelago and train of change for social transformation. Past voters whose votes are expected in exchange
But, we need to ask, would another CBCP statement really
40,000 IT technicians to operate and maintain elections in 2004 and 2007 indicated that for a monetary consideration. The Dilaab
matter? In the first national consultation of Circles of Discern-
the machines. While Comelec made a sigh politics has deteriorated to its lowest level Foundation, Inc., of the Diocese of Cebu, has
ment for Elections (CiDE) in Cebu last 20-21 April 2009, attended
of relief that at last the automation of elec- of morality. It is time for the laity to use initiated the training of lay people in political
by 30 participants from 13 local churches and two lay organiza-
tion will proceed, there are still doubting more innovative approaches to address evangelization, through its ongoing Circles
tions, a few thought this was an exercise in futility. What good
Thomases. the problem. It is no longer enough to be of Discernment (CiDE) and Pastoral Accom-
would another statement do? Indeed, more than half of CBCP
Now that the contract between Comelec a member of NAMFREL or PPCRV. We paniment sessions. In support of this activity,
statements, since its beginnings, have been on politics. Yet “Phil-
and the joint venture will be signed, and should get involved in educating the young the Volunteers of the HEARTS Network,
ippine politics─the way it is practiced─has been most hurtful of
Smartmatic and TIM will start getting ready voters to evangelize politics and to establish which is comprised of 21 faith-based orga-
us as a people,” and sadly continues to be so.
for the 2010 elections, there is still one unbe- a new standard for selection of candidates. nizations, have shared their expertise and
Someone then wisely pointed out that such statements
liever of the automated election system—the This action plan supports the most recent experience in advocacy work through “Holi-
actually contribute a critical service by setting the conditions
Philippine Center for Investigative Journal- CBCP’s pastoral exhortation. ness, Education, Resource mobilization, and
for change to happen. What may be lacking is the collective,
ism. Their technical experts question the CBCP’s President Angel N. Lagdameo Transformation through truth telling,” with
effective, and sustained response on the part of the laity, in col-
security aspect of the source code which is issued a pastoral exhortation last April 27, the purpose of bringing “Solidarity in action
laboration with priests, to the call made by the bishops. After
made accessible to IT technicians. They claim 2009 declaring the Year of the Two Hearts among the People of God.” The Council of
all, evangelizing and transforming politics is the laity’s specific
that these technicians will be subject to pres- for Peace-Building and Lay Participation the Laity is ready with its modules to train
field of engagement. As the bishops remind us: “You know that
sure by moneyed politicians to change the in Social Change. This is very timely to lay leaders towards becoming a Community
we have sounded this call too many times already in the past.
election canvass in their favor. It is a reminder prepare the lay faithful for the coming of Disciples. This includes a training module
Perhaps because this task is expected of us, there has been a
to all of us that cheating in the election is a 2010 elections. All the faithful are called on the Advocacy for Good Governance, i.e.
tendency to take it for granted that we are also to carry it out
moral problem and no automation system can “to start preparing spiritually for another Anti Graft and Corruption.
by ourselves.”
eradicate cheating completely. crucial transition in the life of our nation— With social change in mind, all members
Our church leaders continue: “We challenge our Catholic la-
It is damned if you don’t automate and namely, the elections in May 2010.” This of lay organizations and movements across
ity, in particular, to take the lead in the task of moral renewal
damned if you do. The voting population, is one year of spiritual preparation start- the country are invited to be partners in the
towards a deeper and more lasting change in the Philippine
especially the younger crowd wants a change ing June 2010 to consecrate our country evangelization of Filipino politics by becom-
society.” In other words, the bishops are telling the lay faithful
from a tainted election system to a truly to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the ing a volunteer in the HEARTS network of
that the ball is now in their court.
democratic choice of leaders. The root cause Immaculate Heart of Mary—the Year of which the Council of the Laity is a member.
The bishops had also released a statement in 1986 in the face of
of cheating during elections is sinfulness as the Two Hearts. The advocacies for peace- They can start by securing one endorsement
a national political crisis seen as rooted in a moral crisis. People
expressed by PCP II Acts 266 and 274: building and lay participation in social from their local Diocesan Bishop to link with
listened and responded. Change happened. Something similar
“266. In the poverty and underdevelopment change should now be in place. The period the network. Together, the whole Philippines
may happen, if our response is sure and strong.
of our nation, in its conflicts and divisions, of consecration ends in June next year, the can be on the road to social change in the
Yet, such a response cannot be haphazard and underneath
we see the hand of human sinfulness, particu- culmination of the 2010 elections. This is Year of Two Hearts.
our dignity. This is the lesson from the story of Gideon, one of
Israel’s judges at the beginnings of its emergence as a nation.
Fr. Francis B. Ongkingco Why start with Gideon?
‘Where are you The office of the readings at the beginning of the second
gathering of CiDE Church network from 17 to 19 June cited
headed?’ Whatever Judges 6:33-40; 7:1-8, 16-22. God continues to provide guidance
through the Bible.
What struck me in this story of victorious faith is how God
selected Gideon’s army. After asking those who were afraid to go
THE two friends came out of the classroom after their last final the school grounds. home, God then instructs Gideon to separate those who “lap up
exam. Both were eager to start off with summer vacation. Sal, who “So tell me about it, dude. I’m all ears for this mystical stuff.” the water as a dog does” from those “who kneels down to drink.”
happened to be the aspiring valedictorian of the class, sighed with “Sheesh, dude. It aint nuthin’g like that.” They are to engage the enemy but do so without sacrificing their
relief. “Now that we’re done with that, it’s time for unlimited gam- “So what is it about then,” Sal shrugged his shoulders. dignity. This seems to be the idea since dogs are generally looked
ing, music and partying!” “It’s not only about getting the right directions, but the more down upon as dirty in the Semitic world.
Chris, Sal’s best friend the aspiring salutatorian, remarked, “Yup! productive and fruitful one,” Chris began explain as he wiped the Being dignified, however, does not mean they are to be want-
But this summer’s goin’ to be a bit different for me.” sweat from his brow. ing in strategy. With the element of surprise in their hands,
“What do you mean?” Sal gave him a puzzled look. “Duh? Wuz I suppose to dig all that Greek, dude?” Gideon’s force manages to confuse the enemy into thinking
“Oh, nothin’, really. I just thought that I could give myself some- “Okay, it’s simply about getting a good grip of my life and stirring they were more than they actually were. The result was self-
thing more by giving gaming, music and partying a more produc- it where I want to go.” destruction on the part of the enemy.
tive direction.” “Now we’re talking. So you want to become a priest, and I’m go- Corruption is irrational and ultimately self-destructive. But
“Geez, dude! You’ve overwired your brains. Productive direction? ing to be president one day.” how do we maintain our dignity in the fight against corruption,
Hey, where did you pick that jargon from?” “Okay, I’ll follow your tail. So I’m the priest and you’re president. particularly as it begins during elections? The starting point is
“I’m sorry, Sal,” he said. “I didn’t mean to ruin your summer But Mr. President, I don’t want to become a priest only for that rea- to be infused with a politics of hope and patience, rather than
with my plans.” son. I want to be one in order to go to Heaven.” that of despair and impatience.
“Hey, apologizing without even tellin’ your friend how you’ve “Hey, that’s not fair, dude!” It is easy enough to fall into a subtle form of despair that
even offended him?” Sal smirked jokingly at his friend. “Mr. President, I thought you wanted to go to Heaven?” manifests itself in the tendency to take short cuts. The latter,
“Alright, you have a point there. Okay, I’m not apologizing,” he “Not fair! That’s not following the original argument, Mr. Sena- after all, is what ails our country. Adam and Eve were seduced
said. tor!” by a short cut in their desire for immortality. Jesus reverses this
“Hey, no changin’ tactics, dude! Stick to your arguments! So “Of course it does, so Mr. President doesn’t care?” Chris raised trend by saying “no” to the temptation to turn stone into bread,
what’ll they be?” an eyebrow at Sal. although he could have easily done so.
“You see, I’ve been seeing a good friend of mine and…,” “Okay, so you win. Of course, I want to go to Heaven,” Sal humbly This temptation to reach our goals without the needed sacrifice
“Whoa! It must’ve been that girl at the party. I bet you would admitted. is what is behind the proliferation of corruption in our country,
have been valedictorian dude, if you weren’t distracted with her!” “So what are you doing, Mr. President, to go to Heaven?” something both citizens and public officials contribute to. People
he teased Chris. “Well, to start with I guess, ah… try to live the commandments…,” would rather pay fixers rather than fall in line. They look for
“Ah, right…but it’s not the girl, Sal!” Chris smiled. “It’s a Sal said scratching his head. shortcuts in their quest for security and happiness.
priest.” “But this is not enough!” Chris said. In our journey towards elections 2010, this impatience is
“Way to go, Chris! I didn’t know you had plans of becoming a “Hey, I want to be president and not a priest!” Sal protested. shown in the tendency to start with personalities, rather than
priest. Okay, then I’m going to be a politician!” Sal chuckled as he “I know,” Chris laughed. “But, just following the commandments with principles and values. People nominate themselves rather
gave Chris a pat on the back. isn’t enough either for a priest. Every Christian who wishes to fur- and everything else follows. Some groups claim exaggerated
“That’s not what I meant, Sal.” Chris’ tone became a little more ther enrich his spiritual life and be fruitful must do so by receiving numbers without doing the necessary groundwork and with-
serious as they both sat themselves in one of the rickety benches of Whatever / A6 out properly forming the consciences of their followers. This is
downright messianic.
Candidates buy votes instead of really leading and offering a
Rev. Euly B. Belizar, SThD concrete platform and track record of integrity and competence.
© www.flickr.com/photos/marc2700
one surrounding the controversial Manila by industrial wastes is now a health hazard
City Ordinance 8187. to residents.
“Let us engage in a catechesis of the integ- The Ecology Desk of the archdiocese has
rity of creation by “circles of discernment” released a guideline on observing Ecology
in our parishes and school’s ministry,” he Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales Sundays in the parishes.
stated. ordinance and help create an ecologically— This guideline aims to intensify the cam-
“Let us (also) begin a signature campaign friendly city.” paign of the ministry and to Catholics in the
in our parishes and schools for the local Rosales also asked the people to pray archdiocese and in the country to care and
government of Manila to revoke the City for the abolition of the controversial protect God’s creation. (CBCPNews) STREET parties and beauty pageants will no longer be allowed
starting this year’s celebration of the Peñafrancia Festival in
Social dev’t / A1
Naga City.
dismissed as irrelevant for interpreting and giving direction to moral licitudo Rei Socialis,” he recalled. Until that time, only Pope Leo XIII's The Catholic Church in Bicol and local government authorities
responsibility.” work, “Rerum Novarum,” had been commemorated in that way. agreed to ban the fiesta’s civic components to avoid deflecting
The remedy to this distortion of charity is to infuse it with truth, “Now that a further twenty years have passed,” Benedict XVI the public’s attention from the church’s celebration.
the Pope said. “In this way, he added, “not only do we do a service wrote, “I express my conviction that Populorum Progressio deserves The agreement was reached recently between Caceres
to charity enlightened by truth, but we also help give credibility to to be considered 'the Rerum Novarum of the present age,' shedding Archbishop Leonardo Legazpi and Naga City Mayor Jesse
truth, demonstrating its persuasive and authenticating power in the light upon humanity's journey towards unity.” Robredo.
practical setting of social living.” Summing up society's current situation, Benedict described offer- Significant points in the deal include the banning of “Bicolan-
Truth, he observed, also “frees charity from the constraints of an ing love in truth as a “great challenge for the Church in a world that dia Beauty Pageant” within the fiesta days that starts with the
emotionalism,” enables men and women “to let go of their subjec- is becoming progressively and pervasively globalized.” “Traslacion procession” on September 11.
tive opinions and impressions” and “opens and unites our minds “The risk for our time,” he alerted, “is that the de facto interde- “Street parties and beer plazas are no longer features of the
in the lógos of love.” pendence of people and nations is not matched by ethical interac- Peñafrancia fiesta,” said Fr. Jay Jacinto, spokesman of the Arch-
Returning to a theme that he preached on just before his election tion of consciences and minds that would give rise to truly human diocese of Caceres.
as Pope, the Holy Father pointed out that in the current social and development.” The Naga City council also agreed with Archbishop Legazpi
cultural context, “where there is a widespread tendency to relativ- When Pope Paul VI promulgated his message on integral social to make efforts in keeping the Peñafrancia Novena days “free
ize truth, practicing charity in truth helps people to understand development, he was conveying two important truths: “the Church from undue distractions”.
that adhering to the values of Christianity is not merely useful but in all her being and acting...is engaged in promoting integral human Jacinto said the agreement capped the series of dialogue be-
essential for building a good society and for true integral human development” and that “authentic human development concerns tween the church and the city officials to avoid commercialization
development.” the whole of the person in every single dimension.” mess of the Peñafrancia Festival.
“A Christianity of charity without truth,” the Pontiff warned, “would In other words, Pope Benedict explained, “Without the perspective of “These arrangements are deemed in keeping with the celebra-
be more or less interchangeable with a pool of good sentiments, helpful eternal life, human progress in this world is denied breathing-space.” tion for the tercentenary of Peñafrancia devotion,’ Jacinto said.
for social cohesion, but of little relevance. In other words, there would As he proposed the notion of development in “human and Christian Other activities agreed upon by both parties include the hold-
no longer be any real place for God in the world.” terms,” Pope Paul VI unflinchingly put forth Christian charity as the ing of a Perdon Procession on Sept. 16; the Voyadores Festival on
Even worse, “without trust and love for what is true, there is principal force at the service of development, the Pope recalled. “Mo- Sept. 17; the Military Parade on Sept.18; and the Thanksgiving
no social conscience and responsibility, and social action ends up tivated by the wish to make Christ's love fully visible to contemporary and Fluvial Procession on Sept.19.
serving private interests and the logic of power, resulting in social men and women, Paul VI addressed important ethical questions Legazpi had been chiding the local authorities for the com-
fragmentation, especially in a globalized society at difficult times robustly, without yielding to the cultural weaknesses of his time.” mercialization mess that marred last year’s celebration of the
like the present,” Benedict XVI wrote. Even in the 1960s, the German Pontiff noted that Paul VI was Peñafrancia festival.
The Church sees her fidelity to the truth as being faithful to man, the already warning against the “technocratic ideology so prevalent He lamented that some activities approved by the city govern-
Pope noted, saying that fidelity to the truth is the only “guarantee of today.” Entrusting the “entire process of development to technology ment deviated from the occasion.
freedom” and of “the possibility of integral human development.” alone” was identified as a “great danger” because “it would lack The prelate stressed that the essence of the event is the renewal
“For this reason the Church searches for truth, proclaims it tire- direction,” he had said. of faith and understanding of the devotion to Mary.
lessly and recognizes it wherever it is manifested. This mission of “Technology, viewed in itself, is ambivalent,” the Benedict wrote, The commercialism that happened in recent years, he added,
truth is something that the Church can never renounce. Her social saying that while “some today would be inclined to entrust the has tarnished the religiosity of the country’s only regional fi-
doctrine is a particular dimension of this proclamation: it is a service entire process of development to technology, on the other hand we esta.
to the truth which sets us free. Open to the truth, from whichever are witnessing an upsurge of ideologies that deny "in toto" the very With this recent agreement, the priest said, the church is look-
branch of knowledge it comes, the Church's social doctrine receives value of development, viewing it as radically anti-human and merely ing forward to a suitable celebration of the tercentenary of the
it, assembles into a unity the fragments in which it is often found, a source of degradation.” Peñafrancia devotion. (Roy Lagarde)
and mediates it within the constantly changing life-patterns of the “This leads to a rejection, not only of the distorted and unjust
society of peoples and nations.” way in which progress is sometimes directed, but also of scientific
Cogito / A4
Pope Benedict also touched on the common good, writing that discoveries themselves, which, if well used, could serve as an op-
seeking it is a “requirement of justice and charity.” Taking a stand portunity of growth for all.” not towards himself, but towards Christ. His plans are the plans of
for the common good involves both caring for and participating in The Holy Father brought his section on Paul VI's teachings to a Christ. His projects are the projects of the Church of Christ. His life
the “complex of institutions that give structure to the life of society, close by reflecting on what a world without development means. is not anymore his, but God´s.
juridically, civilly, politically and culturally, making it the pólis, or “The idea of a world without development indicates a lack of trust Priesthood is never one´s personal life project: it is Christ´s plan
'city,'” he said. in man and in God. It is therefore a serious mistake to undervalue that is unfolding in every moment of a priest´s life. Everyday in
The Holy Father then turned to the history of the Church's body human capacity to exercise control over the deviations of develop- a life of priest is an unfolding of such divine plan. And the most
of teaching on social life by noting that it has been over forty years ment or to overlook the fact that man is constitutionally oriented that a priest can do is to say YES to every moment. Everyday is an
since “the great Pope Paul VI” first penned “Populorum Progressio,” towards 'being more.' Idealizing technical progress, or contemplating opportunity to say YES to God. It is an everyday YES: Serviam! (I
which unfolded the meaning of “integral human development.” the utopia of a return to humanity's original natural state, are two will serve).
On the 20th anniversary of “Populorum Progressio's” publication, contrasting ways of detaching progress from its moral evaluation “Oh, priest of Jesus Christ! Oh, priest of Jesus Christ!”
Pope John Paul II marked the teaching by issuing the encyclical “Sol- and hence from our responsibility.” (Catholic News Agency) The greatness of priesthood! St. John Mary Vianney could only
describe it in these words: “O, how great is the priest! ... If he realized
CBCP head / A1 what he is, he would die. ... God obeys him: he utters a few words
Under Lagdameo, the CBCP was vocal on from 2010 to 2012. fore they are officially released. and the Lord descends from heaven at his voice, to be contained
social issues such as mining, illegal gambling The permanent council acts for and in be- In CBCP history, members of the perma- within a small host”.
and, more recently, constitutional amend- half of the CBCP when the plenary assembly nent council enjoy two terms in office, with Pray for the sanctity of all priests!
ment and extrajudicial killings, among is not in session. Chaired by the CBCP presi- the vice president normally succeeding the
Whatever / A5
others. dent, its officers attends to the operations of president when his term expires.
Lagdameo became controversial when he the Conference. Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar, a canon constant and effective direction.”
issued his strongest statement against the The Council is also mandated to work with lawyer, is currently serving his first term “Even priests?” Sal said quite surprised.
Arroyo administration—denouncing the the Episcopal commissions and assign them as vice president of the bishops’ collegial “Yes, even priests and much more presidents,” Chris smiled ob-
“moral bankruptcy” in government and of functions of urgent character that were not body. serving his friend’s consternation.
government leaders. taken up in plenary. The bishops will likewise elect the CBCP’s “And what is one supposed to talk about?”
One of the Council’s main functions is to new secretary general and chairpersons of “The most relevant points regarding your life of prayer—how
Permanent Council prepare joint statements or pastoral letters the 33 different commissions, committees to talk to our Lord, what He tells you and your resolutions; the
The CBCP plenary will also elect their of the church hierarchy on matters decided and offices. spiritual reading or resources—you consult to enrich your spiritual
vice president and a new set of officers for upon by the plenum, provided that copies life; your sacramental life—knowledge and refinement in living the
its permanent council for a two-year term— are sent to other members for approval be- Pastoral statement sacraments, (i.e. especially the Mass and Confession); how you live
The CBCP is also expected to issue on July the Christian virtues in relation to your family, friends, work and
Shot / A1 13 a pastoral statement on ecclesiastical, rest; a particular point in your spiritual life you want to improve on;
Interviewed by CBCPNews, Msgr. Dakay “We already informed Cardinal Vidal moral and socio-political issues affecting and how you share your faith with others.
said the culprits took the victim’s two cell- who is presently in Manila and he strongly the country. “Isn’t that quite a lot to discuss?” Sal asked.
phones but left his wallet behind. condemned the criminal act,” Msgr. Dakay Kalookan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez “Not really, Mr. President. There’s no need to bring everything up.
He said the victim was walking to his sis- said. earlier said the plenary might discuss the Simply prepare things beforehand in prayer. Note the most relevant
ter’s house when the hold-up took place. He added the victim was a priest for the issue on constituent assembly as the mode things you wish to take up.”
Quoting a young witness, Msgr. Dakay past 20 years and has served as assistant for Charter change. “How frequently should one go?”
said one of the armed men put his arm parish priest in Bantayan and Guadalupe The CBCP is composed of 130 prelates, “It’s important to be regular, no less than monthly, perhaps weekly
around the victim and shot him. and later as parish priest in Buanoy and 32 of them are retired. Only those who are or biweekly.”
Earlier reports said the victim had gunshot Santander before he became part of the Team active in service, however, are allowed to “What do I do afterwards?”
wounds in his arm, nape and buttocks. Ministry based in Naga, Cebu. vote. “For lasting and fruitful effects, it would be good to listen and
It was learned Rabusa expired a few min- Msgr. Dakay said they still have to receive The new set of CBCP officials who will be be docile to the advice you’re given; jot down concrete resolutions;
utes after being rushed to Talisay District official report from the local police unit. elected this week will resume their posts on bring them to prayer; see how you can best live them in everyday
Hospital for emergency treatment. (CBCPNews) December 1, 2009. (Roy Lagarde) life; and follow them up in your next chat with the priest and/or a
friend whom you know lives a committed Christian life, by giving
Holy See / A3 him an idea of how you lived your resolutions.”
withdraw into one's own culture, but to be open and face different ator was the first to contemplate the beauty-goodness of everything “Wow! With all that, I’m taking back what I’ve said,” Sal said.
ways of thinking and living," it added. that he made." “What? Spiritual direction?” Chris asked a bit confused.
The message noted: "It should not be surprising therefore, that He is also the source of unity, it added, "and for the believer, “No, about becoming president,” Sal laughed heartily.
extremist sectors and terrorist groups of a fundamentalist nature differences as a whole open ways by which one can draw near the
indicate tourism as a danger and an objective to destroy. infinite greatness of God." Militant / A3
"Mutual knowledge—let us ardently hope—will help in building "As a phenomenon having the possibility of celebrating diversity, Reyes then called on the military leadership to submit themselves
a more just, supportive and fraternal society." tourism, for us, can be Christian, an open road to contemplative to a truthful investigation and trial.
Responsibility confession," the message stated. (Zenit) “They should not be dismissive and commit themselves to a genu-
It pointed out that diversity also takes place "in the virtual world, ine process of identifying, prosecuting and weeding out elements
a cosmic megalopolis permanently offered to everyone." Bombing / A1 within the AFP who violate human rights,” he said.
In tourism, the council asserted, there must also be responsibility, Cotabato City had a series of kidnappings and killings over the Dizon said the incident again proves that a human rights viola-
so that local traditions are not just a tourist show, "offering diversity past few weeks. tion is at its worst since it involves individuals who are supposed
as a commercial product, only for lucrative purposes." A religious figure in the city said residents have been terrified to protect the people.
It continued, "All this requires an effort, both on the part of the with the series of kidnappings which brought “nightmares” to af- “This latest human rights violation of the Arroyo government
visitors and of the local residents who welcome, to assume an fluent residents. He added residents of Chinese lineage have begun against its critics and political dissenters is condemnable… the case
attitude of openness, respect, nearness, trust in such a way that, to flee the city and settle in nearby cities and provinces, notably substantiates that some military personnel are involved in [human]
motivated by their desire to meet others, respecting their personal, Davao City. rights violations,” he said.
cultural and religious diversity, they will be open to dialogue and He said today’s bombing would aggravate the already tarnished Based on figures by human rights group, Karapatan, there have
understanding." image of the city. (Ricky Castro/Rolando Emberga/Fr. Jonathan been 2,023 cases of torture and extra-judicial killings perpetrated
God is the source of diversity, the council affirmed, and "the Cre- Domingo, OMI/Mindanao Cross) under the Arroyo administration. (Roy Lagarde)
Diocesan News
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
A7
May They Be One Bible Campaign CBCP Communications Development Foundation, Inc. (CBCP Media Office)
Update as of June 30, 2009 Schedules of Training Seminars for 2009
The Campaign is underway and the Episcopal Commission for Biblical
Apostolate (ECBA) of CBCP and the Philippine Bible Society (PBS) are Web Graphics Manipulation
now undertaking production of May They Be One Bibles and orienting (Learn how to conceptualize, design and maintain websites. This module is tailored for catechists,
and helping Regional Bible Centers, parishes and organizations, to imple-
ment programs along Bible distribution and formation. The Campaign pastoral workers and youth groups interested in harnessing websites as a new avenue for
will enable poor families without Bibles to avail of copies of May They catechesis and evangelization.)
Be One Bibles at the subsidized price of P50/copy. Trusting God and
through the earnest prayers and support of Bible friends and partners, July 27-31 (Monday – Friday) - 1:00-5:00 p.m.
the goal of making available 5M Bibles to poor families throughout the Minimum of 10 and maximum of 15 participants
Philippines will be achieved by 2013.
Registration fee: P800 (inclusive of snacks)
Target No. of Bibles for distribution in 2009 – 100,000 cps. Venue: CBCPWorld Training Room, 3rd Flr., 470 Gen. Luna St. Intramuros, Manila
Total No. of Bibles Produced – 76,000 cps.
No. of Bibles Distributed (Jan-June, 2009) Watch for the schedule dates of the following:
Tagalog – 21,291 Cebuano – 489
English – 2,465 Information Technology Awareness Multimedia for Catechists
Ilocano – 300
TOTAL – 24,545 (This seminar is an introduction to information technology. Partici- (An introductory course to the amazing world of multimedia which
pants are taught the basic knowledge and skills in computer, internet includes videography, video editing and online sharing. This is best
No. of Communities / Parishes Covered – 78 and multimedia. This is best for school administrators, nuns, priests for catechists and pastoral workers.)
and bishops.)
Total Funds Needed for Printing and Transport of Bibles in 2009 – PC Assembly/Hardware/Software Troubleshooting
P15M System Administration (SysAd) (for CBCPWorld clients only) (Intended for computer technicians, this training module teaches
Amount Raised: P1.1 M (A highly technical training course for Systems and Network Adminis- basic skills in network management which includes hardware con-
Total Amount to be Raised: P13.9M
trators, this program is offered especially to those administering local figurations, IP addressing and network structuring.)
Support the May They Be One Bible Campaign and help bring area networks of Catholic schools. The training features bandwidth
God’s Word to more Filipino homes. Your contribution of at least and server management on a Linux platform.) Newswriting
P150/month will enable a poor family to own a Bible. (This seminar-workshop features writing news stories from a dis-
Educational Technology (Ed Tech) tinctively catholic perspective which CBCPNews calls “Catholic
For more Campaign info - visit, email or call ECBA - Fr. Oscar (This training module is intended for teachers of Catholic schools. Journalism.” This is especially intended for those involved in print
Alunday, 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, Telefax No: 5279386; It teaches how to integrate computer/internet applications into the media or those contemplating on putting up one.)
E-mail: ecba_cbcp@yahoo.com; PBS - Mrs. Perry Z. Cartera/Mrs. academic subject/curriculum.)
Juliet J. Rivera, Resource, 890 UN Ave., Ermita, Manila. 1000; Tel .
Nos.: 5215785, 5246523 loc. 150, 154-157, Fax No.:5215803 Email: Most of these training programs are conducted for free, especially to institutions that are members of the CBCPWorld Network. Trainings are
perry@bible.org.ph; juliet@bible.org.ph; Mobile Nos. 09178590019; held either at the CBCPWorld Training Center in Intramuros, Manila or at local dioceses. Interested party may contact CBCP Media Office at
09156727492; 09182802775 tel/fax 5274139 / CBCPWorld at tels. 404-2182; 404-1612.
A8 People, Facts & Places CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
Pampanga launches 1st Counseling Center for Women and Children profession; Sr. Delia Benedicta Abian, FSP, Sr. Magdalene Chong, FSP,
Sr. Teresita Espina, FSP, Sr. Elena Lim, FSP and Sr. Agnes Wong, FSP,
silver jubilee of profession. Novaliches Bishop-emeritus Teodoro Bacani
led the jubilee mass on June 27, 2009 at the Daughters of St. Paul’s
BARELY a month after the agencies - PNP, women’s desk, sional box, said Bishop David. restoring the dignity of women Queen of the Apostles Sanctuary, Pasay City.
training workshop conducted DSWD, Soroptomist Club, mem- The priests realized that those through counseling, guidance
by the Catholic Bishops Confer- bers of the CWL of the Archdio- who come to confession not and prayers. CELEBRATED. Sr. Ma. Lourdes
ence of the Philippines (CBCP) cese of San Fernando, Pampanga, only need healing of soul but of Sr. Pilar Verzosa assisted Bagalay, Sr. Melissa Mancita and
Sr. Lourdes Ranara made their
Office on Women to prospective community leaders, and all stake body as well, emotionally and Bishop David in cutting the rib- perpetual profession of vows
staff and volunteers, the Pam- holders willing to assist women psychologically, through coun- bon which signaled the opening among the Daughters of St. Paul
panga archdiocese launched and children. seling which they cannot fully of the center for those in need on June 28, 2009. Manila Auxiliary
its first counseling center for In his message, Bishop Da- address. of help. Bishop Broderick Pabillo led the
solemn celebration at the Sanctu-
Women and Children. vid expressed his appreciation The Bishop thanked all those Dr. Rotea, Sis Nellie Santos ary of the Queen of Apostles, F.B.
The center located at the Sto. and welcomed the opening of a present for their support and and Sr. Pilar Verzosa, RGS, Harrison St., Pasay City.
Rosario, Angeles City Parish “dream come true” center which pledged his prayer and guid- Project Director of the Center
was inaugurated by Auxiliary will attend to victims of domestic ance for the success of the project for Women and Children orga- CELEBRATED. Sr. Cherell Ba-
Bishop Pablo Virgilio David violence, sexual abuse and ha- which hopefully could make a nized the training workshops. cus, Carcar, Cebu; and Sr. Rosel-
ing Siaw Chen, Kuching Sarawak,
last June 19. rassment, victims of trafficking difference in the lives of women Full time Center coordinator Malaysia; pronounced their first
The seminar for prospective and exploitation, sex relationship and children. of the HRP-Center for Women religious profession of vows
counselors and volunteers at- of the young, and abortion due to Dr. Zenaida V. Rotea, Ex- and Children is Sis.Claire Bal- among the Daughters of St. Paul,
tended at the Good Shepherd unwanted pregnancies which can ecutive Secretary of the Office on uyot, a retired teacher. Assist- June 30, 2009. Rev. Fr. Joseph
P. Mendoza of Lipa Archdiocese
Convent, Q.C. fired up and be attributed to a seemingly loss Women, gave a short congratula- ing her are Sis. Rose Santos and led the celebration at the Divine
inspired participants that they of moral values. tory message to organizers even Sis. Tuding Salenga, all of them Master Chapel of the Daughters
immediately organized them- These painful realities often as she expressed hopes that the members of Catholic Women’s of St. Paul’s Novitiate House in
selves and invited various find their way into the confes- center will achieve its mission of League (CWL). (CBCPNews) Lipa City.
Pastoral Concerns
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
B1
Dear Brothers and Sisters, me, my compassion grows warm and (cf. Jn 19: 34). us: the Love that saves us and already were consecrated to serve humbly and
In a little while, we shall be singing in tender” (v. 8). Dear brothers and sisters, thank you makes us live in God’s eternity. authoritatively the common priesthood
the Antiphon to the Magnificat: “The The Heart of God throbs with because, in response to my invitation, The Evangelist John writes: “For of the faithful?
Lord has welcomed us in his Heart compassion! On today’s Solemnity of the you have come in large numbers God so loved the world that he gave Ours is an indispensable mission, for
Suscepit nos Dominus in sinum et cor Sacred Heart of Jesus the Church offers to this celebration with which we his only Son that whoever believes in the Church and for the world, which
suum”. God’s heart, considered to be us this mystery for contemplation, the begin the Year for Priests. I greet the him should not perish but have eternal demands full fidelity to Christ and
the organ of his will, is mentioned 26 mystery of the Heart of a God who feels Cardinals and Bishops, in particular life” (3: 16). His divine Heart therefore in unceasing union with him this to
times in the Old Testament. compassion and pours forth all his love the Cardinal Prefect and the Secretary calls to our hearts, inviting us to come remain in his love means that we must
Man is judged according to God’s upon humanity. It is a mysterious love, of the Congregation for the Clergy with out of ourselves, to abandon our human constantly strive for holiness, this union,
Heart. Because of the pain his heart feels which in the texts of the New Testament their collaborators, and the Bishop of certainties to trust in him and, following as did St John Mary Vianney.
at the sins of man, God decides on the is revealed to us as God’s immeasurable Ars. I greet the priests and seminarians his example, to make of ourselves a gift In the Letter I addressed to you for this
flood, but is subsequently moved by love for the human being. He does not of the various seminaries and colleges of love without reserve. special Jubilee Year, dear brother priests,
human weakness and forgives. give in to ingratitude or to rejection by of Rome; the men and women religious If it is true that Jesus’ invitation I wanted to highlight certain qualifying
Then there is an Old Testament the People he has chosen; on the contrary, and all the faithful. to “abide in my love” (cf. Jn 15: 9) is aspects of our ministry, with references
passage in which the subject of God’s with infinite mercy he sends his Only- Dear brothers and sisters, let us addressed to every baptized person, on to the example and teaching of the Holy
Heart is expressed with absolute clarity: Begotten Son into the world to take upon pause together to contemplate the the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Curé d’Ars, model and protector of all of
it is in chapter 11 of the Book of the himself the burden of love immolated pierced Heart of the Crucified One. We the Day for priestly sanctification, this us, priests, and especially parish priests.
‘The heart of
God throbs with
compassion’
(Homily of the Holy Father during the
inauguration of the Year for Priests. The
year began June 19, the solemnity of the
Sacred Heart of Jesus, marking the 150th
anniversary of the death of St. John Mary
Vianney, known as the Curé d’Ars.)
Prophet Hosea in which the first verses so that by defeating the powers of evil have heard again, just now, in the brief invitation resounds more powerfully for May my Letter be a help and
describe the dimension of the love with and death he could restore the dignity of Reading from the Letter of St Paul to we priests, particularly this evening at encouragement to you in making this
which the Lord turned to Israel at the being God’s children to human beings, the Ephesians, that “God, who is rich in the solemn inauguration of the Year for Year a favourable opportunity to grow
dawn of its history: “When Israel was enslaved by sin. mercy, out of the great love with which Priests, which I wanted to be celebrated in intimacy with Jesus, who counts
a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt All this comes about at a high price: he loved us, even when we were dead on the occasion of the 150th anniversary on us, his ministers, to spread and to
I called my son” (Hos 11: 1). Israel, in the Only-Begotten Son of the Father is through our trespasses, made us alive of the death of the Holy Curé d’Ars. consolidate his Kingdom, to radiate his
fact, responds to God’s tireless favour sacrificed on the Cross, “having loved together with Christ... and raised us up One of his beautiful and moving love, his truth.
with indifference and even outright his own who were in the world, he loved with him, and made us sit with him in sayings, cited in the Catechism of the Therefore, “in the footsteps of the
ingratitude. them to the end” (cf. Jn 13: 1). the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” Catholic Church, immediately springs Curé of Ars”, my Letter concluded, “let
“The more I called them”, the Lord A symbol of this love which goes (Eph 2: 4-6). To be in Jesus Christ, is to to my mind: “The Priesthood is the love yourselves be enthralled by him. In this
is forced to admit, “the more they went beyond death is his side, pierced by a be already seated in heaven. of the Heart of Jesus” (n. 1589). way you too will be, for the world in our
from me” (v. 2). Nonetheless he never spear. In this regard, the Apostle John, The essential nucleus of Christianity is How is it possible not to remember time, heralds of hope, reconciliation and
abandons Israel to the hands of the an eye-witness, says: “one of the soldiers expressed in the Heart of Jesus; in Christ with emotion that the gift of our priestly peace!” (L’Osservatore Romano, English
enemy because “my heart”, the Creator pierced his side with a spear, and at the whole of the revolutionary newness ministry flowed directly from this Heart? edition, see p. 5).
of the universe observes, “recoils within once there came out blood and water” of the Gospel was revealed and given to How can we forget that we priests The Heart / B4
‘One Who Prays Is Not Afraid; One Who Prays Is Never Alone’
(Address of Pope Benedict lowliest” (1st Message at the End priest can better see the need for sacramental manner awaiting the plentifully fulfill their “mission,” by people. During this Year for the
XVI during the general audience of the Eucharistic Concelebration this progressive identification with new coming of the Lord. means of the proclamation of the Priest, which will continue until
at St. Peter’s Square on July 1, With the Members of the College Christ that will guarantee him fidelity This is the principal dimension, es- Word and the administration of the next solemnity of the Sacred
2009, continuing the theme on of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, and fruitfulness in the evangelical sentially missionary and dynamic, of the sacraments. After the Second Heart of Jesus, let us pray for all
the Year for Priests.) April 20, 2005). testimony. priestly identity and ministry: by way Vatican Council, the impression has priests. May there be an abun-
This is true in the first place for The very theme of the Year for of the proclamation of the Gospel, come about that in our times, there dance of prayer initiatives and, in
Dear brothers and sisters: priests. Because of this, I thank Priests—Faithfulness of Christ, those who still do not believe are is something more urgent in priests’ particular, Eucharistic adoration,
As you know, with the cel- Divine Providence, which now offers Faithfulness of Priests—shows that begotten in the faith, so that they can missions; some believed that they for the sanctification of the clergy
ebration of First Vespers for the us the possibility of celebrating the the gift of divine grace precedes unite their sacrifice to the sacrifice should in the first place build up a and for priestly vocations—in
solemnity of the holy Apostles Year for Priests. It is my heartfelt every possible human response of Christ, that translates in love for distinct society. On the other hand, dioceses, in parishes, in reli-
Peter and Paul in the Basilica wish that this will be an opportunity and pastoral accomplishment, and God and neighbor. the verses from the Gospel that we gious communities (especially
of St. Paul Outside the Walls, for interior renewal for every priest, thus, in the life of the priest, mis- Dear brothers and sisters, faced heard at the beginning call our at- monasteries), in associations
the Pauline Year has come to a and consequently, [a year of] firm sionary proclamation and worship with so many uncertainties and tention to the two essential elements and movements and in the vari-
close—the year that marked the reinvigoration in the commitment to are never separable, just as the struggles, it is urgent to recover—also of priestly ministry. Jesus sends the ous pastoral groups present in
2,000th anniversary of the birth his own mission. ontological-sacramental identity in the exercise of priestly ministry—a apostles, at that time and now, to the whole world—responding to
of the Apostle to the Gentiles. Let Just as during the Pauline Year, and the evangelizing mission are clear and unmistaken judgment about proclaim the Gospel and he gives Jesus’ invitation to pray “to the
us give thanks to the Lord for the our constant reference point was not separable. the absolute primacy of divine grace, them the power to cast out evil spirits. lord of the harvest that he may
spiritual fruits that this important St. Paul, so in the coming months Apart from that we could say the recalling what St. Thomas Aquinas “Proclamation” and “power,” that is send workers to his harvest”
initiative has brought to so many we will look to St. John Vianney, objective of every priest’s mission is wrote: “The smallest gift of grace to say “word” and “sacrament,” are (Matthew 9:38).
Christian communities. the holy Curé d’Ars, recalling the “cultic”: so that all people can offer surpasses the natural good of the therefore the two foundational pillars Prayer is the first task, the true
As a precious heritage of 150th anniversary of his death. In themselves to God as a living host, whole universe” (Summa Theologiae, of priestly service, beyond its many path of sanctification for priests,
the Pauline Year, we can reap the letter I wrote to priests for this holy and pleasing to Him (cf. Romans I-II, q. 113, a. 9, ad 2). possible configurations. and the soul of an authentic “vo-
the Apostle’s invitation to go occasion, I wanted to emphasize 12:1), that in creation itself, in people, The mission of every priest de- When the “diptych” consecration- cational ministry.” The numerical
deeper into the knowledge of what shines forth in the existence it becomes worship and praise of the pends, therefore, also and above all mission is not taken into account, it scarcity of priestly ordinations
the mystery of Christ, so that he of this humble minister of the altar: Creator, receiving from it that charity on the awareness of the sacramental becomes truly difficult to understand in some countries should not
becomes the heart and center “the complete identification of the that they are called to abundantly reality of his “new being.” The priest’s the identity of the priest and his discourage, but instead should
of our personal and social man with his ministry.” dispense among each other. renewed enthusiasm for his mission ministry in the Church. Who in fact motivate a multiplication of
realities. He often said that “a good pastor, We clearly see this in the be- will always depend on the certainty of is the priest, if not a man converted opportunities for silence and
This is, in fact, the indis- a pastor after the heart of God, is ginnings of Christianity. St. John his personal identity, which is not ar- and renewed by the Spirit, who lives listening to the Word, and better
pensable condition for a true the greatest treasure that the good Chrysostom said, for example, that tificially constructed, but rather given from a personal relationship with attention to spiritual direction and
spiritual and ecclesial renewal. God can give to a parish, and one the sacrament of the altar and the and received freely and divinely. What Christ, constantly making the Gospel the sacrament of confession, so
As I already emphasized during of the most precious gifts of divine “sacrament of one’s brother” or, as I have written in the encyclical “Deus criteria his own? Who is the priest, if that the voice of God, who always
the first Eucharistic celebration mercy.” And almost unable to con- they say, the “sacrament of the poor,” Caritas Est” is also true for priests: not a man of unity and truth, aware continues calling and confirming,
in the Sistine Chapel after my ceive the greatness of the gift and are two aspects of the same mystery. “Being Christian is not the result of an of his own limits and at the same can be heard and promptly fol-
election as the Successor of the the task entrusted to a poor human Love for neighbor, attention to justice ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the time, of the extraordinary greatness lowed by many youth.
Apostle St. Peter, it is precisely creature, he sighed, “Oh how great and to the poor, are not just themes of encounter with an event, a person, of the vocation he has received, that One who prays is not afraid;
from that full communion with is the priesthood! … If he could social morality, but rather the expres- which gives life a new horizon and a of helping to extend the Kingdom of one who prays is never alone;
Christ that “flows every other understand himself, he would die. sion of a sacramental conception of decisive direction” (No. 1). God to the ends of the earth? one who prays is saved! St. John
element of the Church’s life: … God obeys him: He pronounces Christian morality, because through Having received such an extraor- Yes! The priest is a man totally Vianney is undoubtedly a model of
first of all, communion among two words and Our Lord descends the ministry of the priest, the spiritual dinary gift of grace with their “conse- belonging to the Lord, because it an existence made prayer. Mary,
all the faithful, the commitment from heaven at his beckoning and sacrifice of all the faithful is carried cration,” priests become permanent is God himself who calls him and Mother of the Church, help all
to proclaiming and witnessing to enters into a tiny Host.” out, in union with that of Christ, the witnesses of their encounter with who establishes him in his apostolic priests to follow his example so as
the Gospel, the ardor of love for In truth, precisely considering the one Mediator: the sacrifice that Christ. Beginning precisely from service. And precisely being totally of to be, like him, witnesses of Christ
all, especially the poorest and binomial “identity-mission,” every priests offer in an unbloody and this interior awareness, they can God, he is totally of mankind, for all and apostles of the Gospel.
B2 Updates CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
The Church’s Right to Temporal Goods: is used in canonistic doctrine to refer to the of Ownership
Ecclesiological Founda¬tions in Vatican totality of the temporal goods of the Church. a. Notion of Ecclesiastical Goods: What
Council II. However, neither the new nor the old CIC constitutes ecclesiastical goods?
As a society, which is earthly as well as employs this juridical notion to refer to such 1) Based on the owner, ecclesiastical goods
spiritual, the Church needs temporal goods goods; both preferred to talk of ecclesiastical are all temporal goods that pertain to some
in order to fulfill its mission. Though the goods or of temporal goods. public juridic person of the Church (c.1257,
Kingdom of God is not of this world, it lives The temporal patrimony of the Church is §1). All other goods are excluded from this
and works in this world, and is subject to not concentrated under the unique and direct concept, whether belonging to individual
the conditions of earthly existence. The new title of the universal Church, but dispersed faithful or to private juridical persons. Thus,
and deeper understanding by the Church of in a multitude of distinct patrimonies the condition of being ecclesiastical is derived
her identity—stemming from the conciliar corresponding to the different public juridic from the ownership of the good.
Historical beginnings
The diocese started its humble beginnings when the
Philippine government created the Chaplain Service
for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, by virtue of
the National Defense Act of 1935. In 1937 President
Manuel L. Quezon directed the AFP Chief of Staff to
organize the Chaplain Service. In his note to the Chief
of Staff he said: “I am very much interested in the
organization of a Chaplain Service because I am deeply
convinced that religion is a moral force of incalculable
value for good.”
After thirteen years of existence in the Armed Forces, Pope Pius XII
established the Military Vicariate on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
on December 8, 1950 with the intention of providing adequate and sufficient
pastoral care for the Catholics in the AFP. It was erected through a consistorial
decree. The said decree took effect on December 10, 1951 when Most Reverend
Rufino Santos, the then Auxiliary Bishop of Manila took possession of this
Vicariate and became the 1st Military Vicar in the country.
On March 28, 1952 the agreement between the Holy See and the Philippine
Government on the Military Vicariate was forged. This agreement provides
the official basis of the guidelines regarding the presence, and the pastoral
and spiritual work of Catholic priests and the Military Bishop among the
Filipino soldiers.
The said Agreement or Concordat was realized through the exchange Note
Verbal between the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila and the Department
of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines. The earliest was dated September 20, Bishop Leopoldo Tumulak with some chaplains of the Ordinariate and Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
1951.1 The agreement entered into force on June 18, 1952.
Military Ordinariate
of the Philippines
IMPORTANT FACTS
Military Bishop ……………………………………......… 1
Chaplains:
General Headquarters ………………………….…… 20
Philippine Army ……………………………….....……. 18
Philippine Airforce …………………………….....……. 11
Philippine Navy …………………………………....….. 12
Philippine National Police ………………………...….. 33
Philippine Coast Guard …………………………..…... 4
Civilian Priests …………………………………....…… 24
Deacons ………………………………………...…….. 2
On Loan Priests ………………………………..…….. 48
Incardinated …………………………………...……… 77
Vicariates ………………………………………....……. 5
Seminarians:
Philosophy …………………………………....………. 2
Theology ……………………………………....……… 8
SPFY ………………………………………....………. 1
Graduates (Pre-diaconal
Program with the Bishop) ………………..……….. 4
Educational Centers:
Nursery Schools …………………...…………………. 2
The provisions of the agreement are of a Catholic chaplain, for canonical became a vacant see until the third CARITATE (unity in love), chaplains National Police, Philippine Coast Guard,
as follows: reasons and according to the norms of military ordinary, Most Rev. Leopoldo participate in community relations and BFP and BJMP.
1. In order to provide more adequate canon Law, he shall notify his decision S. Tumulak, DD, was appointed and medical and dental program services, Its organizational structure includes
and efficient spiritual care for the catholic to the proper military authorities, who installed on 08 March 2005. holy retreats, meetings, conferences, the Bishop as head, the Vicar-General for
members of the Armed Forces of the will act accordingly. Eucharistic celebrations, civilian-military the AFP and the PNP, the Chancellor,
Philippines, the Holy See has established 7. Any controversial issue which Vision and Mission operations, Troop inspection and Office of the Catholic Chaplains, Vicars
a Military Vicariate. might arise concerning the work and As a unique diocese, it envisions itself Education (TI & E), visiting troops, Forane and the Chaplains.
2. The Holy See shall entrust the office duties of Catholic chaplains shall as a renewed, transformed worshipping conducting blessing, spiritual direction The Church has always willed
of the Military Vicar to a Filipino-born be settled amicably between the community, fully witnessing the values and counseling. to provide for the spiritual care of
member of the Philippine Hierarchy. Department of National Defense and of the gospel, actively participating Pastoral concerns include Worship, the military, police and coast guard
However, before proceeding to his the Military Vicar. in the life and mission of the church Education, Services, Temporalities and personnel with great solicitude, in
appointment, the Holy See shall 8. The office of the Military Vicariate with the Blessed Virgin Mary as its Youth. In addition, pastoral program a manner suitable to their varied
communicate his name to the Philippine shall be located in the City of Manila. vessel, enlightened by the Word and includes seminary formation, ongoing circumstances, for these personnel
Government in order to ensure that there In order to provide for the spiritual strengthened by the Eucharist. The formation of the clergy, social action, indeed form a distinct social group
is no objection on the part of the said care of the military personnel in a manner Military Ordinariate of the Philippines ecology, justice and peace, patriotism because of the special conditions of
Philippine Government. suitable to the varied circumstances, on (MOP) chaplains commit themselves and solidarity. their lives.
3. The Chief of Catholic Chaplains 21 April 1986, Pope John Paul II issued to effective, efficient, spiritual, moral, Within the limits designated for them
shall be appointed by the Chief of Staff the Apostolic Constitution Spirituali servant leadership in adherence to The Jurisdiction and with regard to the persons entrusted
upon nomination of the Military Vicar. Militum Curae, elevating the military the Magisterium, continuing integral, The jurisdiction of the Military to them, priests, who are appointed
He shall receive from the Military Vicar chaplains, enjoy the rights and are bound
the appointment as Military Delegate, After thirteen years of existence in the Armed Forces, Pope Pius XII to the duties of pastors.
the authority and jurisdiction of a Vicar
General.
established the Military Vicariate on the Feast of the Immaculate The following are the subjects of
the Military Ordinary all Catholic
4. The Catholic Military Chaplains Conception on December 8, 1950 with the intention of providing Chaplains in the service, all civilian
shall be appointed by the Philippine adequate and sufficient pastoral care for the Catholics in the AFP. priests, diocesan or religious, who are
Government upon presentation by the properly and officially appointed as
Military Vicar. vicariates throughout the world into evangelization, inter-faith dialogue, Ordinariate includes the following volunteer chaplains in the service of the
5. The Catholic Military chaplains, in Military Ordinariates giving them the transformed worshipping community of elements: Personal, which is exercised Military Ordinariate, all Catholic civilian
the exercise of their priestly functions, same status with the other territorial believers, living in harmony and mutual towards person even when outside employees, their spouses and children,
shall be under the exclusive jurisdiction dioceses. The then military vicar, Most respect for one’s religion and possessing the borders of the nation. Another is residing either inside or outside of
of the Military Vicar and of the Reverend Severino Pelayo became the the teaching of one’s belief. The Chaplains Ordinary, which is the power attached military installations, Catholic families
Delegate. 1st Military Ordinary or Military Bishop. of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to the office itself. Still another is Proper, of active military personnel, namely:
6. Should disciplinary action of As a consequence to this change, the Philippine National Police, Philippine which it exercises in its own name the spouses, children, helpers, and
exclusively military character be taken statutes of the Military Ordinariate of Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection juridical and legal personality. And the those who habitually live within the
by the military Authority against a the Philippines (MOP) were formulated. (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and last is Cumulative, wherein the subjects same house, whether inside or outside
Catholic chaplain, the office of the It was approved by his Holiness Pope Penology (BJMP), commit themselves are under the authority of the parish a military installation (camps, posts,
military vicar shall be informed in due John Paul II on April 11, 1989. in continuing integral renewal, spirit of priest at the place where they reside stations) or in homes reserved by the
time, so that sanctions may be applied On 30 September 1995, Most Rev. ecumenism and dialog, an effective and and at the same time with the Military civil government for military personnel
in the place and form proper for a priest. Ramon C. Arguelles, DD succeeded efficient spiritual servant leadership and Ordinariate of the Philippines. and their families, both men and women,
On the other hand, should the Military Bishop Pelayo as Military Bishop. role modeling. Likewise it covers all the personnel, or members of a religious institute, who
Vicar, or, in his absence, the Military Upon the elevation of Bishop Arguelles the dependents and civilian employees carry out in a permanent way tasks
Delegate find it necessary to impose a as Archbishop of Lipa, Batangas on Pastoral program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, committed to them by the Military
temporary suspension or final dismissal 16 July 2004 the Military Ordinariate Under the Motto of UNITAS en the Philippine Air Force, the Philippine ordinary, or with his consent.
Features
CBCP Monitor
B4 Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
By Linda G. Valenzona can enact laws related to public order such the right of every citizen to express his Secretary of Episcopal Commission on the advocacy of the cause of sexual rights
as traffic laws, laws on waste disposal, opinion and to advocate laws in keeping Family and Life (ECFL). I was completely for children. This is why some people have
etc. but it cannot enact a city ordinance with his beliefs and convictions is the aghast when I realized that since the come to call sex education as promiscuity
Diocese of Antipolo defeats RH on Reproductive Health especially when very essence of the democracy. He was TWG was going through line by line education. A very important principle in
Ordinance such an issue was still being hotly debated merely exercising this right that belongs to finalize the Senate version of the RH the Church insistence that sex education is
Last July 21, 2008 the City Council of in Congress and when such ordinance to every citizen. Moreover, he clarified bill, Fr. Melvin’s presence would have the parents’ right and duty is that morality
Antipolo alarmed its residents with the is clearly in conflict with the provisions that the harmful effects of contraception been taken to mean that the Church was should be integral to explaining of human
approval of City Ordinance No. 2008-2 of the Constitution on the protection on women and on the unborn violates a now agreeable to amending the RH bill. sexuality to their children.
entitled “An Ordinance providing for the of the unborn from the moment of natural law that is applicable not just to Fortunately we were in time to warn him “The State shall address and seek to
Antipolo Health Care Code of 2008 under conception. Catholics but to every human being. about it. He called a press conference the eradicate discriminatory practices, laws
the sponsorship of Councilor Alexander In an interview, Bishop Reyes attributed Senator Pimentel tackles the same next day in order to make in clear that no and policies that infringe on a person’s
Marquez as head of the Committee on the defeat of the RH ordinance to the ticklish issue of Church and State amount of amendments could ever make exercise of sexual and reproductive
Health and the leadership of Mayor obvious protection of our Lady of Antipolo; relationship when he relates how the RH bill acceptable to the Church. health and rights.” Perhaps at this point
Victor Sumulong. It was of course a otherwise it is difficult to understand how Singapore’s President Lee responds The Senate version still comes from the it is important to make a distinction
template of House Bill 5043, the infamous the City Council fumbled in writing up to the request regarding legislating on same template. However, it is obvious between sexual and reproductive rights.
bill now being debated in Congress. There the RH ordinance when they already had the issue of gay rights with a simple PLCPD (which is part of the Senate TWG) Implicit to this necessity is the fact break
were in all three versions ratified by the a template to follow. He also attributed it criteria—legislators should go with has learned from their experience with between sexuality and reproduction. In
City Council on the same day but signed to the excellent doctrinal formation of the what people want. If this same principle Congress. I annotated the Senate version other words sexual rights looks at human
by different council members. Since no residents of Antipolo due to the sustained would be applied to the RH issue Senator for Senator Nene Pimentel, our pro-life sexuality divorced from reproduction as
public hearings were conducted on the a source of enjoyment. Moreover, sexual
Legislative Watch
passage of this ordinance the citizens rights also include the idea that the
of Antipolo were caught flat-footed individual should be given the freedom
and flabbergasted over the possibility of choice in areas of sexual orientation.
of a massive contraceptive program in In a traditionally Christian society
their city. only married couples have sexual and
The concerned citizens of Antipolo reproductive rights because only married
rose up in arms and under the leadership people have the right to the marital
of Bishop Gabriel Reyes mapped a plan act—this is why we call it the marital
of action which included a mass rally, act in the first place! The very explicit
the conduct of a sustained educational statement giving the State the mandate
campaign at the parish level, a signature to guarantee the sexual and reproductive
campaign and the submission of a rights therefore means that the State will
carefully researched position paper. The now be an instrumentality to promoting
latter contained a number of compelling sexual promiscuity. Both Senate and
arguments to move for the revocation of House versions insist that artificial
the ordinance. contraception programs be given to any
Fortunately for the citizens of Antipolo one—on demand and everyone means
the City Council could not seem to get its young or old, married or single. This is
act together. Some attribute these mistakes tantamount to a denial of the traditional
to our Lady of Antipolo who could not norm that the marital act is only for
allow something like this to happen to her married people.
city. The fumblings included the obvious In the Guiding Principles in Section 3,
addition of objectionable provisions, SB 3122 states: “Freedom of choice, which
terms and conditions, “the unauthorized is central to the exercise of any right, must
amendments and intercalations” which be fully guaranteed by the State like the
grossly violated the due process that right itself”. I was struck by the comment
should be followed in enacting a law. of Senator Nene—that the Constitution
These insertions were needed because and any law for that matter, does not
the all-important phrase “reproductive guarantee freedom; in fact what it does
health” had been omitted. Though they is it limits freedom in the pursuit of the
were given a template the Antipolo City common good. Laws forbid us to kill, to
The Heart / B1
Bible campaign
our attention during the Pauline in contemplating him, must learn God forbid of harming them.
Year which is now drawing to from him the necessary “sorrow The Church needs holy priests;
a close; this was the goal of the for sins” that leads them back ministers who can help the
own entire ministry of the Holy Curé to the Father, it is even more so faithful to experience the merciful
TWO series of Bible formation The participants can Bible d’Ars, whom we shall invoke in for holy ministers. How can we love of the Lord and who are his
seminars aimed at teaching duplicate these trainings Team particular during the Year for forget, in this regard, that nothing convinced witnesses.
participants how to do personal in their parishes, and a n d Priests; may it also be the principal makes the Church, the Body of In the Eucharistic Adoration
study of the Bible as well as to carry be actively involved impart objective for each one of us. Christ, suffer more than the sins that will follow the celebration
out Bible formation programs in in transforming their the Bible In order to be ministers at the of her pastors, especially the sins of Vespers, let us ask the Lord
their own parishes were conducted communities through the Formation service of the Gospel, study and of those who are transformed into to set the heart of every priest
for four Saturdays, May 9-31, and Word of God. Program a careful and continuing pastoral “a thief and a robber” of the sheep on fire with that “pastoral
on June 20. According to Navarette, there they are and theological formation is of (Jn 10: 1 ff.), or who deviates from charity” which can enable him
Organized by the Manila is no age requirement to sign up implementing course useful and necessary, but the Church through their own to assimilate his personal “I” into
Archdiocese Biblical Apostolate for the Bible formation so long as i n t h e Archdiocese of that “knowledge of love” which private doctrines, or who ensnare that Jesus the High Priest, so that
(AMBA) the “Bible Preachers I they have the confidence to share Manila. can only be learned in a “heart to the Church in sin and death? he may be able to imitate Jesus in
Seminar” was conducted as a God’s Word. The MTBO campaign is the heart” with Christ is even more Dear priests, the call to the most complete self-giving.
formation program of the “May Among the topics covered Philippine Church’s response necessary. Indeed, it is he who conversion and recourse to May the Virgin Mary, whose
They Be One” (MTBO) Bible during the seminar were: The to the 12th Ordinary Synod of calls us to break the Bread of his Divine Mercy also applies to us, Immaculate Heart we shall
Campaign. Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Bishops held in Rome last year love, to forgive sins and to guide and we must likewise humbly contemplate with living faith
MTBO is a Bible distribution and Revelation, General Introduction which called for a deeper Bible the flock in his name. For this very address a heartfelt and ceaseless tomorrow, obtain this grace for
formation campaign that seeks to to the Old and New Testament engagement for all Catholics. reason we must never distance invocation to the Heart of Jesus us. The Holy Curé d’Ars had a
put Bibles in five million Filipino and Literary Types, and Methods “May They Be One” is a vehicle ourselves from the source of to keep us from the terrible risk filial devotion to her, so profound
homes in the next five years. of Biblical Interpretation. for people to have renewed interest Love which is his Heart that was of harming those whom we are that in 1836, in anticipation of the
Jointly spearheaded by the AMBA Director since 2003, in the Bible,” says Navarette. pierced on the Cross. bound to save. proclamation of the Dogma of
EpiscopalCommissionontheBiblical Navarette is a strong advocate of “When people are interested Only in this way will we be I have just had the opportunity the Immaculate Conception, he
Apostolate(ECBA)andthePhilippine Bible formation. in the Bible, they will listen to able to cooperate effectively to venerate in the Choir Chapel consecrated his parish to Mary,
Bible Society (PBS), the undertaking He emphasizes that MTBO God’s Word. When they listen in the mysterious “plan of the the relic of the Holy Curé D’Ars: “conceived without sin”.
is in response to Jesus’ prayer for all should be a marriage of Bible to God’s Word, they will live Father” that consists in “making his heart. It was a heart that He kept up the practice of
His followers to be one. distribution and Bible formation. out the principles of the Bible. Christ the Heart of the world”! blazed with divine love, that frequently renewing this offering
The half-day Bible formation He believes that Bible distribution When all of us live by God’s This plan is brought about was moved at the thought of the of his parish to the Blessed Virgin,
graduated 80 participants from and formation must have a Word, then our desire of a truly in history, as Jesus gradually priest’s dignity and spoke to the teachingthefaithfulthat“tobeheard
different parishes in Manila (12 symbiotic relationship lest those transformed Philippines shall soon becomes the Heart of human faithful in touching and sublime it was enough to address her”, for
representatives each) who were who can teach and share just scatter be achieved,” he added. hearts, starting with those who tones, affirming that “After God, the simple reason that she “desires
given commissioning certificates the precious Word of God and not The five-year Bible campaign is are called to be closest to him: the priest is everything! ... Only above all else to see us happy”.
from AMBA. really teach it. rooted on the vision of making the priests, precisely. in heaven will he fully realize May the Blessed Virgin, our
“These ‘Bible apostles’ may “If you read and study it, you Philippines become a transformed We are reminded of this what he is” (cf. Letter, Year for Mother, accompany us during
present their certificates to their can’t help but fall in love with nation through God’s Word by ongoing commitment by the Priests, p. 3). the Year for Priests which we are
parish priests and volunteer for God’s Word,” says Navarette. putting 5 million Bibles in the “priestly promises” that we made Dear Brothers, let us cultivate beginning to day, so that we are
their parish’s Bible apostolate,” A strong advocate and supporter homes of poor Filipino families. on the day of our Ordination this same emotion in order to able to be sound and enlightened
explains Fr. Tony Navarette, of MTBO, Navarette with his team The Bibles will be sold at a and which we renew every carry out our ministry with guides for the faithful whom the
Director of the Archdiocese of of Bible promoters offer to help subsidized price of P50 each copy. year, on Holy Thursday, during generosity and dedication, or Lord entrusts to our pastoral
Manila Biblical Apostolate. parishes and dioceses put up their (CBCPNews/Normi Alvaira) the Chrism Mass. Even our to preserve in our souls a true care. Amen!
Statements
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
B5
http://vietnameseworkersabroad.wordpress.com/
did more to obstruct than to help. and their keepers.
Trafficking and exploitation of young What we need is the courage, faith
people for sex slavery is rampant and conviction to educate and build the
throughout the world. It is so bad that awareness of the public with the truth
the US State Department has an annual about this sex slavery and trafficking.
status report to the US Congress that This will eventually ignite moral outrage
gives grades to the countries that rank and a demand for morally upright
from the good to the bad. To be on the leaders capable of ending this evil and
special watch list is bad and that’s where the corruption that allows it to thrive.
the Philippines is once again. All of us must take a stand and open the
If it remains there for another year eyes and heart of the world to help the
without improving its record in catching victims and end the abuse.
parents for their children without not fit rightly into the category of problem. The insatiable lusting for because God is the Greatest, then to his persecution. The Word of to the message. The gospel
self-sacrifice. Parents can share moral management and stewards more—supported by desire and we are able to let go of everything, God must not shy away from demands that the preacher should
with any of us the number of times we are today considering, just strengthened by greed—is both we consent to be detached from confronting the hearer! be poor. As the Markan Jesus
they had to forgo the immediate as not all will be worthy of the a psychological and a spiritual everything and everyone, even Third, the proclaimer cannot instructed, the preacher is not to
purchase of a pair of pants or new Kingdom of Heaven. problem. If that lust and desire from our spirituality, if only we lose sight of the purpose of take anything on his journey—no
shoes to give way to the tuition for resources, money and its can be with God. preaching: it is intended not simply food, no traveling bag, not a coin
or “baon” of the children. Any Sharing the Littlest Good equivalent is so strong that it The moral persons, who truly that the hearers will know the in the purse of his belt, no second
posturing of leadership whether Unlocks the Gates to the becomes compulsive, then a more learn to love and serve God word of the Lord, for its purpose tunic (Mark 6:8-9). Of course, the
parental, social, economic or Kingdom of the Father professional help must be urged. and accepts Him as the greatest is not primarily information about point is not that the missionary in
national without discipline of The kingdom of the Father is (Kingdom), can be trusted God and man. Far more than mere our time has to get rid of his car,
self cannot ultimately be moral. It a matter of sharing, of giving up Detachment from anything or with resources, honor and the intellectual knowledge, the word empty his freezer, throw away
needs personal spiritual effort to something for the sake of another. Person not Rooted in God economy of any institution, of God being preached has for his credit cards. Rather, it is that
become a moral person. Morality Those who are incapable of and However, most of us mortals Church and country. What they its main purpose the freedom of his lifestyle must be such that
cannot be proclaimed, nor can it be are unwilling to share even the are in the same boat and what we call stewardship is nothing man from all evil that oppresses other people will see in him the
gained by advertising one’s self. smallest thing with another will need is Christ until the storm of but the proper management of him (Amos 2:6-7) on the one hand, living word of God. If he is to be
The second requisite for the find it impossible (for them) to our desires has passed, and we resources, monies and / or its and the restoration of the whole credible to his hearers, he cannot
person’s moral conduct is not dwell in the Father’s Kingdom. have all reached the shore. Jesus equivalent done by men who man (Mark 6:13) on the other. but remove everything that gets in
to cause any one harm. (Never The doors of the Father’s house is whom we need and we may are moral, transparent and This includes forgiveness of sins the way of his proclamation of the
to do evil). The Greek physician will be locked to those incapable address him like the apostles compassionate. through Christ who redeemed word. In the 13th century, Francis
Hippocrates prescribed for all of sharing with the weakest. did, “Lord, save us”. Jesus saved Stewardship does not mean mankind (cf Eph 1:7-8), making of Assisi made it clear to all that
those who would be involved in We remember that in the Story the Apostles in the boat with ownership, for when God said all believers into one community Jesus’ instruction can be followed,
the healing profession never to do of Lazarus the Rich Man was His Presence and His power. “Let us make humans to our under the headship of Christ, and poverty made his message
anybody any harm. “PRIMUM asking for a second chance, but When a heavily loaded boat is image and likeness, and let them and under the Fatherhood of highly believable. In many cases,
NON NOCERE”. Above all, not he was denied by God another threatened and about to capsize, be masters of the sea, the fish” God in the Spirit (vv 8-13). In the medium is also the message.
knowingly to do harm to anyone. try. In everyone’s life on earth the command of the Captain and the rest on earth He did not other words, preaching has for One cannot organize BECs if he
This is positive manner of saying every episode, every encounter is to jettison the load. In the mean exclusive ownership but its purpose the total salvation of rides in the latest car model.
avoid what is evil. Avoid hurting with a man in need is a prelude human scale of values anything providential care for the created man in all the aspects of his life. This is what it means to
anyone. So many times this to eternity and the unveiling of can be thrown away in order resources for everyone to enjoy. While one can appreciate those proclaim the Good News of the
advisory is heard in the home, Jesus Christ’s identity in the face to save lives. For heaven and To live on earth as God’s image is who are very knowledgeable Kingdom of God. And every
the school, churches and streets. of the poor. eternal life everything can be cast to share God’s gifts with others, about the Scripture, the point is Sunday, nay, every day, the
It is still stated in the negative. The mystery of eternity is that it away. Money, power, prestige, while using from it only what that knowledge of Scripture is instruction is given to us in
“Don’t” Huwag! Sinasaway! This is hidden in the disguise of a few wealth, Presidency, Senatorship, s/he needs and allowing others valuable if it is able to lead one the liturgy, when the celebrant
is the root of the Tagalog word seconds that long for charity and Barangay Captain’s office? This is to share what is their share from to Christ and action on behalf of dismisses the crowd: “Go, the
“pasaway”. The whole mentality compassion for the needy. It is so the reason why Jesus counseled the bounty that is God’s. To claim those in need. mass is ended.” What we heard
behind the second requisite is easy to miss eternity by being too the rich young man, “Go, sell from the earth more than what he The last element that we ought in the liturgy of the word, what
preventive. careless with little things, simple your possessions, give to the poor needs is to destroy the balance of to know about proclamation on we shared in the liturgy of the
The third requisite for moral good acts and the unkempt face and come follow me”. God’s wisdom and mercy. the basis of the readings today eucharist, we proclaim and share
conduct is very positive. It of the poor. In all our scales of values God has something to do with the them with the rest of humanity—
sources from a mentality that We started the reflection by must outbalance everything and +GAUDENCIO B. CARDINAL messenger, unlike those already in our homes, in the market, at
reaches out to another. It does saying that the root of the present everyone. He tips the balance ROSALES mentioned which have reference the office, in streets.
what is good whenever and financial crisis that has enveloped always to His side. No one sits on Archbishop of Manila
wherever good is perceived. the world economy and societies the opposite side of the balance 4 July 2009
Moral individuals are proactive is ethical. That is true, but it would to even try to displace God. From Failures / B6
persons; they make initiatives for be very wrong to insist that only the idea of detachment the value (A talk of His Eminence
good, they do not wait that they because we have the present of the Kingdom enters from the Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales Reading, he removed the barrier so by our death, we have the
may retaliate. Obviously, high in crisis and financial problems that periphery to take the center, for the First Saturday Manila of hostility (the Law) that kept vocation to do our human part
the value of moral persons is the today we busy ourselves with because the idea of King brings us Archdiocesan General Pastoral people apart, and reconciled in the reconciliation of man with
practice of sharing. Obviously ethical issues. The problem of in human language/expression Assembly (MAGPAS), delivered by them into one body through the God, which is the reconciliation
the CEO’s and GM’s mentioned desire, and the craving for more the supremacy of a God who Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo cross, his death (Eph 2:15-16). In between individuals, families,
earlier in our reflection would is not just an economic and moral has neither equal or rival. And on July 4, 2009) other words, Jesus not only took and countries. God has called us to
care of his people, but he also be instruments of reconciliation.
died from them so that they could The will of God, as already
become one people of God. noted, is unity. As shepherds, it
Today, there is still much is incumbent upon us to abolish
division among people nay, it what keep us apart.
Abhorrent Poor
Disturbing Below average
Acceptable Average
Wholesome Above average
Exemplary E
xcellent
Ice Age 3 opens with the living weasel, must rescue Sid in Title: Ice Age 3: Dawn of the
usually gentle-mannered Manny a land beneath the ice where an Dinosaur
(Ray Romano) now a nervous entire world of dinosaurs have Running Time: 87 min.
wreck because Ellie (Queen survived. Cast: Romano, John Leguiza-
Latifah) is due to give birth This 3rd installment of the mo, Denis Leary, Simon
anytime. Eventually, Sid (John sub-zero animation comes with Pegg, Sean William Scott,
Leguizamo) turns from delighted a strong storyline and clever Josh Peck, Queen Latifah
Director: Carlos Saldhana
to devastate as he realizes he will script. The CGIs are amazing as Producer: Lori Forte John
soon become an outcast to the audience is treated to a majestic Donkin
mammoth family. Meanwhile visual depth of 3D animation. Screenwriters: Michael Berg
Diego (Dennis Leary) thinks he The action sequences are exciting Peter Ackerman, Yoni
has lost his prowess as a hunter both for the intended viewers and Brenner
when he fails to capture a gazelle their adult companions. The cast Music: John Powell
he has been stalking and decides obviously has already found their Genre: Animation/ Sci-Fi Ad-
to leave his herd. But before he comfort zones and interacts with venture
is able to do so, Sid falls into an each other well. And as always, Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Location: Pre-Historic Times
ice crack and discovers three eggs the quirky saber-toothed squirrel
he believes were abandoned. Scrat steals the scenes whenever Technical Assessment:
Despite warning from Manny, he appears. The movie is well- ½
Sid decides to adopt the eggs paced and enjoyable. Moral Assessment:
and soon they hatch with 3 In between Sid’s mushiness, CINEMA Rating: For viewers of
all ages
baby T-Rexes. Oblivious to what Manny’s one-note laggardness
they are, Sid happily ignores are wholesome life-lessons about
his friends warnings and raises family and friendship being more
his 3 new babies until the angry important above all. Just like the focus on protecting the interest
mommy T-Rex shows up and first 2 films, Ice Age 3 emphasizes of each other at all costs.
takes her 3 missing infants and the importance of learning to go The plot is straightforward and
Sin into a hole in the ice. Now past ones differences and get simple enough for the children to
Manny and Diego, with a very along to live in harmony. Being follow although some jokes are
pregnant Ellie and the usually one family and community better suited to an older audience,
mischievous possum brothers necessitates going past our the film still delivers a lovely
and the help of their new friend personal agendas and individual entertaining 97 minutes for the
Buck, a one eyed underground desires. Instead it calls for us to entire family.
Buhay Parokya
Napadpad ang magkakabata at dating magkasintahan na sina
Anna (Shaina) at Alex (Jake) sa Villa Estrella, isang lumang resort
na pag-aari ng pamilya nina Anna at pinag-iisipan na i-renovate
upang muling pagkakitaan. Labag sa kalooban ni Anna ang
pagsama kay Alex dahil may bago na siyang kasintahan, pero
Look for the three items: Images of the Holy Spirit, Pope Pius IX and an altar. (Illustration by Bladimer Usi) kagustuhan ng kanyang ama na sumama siya at ayaw niya itong
suwayin. Kinailangan nilang manatili ng isang gabi para matapos
ang mga dapat asikasuhin at makapag-usap sina Anna at Alex
upang maibalik ang relasyon katulad ng nais ng kanilang mga
magulang. Samantala si Anna ay matagal ng binabagabag ng
masamang panaginip tungkol sa babaeng nalulunod sa swimming
pool at tumindi ang epekto nito sa kanya sa pananatili niya sa
lumang resort. Maliban kay Alex ay nakapagpayapa naman
kay Anna ang ibang tao na nadatnan niya sa Villa kasama na
si Giselle or Andrea (Maja) na isa palang multo at siya lang ang
nakakita. Ang sandaling pananatili ni Anna sa Villa ay napuno
ng takot dahil sa mga
kakaibang kaganapan Title: Villa Estrella
na nakakabagabag kaya Running Time: 90 min
Cast: Geoff Eigenmann, Jake
nagpasundo siya sa Cuenca, Maja Salvador, Shaina
kanyang nobyo na si Magdayao
Dennis (Geoff). Ano ang Director: Rico Maria Ilarde
kaugnayan ng multong Producer: Marizel Samson-Marti-
si Andrea sa mga nez
nangyayari at ano ang Screenwriters: Joel Mercado, Rico
pakay niya kay Anna? Maria Ilarde, Adolfo Alix, Jr.,
Hilaw ang kuwento John Paul Abellera
at puno ng katanungan Music: Malek Lopez
kung paano nagkaroon Editor: Renewin Alano
Genre: Horror
ng mga kaganapan na Distributor: Star Cinema
ipinakita sa pelikula. Location: Manila, Batangas
Sinabayan pa ng hilaw
Technical Assessment: ½
na pag-arte ng mga
pangunahing tauhan. Moral Assessment: ½
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14
Subalit bumawi ang and above
mahinang kuwento at
pag-arte ng mahusay
na paglalapat na tunog,
musika, pangkalahatang
disensyo ng produksyon
at ilang special effects
lalo na ang make-up ng
batang nagmumulto.
Malaki ang naitulong ng
mga nasabing teknikal
na aspeto ng pelikula
upang magkaroon ito ng
saysay. Walang tipikal na
sigawan ng takot subalit
tagumpay ang direktor
sa paghahatid ng mga
eksenang nakakagulat
tulad ng paglitaw ng mga
imahe ng multo bagamat
madaling malaman ng
manonood kung kelan ito mangyayari. Sa kabuuan ay nakitaan
ng pagsisikap ang gumawa ng pelikula na tutukan ang
aspetong teknikal. Ganon pa man ay nakakahinayang na hindi
masyadong tinutukan ang pag-aayos ng daloy ng kwento na sa
kalaunan ay siyang higit na tumitimo at nagmamarka sa isipan
ng manonood.
Higit sa lahat, ang buhay ng tao ay mahalaga at dapat
proteksyunan. Hindi naging sensitibo ang pelikulang “Villa
Estrella” sa pagpapahalagang ito. Sa halip ay ipinakita nito na
isang mapaniil na ama ang pinagtiisang pakisamahan at sundin
ng anak dahil sa habilin ng namayapang ina. Isang anak na
nagpakabulag sa katotohanan ay umayon na ibaon sa limot at
itikom ang bibig tungkol sa nasaksihan krimen na ginawa ng
ama. Nagwakas ang pelikula na matagumpay sa paghihiganti ang
mga ligalig na kaluluwa at pare-parehong nagbuwis ng buhay
ang mga inosente at responsableng tao sa krimen. Maliban sa
saglit na eksena ng paghingi ng tawad ng ama bago malagutan
ng hininga na halos di napansin ay wala ng kaliwanagan o
inspirasyon man lamang na inihatid ang pelikula. Sa kabuuan
ay nakababahala ang naging wakas ng pelikula dahil di naging
payapa ang kaluluwa sa kabila ng mga buhay na nawala.
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
C1
Light on a lampstand
Couples for Christ. of the Home and a Church of the Poor. The Lord not obstacles to deep commitment to and service
In his homily during the anniversary Mass, calls us in a special way, imperfect as we are. for the Lord.
Cardinal Rosales taught us how we should build In the Gospel of Matthew5:14-16, the Lord also Professionals, employees, businessmen, govern-
everything that we are, our community, our life, tells us, “You are like light for the whole world; a ment officials and workers are called to be role
our family on Jesus Christ. Because we are called city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one lights a models of honesty and efficiency wherever they
ON Saturday, June 27, CFC celebrated, with great to be children in the image and likeness of God, lamp and puts it under a bowl. Instead it is put are placed, the role models that this country, this
rejoicing, our 28th anniversary as a community our response should really be deep faith (panana- on the lampstand where it gives light for everyone world badly needs.
of God. We were blessed to have with us, as con- mpalataya). As we anchor our faith in the Lord, in the house. In the same way, your light must We are called to be role models and light in the
celebrators in the grand finale of the Holy Mass, we should not be afraid of or be anxious about the shine before your people so that they will see lampstand as we give our love and care to the
Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales of the archdiocese challenges that the Lord gives us. the good things you do and praise your Father poor, to the least of our brethren. Let us continue
of Manila, Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of the It is a blessing to be in a community where we in heaven.” to really give of ourselves to the poor that the Lord
archdiocese of Lipa and Bishop Matthew Gyamfi are helped to deepen our faith and to have courage. With all our weaknesses, the Lord calls us to loves in a very special way.
of Ghana. We are grateful to them and to the more We are imperfect people. We have our own weak- be light. The Lord calls CFC to also be a city built And finally, as citizens of this country, and as
than twenty priests who concelebrated with them. nesses. We have our own inadequacies. And yet on a hill, to help in sharing God’s light with ev- citizens of the respective countries of our interna-
Six of the priests came from the diocese of Beijing the Lord has called us to be together in this com- eryone. tional brethren, we are called to be a light in the
in China, three came from the continent of Africa munity Couples for Christ. The Lord calls us in In the darkness, every single flicker of light can exercise of our citizenship. The Philippine Church,
and the rest came from all over the Philippines, many ways, but always focused on being a Church give light, can give direction, can give inspiration the clergy, our bishops, have issued a clarion call
many of them from the province of Bukidnon. and I believe that is what for us to stand up for honesty, to stand up for good
Their presence in this anniversary truly inspired we are called to be, as citizenship, to stand up and exercise responsibly
us and encouraged us to continue with greater zeal we move on to our 29th the sacred right of suffrage. I challenge all of us
the work of building the Church of the Home and year. in CFC to be role models of good citizenship – we
building the Church of the Poor. Today the country and who will not sell our votes, we who will support
On that anniversary, more than 50,000 of our the world badly need candidates who will govern this country in righ-
brethren gathered in thanksgiving and in celebra- role models on what it is teousness.
tion. In the words of the Cardinal, we gathered to to be followers of Christ. We are not big names but where the Lord has
celebrate the memory of God’s goodness to us, to This is a call for every planted us, we can be light, we can be influencers
our families, and to our community. member of CFC and all so that others will experience the love of God and
Last year, our 27th anniversary was celebrated its ministries ─ we are to His goodness.
in the midst of a powerful typhoon that came with internalize the teachings But let us remember that this call to be light
gusty winds and much rain, and yet we continued of our Lord and practice to others is not a call to be boastful. And let us
with our celebration, notwithstanding the storm. these day-to-day in our remember what the Gospel reading clearly states
On this year’s anniversary, we gathered in good lives. – that the purpose for us to be called light and to
weather. Praise be to God for the sunshine and How can we be a be called a city on a hill is so that others may see
for blessing us with wonderful weather on our lamp that gives light? the good things that we do and praise our Father
special day. We start where the Lord in heaven.
Truly, rain or shine, typhoon or good weather, has placed us. Men are That is the only purpose. It should not self-
CFC stands firm for the Lord, for the Church and called to be role models serving, it should not boastful. We strive to be
for community. as husbands, faithful to light to others so that they may see the good things
As with all human preparations, we suffered their wife, to their fam- that we do and so that they will, together with us,
some glitches. We apologize to those who stood in ily. Wives are called to praise our Father in heaven.
the heat of the sun, patiently waiting for the parade be role models as well, Twenty-eight beautiful years. We have built a
to start, which was delayed partly because of some faithful to their hus- treasure of memories of God’s goodness during
technical problems. But what a wonderful parade band, providing warmth these 28 years. Let us build on these blessings. Let
it was! What a wonderful manifestation of joy, of and care for the home. us move on in our mission – moving as one com-
great creativity, of exuberance and energy! Our children in Kids for munity, one with our Catholic Church. Let us wear
On that day, we not only had a bigger crowd but Christ, Youth for Christ, our Catholic faith as a badge of honor and proclaim
a bigger number of provinces represented. There Singles for Christ are Jesus Christ to all of those who do not know Him
were many who came from overseas, and we thank called to be role models yet. And for others who already know Him, let
them for their determination to travel far and long too, respectful and obe- us truly live out Christian values and imitate the
just to share in our joy, for gracing this occasion of dient to their parents, model that is Jesus Christ.
thanksgiving and celebration. putting their best ef- And so, as we celebrate 28 years of blessings, we
The end of our anniversary week also signaled fort in their school and look forward to another year, nay, to many more
the start of a new leadership in CFC who will serve education, to be better years of blessings. These blessings require from us
until June 30, 2011. We thank our brother Ernie persons, to grow up and a response. Let us respond in faith and let us not
Maipid, Jr. for serving in the International Council inherit the future. Those be afraid and let us be, wherever we are planted,
for the term that just ended. I am sure Ernie and who have a different a light to the world so that many more will know
his wife Gigi will continue to give their all in the calling as widows and of the love and care and mercy of Jesus Christ and
service of the Lord and our community widowers are expected our heavenly Father. And with the intercession of
We welcome to the IC our brother Manny Gar- to provide inspiration our Blessed Mother, let us continue in our mission
cia. For those of you who are not aware of this bit to those in similar situ- to build the Church of the Home and to build the
of trivia, Manny and his wife Ditas belong to the ations and to show that Church of the Poor.
group of first 16 couples that eventually became grief and alone-ness are CFC, onward to 29 years!!
to mind is drawn from an Old Testa- eyes of faith. ful passages is taken from John 3:16 “For humble of heart; and you will find rest leadership must be developed.
ment passage in Jeremiah 18:3-6, where HONEST- to be honest is to be con- God so loved the world that he gave his for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and The leadership examples of Jesus and
God is portrayed as the Sovereign Pot- gruent with formed conscience and only Son, so that everyone who believes my burden light.” (Matt.11:28-30) the men and women of the Bible give us
ter, shaping and molding His creatures Godly values and consistent in actions in him might not perish but might have TEACHABLE- In 1 Tim.3:2, one of the headstart. Our Lord is a Teacher,
just as clay is molded into vessels fit for and words. It is about being true and eternal life.” A Christian cannot profess the qualifications for spiritual leaders Healer, Shepherd, Preacher, Miracle
whatever use He chooses: “Look, as the free from lies and deceits. Honesty to love God if he has no love for his is to be able to teach. One reference Worker, but above all, our Redeemer
clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in stems out of the character of the man neighbor. book refers to the two-fold expectation and yes, our Lord.
My hand, O house of Israel!” not just as inborn quality but as a reflec- There are many human examples that of ‘having a teachable spirit’ and ‘able The lyrics of a familiar song sum it all
The clay represents us in our fallen tion of how he was raised and formed continue to inspire but the Lord our God to teach others. ’ It is expected that he up: ‘Change my heart O God, make it
nature, worthless until we are filled over time, especially by Godly parents. is the epitome of loyalty to His people. must be eager to learn, possess a work- ever true; change my heart O God, may
and used according to the Sovereign Honesty is not only about attitude, He is the Good Shepherd who promised ing knowledge of the Bible and has the I be like you.’
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
Ugnayan C3
CFC AT 28
THE grounds at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta became, once
again, a sea of people as more than 50,000 CFC members from all
over the Philippines and around the world gathered for Couples for
Christ’s 28th anniversary.
It was a cacophony of sounds and a kaleidoscope of colors as the
day’s activities unfolded – the first-ever Amazing Race (won by the
Big West sector); the Olympic-themed parade which lasted more
than two hours; the exhibits at the “villages” scattered around the
grounds; the concert featuring Mayumi Morales, The Angelos, Ramil
Omosura, the Canadian Idol and Dulce; the Holy Mass celebrated
by a cardinal, an archbishop, a bishop and two dozen priests set
against a backdrop of colored, pulsating and changing lights; a most
spirited praisefest and fireworks.
The photos speak for themselves – it was indeed a wonderful anni-
versary. It was truly a glorious day punctuated by sunshine, laughter,
prayer, games, and most of all, permeated by God’s presence.