A3 Monitor
CBCP
Vol.
Pope11 No. 12 the
Urges
Practice of
June 11 - 24, 2007
Eucharistic
Adoration
CBCP: Political Killings,
Abductions Mar Freedom
Day Celebration
THE Catholic bishops’ leadership said they are
“shamed and saddened” the country contin-
ues to record high in corruption and cases of
human rights abuses.
In a message for the celebration of the 109th
anniversary of Philippine Independence,
CBCP president Archbishop Angel Lagdameo
stressed the said issues that continue to haunt
the current administration are “negative”
CBCP backs extension of
agrarian reform program
“The Campaign for Agrarian Reform is still relevant and must be made to succeed.” Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, Vice President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, sits with various
people’s organizations during the National Rural Conference on CARP Extension with Reforms to mark the 19th anniversary of CARP, June 9-10, 2007 at UP Diliman.
CBCP Head Appeals for
Release of Burgos
CATHOLIC Bishops’ Confer-
ence of the Philippines (CBCP)
head Archbishop Angel
Lagdameo made a direct ap-
peal for the release of a peasant
movement leader abducted a
month ago.
The call, via a video blog
posted at “YouTube”, was made
for Jonas Burgos who was re-
portedly seized by two uni-
dentified men inside a mall in
RP Nuncio Appointed Usec
in Vatican
POPE Benedict XVI ap-
pointed Archbishop
Fernando Filoni, the current
Apostolic Nuncio to the Phil-
ippines as the Vatican’s
Undersecretary of State for
General Affairs or “Sostituto”.
His new position would
place him immediately under
the Secretariat of State and
the principal aide of the Car-
dinal Secretary of State.
RP Nuncio / A7
Pampanga Archbishop
Appeals for Sobriety
ARCHBISHOP Paciano B.
Aniceto expressed alarm over
the spate of killings perceived
to be election-related over the
past few weeks.
In a Pastoral Letter entitled
“Am I My Brother’s Keeper?”
issued during the feast of St.
Ferdinand, King last May 30,
Archbishop Aniceto said
“women have been widowed,
• A6
Fr. Bossi, “Gentle Giant” of
the Mission in Mindanao
www.cbcponline.net/cbcpmonitor
Protagonist of Truth, Promoter of Peace
June 11 - 24, 2007
CBCP / A6
Quezon City on April 28.
“We would like to request
that those who are handling
him may have the mercy and
compassion to return him to his
family,” said Lagdameo. “This
is our prayer.”
Jonas, the son of the late
press freedom fighter Jose
Burgos, Jr., spent many years
teaching farmers about natural
CBCP Head / A6
Archbishop Fernando Filoni
children orphaned and com-
munities gripped by shock and
grief” and “their cry for justice
is our cry for justice.”
San Fernando Auxiliary
Bishop Pablo David read the
statement over Catholic-run
Veritas 846 over the weekend.
He explained the appeal was not
simply for politicians but for all
Pampanga / A6
Vol. 11 No. 12
Italian Missionary Kidnapped
FR. Giancarlo Bossi,
now 57 years old
and parish priest in
Payao, Zamboanga
Sibugay was ab-
ducted by still uni-
dentified men at 9:45
A.M. Sunday morn-
ing some 500 meters
from his parish
church where he just
officiated Mass on Fr. Giancarlo Bossi
the Solemnity of Corpus Christi.
Fr. Bossi’s immediate superior,
Zamboanga City-based Rev. Fr. Gianni
Sandalo, PIME, said this was the second
abduction of foreign missionaries from
their congregation. First to be abducted
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Message of the Apostolic Nuncio
Lumen Gentium Christus!
ONE year after my ar-
rival in Manila as Pon-
tifical Representative in
the Philippines, the
Holy Father Pope
Benedict XVI has called
me to serve in the Sec-
retariat of State as Sub-
stitute.
This is an act of fa-
therly benevolence on
the part of the Supreme
Pontiff, to which I re-
spond with a certain
trepidation, but with
the same willingness as
in the past, and with
profound gratitude. I
am comforted by the as-
tonishing words of
Jesus, reported in Saint
B1 B8
Music is a Gift
and a Mission
CINEMA
Reviews
A1
cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net
Fr. Luciano Benedetti:
“Some Ransom was Paid”
THE first Italian missionary Rev. Fr. Luciano
Benedetti from the Pontifical Institute for For-
eign Missions (PIME) said “it’s a pity the
armed men snatched Fr. Giancarlo Bossi.”
Benedetti, a kidnap victim himself in 1998
in Sibuco town said Fr. Bossi, 57 years old,
was just assigned to Payao last month. “He
was reassigned there for the second time after
18 years,” Benedetti said. He added Payao
residents love him as “there’s a road, the one
Php 20.00 going to the church, named after him so I hope
Fr. Luciano / A7
By Roy Lagarde
THE Catholic prelates have backed calls by
farmers’ groups to extend government’s
agrarian reform program which is due to
end next year in an effort to address the
still many landless beneficiaries.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the
Philippines (CBCP) recommended extra
years for the Comprehensive Agrarian Re-
form Program (CARP), warning that a pre-
mature ending could endanger stability.
Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, CBCP
president, suggested that if the CARP
would not be completed by next year, it has
to be extended and its “loopholes” be ex-
amined.
He supported for the passage into law
the proposed CARP extension with re-
forms, saying it will streamline the mess of
existing, inconsistent policies.
Lagdameo urged the government to give
poor farmers the same rights to own a land
as the others.
“The campaign for agrarian reform is still
relevant and must be made to succeed,” he
said.
36 years
According to statistics, three-fourth of the
poor in the country form part of the rural
poor. Numbers alone, he said, make the
program of agrarian reform still necessary
and urgent.
Approved through Republic Act No.
6657, the program was extended for the first
time in 1998 to further reduce poverty by
giving access to rural folks through land
ownership.
Considering the 16 years spent in imple-
menting the law since the Marcos regime,
CBCP backs / A6
was Rev. Fr. Luciano Benedetti in 1998. he already knows what to do and they are
Another Italian missionary, Rev. Fr. just waiting for additional information.
Guiseppe Pierantoni from the Priests of the “We have not received any other infor-
Sacred Heart (also known as Sacerdotes mation or ransom demand as of 2:00 P.M.
Cordis Jesu) was kidnapped by armed men (Sunday),” Fr. Sandalo said in a long dis-
in the Zamboanga Peninsula during the tance interview with Catholic-run CBCP
early 2000. Monitor and Veritas 846.
Called “giant priest” by his parishio- He has already requested the Prelature
ners, Fr. Bossi stands 190 centimeters and of Ipil’s apostolic administrator to attend
weighs 120 kilos, said Fr. Sandalo. He to Bossi’s abduction. “We are in constant
said Fr. Bossi is “a nice and approachable contact,” he added.
guy.” Fr. Bossi was sent to the Philippines in
Asked whether he would order the pull 1980 immediately after his ordination. A
out of four other Italian missionaries from native of Milan, Fr. Bossi’s immediate
their congregation in the Prelature of Ipil relatives have already been informed of
(which has ecclesiastical jurisdiction over
Zamboanga Sibugay province), Fr.
Sandalo said “definitely not.” He added
the abduction.
“I already informed them of the situa-
tion,” Fr. Sandalo said. (Melo M. Acuna)
A T E M E N T S
Why Agrarian Reform? —
Three Moral Principles
Luke’s Gospel, concerning
the attitude towards service
AT the beginning of this year, “We ask that the CARP,
that he asked of his dis-
the Catholic Bishops’ Confer- defective as it is, be finally
ciples: “So you also, when
ence of the Philippines issued completed next year as it
you have done all that is
a pastoral statement on “The has been targeted. And if it
commanded you, say “We
Dignity of the Rural Poor—A is not sufficiently imple-
are unworthy servants; we
Gospel Concern.” We ex- mented by then, the pro-
have only done what was
pressed our concern over the gram should be further ex-
our duty.’”
“inequitable distribution of the tended and funded more se-
I am grateful to His Emi-
nation’s wealth and the en- riously and generously. But
nence the Cardinal Secre-
demic social injustices that un- we ask that the law itself
tary of State, who now
derpin that evil. must be reviewed and im-
numbers me among his
We further pointed out that proved.”
closest co-workers. I hope
most notable effort of govern- The killings last week of
to prove worthy of the trust
ment at alleviating rural pov- two of the Mapalad farmer
that has been placed on my
erty has been the Comprehen- leaders on the land that had
person, for the greater ser-
sive Agrarian Reform Program. recently been given to them
vice of the Holy Father and
Today, we observe the 19th an- as agrarian reform benefi-
of the entire Church.
niversary of CARP. Once more, ciaries after a protracted
I extend cordial greet-
we reiterate the call made in our struggle of more than ten
Message / A7
pastoral statement: Why / A7

A2
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 6,
2007—Benedict XVI issued an
appeal to the leaders participat-
ing in the G-8 summit to keep
their promises to fight against
poverty, particularly through
education.
The Pope asked the heads of
state gathered in Germany “not
to retreat from their promises
to make a substantial increase
in development aid in favor of
the most needy populations, es-
pecially those of the African
continent.”
The Holy Father recalled his
The Chaldean Church Mourns
Fr. Ragheed Ganni and His Martyrs
MOSUL, Iraq, June 6, 2007—
With “a heart full of bitterness
and mourning”, the Chaldean
Church is today lamenting its
martyrs. This is how, in a joint
statement the Chaldean Patri-
arch and his bishops remem-
ber Fr Ragheed Ganni and his
three subdeacons—Basman
Yousef Daud, Wahid Hanna
Isho, Gassan Isam Bidawed—
murdered in cold blood yes-
terday, as they left the Parish
Church of the Holy Spirit in
Mosul after Sunday Mass.
This afternoon at 15.00 (local
time) their funerals will be
held in Karamles, Fr.
Ragheed’s home town; cel-
ebrated by Msgr. Faraj Rahho,
the bishop of Mosul.
Emmanuel III Delly’s con-
demnation on behalf of the
nation’s bishops came just
hours after the assassination.
“It is a most heinous crime
that any person of proper con-
science would reject. The au-
thors carried out a most hor-
rible act against God, against
humanity, against their own
brothers who were peace lov-
ing citizens, as well as men of
religion who always offered
Polish, Italian Bishops Join Debate on
Holy Day Observance
POLAND, June 7, 2007—The
president of the Polish bish-
ops’ conference, Archbishop
Jozef Michalik of Przemysl, is
supporting today’s nation-
wide strike by the retail divi-
sion of the Solidarity labor
union. Solidarity is asking for
workers to be given time off
for national holidays and
Church holy days—including
today’s feast of Corpus
Christi.
Archbishop Michalik said,
“It is good that they are pro-
testing, that people are de-
Pope Calls G-8
Leaders to Fight
Poverty
letter to German Chancellor
Angela Merkel and her re-
sponse, which assured that the
Group of Eight is committed to
attaining the Millennium De-
velopment Goals.
The Pontiff specifically men-
tioned the second Millennium
Goal: to achieve universal pri-
mary education—to ensure that
all boys and girls complete a
full course of primary school-
ing by 2015.
He said, “This is an integral
part of the attainment of all the
other Millennium Goals: It is a
their prayers to God the Al-
mighty for security and stabil-
ity in Iraq”, the text reads.
Msgr. Rabban al Qas, bishop
of Amadiyah and Erbil, re-
flected on the figure of Fr.
Ragheed with AsiaNews: “He
had such great courage, united
with a loving calm. He was a
spiritual man, loved by his
people, Catholic and Muslim”.
Meanwhile new informa-
tion surrounding the nature of
the attack has come to light.
After celebrating Sunday
mass, Fr Ragheed and his
three aides were leaving the
Parish by car, accompanied by
the wife of one of the sub-dea-
cons, Gassan Isam Bidawed.
In recent days the three in-
sisted on accompanying Fr
Ragheed to protect him. “They
were young men alive with
faith, who accompanied their
parish priests, risking their
lives for their belief in Christ”,
their friends tell.
Suddenly, at the corner of
the road, their car is blocked by
unknown armed men militants
who order the woman to dis-
tance herself from the others
and then, in cold blood, shoot
manding the opportunity to
celebrate religious holidays.”
Requiring employees to work
on holy days, the archbishop
said, is “an attack on the fam-
ily.”
Archbishop Michalik went
on to say: “Blessed are the
faithful who do not shop on
Sunday. Let there be a moral
boycott.”
Archbishop Tadeusz
Goclowski of Danzig sup-
ported the aims of the Solidar-
ity movement, but questioned
whether a strike was the best
World News
guarantee of the consolidation
of goals already reached; it is
the starting point for autono-
mous and sustainable processes
of development.”
Benedict XVI recalled the
Church’s efforts in the war
against poverty and encour-
aged governments to support
private groups’ commitments.
“It must not be forgotten,” he
said, “that the Catholic Church
has always been at the forefront
in the field of education, reach-
ing places, particularly in the
poorest countries, that state
the remaining passengers, re-
peatedly. The aggressor’s then
booby-trapped the car with ex-
plosives; with the aim of fur-
ther carnage should anyone get
near the car to recover the bod-
ies.
In the immediate aftermath
of the attack, the bodies re-
mained, abandoned on the city
street, because no one dared to
approach. It was only towards
10 pm. (Local time) that secu-
rity forces finally defused the
explosives allowing corpses to
be recovered. They now lie in
repose in the Church of the
Holy Spirit.
The Chaldean bishops who
are currently gathered for
their patriarchal Synod “ask
the Lord to grant mercy to the
souls of these martyrs, and ex-
tend their deepest sympathies
to the families of the deceased,
to the bishop of the city Msgr.
Faraj Rahho, to the brother
priests of the victims and the
Chaldean faithful throughout
the world, that they may be
given the necessary strength
to face such an arduous situa-
tion”.
The bishops conclude by re-
way to persuade the public.
He said, “We should fight to
close stores on Sundays and
holy days, but there remains
the question: Is a strike the
preferred weapon?”
Speaking on today’s strike
the head of Solidarity’s retail
division, Alfred Bujara, said,
“In civilized countries, trade
stops on Saturday afternoon.
On holidays, retail stores are
closed.”
The French chain Auchan
and Polish chains Biedronka
and Galeria Centrum closed
structures often fail to reach.
Other Christian Churches, reli-
gious groups and organizations
of civil society share this edu-
cational commitment. Appeal of the Pope for Those
“According to the principle
of subsidiarity, this reality Kidnapped Throughout the World,
should be recognized, valued
and supported by governments Including Catholic Priests
and international organiza-
tions, among other things by VATICAN CITY, June 10,
the allocation of sufficient fund- 2007—News of the kidnapping
ing, so that greater efficacy may of Fr. Giancarlo Bossi, PIME,
be guaranteed in the attainment which took place this morning
of the Millennium Develop- in the south of the Philippines,
ment Goals.” (Zenit) has been spreading in Italy and
in the world.
Precisely at this moment the
Pope, in his Angelus address,
launched an appeal on behalf of
the numerous “persons, among
whom are also Catholic priests,
who are held hostage for vari-
ous reasons in different parts of
the world.”
Benedict XVI added: “I carry
calling the persecution of Iraqi all of them in my heart, and I
Christians, their forced emi- keep all of them in my prayers,”
gration, their being pushed to referring in particular to some
renounce their faith asking distressing cases in Columbia.
“Iraqi leaders and interna- The Pope went on to say: “I ap-
tional organizations to inter- peal with sorrow to the agents
vene to put a concrete end to of these deplorable acts, hoping
these criminal acts”. that they will become aware of
Yesterday, Cardinal the evil they have done and be
Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican sec- willing to restore to the em-
retary of state revealed that braces of their loved ones those
the war in Iraq will be on the that they are holding prisoners.
agenda for talks with US I entrust the victims to the ma-
President George Bush in his ternal protection of the Blessed
upcoming visit to Rome on Virgin Mary, Mother of all
June 8th. men.”
Fr. Ragheed is the first Prior to this appeal the Pope
Catholic priest to have been had talked about Corpus
killed in Iraq since 2003. Be- Christi, today’s feast. “Today’s
fore him, last year it was the solemnity of Corpus Christi,”
turn of a Syro-Orthodox priest Benedict XVI said, “which was
Fr. Paul Iskandar. celebrated last Thursday in the
A dear friend of AsiaNews, Vatican and in other countries,
Fr Ragheed Ganni was born in invites us to contemplate the
Mosul in 1972. A graduate in supreme Mystery of our faith:
engineering from the local the Most Holy Eucharist, the
university, he studied theol- Real Presence of our Lord Jesus
ogy from 1996 to 2003 at the Christ in the Sacrament of the
Pontifical Irish College and altar.
the Pontifical University of Every time that the priest re-
Thomas Aquinas the news the Eucharistic Sacrifice, in
“Angelicum”, where he re- the prayer of consecration he
ceived a licence in Ecumenical repeats: ‘This is my body…this is
Theology. (AsiaNews) my blood.’ He lends his voice, his
hands, and his heart to Christ,
who wanted to remain with us
in order to be the beating heart
of the Church.
But even after the Celebration
of the Divine Mysteries the Lord
Jesus remains present in the tab-
ernacle. For this reason praise is
rendered to Him especially
through Eucharistic Adoration, as
I sought to remind everyone in
the recent Apostolic Exhortation
Sacramentum caritatis (see nos.
Sandri Named Prefect for Eastern
Churches
VATICAN CITY, June 10,
2007—Benedict XVI named
Archbishop Leonardo Sandri
as prefect of the Congregation
for Eastern Churches. He has
been undersecretary of state
for general affairs.
The Vatican press office an-
nounced today that Arch-
bishop Sandri, 63, will succeed
© http://cathcon.blogspot.com
76-year-old Cardinal Ignace
Moussa I Daoud, who had pre-
sented his resignation after
having reached the normal re-
tirement age.
Archbishop Sandri gave the
world the news of the death of
Pope John Paul II on the
evening of April 2, 2005, in St.
Peter’s Square. He normally
read the texts that John Paul II
could not read on account of
his illness.
Leonardo Sandri was born in
Buenos Aires on Nov. 18, 1943,
into a family of Italian origin.
He was ordained a priest in
their stores for the day. The 1967. He entered the diplo-
German supermarket chain matic service of the Holy See
Real remained open, hiring in 1974 and served in Mada-
temporary workers. gascar, and from 1977 to 1989
In related news, a statement with the Vatican secretariat of
from the Italian bishops’ con- state.
ference has opened a public From 1989 to 1991 he was an
debate on Sunday shopping in adviser in the office of the pa-
that country. A survey by the pal nuncio to the United States
newspaper Corriere della Sera and the Organization of
found that 80% of Italian re- American States.
spondents favor Sunday shop- On Aug. 22, 1991, he was
ping. named prefect of the Pontifical
Presently retail stores are Household. He was made the
open only 14 Sundays every assessor for general affairs for
year. (CWNews) the secretariat of state in 1992.
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 12
June 11 - 24, 2007
66-69) following the Synod on
this topic.
In fact, there is an intrinsic
connection between celebration
and adoration. The Holy Mass
is in itself already the greatest act
of adoration on the part of the
Church. ‘No one eats this flesh,’
St. Augustine wrote, ‘unless he
has first adored it’ (Com. on
Psalms 98,9; CCL XXXIX, 1385).
“Adoration apart from the
Holy Mass prolongs and inten-
sifies what has taken place in the
liturgical celebration, and makes
it possible to receive Christ in a
real and profound way.” The
Pope underlined the importance
of Eucharistic Adoration, above
all as a witness to the Real Pres-
ence of Jesus, but also as a re-
discovery and strengthening of
a personal relationship with the
Lord.
The Pope then went on to add:
“I would like to take the oppor-
tunity that today’s solemnity
offers me to strongly urge Pas-
tors and all the faithful to prac-
tice Eucharistic Adoration. I
would like to express my appre-
ciation for the Institutes of Con-
secrated Life, as well as the con-
fraternities and associations,
who dedicate themselves to the
Eucharistic Adoration in a spe-
cial way: they are a reminder for
everyone of the centrality of
Christ in our life as individuals
and as Church.
It gives me joy to recognize
that young people are discov-
ering the beauty of Adoration,
whether personally or as a com-
munity. I invite priests to en-
courage youth groups along
this line, while taking care to
guide them so that the forms of
Adoration by the community
are appropriate and dignified,
with sufficient time for silence
and for listening to the Word of
God.
In today’s world, so often
noisy and distracted, it is more
important than ever to recover
the capacity for interior silence
and recollection: Eucharistic
Adoration permits us to do so
not only in relation to the ‘I’ but
also in company with that ‘You’
full of love who is Jesus Christ,
‘God with us.’” (AsiaNews)
On July 22, 1997, he was
named papal nuncio to Ven-
ezuela and ordained arch-
bishop that same year.
On March 1, 2000, he was
made papal nuncio to Mexico
and on Sept. 16, 2000, he was
named “sostituto” or
undersecretary of state for gen-
eral affairs.
In a declaration published by
the Vatican press office, Arch-
bishop Sandri affirmed: “I am
aware that I have been en-
trusted with the great ‘trea-
sure’ of liturgical prayer, the
spiritual tradition, monastic
life, the lives of many saints,
and the teaching of the fathers
and doctors of the Eastern
Church.
“It is a ‘treasure’ that even
today we hope is researched,
revisited, delved into, and
loved so that it can offer to the
contemporary expectations of
the universal Church and of
the world of our time the
wealth of the doctrine and
spirituality of the Eastern tra-
dition.”
Archbishop Sandri greeted
the Christians “who are suffer-
ing in the Holy Land, in Iraq,
in Lebanon, and elsewhere
from violence, from fear and
uncertainty about the future; I
think of those who have to
leave their homeland and ev-
erything they have.”
Archbishop Sandri will con-
tinue his work in the secretariat
of state until July 1. (Zenit)
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 12
June 11 - 24, 2007
Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, DD, of Zamboanga presided over the blessing and inauguration of the Emmaus House of Spiritu-
ality on May 9, 2007.
Pope Urges the Practice
of Eucharistic Adoration
VATICAN CITY, June 10,
2007—Benedict XVI recom-
mends the practice of Eu-
charistic adoration, saying
that the capacity for interior
silence and recollection is
ever more important in life
that is often “noisy and scat-
tered.”
The Pope said this today
after praying the Angelus
with crowds gathered in St.
Peter’s Square. His address
centered on the Eucharist,
as many nations celebrate
the feast of Corpus Christi
today.
“Even after the celebra-
tion of the divine mysteries,
the Lord Jesus remains liv-
ing in the tabernacle; be-
cause of this he is praised,
especially by Eucharistic
adoration,” the Holy Father
said.
“There is an intrinsic con-
nection between celebration
and adoration. The holy
Mass, in fact, is in itself the
Church’s greatest act of ado-
ration,” he added. “Adora-
tion outside holy Mass pro-
longs and intensifies what
happened in the liturgical
celebration and renders a
true and profound recep-
tion of Christ possible.
“I would like to take the
opportunity that today’s so-
Young Pilgrims Meet in
Butuan City
BUTUAN City, June 8,
2007—Nearly 200 youth
leaders from 21 archdio-
ceses, dioceses and
prelatures in southern Phil-
ippines attended
Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral
Conference-Youth Congress
at the Order of Augustinian
Discalced Seminar at Villa
Paraiso, Ampayon recently.
Held every three years,
the youth gathering served
as venue for the youth to
share experiences, discern
the signs of the times, iden-
tify issues and concerns af-
fecting the ministry, and
formulate its plan of action.
Church leaders considered
the gathering a resounding
success.
Butuan Bishop Juan de
Dios Pueblos and Auxiliary
Bishop Zacharias Jimenez,
Iligan Bishop Elenito Galido
and CBCP-Episcopal Com-
mission on Youth chairman
and Masbate Bishop Joel
Baylon spoke before nearly
200 hundred delegates from
21 archdioceses, dioceses
and prelatures in southern
Philippines during the four-
Appeal for the Release
of All Kidnap Victims
VATICAN CITY, June 10,
2007—After praying the
Angelus today with thou-
sands of people gathered
in St. Peter’s Square, the
Pope made an appeal for
the release of kidnap vic-
tims all over the world,
Catholic priests among
them, making particular
reference to the “painful”
example of Colombia.
“Unfortunately,” he
said, “I often receive re-
quests to intervene in favor
of people, among them
Catholic priests, who have
been kidnapped for differ-
News Features
lemnity offers me to
strongly recommend to pas-
tors and all the faithful the
practice of Eucharistic ado-
ration.”
Benedict XVI noted that
youth are showing great in-
terest in adoration.
“I invite priests to encour-
age youth groups in this,
but also to accompany them
to ensure that the forms of
adoration are appropriate
and dignified, with suffi-
cient times for silence and
listening to the word of
God,” the Pope said.
He continued: “In life to-
day, which is often noisy and
scattered, it is more impor-
tant than ever to recover the
capacity for interior silence
and recollection: Eucharistic
adoration permits one to do
this not only within one’s ‘I’
but rather in the company of
that ‘You’ full of love who is
Jesus Christ, ‘the God who
is near us.’
“May the Virgin Mary,
Eucharistic Woman, lead us
into the secret of true ado-
ration. Her heart, humble
and silent, was always rec-
ollected around the mystery
of Jesus, in whom she wor-
shipped the presence of
God and his redemptive
love.” (Zenit)
day event.
Diocese of Surigao Vicar
General Msgr. Terry Iral,
DCS, spoke about “The
Youth and the Mindanao
Church: Its Realities.”
Bishop Zacarias Jimenez
talked about “A Sense of
Youth Mission.”
An open forum dubbed
“Bishops’ Hour” featured
Bishops Baylon and Galido,
the new MSPC-Youth
Bishop-in-Charge, where
they answered questions
and addressed timely con-
cerns raised by the partici-
pants.
A Pilgrimage and Flores
De Mayo was also held at
the Our Lady of the Holy
Rosary Parish in Magallanes
village followed with a
Concelebrated Mass with
Surigao Bishop Antonieto
Cabajog as main celebrant.
The activities concluded
with another liturgical cel-
ebration led by Bishop
Galido which was also at-
tended by the delegates’ fos-
ter families and benefactors.
(May Solano, MSPC Youth
Secretariat)
ent reasons and in various
parts of the world.
“I carry them all in my
heart, and I remember
them all in my prayers
thinking, among the oth-
ers, of the painful case of
Colombia. I appeal to the
perpetrators of such de-
plorable acts to realize the
evil they have done and
immediately to restore
prisoners to their loved
ones.”
“I entrust the victims to
the maternal protection of
Mary Most Holy, mother
of all mankind.” (VIS)
ZAMBOANGA, June 7, 2007—
The Emmaus House of Spiritu-
ality was inaugurated on May
9, 2007 in Zamboanga City.
Under the auspices of the
Silsilah Dialogue Movement,
the retreat facility is unique in
the sense that it will be operat-
ing “with its multi-cultural and
multi-religious milieu”.
Constructed to mark the 20th
anniversary of the establish-
ment of the Emmaus Dialogue
Community, this facility is
open to Christians, both lay
SVD Meets on New Ways of
Living the Gospel
BAGUIO CITY, June 8, 2007—
Twenty Biblical Apostolate
coordinators from nine coun-
tries of the Society of Divine
Word (SVD) Asia Pacific Zone
committed to promote new
and creative ways of reading,
sharing and living the Word of
God in daily life.
This was their resolutions af-
ter a-week long international
deliberations on the theme
“Living Prophetic Dialogue:
His Life is Our life” at Divine
Word Retreat Centre, here May
20-26.
Participants came from India,
Indonesia, Japan, The Philip-
pines, Rome, Taiwan, Korea,
Hong Kong (China), and Aus-
tralia.
Other concerns were to stress
to integrate the Word of God in
all ministries, trying to attune
themselves with the dynamics of
finding a balance between life
and Biblical text; allow them-
selves to be evangelized by our
dialogue partners as we evange-
lize them through ongoing bib-
lical-pastoral formation;
strengthen the continuity of the
Biblical Apostolate Programs
and the integration of directives,
guidelines, policies into the over
all direction of the province.
Speaking to CBCP News Ser-
vice Fr. Joseph Kollemkunnel,
SVD from India said the gath-
ering had main objectives to
evaluate the implementation of
the Madang 2004 resolutions
and to reflect on the implication
of the XVI General Chapter
Missionaries Converts Relocation
Site to Christian Community
BAGONG SILANG, Caloocan,
June 8, 2007—Missionaries’
presence and pastoral programs
in a parish in Novaliches dio-
cese has paved a way to mini-
mize ‘antisocial activities’ in the
area, says a priest.
Fr Noel Floriano, SS.CC of
Ang Muling Pagkabuhay ng
Ating Panginoon Parish (Resur-
rection of our Lord Parish), told
CBCP News Service that prior to
the taking up the parish by the
SSCC (Congregation of the Sa-
cred Hearts of Jesus and Mary)
in 2003, Bagong Silang vicinity
was known to be a “notorious
place.”
According to the priest, the
area used to be a place of kill-
ing, violence, tension, and all
other types of antisocial activi-
ties, but now over the last four
years, such actions have been
minimized.
Fr. Floriano, assistant priest of
the parish, credits the change of
scenario, attitude and life among
people to the various pastoral
and developmental activities
that the parish has been spear-
heading to help parishioners
and others.
The parish has been a “relo-
cation area,’ for more than 30
years already. Some 35,000
people belong to the parish in
which a pastoral team of three
Retreat Facility for
Interreligious
Dialogue
Inaugurated
and religious, men and
women, who seek a place for
prayer and reflection in a si-
lent, individual retreat. It is
particularly suitable for those
who seek to deepen the spirit
of life-in-dialogue.
The Emmaus House of Spiri-
tuality will be run by the
Emmaus Dialogue Commu-
nity, a lay association of
women who have chosen to
devote their lives to the promo-
tion of life-in-dialogue with
peoples of other faiths and cul-
The Asia Pacific Zone Biblical Apostolate Coordinators of the Society of Divine Word (SVD) from nine countries at a gathering
held at the Divine Word Retreat Center in Baguio City, May 20-26, 2007
statement and resolution on
Biblical Apostolate in the Zone.
“As we looked into our zonal
situation, we are encouraged to
find confreres who are commit-
ted in animating one another in
reading the Bible and living the
Word,” he said.
Participants also reflected the
SVDs’ contribution to both the
local and universal Church
through the Biblical Apostolate
and through their cooperation
in the Catholic Biblical Federa-
tion (CBF).
CBF will hold its interna-
tional meet in 2009 in Tanzania.
The rich religious pluralistic
heritage and environment of
people and their thirst for the
Word of God has given birth to
a considerable number of lay
partners committed in the Bib-
SSCC and four SSCC Sisters is
exercising its ministry. The to-
tal population of people in the
area is above 65,000.
The objective of the team is to
introduce people to a new vision
of what a Post-Vatican II parish
might look like. And the parish-
ioners have reacted with amaz-
ing commitment.
Thirty-four members of the
extended parish council at-
tended 12 hour follow-up ses-
sions in order to become famil-
iar with such a vision.
Together with the pastoral
team, two trained Community
Development Workers have
committed themselves to enable
people to come to a shared un-
derstanding of their common
plight and to develop Gospel-
based communication solutions
to their problems.
Thus, some noteworthy initia-
tives and projects have emerged:
scholarship and tutorial for el-
ementary and college students, a
parish pharmacy (administered
by 15 volunteers) a feeding pro-
gram for malnourished children,
livelihood programs such as card
making, even a savings and loan
program. Bible study, faith shar-
ing and Basic Ecclesiastical Com-
munity (BCE) formation pro-
grams are some of the pastoral
activities of the parish.
tures. The members of the
Emmaus Dialogue Commu-
nity are part of the Silsilah Dia-
logue Movement. Two mem-
bers of the community and a
French priest will be respon-
sible for the day-to-day man-
agement of the activities of the
House.
The House is really three
buildings: a church and two
buildings in which are found
individual bedrooms, a com-
mon dining area and the
kitchen. These buildings stand
lical Apostolate. Even though
there is a constant effort to
inculturate the Word of God in
liturgies and activities, yet par-
ticipants felt more have still to
be done.
The Asia Pacific Zonal Coor-
dinator, Fr. William Burl, SVD,
resource person, said, “We find
a meaningful and challenging
dynamics for our Biblical
Apostolate between ‘life and
Biblical Text.’ The movement
from life and text starts when
we encounter the people. They
become our partners with con-
crete names and faces. Their
present context, their aspira-
tions and questions help us to
read these realities in the light
of God’s Word.”
Another speaker Fr Guido
Tissera, SVD from Indonesia,
Junior sisters and young
brothers in formation join the
different activities in the parish
on weekends to get invaluable
experience. They witness a sort
of demonstration of what the
Gospel looks like when it is lived
by a group of people who take
it seriously for themselves and
for the world, said Bro. Manoj
Nayak, SSCC.
The main source of living of
the people is tricycle driving,
doormat making and other small
scale household occupations.
Most of them are very poor.
Another reason for the change
in people’s life style, Fr. Floriano
ascribed, is that people them-
selves have realized they are
“fed up” and “tired of what they
were doing.” So they want to
turn a new leaf in their behav-
iors and actions. That what has
happened over the years.
The constant interaction of
SSCC priests, sisters and broth-
ers with people has also helped
instilled among parishioners
positive attitude to church and
development, the priest added.
People have shown substan-
tial willingness and cooperation
to support church activities
which are meant for their own
good and progress.
“We are happy that people
have improved and the area has
A3
on an elevated section of land
abutting the Harmony Village
of the Silsilah Dialogue Move-
ment in Pitogo, Sinunuc,
Zamboanga City. From the ve-
randah of the two buildings one
gets a panorama of the green
hills from one direction and the
sparkling sea to the other.
The setting is ideal for those
seeking to make the journey in-
ward and find God along the
way, as did the two disciples
on the road to Emmaus. (Fr.
Sebastiano D’Ambra)
said the movement from ‘text to
life’ consists in returning to the
sources. In the light of the XVI
General Chapter SVD
missioners are called to be ani-
mators among their confreres to
become Word-centered com-
munities.
Fr. Kollemkunnel said, “Jour-
neying with St. Arnold Janssen,
SVD founder and St. Joseph
Freinademetze, a SVD pioneer
missioner in China, the next tri-
ennium, we, the Asia Pacific
Zone Biblical Coordinators,
commit ourselves to witnessing
to the Word in the spirit of pro-
phetic dialogue.”
SVD is an international mis-
sionary congregation of priests
and brothers serving in more
than fifty countries all over the
world. (Santosh Digal)
been considerably peaceful com-
pared to previous years. The
Spirit of God is really guiding the
people. But much more has still
to be done,” Fr. Floriano quipped.
The Bagong Silang is the only
parish the SSCC has in the whole
of the Philippines.
There are more offers from the
Novaliches diocese to open
more parishes, but due to scar-
city of members, the SSCC is not
able to accept the offers for the
time being.
The Congregation is a com-
munity of Brothers, Sisters and
Laity. There are over 2,000 in 37
different countries. One of the
best known members of SSCC
family is Saint Damien de
Veuster, apostle of leprosy pa-
tients on the island of Molokai
in Hawaii.
In some countries the SSCC is
known by the name “Picpus”,
after rue de Picpus, the street
where the Congregation’s cen-
tral house was established
shortly after the community’s
foundation. .
The mission of SSCC is to con-
template, live and announce
God’s Love which was made
flesh in Jesus, especially through
Eucharistic Adoration and ser-
vice of the most needy. SSCC cel-
ebrated its 200th anniversary in
December 2000. (Santosh Digal)
 CBCP Monitor
A4 Opinion Vol. 11 No. 12
June 11 - 24, 2007

EDITORIAL

Heroism in Small Doses?

THE celebration of the 109th Anniversary of the
Proclamation of Philippine Independence comes with
the theme “Kalayaan 2007: Bayan, Bayani,
Bayanihan.” Thanks to the Department of Tourism.
In the attempt to showcase some great mighty and
popular personalities as icons of the bayani, let us not
lose sight of the innumerable and unnamed bayani of
our country’s history, in particular the many volunteers
of the PPCRV and NAMFREL and the Teachers who
despite odds, difficulties, obstacles, frustrations, and
threats defended the sacredness of the ballots against
Layout by Denz Dayao

those desecrating groups. In the midst of rampant and

wholesale “buy and sale” of votes, there were still
those who refused to be controlled by the dictatorship
of money. Their small stories are worth noting down
on “Kalayaan Day.”
We are shamed and saddened by comments that our
country ranks among those with most records of graft
and corruption, unresolved cases of heinous crimes
and mysterious disappearances and unabated extra-
judicial killings. There is so much demand for
restitution to helpless and voiceless victims. May we
not consider the uncompensated victims also “bayani
ng bayan”? Specially that their appeals are apparently
falling on deaf ears!
On “Kalayaan Day” we join the clamor for the
restoration or return of the victims of disappearances.
Our prayer is that they will be allowed to return safe
and sound to their grieving and anxious families, to
enjoy basic freedom.
Both agents and victims, especially the victims of
graft and corruption, are negative notes to the
celebration of Kalayaan Day: that while we have been
liberated from the control of foreign invaders, we are
victims of the abuses and exploitation of fellow
Filipinos.
A few days ago, last June 10, two days before
Independence Day, was the 19th anniversary of the Abp. Angel N. Lagdameo, DD

Stewardship of
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). It

In and Out of Season

was a program to reduce rural poverty by giving
freedom to rural folks through access to land.
According to statistics, three-fourth of the poor in the
country belongs to the rural poor. Numbers alone
Creation
make the program of agrarian reform still necessary
and urgent. The land reform has both its encouraging THE Second Plenary Council of the Phil- Development has a moral dimension. not simply cater to the ambition of poli-
and discouraging aspects, naturally its pros and cons. ippines has one decree which mandates It requires a sense of responsibility and ticians, the greed of corrupt bureaucrats,
the development of a comprehensive accountability towards fellowmen and the arrogance of the scientific and tech-
This is where discussion is needed. The campaign for
theology of stewardship. It reads: “The towards creation itself. The deficiencies nological elite and the vanity of the
agrarian reform is still relevant and must be made to Church, through the initiatives of the of underdevelopment and the inad- wealthy. Let there be instead a sustain-
succeed. CBCP, should develop a comprehensive equate safeguards of super development able development which will close the
theology of stewardship and, in the light not only endanger the living systems in gap between the rich and the poor, which
Because of the extent of rural poverty and the necessity of this theology, should make ecology a our beautiful land, but also render them will better serve the tribal Filipinos, the
of “freedom from bondage to land” through genuine special concern of the social action unfit for human life, which means “less sugarland seasonal workers, the landless
legal agrarian reform and war against rural apostolate down to the parochial level, nutritious food, poor health and an un- tillers, the poor fishermen, the industrial
landlessness, the Church likewise joins the aspirations, with the end in view of making every- certain future” (CBCP-PL). workers and slum dwellers. Oftentimes
hopes and dreams of the rural farmers. According to one a true steward of God’s creation. An This requires a conversion from the ex- these are victims of the exploitation of
the Social Teachings of the Church: “An equitable ecology desk must be set up in social ploitative approach that often accompa- natural resources, such as happen in the
distribution of land remains ever critical, especially in action centers” (PCP-II, Decree 31). nies the consumerist attitude. This phe- mining and nuclear developments.
After the forty days of deluge, God nomenon of consumerism and misdi- Let us support the pro-life movement
developing countries… In rural areas, the possibility made a covenant with Noah (Gen. 9/12), rected progress often leads to so much to save not only humanity but also this
of acquiring land through opportunities opened by in which he challenged mankind to live “throw-away” and “waste” (Sollicitudo earth. We are stewards of both humanity
labor and credit market is a necessary condition for in close harmony with every living form Rei Socialis 28). This requires a conver- and of both humanity and of this earth.
access to other goods and services” (Compendium by protecting the ecosystems of the sion to “a comprehensive picture of man It is the only one we have and probably
No. 180). It means that the distribution of land, earth. In the Old Testament there is con- which respects all the dimensions of his the only one we will ever know.
supported by law, must also be accompanied by other nection between sin/sinfulness and cre- being and which subordinates his mate- According to the World Commission
supports and services to make the reform truly ation: the sin of irresponsible develop- rial and instinctive dimensions to his in- on Environment and Development:
ment can likewise endanger the harmo- terior and spiritual ones” (Centessimus “People depend for their well-being on
meaningful and beneficial. nious relationships of living forms. Annus A 36). The consumers as well as the health of the societies in which they
Again, the Social Teachings of the Church has it: The centerpoint of development, as the agents of development must, there- live. This depends in turn on a decent
well as of salvation, is Jesus Christ, “the fore, be adequately informed, formed level of sustained economic develop-
“Agrarian reform (is) a moral obligation more than a first-born of all creation,” who holds all and reformed according to the Christian ment, on a healthy environment and a
political necessity, since the failure to enact such things together in himself (Col. 1/20). values. proper use of its resources. The achieve-
reform is hindrance in these countries to the benefits Our vision of natural and human ecol- Justice and peace with the earth means ment of sustained development, the pro-
arising from the opening of markets and, generally, ogy is “Christic” or “Christological,” in solidarity with the earth, that is, “a firm motion of health, and the rational use of
from the abundant growth opportunities offered by as much as it prepares us to share in the and persevering determination to com- environmental resources are simply in-
the current process of globalization” (Compendium, fullness which “dwells in the Lord” (Col. mit oneself to the common good; that is separable” (Tao-Kalikasan II-3).
No. 300). 1/18) and which he communicates “to the good of all and of each individual The Lord is telling us again “I offer you
his body, the Church” (Eph. 1/22-23). because we are responsible for all” (SRS a choice of life or death, blessing or curse.
We need more than prayers and preaching. But these Our commitment to work for the univer- 38). Oftentimes when creation is abused Choose life and then you and your de-
two, prayer and preaching, will help support the efforts sal purpose and integrity of creation or misused, it is the poorest of the poor, scendants will live” (Dt. 30/19-20). “If my
must also reveal the Christocentrism of the defenseless and the powerless, who people who bear my name shall repent
of people working for agrarian reform. We have of their sin and come back to me, I from
the temporal order: “all things were cre- bear the cruel reprisal of nature.
encouraged that on June 10, a Sunday, the Prayer of ated through him” and for him (Col. 1/ Let there be “sustainable development my place in heaven will forgive them and
the Faithful shall include this aspiration for genuine 15-16). of natural resources,” but one which does heal their land” (2 Chron. 7/14).
agrarian reform and that the homilies will make
mention of the same: that our rural people, the farmers
who are bound to the land they till for life and support,
may receive the true freedom envisioned by the Bp. Guillermo V. Afable, DD
principle of agrarian reform. Election 2007 and
(This guest editorial is lifted from the Press Statement of Archbishop Angel
Lagdameo) other Pastoral Concerns DADITAMA
ADITAMA
WHAT is Daditama? Well, Daditama re- leadership of the Archbishop of Davao, fluence. Despite delays, enough volunteers
ISSN 1908-2940 fers to the four dioceses comprising the Archbishop Fernando R. Capalla. were mobilized for election duties. In con-

CBCP Monitor
Ecclesiastical Province of Davao, namely In the spirit of collegiality and co-re- clusion, Daditama has taken the position
Davao, Digos, Tagum and Mati. Daditama sponsibility, the chairmanship of the to “re-examine our relationship with the
covers the four provinces of Davao Ori- Daditama quarterly pastoral meetings is citizens’ arms of the COMELEC namely,
ental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and rotated among the Bishops of the Province. Namfrel, PPCRV, Lente, and to study the
Protagonist of Tr u t h , Promoter of Peace
Compostela Valley, and the chartered City For 2007, the chairmanship falls on me, direction we have to take as an ecclesiasti-
of Davao in the southern part of Bishop Guillermo Afable of the Diocese of cal province regarding our involvement in
Pedro C. Quitorio Pinky Barrientos, FSP Mindanao. Digos, which serves also as the current the future electoral processes.”
Editor-in-Chief Production Manager Four times a year the diocesan Secretariat. The program of the meetings, Monsignor Paul Cuizon, JCD, Fr. Patrice
apostolates’ directors and coordinators to- are jointly prepared by the Bishops, Vic- Picard, PME, JCL and Monsignor Julius
Melo M. Acuña Rowena T. Dalanon gether with the Bishops and their Vicars ars general and Pastoral directors during Tonel, SSL very capably provided the par-
Managing Editor Marketing Supervisor general and Pastoral directors meet for a a pre-daditama meeting. ticipants with clear and concise indications
spiritual-pastoral gathering. Besides the In the June 6-7 Daditama meeting we in providing pastoral care for couples and
Dennis B. Dayao Ernani M. Ramos pastoral updates, sharing and inputs on had at the Our Lady of Peace Retreat families in mixed marriages, and disparity
On-Line Editor Circulation Manager
various pastoral concerns, the gathering House in Digos City, we tackled two main of cult marriages. We all concluded that
Roy Q. Lagarde Marcelita Dominguez also allows for the much needed personal pastoral concerns. First, was the evalua- these types of marriages must be treated
News Editor Comptroller prayer and silence capped with the cel- tion of Daditama’s involvement in the May as special marriages needing special atten-
ebration of the Liturgy of the Hours and 2007 elections. The second was on the ca- tion from pastoral workers. All partici-
the Eucharist. nonical, catechetical and pastoral, liturgi- pants were very much appreciative of the
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP Com-
The venue rotates around the four cal aspects of mixed marriages and dispar- clarifications and recommendations pro-
munications Development Foundation, Inc., with editorial and ecclesiastical areas. This has been going ity of cult marriages. vided by them.
business offices at 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila. P.O. on since the 80’s as an offshoot of the With regards to the recent conduct of the All in all, the second pastoral gathering
Box 3601, 1076 MCPO. Editorial: (063) 404-2182. Business: Mindanao Sulu Pastoral Conference elections, money politics was a common of Daditama was very fruitful. We thank
(063)404-1612. Email: cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net Website: (MSPC) sub-regionalization structure. To- experience, election violence including the Lord for blessing us with safe travel
www.cbcpworld.net/cbcpmonitor day, Daditama is one of the most active deaths, were observed. Still, the Church and another enriching gathering. God is
Ecclesiastical Province under the able was seen as a credible participant and in- indeed good! All the time!
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 12
June 11 - 24, 2007
Oscar V. Cruz, DD
Vie ws and P
iews oints
Points
THERE are many private individuals and
a good number of fortunately non-govern-
mental groups and organizations that right-
fully deserve the genuine gratitude of still
good-willed citizens in this country. They
have served much and continue to serve
well in faithfully and closely watching the
conduct of the last elections.
They were neither employed nor paid.
Yet they used their energy and time, tal-
ents and resources in faithfully monitoring
the midterm elections all over the land.
They lost rest and sleep. They were threat-
ened. They faced dangers. Yet with but the
pursuit of truth and justice as their distinct
resolve, they watched, they well noted and
loudly denounced the many election
anomalies in many ways and forms—all
under the odious and shameful flagship of
continuous lying, cheating and stealing by
those greedy for power and might.
Volunteers for Good
Governance
WHILE everyone glued to the TV set was
impatiently waiting for the tabulation of
the election returns, the report of cheat-
ing in the canvassing of votes in Southern
Mindanao caused a lot of anxiety. During
the counting of votes at the precinct level
the two volunteer groups PPCRV, for poll
watching and NAMFREL for the quick
count were authorized by COMELEC to
have copies of election results. Their
moral credibility has assuaged the nation
that when cheating happens, the primary
evidence to verify the tampering of elec-
tion results is there with these two volun-
teer groups to verify the poll count.
Consequently in the accusations of
dagdag-bawas and tampering of the election
tally in the certificates of canvass,
COMELEC had no option but to use the
Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS
Lo
Lovve Lif
Lifee
IN 1983, the United Nations General Assem-
bly declared that June 4 every year would
be the International Day of Innocent Chil-
dren, Victims of Aggression. This was in
connection with the never-ending decades
of war between Israel, Palestine and Leba-
non. Ultimate victims of war are the chil-
dren who live in fear and insecurity. Bomb-
ing destroys school buildings, hospitals,
churches and mosques besides houses and
fields. The children have no safe environ-
ment, no opportunity for education, healthy
physical and psychological development.
Although June 4 would be over by the
time you read this, it is important that we
deepen our awareness and concern for this
problem. I searched the web the other day
and was shocked at the data presented re-
garding the tragedy of child abuse and ne-
glect worldwide.
Whereas the declaration was primarily to
protest the Israeli Military Forces aggression
against the Palestinians, the United Nations
has expanded the awareness to protection
of rights of children all over the world.
To begin with, let me inform you that
there are now 50 Million people uprooted
because of armed conflict—certainly, half
Independence Day ’07
and Deja Vu
AS President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led
the traditional flag raising rites at the his-
toric Luneta, Vice President Noli de Castro
led other executives in the celebration rites
at Kawit, Cavite, while Chief Justice
Reynato Puno raised the national tri-color
at the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan
City. This is the first time Independence
Day became a working holiday.
Taxi, bus and jeepney drivers were at a
loss last Monday, June 11 when traffic was
too light to believe as usual commuters en-
joyed longer sleeping hours. Thanks to
Presidential Proclamation 1211 which
moved the June 12 Independence Day holi-
day a day earlier. The same proclamation
mandated “that all activities and celebra-
tions in observance of Independence Day
shall remain to be observed on June 12,
2007.” Had it not been for the job fair spon-
sored by the Department of Labor and Em-
ployment and its partners, the Luneta event
might have featured more police and mili-
tary personnel than civilian participants.
I still have vivid recollections of Indepen-
dence Day rites then celebrated on the 4th
of July. My mother and aunties would
bring me to Luneta to watch parade par-
ticipants pass by the Quirino grandstand.
I asked friends about the idea of moving
a significant day in our country’s History a
day earlier and they said this was the brain-
child of the Departments of Tourism, Fi-
nance and Labor and Employment—so as
to encourage domestic tourism and make
people enjoy the benefits of a long weekend.
Opinion
Media: Thank You!
Those generous persons and private as-
sociations faithfully served as the eyes and
ears of the general public. They looked.
They saw. They spoke. Millions heard their
reports of many election events, most of
which were far from inspiring the elector-
ate and markedly dissonant with what
democratic elections meant in many ways
and means.
But among those who deserve special
mention are the truthful and faithful con-
stituents of the fourth estate. These are the
media practitioners who placed their lives
and safety on the line. Some of them were
actually killed for telling the truth. It is an
open secret that for the present govern-
ment, it is a crime to tell the truth. When
individuals precisely tell pro-administra-
tion lies, these are the ones amply rewarded
usually with juicy government positions
and/or awarded big public contracts.
Jose B. Lugay
Laiko Lampstand
Laiko
tally of PPCRV and NAMFREL for refer-
ence in the investigation. In guarding the
sanctity of the election process, using not
only their training but also their resolve
to stand pat for what is right, what is moral
and what is legal, the lay volunteers’ con-
tribution in achieving a credible poll count
will go down in history as an achievement
of the Filipino lay volunteers This is a sure
sign of the laity’s desire to achieve good
governance for the future of our country.
As our national hero, Benigno Aquino
said, “The Filipino is worth dying for.” The
volunteers of the last election have ex-
pressed Ninoy’s dream into action. In our
church language, the laity is performing
the mission of Christ, the priestly, pro-
phetic and kingly mission by immersing
themselves in the temporal world; in this
Innocent Children,
Victims of Aggression
of that 50 M are children. Over 2 M chil-
dren have been killed in conflict this past
decade. In 87 countries, there are still 60
million land mines rendering 10,000 people
maimed and disabled every year. Child
soldiers, being taught how to combat and
carry artillery, number over 300,000 youth.
Among them are girls being used in sexual
slavery by the enemy forces or by their own
older soldiers.
The United Nations requested $13.5 bil-
lion for emergency relief funds but only $9
billion has been given, a far less amount
being spent in maintaining military forces
and arsenals.
Sale of children for pornography is well
known to us—this is part of sex trafficking
with the Philippines among the countries
where internet or cyberporn is a lucrative
business.
HIV AIDS is one of the greatest threats
to children. It has killed more than 3.8 mil-
lion children and 13 million have been or-
phaned in Africa, Thailand, China and
other Asian countries.
A depressing fact is that 10 million chil-
dren die every year due to preventable dis-
eases and malnutrition. Every year too,
Melo M. Acuña
Issues and Concerns
At the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit,
Cavite, hundreds of elementary and high
school students danced the morning away
during the 2nd Kawit Festival. The partici-
pants from public elementary and high
schools in the province had to be absent
from their classes due to the advanced holi-
day a day earlier.
Filipinos in Singapore, led by the Con-
sul General Maria Lumen Isleta and PNB
Singapore’s Alex Milan, would have a big
celebration on Independence Day itself.
KPSC Radyo Manila’s Awee Abayari said
the 4th of July celebration considered red-
letter-day in the American calendar has
never been on the 3rd of July for the Ameri-
cans to enjoy a long weekend.
Traffic from Sto. Domingo Church along
Quezon Avenue until Quiapo stood still
while Independence Day rites were held at
the Luneta. Students from Fairview had to
relieve themselves at a fastfood chain near
the Mabuhay Rotunda after being caught in
one of the worst traffic jams ever. They left
their place at 6:30 A.M. and reach the Ma-
nila-Quezon City boundary past 10:00 A.M.
The Independence Day celebration coin-
cided with the opening of classes in private
schools and universities. So much gasoline
and man-hours wasted due to the early
morning traffic jam.
We ought to learn from the Americans.
How on earth would educators teach na-
tionalism and develop their students’ sense
of History when we ourselves change oc-
casions for one or two reasons? With all due
It is not for nothing that, lately, this coun-
try has been loudly proclaimed as a very
dangerous place for media people. To-
gether with flagrant and unresolved hun-
dreds of many classified killings in the
country, a good number of media practi-
tioners were unceremoniously murdered
and done away with for keeps.
When a government begins thinking that
it is the master of the people, that it is the
one and only measure of what is good, true
and just, then the first victims of this odi-
ous posture are media people. This is a dis-
tinct lesson from human history. There is
no room for free media in any false democ-
racy—such as when those in authority and
power adamantly refuse to end their ten-
ure according to the provisions of law and
the dictates of conscience.
Ladies and gentlemen in media, thank
you very much!
particular case, in the world of politics.
How can we use this asset,
volunteerism of the laity, to lead to the
country’s social transformation? There
are many more areas that need agents of
change for social transformation.
Volunteerism in advocacy work should
be seriously looked at as a balancing force
to potential abuses against our demo-
cratic way of life. We started with the
election process in the road map to good
governance as our end goal. We voted for
leaders who we hoped can manage re-
sources for the social transformation of
this country—to provide a home for ev-
ery family, education for the children,
health facilities for the sick, care for the
elderly, jobs for the jobless, livelihood
Laiko / A6
there are 40 million children not registered
at birth, thus they have no legal name, citi-
zenship or status.
Above all, there are 50 million induced
abortions every year—50 million babies not
given the opportunity to be born and have
a birthday. In the Philippines, there is an
estimated 400,000 abortions every year.
This does not include the babies lost due
to the use of contraceptive pills and
injectables, the IUD and other abortifacient
drugs and devices.
The contraceptive mentality (sex anytime
but no baby, so promote contraceptives, li-
gation or abortion) has created the un-
wanted child mentality. Children who
should not have been born because the par-
ents were contracepting or attempted abor-
tion, grow up constantly feeling rejected,
thus exhibiting withdrawn and rebellious
behavior.
There is such a spirit of violence and ani-
mosity among peoples in society now that
unless we strive to educate each other in
peace and non-violent efforts, there will be
no place on earth where children will once
again run around and play in security and
laughter.
respect, I find the decision to advance the
holiday by a day both absurd and ridicu-
lous. It ain’t cute.
In another development, Italian mission-
ary Giancarlo Bossi, 57, was kidnapped by
armed men in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay
last Corpus Christi. This is simply a case of
déjà vu.
Two other Italian missionaries, Rev. Frs.
Luciano Benedetti, PIME and Guiseppe
Pierantoni, SCJ, were kidnapped by armed
men in 1998 and 2001, respectively. The
Libyan Ambassador to the Philippines Dr.
Raj Azzarouq and PNP Chief Roberto
Lastimoso sought who among the Muslim
“groups” had Fr. Benedetti in their custody.
It was in 1998 that I established contacts
with the MILF with Vice Chairman
Gadhzali Jaafar and then Chair Salamat
Hashim.
During the Pierantoni incident, I had the
chance to travel with his immediate supe-
rior from Cagayan de Oro to Pagadian via
Ozamis City.
This corner hopes Fr. Bossi, another PIME
missionary would leave his captors safely
within the next few days. The abduction
would definitely have adverse effects on
foreign tourist arrivals, especially those com-
ing from the European Union countries.
From 1998, the government, no thanks to
local executives, failed to disarm lawless
elements within their respective areas of re-
sponsibility. Not even the Comelec-en-
forced gun ban failed to succeed in most
parts of Mindanao.
A5
Nicolo F. Bernardo
Lif
Lifeeguar
guardd
The Choice of the
New Generation
O TEMPORA! O mores! (What times! What morals!) was
Cicero ’s disheartened remark on the troubles of his times.
Perhaps many from the older generation say the same on
the current state of the youth: there are more juvenile crimes,
teen suicides, drug dependencies, casual sex, unwanted
pregnancies, abortions, same-sex trysts, and broken homes
among my age group.
What happened? What made the values of many of the
youth today dismally different from those of their parents
or grannies just 30 years ago?
These questions matter as well in countries that used to
be bastions of Catholicism—Spain, Portugal, and Mexico—
where abortion, divorce, and homosexual unions were
sweepingly liberalized.
The answer I think lies on adult choices too. First is the
anti-institutionalism and anti-clericalism of politicians in
Catholic countries who embrace the Left’s vision of libera-
tion, where the natural family is one of the institutions in
question. On one hand there is the growing consumerist
attitude, hailed as democratic liberalism and individual-
ism, that turn everything—even life—subject to consumer’s
choice. This has even become a party-line in the US, where
to be a Democrat is to be “pro-choice.” It’s the reign of “free
choice” in a free market, and “easy virtue” in a fast-paced
world.
There goes the dilemma of many clerics and parents try-
ing to “sell” family values, which few of the youth, it ap-
pears, are “buying.” Worse if the parents are not even
around to “sell” anything. A typical youth’s world revolves
around the cellphone, the Internet, and the tri-media, where
violence and sex are free items. These things impress longer
since they come in multimedia form that engages all the
senses, versus the oral medium of a teacher, a parent, or a
priest preaching. Besides, the ones who run the electronic
and cyber media today are commercial-interest groups not
the moral reformists, not our concerned loved ones.
But it would not help if parents would forbid their chil-
dren from the new media. First, it’s impractical. Second,
it’s impossible. The solution that works, as one can attest
from families that managed to keep the faith, is for parents
and mentors to enter the world of their children, and learn
the “market” of competing with unwelcome elements. This
may be tasking but it’s worth the sacrifice.
A case in point. In the US, abortions and premarital sex
incidences are reportedly decreasing as many values pro-
grams promote pro-family principles as “cool.” The Ameri-
can Life League has been holding youth forums and pro-
life rock concerts called “Rock for Life,” while Evangelicals
are engaging celebrities who pledged chastity as a model
to the youth. The renegade young join March for Life ral-
lies and listen to pro-life pop and RNB artists. Mel Gibson,
Celine Dion, Patricia Heaton, A.C. Green and beauty queens
are all in for the pro-life groove. It’s different, it’s radical,
it’s extreme, and the youth like it that way.
I think these are the missing approaches in Catholic coun-
tries used to traditionalist comfort zones and communica-
tion strategies, or church-bound channels that tend to dis-
miss anything new or secular as irredeemable and forbid-
den ground. Being pro-life is to have an attitude that wel-
comes life and, of course, celebrates it not only during criti-
cal conception and death moments. Life is a process and so
must the pro-life movement go into a process of testing the
spirit of the times.
If hardly any youngster now reads a Catholic text, much
less an encyclical, still we could come up with new forms
of spreading the same message. In the Varsitarian, the stu-
dent publication of UST which I used to edit, we resolved
to create a pro-life film festival that appeals to the youth. It
was held last March and was very successful. Imagine if
both young and old could take the initiative to sponsor other
youth programs or ads, in radio, TV, concerts, and maga-
zines, to counter proliferating condom and contraceptive
advertisements. Imagine if what the youth could hear from
rock stars and celebrities are life-affirming values. Imagine
if the youth could confirm that prolife-ism is not mere ide-
ology but a practical philosophy to live life in full.
Given the opportunity, there is Christian Bautista, Barbie
Almalbis, and Kitchie Nadal who could all the more speak
out on saving sex for their lifetime partners. Ditto for
couples such as Mikee Cojuangco and Dudut Jaworski, and
Ronnie and Mariz Rickets who could talk about divorce-
proof marriage and natural family planning to more people.
If we really believe in universal values of the human na-
ture, then we should hope that we can influence personali-
ties, even showbiz people, to side for life, for tough love,
regardless of the times.
Although the youth today may be more tolerant of pre-
marital sex, same-sex unions, and divorce, deep inside the
youth still long for a procreative family and a long and last-
ing love. We the youth might be more individualistic, but
it works the other way too: we could have our own moral
identity (sariling bait) and stand (paninindigan). Listen to
our love songs, the theme is still the same: a desire for an
everlasting, one man-one woman love. Divorce, drugs, ar-
tificial contraceptives, and sex without marital security may
have been common, but they don’t cease to hurt. They don’t
cease to hurt because the youth could know and feel they
are moral problems. No youth would wish for a broken
family, or to be broken by drugs, or to loose passion for
life, or to suffer abortion and artificial contraception given
the knowledge of their risks on bodies.
If Marshall Mcluhan is right, the coming globalized age
suppose to become more homogenized and “conservative.”
That would happen when everyone—including the more
traditional—could join in to dominate the strange new
media and redirect the market of ideas. As for now, we the
youth are called and challenged, more than ever, to always
choose life and love—the only grounds for all our liberties.
The CBCPWorld Network
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Today, over a hundred of them nationwide. Pursuing one mission,
linked under one nationwide satellite system. Connected together with
the same passion for the Gospel.
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A6
Fr. Bossi, “Gentle Giant” of the
Mission in Mindanao
ZAMBOANGA, Philippines,
June 10, 2007—Fr. Giancarlo
Bossi “had not received any
threats of any type. He was
loved by the Filipino people
and, as he himself said about a
month ago, he was peacefully
going about his work in
Payao.” This is what Fr. Gianni
Sandalo, superior of the mis-
sion of PIME in the Philippines
told Asia News.
Fr. Sandalo is presently in
Zamboanga, in the south archi-
pelago of Mindanao, where the
kidnapping took place. “This
incident is very strange. Now
we can only wait and see what
the kidnappers of Fr. Bossi will
do. At any rate, the area where
he has been working has been
peaceful for a long time, except
the presence of some pirates.”
These latter “usually operate
only on the water, assaulting
CBCP Head Wants Alternative to JPEPA
THE head of the Episcopal
Conference said the govern-
ment should find other alter-
natives to a free trade deal with
Japan, after environmentalists
expressed fear such accord
may lead to widespread
dumping of toxic wastes in the
country.
The government earlier as-
sured concerned Filipinos that
the Japanese government will
not export toxic waste to the
Philippines under the Japan-
Economic Partnership Agree-
ment (JPEPA).
The guarantee is contained
in an exchange of diplomatic
notes signed recently by For-
eign Affairs Secretary Alberto
Veritas Holds Marian Exhibit
OVER a hundred images of
the Blessed Virgin Mary are
now on exhibit at Shangri-la
Mall, Mandaluyong City.
Now on its second year,
Veritas 846 launched its
Marian Season with the theme
Iba’t Ibang Anyo ng Ating Ina,
Maria.Manila Auxiliary
Bishop Broderick Pabillo and
former Philippine Ambassa-
dor to the Vatican and cur-
rently PPCRV Chair Henrietta
“Tita” T. De Villa led the
simple inaugural rites Sunday
(June 3) morning.
Fr. Anton C. T. Pascual,
Veritas 846 President and
Chief Operating Officer said
the exhibit is a fitting tribute
to the Blessed Virgin. “We are
Pampanga / A1
well-meaning and responsible
citizens as their province wit-
nessed a number of killings af-
ter the May 14 midterm polls.
Quoting from a pastoral let-
ter issued by the Catholic Bish-
ops Conference of the Philip-
pines more than a decade ago,
Archbishop Aniceto said “But
how is it that in a nation that
prides itself of its rich Christian
heritage life is cheap? This is
our continuing shame and sor-
row as a people.”
He appealed to government
law enforcement agencies to
“urgently provide protection
and security” for barangay offi-
cials who “seem to be the main
target of these violent acts” and
to “bring to justice the perpe-
trators of these crimes in the
soonest possible time.”
The soft-spoken Archbishop
Aniceto likewise appealed to
the media “to respect the deli-
cate sensitivities of our people
in forming public opinion” as
he commended media practi-
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the boats of the fishermen,
from whom they rob money
and materials. They do not
operate on land.”
The missionary who was
kidnapped, the superior ex-
plained, “was well loved. Here
they call him ‘the gentle giant’
because he is peaceful, quiet,
sticking to the essentials. He
talks little but is a hard worker:
he has always joined manual
work with his spiritual life.
One of his dreams has been to
live in a village as a witness to
the radical newness of the Gos-
pel: he wanted to live as a
farmer.”
He is a man, Fr. Sandalo con-
tinued, “who has always ex-
pressed a deep solidarity with
the poor. When he was asked,
this past February, to return to
Payao, where he had already
worked for three years during
Romulo and Japanese Foreign
Minister Taro Aso.
The Arroyo administration
is optimistic of the benefits that
would derive from the free
trade agreement that could
help boost economic growth.
But Archbishop Angel
Lagdameo, president of the
Catholic Bishops Conference of
the Philippines (CBCP), re-
mains unconvinced with the as-
surances as he expressed con-
cern about the possibility of
turning the country into a huge
“dumpsite” of toxic and haz-
ardous wastes from highly in-
dustrialized country like Japan.
“We encourage the govern-
ment to think of other alterna-
grateful to various groups, in-
cluding Camareras from vari-
ous parts of the country, for
the life size Marian images
now on exhibit,” Fr. Pascual
added.
The exhibit hopes to raise
funds for calamity victims
though the widely-acclaimed
Public Service program Caritas
sa Veritas.
Outstanding images at the
Marian exhibit include
Nuestra Senora de Turumba,
Archbishop Gaudencio B.
Rosales’ Our Lady of Caysasay,
Nuestra Senora de Macarena
and Our Lady Mediatrix of All
Grace.
The exhibit will end on Fri-
day, June 15. – Melo Acuna
tioners “who, in spite of the al-
lure of money and the risks in-
volved, fearlessly communicate
the truth about these incidents.”
Aniceto appealed to politi-
cians to denounce criminal acts
“as well as in renouncing vio-
lence as a means for redressing
political grievances.”
He concluded by quoting the
1984 CBCP Pastoral Exhorta-
tion “Let There Be Life” that
said “Great acts of self-sacrifice
are called for in today’s crisis.
And evil as the times are, they
may well be, in God’s Provi-
dence, the moment of grace for
us as a Church and as a nation
precisely because they require
steadfast and heroic consis-
tency in the living of our faith,
in our responding to its press-
ing demands, at this particular
juncture of our history.”
Bishop David said they hope
the statement would prove to
everyone the Church is taking
an active role to promote peace,
justice and life. (Melo Acuna)
otection pr
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his early years in the mission
of the Philippines, he gave up
what he had dreamed of doing
in order to resume his work
with the poor.”
This past May, before leav-
ing for the General Assembly
of PIME, Fr. Sandalo went to
visit Fr. Bossi in Payao. “I
stayed with him for two days.
He was very happy with the
work that he was doing with
the people. Fr. Bossi is a per-
son who knows how to make
himself appreciated by people.
For example, when the parish
secretary called me this morn-
ing to say that he had been kid-
napped, she was very worried
about him, wondering how he
would be treated. Fr. Bossi has
the capacity for establishing
deep ties with people.”
The kidnapping, therefore, is
not the work of personal en-
tives in improving the
economy that are not destruc-
tive of the common good,” he
said.
Lagdameo said the CBCP’s
concern for the country also in-
cludes other countries which
may likewise be the “unfortu-
nate dumpsites” of such gar-
bage.
“The advantage to one coun-
try must not be to the disad-
vantage of another (country),”
said the prelate.
Greenpeace and other envi-
ronmental groups stressed that
far from allaying fears of toxic
waste dumping in the country,
the deal still involved provi-
sions allowing shipment of
CBCP Head / A1
and self-sustaining farming
techniques.
Witnesses testified that Jonas
was accosted by two unidenti-
fied men and was “held by the
hands and feet” and taken to a
waiting car outside the mall.
“We do not know the reason
behind the abduction but we
would like to express our sym-
pathy to his family especially to
his mother with our prayers,”
he said.
Jonas’ mother Editha, mean-
while, thanked Lagdameo “for
taking importance of the disap-
pearance of my son.”
“The bishops’ prayer for the
release of my son is definitely a
big help for us,” she said.
She said she is praying that
those holding Jonas would give
him a chance to defend his self
in court “if there’s anything
wrong that he has done.”
“I know that Jonas is alive.
We are just praying that his not
sick or hurt,” the mother said.
The Burgos family has long
been searching for Jonas but his
whereabouts remains un-
known.
Militant groups and various
CBCP / A1
notes to the celebration of Inde-
pendence Day.
Ironically, he said, “while we
have been liberated from the
control of foreign invaders, we
are victims of the abuses and
exploitation of fellow Filipi-
nos.”
“On ‘Kalayaan Day’ we join
the clamor for the restoration or
return of the victims of disap-
pearances. Our prayer is that
they will be allowed to return
safe and sound to their griev-
ing and anxious families, to en-
joy basic freedom,” said
Lagdameo.
The CBCP head called on the
government to uphold and de-
fend people’s basic human
rights and freedom and ensure
emies. “There were no threats
against him. He himself told
me a month ago that every-
thing was calm, that he felt safe
and sound. The only worry is
that pirates are also operating
in that area, although the pi-
rates generally do not operate
on land but only on the water.
He had never received any in-
dication of danger.”
Meanwhile, the guerrillas of
the Moro Islamic Liberation
Front (MILF), which the army
blamed for the kidnapping,
stated that they had nothing to
do with it. Eid Kabalu, spokes-
man for the group, denied any
involvement on the part of the
MILF. He emphasized that the
kidnappers “do not belong to
the MILF. We are ready to of-
fer our complete assistance to
the Filipino authorities.”
(AsiaNews)
waste across borders.
Beau Baconguis, Greenpeace
Southeast Asia Campaigner,
said with the current text of the
JPEPA, the country is “wide
open” to a “shameless list” of
toxic wastes.
He said if both countries are
committed to addressing envi-
ronmental concerns, they
would opt for removing pro-
visions on the shipment of
toxic materials in the treaty.
Baconguis said the move
would be better rather than is-
suing diplomatic letters exter-
nal to the original accord, and
whose weight, in the face of the
bilateral treaty itself, “is highly
questionable.” (CBCPNews)
human rights organizations ac-
cused the military of being be-
hind Jonas’ enforced disappear-
ance.
The military, however, con-
sistently denied the accusation
while police hierarchy has
vowed to locate the missing
peasant leader.
Different international hu-
man rights groups were quick
to condemn the incident.
The European Union la-
mented that human rights
abuses had become a daily oc-
currence in the country. The
US-based Amnesty Interna-
tional also said Jonas’ disap-
pearance had reinforced the
country’s image as a “land of
lawlessness.”
According to Karapatan (Al-
liance for the Advancement of
Peoples’ Rights), there are 199
victims of enforced disappear-
ance from January 2001 to May
2007.
The Bulacan province has
the most number of missing in-
dividuals since Mrs Arroyo
took power in 2001 with Jonas
as the 26th victim.
(CBCPNews)
justice for all victims of human
rights violations.
“We are ashamed and sad-
dened by comments that our
country ranks among those
with most records of graft and
corruptions, unresolved cases
of heinous crimes and mysteri-
ous disappearances and un-
abated extra-judicial killings,”
he said.
Lagdameo cried foul the
many unresolved killings and
enforced disappearances in the
country that targets especially
activists and journalists.
He said there is so much de-
mand for restitution to helpless
and violence victims, specially
so their appeals fall on “deaf
ears.” (CBCPNews)
CBCP Backs / A1
the land reform program
would have consumed 36
years by 2008, but still 3.1
million hectares of lands,
mostly Private Agricultural
Lands (PAL), remain undis-
tributed
For Lagdameo, the pro-
gram has both its encourag-
ing and discouraging as-
pects, naturally its pros and
cons. “This is where the dis-
cussion is needed.”
The CBCP earlier de-
scribed the CARP as ‘defec-
tive”, which needs to be re-
viewed and implemented to
the letter.
“Irreversible”
CBCP vice-president
Archbishop Antonio
Ledesma, meanwhile, said
the many success stories of
agrarian reform in different
areas may be considered
products of political will.
This means, he said, that
if the government is really
serious in implementing and
improving the CARP, it can
really reach out to a wider
group of beneficiaries.
“In general, the glass is
half-full and half-empty. The
CARP should be irreversible
but unfortunately there are
reverses,” said Ledesma
during the National Confer-
ence on CARP extension
with Reforms (CARPER)
held at the University of the
Philippines-Diliman last
Sunday, June 10.
Last year, the Department
of Agrarian Reform con-
firmed the lack of services
to half of CARP’s beneficia-
ries and the threats of los-
ing land via sales or conver-
sion.
The government already
spent P110.9 billion from
1988 to 2004 for the land ac-
quisition and distribution
along with support services
to 1,614 agrarian reform
communities.
Just to meet the balance of
772,000 hectares, many of
which are more contentious,
the DAR would need P19.3
billion more.
Former Agrarian reform
undersecretary Ricardo
Arlanza said he feared the
gains of CARP might be re-
versed.
“The main objective is to
sustain and preserve the
gains of asset reform. After
distributing millions of hect-
ares and stop there, and [do]
nothing [after], that’s crazy,”
he said in a news report.
Concrete programs
Lagdameo stressed that
extending the provision of
budgetary support as well
as the implementing period
of CARP would go a long
way in protecting the eco-
nomic rights of the agrarian
reform recipients.
And so it’s more than just
extending the program.
He said the desired land
reform, supported by law,
must also be accompanied
by other supports and ser-
vices to make a genuine re-
form.
“Concrete reform mea-
Laiko / A5
programs for our farmers,
fisherfolks and indigenous
people, protection of our for-
ests, preservation of the
biodiversity of our eco-sys-
tem, ensuring food, water and
energy security for each
household, etc.
At the national level, we
need advocacy groups to pro-
tect our peoples’ interests
against the passing of laws
that favor business stakehold-
ers at the sacrifice of the
people’s long term wellbeing.
We need to harness profes-
sionals to give more time and
help to the newly elected lo-
cal government leaders in
properly managing their re-
sources, the better to attain the
hundred and one promises
they proclaimed during the
campaign. It requires more
than the will and passion of
the elected government leader
to achieve their goals. It re-
quires basic management
tools of planning, leading, or-
ganizing and controlling. It
requires the understanding of
the values of the people al-
ready in place as well as the
people who will occupy new
positions.
All these things outlined
above can be learned but the
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 12
June 11 - 24, 2007
sures should be put in place
under the bill to improve
land acquisition and distri-
bution, agrarian justice de-
livery, and support services
delivery,” he said. “At the
same time, it will help en-
sure that the program will
be implemented to the full
extent of the law,”
Lagdameo added.
Land for the tillers
Ledesma said the basic
philosophy of agrarian re-
form is land for tiller.
In a sense, he said, the
CARP should really give
opportunity to those who
are actually tilling the land
for many years
“So we have to make sure
that it goes in the right direc-
tion in reaching out to those
who are actually tilling the
soil,” the archbishop said.
Microcosm
Ledesma also made spe-
cial mention about extra-ju-
dicial killings in the country-
side perpetrated against
farmers in their continuing
struggle for agrarian reform.
The recent murder of two
farmer-beneficiaries of Haci-
enda Velez-Malaga is only a
“microcosm” of what has
been taking place in several
other conflict areas of agrar-
ian reform.
In one report by a consor-
tium of non-government or-
ganizations, 387 cases of
human rights violations vic-
timizing 18,872 farmers and
rural organizers have been
recorded since 1998.
Human rights abuses take
the form of extra-judicial
killings, frustrated murder,
illegal arrests and detention,
physical assault, destruction
of private property, arson
and violent dispersal.
In a pastoral statement re-
leased last January, the
CBCP holds the govern-
ment accountable for the ex-
tra-judicial killings, it being
the supposed “guardian
and protector of peace.”
Rural congress
Relating today’s rural
problems to those ad-
dressed by the Church 40
years ago, the CBCP signi-
fied a commitment to hold
another National Rural
Congress next year.
Ledesma explained the
rural congress aims for the
Church to bring together
and consult various sectors
of the rural poor to help
broaden the support for the
CARP extension.
Another major purpose is
to gather testimonies on the
main issues and concerns of
the sector, and come up
with an appropriate mecha-
nism to link the church with
the people to help advance
their interests before the
government.
“We are ready to listen to
the various rural sectors and
discern with them and to
plan how we must as a
people come together to
work for the common good
of the country,” he said.
time required to master them
is more than the tenure of the
elected leader. Volunteer-
consultants from retired man-
agers of corporations can
help lessen the time of learn-
ing and implementation. The
most difficult part of the new
incumbent in his/her job is
the eradication of graft and
corrupt practices. The gov-
ernment bureaucracy and the
legal system combined can
make it almost impossible to
make a change overnight. But
it can be done with the help
of like-minded executives in
government—and there are
many honest
hardworking government
and
people who just need a char-
ismatic leader to harness their
potential for good gover-
nance.
To Governor Fr. Ed
Panlilio—now that election is
over, try not to be swallowed
by the government bureau-
cracy. There are crocodiles in
the river of the political habi-
tat ready to snap at your ev-
ery move. Just call for help
and volunteers will come
your way—trained volun-
teers for good governance.
(For comments contact e mail:
joselugay@yahoo.com.)
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 12
June 11 - 24, 2007
Man Who Grabbed Popemobile
Is Held for Treatment
VATICAN CITY, June 6, 2007—
A man leaped over security bar-
ricades after the general audi-
ence and briefly held on to the
popemobile before security
guards restrained him.
Benedict XVI was not harmed.
The Pope, in fact, did not
seem to notice the activity, as
everything happened behind
his back as he greeted the
people.
The Vatican later clarified
that the 27-year-old man, of
German nationality, suffers
from a mental disability and
was not trying to harm the Holy
Father, but just wanted to at-
tract attention.
The episode lasted only a few
seconds, close to the obelisk lo-
cated in the center of the square.
Jesuit Father Federico
Lombardi, director of the
Vatican press office, said that
the “young man was blocked
by the Vatican police and was
arrested due to conduct neces-
sary investigations.”
An interrogation found that
the young man’s intention was
not to harm the Pope but “to act
in such a way that it would call
attention to himself,” added Fa-
Fr. Luciano / A1
the kidnappers know him, too.”
Interviewed by both Catho-
lic-run CBCP Monitor and
Veritas 846, Fr. Benedetti said
Payao used to be a safe place
for everyone, “even for rebels,
they used to go there to rest (so
I have been told when I was
there between 1990 and 1996
before I was transferred to
Sibuco.” “They used to go there
on vacation,” Benedetti ob-
served.
He said piracy is common in
Sibugay Bay “and lots of inci-
dents where boats coming from
Payao to Kabasalan or Naga and
RP Nuncio / A1
Filoni, now 61 years old, will
manage the general affairs sec-
tion, one of the two important
departments within the papal
secretariat of state under His
Eminence Tarcisio Cardinal
Bertone.
The Italian prelate succeeds
Archbishop Leonardo Sandri,
who has been appointed Prefect
for the Congregation for Eastern
Churches.
Filoni welcomed his latest ap-
pointment and described it as
“an act of paternal benevolence
of the Supreme Pontiff, to whom
I answer without trepidation,
but with the same availability as
in the past and with profound
gratitude.”
The Catholic Bishops’ Confer-
ence of the Philippines (CBCP),
meanwhile, welcomed Filoni’s
appointment, saying it would
give him opportunity to work
more closely with the Pope.
Why / A1
years highlight the many ob-
stacles to the full implementa-
tion of CARP—e.g., the myriad
legal loopholes encountered;
repeated delays in implementa-
tion; adamant landlord opposi-
tion pitting small farmers
against small farmers: lack of
political will of government
agencies; and inadequacies on
the part of local government
and law enforcement units to
provide security for agrarian
reform beneficiaries.
What is happening in Had.
Velez-Malaga is only a micro-
cosm of what has been taking
place in several other conflict
areas of agrarian reform, such
as the Bondoc peninsula in
Quezon, Negros Oriental and
Occidental, Iloilo, Mindoro Oc-
cidental, Batangas, Davao del
Norte, Masbate, and Had.
Luista in Tarlac. In one report
submitted by a consortium of
NGOs, since 1998 when CARP
was extended the first time up
to the present, 387 cases of hu-
man rights violations victimiz-
ing 18, 872 farmers and rural
organizers have been recorded
(PARRDS, 2007). Human
rights violations take the form
of extra-judicial killings, frus-
trated murder, illegal arrests
and detention, physical as-
sault, destruction of private
property, arson, violent dis-
persal, etc.
It is in this that we can ask
ourselves: Why agrarian re-
form? The social teachings of
the Church point out three
moral principles.
First is the universal destina-
ther Lombardi.
“Due to evidence of mental
disturbances, psychiatrists of
the Vatican Hospital intervened
vice versa, were attacked.” He
said the Fr. Bossi’s kidnappers
could be “ordinary pirates.”
He said there were two mo-
tives behind his kidnapping in
1998, one was for the kidnap-
pers “to get some money and
strengthen their rebel organiza-
tion and another was political
for they had some demands
addressed to the Philippine
government.”
He said foreign missionaries
are soft targets. He hastened to
add “I guess it (kidnapping)
happens when the government
tightens the security around
“The CBCP welcomes the new
appointment of Archbishop
Fernando Filoni, Apostolic
Nuncio, as Substitute in the
Secretariate of State of the Holy
See,” said CBCP president Arch-
bishop Angel Lagdameo of Jaro,
Iloilo.
“The CBCP shares his joy over
the new appointment because as
Substitute in the Secretariate of
State, he will be working at close
range with the Holy Father,
Pope Benedict XVI,” he said.
Lagdameo also thanked Filoni
for the service he has given to
the Philippine Church no mat-
ter how short it may be.
“The CBCP likewise expresses
its gratitude for the services that
the Apostolic Nuncio has given to
the Philippine Hierarchy even in
so short a time of his stay,” he said.
Filoni will be leaving for
Vatican next month to assume
his latest appointment.
tion of goods. “God destined
the earth and all it contains for
all men and all peoples so that
all created things would be
shared fairly by all mankind
under the guidance of justice
tempered by charity.” (Vatican
I, 1965, Gaudium et Spes, 69)
The Compendium of the So-
cial Doctrine of the Church
(2004) explicitates this further:
“Christian tradition has never
recognized the right to private
property as absolute and un-
touchable…. Private property,
in fact, regardless of the con-
crete forms of the regulations
and juridical norms relative to
it, is in its essence only an in-
strument for respecting the
principle of the universal des-
tination of gods; in the final
analysis, therefore, it is not an
end but a means. (177)
A second moral guideline is
the principle of the common
good. This is intimately linked
to the dignity of every human
person as being made in the
image of God. The common
god is described by the Second
Vatican Council as “the sum
total of social conditions which
allow people, either as groups
or as individuals, to reach their
fulfillment more fully and
more easily.” (GS, 26)
“The demands of the com-
mon good,” states the Com-
pendium, “are dependent on
the social conditions of each
historical period and are
strictly connected to respect for
and the integral promotion of
the person and his fundamen-
tal rights.” (CSDC, 166)
Features
and decided that the young
man should be hospitalized
and undergo mandatory treat-
ment in a specialized and pro-
areas of national interest, as
missionaries do not have body-
guards.”
Asked if he ever knew ran-
som was paid for his release,
Benedetti said he never asked
but added “I think it was a
mixed amount from the PIME,
some sectors of the Catholic
church and the (Philippine)
government for ‘board and
lodging.’”
He said foreign missionaries
tend to be closer to the people.
“The problem is the more you
get closer to the people, the
more you are considered
He spent ten years working at
the Apostolic Nunciature in Ma-
nila from 1992 to 2001. He was
appointed papal nuncio to the
Philippines in February 2006.
Born in Manduria, Italy on
April 15, 1946, Filoni was or-
dained a priest at the age of 24.
After 30 years, he was or-
The admonition of Pope Pius
XI in his encyclical,
Quadragesimo Anno (1931),
still rings true for the Philip-
pine situation today: “the dis-
tribution of created goods,
which… is laboring today un-
der the gravest evils due to the
huge disparity between the
few exceedingly rich and the
unnumbered propertyless,
must be effectively called back
to and brought into conformity
with the norms of the common
good, that is, social justice.”
(197)
A third principle is the pref-
erential option for the poor.
Hence, the Compendium
states: “The principle of the
universal destination of gods
requires that the poor, the
marginalized and in all cases
of those whose living condi-
tions interfere with their
proper growth should be the
focus of particular concern. To
this end, the preferential op-
tion for the poor should be re-
affirmed in all its force.”
(CSDC, 182)
President Ramon
Magsaysay, the first Philippine
President to advocate for land
reform (and whose 50th death
anniversary we observe this
year), expressed this insight
more concisely: “Those who
have less in life should have
more in law.”
This year marks the 40th an-
niversary of a major social en-
cyclical, Populorum Progressio,
or “The Development of
Peoples.” Only two years after
the completion of Vatican II,
Knights of Columbus Sets
New Records for Charities,
Volunteer Service
NEW HAVEN, CT, June 8,
2007—The Knights of Co-
lumbus announced today
that it set new records for
charitable giving and vol-
unteer service hours in
2006.
The results of the Order’s
Annual Survey of Fraternal
Activity for the year ending
December 31, 2006 show
that total contributions to
charity at all levels reached
$143,816,004 - exceeding the
previous year’s total by
more than $4 million. The
figure includes $35,133,393
donated by the Supreme
© Romano Gambineri/epa/Corbis
Council, and $108,682,611
in charitable donations
from state and local coun-
cils, Fourth Degree assem-
blies, and squire circles.
The survey also shows
that the reported number of
volunteer hours by Knights
for charitable causes grew
to 68,270,432 hours, up
tected center,” concluded Fa- more than 4 million hours
ther Lombardi. “Therefore, we from 2005. There were
consider this case closed.” 393,807 Knights of Colum-
(Zenit)
‘rich.’” Fr. Benedetti said he
was sent back by his congrega-
tion to the Philippines and was
Chaldean priest kidnapped
showed a proposal to work
with the indigenous people in in Baghdad
the Visayas. He said he loved
the program and that’s why he BAGHDAD, Iraq, June 6,
went back somewhere in the 2007—Another Chaldean priest
boondocks in the Visayas. was abducted in Baghdad to-
His mother and other rela- day. Fr Hani Abdel Ahad, in his
tives were quite concerned of early 30s, was taken in a north-
his condition during his abduc- eastern section of the capital
tion. “Now that I’m back, my called Suleikh along with five
mother would call every Sun- boys who were going with him
day to find out how I’m doing,” to visit the city’s minor semi-
Fr. Benedetti concluded. (Melo nary.
Acuña) The incident has plunged the
Christian community in a state
of gloom. Some faithful have
reacted to terrible news saying
that they have “the impression
that they are all alone, like Jesus
in the Garden of Gethsemane,
when he felt abandoned by the
Cardinal Rejects Pro-Choice
City Label
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylva-
nia, June 8, 2007—Cardinal Jus-
tin Rigali issued a statement
against the city council’s new
resolution to adopt the status of
dained Bishop and later ap- a “pro-choice city.”
pointed Apostolic Nuncio to Cardinal Rigali, the arch-
Iraq and Jordan. bishop of Philadelphia, in
Upon joining the Diplomatic Thursday’s statement called
Services of the Holy See, he upon “all people of good will to
served the Apostolic join me in rejecting the divisive
Nunciatures of Sri Lanka, Iran, and erroneous label that Phila-
Brazil and the Secretariat of State delphia City Council has forced
of the Vatican. (CBCPNews) upon the citizens of Philadelphia
today.”
“I reject the resolution because
Pope Paul VI recalled the tra- so many heroic efforts are made
ditional view of the Church that continually to safeguard unborn
large landed estates that “im- children from the evil of abortion,
pede the general prosperity be- to protect vulnerable children and
cause they are extensive, un- families and to defend all women
used or poorly used, or because and men in crisis,” he said.
they bring hardships to people Cardinal Rigali, who is also
or are detrimental to the inter- the chairman of the U.S. bish-
ests of the country” can be ex- ops’ committee for pro-life ac-
propriated by authorities for tivities, continued: “In a city
the sake of the common good. where so many people vigor-
(PP, 24) ously defend life at every stage,
This year, too, is the 40th an- proclaiming Philadelphia ‘pro-
niversary of the National Ru- choice’ is inconsistent with re-
ral Congress convened by the
Catholic Church in 1967. Re- Message / A1
viewing this period, the bish- ings to the personnel of the
ops have decided to convene a Secretariat of State who, with
second national rural congress generosity and daily commit-
“to make us meet in true Gos- ment, attend to all the work.
pel fidelity our present social Though often hidden it is of
concerns.” great worth as it allows the
We join hands with all our Apostolic See to manifest the
farming and rural poor com- solicitude of the Successor of
munities, non-government and Peter in the world, in a man-
people’s organizations, as well ner which is both profound
as government agencies and and compassionate.
the business sector. Starting I should like to express my
with the convening of dioc- appreciation to the Church and
esan-level rural congresses, we the People of the Philippines,
are ready to listen to the vari- who have welcomed me every-
ous rural sectors and discern where with joy and warmth on
with them and to plan “how the occasion of my visits to the
we must as a people come to- various dioceses. I wish to con-
gether to work for the common vey my sincere thanks to the
good of the country” and of all
of us “as children of the same
Father in heaven.”
ANNOUNCEMENTS
For the Central Committee of • Watch for the launching of the CBCP News Website. It
the Second National Rural Con- will contain daily church news written by professional
gress: Catholic journalists.
• The CBCP Media Office now maintains a video blog at
+Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J., D.D. www.youtube.com/cbcpmedia. It contains latest CBCP
Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro statements and catechetical updates.
Vice-President, CBCP
A7
bus blood donors during
the year, and Knights made
more than 6 million visits to
the sick and bereaved.
The volunteer efforts
were spearheaded by the
Knights continued commit-
ment to the Gulf States re-
gion affected by hurricanes
Katrina and Rita in 2005.
Shortly after hurricanes, the
Knights donated more than
$10 million to relief efforts,
and donations of money
and time continued
throughout 2006.
Cumulative figures show
that during the past decade,
the Knights of Columbus has
donated nearly $1.25 billion
to charity, and provided in
excess of 593 million hours
of volunteer service in sup-
port of charitable causes.
The Knights of Columbus
is the world’s largest lay
Catholic organization, with
1.7 million members in the
United States, Canada, the
Philippines, Mexico, Cen-
tral America, and Poland.
Father.”
Unconfirmed rumors have
raised the possibility that Patri-
arch Emmanuel III Delly might
have already received a ransom
note.
The head of the Chaldean
Church is currently in Al-Qosh,
a town in the northern part of
the country, where he is partici-
pating in the last day of the pa-
triarchal synod.
Father Hani’s abduction
comes only three days after the
assassination of a Chaldean
priest, Fr Ragheed Ganni, and
three subdeacons in Mosul.
(AsiaNews)
ality. It unfairly saddles those
who support life at all stages
with this shameful label.
“Philadelphia is experiencing
homicide at a record rate; now
is not the time to affirm the false
choice of procured abortion.
Rather, all residents should
rally around the common cause
of eliminating the hopelessness
that generates violence.
“Everyone deserves to be
born and live in a society that
builds conditions conducive to
life, not despair and death.”
The 72-year-old prelate
added: “The dialogue between
individuals and groups work-
ing to build a just society is ill-
served by City Council’s unpro-
ductive resolution.
“I commend those members
who opposed this resolution.
Council members who voted for
it should apologize to the thou-
sands of Philadelphians they have
offended today, and turn their en-
ergies toward improving the
quality of life and the safeguard-
ing of all residents.” (Zenit)
Authorities of this country for
the attention that they have al-
ways shown me and for the
kindness with which they have
surrounded me.
For the Church in the Phil-
ippines, so rich in spiritual vi-
tality, I have developed a great
affection in a very short time.
I ask now for prayerful sup-
port, and I know that I can
count on this, because the nu-
merous prayer centers found
in every diocese, many of
which I have already visited,
have already assured me of it.
+FERNANDO FILONI
Titular Archbishop of Volturno

A8
Flores de Mayo in Rome
THE Marian devotion of Flores
de Mayo clearly manifests the
Filipino’s distinct Christian pi-
ety. Miles away from the moth-
erland, such blessed tradition
gives a joyful occasion to cel-
ebrate a communal agape and
above all an avenue for spiritual
nourishment.
Last May 6, 2007, Sunday, the
Filipino communities mostly
coming from Rome, Milan,
Naples, Florence, Bologna and
from nearby cities joyfully
flooded the main chapel dedi-
cated to our Lady of Good Voy-
age at Collegio Filipino. The
smiling faces, gestures of hospi-
tality, indeed an atmosphere of
joy radiated by every Filipino
heart now reunited as the People
of God together with their pas-
tors. The Holy Eucharist cel-
ebrated in Tagalog was presided
by His Eminence Ricardo Car-
dinal Vidal, the Archbishop of
Cebu.
Some important Filipino bish-
ops in their ad limina visit, priest
students and professors to vari-
ous Pontifical Universities, reli-
gious brothers and sisters from
various congregations including
some of their superior general
were also present. Likewise,
Mrs. Leonida L. Vera, Philippine
Ambassador to the Holy See and
Mr. Philippe J. Lhuiller, Ambas-
sador to the Italian government
also attended the Mass. Selected
Filipino seminarians from the
religious congregation of the
Apostles of Jesus Crucified and
from the Collegio Ecclesiastico
Internationale of Sedes Sapientiae
animated the Pontifical servers.
His Eminence, Gaudencio
Cardinal Rosales, Archbishop
of Manila, gave the highly ap-
plauded homily. The Prelate
enumerated some noble Fili-
pino virtues such as mapagbigay,
Focolare Holds Congress for Religious Women
Participants of the Congress for Religious Women organized by the Focolare Movement at the Mariapolis Center in Tagaytay, June 1-3, 2007; they numbered 110 religious
women from 30 different congregations in 8 nationalities.
THE Focolare Movement held
a three-day congress for
women religious at Mariapolis
Peace in Tagaytay, the little city
of the Focolare Movement; on
June 1-3 with the theme, “The
Spirituality of Communion and
Consecrated Life.” Participants
were 110 religious women rep-
resenting 30 different congrega-
tions and 8 nationalities.
Resource persons who spoke
on the theme were Nenita Arce,
a Focolarina representing
founder of Focolare Chiara
Lubich, and Sr. Loretto Maes, a
member of the Sisters of the
Most Precious Blood. Both
came from the International
Secretariat for Religious
Women of the Focolare.
Most Rev. Luis Antonio
Tagle, Bishop of Imus, gave his
insights on the encyclical “Deus
Caritas Est”. Meanwhile, Fr.
Rolando De la Rosa, OP, ex-
pressed his joy for celebrating
the Eucharist with such a vivid
presence of the church.
The three-day congress has
been characterized by an atmo-
sphere of family and profound
communion.
Participants underscored that
the charism of unity helped
them to understand better their
own charism and highlighted
many ideas of their own
founder.
Many religious women ex-
pressed at the end their grati-
tude to Chiara Lubich, the
founder of the Focolare Move-
ment, for her charism in the
People, Facts & Places
His Eminence, Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Archbishop of Cebu with Filipino Seminarians from CEI-Sedes Sapientiae in Rome; taken
on the occasion of the annual Flores de Mayo celebration at the Collegio Filippino, May 6, 2007.
pagdamay sa kapwa, mapagmahal,
magalang, masipag, matatag, may
takot sa Dios, matapang,
mapagkumbaba, masayahin,
pakikisama at may
pananampalataya.
Cardinal Rosales emphasized
the need to cultivate the virtue
of pagpapatawad among the Fili-
pino hearts especially on the
wounds committed though the
corridors of Philippine history.
Indeed, true justice and peace
is authentically achieved when
there is a sincere conversion
and reconciliation. The over-
seas Filipino workers here in
Italy are invited to have Mary
Our Lady of Good Voyage to be
Church.
The meeting underlined
what the recent Pontifical In-
struction on consecrated life
Starting Afresh from Christ says,
“Finally, a new richness can
spring from an encounter and
communion with the charisms
of ecclesial movements. Move-
ments can often offer the ex-
ample of evangelical and char-
ismatic freshness such as the
generous, creative initiatives in
evangelization. On the other
hand, movements as well as
new forms of evangelical life
can learn a great deal from the
faithful, joyful and charismatic
witness of consecrated life
which bears a very rich spiri-
tual patrimony, the many trea-
sures of experience and wis-
dom and a great variety of
apostolates and missionary
commitments.” (# 30)
In the process of renewal as
recommended by the Second
Vatican Council, religious or-
ders and Institutes were invited
to rediscover their founder or
foundress, and to live and bring
alive their charisms in the
Church today.
Many members of Institutes
of consecrated life witness the
spiritual effects of the spiritu-
ality of unity which is the
charism of the Focolare Move-
ment.
The discovery of the radical
nature of the Gospel life, led
them to deepen their commun-
ion within their own communi-
ties and to live a profound com-
their model for Christian dis-
cipleship and the sure way to
Jesus—the Savior of the world
(Cf. Heb. 13: 8).
The beautiful Marian song
Stella Maris was rendered as the
final song. After the Pontifical
blessing, the procession and the
recitation of the Holy Rosary
followed. Meanwhile, the
lovely parade of the elegant
flower-coated Reyna Elenas and
Sagalas with their Consortes,
each representing a particular
community, were stationed to
proceed before the beautifully
adorned carro of the wooden
statue of Our Lady of Good Voy-
age. After the Floral Offering,
munion among religious fami-
lies, whether their charisms
were new or well established.
Members of various institutes
of consecrated life, who share
the spirituality of Focolare, were
recognized by Pope Paul VI as
“adherents of the Focolare
Philippine Delegates to the International Congress on Fidei Donum (to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the encyclical issued by Pope Pius XII in 1957) held in Rome on May 18-11,
2007; Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales (Congress speaker), Bishop Precioso Cantillas (representing the CBCP Commission on Migrants) and Bishop-Elect Gilbert Garcera (PMS
National Director / representing CBCP Commission on Mission), were among the participants of the congress that carried the theme, “All the Churches for the Whole World.”.
CDO Holds Workshop
on Media Education
the Coronation of the Marian
statue took place. Unexpect-
edly, a slight hailstone occurred
immediately after the blessing
before meal which was recited
by Cardinal Vidal. The fraternal
Markings
agape known as kainan and
saluhan were highlighted with
food and cultural presentations
from various regional festivals,
traditional folk songs rendered,
and finally the awarding of
prizes to major competitions.
Un pueblo amante de Maria—‘a
people deeply in loved with
Mary’ this is the true spirit of
every Flores de Mayo celebration
here in the Eternal City of Rome.
(Sem. Christian Gil B. Golong)
Movement” (general audience
1971).
Later on the Holy See allowed
men and women religious to
participate in the life of the
Movement. This was encour-
aged by John Paul II on many
occasions. (Mariella Floridia)
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 12
June 11 - 24, 2007
THE Social Communica- especially of children, in the
tions Ministry of the archdio- light of Gospel truth.
cese of Cagayan de Oro held Earlier on May 20, CDO
a seminar-workshop on Me- Archbishop Antonio J.
dia Literacy education last Ledesma, SJ, DD, presided
May 28-29 at Max Restaurant the mass for World Com-
in Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro munications Day at St.
City. The affair, participated Agustin Metropolitan Ca-
in by various Catholic-reli- thedral. In his homily, the
gious and civic groups, was archbishop underscored the
in consonance with the cel- great responsibility parents,
ebration of the 41 st World teachers, members of the
Communications Day, with Church and media had in
the theme “Children and the the formation of children.
Media: A Challenge to Edu- Archbishop Ledesma
cation.” stressed that true communi-
Invited resource speaker cation with one another re-
was Sr. Ma. Consolata quires that we dwell on
Manding, FSP, PhD, what is true, good and beau-
Directress of the Paulines tiful. He challenged media
Institute of Communication practitioners to multiply
in Asia (PICA); who empha- this kind of communication
sized the importance of Me- “not only for the little ones
dia Literacy Education but for all of us.”
among media consumers. Media owners and prac-
In line with the message titioners, Religious organi-
of the Holy Father, she zations, members of local
urged the participants to be government and the aca-
critical about the pervasive deme, parents and children
influence of media, at the participated in the Eucharis-
same time, active in the use tic celebration. (Augustus
of media in the formation, Caesar Guarin)
CELEBRATED. REV. FR. JESUS TAMAYO, of the
diocese of Masbate, 25th anniversary of sacerdotal
ordination; June 10, 2007. A graduate of Holy Ro-
sary Major Seminary in Naga City, Fr. Tamayo was
ordained to the priesthood on June 11, 1982 by Most
Rev. Porfirio Iligan, DD, at the Cathedral of St. An-
thony in Masbate. His previous pastoral assign-
ments include, as Parochial Vicar of St. Anthony
Cathedral, Acting Parish Priest of Mandaon, Paro-
chial Vicar of St. Joseph Parish in Milagros, Acting Parish Priest of
Uson, Pastor of St. Michael the Archangel in Monreal, Parish Priest of
San Pascual, and Parish Priest of St. Isidore Parish in Cawayan. At
present he is the pastor of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Balud,
Masbate.
CELEBRATED. REV. FR. DANNY FAJARDO, of the diocese of
Sorsogon, 25th anniversary of sacerdotal ordination, May 28, 2007. A
native of Pampanga, Fr. Fajardo studied his Philosophy at Christ the
King Seminary from 1973-1975. He entered the SVD novitiate in
Tagaytay City in 1975 but stayed only until 1978. He pursued his The-
ology studies at the Holy Rosary Major Seminary in Naga City and
was ordained on May 28, 1982. He finished his post graduate studies
at Bicol University in 1984. His pastoral assignments include: As par-
ish assistant at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Sorsogon from 1982-
83, and as Formator at Our Lady of Penafrancia Seminary in Naga
City from 1983-84. He retired from his priestly ministry in 1984 due to
disability. He currently resides at the Home for the Clergy in Sorsogon
City.
CELEBRATED. REV. FR. ELY ALVAREZ, of the
diocese of Masbate, 25th anniversary of sacerdotal
ordination; June 10, 2007. A native of Masbate, Fr.
Alvarez was born on September 3, 1958. He fin-
ished his Philosophy and Theology from the Holy
Rosary Major Seminary in Naga City. He was or-
dained to the priesthood by Most Rev. Porfirio Iligan,
DD, on June 11, 1982 at St. Anthony Cathedral in
Masbate. Fr. Alvarez is at present the pastor of Holy
Cross Parish. His other involvements include Faith Formation in
Catechesis and Evangelization, Community Development in schools,
villages, family and chapels; Advocacy Program in Peace and Jus-
tice, Health and Nutrition and Livelihood; Community Organizing of
BEC’s; Infrastructure, Youth Development, Ecumenism and Inter-Re-
ligious Dialogue.
INSTALLED. REV. FR. TAMERLANE R. LANA
O.P., as new rector and president of the Colegio
de San Juan de Letran, in a solemn investiture
mass at the college auditorium, June 15, 2007.
Previously the rector of the University of Santo
Tomas from 1998 to 2006, Lana had also been
the president of the Association of Catholic Uni-
versities of the Philippines and the Network of Do-
minican Schools, Colleges and Universities, and vice president for
Asia-Pacific of the International Federation of Catholic Universities
and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines. He takes
over the post from Rev. Fr. Edwin A. Lao, OP.
PASSED TO ETERNAL REWARD. Rev. Msgr. Cesar Tagal, Diocese
of Tuguegarao, January 5, 2007; Rev. Msgr. Benjamin dela Paz, Arch-
diocese of San Fernando, Pampanga, January 7, 2007; Rev. Fr.
Carmelo G. Cortez, Diocese of Antipolo, January 23, 2007; Rev. Msgr.
Isabelo Acero, Archdiocese of Lipa, March 16, 2007; and Rev. Msgr.
Gregorio Salvatus, Diocese of Lucena, April 7, 2007.
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 12 • June 11 - 24 2007
F
ATHER Carlo Magno Marcelo
loves music. His musical talent
is a treasure he does not hesitate
to share with others.
A member of the clergy of the Arch-
diocese of Manila, Fr. Carlo Magno
was ordained priest on November 30,
1993. Currently, he is teaching at San
Carlos Major Seminary, while serving
as its music director.
A church musician since high school,
Fr. Carlo’s musical talent deepened
when he entered San Carlos Major
Seminary in 1984, after two years of
preparatory veterinary medicine in
the University of the Philippines in
Diliman.
Fr. John Van de Steen, CICM, a
Belgian missionary who became Di-
rector of San Carlos Major Seminary
Choir, was instrumental in training
the young Carlo developed his musi-
cal talent.
But long before he was catapulted to
celebrity status because of his award-
winning liturgical songs, Fr. Carlo said
he was just simply an ordinary choir
member and an organist. Never did it
cross his mind that he could compose
songs, much less record one.
Nonetheless, the talent within was
like a seed biding to burst out into the
open. It did when Bishop Socrates Vil-
Pastoral Concerns
Fr. Carlo Magno
Music is a Gift
and a Mission
By Ben Carlo Atim
legas and the late Jaime Cardinal Sin
asked him to write the theme song for
the Jubilee year in 1996. The Jubilee
song eventually hit the airwaves,
and became the toast of recording
companies.
The phenomenal popularity of the
song earned Fr. Carlo the respect of
fellow musicians and from ordinary
churchgoers who appreciated his
tune.
The Fruits of the Gift
With the success came financial
rewards. Fr. Carlo thought of putting
up a foundation that will help pro-
mote Catholic music. He established
the Jubilee Music Ministry together
with a friend, the priest-composer Fr.
Jeronimo Perez, in 1998.
The foundation aims to promote
Catholic music and to help institu-
tions who maybe needing fi nancial
assistance especially in producing
quality albums.
The promotion of Catholic music
helps revive the appreciation of people
for liturgical songs. It is a known fact
that the deluge of modern genres of
music has somehow eclipse the value
of liturgical music. Fr. Carlo sees this
as a challenge to the Church.
“We have to come up with composi-
tions that are appealing, yet preserv-
ing the rich patrimony of the Church,”
he opined.
The demand of creating good music
is significant not only in terms of com-
mercial value but also in its ability to
penetrate the consciousness of people
and make them participate in liturgi-
cal celebrations. The priest empha-
sized that music must not serve only
as a tool for entertainment but must
help stimulate the consciousness of a
listener to ponder and reflect.
“You just need to be creative in order
to connect or make a bridge between
the rich patrimony of the Church and
the current trend in music,” he said.
The Jubilee Music Ministry
The Jubilee Music Ministry produces
songs that are naturally reflective yet
at the same time can captivate the at-
tention of the young.
Although the foundation just started
only nine years ago, it has already
extended its arms to institutions that
needed support in promoting gos-
pel music. Fr. Carlo believes that in
the coming years, as the foundation
evolves and grows, it will become
a Catholic Music Resource Center,
which will cater to services pertain-
Music / B5
B1
B2 Updates
Blessings at First Mass
B3 Diocese
Diocese of Gumaca
B6 Reflections
Feet... Pilgrims, Workers,
Saints...
7Q UESTIONS
Bishop-Emeritus Vicente C.
Manuel, SVD, DD
A NATIVE of Occidental Mindoro, Most Rev. Vicente Manuel, SVD, was installed
as first bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on July
1, 1983 and served as its Apostolic Vicar until 2000. Bishop-Emeritus Manuel
is currently a resident bishop in the archdiocese of Cebu. In this issue of CBCP
Monitor Bishop Manuel reminisces and shares the wealth of his experiences as first
Apostolic Vicar of San Jose, Mindoro. He talks about his current responsibilities
as resident bishop of Cebu archdiocese, how the archdiocesan programs cascade to
parish level, and shares his insights on poverty alleviation, lay participation in the
local Church and BEC in his district.
How was your Episcopal ministry in the Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose
Mindoro?
I was ordained bishop June 29, 1983, so I’m in my 24th year as bishop-
emeritus. Next year I will be celebrating my silver jubilee as a bishop. Being
the first bishop of San Jose Mindoro had its own advantage in the sense that
there was no tradition to follow. Among the first things we did was to map
out the plan for the vicariate, and to formulate our vision and mission. BEC
was the center of it.
My Episcopal ministry was fruitful, you have that sense of accomplishment.
It was very beautiful. [Here, I’m speaking] not only in terms of the terrain or
the vastness of the place. Well, it is a vicariate, a mission territory; you really
have to start from zero. There were only 13 parishes then. The island of Lubang
was the most isolated. Whenever I would go to visit the parish I always stayed
for three weeks to be able to go to the farthest chapel. There is no place that I
have not gone to, that I have not said mass many times over.
When I left in 2000, we made an evaluation of 17 years of our work. Have we
somehow gotten closer to our vision mission? For one thing, we were able to
form lay leaders, the family apostolate, the BEC in the different socio-economic
areas, the youth in the parish level.
What prompted you to venture into broadcasting?
The population when I started was about a hundred thousand or maybe
even less. But it was scattered in a wide place. There are 7 major rivers in the
vicariate. There were no bridges, and during rainy season some parishes were
cut off from the seat of the vicariate of San Jose. There was a time when I almost
drowned while crossing a swollen river. So, I thought of starting a radio sta-
tion. We were able to start one in 1991. Cardinal Vidal went there to bless the
radio station. I thought, it was very important, because if you have difficulty
reaching the farthest corner of the place on foot, with a radio station it would
be easy. The radio also helps in raising the consciousness of the people about
the activities of the local Church. Our station ID was my motto “At thy word,
I cast the net,” plus the vision of the vicariate. So everybody came to know
about it. We were only about 300 hundred thousand, but maybe our audience
with the radio station was about two million.
What are your specific responsibilities in the archdiocese of Cebu?
I started working in Cebu in 2000. Cardinal Vidal gave me an official as-
signment as one of his vicar generals. All his assistant bishops there are vicar
generals. Then he gave me a district. There are seven districts in the whole
archdiocese of Cebu. So I’m in charge of two districts now, it has about 50
parishes. That’s my involvement there—as Vicar general, and as district bishop
of the archdiocese. That’s my direct responsibility and participation in the area
of pastoral work of His Eminence.
How do you make pastoral programs cascade to parish level?
7 Questions / B4

B2
Blessings at First Masses
© Pascal Deloche/Godong/Corbis
The Duty of Residence of the Parish Priest
By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso, J.C.D.
(A continuation from last issue)
WE have had our parish priest with
us for two years now. He is some-
thing of an eccentric, very inconsis-
tent. It’s okay with us, if that’s the
way he is, but what bothers those of
us who work closely with him in the
parish is that at times he disappears
for days without telling us where
to reach him in case he is needed.
He has a couple of friends, guest
priests, who take over when he is
away, but they are there only for the
sacraments. They can not decide or
guide us in making decisions that
have to be made when our parish
priest happens to be absent. It can be
very frustrating. What does Canon
Law say about the availability of
the parish priest? Do we as parish
workers have the right to demand
it, if not transparency of our priest?
We do not want a blow-by-blow
account of his whereabouts, but at
least the basic information of where
to reach him in case of dire need.
The Availability of the Parish
Priest to his Parishioners
After understanding the beau-
tiful notion of the parish priest
as the proper shepherd of the
parish flock, and concretizing
that notion in the series of du-
ties and functions enumerated
in the aforementioned canons,
the question of the physical and
moral availability of the parish
priest in the parish is inescap-
able. It simply is not possible
for him to fulfill all his obliga-
tions to his flock were he not
to be available in the parish 24
hours of the day all throughout
the year, except for the periods
of absence provided by Canon
Law for his own rest and forma-
tion. Thus, from olden times, the
duty of residence in the parish
has always been considered as a
direct consequence of the func-
tion of the pastoral care of souls
entrusted to the parish priest. As
an eminent 16th Century Italian
canonist affirmed: “the pastoral
ministry implies many things
which necessarily require per-
sonal presence”. (Bartholomew
Carranza, Controversia de Ne-
cessaria Residentia personali
CBCP Monitor
Updates Vol. 11 No. 12
June 11-24, 2007
(Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university
answers the question on blessings at first mass of newly ordained priest).
Q: I have two questions: vested in a cope, for his first Mass. according to the liturgical time and
1) The Benedictine Ordo From what I understand, the assistant season.
for the American Cassi- priest at the first Mass was more a mat- With re-
nese Congregation has ter of custom than law. Is this allowed spect to
the following note con- in the current liturgy? -- M.M., Latrobe, the second
cerning “Rescripts from Pennsylvania question,
the Holy See”: “His Holi- A: I would say that the rescript is no effective-
ness, Pope Paul VI, has de- longer in force as its effects have been ly, the use
creed that a newly ordained absorbed by the general norms of the of an assistant
priest may, on the occasion of Enchiridion of Indulgences. priest at a first
his first Mass, celebrated with The document mentions the papal Mass is custom and not
some solemnity outside of Rome, blessing to which a plenary indulgence prescriptive. This priest is
grant once the Papal Blessing, using is attached. The present Enchiridion in usually an experienced priest whose
the formula given in the Roman Ritual. concession No. 43 attaches a plenary principal task is to guide an under-
The plenary indulgence attached to indulgence to the priest and faithful standably nervous new priest through
this blessing may be gained by the who assist at a newly ordained priest’s the intricacies of the celebration.
faithful who devoutly assist at the first first solemn Mass, but this indulgence The role of such a priest is similar
Mass, provided they have received is now dissociated from imparting the to that of a master of ceremonies, al-
the sacraments of penance and Holy apostolic blessing. though, unlike this figure, he usually
Communion, and have prayed for the The Enchiridion grants the right to simply vests the stole over an alb or
intentions of the Holy Father. Given impart the apostolic blessing only to surplice. The cope would not ordinar-
at Rome by the Sacred Penitentiary on the diocesan bishop, who may impart it ily be worn on this occasion, although
November 5, 1964.” Do you have any three times a year at the end of particu- its use may be a legitimate local custom
idea what the present status of this larly solemn Masses (norm No. 10.2). in some places or within some orders.
rescript is? Since the Roman Ritual Therefore, as the papal blessing is The assistant priest does not usually
has been edited since 1964, which text no longer granted, the question as to perform the functions pertaining to the
should be used? What is the status of what ritual should be used in impart- deacon, although it is not unknown for
the plenary indulgence? 2) A deacon ing it is moot. The priest may use any him to read the Gospel and preach the
asked that I serve as the assistant priest, of the blessings proposed in the missal homily at a first Mass.
Episcoporum et aliorum infe-
riorum pastorum, Venice (1547),
Chap.2, pp.15-16.)
Thus, the Code of Canon Law
binds with the duty of residence
those who hold offices that im-
ply a particular responsibility
as regards the pastoral care of
souls, like the diocesan Bishop
(cf. c.395), the Bishop-coadjutor
and the auxiliary Bishop (cf.
c.410), the diocesan Administra-
tor (cf. c.429), the parish priest
(cf. c.533) and the parochial vicar
(cf. c.550).
In effect, the habitual presence
of the parish priest in the parish
aims to guarantee his constant
and effective availability for
the needs of the faithful, who
in turn should be able to ap-
proach their parish priest for
whatever legitimate request. On
the other hand, it is clear that
© Philippe Lissac/Godong/Corbis
such pastoral needs of the faith-
ful can present themselves and
should be adequately attended
to at whatever time of day or
night. Hence, the parish priest
is in principle always on duty reason to the contrary, the pas- the parish priest to reside in his c.533, §1. Obviously, also, for except for a serious reason should
and on call. tor may be absent each year parish, specifically in a parish reasons of order such prolonged not be omitted.
from the parish on vacation, house close to the church or absences from the usual place of Obviously, order demands
The Duty of Residence of the for at most one continuous or (with due permission of the residence i.e., the parish house that for an absence of greater
Parish Priest interrupted month; the days bishop) in another place within or rectory should be done with than a week, the parish priest
Canon Law specifies this duty which the pastor spends once a the parish territory, provided the permission of the bishop. ought to inform the diocesan
in c.533 of the Code of Canon year in spiritual retreat are not he is able to fulfill his parochial bishop so that as the Commis-
Law as follows: counted in his vacation days; if functions. Obviously, if the par- Absences of the Parish Priest sion drafting the Code itself
Can. 533 1. The pastor (parish Canon Law expressly provides pointed out the latter may give
priest) is obliged to reside in a Before rushing into any judgment against several legitimate motives for the the due authorization and, even
parish house close to the church; parish priest to be absent from the more importantly, adequately
(The parish house or rectory is
him, the interested parishioners especially parish (i.e., outside the territorial provide for the pastoral care of
locally referred to in the Philip- those more involved in the organization of limits of his parish):
1st a yearly vacation totaling 30
the parish community during
the parish priest’s absence, by
pines as the convento, which at
times is translated to English the parish would do well to try a respectful days maximum either continuous designating a priest to substitute
or interrupted as provided for by him. (Cf. Communicationes, 14
as convent, an unfortunate
choice of term since the word
dialogue. For all we know, there might be c.283, §2: Clerics are entitled to a (1982), p.225.)
convent has a precise meaning legitimate reasons for his absences. due and sufficient period of vaca- On the other hand, the serious
which refers to the house of re- tion each year, to be determined violation of the law of residence
ligious nuns—not even monks the pastor is to be absent from ish territory includes far-flung by universal or particular law. is considered as a crime in Canon
or friars), in particular cases, the parish beyond a week, he is towns and villages, the absence 2nd a yearly closed retreat Law with its corresponding
however, the local Ordinary can bound to inform the local Ordi- of the parish priest from the par- which normally lasts 1 week as penalty, as typified by c.1396:
permit him to live elsewhere, nary of this. ish house while attending to his provided for by c.276, §2, 4°: [In One who seriously violates the
especially in a house shared 3. The diocesan Bishop is to flock in those remote places of order for them to pursue this obligation of residence to which
by several presbyters (priests), issue norms which provide for the parish cannot be considered perfection] priests are also bound he is bound by reason of an eccle-
provided there is a just cause, the care of a parish by a priest as absence from the parish, but to make a retreat according to the siastical office is to be punished
and suitable and due provision possessing the needed facul- rather as a case of temporary prescriptions of particular law. with a just penalty, including
is made for the performance of ties during the absence of the residence in another house 3rd other sporadic absences for even deprivation of office after
parochial functions. pastor. within the territorial limits of priestly formation, as provided a warning.
2. Unless there is a serious In effect, Canon Law obliges his parish, as provided for by for by c.279, §2: In accord with
the prescriptions of particular Conclusion
law, priests are to attend pas- As to the present case of our
toral lectures which are to be lulubog-lilitaw parish priest:
held after priestly ordination; at 1) Before rushing into any
times determined by the same judgment against him, the in-
particular law they are also to terested parishioners especially
attend lectures and theological those more involved in the orga-
meetings or conferences which nization of the parish would do
afford them opportunities to well to try a respectful dialogue.
acquire a fuller knowledge of the For all we know, there might
sacred sciences and of pastoral be legitimate reasons for his
methods. (The members of the absences.
Canon Law Society of the Philip- 2) In any case and more espe-
pines (CLSP), for example, hold cially if his absences far exceed
a yearly 3-day National Conven- the 37 plus days provided for
tion in different regional capitals, by Canon Law for his vacation,
featuring lectures by eminent lo- closed retreat and other means of
cal and invited foreign canonists, priestly formation the concerned
workshops to produce position parishioners can always bring
papers on current issues, aside the matter to the attention of the
from the time for rest and recre- diocesan bishop.
ation, camaraderie and exchange 3) Should the parish priest
of pastoral experiences.) concerned really be guilty of un-
With these dispositions, Canon due absence from the parish, the
Law aims to guarantee for the diocesan bishop can admonish
parish priest some periods of him (Canon Law provides for at
rest, which are necessary for him least 2 canonical warnings) after
to recover his physical as well as which should the parish priest
© Pascal Deloche/Godong/Corbis
spiritual energies. Thus, these not change his ways he may
periods of physical and spiritual proceed with the imposition of a
rest should not be considered just canonical sanction (penalty)
simply as legitimate rights, but which may include the removal
also as natural necessities that from office of the parish priest.
 CBCP
CBCP Monitor
Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 12
June 11-24, 2007
THE Diocese of Gumaca, which is in the
province of Quezon, has a total land area
of 3,666.44 sq. kms. It is approximately
196 kilometers south of Manila and situ-
ated along the national highway on the
eastern coast of Quezon. It is bounded
northwest by the Diocese of Lucena in
Quezon, Province and southeast by the
Daet diocese in Camarines Norte. Many
parishes in the diocese of Gumaca are in
the mountainous area of Bondoc Penin-
sula while three parishes are in Alabat
Island and four others are located along
the national highway. The diocese of
Gumaca comprises twenty four parishes
and 3 proposed parishes that are still be-
ing prepared for canonical erection in the
next 2-3 years. At present the diocese has
Diocese
prehensive program of the diocese in its ting and clarifying the vision of the dio-
ministerial and spiritual stewardship cese and by defining her mission in light
In the recent years, under its current of that vision. In 1985, they came up with
bishop, the diocese continues to show a vision of the diocese as ‘community of
signs of constant growth. The different believers united in Christ in his Sonship
commissions work side by side in foster- to and His worship of the Father, dedi-
ing a widespread effort at evangelization cated to others under the guidance of the
and spiritual renewal. They regularly Holy Spirit’.” (Decade of Grace, 15)
hold workshops and seminars for the The bishop, together with the clergy,
ongoing formation of catechists, lectors, religious and laity, redefined its vision in
acolytes, MSK leaders and of different re- the desire to renew, and give vigor and
ligious organizations. The commissions life to the faith of the people according to
on youth and catechetical apostolate the spirit of the Second Plenary Council
also intensify their ongoing programs for of the Philippines (PCP II). In the first
the youth, leaders and catechists of the Diocesan Pastoral Assembly (DPA I) in
diocese. In terms of facilities, the follow- 1994, they overwhelmingly endorsed its
ing buildings were added to the existing new Vision: “The Diocese of Gumaca as
offices in the diocesan compound: the a community of disciples united in Christ
communities of disciples.
Journeying Towards the Vision
The diocese will celebrate its 25th
anniversary foundation in 2010. The
diocese is considering three essential
actions for a meaningful and grace-filled
commemoration. First, KNOW the vi-
sion. The key to this undertaking is to
make the people become aware of the
existing vision. This is facilitated by con-
stant recitation of the vision especially
before every gathering such as business
meetings and celebration of the Sunday.
The next task after having memorized
the vision is to EXPLAIN it. In
this activity, the people are led
through catechesis, seminars,
B3
Ongoing Formation of the Clergy
As part of the continuing formation
of the clergy of Gumaca, they regularly
hold monthly recollections for spiritual
nourishment every second Monday-
Tuesday of the month at the Gumaca
Pastoral Formation Center. In this gath-
ering, they assign one among themselves
to give spiritual/pastoral inputs in one
of the sessions and they invite speakers
as well for an updating in economic,
political, and other areas of concern.
Hence, their monthly rec-
ollection/gathering
is not limited to
spiritual ac-
tivities such
as confes-

The Diocese of Gumaca

61 diocesan priests in active ministry, 78
professed religious women, 23 lay mis-
By Rev. Fr. Ramon Uriarte & Rev. Fr. Ricky Araneta

sionaries, 9 professional catechists and

826 volunteer catechists.

Creation of the Diocese

The diocese was created by Pope
Paul II on the 9th of April 1984 through
the Apostolic Letter “Lure Meritoque”.
However, it was canonically erected
only on January 29, 1985 when the Most
Rev. Emilio Z. Marquez was ordained
bishop and installed Ordinary of the
Diocese. Having been made a diocese, it
has become a suffragan of the ecclesiasti-
cal province of Lipa which comprises the
Apostolic Vicariates of Calapan and San
Jose (Occidental Mindoro), Prelature of
Infanta, the dioceses of Boac and Lucena
and the Archdiocese of Lipa.
In May 2002, Most. Rev. Emilio Z.
Marquez was appointed as
coadjutor bishop of Lucena, IMPORTANT FACTS .

ABOVE: The clergy of the diocese.

at the same time apostolic Ad- Bishop
ministrator of Gumaca. He Priests:
continued to serve as apos-
tolic administrator until Most
Rev. Antonio R. Rañola was Seminarians:
nominated as the new Apostolic
Administrator on June 25, 2002.
He was succeeded by Most.
Rev. Buenaventura Famadico
as the 2nd ordinary bishop of
the Diocese of Gumaca on July Diocesan Divisions:
11, 2003.
The Road to Growth
The first several years of exis- Educational
tence of the diocese of Gumaca
were marked by stages of rapid
growth and development. Dif-
ferent diocesan facilities were
built such as the Gumaca Dioc- Teaching Personnel:
esan Pastoral Formation Center
where the chancery, curia, and
other diocesan offices are now
located. The Gumaca Diocesan Population
Press was also built as its pub- Catholics
lishing arm. It publishes the Area
monthly issues of Tipan, the di-
ocesan monthly liturgical guide, Sagisag
(discontinued), the diocesan newsletter
and other diocesan papers. The diocese
likewise founded Mount St. Aloysius
College Seminary, to accommodate the
increasing number of vocations to the
priesthood from the dioceses of Gu-
maca and Boac. At present, a significant
number of alumni of Mt. St. Aloysius
Seminary are already ordained priests
and are now serving in their respective
dioceses. The bishop’s residence was
also built in 2001-2002.
In its tenth year anniversary, the dio-
cese of Gumaca convened the first dioc-
esan pastoral assembly which evaluated
and reexamined the pastoral programs
of the diocese. New plans and strategies
were formulated to further ensure the
spiritual growth of the people and to
encourage greater participation from
the laity. A book containing the acts and
decrees of this first Diocesan Pastoral
Assembly of the Diocese of Gumaca
was published to serve as guide for the
clergy and laity of the diocese. A Dioc-
esan Assembly for Diocesan Pastoral
Evaluation and Planning (DPEP)
was convened in 2003. This resulted
in the reorganization and creation
of new ministries for a more com-
1
RIGHT: Bishop Buenaventura M.
65 Famadico, DD. BELOW: The Cathedral
Diocesan
Sisters 78 of San Diego de Alcala Gumaca
Quezon.
Theology 10
Philosophy 27
In regency 5 in his sonship and worship of recollections, retreats etc., to reflect and sions, holy hour and mass but also
Minor: in high school 9 the Father, dedicated to serve understand the goals of the diocese. Ev- include conference with the bishop,
3 others as the Church of the
In pre-college ery year, the diocese sets a theme that is business meeting, and even basketball
poor under the guidance of taken from the diocesan vision. Through and volleyball games.
Districts 2 the Holy Spirit together with In addition to their monthly recollec-
6 monthly activities and lectures designed
Vicariates Mary, our model.” Incorpo- by the different commissions the par- tion, the clergy of Gumaca also holds 5
Parishes 25
rated here, one may observe, ticular topic is clarified, explained and day-retreat every year. They do it out
Centers: are PCP II’s Ecclesiology and deepened. The Focus of 2005 was Mary, of town to give them an opportunity to
Tertiary: Diocesan 1
9 Mariology. Mother and Model of the Diocese of Gu- withdraw from the daily routine of their
High Schools: Diocesan/ In preparation for the works in the parish and thus be able to
parochial 9 maca. In 2006, the theme was Renewal
Elementary Schools: celebration of its silver an- of the Family leads toward Renewal of devote the time entirely for spiritual
Diocesan/Parochial niversary foundation, the the Community. 2007 is devoted to the renewal. The diocese also sends two
diocese resolved to carry out Holy Spirit, Guide to become a Com- priests to the Renewal Program of the
Priests (part-time) 7 this mission by giving par- munity of Disciples. United in Christ in Episcopal Commission on Clergy every
Sisters (full-time) 23 ticular emphasis on renewed his Sonship and Worship of the Father year for renewal and ongoing formation.
151 Evangelization that seeks to
Lay (full-time) will be explained in 2008. And Love of This is usually held at the Bahay Pari in
844,994 develop an integrated spiri- San Carlos Compound in Guadalupe
God the Father, Service to Others will
744,888 tuality among the people, be highlighted in 2009. In the silver an- Makati. In the last couple of years, the
3,666.44 sq. kms. build up the local church and niversary, the diocese will ponder on clergy of Gumaca also has undergone a
transform the whole fabric of her being Church of the Poor. The dio- week of Pastoral Retooling which con-
Pastoral office and Youth Center, and society according to the values of Christ cese hopes that through this evan- sists of workshops and inputs for a more
the Priest’s retirement house and the (PCP II, 187-192). With new fervor, meth- gelization effort the people effective ministry in the parish.
diocesan catechetical Center. The last ods and expressions, the diocese clarifies will better appreciate the
two are still unfinished at present. its VISION of a renewed community vision and eventually LIVE Empowering the Laity
through the distinct areas of apostolate it. However, this last action Vatican II, states that the laity “by
Community of Believers of the different commissions on worship, will only be realized when baptism are incorporated into Christ,
The diocese of Gumaca “may be lik- Catholic education and catechesis, social people start owning and are placed in the people of God,
ened to a ship sailing on the high seas services, youth, family life, vocation and i t s vision. and in their own way share the priestly,
and its bishop and priests, to the captain temporalities. Ongoing formation of the prophetic and kingly office of Christ, and
and his crew. It does not sail for no pur- clergy as servant–leader in a participa- to the best of their ability carry on the
pose. It has a definite destiny to reach, a tory church is set up while taking into mission of the whole Christian people
mission to accomplish. Neither does it account the particular needs of in the Church and in the world”
sail aimlessly but is guided toward its priests at the different stages of (LG, 31). For lay people to exercise
mission by a vision, as by a light, lest it priestly life and ministry. Great their rights and duties as apostles
veer off its course or run into the efforts are exerted to empower (aa3), the diocese, understands the
reefs.” (Decade of Grace, 15) the laity to become responsible need to allow them to participate in
Soon after the diocese has agents of a vibrant community. the exercise of powers of order and
commenced its own exis- Basic Ecclesial Communities are governance and empower them to
tence, the first act of the likewise strengthened, making assume responsibilities in various
bishop was to chart its them effective evangelizing ministries and functions and in
course with the help communities in renewing various offices of the diocese
of his priests. This Christian life and or parishes.
they did by set- forming Consistent with this
conviction, the dio-
Gumaca / B7
 CBCP Monitor
B4 Commissions Vol. 11 No. 12
June 11-24, 2007

ECIP Holds 2nd National Convention on Indigenous Peoples’ Education

By Lourie Victor
BRAVING post-election fatigue, par-
ticipants from 16 tribes and 27 dioceses
attended the Episcopal Commission on
Indigenous Peoples (ECIP) and Indig-
enous Peoples Apostolate (IPA) 2nd
National Convention on Indigenous
Peoples Education in San Carlos City,
Negros Oriental on May 21-24.
The seminar aimed to come up with
consolidated principles that can serve
as reference and guide to Indigenous
Peoples’ Apostolates nationwide in
implementing education interventions
in partnership with IP communities.
ECIP through its South Central
Luzon IPAs, has been undertaking
consultations, trainings, research and
advocacy work for the past three years,
in an effort to consolidate the experi-
ences of IPAs nationwide. The goal is
to set up education programs that are
responsive to the particular needs and
circumstances of IP communities and
learners.
Last year’s convention held in
Kidapawan highlighted the shared
observation of IPAs that mainstream
education has not been responsive
to the needs and particularities of
indigenous peoples (IPs). The situa-
tion was largely taken as the primary
reason behind continuous drop-outs,
the breakdown of community cohe-
sion, continued neglect of indigenous
knowledge systems and practices, and
the erosion of culture and identity of IP
communities.
Participants came out with concrete
proposals to address the problems.
First, is to define more concretely what
kind of education is appropriate for IP
communities, and next, lay down key
principles that could guide the imple-
mentation of education programs or
interventions.
Nonetheless, for this to be done, par-
ticipants had to tackle first how main-
stream education came about and how
its inherent perspective about IPs tends
to marginalize them as a people. The IP
communities have their own system of
education which had sustained them
since time immemorial but is not given
importance in mainstream education.
The emerging interest in culture as a
factor in learning was also discussed,
bringing to light studies that reveal IP
communities do have learning styles
and patterns different from what is
promoted or used in the mainstream
education system. IPAs discussed what
they observed to be the unique learning
needs, characteristics and patterns of IP
learners based on their experiences in
implementing education activities and
interventions. It was from these that the
principles were generated.
ECIP chairman Bishop Sergio
Utleg remarked that this undertaking
to promote a system of education ap-
propriate for IP communities has still
a long way to go. This second conven-
tion, he said, is one of those necessary
milestones that have to be undertaken if
IPs are to experience an education that
recognizes and respects their identity IPA regional representatives and ECIP
and celebrates the richness of their cul- executive secretary, Fr Rod Salazar Jr,
ture.

Youth Ministry Programs for Young People

By National Secretariat for Youth Apostolate
THE Episcopal Commission
on Youth (ECY) is actively
involved in spearheading the
following activities as part of
its regular service in the youth
ministry programs.
1. National Youth Day (NYD)
This is celebrated every 16th
of December, the start of the
Misa De Gallo or Simbang-
Gabi. Every two or three years,
a national gathering is orga-
nized by the ECY in partnership
with a host-diocese, usually
on a schedule proximate to 16
December. This allows for the
celebration of the NYD in the
dioceses, organizations, and
parishes, to echo the program of
the national gathering. Usually,
the NYD program echoes the
World Youth day (WYD) theme
for that year.
Last 8-12 November 2006, the
National Youth Day 2006 was
held in Davao City. The Arch-
diocese of Davao through its
youth ministry office, the Davao
Archdiocesan Youth Coordinat-
ing Apostolate (DAYCA) hosted
and co-organized with ECY the
event. Participants reflected
on the theme, “Your Word is a
lamp unto my feet and a light
unto my path” (Ps 119:105),
which is also the theme of the
WYD 2006.
.2. Youth Ministry Awareness
Week
The week prior to the NYD
(9-15 December 2006) is devoted
to promote youth ministry in
the Church, so that everyone be-
comes aware of the importance
of ministering to the youth,
and raise involvement in it. The
Regional Youth Coordinating
Councils (RYCCs) are tasked
with preparing an effective
program of activities for the
region and its member-youth
ministries, a program that is
suited to the unique context of
each respective region.
3. National Conference for
Youth Ministers (NCYM)
Youth ministers find a venue
for formation and fellowship in
this bi-annual event, organized
by the ECY in partnership with
a diocesan youth ministry, and
often, with the regional coordi-
nation where the host-dioceses
is a member in collaboration.
The most recent conference
was held in Pampanga last 13-
17 November 2005, with the
collaboration of the Archdio-
cese of San Fernando through
its youth ministry office, the
Archdiocesan Commission on
Youth Ministry (ACYM). A total
of two hundred sixty five youth
ministers (clergy, religious, and
lay) representing sixty-seven
dioceses and ten member-or-
ganizations of the Federation
of National Youth Organiza-
tions (FNYO) participated.
They gathered to reflect on the
theme, “Youth Ministers: Living
Witnesses to Communion and
Mission” (‘although there are
many of us…we all share in the
one loaf’ - 1 Corinthians 10:17).
It was during this event that the
turnover of the ECY chairman-
ship was made: from Most Rev.
Rolando J. Tria-Tirona, OCD,
DD of Infanta, to Most Rev. Joel
Z. Baylon, DD of Masbate.
4. Unang Hakbang
Unang Hakbang is a forma-
tion program for youth minis-
ters (clergy, religious, and lay),
which serves as a deepening
experience of the Church docu-
ment Ka-Lakbay. It desires to
synergize efforts and initia-
tives in youth ministry. After
undergoing it, its participants
are expected to imbibe the con-
tents and spirit of Ka-Lakbay,
to become fully aware of one’s
paradigms and those para-
digms important for a renewed
ministry and grow into under-
standing and ownership of this
document, and together with
one’s fellow youth ministers, to
have a common language and
orientation among everyone
involved with the young.
The ECY has successfully
administered Unang Hakbang
in all the youth ministry regions
via the Regional Runs, which it
has also subsidized. With the
very positive feedback from
these initial runs, the commis-
sion is now preparing to train
regional teams of facilitators
who will assist it in the regular
run of the program.
5. Youth Encounter (YE)
YE is a formation program
for youth in the Philippines,
adopted by the CBCP in 1979 as
“the basic Christian formation
module” for Filipino youth. The
ECY oversees its running; it also
takes care of its guidebook and
materials.
6. Basic Course in Youth Minis-
try (BCYM)
This program for youth min-
isters aims to acquaint its recipi-
ents with the world of the youth
and the theories and dynamics
of accompanying them through
youth ministry.
7. Other programs
The ECY, with the valuable
assistance of the NSYA and
other youth ministry offices, has
also created other programs for
young people. Some of these
are: “Parable of the Pencil”
(a formation module, usually
used for youth recollections),
“Kabataang Bayani: Youth for
HOPE” (an election education
program), and the formation
programs of past national cel-
ebrations of the NYD.

Creation of Inter-agency Council 7 Questions / B1

In 2003, His Eminence came out with a constitu- mission to take care of this. One of these is lending

to Address Migrant Concerns
By Edmund Ruga
THE Luzon Regional Migration
Desk (LRMD) of Episcopal Com-
mission for the Pastoral Care of
Migrants and Itinerant People
(ECMI) is spearheading the cre-
ation of an Inter-Agency Coor-
dinating Council for Migrants’
Concern (IAMCO) in different
provinces in Luzon to enhance
the services being delivered by
the diocesan migration desk to
families of migrants.
IAMCO had its initial forma-
tion program held in the prov-
ince of Batangas last May 26 at
the De La Salle-Lipa in partner-
ship with the Lipa Archdiocesan
Commission on Migrants and
Mission (LACMMI), repre-
sented by Ms. June Inabayan,
LACMMI’s lay coordinator.
The agency was formally
organized into a local based
group called BIAMCO or Batan-
gas Inter-Agency Council for
Migrants’ Concerns. Repre-
sentatives from local agencies
such as the Department of
Education-Division of Lipa and
Batangas, OWWA Region 4A,
NBI-Batangas, PSWD-Batan-
gas, Visayan Forum-Batangas,
GMA Bank and Pinoy Pamilya
Club attended the formation
program.
BIAMCO will also serve as a
coordinating body and venue
among agencies to exchange
views and information on pro-
grams and services to migrant
sector. It will attempt to share
and learn from the members’ ex-
periences in the formation and
implementation of programs for
migrants.
The migrants’ desks
are now being pre-
pared to follow similar
approach to address
existing gaps between
national programs
declared by the gov-
ernment and its local
implementation in the
various dioceses.
Likewise, the local IAMCO
will serve as a recommenda-
tory body and lobby group for
policy change and/or direction
on what is lacking among the
programs and services for the
migrant sector.
ECMI will duplicate the for-
mation of IAMCO in the dio-
ceses of Antipolo, Kalookan,
San Fernando, Pampanga and
Bayombong.
IAMCO is set to monitor the
programs and services provided
to OFWs and their families
which the national government
promised to grant but normally
failed to reach the local level.
The agency’s creation at-
tempts to systematize and con-
solidate common actions to
address the issues and concerns
that transpire before, during,
and post employment stages of
overseas labor.
ECMI observes that NGO’s
and local government units
operate independently from
each other although they are
dealing with the same clientele,
the migrant sector.
The migrants’ desks in dif-
ferent dioceses are now being
prepared to follow similar ap-
proach to address existing gaps
between national programs
declared by the government and
its local implementation in the
various dioceses.
ECMI is helping dioceses es-
tablish its diocesan ministry for
migrants as part of its program
for structure building.
tion and by-laws of the parishes. The beautiful thing
about it was we wanted to spot some changes in
terms of administration in the parish, meaning the
lay should be given responsibilities. PCP II talks
about lay participation and empowerment of the
laity. We had a meeting with all parish leaders. We
gave them inputs about Vatican II, PCP II, about
the archdiocesan shrine… how election of officers
should be done. Then finally, we had our vision and
mission. It was a long process. When everything was
set in order, we started changing.
Cardinal Vidal also came out with guidelines for
chapels. In our parish we have 48 officially recog-
nized chapels. If the chapel is alive, so is the parish.
The guidelines have four points. First, the land must
be owned by the chapel, donated to the archdiocese.
Second, there must be a structure for the chapel.
Third, is the organizational structure for the chapel,
there must be leaders. So we adapted the parish
structure to the chapel. If there is a PPC or WESTY
in the parish, the chapels should also have to make
them participate. In the Church where I am, it’s the
poor who are really supporting the parish. The poor
are the nicest people to work with. They are not
saints, but you work with them and they give their
all. If they see you are sincere, they respond. There
is so much to be done in the chapels in terms of
continuing formation. In our parish we have regular
meetings every first Sunday of the month, meeting
of all presidents of the chapels, and normally its
about 95 to 100% attendance. Second Sunday is the
meeting of all the members of WESTY. The third
week is the meeting of the PPC. The fourth Sunday
is meeting [of members] in the chapels.
How do you address the social concerns of the
Church on poverty alleviation?
The archdiocese has already its own programs
as a result of the archdiocesan synod even before
I came to Cebu. They have an archdiocesan com-
similar to Grameen, and it’s very successful. His
Eminence wants this to really spread. This has been
going on for ten years. But that is on the archdioc-
esan level. In the parish, we want to do the same.
So we listened to our leaders. Lay participation is
necessary, but they have to be formed, so they can
stand on their own later on.
Up to what degree do you think lay participation
should be, especially in terms of decision making
in the local Church?
I think the laity should be given more freedom.
But there should be openness in terms of relation-
ship, of reporting, of clarity of programs, clarity of
rules and guidelines as to where and how much.
There should be a constant report. If the laity takes
over the parish it is the fault of the priest. There
should be parameters as regards to until where lay
participation should be. But at the same time the
laity should be given the chance to move forward.
What I see here, lay participation should be in
terms of decision making in the local Church. We
have the problem of poverty in the whole country.
If there are lay people in the parish who will work
to do something by way of changing the social struc-
ture, why not? Or those involved in politics, they
should do something to achieve change. All they
have to do is ask the priest if what they are doing
is in accordance to the guidelines and spirit of the
Christian faith. That’s what Vatican II says, these are
areas where the lay should take the lead.
How are the BECs in your district?
According to the experience of the BEC archdi-
ocesan office it is difficult to form BEC in the city
than in the province. Another experience is when
the priest who started it is transferred to another
parish, the BEC dies. The BEC should not be priest
dependent. It is a way of life, like the first Christian
community.
CBCP
CBCP Monitor
Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 12
June 11-24, 2007 Statements B5
Am I My Brother’s Keeper? Friends of Jesus and
Gen 4:9b
(A Pastoral Appeal to Stop Political Killings in Pampanga)
Witnesses of His Holiness
(Homily delivered by Benedict XVI during the canonization Mass of Father George Preca, Father Szymon of Lipnica, Father Charles
DEAR Brothers and Sisters in Christ, of St. Andrew and Mother Marie-Eugénie of Jesus.)
Our May 14 elections in the Province have been perceived as generally
peaceful, orderly and credible. Our people have chosen the way of peace,
a characteristic trait we always cherish. DEAR brothers and sisters, contrast to this hope, indeed, they help Thus, filled with mercy that he drew
This peace, however, has been shattered by the recent spate of violence Today we celebrate the solemnity of to realize it through “patience” and from the Eucharist, did not hesitate to
and political killings of some barangay officials in several municipalities in the Most Holy Trinity. “proven virtue” (Romans 5:3-4): It is the bring aid to those struck by the plague,
our province. The women who have been widowed, the children who have After Eastertide, after having relived way of Jesus, the way of the cross. contracting the sickness that also
been orphaned, and the communities that have been gripped by shock and the event of Pentecost, which renews In the same perspective, of God’s brought about his own death. Today
grief are our own brothers and sisters in faith. Their grief is our grief; their the Church’s baptism in the Holy wisdom incarnate in Christ and com- in a special way we entrust to his pro-
loss is our loss; their cry for justice is our cry for justice. Spirit, we turn our gaze, so to speak, municated by the Holy Spirit, the tection those who suffer from poverty,
The perpetrators of these crimes are our brothers too. Our Father in to the “opened heavens” to enter with Gospel suggested to us that God the sickness, loneliness and social injustice.
heaven who confronted Cain over the murder of his brother Abel will the eyes of faith into the depths of the Father continues to manifest his plan Through his intercession we ask for
surely hold them accountable for their crime. “The voice of your brother’s mystery of God, one in substance and of love through the saints. Even here ourselves the grace of persevering and
blood is crying to me from the ground.” (Gen 4:10) three in persons: Father and Son and there occurs what we have already active love for Christ and our brother
In the light of these events, we are reminded of a pastoral letter written by Holy Spirit. noted about wisdom: The Spirit of truth and sisters.
the CBCP in 1984 that said, “God made us… in His image--to be like Him. As we allow ourselves to be caught reveals God’s plan in the multiplicity of “The love of God has been poured
But how is it that in a nation that prides itself of its rich Christian heritage up in this great mystery, we admire the elements of the cosmos and he does into our hearts by the Holy Spirit which
life is cheap? This is our continuing shame and sorrow as a people. We the glory of God which is reflected in it above all through human persons, in has been given us.” Truly, in the case
bewail the fact. We occasionally beat our breasts about it. And we quickly the life of the saints; we contemplate it a special way through saints. of the Passionist priest, Father Charles
forget about it—until the next orgy of killing shakes our national conscience above all in those whom I have a short In effect, “the image of the invisible Houben of St. Andrew, we see how
once again…. We know we can not eliminate altogether the violent tak- while ago proposed for the veneration God” (Colossians 1:15) is properly only that love overflowed in a life totally
ing of life. But we must… search for ways and means of diminishing the of the universal Church: George Preca, Jesus Christ, “the holy and just one” dedicated to the care of souls. During
problem that will be in full accord with our faith in Him.” Szymon of Lipnica, Father Charles of (Acts 3:14). He is wisdom incarnate, his many years of priestly ministry in
Therefore, we strongly exhort all to respect, value, and protect God’s St. Andrew and Mother Marie Eugénie creator Logos who finds his joy in England and Ireland, the people flocked
Gift of Life. of Jesus. dwelling among men, in whose midst to him to seek out his wise counsel, his
We appeal to the law enforcement agencies of government to urgently To all the pilgrims who have come he has pitched his tent (cf. John 16:15). compassionate care and his healing
provide protection and security especially for the barangay officials who to pay homage to these exemplary It pleased God to pour “every fullness” touch.
seem to be the main target of these violent acts. We likewise urge them witnesses of the Gospel, I extend my (cf. Colossians 1:19); or as he himself In the sick and the suffering he rec-
to bring to justice the perpetrators of these crimes in the soonest possible cordial greetings. says in today’s Gospel passage: “All ognized the face of the crucified Christ,
time. I greet, in particular, the cardinals, the that the Father has is mine” to whom he had a lifelong devotion. He
We appeal to the mass media to respect the delicate sensitivities of our presidents of the Philippines, of Ireland, (John 16:15). drank deeply from the rivers of
people in forming public opinion. We commend those among them who, in of Malta and of Poland, my venerable Each individual saint par- living water that poured forth
spite of the allure of money and the risks involved, fearlessly communicate brothers in the episcopate, the govern- ticipates in the riches of Christ from the side of the Pierced
the truth about these incidents. ment delegations, and the other civil taken from the One, and in the power of the
We appeal to politicians to join us in denouncing these acts, as well as authorities who are Spirit he bore witness before the
taking part in this world to the Father’s love. At
in renouncing violence as a means for redressing political grievances. We
celebration.
Each individual saint the funeral of this much-loved
urge them rather to seek all legal means to resolve conflicts at all times,
to use their authority to put a stop to these killings, and to foster peace In the first reading, participates in the priest, affectionately known as
taken from the Book Father Charles of Mount Argus,
through dialogue.
We appeal to the perpetrators of these crimes to come to their senses of Proverbs, wisdom riches of Christ taken his superior was moved to
and convert to the Lord. We remind them to put a stop to this desecration comes on the scene,
standing at God’s
from the Father and observe: “The people have
already declared him a
of life. We remind them of the words of our Lord to his disciples, “Put
the sword back in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the side as assistant, as communicated at the saint.”
“architect” (Proverbs Marie-Eugénie of
sword.” (Matthew 26: 52)
We appeal to the faithful to continue praying for peace and reconciliation; 8:30). right time. It is always Jesus calls us above
for the Prince of Peace assures us always of his healing presence and love: The panorama of Jesus’ own holiness, all to the importance
“Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of the cosmos seen with of the Eucharist in
them.” (Matt. 18:20) We encourage them to witness to Christ by actively wisdom’s eyes is stu- it is always him, the Christian life and in
collaborating with the proper authorities. pendous. Wisdom
confesses: “I played
“holy one,” whom the spiritual growth. In
fact, as she herself
To conclude, allow us to quote from the 1984 CBCP Pastoral Exhortation
“Let There Be Life” that said, “Great acts of self-sacrifice are called for in upon the surface of Spirit forms in “holy underlined, her first
his earth; and I found Communion had
today’s crisis. And evil as the times are, they may well be, in God’s Provi-
dence, the moment of grace for us as a Church and as a nation, precisely delight in the human souls,” making them been the defining
because they require steadfast and heroic consistency in the living of our race” (8:30). Wisdom
loves to dwell among
into friends of Jesus moment of her life,
although she didn’t
faith, in our responding to its pressing demands, at this particular juncture
of our history.” men because in them and witnesses of his realize it completely
she recognizes the then. Christ, present
We invoke the intercession of San Fernando, defender of the faith and
lover of the poor to bless and accompany us in our ecclesial efforts to pro- image and likeness holiness. in the depths of her
mote a culture of life and a civilization of love. of the Creator. © Alessandra Benedetti/Corbis
heart, was working in
This preferential relationship of Father and communicated at the right her, he allowed time to pass according
+PACIANO B. ANICETO, DD wisdom with men makes us think of a time. It is always Jesus’ own holiness, to its own rhythm, so that she could
Archdiocese of San Fernando celebrated passage in another sapiential it is always him, the “holy one,” whom carry out her interior quest that led her
Feast of San Fernando, Pampanga book, the Book of Wisdom: “Wisdom,” the Spirit forms in “holy souls,” making to give herself completely to the Lord in
30 May 2007 we read there, “is an aura of the might them into friends of Jesus and witnesses religious life, in response to the needs
of God and a pure effusion of the glory of his holiness. of her times.
of the Almighty; therefore nothing that George Preca was a friend of Jesus She perceived in particular the im-
NS Priests’ Statement On the is sullied enters into her. For she is the
refulgence of eternal light, the spot-
and a witness of the holiness that comes
from him. George was born in La Val-
portance of transmitting to the young
generations, and in particular to young

Conduct of the 2007 Ilocos less mirror of the power of God, the
image of his goodness. And she, who
is one, can do all things, and renews
letta on the island of Malta. He was a
priest wholly dedicated to evangeliza-
tion: through preaching, through writ-
girls, an intellectual, moral and spiritual
education that would make them into
adults capable of taking charge of a
Sur Election everything while herself perduring;
and passing into holy souls from age
to age, she produces friends of God and
ing, through spiritual direction and the
administering of the sacraments, and
family, knowing that in this way they
were offering their contribution to the
Church and society.
above all by the example of his life.
“YOUR Questions: Our Concern” is a Sunday afternoon radio program of prophets” (Wisdom 7:25-27). The phrase from John’s Gospel Her entire life she found the strength
DZNS, initiated by Archbishop Ernesto Salgado and anchored by Nueva This last suggestive expression in- “Verbum caro factum est” always gave to carry out her mission in a life of
Segovia priests. vites us to consider the manifold and direction to his soul and to his deeds, prayer, always associating contempla-
inexhaustible manifestation of sanctity and thus the Lord was able to use him tion with action. May the example of
Two questions have surfaced out after the 2007 election in Ilocos Sur: in the people of God through the cen- to give life to a meritorious work, “The St. Marie-Eugénie invite the men and
1. What are the observations underlying the seemingly peaceful election turies. God’s wisdom is manifest in Society of Christian Doctrine,” which women of today to transmit the values
in Ilocos Sur? the cosmos, in variety and beauty in aimed at providing parishes with the that will help the youth to become
2. What is the concrete action of the priests of Ilocos Sur vis-à-vis the its elements, but its masterpieces are service of qualified, well-formed and strong adults and joyous witnesses of
conduct of the election? the saints. generous catechists. the Resurrection.
In the passage from the letter of the A profoundly priestly and mystical May young people not be afraid to
Your questions are our concern as your spiritual leaders. Apostle Paul to the Romans we find soul, he overflowed with love for God, accept these moral and spiritual values,
Question 1: What are the observations underlying the seemingly peace- a similar image: that of God’s love Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and the saints. and to live them with patience and
ful election in Ilocos Sur? “poured out into the hearts” of the He loved to repeat: “Lord God, how fidelity. In this way they will construct
Some manifestations of observations: saints, that is the baptized, “through much I owe you! Thank you, Lord God, their personalities and prepare them-
1. ERs (Election Returns) without seal (per NASSA-NAMFREL) the Holy Spirit” who has been given and forgive me, Lord God!” selves for their future.
2. Substitution of page 3 of ER from precinct 5, Brgy. Ballaigi, Sinait to them (cf. Romans 5:5). It is through Saint George Preca, help the Church Dear brothers and sisters, let us give
3. Number of valid ballots greater than number of registered voters Christ that the gift of the Spirit passes, to always be, in Malta and in the world, thanks to God for the marvels that he
4. Reports of PPCRV poll watchers not given the Citizens’ Accredited “Person-Love, Person-Gift,” as the Ser- the faithful echo of Christ, the incarnate has accomplished in the saints in whom
Arm copy at the precinct but instead were required to secure these from vant of God John Paul II defined him Word. his glory shines forth. Let us be drawn
the municipality (“Dominum Vivificantem,” No. 10). The new saint, Szymon of Lipnica, by their examples, guided by their
5. Blank/incomplete data on voters and ballots in a number of ERs Through Christ, the Spirit of God great son of land of Poland, witness to teachings, so that our entire existence
6. Delay in canvassing in Candon City and Provincial Canvass comes to us as principle of new, “holy,” Christ and follower of the spirituality becomes, like theirs, a song of praise to
7. Reports of suspension of canvassing in several towns life. The Spirit puts the love of God in the of St. Francis of Assisi, lived long ago, the glory of the Most Holy Trinity.
8. Candon COC had major erasures in gubernatorial post that is not heart of believers in the concrete form it but is proposed to the Church today May Mary, the Queen of Saints,
countersigned had in the man Jesus of Nazareth. In this as a relevant model of a Christian and the intercession of these four new
9. Narvacan COC total votes were not written in words way what St. Paul says about “Christ in who—animated by the spirit of the “older brothers and sister,” whom we
you, hope of glory” (Corinthians 1:27) Gospel—is ready to give his life for his venerate with joy today, obtain this
Question 2: What is the concrete action of the priests of Ilocos Sur vis-à- is realized. The “tribulations” are not in brothers and sisters. grace for us. Amen.
vis the conduct of the election?
Today, Monday, May 21, 2007, the first day of the Priests’ Assembly held Music / B1
at the Aula de Nuestra Señora de Caridad, at the Archbishop’s Residence
in Vigan City, after having deliberated on and scrutinized the conduct ing to music. inspiration comes knocking anytime.
of the election, through the help of LENTE (Legal Network for Truthful Aside from promoting gospel music with a ‘catholic color’, He believes his musical talent is intertwined with his
Elections), we, the priests of Nueva Segovia, under the leadership of our the foundation also helps various committees and offices pastoral mission. He concedes that fidelity to his priestly
Archbishop Ernesto A. Salgado, declare the following: in the Church in producing their albums. Other programs ministry is essential for his gift to flourish and bear fruit.
1. We CONDEMN the dirty conduct of the 2007 election in Ilocos Sur, include sending scholars to school, forming choir in the When asked how he came up with songs that are well ap-
in terms of alleged massive vote-buying and vote-selling as well as oppo- parishes, and holding seminars in liturgical music. preciated and loved by the people, he simply said, “It is a
nent-buying for unopposed candidacy. We PROTEST against the injustice “My specific responsibility is really to look for resources gift and a mission.”
done to our people by the desecration of their right to choose and elect that can help the choir in the parishes. [I] also organize He reveals the need to ‘live well’ in order to reap good
their leaders. We likewise condemn political dynasties. seminars, so they would know and grow in the liturgical fruits. One’s life should be lived according to the teach-
2. We SUPPORT all moves to demand the re-counting/re-canvassing of sense of what is the right music in the place of worship,” ings of Jesus Christ and the mission he entrusted to us. As
votes at the COMELEC Manila at the fastest possible time to ensure truth Fr. Carlo said. a shepherd, whose responsibility is to see his flock grow
and justice as well as confidence in our election processes. The Jubilee Ministry staged its first acoustic gospel con- in the love of Christ; he strives to manifest the person of
3. We COMMIT ourselves to the on-going political education and cert with Fr. Carlo and Fr. Mimo in the lead early this year. Jesus in his life.
mobilization of the people under our care, geared towards political trans- The Lenten concert which was reflective in style got positive Fr. Carlo reminds that music is not the end-all and be-all
formation. reviews from the audience. of everything. Reflectively, he observes that for some people,
We affix our signatures this 21st day of May at the Aula de Nuestra “Our style is not for entertainment but for recollection,” music becomes an end rather than a path towards God.
Señora de Caridad, at the Archbishop’s Residence in Vigan City. said Fr. Carlo, explaining that each hymn sung in the con- “Don’t replace God with music. God should be first, then,
cert was introduced in a form of a narrative, elucidating the music will follow,” he advised.
For the Clergy Assembly: theme and background of each song. Despite accolades received from various award-giving
MSGR. COSMENIO ROSIMO Another concert, which will be Marian in character, is bodies, his feet remain firmly rooted on the ground. Fr.
Priests’ Assembly President being planned for October this year. Carlo stays humble and meek, leading more people to Christ
through his music.
Attested by: “A Gift and a Mission” “I have this sense of detachment. I do not claim full own-
MOST REV. ERNESTO A. SALGADO Fr. Carlo’s compositions are rich in theology and spiritual- ership [of my talents.] It belongs to God,” he said simply.
Archbishop of Nueva Segovia ity. He claims he only writes when an idea hits him, so he His gift begins from his love for God and ends giving
always keeps his cell phone or mp3 recorder handy in case praise to God through music.
 CBCP Monitor
B6 Reflections Vol. 11 No. 12
June 11-24, 2007

Feet… Pilgrims,
Workers, Saints…
By Fr. Roberto P. Reyes

FEET, small, big, smooth, silky, ent from my Holy Week in guilt gripped me as I behaved
callous, leathery, white as por- China last year. Holy week like casually on days considered
celain, brown as earth…Feet, Christmas week was a typi- special days of intense prayer
female feet, special feet of cal working week in China. I and fasting. I would try to make
women who up for the lack of
have journeyed As I washed the workers’ feet, I began external religios-
far away to find ity by taking off
work. Pilgrim a silent dialogue with them. I listened and hitting the
feet, working to them and spoke to them as well. road. My run-

© Mike Alquinto/epa/Corbis
feet, loving feet. ning feet would
These were the Then I realized how these feet like mine engage the earth
feet that I con-
templated on have journeyed far and labored hard. in a rhythmic
dialogue of en-
as I celebrated
the liturgy of
I begin to see not only their feet but ergies.
As I ran, grad-
the washing mine and those of millions walking ually and pro-
of the feet last
Holy Thursday,
and running in search of peace, truth, gressively ap-
proaching my
ening its banks from farmers
washing freshly harvested
to concentrate on my feet and
listen to their prayerful gait.
life of pilgrimage, service and
mystery. In China I have got-
April 5, 2007 justice and freedom. destination, I vegetables, fishing hobbyists At the end of a run that lasted ten used to the inner dialogue
at St. Joseph’s hear the strides exchanging banter, the hyp- between one and a half or two between my feet and the rest
Church, in Choi Hung. taught and behaved as if those of my feet mix with the sounds notic sounds of various engines hours, I would head home and of me…between feet and mind,
It was my first Holy Week days were no different from of a river just a few feet away, powering vehicles speeding thank the feet which to this heart and soul.
in Hong Kong. It was differ- other days. A strange inner the variety of activities enliv- by on a nearby highway. I try moment have given me the Feet / B7

Bo Sanchez
Atty. Jo Imbong

Futile? Wipe While Wet

“LET’S have our apartment repainted!”
“IT”s no use,” Cristina said, visibly downcast. She was seated across me my happy wife announced one day.
perusing the day’s a la carte offering. “I can’t seem to bring myself to really “Great idea!” I nodded with glee, “and
pray earnestly, I mean, really talking to God from the heart, and all that,” you know what? I’ll do it myself!”
she mumbled ruefully. Suddenly, her demeanor changed.
“Why, just how do you pray anyway?” I asked, wondering at myself for Even her skin color grew pale. She was
the question. How silly of me to ask, I thought, as I dangled a crustacean speechless, her jaw agape. (The last
between my thumb and forefinger. We were having Mediteranean Paella. time I saw that “God-help-me” look on
But I could ask Cristina anything. My humble lunch table is always open her face was when I first proposed to
to her, much as she is candid to me about her musings on everything in the her.) “Umm, on second thought,” she
entire alphabet. muttered weakly, “I think our home
Today, however, her first words did not augur well for our usual spir- looks just fine. The old paint in fact adds
ited discourses. “My prayer isn’t getting me anywhere,” she blurted as she character and charm…”
dropped a half-open clam with a whisk of dismissal. “It’s a shame. God But it was useless. I already was off to
must be grimacing badly at the way I pray to him. Job must have been a the hardware. And I knew what my wife
really exceptional old chap. My fervor diminishes fast in proportion to the was thinking: That I have never painted
time that passes from the moment I say, ‘Lord . . .’” a house before. But didn’t she know that
“Well,” I managed to speak seemingly unaffected, “old Job wasn’t any
different from you either.” “Huh, really?” she snapped back, her eyelids
I painted a lot of other stuff? So when I
arrived with twenty-five gallons of paint
a-flutter, anticipating an encouraging word. in my car trunk, I tried to cheer her up.
“Why yes! If you look back at Holy Scripture’s description of Job’s pre- “Honey, don’t worry. I ‘water colored’
dicament,” I said, “you will have a glimpse of three things: the ways of God, in kindergarten. In fact, my teacher
the ways of the devil, and the ways of lowly man—that’s us. Remember,” I displayed two of my art works on her
bulletin board!”
continued, struggling not to sound preachy, “the devil asked God’s permis-
sion to bedevil (yes, that’s the apt word) Job. He then goes about with his Well today, our tiny abode is newly
mayhem and afterwards, submits a performance report to God concerning painted. But so is everything else in it,
the object of his mischief—Job. Guess who won?” I said, not expecting an under it, above it, around it—including
answer at this point... the mailman that came at the wrong
“And you know what,” I rushed in, foreclosing any attempt at interrup- time when I was putting a twenty-sixth
tion, “the devil is still at it—the devil tempting you and me, God permitting coat on the front door. Even my teeth
him, and us putting up a good fight as best we could. And that what makes had paint on them. The only part of my
your prayer—or your attempts at prayer—still pleasing to God,” I declared, body that didn’t have paint on was my
smiling, “provided, that,” (Pardon this proviso. Force of habit in any A-at- intestines.
Law’s vocabulary.) “in the innermost sinew of your will, you refuse to be In other words, being totally igno-
herded into evil.” rant about painting, I dripped, spilled,
Cristina was now in full-attention mode, open-mouthed, she propped smudged, smeared, splashed paint on
her jaw against her right palm every dead or living object found on a
from whose fin- “And you know what,” gers dangled
a fork. Seizing
I continued, “Put
I rushed in, foreclosing the moment,
simply, your Fr. Roy Cimagala
prayer might any attempt at interrup- seem dispir-
ited to you, di-
boring even, en-
by the intrusion
tion, “the devil is still at
it—the devil tempting
lapidated,
livened only
of memorable
Priests and Politics
diversions. But God will never
think that you are you and me, God permit- wasting his
time—or yours.”
And I meant
ting him, and us putting that. Not even
when the devil’s up a good fight as best buzz to God STANDARD disclaimers by Church
mentions that you yawned leaders were made when some clerics
five times dur- we could. And that what ing prayer; decided to run for various government
that these were
corner-of-the-eye
makes your prayer—or followed by
glances at your
posts in the last elections.
Everyone was warned that these
flashing mobile your attempts at prayer— phone nearby; priests were running on their own,
then ten minutes of justifying an
attitude against still pleasing to God.” your worst
without
sanction and permission from the
detractor; and finally reveling at memories and glorious fantasies whispered Church or their bishops, and were
by the devil into your jello-like imagination. Why, that gives Satan a score of actually suspended from their priestly
9 to 1. You lose. And Satan adds, for good measure, your belabored attempt duties.
at gathering your wits and returning to God’s presence. All these disclaimers spring from,
That was visibly half-hearted, the devil boasts to God. among others, the Church’s Canon Law
“But,” I interposed, as Cristina started to gesture, “that is not the case.” which specifically prohibits priests from
“And why might that be?” she said, sensing a happy ending. The paella getting involved in politics. Its Canon
was super! after all. 285,3 states:
“Because,” I answered, “first of all there is nothing to show that our prayer “Clerics are forbidden to assume pub-
is boring to God as it seems to us. Remember, God’s scale of values, His
terms, even, are quite different from ours,” I said with flourish as I attacked
lic office whenever it means sharing in
the exercise of civil power.”
a shrimp. “What is light to Him is too luminous for our mortal eyes that are This provision is preceded by the
so used to relishing material things, so that God’s light blinds us and we can admonition that says that clerics should
only see darkness.” (I owe that last one to St. John of the Cross and, before shun anything unbecoming to their
him Dionysius the Areopagite.)
“That is why,” I continued, looking at a wide-eyed Cristina, “it would
state, and also should avoid whatever
is foreign to their state, even when it is
simply be reasonable to think of God telling Satan to his face, ‘But, for whom not unseemly.
was she doing it all?’”
“And that’s the point Cris!” I exclaimed, dropping my fork. “It would
For a priest to get involved in politics
is clearly considered in the canon as
simply be reasonable to expect God crumpling Satan’s silly rating sheet something unbecoming and foreign to
and telling him pointblank, ‘At least she has not gone back to the couch or his state. In short, he makes himself a
reached for the TV’s remote. She did go on praying. And she will probably fish out of water, a square peg in a round
do the same tomorrow but her objective all along is still one thing—and still
is—to please Me. And though she imagines that she isn’t doing this, for sure
hole, a misfit, no matter how popular or
well-loved he may be by the people.
she has no intention of pleasing, not the least, you.’ ” A priest in politics is a clear case of
“Call it,” I told Cristina, “the prayer of futility. It is the posture that enables clericalism, a disease quite common
you and me to say without guile, ‘I am nothing. I can do nothing. I deserve in the dark parts of the Church’s long
nothing. But nothing in the world will induce me to give it up.’ ” history when there was no clear distinc-
A holy man put it so well when he said, “ ...inevitably, God is the reward tion made between Church and civil
for such a striving... but God expressing Himself more in His Absence than powers.
in His Presence. “ It was a bitter and bloody lesson
‘You wouldn’t be looking for Me,’ as God told Pascal, ‘if you hadn’t already learned. Hopefully, we don’t have to
found Me.” go through it again.
“Sharing in the exercise of civil
(The author may be reached at fidesvivo@yahoo.com) power” can include executive, legisla-
tive and judicial power like being a
governor or mayor, congressman or
two-mile radius around our apartment.
(I literally painted the town red. And
white, blue, brown…)
But you know what? My clumsiness
was saved by one of the greatest con-
traptions ever invented by humankind:
A wet rag. No kidding.
Whenever my brush dripped, slipped,
or painted something that shouldn’t
have been painted, all I had to do was
With one stroke, we can
remove them easy—as
long as they’re still wet.
Trust me, they don’t
stand a chance. As long
we don’t take too long, we
can get rid of evil from
our minds—and lives.
wipe it off with a moist cloth—and eu-
reka, it was gone.
But here’s the rule: Wipe while wet. I
mean, don’t let a minute pass by. Never,
ever let it dry. Because if it does, God
have mercy on you. Like it took me
two weeks to scrape, rub, and peel the
dried-up paint around the house. I used
thinner, detergent, cleanser, muriatic
acid, sulphuric acid, even ascorbic acid.
I even sprinkled holy water.
Can I have your full attention
please?
senator, judge, etc.
This prohibition is based on the very
nature of the ministerial priesthood
and on the sacred object of its mission.
A priest is a witness and dispenser of
supernatural values on behalf of Christ
and with Christ’s power.
In the first place, a priest with his holy
orders is conformed to Christ as head
of the Church, and not just to Christ as
member of the Church just like what
happens with everybody else with his
Christian baptism.
For a priest to get in-
volved in politics is clear-
ly considered in the canon
as something unbecoming
and foreign to his state.
In short, he makes him-
self a fish out of water,
a square peg in a round
hole, a misfit, no matter
how popular or well-loved
he may be by the people.
As such, his main concern is the sal-
vation of souls which has an eminently
spiritual and supernatural character.
This spiritual and supernatural charac-
ter transcends the unavoidable variety
and conflicts of positions allowed by
the autonomous nature of our temporal
affairs, such as our politics.
Though he can have his own personal
views in political issues, the priest as
priest should try to be above all these to
unite the people for what is absolutely
necessary for us, without getting en-
This isn’t a lecture on painting houses.
This is a reflection on the life of a soul.
You see, we make mistakes quite
often. We spill, smear, splash our
souls dirty. All of us do. We think foul
thoughts. Dirty thoughts. Vengeful
thoughts. Evil thoughts.
But here’s the catch. With one stroke,
we can remove them easy—as long as
they’re still wet. Trust me, they don’t
stand a chance. As long we don’t take
too long, we can get rid of evil from our
minds—and lives.
Oh yes, they do return. Again, and
again, and again. They’re pretty stub-
born, these fellows. But with one stroke,
we can wipe them off. Again, and again,
and again.
The point: Be as stubborn as they
are. If we don’t, we’re going to scrub-
bing dried-up sin in our souls for days,
perhaps months, possibly years—even
a lifetime. Because our thoughts be-
come our deeds, our deeds become our
character, our character become our
destiny.
Because of this, I now know what
hell may look like: It’s a place where the
soul is violently, fiercely scrubbing off
evil from every square inch of its skin--
till it’s one grotesque body of festering
wounds—but he’ll just keep on scratch-
ing and rubbing and scraping for all his
painful eternity.
My friend, carve this on stone: Wipe
while wet.
It might just save you an eternity.
tangled in divisive matters, no matter
how important they are.
When we hear that priests should
speak only about God, it means that
even if they have to touch on political
issues, it has to be clear that the purpose
is to conform things to God, and not
to take sides or to get involved in the
technical aspects.
Besides, they have to do it such that
there is always charity and mercy.
Speaking with the forcefulness of God
always respects freedom. There is no
bitter zeal involved.
Relevant to this point, the Direc-
tory on the Ministry and Life of Priests
says:
“The priest cannot take an active role
in political parties… In fact, even if these
are good things in themselves, they are
nevertheless foreign to the clerical state
since they can constitute a grave danger
of division in the ecclesial community.
“The priest ought to refrain from
actively engaging himself in politics in
order to be a central point of spiritual
fraternity.
“To intervene directly in political activ-
ities and in social organization forms part
of the lay faithful’s vocation, in which
they work by their own initiative together
with their fellow citizens.” (33)
I think part of the problem we have
now is the perception that we lack cred-
ible laymen with authentic Christian
spirit and zeal to intervene directly in
politics. But is this really so? I have my
doubts.
Related to that problem is the well-
known clerical mentality quite wide-
spread among us, a result of our history
and culture, which leads the lay faithful
often to run to the clergy to settle con-
cerns that belong more to them than to
the priests.
 CBCP
CBCP Monitor
Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 12
June 11-24, 2007 Social Concern B7

PVC: Toxic to Health and Environment

By Lou V. Arsenio

THE Archdiocese of Manila
Ecology Desk is in partner-
ship with the Center for
Health Environment and
Justice in our advocacies for
a healthy environment and
environmentally safe school.
Included in the campaign is
the reduction if not the total
elimination of toxic materi-
als and chemicals in our
markets, households, schools
and other institutions.
Several studies were made
to prove that plastic especial-
ly Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
made or content plastics are
very dangerous to the envi-
ronment and human health.
Studies show that “some
toxic phthalates, which are
used to make PVC more flex-
ible, are banned from use in
toys not only in the EU but in
Korea as well. Nursery bot-
tles made of polycarbonate
have also undergone tests to
prove their safety. The tests
showed negligible amounts
of Bisphenol A are released
when they are boiled. There
can be problems if they are
boiled for too long, but boiling
them for sterilization purposes
for a moment poses no serious
threat.” The Korean government
has banned the manufacture of
cling film using phthalates.
In addition to concerns about
PVC, many plastics also contain
additives that can be problem-
atic when heated. Plastics of the
same number even contain many
different additives, added by
manufacturers to achieve spe-
cific qualities for their products.
Plastics are a huge combination
of chemicals, and separating out
oil alone without releasing toxic
additives seems very unlikely,
especially when the plastics are
mixed.
PVC plastic is used in shower
curtains, packaging, children’s
toys, and other products sold
at Target, a department store in
United States. The production
of these products poses serious
environmental health threats, re-
quiring the use of dangerous car-
cinogens such as vinyl chloride.
U.S. communities surrounding
PVC chemical facilities, half
of which are in Louisiana, suf-
fer from groundwater and air
pollution. When produced or
burned, PVC plastic releases
dioxins, a group of extremely
toxic chemicals, which can cause
cancer and harm the immune
and reproductive system. PVC
is useless without the addition
of a plethora of toxic additives,
which are released during use
and disposal, resulting in el-
evated human exposures to dan-
gerous chemicals. For instance
the familiar new vinyl shower
curtain smell is the smell of toxic
chemicals offgassing. PVC is
very difficult to recycle and can
contaminate the recycling batch
of other plastics.
“PVC produces Dioxin when
burned. Dioxins and furans are
some of the most toxic chemi-
cals known to science. A draft
report released for public com-
ment in September 1994 by the
US Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) clearly describes
dioxin as a serious public health
threat. The public health impact
of dioxin may rival the impact
that DDT had on public health
in the 1960’s. According to the
EPA report, not only does there
appear to be no “safe” level of
exposure to dioxin, but levels of
dioxin and dioxin-like chemicals
have been found in the general
US population that are “at or
near levels associated with ad-
verse health effects. .
“Dioxin is a general term that
describes a group of hundreds
of chemicals that are highly per-
sistent in the environment. The
most toxic compound is 2,3,7,8-
tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
or TCDD. The toxicity of other
dioxins and chemicals like PCBs
that act like dioxin are measured
in relation to TCDD. Dioxin is
formed as an unintentional by-
product of many industrial pro-
cesses involving chlorine such
as waste incineration, chemical
and pesticide manufacturing
and pulp and paper bleaching.
Dioxin was the primary toxic
component of Agent Orange,
was found at Love Canal in Ni-
agara Falls, NY and was the basis
for evacuations at Times Beach,
MO and Seveso, Italy.
“Dioxin is formed by burn-
ing chlorine-based chemical
compounds with hydrocarbons.
The major source of dioxin in the
environment comes from waste-
burning incinerators of various
sorts and also from backyard
burn-barrels. Dioxin pollution
is also affiliated with paper mills
which use chlorine bleaching
in their process and with the
production of PVC plastics and
with the production of certain
chlorinated chemicals (like many
pesticides).” (source: Dioxin re-
searches from US NTP)
Cancer caused by dioxin ac-
cording to the International
Agency for Research on Cancer
are lung, stomach, liver and
connective tissue. It can also
cause neonatal abnormalities,
change in sex ratio (as tested in
animals-decreased sperm count,
congenital malformations-cleft
palate, kidney disorders), de-
creased testes size, premature
onset of puberty, feminization of
behavior and endometriosis.
In humans, it has shown to
cause altered level of sex ratio.
It has hormone effects which
causes decrease in testosterone
at relatively high dosage. In-
fants exposed during prenatal
shows decreased levels of
thyroid hormone. It has also
developmental neurotoxic ef-
fects. Thus, dioxin can cause
decreased psychomotor abil-
ity, hearing deficits, cogni-
tive defects and behavioral
alterations in infants. It was
also noted that cancer among
children are on the rise such
as leukemia, cancer of the
bones, brain and the like.
To prevent the production
of dioxin, we should look for
available alternatives to PVC
and plastic. As Filipinos we
ought to use our indigenous
materials. The alternatives
will be discussed in the next
issue.
(Training for the Environ-
mentally Safe School and how
to develop a Green Flag School
Program will be held on June 7-8,
2007 at the Caritas Manila Mul-
tipurpose Bldg, Caritas Manila
Compound, Pandacan, Manila.
Interested schools may contact
our office at (02) 562-34 70,
Tel/Fax (02) 561-9975 or email:
ecology_rcam @yahoo.com.)

Gumaca / B3
cese formulates lay leadership training
program that aims to educate, form and
empower the lay leaders to become cata-
lysts and active builders of a transformed
Christian community. Through seminars
regularly conducted for the members of
the Diocesan Council of the Laity (DCL)
and the Parish Pastoral Councils it hopes
to energize and strengthen the lay leaders
to become responsible agents of a vibrant
faith community. The BEC leaders and
lay missionaries are likewise trained in
their catechism to articulate and affirm the
role of faith especially in their continuing
struggle for human dignity and justice
amidst the growing poverty, oppression
and ecological problems. Recollections
and retreats help religious organizations
especially the catechists to harness their
spiritual and moral force as well as their
prophetic role towards a higher level of
pastoral engagements according to the
gospel of life. Lay leaders’ convention
or sectoral assemblies are other venues
whereby orientation on important religio-
socio-cultural-political concerns and issues
are tackled based on Catholic Christian
perspective and teachings. All these train-
ing and formation programs are intend
to reinvigorate, direct and empower our
lay leaders towards the building of the
community of disciples and the Church
of the poor.
survey and evaluation, new proposals
were made, making MSK, a way of being
Church.
Following the new scheme, every MSKs
should be characterized by: Kapitbahayan
(neighborhood based, not barangay/sitio
communities); Nakaugat sa Salita ng Diyos
(centered on the word of God); Aksyon
(towards concrete action); Nakaugnay
sa Kalakhang Simbahan (linked with
the parish church). Vital to sustain these
communities, MSKs should consider the
following: Vision, Structure, Witnessing,
Skills, Culture.
The new designed MSK would be vig-
orously promoted for the full living of the
Christian vocation in the kapitbahayan
both in the barrio/barangay areas and
parish centers. It would not simply be
considered another organization for the
poor farmers and fisher folks, but a way of
life centered around the word of God and
the Eucharist. As a participatory church
it should likewise have a strong sense of
belongingness and responsibility for oth-
ers especially the poor and the deprived
(PCP II).
Moreover, MSKs would still be united to
their pastors, though led by the elected lay
leaders in building their communities and
ministered every Sunday by the appointed
prayer leaders. Once a month, the priests
Feet / B6
Tonight, I encountered rather dif-
ferent feet, OFWs’ feet that seemed to
speak and cry out their stories. As I
held those feet, poured water, applied
soap and washed them, I heard sobs
and then saw tears. I did not exactly
understand those tears, but as I lis-
tened and watched, certain tenderness
began to spread within me. I realize
that I was washing the feet of those
whose hands, minds, hearts and even
souls have been enduring wounds
inflicted by both persons and situa-
tions as well. These were the feet of my
“kababayan,” fellow countrywomen
who have become overseas workers
and a good number of modern-day
slaves in another country.
I saw feet not comely but glowing
with existential eloquence, feet that
spoke, cried, denounced, protested,
groaned, and throbbed with untold
burden and anguish. As I washed the
workers’ feet, I began a silent dialogue
with them. I listened to them and spoke
to them as well. Then I realized how
these feet like mine have journeyed
far and labored hard. I begin to see
not only their feet but mine and those
of millions walking and running in
search of peace, truth, justice and free-
dom. Now these feet, theirs and mine
are together here in Hong Kong. Why?
The feet need not speak. The calluses,
scars, varicose veins, stains of every
kind tell quite a story, the story of the
Overseas Filipino Workers in Hong
Kong and the rest of the world.
Before I concluded the Eucharist, I
requested some of those whose feet I
washed and were washed by fellow
migrants to share. All without excep-
tion expressed the same sentiment,
“habang hinuhugasan ang aking
paa, naramdaman ko si Kristo…at
gumaan nang husto ang aking loob,
mapayapa…” “While my feet were be-
ing washed I felt Christ and I felt light,
I felt peace….” One even emphasized
how she felt a melting feeling, spread-
ing tenderness and peace from her feet
to her heart.
The Filipina workers’ testimonies
were but the surface of an explosive
narrative of migrancy with its com-
plex economic, social, psychological,
moral dimensions and consequences
often manifested as wounds. It was a
narrative of pilgrim workers in search
of depth, meaning, healing, indeed, in
search of God.
The story of Filipina workers’ feet
this Maundy Thursday has left a silent
but deep impact on me. This story
makes me ask and contemplate even
more… if feet are not just feet and
workers are not only workers, then
what more?
Deep beneath, behind and within
the surface of those neglected, ignored
and quite often abused are souls
athirst for healing and fullness of life,
a state, a condition which workers al-
most always equate with God. Those
feet were eloquent because they said
much without even uttering a word,
except one word that struck deep
chords within… holy (both the state
and more importantly the process
leading to it).
There is much more crying out to be
done but we can begin here, looking
at and washing the feet of pilgrims…
workers… saints.

BEC, A Way of Being Church

The Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs),
also called in the local parlance as the
Munting Sambayanang Kristiyano or
MSKs started in the diocese in 1980, five
years before its foundation. In their incep-
tion, MSKs emerged as grassroots com-
munities of poor farmers and fisher folks,
which strive to integrate faith and their
daily life. The reason being that these small
communities of Christians (MSKs) were
first organized in the far flung villages
where our poor people could hardly go
to the parish church due to economic, geo-
graphical and transportation constrains.
With the ardent desire to rebuild and
strengthen the MSKs, the diocese, with
the help of the Bukal ng Tipan, a group
engaged in promoting and strengthening
BEC programs, revisited its MSK program
in 2004. Taking into account the completed
would continue to visit them to celebrate
the sacraments particularly the Eucharist.
They would likewise guide and encourage
CBCPMonitor Name _________________________________________________
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the people by regular catechesis towards
social transformation. On the part of the SUBSCRIPTION RATES
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people, on the one hand, all the officers
of each MSKs, including the catechists, ________________________________________________________
would still gather together in a designated The CBCP Monitor is published
time and place for their regular catechesis
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fortnightly by the CBCP Media
and to discuss important concerns that will Mode of Payment
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 CBCP Monitor
B8 Entertainment Vol. 11 No. 12
June 11-24, 2007

Title: PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN:
AT WORLD’S END
Running Time: 167 minutes
Lead Cast: Johnny Depp, Orlando
Bloom, Kiera Knightly, Chow Yun
Fat, Geoffrey Rush
Director: Gore Verbinski
Screenplay: Ted Elliot, Terry Rossio
Cinematography: Dariusz Wolski
Editing: Craig Wood, Stephen Rivkin
Producers: Jerry Bruckheimer
Music: Hans Zimmer
Location: Carribean Seas
Genre: Action /Adventure
Distributor: Columbia Pictures / Buena
Vista Pictures
Technical Assessment:
Moral Assessment:
Cinema Rating : V13
Moral Assessment
Abhorrent PICKING off from Dead Man’s Chest,
Disturbing Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Eliza-
Acceptable beth Swann (Keira Knightly) face off
Wholesome with the fiery Chinese pirate Sao Feng
(Chow Yun-Fat) in their effort to find
Exemplary
the map to the world’s end to rescue
Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp)
Technical Assessment from Davy Jones’ locker. Together with
Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), the
Poor old gang try to reunite the nine Pirate
Below average Lords to fight against Lord Cutler
Average Beckett (Tom Hollander) of the East
Above average India Trading Company who manages
Excellent to make/force an alliance with Davy
Jones (Bill Nighy). With each charac-
ter having his individual agenda, will
CINEMA Rating Guide they be able to work together to defeat
Lord Beckett and the Flying Dutchman
VA - For viewers of all ages before freedom is totally lost?
V13 - For viewers age 13 Once again, the movie is a visual
and below with parental feast of the flowing combination of
guidance
constantly stunning designs and tech-
V14 - For viewers 14 and
above nical genius. Depp scores high as he
V18 - For mature viewers 18 reprised the swaggering and slurring
and above Captain Sparrow. The film can be most
NP - Not for public viewing appreciated for its extraordinary atten-
tion to detail with exquisitely delivered
performances by Depp, Rush and even
Nighy under all his tentacles, as well as
the finely crafted costumes, production
design and special effects. However,
a movie is foremost storytelling and
hence necessitates a clear and coherent
storyline. For the third time, Verbinski
overburdens the film with many plot-
lines that disturb the audience amidst
the confusion and the bombardment
of special effects. As this is already the
third installment, the filmmakers could
have shaven off half of its subplots and
focused on the three major characters
to give them texture and depth. While
there was more and more thrown up
on the screen, there was less and less
to touch our hearts and minds.
Bootstrap Turner remarks “It’s not
about living forever; the trick is living
with yourself”, and truly each character
is tested accordingly. They begin to
pretend working together while each
had a personal agenda at the back of
his mind with the full realization that
no one is about to keep his word. Af-
ter awhile the film turns into one big,
knotted mess of crosses, double crosses,
triple crosses, quadruple crosses and
double quadruple crosses. But at the
end, the characters realize that they
need to make choices, either to fol-
low a self-serving road or to let go of
individual objectives to work for the
common good. This is a good way to
re-awaken the growing indifference of
a self-absorbed society starting to care
less and less for the group. Although
the characters are pirates, the movie
emphasizes that success comes sweeter
with teamwork and unity regardless
of individual strengths and ability.
Hence, life – no matter how short or
seemingly insignificant – matters when
at the very core of yourself, you have
discovered values that make you let go
of yourself, making you a better person
for others.

Title: PAANO KITA IIBIGIN

ANSWER TO THE LAST ISSUE:
(1) AN EXCUSE IS WORSE AND MORE TERRIBLE THAN A LIE FOR
EXCUSE IS A LIE GUARDED. POPE JOHN PAUL II
(2) TO SEEK THE HIGHEST GOOD IS TO LIVE WELL. ST. AUGUSTINE
QUOTES IN QUIZ
B O O K L E T S A V A I L A B L E AT
BOOKSALE STORES IN SM,
ROBINSONS AND SELECTED MALLS
IN MANILA. FOR MAIL ORDER
TEXT 0919 2803036.
Running Time: 120 mins.
Starring: Regine Velasquez, Piolo
Pascual, Eugene Domingo, Quin-
tin Alianza, Iya Villana
Director: Bb. Joyce Bernal
Producer: Star Cinema and Viva Films
Screenplay: Mel-Mendoza Del Rosa-
rio, John Paul Abellera, Vanessa
Valdez
Cinematography: Charlie Peralta
Editor: Marya Ignacio
Genre: Drama, Romance
Distributor: Star CINEMA
Technical Assessment: 1/2
Moral Assessment: 1/2
Rating: For viewers 14 and above
SI MARTEE (Regine Velasquez) ay
binagyo ng mga problema. Matapos
matanggal sa trabaho, napalayas na-
man siya sa kanyang inuupahang
apartment. Kasabay nito, kinailangan
nyang ilipat ng lugar ang kanyang
anak sa pagkadalaga na si Liam (Quin-
tin Alianza) kung saan mas maaliwa-
las at walang polusyon gawa ng ang
batang ito ay may hika. Bilang regalo
ng kapatid ni Martee, napadpad sila
sa isang luma at napabayaang resort
sa Zambales at dito ay mapipilitan
siyang mamasukan at manirahan dala
ng matinding pangangailangan. Ang
resort ay pagmamay-ari ni Lance (Piolo
Pascual) na sa bawat araw ay nilulu-
nod ang sarili sa alak upang makawala
sa mapait na alaala ng nakaraan- ang
pagkamatay ng kanyang nobya (Iya
Villana) sa isang aksidente. Sa una’y
hindi magkasundo sina Martee at
Lance. Paano magtatagpo ang dam-
damin ng isang babaeng galit sa mga
lalaki dahil sa pag-iwan sa kanila ng
ama ng kanyang anak at isang lalak-
ing nakatali sa malalim na sugat ng
nakaraan?
Isang nakaaaliw na pelikula ang
Paano Kita Iibigin. Kumbaga sa isang
putahe, tama ang sangkap at mahu-
say ang pagkakahalo ng iba’t-ibang
elemento. Bagama’t lumang pormula
at komersyal, naging natural ang daloy
ng kuwento at hindi pilit. Bukod sa ma-
husay na pagganap ng mga pangunah-
ing tauhan, ang tunay na naging ya-
man ng pelikula ay si Eugene Domingo
bilang Liwayway na binubuhay ang
bawat eksena sa kanyang matalinong
paraan ng komedya. Buo ang kuwento
at hindi nag-iwan ng anumang tanong
maliban sa kung anong pamilya ang
pinanggalingan ni Martee na siya
dapat magbibigay paliwanag sa uri
ng kanyang karakter na madalas kom-
plikado at hindi consistent.
Paano nga ba mag-iibigan ang
dalawang pusong may kani-kaniyang
lamat? Tama ang pelikula sa pagsasa-
bing kinakailangan munang paghilu-
min ang anumang sugat ng nakaraan
Title: OCEAN’S THIRTEEN
Running Time: 100 min.
Cast: Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Matt
Damon, Elliot Gould, Al Pacino
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Producer: Jerry Weintraub
Screenwriters: Brian Koppelman,
David Levein
Music: David Holmes
Editor: Stephen Mirrione
Cinematography: Steven Soderbergh
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Location: U.S.A
Technical Assessment:
Moral Assessment:
CINEMA Rating: For mature viewers
18 and above
CASINO operator Willie Bank (Al
Pacino) double-crosses Reuben Tish-
koff (Elliott Gould) which lands Tish-
koff in a hospital’s ICU with a grave
heart condition. Tishkoff is the friend
and mentor of Danny Ocean (George
Clooney) who in turn gives Willie a
chance to redeem himself by letting
Tishkoff get his fair share of the newest
casino in Las Vegas, called “Bank”. But
Willie simply snickers off the offer, so
Ocean reassembles his gang—this time
they’re 13—and together they scheme
to rig every game on Bank’s opening
night so that every gambler around
can break the casino. The manufactur-
ers of Bank’s machines are paid off so
that all tools of the trade—dice, cards,
slot machines etc.—may be “fixed”
and cleverly installed without Willie
getting any wiser. On top of this they
plan to run off with Willie’s cherished
upang mabuong muli ang puso para
magmahal. Ang pagkatao ay hindi
maaring mabago ng ibang tao. Sa halip,
tanging ang sarili at Diyos lamang ang
maaring gumawa ng paraan tungo sa
tuluyang pagbabago. Bagama’t nak-
ababahalang imahe ang malabis na
paglalasing ni Lance, ito ay dahil sa
matinding pait ng nakaraan at halos
hindi niya alam ang kanyang ginagawa
bunga ng malabis na depresyon. Isang
aral din ang matututunan sa pelikula
ukol sa responsableng pagmamaneho.
Si Martee, bagama’t minsan ay niloko
diamonds worth $250 million kept in
an impenetrable room on the casino’s
top floor.
In recruiting actors for Ocean’s 13,
director Steven Soderbergh made one
unbreakable rule: No jerks. Which
means no one actor would demand spe-
cial treatment over the others. The rule
implied that the camaraderie among the
fictitious Ocean and his 13 collaborators
must be lived in real life among the
actors playing the roles. This resulted
in a wonderful comradeship on the
screen. Soderbergh’s instincts paid off,
for it is no mean thing to pull off—this
chemistry among big stars (Clooney,
Pacino, Pitt, Damon, Garcia, Cheadle,
Affleck) worked for the success of the
movie. Ellen Barkin also provided the
comic break with her playing of the sex
starved woman “of a certain age” fall-
ing for a younger man (Damon’s second
role in the movie).
Director and director of photography
Soderbergh wants to show in Ocean’s
13 that even among thieves, there is also
something that approximates honor.
Pacino’s character, Willi Banks, broke
the code and so he became the target
of revenge. There are many deeper
issues Ocean’s 13 could lead a reflec-
tive viewer to, but one has to keep up
with the story’s fast pace and muddle
through those sets (the casino design is
colorful to the point of garishness—see
what money without taste can do) in
order to ponder these issues. Thievery
can be clever, and thieves brilliant, but
thieves are thieves, in any language.
And that is baaaaad!
na ng lalaki ay kataka-takang pawang
wala pa ring natutunan sa karanasang
ito. Siguro nga’y dala ito ng karupukan
at mababaw na pananampalataya sa
Diyos. Ngunit dahil na rin sa paulit-ulit
na pagpapa-alala sa kanya na God is
good ay natuto na rin siya. Ang mga
desisyon nia sa bandang huli ay kakiki-
taan ng pagkamatatag at pagkatuto
sa mga maling desisyon. Dapat ding
gabayan ang mga batang manonood
sa konteksto ng manaka-nakang pag-
mumura at eksena ng pagtatalik ng
dalawang taong hindi pa kasal.