Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Everything,
•C1 The CROSS
Knights of Columbus
requires ability to listen,
Philippine bishop says It Is the True Reality’ Supplement
Bishops want P50-B a year for CARP St. Paul nuns help
fishermen become farmers
as House tackles national budget
ROMAN Catholic bishops urged Congress House of Representatives.
THE Sisters of Saint Paul in General Natividad town in Nueva Ecija
are helping the victims of the flashfloods that ravaged the town of
Dingalan, in Aurora Province four years ago.
It can be recalled that hundreds of people were killed in 2004
to prioritize the extension of the Compre- In his speech, Villena stressed the continu- when typhoons Winnie and Violeta devastated Dingalan town
hensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) ing plight of the farmers through 20 years of and its barangays.
and allocate “sufficient budget” for its imple- CARP’s “poor implementation”. After four years, the congregation of the Sisters of Saint Paul
mentation. He described the said sector as the one of has built a relocation village complemented with duplex houses,
Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena said the most marginalized and forgotten in terms this time in a safer location in the town of General Natividad,
requisite appropriations of at least P50 bil- of services coming from the government. province of Nueva Ecija.
lion a year would be needed to institute re- “There’s something wrong” with the CARP In an interview with CBCP News, Sister Marietta Gutierrez,
forms that would truly benefit poor farmers implementation, he said, that needs to be “as- superior of the Sisters of St. Paul in General Natividad said that
who remain landless. sessed.” the biggest challenge for them in caring for the relocated survi-
The bishop made the appeal during a gath- He called on the people to pray and con- vors of the calamity is how to teach them to adopt to a new
ering of various local public officials and tinue hoping that the remaining time left to- environment in which the means of livelihood is entirely differ-
farmers’ groups held last October 3 at the wards CARP’s completion would be for the ent from what they used to have.
Hotel Supreme, this City. good of the rural folks. Most of the families were former fishermen as Dingalan is near
The activity, organized by Northern Luzon Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena appeals to law- “Hope it will really benefit all the poor the sea. But today, they live in the mountain and the only means
bishops, also coincided with the ongoing de- makers to support the immediate legislation of the
farmers and community, not benefit those of livelihood they have is by farming.
extension of CARP at a forum held in Baguio City last
liberations on the national budget at the The Sisters of Saint Paul were invited by a private group to
October 3. CARP / A6
attend the Luzon-wide gathering of farmers and small agri-en-
trepreneurs in Cabanatuan City on October 3.
Prison ministry Bishop wants action, not This group is led by Atty. Edward Joson, an agri-entrepreneur
himself from Cabanatuan. The occasion was attended by repre-
VATICAN CITY, October 12, 2008—A cardi- tally ecclesial and Catholic” would also be
nal from the U.S. “Bible Belt” is suggesting a an aid for Catholics who participate in ecu- Alamin at
compendium on sacred Scripture that would menical Bible studies with members of other suriin ang
adhikain ng mga
highlight the methods of the Church for read- Christian congregations.
tunay na lider
ing and praying the word of God. “It would help retrieve a vivid and excel-
ng bansa.
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, archbishop of lent sense of the Catholic understanding of
Galveston-Houston, made this suggestion the Holy Spirit’s inspiration in sacred Scrip- LIDER TOTOO, kasama si Harvey Keh ng Ateneo de
when he addressed the world Synod of Bish- tures,” he affirmed. “The eternal Word emp- Manila University School of Government.
ops on Saturday. The synod is underway in tied himself for our salvation. In an analo-
Rome through Oct. 26. gous way the Holy Spirit has also given and Mapapakinggan ang LIDER TOTOO tuwing Sabado,alas-
According to a summary of his address re- ‘humbled’ himself in the inspiration of the nuebe hanggang alas-diyes y medya ng umaga.
leased by the Vatican, the cardinal recom- holy Scriptures. With great courtesy he has
mended “a compendium, similar to other such adapted the divine ‘language’ with thought Kasama ang iba’t-ibang opisyal ng pamahalaan na
documents, that would be directed to the faith- toward our human nature.” tunay na naglilingkod sa bayan.
ful. It would be a clear and direct guide that “It is a genuine location, but it is also a frame
would highlight the rich and useful methods of mind, diffused through many places in the Layon ng programa na maipabatid sa sambayanan kung
of the Church for reading and sharing sacred world,” Cardinal DiNardo explained. “There are sino-sino ang mga tumataguyod sa kapakanan ng bawat
mamamayan.
Scriptures. Such a compendium would be an surely issues and problems with this mindset,
immeasurable help for personal Bible read- but it has kept alive a biblical imagination and
Makibahagi sa pagpapaunlad ng bayan katuwang ang
ing, for Bible study groups, etc.” vocabulary and a sense of divine agency in the LIDER TOTOO.
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo The prelate said that such a volume, “to- world that is important for us.” (Zenit)
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 12 No. 21
October 13 - 26, 2008 News Features A3
Asian youth leaders urge MILF and gov’t to resume peace talks
saying that her government will no longer sign the peace accord
with MILF. Now, she loses her credibility.”
Mercado also explained that Arroyo’s use of disarmament, de-
mobilization and rehabilitation (DDR) framework for peace ne- DAVAO CITY, October 12, 2008—If one thinks the enduring conflict come peacemakers now,” the youth network said in a statement.
gotiations with the MILF is misplaced. in Mindanao is due to religious differences, some 90 multi-religious Meantime, the group has urged the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
“While DDR is part of the supposed entire comprehensive peace youth leaders gathered here today believe otherwise. and the Philippine government to “meet halfway” and promote peace
agreement of the government with the rebels, it should not be This is because for the members of the Religions for Peace Asia and talks capable of generating real and lasting solutions in the conflict-
used as front in negotiating,” said Mercado, also former member Pacific Youth Network, lasting peace and friendship is achievable laden region.
of the government’s peace panel. among the religiously-diversified Mindanaoans had they been peace- “The youth hopes the immediate returning to the negotiation table
According to DDR in Peace Agreements and UN Peacekeeping loving enough to respect everybody’s ideologies. by the Philippine government and the MILF. The international com-
Mandates, disarmament entails the actual collection of arms and To further prove their point, youth leaders of Buddhist, Christian, munity is paying close attention to the humanitarian crisis in
ammunition, while demobilization is a process that separates the Hindu, Jain, Muslim, Sikh, Zoroastrian and indigenous communities Mindanao of the almost half million internally displaced persons
combatants from military service or armed troops and may in- from sixteen Asian countries are convening October 12 to 14 in a pan- and others affected by the current conflict,” it added.
clude the establishments of camps and receiving areas where Asia summit to formulate multi-religious action plan to help de- According to organizers, the outcomes of the Summit will be high-
former combatants hand in their weapons and in return receive velop the Mindanao peace process. lighted in the senior religious leaders gathering in Manila from Oc-
counseling, vocational training or economic assistance. “(We believe that) the root cause of the conflict in Mindanao is not tober 17 to 21.
Reintegration (Rehabilitation as used by Arroyo) programs unique to the Philippines, and can be found in all parts of the world. The “(This will definitely) bring the voice of youth and the situation in
support the immediate and medium term social and economic process of marginalization of the political, economic, cultural and reli- Mindanao to the 300 participants of the general assembly of the Asian
inclusion of former combatants into their communities of origin gious identities needs to be exposed and over-turned. Religious youth Conference of Religions for Peace (ACRP) with the President of the
or new communities. (Mark S. Ventura) leaders are convinced that we need to confront this challenge and be- Philippines,” it said. (Kris Bayos)
CBCP Monitor
A4 Opinion Vol. 12 No. 21
October 13 - 26, 2008
EDITORIAL
Love Life
are being taken by senators and congresspersons. In
solidarity, civil society must articulate their support for
laws, policies, and structural changes that will improve
our lives in society and our political processes. It must
lobby to defeat bills that militate against the aspirations
of the poor, the integral development of our people, the I HAVE just come from the Home for the Angels. It is always a joy to babies and a separate room for the sick babies. It even has a play-
integrity of creation, moral values in the family, the visit the place and carry and hug the babies there that are waiting for ground on the front lawn with swings and slides.
welfare of women, children and the young” 7 . Hence, we adoption. A special feature of the Home is the volunteer work of the women
wish to commend and encourage Catholics who have The Home for the Angels was set up 12 years ago by former Mayor who have experienced abortion. The director of the Home, Cory
shown their Christian spirit by volunteering their time and of Manila Lito Atienza and his wife Beng. Atienza was president of Arevalo, encourages these women to spend time with the babies as
services to the cause of life and the defense of the family Pro-life Philippines then, and he wanted to respond in a very specific part of their recovery and healing. They lovingly carry, embrace and
and family-related values. way to the growing problem of abortion due to easy availability of feed the babies as they accept the healing forgiveness of God. Some
abortive pills sold in Quiapo by the herbal vendors. Besides the of these women share with us during our counseling sessions that
We know that you have written to your Congress pregnancy crisis counseling centers that we in Pro-life had been main- they are so filled with grief and guilt, even after two or three confes-
representatives, affixed your signatures to campaigns, taining for over twenty years now, a place to offer the women where sions, they do not feel forgiven. But this time with the babies in the
spent time at rallies or dialogue sessions, conversed they could leave their babies was necessary. Also, reports from hos- Home help them reconcile with their lost loved one who is now in
individually with our leaders and above all, prayed to the pitals show that some babies are abandoned or the mothers do ex- the bosom of the Father.
Lord of Life to continue blessing our country. Keep up press their desire to have the baby adopted. The Home for the Angels can accommodate 15 to 20 babies at a
your struggle. You can always count on the support and With the help of many ideas from the agencies that have been time. Over 250 have been placed out for adoption, most of them to
guidance of your bishops. running child-caring agencies such as Norfil Foundation, Kaisahang foreign countries like the USA, Italy, Germany, Norway, France,
Buhay Foundation, CRIBS, Heart of Mary Villa and Concordia Ser- Australia and New Zealand. Photos of the babies with their adopting
Our Catholic educational system can give a substantial vices, Lito and Beng rented an old house in Malate and started accept- families are posted on the walls of the Home, a joy and consolation
contribution to the youth in their formative years toward ing babies. Volunteer pediatricians were not lacking. On the payroll to the care-givers who often become attached to the babies but have
the formation of right conscience. After the family, our were nurses, midwives and a social worker to process the legal adop- to say good-bye to them when the adopting parents come to fetch the
schools serve as stable formators of values. tion of the babies through the Department of Social Welfare and babies to take to their countries.
Development (DSWD). License and permit were easily granted by The Home for the Angels, as well as the many maternity homes and
—“That they may have life, and have it abundantly”
DSWD because the place was indeed well equipped and staffed. child caring institutions around the country, are testimonies to our be-
(Jn 10:10): Pastoral Statement on the Defense of Life
A few years ago, Atienza decided to build a nursery in one of his lief that abortion is not the solution to difficult pregnancies. As we tell
and Family, 2000 properties in San Andres Bukid, a well planned building with office the girls and women who come to us confused and unsure of how they
spaces in the first floor that includes a counseling center and offices will carry on with their pregnancy – there are people who care. We care,
for the staff. The whole second floor is the nursery for the healthy and we will be here when you need us. Call Pro-life at 911-2911.
ISSN 1908-2940
Rev. Euly B. Belizar, SThD
CBCP Monitor
P r o ta g o n i s t of Tr u t h , Promoter of Peace
By the Roadside
Looking at Fatima
Pedro C. Quitorio IT’S October once again. On the spotlight is time of fulfillment,” he declares as he begins sufferings by offering them to the Father in
Editor-in-Chief
the devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, particu- his ministry. “The kingdom of God is at hand. union with the sufferings of Jesus on the cross
Pinky Barrientos, FSP Kris P. Bayos larly when we recall the last of her appari- Repent and believe in the good news!” (Mk at Calvary. In a word, our sufferings can be
Associate Editor Feature Editor tions on October 13, 1917 culminating in the 1:15). It shows you and me how Mama Mary redemptive when seen and embraced in
famous ‘dancing of the sun’ or ‘miraculous fulfills even until now her identity and mis- union with those of the Crucified Redeemer.
Melo M. Acuña Rosalynn Garcia solar phenomenon’ (that Pinoy Catholics are sion as the foremost disciple of Jesus Christ The irony of the Christian life that we see
Managing Editor Marketing Supervisor in awe of). Lest we forget, they were not sim- the Savior. It reveals deeply how she is a most especially in the heroic sacrifices of the vi-
ply a grand display of God’s power at work faithful human collaborator in the work of sionaries Jacinta and Francisco is that the
Laurence John R. Morales Ernani M. Ramos through Mary’s intercession. They were an salvation. Which argues much for our devo- more we spend ourselves for the salvation of
LAYOUT BY LAURENCE JOHN R. MORALES
Online Editor Circulation Manager urgent call on people, sinners like you and tion to their Twin Hearts. Our Lady of Fatima others, the more we are guaranteed our own
Roy Q. Lagarde Marcelita Dominguez me, to conversion. Take away conversion and is in perfect sync with her Son in fulfilling salvation.
News Editor Comptroller we’re roundly off the mark on Fatima. the saving mission from the Father. Third, the visions that, for a long time, were
The apparitions at Fatima and their calls to Second, the extraordinary sufferings of the kept in secret are both a warning and a source
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP prayers and sacrifice for the conversion of visionaries, Francisco and Jacinta Marto who, of hope for us. A warning for all of us sinners
Communications Development Foundation, Inc., with sinners are seldom talked about in our day together with Lucia their cousin, relayed the as to the utter self-destruction awaiting our
editorial and business offices at 470 Gen. Luna St., and age. But they reveal an ever urgent mes- message of conversion to humankind with persistence in sin. The brief vision of hell is
Intramuros, Manila. P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO. sage for our personal, political and social courage and love, are a testament to the con- in point. We should not take the message of
Editorial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612. lives. That message is ageless. tinuing reality of the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Fatima for granted in regard to conversion
Email: cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net
Website: www.cbcpworld.net/cbcpmonitor In the first place, it is an echo of the very in and through the witness of Christians. Sim- in our own personal life and in the life of our
first summons by Jesus himself. “This is the ply said, we find the deeper meaning of our Roadside / A6
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 12 No. 21
October 13 - 26, 2008 Opinion A5
Oscar V. Cruz, DD Fr. Melvin P. Castro
Clemency, forgiveness,
Views and Points mercy Speaking of Mary
TO grant clemency, to extend forgiveness, to did to us. ency that is attached to a given public Office.
show mercy are honorable and commendable
actions especially in Christianity. The truth is
that there is none other in the world and in
The right paring wherefore is the of-
fended forgiving the offender, or the victim
shows clemency, extends forgiveness, show
Yes! This is to question the exercise of the
prerogative of executive clemency by reason
of transaction politics, on account of social
The wonderful people
course of time who overdid Christ in being
merciful, forgiving and clement. The fact that
He taught his followers to say but one and
mercy to his or her victimizer. Needless to
say, this is difficult but somehow heroic to
do as it should be done according to the
status, by virtue of preferential treatment.
In this case, instead of the consecrated
maxim that “those who have less in life should
given by God
only one prayer, seeking to “…forgive us our Christian code of conduct. have more in law,” its exact reversal is prac-
sins as we forgive those who sin against us…” The easiest and neatest thing to do is for ticed: Those who have less should also have OF late, the articles that appeared in this column have been
This being the case, it can be rightfully said someone to grant clemency to someone who less in law. What a pity! What a farce! doctrinal. Allow me to be personal again for this particular
that clemency, forgiveness and mercy are the has not in any way hurt or violated such a In such an event, while the supposedly issue.
composite elements of the Flag of Christian- “benevolent”, “compassionate” and “under- clement supreme reigning public official October 7 is the date of my priestly ordination, and this year
ity, with the necessity however of junking the standing” persona. This clemency—granted could experience the extent of power and the marks the 10th year. The date has been a personal request on my
mandate of justice, the imperative of equity. merely by a political prerogative—is so far force of influence, and while the criminal thus part, that day being the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary.
In fact, the most salient substantive content from the “real thing”, i.e., the act is far from freed has much reason to celebrate, the vic- I wish to look back in gratitude to all the wonderful people
of the asking portion of the signal and distinct the paring of a really offended individual tim remains dead, the latter’s family feels that God placed along the path of my life to guide me closer to
Prayer “Our Father” as above cited, is the fol- vis-à-vis a deliberately offending character. betrayed and remains grieving. God, to Our Lady, and to the journey to the priesthood.
lowing: That as surely as we offend others, In this case, the “merciful, forgiving and Reason: The prerogative of executive clem- My lola . When I was yet a toddler and child, and my parents
others also offend us. That the petition goes clement” Chief Executive acts with a sense ency was exercised against its mandated pro- had to earn the living, she took care of us. But I will fondly
this way: As the Good Lord generously for- of omnipotence, more so, a feeling of divin- cedural norm, against basic reason, against recall how she would bring us to our Parokya, St. James the
gives our trespasses against Him, so too we ity. elementary prudence. This is why the other- Apostle Parish in Paombong, Bulacan. During my kindergar-
forgive those who trespass against us—espe- No! This is not to argue against the pre- wise exalted prerogative is now being ques- ten days in St. Martin de Porres Catholic School, still in
cially so when repentant for the wrong they rogative itself of granting executive clem- tioned, depreciated if not ridiculed. Paombong, she would bring me there and stay whole day to be
my bantay. She was the first one to teach me the basic prayers.
She died one morning when we were the only two persons in
Francisco F. Claver, SJ
Indigenous Peoples
our home, a morning that she told my mother that there were
no classes in school and we need not go there but the truth was
there were classes.
Sunday Afterthoughts The teachers, staff, and my classmates in St. Martin de Porres
Catholic School and the Dominican Sisters of St. Joseph, all the
basic tenets of our Faith, I learned there. Although, due to eco-
nomic constraints many are unable to be part of the Catholic
GITAMAY-TAMAY kami. to a certain degree, and Christianized. The Moros were the Muslim educational system, still it is the best place for children to learn,
I don’t think I ever heard, in all my years in Mindanao, any sadder groups in the southern islands who successfully resisted subjuga- discover, and be nourished in the Catholic Faith. It was there
or more painful words than these. “We are looked down on—we are tion, hispanization and Christianization all through Spanish times. under the Dominican Sisters that I came to know and fall in
despised, belittled—we are snubbed as inferiors.” The words were The wild tribes were the hill people that also resisted Spanish rule love with Our Lady and the praying of the Rosary. The priestly
uttered by a Manobo tribesman at a conference, sponsored by the and colonization but were not Muslims—and they were disparag- vocation, I believe, was first nourished there.
ECCC (Episcopal Commission on Cultural Communities) in the late ingly called salvajes for the reason that they refused to be “pacified” My lola had an RVM Nun as a sister, Mo. Bernarda Bartolome
1970s, on the problems of the island’s indigenous peoples under by Spanish arms and continued living outside the pale of Spanish (she died at the tender age of 102) and a Jesuit priest as a
Marcos’ martial law government. The speaker was referring to how culture and religion, clinging unredeemed to their ancient cultural brother, Fr. Pablo Bartolome, SJ. Fr. Pablo, our lolo padre, was
they were being treated by others—the government and the non- and religious (“pagan”) traditions. assigned in Malaybalay, and whenever he goes to Manila, he
tribal people of Mindanao in general, migrants from other parts of When the Americans took over, they did what the Spanish were would pass by our home. I remember the last time he passed
the Philippines. never able to do with the Moros and the wild tribes: they brought by, he gave me a Rosary and told me that I would be a priest.
The original peoples of Mindanao, he was saying, were second-class them under their control (and that by the way is the basis of the He died a week later. Our lola madre would instead always
citizens in their own island home. Precisely because of that fact, the Philippine government’s claim to sovereignty over the Maguindanao, send us religious materials, stampitas, scapularios. One of the
Commission changed its name, on the motion of IPs themselves, to the Maranao and the Tausug that the shelved MOA-AD sought to magazines that she sent marked a very deep impression in
ECTF—Episcopal Commission on Tribal Filipinos. “Tribal Filipi- render ineffective). Under American rule, the non-Muslim, non- my life, the magazine was entitled, Divine Love
nos”—a name of shame (to non-IPs) deliberately turned into a name of Christian groups were classified as tribal or “native” peoples and Magazine. One particular issue had the story of Fatima in it. The
pride: that was the reason for the new designation. (The later change to officially placed under the Bureau of Non-Christian Tribes. With story left, I believe, a lasting effect in my soul. The Fatima
the Commission’s present name, ECIP, Episcopal Commission on In- independence, the term for IPs went through several permutations, Message of Our Lady became a focal point in my life. I hun-
digenous Peoples, was made only in the early ‘90s following the United each one as unsatisfactory as the last as a description of the reality it gered to know more about Our Lord and Our Lady, and at a
Nations’ publishing of the Charter of Indigenous People’s Rights.) was supposed to cover. Thus, Native Tribes, Cultural Communities, tender age, I prayed the Consecration to the Immaculate Heart
Since then the one focus of the ECIP in its work among IPs has been National Minorities, Tribal Filipinos (at least in the Church), and of Mary.
the building up of their pride in themselves. It is bad enough when now Indigenous Peoples—all quite problematic. Later on, with my fondness to write letters and ask for reli-
one is called “inferior” by external denomination. Worse when one What all this brings out is that the IPs were looked down on be- gious materials, I came across the Pieta Prayer booklet and
accepts the name as one’s self-definition. IPs, those of Mindanao cause they were, unlike Lowland Filipinos, un-hispanicized and un- there I found the consecratory prayer to Jesus through Mary
especially, have been especially vulnerable to this danger. Building Christianized. But if they were that, it was because they were never composed by St. Louis Marie Grignon di Montfort. How I
up the human dignity of a downtrodden, neglected people—that the fully conquered, never fully brought under Spanish domination. It’s would pray almost all the prayers there everyday until one
ECIP has believed all along is a prime work of evangelization. a topsy-turvy world we live in in the Philippines: the conquered day my mother reminded me not to forget my duty as a stu-
Gitamay-tamay kami. Why the opprobrium cast on the IPs of the groups (and their descendants) are honored, hold pride of place; the dent to study well. The wisdom of the mothers!
nation? Or, another way of putting the question, why the unrelent- unconquered (and their descendants) are dishonored and are rel- I was in high school when the National Marian Year was
ing prejudices of the rest of Lowland Filipinos against them? The egated to (and kept at) the lowest rungs of Philippine society! declared. How my father would patiently accompany me in
answers are easily given: Those prejudices date back to Spanish times, If there is anything then that can result from our celebration of IP Manila to go to Luneta for the Closing of Marian Year in the
prejudices that have not disappeared in the more than 100 years since Sunday, it should be to correct that anomaly: (1) restoring honor to presence of the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady
the Philippines ceased being a colony of Spain in 1898. IPs—they have all the right to be proud of their heritage and not to of Fatima. There were more than a million people, and because
Just a little bit of history then (from the particular optics of IPs): In be despised for it; (2) accepting that we are all IPs, indigenous to our it was already late in the evening and we still have to commute
the Spanish colonial era, the indigenous peoples of our islands, islands (and that’s why IPs as applied solely to our tribal peoples is back home, we weren’t able to come close to the image of Our
“Indios” all to the Spanish, were classified into these three broad but most inaccurate); and (3) recognizing that, as the PCP II Final Docu- Lady. Yet decades later, I would come across her again and this
still quite precise categories: (1) “Filipinos” (I don’t have an idea ment acknowledges, all Philippine peoples have a common, generic time in charge of her travel in the Philippines.
when it started to be used generally for the colonized native popula- culture in which family is the prime value. What that document is in My father would also accompany me during the National
tion), (2) Moros and (3) “the wild tribes”. The criteria used for the effect saying is that we are all tribal peoples and denying—or at least Eucharistic Year, the Mass and Vigil at the Rizal Coliseum to
classification were quite simple and straightforward. Filipinos were not accepting—that fact, it seems to me, is precisely one of our great- mark the canonization of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, regular visits at the
the various tribes that were subjugated by Spanish arms, hispanicized est problems as a people. National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Valenzuela, and so
many other events. Thank God for these wonderful parents.
St. Martin de Porres would come to meet me again years
later. It was on his Feastday, November 3, 1989, that my mother
Fr. Carmelo O. Diola, SSL was diagnosed with breast cancer. That event devastated me. I
could not believe God would allow such suffering to befall my
Spaces of Hope Driving to heaven family. The next months would be a personal suffering for
me. I would spend evenings at the Adoration Chapel at the
EDSA Shrine begging God and Our Lady for a miracle. But
there was no physical cure that was forthcoming.
I remember one evening of December in 1990 when my
“I AM really relearning the joys of driving,” to Help Our Country. The book identifies 12 Christian Citizenship and Leadership Program mother was already very weak. I went out of our bedroom
my friend Alex said to me while maneuver- doable actions that when done habitually (HCCLP). The message is simple: “A good crying, I could not stand the thought that I would be losing my
ing the steering wheel of his vehicle. His face and in solidarity with others can contribute Christian should be a good citizen and a good mother very soon. I was crying at our sala, and my mother
evidenced joy. “Why?” I curiously countered. significantly to nation building. It has since leader.” Acts of good citizenship and leader- noticed it. Despite her weakness, she struggled to get out of
“When you drive you adjust to all kinds of become a best seller with its author having ship, when done through the eyes of faith, bed, and walked towards the living room, she hugged me and
people. You learn to be a good citizen,” was given talks to more than 500 different groups can bring us to heaven. told me, Gagaling ako, huwag ka nang umiyak. But I knew she
Alex’s quick answer. As I listened to him ex- in a period of two years. That’s nearly one Or, one might even say, these acts give a would not get well.
plain his rediscovered joy, I realized that for talk every day. glimpse of heaven on earth. Matthew 22:1- During her final days, she asked me once, Nakita muna ang
him the arduous task of driving on Filipino When Alex was writing his book, there 14, the gospel reading for the 28 th Sunday in Mahal na Birhen? Never was my answer, it will never
roads has become a sort of school for the vir- emerged, in another part of the country, sev- Ordinary Time, has a peculiar detail: a man happen. Then she told that she would see Our Lady of Fatima
tues. “Why,” I mused to myself, “driving then eral initiatives that eventually became ad- who was not dressed up for the wedding whenever she closed her eyes. I remembered how every Satur-
can make one holy.” vocacy groups. One reached out to OFWs festival of the king’s son is kicked out of the day we had our block Rosary, and she would carry the image of
Our van was now meandering on a steep and their families; another sought to do assembly. Some say the garment may have Our Lady from one house to another. She even made a request,
climb up the crest of a hill. The engine then something about illegal drugs and the use been issued by the host himself and espe- that she hoped she could come to visit Lipa Carmel
made what sounded like a sigh of relief as we of drug profits to influence the pillars of jus- cially made for the occasion. It was worn someday. She never did. My mother died in January 1991, a
found ourselves once more on level ground. tice (i.e. narcopolitics); and a third promoted over the guest’s regular clothing. Whatever day before she would have turned 47.
Then Alex made a sudden stop. graft and corruption intolerance. The three the cultural realities, the garment became Every First Saturday thereafter I would go to Lipa Carmel
“What is it Alex?” I asked. “Si Manang has since been consolidated into Dilaab requisite for participation in the feast. not only to fulfill my mother’s request but to request Our Lady
naglalakad,” he said as he pointed with his (“conflagration,” “passion,” or “tongues of Matthew’s penchant for “righteousness” as well, now that I don’t have my mother, You should be my
nose to a stooped figure several yards behind fire” from Dila and Alab). Three children gave (this appears 7x while used only 3x in all the own Mother. I am now unable to go Lipa Carmel every First
us. Putting the van on reverse, he moved birth to a mother. other gospels) has led some scholars to iden- Saturday since, I would like to believe, we brought Her closer
slowly towards the old woman who was car- Advocacy groups are not easy to “sell” tify this garment with deeds of righteous- home. Every First Saturday at the Tarlac Cathedral, we have
rying a wooden staff taller than herself. “Saan especially to people in the pews. Suspicions ness. our First Saturday dawn procession.
po kayo pupunta?” Alex asked. “Sa San Isidro lurk as to the ideological underpinnings of The biblical concept of “righteousness” On the day of my ordination, I would never forget a gift to
po,” the woman responded. By this time Alex such endeavors. Advocacy work, they feel, refers to the state of being in the right, i.e. of me. It was handed to me by a priest who didn’t tell from whom
was out helping the woman climb up the van. betrays an activism incompatible with faith. being vindicated in the eyes of God. It has to it came. It was a priestly stole, on one part is the image of Our
The first time I heard about Atty. Alexander Many feel the risks are just too great. Why do with being in right relationship with God Lady, Mediatrix of All-Grace, and on the other part, the words
Lacson was in 2006 when the late Max Soliven stick one’s neck out? Why be confronta- and with others. Perhaps this starts with the of Our Lady in Lipa Carmel which I take to mean to be meant
featured him in his column. Max was narrat- tional? Why not just try to be honest even if heart being in the right place ( cor-recto?). especially for me: I am Your Mother.
ing how one day, as his car had conked out on others are not honest? When such godly order of relationship ex- From Paombong in Bulacan, the Diocese of Tarlac has been
a busy Metro Manila street, a stranger had The challenge of a Church response for ists, we get a glimpse of heaven here on my home now for more than a decade. To the Bishop, priests,
stopped by to offer help. Visibly touched by social transformation becomes apparent earth. When acts of good citizenship are nuns, and lay faithful of the Diocese, I could not express enough
this act of bringing him to his destination, he when we read The Catechism for Filipino Catho- impelled by faith, there result deeds of righ- my gratitude for welcoming a stranger in their midst.
asked for the man’s name. It turned out to be lics, 1193: “Since we Filipino Catholics con- teousness. God indeed gives wonderful people along our path, to draw
Alex. This Filipino stops regardless of one’s stitute the great majority of our nation, we Good citizenship expands our notion of us ever closer to Him. And the most wonderful is Our Lady:
station in life. hold the primary responsibility for build- family. The daily chaos in our streets—where Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt, O Virgo Maria!
In 2001, Alex and his wife, Pia, were think- ing a just Philippine society.” If rampant I often feel like an endangered specie as a
ing of leaving the Philippines for abroad. They graft and corruption is any indication, this pedestrian—speaks of a predatory mentality
agreed that if the country will progress in 20 responsibility is yet to be carried out to the that results when one’s notion of family re-
years, they would stay put. If not, they would full. Perhaps there is need not only to be mains constricted. I have often asked myself:
leave. Then they realized that if they would
only do something today, there would be
good, but also to try to influence others to
be good and to be with others who want to
“What if each driver would imagine pedes-
trians trying to cross pedestrian lanes as their
Read the daily
change. After all, change starts with oneself.
Wasn’t it Plutarch who said: “What we achieve
be good. We need to take sides.
Through the modern wonders of technol-
mothers or family members, wouldn’t they
be more considerate?”
church news at
inwardly will change outward reality?”
Atty. Lacson did just that when he wrote the
ogy and networking, I was able to connect
with Alex. Soon our paths converged. Nearly
My friend Alex thinks so.
(For comments, kindly email: www.cbcpnews.com
book, Twelve Little Things Every Filipino Can Do two years ago, Dilaab launched its Heroic exposition@dilaab.net)
CBCP Monitor
A6 Local News Vol. 12 No. 21
October 13 - 26, 2008
Caritas Executive
Caritas Executive Director
Director Fr.
Fr. Anton
Anton CT
CT Pascual
Pascual (right)
(right) views
views thethe Pieta,
Pieta, one
one of
of the
the various
various Marian
Marian images
images on
on display
display in
in the
the ongoing
ongoing Marian
Marian Exhibit
Exhibit sponsored
sponsored by
by Caritas
Caritas Manila
Manila at
at Shangri-La
Shangri-La Mall.
Mall. With
With him
him in
in photo
photo are
are Mrs.
Mrs. Carmelita
Carmelita Abalos,
Abalos,
Ambassador Henriett
Ambassador Henrietta T.. De
a T De Villa
Villa and
and Ramon
Ramon del
del Rosario
Rosario Jr.,
Jr., Vice
Vice chairman
chairman of
of Caritas
Caritas Manila Board of Trustees.
Trustees.
CARITAS Manila marked its 55th anniver- Zenny Cabrera, Caritas Restorative Justice Cabrera said they also field paralegal vol-
Markings
sary with a Marian Exhibit at Shangri-La Edsa (Caritas RJ) program coordinator. unteers to follow up cases and help facilitate
Mall on October 11. “More importantly, aside from promoting the release of those proven innocent and
In collaboration with Radio Veritas, Caritas’ program for prisoners, we are able those who have served their term in prison.
Caritas Manila will feature, aside from the to help them earn some income and provide Caritas Manila executive director Fr. Anton
usual Marian statues and images, an exhibit gainful outlet for their artistic talents,” she Pascual said that last year, at least 233 inmates
of paintings and other artwork done by pris- added. were freed, as a result of the paralegal assis-
oners. Caritas RJ works to improve the living tance provided by them.
“These paintings are really beautiful and conditions and promote effective rehabilita- With the theme “Mary and the Prisoners”,
the public will be surprised at how afford- tion of detainees in Metro Manila jails through the exhibit will only be up to October 26. CELEBRATED. Sisters Association of Mindanao (SAMIN), 25th anniver-
sary of foundation as an organization of Mindanao-based nuns, Sep-
able they are given the quality,” said Sr. an integrated and holistic program. (CBCPNews)
tember 22, 2008. Reflecting on the theme “SAMIN: Gratefully Celebrates
seminar in January
social issues which is rooted in spirituality and Christian values. The
gathering was held at Sacred Heart Spirituality and Formation Center in
Cat alunan Grande, Davao City.
CELEBRATED. Sa-
cred Heart of Jesus
THE Communication Founda- Film and Faith 3 will be held at in the afternoons, 3:30 and 6:00 Malone is a former member of Parish, Anakan,
tion for Asia (CFA) will hold a the CFA on January 17-24 with p.m., from January 20-24. the Rome-based Pontifical Coun- Gingoog City, 44th
foundation anniver-
workshop on film and faith for the theme “The Search for God in Every January since 2007, cil for Social Communications and sary, September 28-
the third time in January 2009. Films”. Malone has been giving Film and was the first President of SIGNIS, October 1, 2008.
After the tremendous success It will feature a more serious Faith seminars at CFA. The most the international Catholic body for With the theme,
of the first two seminars, Fr. Pe- look at God and spirituality on recent one was a seminar on mov- film, radio, and television. “Simbahan sa
A n a k a n :
ter Malone, MSC, will return to the first day, a comic view of God ies for values education, held on Those interested to join may Mapasalamatong
Manila to conduct the third work- as well as a look at portrayals of January 12-13, 2008, with the sup- contact the CFA Training Depart- nagapadayon sa
shop on Film and Faith, this time priests and nuns on the second port of Aid to the Church in Need. ment at 713-2732 or 713-2972 or dalan padulong sa
with a week-long Film Festival day and a look at the devil and The first seminar (held on Janu- email: training@cfamedia.org or l a n g i t n o n g
dakbayan”, the cel-
of award-winning Signis films, evil on the third day. ary 15-17, 2007) and the upcom- cfamedia_training@yahoo.com.
ebration was launched September 28 with a holy Mass presided by Fr.
according to a CFA press note. Festival film showings will be ing one are sponsored by Signis. (Santosh Digal) Roger Almonia, SSJV, parish priest of Anakan. The anniversary cel-
ebration culminated on October 1 with a holy Mass led by Msgr. Elmer
CELEBRATED. Fr.
Melvin Castro, 10th
THE St. Jude Archdiocesan Shrine at J.P. Lau- sacerdotal anniver-
rel Sr. San Miguel will hold the “Second St. sary, October 7,
Jude Thaddeus Devotees’ Congress” on Oc- 2008 at San
tober 28, 2008. Sebastian Cathe-
dral, Tarlac City. Cur-
With other St. Jude Parishes nationwide, rently the Chancellor
the Shrine has been making preparations for of the Diocese of
the upcoming celebration of the Saint’s Tarlac, Castro is also
feastday, said Fr. Roland U. Aquino, SVD, the Executive Sec-
parish priest and Shrine Rector. retary of the Episco-
St. Jude is the patron of desperate situa- pal Commission on
Family and Life of the
tions, forgotten causes, hospital workers, hos- Catholic Bishops
pitals, impossible and lost causes. Conference of the
The wonderful “Devotees Congress” held Philippines. He is the founder and President of the Confraternity of
last year, October 25, 2007, has been inspiring Mary, Mediatrix of all Grace and a member of Pueblo Amante de Maria –
and heartwarming. The gathering has since Mariological Society of the Philippines (PAAMSPhil).
become the converging part of the devotees INVESTED. Msgr Higinio Velarde, H.P., V.G. as Protonotary Apostolic
from different parts of the country, he said. Supra Numerum; Rev. Fr. Patricio Salarda, Rev. Fr. Excel Jaen, Rev. Fr.
It is a great honor and distinct privilege Maurillo Silva, Rev. Fr. Rolando Haguisan, Rev. Fr. Ramon Masculino,
for the parish again to host the Second Devo- and Rev. Fr. Sinforoso Padilla, Jr.; as Chaplains of His Holiness, Pope
The Sisters of Missionary Catechists of St. Therese and lay faithful filled the expanse of St. Ferdinand
tees’ Congress from 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. with Benedict XVI; October 6, 2008 at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Jaro by
the theme: “St. Jude Thaddeus: the Service Most Rev. Angel Lagdameo, DD. The newly appointed ProtoNotary Ap-
Cathedral in Lucena City during the Eucharistic celebration of the congregation’s 50th anniversary of ostolic and Monsignori are members of the clergy of the Archdiocese of
foundation last August 12. A total of 32 Archbishops/Bishops and 216 diocesan and religious priests and Inspiration.” Jaro. Msgr. Velarde is Vicar General and an ex-officio member of the
concelebrated at the Thanksgiving Mass. The main topic of the forum will be “How Presbyteral Council and Director of Ministerial Accountability. Msgr
well do I know St. Jude?” Salarda is an elected member of the Presbyteral Council and the Vicar
Guest speakers are Fr. Godwin
Catholic Mass Media Awards
Forane of St. John Vicariate. Msgr. Jaen is the Vicar Forane of the
Tatlonghari, Assistant Minister of the Litur- Vicariate of St. Jude Thaddeus and an elected member of the Presbyteral
Council. Msgr. Silva also an elected member of the Presbyteral Council,
gical Ministry, Manila Archdiocese and Fr.
is the V icar Forane of St. Matthew. Msgr. Haguisan is the parish priest
Randy Flores, SVD, scripture professor at
A: Our reader is correct regarding the general criteria for invalidating the sacra-
ments. Some other sacraments have added criteria, but these three are common to all.
When the Church speaks of correct intention with respect to sacrament al validity,
the requirement is fairly minimal. It basically means that the person administrating the
sacrament and the one receiving the sacrament want to administer and receive the
sacrament as the Church understands it.
It does not require a full theological knowledge of the sacrament, nor is it necessary
to desire all of its specific effects. Thus it is theoretically possible for a non-Christian to
validly baptize a person by simply intending to give what Christians give when they
perform this rite.
This fairly simple concept makes it hard to invalidate a sacrament from the standpoint
of intention. To do so requires that at the moment of the celebration the person admin-
istrating the sacrament or the person receiving it mentally oppose and deny what
externally they appear to accept.
There might be cases, however, when other outside factors make it impossible for
the persons involved to intend what the Church intends. For example, the Catholic
Church does not accept the validity of Mormon or Jehovah’s Witness baptisms for,
although the rites are apparently the same, the difference in understanding who the
Father, Son and Holy Spirit are make it impossible to intend to act as the Church
understands.
This rather long premise is necessary in order to understand the answer to the
specific question at hand.
Could a man who, during formation, deliberately hid pedophile tendencies, or indeed
any other condition that would have prevented his ordination, be validly ordained? The
answer, sad to say, is probably yes, for the intention required at the moment of
ordination is the intention to receive the priesthood. Has this ever happened? Almost Illustration by Bladimer Usi
certainly yes.
In some concrete cases a hidden tendency might produce a spiritual or psychologi- By Jaime B. Achacoso, J.C.D. and teaching”. And this is a service ren- obliged to form their children in the faith and
cal condition so that the person becomes incapable of really intending what the Church dered not only to the Christian commu- practice of the Christian life by word and ex-
desires when it gives priesthood. This would invalidate the sacrament but is extremely
hard to prove. The Church has a special canonical process for judging the question of nity, but to the entire society. ample (c.774, §2). This is a primary right-
invalidity of sacred orders, but it is relatively rarely used. MY grandmother used to tell us that when However, the diversity of participants duty of parents, for which they may
she was a child, their parish priest used to leads to catecheses of different natures count on the help of the catechesis orga-
Is the Church responsible? There is moral responsibility if any means of revealing gather the children of their town on Satur- and different levels of authority. While nized by the pastors but only as a sub-
this tendency was culpably neglected before ordination, or if it failed to act immediately
once the problem became manifest. The Church would not be morally responsible if an day and Sunday afternoons to teach them the all catechesis is an ecclesiastical action sidiary measure. On the other hand, the
astute man was able to overcome these preventive controls which by their very Catholic faith. It was from him—in those lively and consequently will always depend on Code itself establishes that the pastor is to
nature are fallible and subject to manipulation. sessions—that she learned the Creed and the the pastors to some extent, it is no less promote and foster the role of parents in the
Ten Commandments, and got her first no- clear that all the faithful have the right family catechesis (c.776, in fine).
Legal responsibility depends on each country’s legal system. Most countries have a
tions of the Sacraments. Nowadays, it seems, to catechize. Thus, before anything else, 2° Godparents and Guardians: Godpar-
concept of civil responsibility in which the Church, just as any juridical person, might be
required to pay civil compensation even if not morally responsible for an action of one catechetical instruction is quite low in the it is important to make the following ents and those who take the place of parents
of its agents. priorities of the parish. In contrast, the Born- fundamental distinction. are bound by an equivalent obligation (c.774,
again Christians, Jehovah’s Witnesses and 1) Official vs. Unofficial Catechesis §2). Thus, this is also a right-duty.
What can be done? I believe that in the last few years the U.S. bishops have put in
other sects are quite aggressive in their a) Official catechesis—is that which 3° Pastors of souls (i.e., parish priests
place a series of vetting measures in seminaries and other institutions in order to
assure that those who should never be ordained, effectively don’t reach ordination. proselytism—even conducting house-to- depends on and receives public recogni- and chaplains): There is a proper and seri-
house visits. Does the law of the Church es- tion from the authorities who direct it. ous duty, especially on the part of pastors of
This, alongside an increase in the quality of the disciplinary and spiritual life in tablish anything in this regard? It has an institutional character, and the souls, to provide for the catechesis of the
seminaries, makes for a very uncomfortable environment for anyone attempting to get
pastors are publicly responsible for its Christian people so that the faith of the faith-
through six years of formation without a sincere motivation.
organization and adequate provision. ful becomes living, explicit and productive
No system is ever perfect, but the situation has improved greatly and should con- IN the previous article, we talked about Such Catechesis is intimately bound with through formation in doctrine and the expe-
tinue to improve in the years to come. the ministerium verbi. Among the forms the pastoral life and functions of the rience of Christian living (c.773).
of exercising this ministerium verbi is also Church. The reason for this is because 4° Religious superiors: Superiors of re-
catechesis “which—in the words of not only her geographical extension and ligious institutes and of societies of apostolic
Vatican Council II—is intended to make numerical increase, but even more her life are to see to it that catechetical formation
man’s faith become living, conscious and inner growth and correspondence with is diligently imparted in their churches,
active through the light of instruction.” God’s plan depend essentially on schools and in other works entrusted to them
in any manner (c.778).
Notion and Content of Catechesis 5° Local Ordinary: It is the responsibil-
Catechesis is the teaching of Christian Nowadays, it ity of the diocesan bishop to issue norms con-
doctrine generally given in an organic
and systematic manner, directed to-
seems, cerning catechetics and to make provisions
that suitable instruments for catechetics are
wards initiation into the Catholic faith catechetical in- available...by fostering and coordinating
and the growth and fullness of Chris- str uction is quite
struction catechetical endeavors (c.775, §1).
tian life. Its function is to develop in men
a living, explicit and active faith, en- low in the priori- 3) Catechetical Materials. The cat-
echism is a synthesis of all the funda-
lightened by doctrine. It is therefore a ties of the parish. mental truths of the Catholic faith, ex-
process during which one discovers his
initial conversion and educates it to- In contrast, the pressed in an elementary, organic and
systematic way, with specific and un-
wards maturity. We shall consider the Bor n-a
n-agg ain Chris- equivocal formulas. Canon Law regu-
aspects of catechesis with greater juridic
relevance—i.e., content, subjects and
tians
tians,, J eho
Jeho v ah’
ehov ah’ss lates catechisms and catechetical texts in
the following terms:
catechetical materials. W itnesses and 1° Universal level (e.g. text of the cat-
The Church has always considered it other sects are echism for universal use): Norms depend
a sacred right and duty to transmit the
teachings of Christ and not just the doc- quite aggressive on the Holy See.1
2° National level : National catechisms
trine of any teacher. Thus, it is never licit in their should be approved by the pertinent
for anyone, on his own initiative, to
make a selection of the deposit of the proselytism—even Episcopal Conference, not just by an or-
ganism dependent on it (even if the Epis-
faith for catechetical instruction; rather, conducting house- copal Conference may make use of such
everyone must faithfully follow the di-
rectives of the Magisterium of the
to-house visits. organism for the preparation of the cat-
echism). The reason for this is that such
Church, whether solemn or ordinary. Does the law of organisms do not have any normative
In general, the following have consti- the Church estab- capacity, and the normative capacity of
tuted the central topics for catechetical
instruction since the first centuries of lish anything in the Episcopal Conference in this matter
cannot be delegated. In any case, these
Christianity: the Creed , the Decalogue, this regard? catechisms need approval (recognitio) of
the Sacraments and the Lord’s Prayer. the Holy See.
Specifically, c.777 of the Code establishes 3° Particular level: The diocesan
that: In accord with the norms established catecheses. As such, catechesis is bound bishop can approve and establish cat-
by the diocesan bishop, the pastor is to make to the other pastoral functions while not echisms for use in the catechesis officially
particular provision: losing its specific character. carried out in his jurisdiction, even if a
1° that suitable catechesis is given for b) Unofficial catechesis—is that which duly approved national catechism exists.
the celebration of the sacraments; does not have an institutional character, 4° Non-official level: The Catholic
2° that children are properly prepared but rather depend on the free action of faithful, in the free exercise of their right-
for the first reception of the sacraments the faithful and which is only under the duty to do catechetical work, can seek
of penance and Most Holy Eucharist and general supervision of the pastors. It approval for the use of other catechism
the sacrament of confirmation by means arises because the faithful do not require and catechetical texts. In this case, the
of a catechetical formation given over any mandate or any authorization from ecclesiastical authority is truly obliged
an appropriate period of time; the hierarchy to catechize. No less than to give approval if the contents of such
3° that children are more fruitfully John Paul II had pointed out the danger materials are in accord with Catholic
and deeply instructed through of parochial catechesis tending to “mo- faith and morals and the universal
catechetical formation after the reception nopolize” and “homogenize” the multi- catechetical norms.
of First Communion; faceted catechetical task.
5° that the faith of young people and 2) Active Subjects of Catechesis. Un- Conclusion
adults be fortified, enlightened and de- der the supervision of legitimate ecclesiasti- To end, perhaps we can just say that
veloped through various means and en- cal authority, this concern for catechesis per- catechesis has not lost its importance,
deavors. tains to all the members of the Church in neither in the Law of the Church nor in
proportion to each one’s role (c.774, §1). In its pastoral programs. It cannot be oth-
Subjects of Catechetical Instruction the words of the 1977 Synod of Bishops, erwise, since it comes ahead in Christ’s
The most precious gift that the Church catechesis is a shared responsibility that mandate to the Apostles just before his
can offer to the confused and restless rests on the shoulders of all the mem- glorious Ascension to Heaven: Go and
world of today is to form convinced bers of the Church. Everyone must there- preach to all nations…!
Christians through an organic program fore shoulder this commitment accord- (Footnotes)
of thorough catechesis. As John Paul II ing to one’s possibilities and the particu-
affirms: “To evangelize is the proper lar gifts or charisms one has received. Aside from the Code, of primordial importance
1
IMPORTANT FACTS
Archbishop ………..…….. 1
Auxiliary Bishops ………. 2
Diocesan Priests …….... 320
Religious Priests:
Filipino …….………….. 262
Foreign .....…………….. 35
Brothers:
Filipino .………………... 195
Foreign ……….………… 1
Sisters:
Filipino ……………….… 904
Foreign ……………….... 47
Seminaries:
High School ……….……. 1
Pre-College …………….. 1
College ……….…………. 1
Theologate ……………… 1
Diocesan Divisions:
Districts ……………..…… 7
Vicariates ………………. 23
Archdiocese of
ON
ON BACKGROUND:
J.
his
of
BACKGROUND: His
J. Cardinal
Cardinal Vidal,
his flock
flock at
of Santo
Santo Niño,
Basilica
Basilica del
BELOW:
BELOW: The
Niño, which
del Santo
His Eminence
Eminence Ricardo
Vidal, archbishop
at the
archbishop of
the grand
which commenced
Santo Niño
The Cebu
Niño last
Ricardo
of Cebu,
grand procession
Cebu, leads
procession in
leads
in honor
commenced at
last January
Cebu Metropolitan
honor
at the
the
January 19.19.
Metropolitan Cathedral.
Cathedral.
Co mp iled b y Msg r . D en n is
Villarojo
Cebu
the Philippine islands.
The island of Cebu had about 25,000
to 40,000 inhabitants at this time. These
were evangelized by the Augustinians
who came with Legazpi. As more mis-
stone churches and convents but also
“reducciones”, the nucleus of today’s
towns and cities.
At the end of the 16th century, Cebu
province had only four parishes. Five
PHILIPPINE history and the beginnings
of the Archdiocese of Cebu coincide at sionaries arrived in 1569, it did not take more were created in the 17th century,
the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan’s fleet very long before the whole island came but by the end of Spanish rule in 1898,
in what was then the town of Zubu, ruled under the shadow of the cross. On June the number had gone up to 55.
by Rajah Humabon and his Queen. The 11, 1580, six convents were established The burgeoning population of the
encounter between two different cul- in the Visayas. The parish of Bantayan Diocese and its unwieldy geographical
tures began auspiciously, culminating in in the north evolved from one of these structure necessitated its break-up into
the baptism of eight hundred subjects of convents. Four years later, the parish of two dioceses. In 1850, the Diocese had a
Humabon. The occasion merited for the San Nicolas was founded. population of 1,280,402 Christians. In
Queen a gift from the conquistadores, a When Legazpi decided to transfer his contrast, Manila had 1,329,894. By 1860,
small statue of the Child Jesus in kingly capital to Manila, Cebu receded into the Cebu had already 1,700,000 souls.
regalia, orb and scepter in hand, an backwaters as influence and power The relative peace and stability of the
elaborate crown on its head. shifted north to Luzon and its wide ex- 19th century belied the seething cauldron
The Spanish foothold was immedi- panse of fertile lands. In 1578, Manila of popular disenchantment with Span-
ately resisted by Lapulapu, the chieftain became a suffragan of the Archdiocese ish rule. In April 3, 1898, Cebu felt the
of Mactan. Magellan perished in what of Mexico, and in 1595, it became an arch- repercussions of the Philippine Revolu-
could have been a traditional rivalry be- diocese with three suffragans: Cebu, tion in the local uprising of Leon Kilat.
tween two chieftains. This effectively Nueva Segovia and Caceres. Hardly had its effects simmered down
pushed the Cebuanos back into pagan- Distance having shielded the fledgling when the coming of the Americans sev-
ism. Diocese from the intrigues and power ered the Church from its traditional part-
The expedition of Miguel Lopez de struggles of the Capital, much of Cebu’s nership with the State. The Aglipayan
Legazpi in 1567 marked the formal con- ecclesiastical history is a leisurely nar- schism did little to heal the wounds en-
quest and evangelization of Cebu and rative of arrivals and foundations, of gendered by the social and political up-
Population Control
flict. Our profound sense of tran- mented with methods that take
scendence and harmony is being into account the culture and life
eroded by a globalizing secular situation of the hearers.
and materialist culture. 2) The members of the Catho-
But the Word of God in Asia lic Biblical Federation (found in
Why is the Church’s objection to contraception non-nego- is calling to the Father in the 129 countries today) have devel-
tiable? Holy Spirit thousands of small oped techniques in doing bibli-
Contraception is morally wrong not because the Church communities of the poor. And cal pastoral ministry which
prohibits it; rather, the Church does so because contraception the poor in turn are heeding prove to be effective in transmit-
is an intrinsically evil action—it will always be morally wrong God’s Word. In so doing they ting God’s message to contem-
even if the majority (Catholics or not) were to launch a signa- are building a “new way of be- porary men and women. These
ture campaign to pressure the Pope to reverse the Church’s ing Church”—really an old creative methodologies must be
stand. The moral law is given by God to man so that he may way—the way of the early inc1uded in the official curricu-
have a guide to reach his ultimate destiny: God Himself; the Jerusalem community (see Acts lum of the formation programs
moral law is not the result of a plebiscite. 2:43-46 and 4:32-35). Guided by their ordained pastors and trained lay in theological faculties and houses of formation. An example of such a
leaders and collaborators, grassroots people gather every week in method appealing to people of today is the “Bibliodrama.”
What is an intrinsically evil action? chapels and households to celebrate a Service of the Word. 3) The urgency of developing an Asian way of reading the Bible is
“Intrinsically evil” means that the action is evil in itself; it They listen to the Word of God, reflect on the Word, pray over the felt because of the tremendous challenge the Church is facing in this
cannot be made good by appealing to the good effects which Word, and discern together how to apply the Word to their daily huge continent where millions of people feel hungry for God’s Word.
could possibly result from it, or to the “good intentions” of lives. They receive Jesus in the Eucharist from trained lay extraordi- There are now successful attempts to develop a biblical hermeneu-
the one who commits it. Examples of such actions: blasphemy, nary ministers of Holy Communion. For them the Word of God is tics that take into account the rich culture and history of Asian peoples.
murder, abortion, fornication, contraception, direct steriliza- faith-empowering, urging them to participate actively within the There is a plan to produce an Asian Biblical Commentary that will
tion, homosexual acts. (Cf. Compendium of the CCC, no. 369). Church and in social transformation. They are Basic Ecclesial Com- make use of the historico-critical method of the West and a compara-
munities, renewing families, parishes and dioceses into vibrant com- tive cultural hermeneutics to render the profound spiritual sense of
Why is contraception intrinsically wrong? munities, witnessing to the Word of God, quite often in a hostile the biblical text accessible to the Asian soul. The Asian members of
It is intrinsically wrong because it goes against the will of multi-religious environment. the CBF have also decided to establish an Asian Bible Institute, which
God with respect to the conjugal life of spouses. “The conju- They are communities of solidarity and fellowship at the will hopefully give the desired holistic biblical formation program.
gal act has a two-fold meaning: unitive (the mutual self-giv- grassroots, effectively challenging in their own little way the mod- 4) This is one way of contributing to the “missio ad extra” in Asia,
ing of the spouses) and procreative (an openness to the trans- ern culture of secularism and materialism. the majority of whose people have not yet heard of Christ. Through
mission of life). No one may break the inseparable connec- To a certain extent they can echo even now the words of John, the a gradual process of evangelization presenting Jesus of the Gospels
tion which God has established between these two meanings beloved Disciple: “quod vidimus et audivimus annuntiamus et vo- as Teacher, Story Teller, Healer, Miracle Worker, Friend, Consoler “
of the conjugal act by excluding one or the other of them” bis, ut et vos communionem habeatis nobiscum. Communio autem images that are pleasing to Asians “ people of Asia may eventually
(Compendium of the CCC, no. 496). nostra est cum Patre et cum Filio eius Jesu Christo” ( 1 Jn 1:3). be led by the Spirit to believe in Christ as the Son of God.
Thus, Pope Paul VI taught in Humanae Vitae (1968) that every
marital union must be open to procreation —which does not
mean that it must lead to conception each time (since this is im- MOST REV. LUIS ANTONIO G. TAGLE MOST REV. BRODERICK S. PABILLO
possible in the infertile periods of the wife, or after menopause) Bishop of Imus Auxiliary Bishop of Manila
—and that every contraceptive act is intrinsically a moral evil. October 7, Third General Congregation October 7, Third General Congregation
Pope John Paul II, using analogy with human language, said
that contraception is like telling a lie. The purpose of human THE Synod rightly deals with the THERE is a need for guidelines to
language is to communicate truth through meaningful sounds disposition of listening. In Scrip- help Catholics interpret the Bible
we call words that convey concepts. The conjugal act is the tures, when people listen to God’s properly. Let these guidelines be
Word they experience true life. If clearly presented. These can in-
they refuse, life ends in tragedy. clude the following criteria for a
Contraception, in many of its Listening is a serious matter. The Catholic reading of the Bible:
forms—aside from weakening Church must form hearers of the 1) Knowing the Bible is not so
Word. But listening is not trans- much knowing a book but knowing
the sincerity of the marital love mitted only by teaching but more and relating to the Person of Christ.
of the spouses, and being a by a milieu of listening. I pro- 2) The liturgy is the primary
rejection of the will of God that pose three approaches for deep-
ening the disposition for listen-
place of encountering the Bible
as Word of God.
spouses co-operate with Him ing. 3) A true understanding of the Bible
in giving new human life—is 1. Our concern is listening in
faith. Faith is a gift of the Spirit,
should be in accord with the authen-
tic life (as the lives of the saints), prac-
also a serious health hazard yet it also is an exercise of hu- tices and teachings of the Church.
for women. Promoters of con- man freedom. Listening in faith 4) A proper understanding of
means opening one’s heart to the Scriptures should be guided
traception have turned a blind God’s Word, allowing it to pen- both by faith and by study.
eye to the results of medical etrate and transform us, and practicing it. It is equivalent to obedi- 5) Any Bible passage is to be read in the context of the inner unity
research that prove this dan- ence in faith. Formation in listening is integral faith formation. For-
mation programs should be designed as formation in holistic listen-
of Scripture,
6) A proper understanding of the Bible should consider and ad-
ger to women. ing. dress the concrete situations of today.
2. Events in our world show the tragic effects of the lack of listen- 7) Reading the Bible should not end in mere knowledge; it is a call
ing: conflicts in families, gaps between generations and nations, and to conversion and transformation.
physical expression of the mutual love of spouses. If contracep- violence. People are trapped in a milieu of monologues, inattentive- 8) The correct use of the Bible should promote unity within the
tion intervenes, the marital union is no longer an “I – Thou” ness, noise, intolerance and self-absorption. The Church can provide Church and among Churches.
dialogue; it has degenerated into an “I – it ” interaction: the “it” a milieu of dialogue, respect, mutuality and self-transcendence. 9) We need to approach the Bible in a spirit of humility; it enables
can be anything except the unique personality of the spouse. 3. God speaks and the Church, as servant lends its voice to the us to value the interpretation of the Bible by the poor.
To use contraceptives is like telling the spouse “I communi- Word. But God does not only speak. God also listens especially to the I strongly suggest that there be more interaction among biblical
cate with you, but I don’t mean everything I say”. And so, as at just, widows, orphans, persecuted, and the poor who have no voice. scholars and pastoral workers. Together they should search for meth-
that point language is reduced to mere sounds without mean- The Church must learn to listen the way God listens and must lend ods of understanding and topics of study that would deepen the faith
ing, so is the marital union reduced to a soulless physical its voice to the voiceless. of our peoples in our own cultures.
activity. This could be the start of the weakening of the mu-
tual love and respect of the spouses.
MOST REV. PABLO VIRGILIO S. DAVID
What other factors make contraception morally unacceptable? Auxiliary Bishop of San Fernando
Contraception, in many of its forms—aside from weaken- October 10, Eight General Congregation
ing the sincerity of the marital love of the spouses, and being
a rejection of the will of God that spouses co-operate with THE Instrumentum laboris
Him in giving new human life—is also a serious health haz- rightly calls attention to the
ard for women. Promoters of contraception have turned a healthy tension between exege-
blind eye to the results of medical research that prove this sis and theology in the Church.
danger to women. While theology often dwells on
What is worse, contraceptives (drugs and IUD’s) nowadays the power of the Word of God;
not only prevent conception: in case, they fail in their contra- we will always need exegesis to
ceptive mechanism, they can prevent the implantation of the remind us as well of the humil-
fertilized ovum (already a unique human person) in the womb: May kasagutan na sa inyong mga
ity of the Word of God. Do we
plain abortion. This is why these devices and drugs are called problema sa karapatan ng pamilya, not too often find ourselves
“abortifacients”. kababaihan at mga bata. speechless when confronted by
If the spouses, after pondering the matter in God’s pres- serious readers of the Bible
ence, decide to delay their having a child, due to grave rea- Makinig sa bagong programa ng Radio among our faithful who feel
sons, what morally acceptable measures can they take, if they Veritas “MAGKABIYAK SA BATAS” scandalized by Scriptural pas-
cannot use contraceptives? tuwing Sabado, alas-siete y medya sages that are full of violence,
“The regulation of births, which is an aspect of responsible hanggang alas nuebe ng umaga. bigotry, cruelty, duplicity, and
fatherhood and motherhood, is objectively morally accept- all other contradictions that are
able when it is pursued by the spouses without external pres- Katatampukan ng mga batikang mag- characteristic of the humanity we
sure; when it is practiced not out of selfishness but for serious asawang abogado na sina Atty.Luigi at share with all other sons and
reasons: and with methods that conform to the objective crite- Gwen Pimentel-Gana kasama sina daughters of Adam? And yet we have not cancelled them out from
ria of morality, that is, periodic continence and use of the Atty.Eric at Alma Malongga na kapwa the canon of Scriptures. We have in this canon texts that deny the
infertile periods.” (Compendium of the CCC , 497). nagtapos sa UP College of Law. resurrection and afterlife and texts that affirm them. We have texts
that regard Satan as part of the heavenly court with a specific task
Is the moral objection to contraception applicable only to Sina Eric Malongga at Gwen Gana ay and texts that present him as a fallen angel. We have texts that de-
Catholics? President at Vice-President ng Meritxell clare evil as a consequence of human sin and insist on human culpa-
No, it applies to all, to non-Catholics and to non-Christians bility and texts that present evil as a disease and human beings as
Foundation.
as well, because it is derived from Natural Law. “The natural mere victims that can only rely on God’s forgiveness. We have texts
law, present in the heart of each man and established by rea- that emphasize divine grace, and texts that put a prime on human
son, is universal in its precepts and its authority extends to all
Ang apat na abogado ay eksperto sa
“Family and Child Law”. effort.
men; it is immutable and permanent throughout the varia- Ascent and descent, the divine and the human, the sublime and the
tions of history” (CCC 1956, 1958); “The natural law is nothing wretched-these are aspects about the mystery of divine revelation,
other than the light of understanding placed in us by God; Binuo ng Radio Veritas 846 ang about God’s Word in human words, about the God made flesh, that
through it we know what we must do and what we must programang MAGKABIYAK SA BATAS will always require both the contributions of exegetes and theolo-
avoid. God has given this light or law at Creation” (St. Tho- bilang adbokasiya ng simbahang katolika gians, and above all of the pastors who have to keep us all together
mas Aquinas, CCC 1955). Moral relativism (“human actions sa pagtatanggol sa karapatan ng bawat in humility and with the proper disposition of listening and self-
cannot be objectively right or wrong”) is a denial of this God- pamilyang Pilipino na itinuturing na emptying, keeping our focus on Jesus-the God with a human face—
given capacity of man’s reason. “basic unit of society”. on his power in weakness, on his wisdom in foolishness, on his
exaltation through humiliation.
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 12 No. 21
October 13 - 26, 2008 Statements B5
A Statement Launching Anti-Mining Solidarity Week
Yes to food
production, no
to mining
operations!
TODAY, we, the Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), a network of min-
ing affected communities, indigenous peoples’ groups, aca-
demics, religious organizations and other support groups op-
posed to large scale mining, launch the “Anti-Mining Solidar-
ity Week” to call attention to the threat posed by mining on
our food sovereignty and biodiversity.
We do this to expose the lies being peddled by a govern-
ment bent on attracting mining investments, no matter what
the cost. We keep hearing about the millions of dollars of in-
A statement of the Indigenous Filipinos and their advocates and resulted in a horrendous “fish kill.”
Of course, who can forget the Marcopper Mining disaster in
Indigenous Peoples’ Month 1996 when Marcopper’s open pit burst, releasing 2-3 million
cubic meters of mine tailings into the Boac River in
Marinduque? The incident killed off aquatic life in the 26-kilo-
WE the indigenous peoples of the Philippines “[t]he right to life of the people is insepa- INSTEAD ENACT AN ALTERNATIVE MIN- meter waterway and resulted in the flooding of farmlands and
constitute at least a third of the national rable from their right to sources of food and ING LAW; villages along its banks.
population. Comprised of at least 110 ethno- livelihood. Allowing the interest of big min- * RESPECT OUR RIGHT TO SELF DETER- In all these cases, those responsible have often been left with-
graphic societies we are the repositories of a ing companies and other commercial inter- MINATION, PROMULGATE AND ENFORCE out so much as a slap on the wrist. It is precisely this lack of
precious cultural heritage. Our numbers and ests to prevail over peoples’ right to these LAWS THAT WILL GUARANTEE THE EX- accountability that leads to continuing abuse. And it is not just
diversities verily make us the nation’s social sources, amount to violating their right to ERCISE OF OUR RIGHTS TO AUTHENTIC biodiversity which is in danger. Mining has also directly af-
capital with rights to our ancestral domains, life.” AND EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION IN DE- fected people’s food security whether as a result of environ-
self determination and integrity of WE THEREFORE CALL ALL CONCERNED CISION MAKING AFFECTING OUR LIVES; mental damage or the loss of land in which to grow food.
culture. Recognition and respect for our TO RESPECT OUR RIGHTS TO OUR ANCES- In many cases, the loss of land for food production is not due
rights as human beings and as indigenous TRAL DOMAINS, SELF DETERMINATION * REDRESS ALL VIOLATIONS OF HUMAN to any accident or disaster but a direct result of the mining
peoples is fundamental and imperative to the AND CULTURAL INTEGRITY. ENFORCE RIGHTS OF IPS AND PARTICULARLY operation itself. In Bgy. Didipio, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya,
country’s quest for peace and prosperity. THE RIGHT TO FREE AND PRIOR IN- THOSE ARISING FROM ABUSES OF GOV- Oceanagold Philippines’ operations, have either damaged or
Deplorably, the government’s develop- FORMED CONSENT, AND REDRESS ALL ERNMENT AND THE MILITARY; destroyed the community’s farmlands, irrigation systems, and
ment paradigm, markedly demonstrated in VIOLATIONS, ENCROACHMENT AND * STOP MILITARIZATION OF IP AREAS fruit-bearing trees. Worse, the mining project continues to pose
its pursuit of projects that militate against a UNLAWFUL DISPOSSESSION OF AND RECRUITMENT OF OUR CHILDREN a direct threat to the three watersheds located in the area should
sustainable, authentic human development, IPS. PARTICULARLY, INTO MILITARY SERVICE; an accident similar to Toledo or Marinduque occur.
have left a great number of us economically * WE CALL ON GOVERNMENT TO UP- * COMPEL NCIP TO UPHOLD ITS MAN- The food supply scare early this year has exposed the fallacy
deprived, socially excluded, politically dis- HOLD OUR RIGHTS AND FULLY IMPLE- DATE AS THE PRIMARY AGENCY FOR THE of the oft-repeated argument that we need not produce our
enfranchised and culturally MENT THE MANDATES OF THE CONSTI- PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF IP own food. It has laid bare, for all to see, the importance of self-
marginalized. Together with millions of TUTION AND THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ RIGHTS AND NOT AS FACILITATOR AND sufficiency as a basic foundation of food security.
other marginalized and poor Filipinos, we RIGHT ACT (IPRA), PARTICULARLY THOSE PROMOTER OF INTERESTS ADVERSE TO It is therefore unconscionable that government should al-
are unjustly taking the brunt of graft and cor- PERTAINING TO OUR ANCESTRAL DO- IPS; low foreign investors to destroy vital food sources in their
ruption, injustice, un-peace, and development MAIN AND TO STRENGTHEN THE LEGAL *DEVELOP AND/OR SUPPORT hunt for gold, copper or nickel. It is unpardonable that people
aggression. FRAMEWORK FOR PROTECTION AND PROJECTS, SPECIFICALLY IP EDUCATION, who rely on the bounties of nature for their sustenance be
THIS IS AN URGENT CALL THEREFORE PROMOTION OF OUR RIGHTS BY PRIORI- INDIGENOUS AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES deprived of it in the greedy quest for precious metals.
FOR ALL CONCERNED TO UPHOLD LIFE, TIZING THE RATIFICATION OF ILO CON- AND CULTURAL PROGRAMS THAT PRO- We demand our right to food sovereignty which ensures
PROTECT AND PROMOTE HUMAN VENTION 169; MOTE THE BEST INTEREST AND WELFARE that the rights to use and manage our lands, territories, waters,
RIGHTS, RECOGNIZE AND RESPECT IN- * TO STOP ALL DESTRUCTIVE AND OF ALL IPS. seeds, livestock and biodiversity are in the hands of those of us
DIGENOUS PEOPLES’ RIGHTS, AND BRING LARGE SCALE EXPLOITATION OF NATU- who produce and depend on food.
BACK THE COUNTRY TO THE ROAD OF A RAL RESOURCES IN ANCESTRAL DO- With one voice and with the power of our Today we rededicate ourselves to the struggle against large-
TRUE AUTHENTIC, HUMANE, SUSTAIN- MAIN, STOP MINING, LOGGING AND combined strength we call on all concerned scale mining. We want this government and the miners to
ABLE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOP- OTHER FORMS OF DEVELOPMENT AG- to support our advocacies so that together know, we will not go quietly into the night. We will not allow
MENT. GRESSION; we may work towards the realization of a the continued rape of our mountains, our forests, and our riv-
“Do not defile the land where you live and where * RESPECT MINING MORATORIUM AND just and better world. ers. We will not let the lure of gold rob us of our rights to food
I dwell…” (Numbers 35:33) LOGGING BANS DECLARED BY LOCAL We hope that what is now RAMDAM ANG and a healthy environment.
To us Indigenous Filipinos, Land is Life. GOVERNMENT UNITS, AT THE SAME TIME KAHIRAPAN, can truly become RAMDAM We will not let mining investors limit our choices. We will
We have nurtured and cared for our lands, STRICTLY OBSERVE PROCESSES ON SE- ANG KAUNLARAN . not let mining interests dictate our development options. We
our ancestral domains, as our ancestors have CURING GENUINE FPIC; will not let them run roughshod over our basic rights. We will
done and as generations after us will * TO COMPEL JUST COMPENSATION not let them rest and we will hound them every step of the
do. Appallingly, government has caused our AND REHABILITATION ON THE DE- IP Delegates and Participants on the Occa- way!
lands, our domains to be defiled by large scale STRUCTION THAT MINING HAS CAUSED sion of IP Month 2008
exploitation of natural resources which de- TO OUR LIVES AND PROPERTIES; San Carlos Seminary, Guadalupe 07 October 2008
stroys life. Indeed, as our Bishops admonish, * REPEAL THE MINING ACT OF 1995 AND 8 October 2008
Anniversary of Archbishop Gorordo in the College of Cardinals on May 25, 1985 1965 National Celebration of the Fourth
1940. augured well for the Synod, which for- Centennial of the Evangelization of the
(Issued by Bishops-Ulama Conference in behalf of longest and certainly one of the most
fruitful for the Archdiocese. The re-
the Archdiocese’s encounter with the
third millennium.
in the shoes of the larger-than-life Car-
dinal Rosales and assumed pastoral ad-
the Civilian Population caught in the crossfire of soundingly successful celebration of the
4 th Centenary of the Christianization of
The Synod set for the Archdiocese the
mission of building basic ecclesial com-
ministration of over a million faithful
in this heartland of the Visayan islands.
the Philippines in 1965 focused national munities in the parishes. Commissions With vital structures and infrastructures
the present conflict in Central Mindanao) and international attention on Cebu. Not
long after, Archbishop Rosales was
were also set up to attend to the various
needs of the faithful. In 1995, the Arch-
already put in place (like the seminar-
ies, the Archbishop’s Palace, Patria de
raised to the College of Cardinals, mak- diocese of Cebu joined the archdioceses Cebu and Caritas buildings, the restored
ing Cebu one of the few Archdioceses in of Caceres, Nueva Segovia and Jaro in Metropolitan Cathedral and multifari-
the world to merit a Cardinal as Arch- celebrating their 400th year as a Diocese. ous parishes established, to cite some),
IN the name of God Almighty, the Most the evacuees for food, clothing, shelter bishop. The Archdiocese played host to the First the new Archbishop set his own course
Merciful, the Most Beneficent and the and medicine, we appeal for more, and The illustrious career of Cardinal National Mission Congress in 2001. of action and steered the Archdiocese to
Most Loving: continue providing these helps to the Rosales came to an end on his death on In 2002, the clergy held its first Dioc- a new direction.
We, the convenors of the Bishops- evacuees now temporarily living in sev- June 2, 1983. His able coadjutor, then esan Priests’ Congress, followed a year Owing to his vast experience as
Ulama Conference, strongly appeal for eral areas in Northern and Central Msgr. Ricardo Vidal, was installed Arch- later with the Congress of the Laity. The formator (he spent most of his priestly
the welfare of the unfortunate civilian Mindanao. bishop of Cebu on September 18 of the latter two gatherings continued the tra- ministry as seminary formator culmi-
victims of the ongoing bloody conflict 3. Considering the trauma experienced same year. jectory of the 1984 Synod through a par- nating in the rectorship of a regional
in Northern and Central Mindanao and by these victims of war, especially chil- The former Archbishop of Lipa, Msgr. ticipatory process, where both clergy and major seminary in Luzon) then Msgr.
hereby bring to the attention of all con- dren and young people, we appeal to Vidal was reluctant at first to accept the laity examined their realities and pro- Vidal, who was elevated to the College
cerned especially the leaderships of the individuals, groups as well as institu- heavy responsibility of administering an vided directions for the future. of Cardinals in 1985, stamped his mark
Armed Forces of the Republic of the Phil- tions which have the training and ex- Archdiocese whose culture and tradi- The 75 th Anniversary of Cebu as an on the Archdiocese by giving stress on
ippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation pertise to conduct psycho-social inter- tions are rather different from his Archdiocese comes at a time when the formation.
Front (MILF) the sad plight of our civil- ventions and counselling to start the former environment. But his quiet ways vision of the Synod has begun to trans- Reflective of his character, he did not
ian population. healing of the physical and spiritual and conciliatory stance quickly won for form the structural landscape of the Arch- instigate shocking reforms. Instead, he
We, now state forcefully three (3) ma- wounds leading to forgiveness, recon- him the affection and devotion of the diocese. The seeds of the basic ecclesial introduced gradual but trenchant
jor concerns that require immediate at- ciliation and wholeness of life. Cebuanos. communities, sown right after the changes culminating in the convocation
tention: We hope and pray to the God of peace Gifted with expansive vision and a Synod, have begun to bear fruit in the of the Fourth Diocesan Synod of Cebu
1. If, as we were to understand, vio- of all people for a genuine and lasting firm and steady hand, the new Arch- lives of the faithful. in 1985-86. Since then the thrust of the
lent encounters have become inevitable peace in our beloved land. We do this as bishop quickly set out to put his stamp local church took a definitive shift.
in view of the current campaign of the instruments of peace serving all peoples on the face of the Archdiocese. In Janu- Priorities and Directions One of his first major acts not long
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Mindanao. ary 15, 1984, barely five months after his After thirty-three years of sterling ser- after he took office was the reorganiza-
to pursue, capture, and bring to justice Signed this 11th day of October, 2008 installation, he announced the convoca- vice to the Archdiocese of Cebu as Arch- tion of the diocesan structure into dif-
the three (3) MILF commanders, we in the City of Davao, Republic of the tion of a Diocesan Synod, the fourth in bishop, Julio Cardinal Rosales, in 1983, ferent episcopal districts to ensure closer
make this urgent appeal to both, AFP Philippines. the history of Cebu, to “review the turned over to his successor, Archbishop coordination and interaction between
and MILF parties, combatants and other progress attained by the Archdiocese in Ricardo J. Vidal, a local Church that saw and among priests.
armed groups: SPARE THE INNOCENT FERNANDO R. CAPALLA, DD the last 50 years of its existence” and “pro- itself rising from the rubble of the Sec- Under the care of an auxiliary bishop
CIVILIAN POPULATION! Archbishop of Davao vide for the pressing pastoral needs in ond World War to its present vibrance and assisted by an episcopal vicar, each
2. Even as we recognize the efforts of the coming decades”. and on the side hosting, among the other district is composed of several vicariates.
individuals, groups and organizations HILARIO M. GOMEZ, JR., Ph.D The elevation of Archbishop Vidal to memorable and historic occasions, the
to respond to the immediate needs of UCCP Bishop Emeritus Cebu / B6
CBCP Monitor
B6 Reflections Vol. 12 No. 21
October 13 - 26, 2008
Mainstreaming
the social doctrine
THE Church’s social doctrine needs to be widely spread, known and prac-
ticed. The common impression is that it’s classified information or that it’s a
subject proper only to those who like to dabble in social activism.
We have to redeem it from that predicament—quickly and relentlessly,
since the effort surely involves a long and even agonizing process. It’s also a
never-ending activity.
Since the Church’s social doctrine brings the true spirit of Christ into our
social life in all its dimensions—from the family to our business and politics
and to the most global aspects of our earthly life—it is indispensable and
concerns us all.
In fact, with our increasingly challenging times, it is imperative that the social
doctrine be systematically taught far and wide, its corresponding virtues devel-
oped and its appropriate structures and network built up progressively.
Given that living the Christian spirit in our social life is most tricky, it is
necessary that the Church’s social doctrine be integrally learned and assimilated.
Otherwise, we’ll have a terrible mongrel that can cause more evil than good. Illustration by Bladimer Usi
That’s what we are seeing now. The few occasions when it’s cited by civil
message ‘performative’
politicians, ideologues and mob forces.
Valid points in the smaller aspects of an issue often fail to reconcile with
the demands of a larger picture. They easily get dogmatized and inflexible,
powerless to flow with the streaming situations.
Many times, they just show more emotion than practical wisdom, indicat-
ing a reactive, not pro-active approach. Traces of agitation, obviously re-
strained, are all over, causing unease in many people. The net effect is confu-
sion rather than relief.
World Mission Sunday; 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The fragile link between the social and the spiritual, the personal good
and the common good, truth and charity, justice and mercy, etc., is not duly
Mt 22: 15 - 21; October 19, 2008
monitored and constantly readjusted. The points come as a result mainly of
reflex, rather than reflective reaction. By Msgr. Joselito C. tion and cynicism towards gift of a new life. Thus, the Christian message will bring.
Thus, in many parts of the media today some statements of our Church government leaders, of rela- Christian message becomes Making the Gospel message
leaders have been roundly criticized, aggravated by the fact that Church Asis
tivism in morality and be- not only “informative” but performative is actually our
officials generally do not know how to handle the media. liefs, etc., etc. also “performative!”(cf. Spes great challenge today.
For this difficult task, the Church’s Compendium of Social Doctrine says: For a pessimist, his usual Salvi 2). In order for us to make the
THIS year’s celebration of
“The primary responsibility for the pastoral commitment to evangelize social reali- reaction is: There is no more In the Second Reading, Paul Gospel performative and life-
World Mission Sunday takes
ties falls to the Bishop, assisted by priests, religious men and women, and the laity. hope. But for us, who believe reminds the community in changing, we must exert ef-
the opportunity of reflecting
“With special reference to local realities, the Bishop is responsible for promoting in Christ: It is only in Him Thessalonica that the de- forts to suffer with others and
on the missionary life of the
the teaching and diffusion of the Church’s social doctrine, which he should do through that humanity finds redemp- mands of being called is to for others; to suffer for the
great “Apostle to the Gen-
appropriate institutions.” (539) tion and hope! St. Paul under- manifest the works of faith sake of truth and justice; to
tiles” Saint Paul, whom we
This is, of course, a tall order, extremely demanding but not impossible. It stood this very well. Thus, he and labors of love; and to suffer out of love; and to be-
commemorate in a special
requires nothing less than solid and authentic spiritual life. Otherwise, the sees the urgency to tell every- have hope and endurance in come a person who truly
Jubilee on the occasion of the
anomaly will just surface sooner or later. loves ( cf. Spes Salvi 39).
bi-millennium of his birth.
The teaching and spread of the social doctrine involves everyone in his proper
ways, with clear distinctions between those of the clergy and those of the laity.
Pope Benedict XVI in his Mes- To tell the world that our future We can learn it from Jesus,
who became man in order to
sage invites us, all baptized
The universal involvement should not blur the specific roles of each one.
Christians, to become famil- rests on our hope in Christ, suffer with humanity. Actu-
Subsidiary institutions that can and should help are the families, parishes
and other Church structures, schools, media, governmental and non-gov-
iar with the life of St. Paul, gives us a new perspective of ally, He is our source of in-
spiration so that we may be
ernmental agencies. Continuing education on the social doctrine, especially
the model of our apostolic
commitment; and to take this
the Gospel. The Gospel be- able to suffer with our broth-
for those holding positions of influence, is a must.
So far, I have not seen any serious effort in this direction. It’s a neglect that
occasion as an opportunity to comes not merely a communi- ers and sisters too, particu-
larly the least ones. Our kind
certainly has very foreseeable tragic consequences. It’s like cultivating a
propagate the proclamation
of the Gospel to the ends of
cation of things that can be visits to the sick, the prison-
crisis. This has to be corrected.
the world (cf. 2008 World Mis- known – it is one that makes ers, old friends whom we
We should nurture the sense of constant vigilance and the skill to inte-
grate the different flowing elements of our social life. This would enable us
sion Sunday). things happen and is life- have never seen for a long
time. Our efforts to bring
Know that the person of St.
to read and foresee the signs of the times as they come, promptly noting
Paul represents for us, a key changing. Thus, the Christian about healing of the internal
their positive and negative features.
With the social doctrine, we can manage to keep distance from the predatory
role in the Church: its pro- message becomes not only and external wounds of our
being.
tendencies brought about by our own weaknesses, failures and sins, not to
phetic and missionary nature.
It is that part of the Church
“informative” but also Our sometimes painful de-
mention the very subtle snares of the devil and our world alienated from God.
which constantly works on “performative!” cisions of placing above all the
the edge, pushing the bound- values of truth and justice in
aries of the Church further exchange of our own welfare,
out, not only in a geographi- one that without Christ, hu- waiting for Christ, the Lord. career and possessions. Our
cal sense but also pushing the manity is without hope (cf. He also emphasizes that the practice of setting aside an
Bo Sanchez amount or saving something,
concerns of the Church into Eph 2:12). Gospel he proclaimed is not
not for our future security but
Friendships are
neglected areas of social con- To tell the world that our merely words, but miracles,
cern and creatively develop- future rests on our hope in Holy Spirit and plenty of ev- for the immediate needs of
ing new ways of communi- Christ, gives us a new per- erything! Meaning, the Gos- our less fortunate brethren.
treasure erated and redeemed”—says communication of things that Today there are countless of Christ and heralds of the
the Holy Father. Looking can be known – it is one that people who want to hear this Gospel. This is our mission
closely at the situations of the makes things happen and is life-changing message of sal- today. Do not miss every op-
world today, we are faced life-changing. vation; people who are thirst- portunity to reach out to those
WHEN I was single, I did everything with lightning speed. who have not yet experience
I remember it took me only nine minutes to eat breakfast, shower, dress with the grim scenarios of The dark door of time, of ing to experience love and
multiple crises: oil and food the future, has been thrown hope. These people may not the liberating love of Christ.
up, and get ready to drive off to wherever. No kidding. Together with Paul, we may
When I got married, preparing to leave home takes me a little bit more crises, of climate change and open. The one who has hope totally ignorant about Christ
constant threat to our envi- lives differently; the one who but are actually looking for a also exclaim “Woe to me if I
time. (About one hour and fifty-one minutes more.) do not preach it!”(1 Cor 9:16).
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining. ronment, of endless corrup- hopes has been granted the life-changing effect which the
You see, my wife is a woman.
(Thank God.)
If I wanted to continue my quick pace in life, I should have remained Cebu / B5
single. Or married another guy. Which would look strange, especially that
I’m a preacher. New Parishes The very composition of the Pastoral of consequence. It is during this time
You see, I’m the typical male that’s totally goal-fixated. Men are creatures The steady increase of population and Planning Board is reflective of the spirit that priests are updated of the pertinent
of purpose while women are creatures of process. the clamor of the people for closer pas- of the times wherein a close collabora- issues of the time.
Let me explain it another way: As a man, I don’t care much for the jour- toral care necessitated the creation of tion between the Clergy and the Laity Another source of renewal for the
ney—just the destination. So the shorter the trip, the better. My wife, how- more parishes in the Archdiocese. If for on the one hand and between the Secu- clergy is the annual retreat. Retreat mas-
ever loves every inch of the journey. She walks leisurely, hums a tune, anything, creation of a new parish is a lar and the Religious on the other hand ters of national and international re-
pauses for scenery. cogent index of the coming of age of a is evident. nown have been invited in the past to
That’s why each morning, she enjoys a cool shower, while I just try to get certain Christian community in a given conduct spiritual exercises. Special pro-
moist. And that’s why she treats as near-sacred her time in front of an open territory wherein continuous support of grams like seminars and symposia for
closet, choosing and re-choosing what clothes to wear. I however just grab the pastor and separate ecclesial exist- Ongoing Formation of the Clergy the ongoing formation of priests have
what I wore yesterday. ence are already viable. One important component of any dio- also been availed of by some.
But more importantly, this is the reason why my wife majors in relation- In 1981 there were 96 parishes and cese is the clergy that serves it. Cebu has
ships, and I don’t think much about them. Because relationships don’t have three chaplaincies, 34 of which were es- been blessed with a dynamic BEC: The Way of Being Church towards
purposes; the relationship is the purpose. tablished by late Cardinal Rosales. To- presbyterate through the years. Yet it did the Third Millennium
Like if I sprint out of the house while stuffing breakfast in my mouth, my day there are already 141 parishes. not stop His Eminence from pursuing When the Synod was convoked in the
wife takes delight in a slow meal, where food isn’t the only thing shared, but Therefore in a little over 27 years, the his own programs for the ongoing for- mid-80’s a new pastoral approach was
conversation, stories, warmth, and laughter. current Local Ordinary, Cardinal Vidal, mation of priests to ensure a sustained already making waves in the Church, at
She also has the time to regularly stop her work to check on the state of has already established 38 parishes. level of competence in the ministry. least in the ‘third world Church’. As re-
our friendship. She asks, “Do you love me?” When I respond, “Yes, I do,” she The regular monthly recollections cent as Vatican II yet as ancient as the
teases, “How much?” After I tell her, “Very much,” she peacefully goes back Pastoral Planning Board were refashioned to become an extended Church herself, formation of Christian
to whatever she was doing. This dialogue is repeated about fourteen times During the Fourth Synod the admin- program of renewal of the clergy. communities as a new way of experienc-
in a regular day. istrative and pastoral administration of Handled by a group of priests and lay ing ecclesial life traces its roots to the time
Because of her, I’ve learned anew an ancient truth: That friendships are the the Archdiocese was looked into, result- counterparts, monthly recollections give when Christianity was still nascent. But
most sacred, most precious, most life-giving stuff of human life. ing in the formation of a special body to priests the opportunity to evaluate and its twentieth century revival started in
They are our richest treasure! oversee the drawing up of the pastoral discuss the different aspects of their min- Latin America in the 60’s and was adopted
My friends are many. programs of the Archdiocese and their istry and address some concerns that to the Philippine setting shortly after.
God is my first Friend. implementation. Thus the Pastoral Plan- touch on the personal (relational and pro- The Fourth Synod officially adopted
I consider my wife to be my best friend. ning Board was created shortly after the fessional) dimension of their pastoral ser- Basic Ecclesial Community or BEC as the
And I have my family and my community as wonderful, beautiful friends. Synod. It is actually the Diocesan Pasto- vice. From purely lecture-style assem- pastoral approach of the Archdiocese
As I waste my time with them and wonder whether I’m accomplishing ral Council which operates under the blies, group-dynamics activities were re- thereby ensuring radical re-focusing of
anything, I have to hammer this reality to my head: Friendships are not direct supervision of the Cardinal and is cently incorporated in the format. the vision and mission of the Cebuano
about goals or purposes or results. Because friendship, in essence, is the managed and coordinated by a priest In this way relationship between older Church. A Secretariat was formed to
journey and the destination. who acts as the Pastoral Planning Board and younger clergy has become closer oversee and spearhead the introduction
I’ve now learned that relationships are more important than accomplishments. Coordinator. and perennial spats between parish of BEC’s in the parishes.
That time-efficiency is second only to love-efficiency. The board is composed of the Chair- priests and their vicars have been dif- In 1991 a five-year renewal program
That nurturing friendship is the greatest thing that I can ever accomplish men of the different Archdiocesan Com- fused although not entirely eliminated. was drawn up in preparation for the
in life. missions, together with two Men Reli- The Cardinal’s Hour which comes to- quadricentennial celebration of Cebu as
In essence, that’s my purpose for being. gious, two Women Religious and five wards the end of the day is one forum a diocese with the theme BEC: Towards
(Male thinking, hmm?) lay people, all of whom are appointed wherein His Eminence addresses his Maturation in Faith wherein it was en-
by the Archbishop. priests and discusses with them matters Cebu / B7
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 12 No. 21
October 13 - 26, 2008 Social Concerns B7
Cebu / B6
visioned that by 1995 all parishes in the promotion of BEC. catholic schools, seminarians, religious formation, they nevertheless show that who dedicate themselves to catechetics
Cebu shall have been “BECised” already. brothers, sisters and priests. catechesis is one serious mission that the and Catholic education
Although this has not been realized Catechetical Apostolate of the Archdio- If we go by percentage alone then we Archdiocese is undertaking to sustain the 2. The Siervas de la Virgen de la Paz
100 percent, comparable study would cese glean from the proceeding numbers that religious and moral formation of the (SNSP), founded by a layman, dedicated
bear out that indeed BEC is already tren- Vis-à-vis the promotion of BEC as pas- the catechetical endeavor of the archdio- faithful. to catechetics.
chant in all the corners of the Archdio- toral approach is the intensive cese has been extensive. 3. Living the Gospel Community
cese. In 1980 the Quinquennial Report catechetical drive of the Archdiocese. Six Out of 1,420 schools in the Primary Religious and Secular Institutes (LGC), with their special apostolate in
to the Holy See listed only around forty Archdiocesan bodies have been at the and Elementary levels, 1,163 were A steady rise in the number of reli- catechesis.
small Christian communities existing. forefront of this endeavor. They are the reached out and given religious instruc- gious communities established in Cebu There is one Secular Institute for
But in 1994 it rose dramatically to 2,470 1) Archdiocesan Catechetical Center tions. This represents 82 percent. has been noted in the past years. Right Women in Cebu, the Instruction
although the exact number of active (ACC); 2) Archdiocesan Catechetical There are 8,770 sections in the Primary now there are already six monasteries Teresiana, dedicated to campus ministry
communities cannot be ascertained, nor Board (ACB); 3) District Catechetical and Elementary schools and 8,169 sec- of cloistered women and one indepen- and apostolate of prayer. The Opus Dei
can sheer numbers alone be an accurate Center (DCC); 4) Vicariate Catechetical tions were reported as given catechetical dent men’s monastery. These are the 1) which has a status of Personal Prelature
gauge for the maturation of the Center (VCC); 5) Parish Catechetical instruction, which is 93 percent of the Discalced Nuns of the Blessed Mary of is active in lay spiritual formation espe-
Cebuano’s faith. Center (PCC); and 6) Catechetical Train- total. Mount Carmel (OCD); 2) Order of St. cially in the professional sector.
A sustained annual mission program ing Institute of Cebu (CATIC). Out of 238 schools in the Secondary Clare (OSC); 3) Augustinian
of the Archdiocese called the Cebu Involved in various catechetical works level 173 schools were reached out by Contemplatives (OSA); 4) Sisters of the Involvement of the Laity
Archdiocesan Mission Program (CAMP) are: professional catechists, volunteer catechists, or 73 percent. Cross of the Good Shepherd (SCGS); 5) Long before PCP II envisioned a
composed of newly ordained priests and catechists from different church organi- Although these data do not automati- Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit of Per- Church of an empowered laity, the local
lay counterparts has been a big boost to zations, student catechists from various cally translate into fail-safe Christian petual Adoration (SSPS-PA); 6) Order of Church of Cebu was already well on its
the Most Holy Redeemer (OSsR); and 7) way towards lay empowerment. A shin-
The Benedictine Order of St. Sylvester ing example of that was the Fourth Di-
which established its monastery recently ocesan Synod of Cebu and the Congress
in Carmen, Cebu. of the Laity, wherein the lay delegates
Aside from these there are 21 Men’s took active part in shaping the future of
Title: Igor to their kind, he was named Igor. As an and his followers are.
Cast: (Voice) John Cusack, Steve adult, he now works for a wicked mas- Igor tries to be a film for all viewers.
Buscemi, John Cleese, Christian ter scientist. In spite of his talent in sci- There is the struggle between the bad
Slater, Jennifer Coolidge, Arsenia ence, Igor is not allowed to try and use and good characters to gain the upper
Hall, Sean Hayes, Eddie Izzard,
Jay Leno, James Lipion, Molly his skills. He is only to do the simple hand. The acting casts are computer gen-
Shannon tasks that his master gives him. Still, he erated images not easily identifiable for
Director: Tony Leondis is determined to become like his mas- viewers. One example is a brain soaked
Producers: John D. Fraklis, Max ter, to the extent of winning the title of in a jar called Brain; and another, among
Howard “Best Evil Scientist” at the annual Evil others, is a very skinny rabbit named
Screenwriter: Chris McKenna Scientist Fair. Scamper which keeps on trying to kill
Music: Patrick Doyle A chance for Igor to start something itself. The characters or images are too
Editor: Herve Schneid comes when a disastrous accident in the many and they move at a pace that makes
Genre: Animation, Comedy lab takes place; he attempts to develop a it difficult to understand what is taking
Distributor: International: The gigantic woman he calls Eva, mistaken place as the story moves along.
Weinstein Company, Local:VIVA
Running Time: 85 min. for “Evil” for a while. He prepares and Wanting to be like his wicked boss,
Technical Assessment: trains her to help him create and spread Igor was willing to turn evil. But it turns
Moral Assessment: evil all around. Things become compli- out he is too naturally good to turn bad.
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and cated however, when his master goes af- What happened had positive effects on
above ter him, and also catches Eva to brain- Eve and his group of followers. It may
wash her for his own agenda. But Eva not be a good idea for the younger teens
(once “Evil”) is found to be a naturally to watch Igor because of some of the
IN the land called Malaria, a child with a good character that could not be easily weird and scary unrecognizable charac-
humped backed was born. Since this turned bad. Igor also finds out that he ters shown. There are also some violence
kind of phenomenon was unacceptable could not really be evil as his master depicted, although in cartoon style.
Buhay Parokya
By Bladimer Usi
There are three missing articles in this
cartoon. Find the images of Pope John Paul
II, Jaime Cardinal Sin and the Crucifixion.
The Cross
A Supplement Publication for KCFAPI
and the Order of the Knights of Columbus
KCFAPI
KCFAPI Chairman
Chairman Patrocinio
Patrocinio R.
R. Bacay
Bacay and
and KCFAPI
KCFAPI President
President Antonio
Antonio B.
B. Borromeo
Borromeo led
led former
former Chairmen
Chairmen and and Presidents
Presidents of
of KCFAPI:
KCFAPI: Alberto
Alberto P.
P. Solis,
Solis, Alfredo
Alfredo O.O. Taruc,
Taruc, Edijer
Edijer A.
A. Martinez,
Martinez, Pedro
Pedro M.
M. Rodriguez
Rodriguez and
and incumbent
incumbent Chairmen
Chairmen and
and Presidents
Presidents
of
of KCFAPI
KCFAPI Subsidiaries:
Subsidiaries: Justice
Justice Jose
Jose Reyes,
Reyes, Jr.,
Jr., Patricio
Patricio J.
J. Vera,
Vera, Alonso
Alonso L.
L. Tan
Tan and
andAntonio
Antonio T.
T. Yulo
Yulo in
in giving
giving loyalty
loyalty awards
awards to
to employees
employees of
of KCFAPI.
KCFAPI. A A special
special recognition
recognition was
was given
given to
to former
former KCFAPI
KCFAPI Chairman
Chairman and
and President,
President, Bro.
Bro. Teodoro
Teodoro O.O. Arcenas,
Arcenas,
Jr.,
Jr., who unselfishly served KCFAPI Group for the longest term of 25 years. Bro. Teodoro O. Arcenas, Jr. is currently the Chairman of Keys Realty Development Corp. Also in photo are his wife Dra. Zenaida and son Teodoro Arcenas III. On
who unselfishly served KCFAPI Group for the longest term of 25 years. Bro. Teodoro O. Arcenas, Jr. is currently the Chairman of Keys Realty Development Corp. Also in photo are his wife Dra. Zenaida and son Teodoro Arcenas III. On st
stage
age
monthly sales
By Joseph P. Teodoro ducers brought more than Php2 Million FYCI
commemorates 26 years of
Newly appointed Reynaldo Valencia of the
come for the month in 50 years with Metro Manila Dragons led his team for third
Php9.814 Million First Year Contri- place with Php685,000.00 FYCI.
bution Income from regular plans The Php9.814 Million September output is
compassionate service
for September 2008. still the best month in years eclipsing the pre-
With remittances in transit the KCFAPI vious high posted in July 2008 with about
Fraternal Benefits Group (FBG) believes that Php9.6 Million.
it has hurdled its aim to deliver Ten Million The attainment of this objective will be re-
Pesos (Php10,000.00) First Year Contribution corded as the first time that KCFAPI broke
Income for the month to mark the celebra- the Ten Million Sales in 50 years. THE Holy Trinity Me-
tion of the 50 Years of Fraternal Service with The group buckled down to work for the morial Chapels, a divi-
added color. achievement of the target. Management of- sion of Keys Realty &
The biggest contribution came from the fered an incentive while the field sales force Development Corp.
Central Luzon Believers (CLB1) headed by increased their sales activity under the watch- (KRDC), held a thanks-
Efren Casupanan. ful eye and motivating words of encourage- giving Mass on October
Two of his Fraternal Counselors are eye- ment of their Area Managers. 10 at HTMC Building,
ing the much coveted 2008 Fraternal Counse- By the end of September 30, 2008, FYCI Sucat, Paranaque, as part
lor of the Year Award. CLB1 deep bench of pro- from regular plans stood at Php9.814 Million. of its anniversary cel-
ebration. And in obser-
vance of the rosary
President’s Message
Antonio B. Borromeo
President, KCFAPI
KCFAPI, pillar of a sound
financial institution
WE have just celebrated our 50 th anniversary. With all the pomp and pageantry we
KCFAPI awards BC
should not forget that in all these 50 years, KCFAPI has grown to be one of the
pillars of a sound financial institution not only in rendering pecuniary service to
the KC members and their families but also to the insurance and financial indus-
tries. Our financial stability has been tested from the 1997 Asian crisis to the
present Lehman Brothers and AIG turmoil. KCFAPI does not have any direct expo-
sure to the financial institutions going bankrupt or being under siege. What we
have is a stable financial position arising out of sound and tested investments. Our
liquidity has always been sound and we are proud to state that we will be here for
Holder Bonanza Grand
the next 50 years.
Draw Winner from Cebu
For Brother Knights by Brother Knights By Allen Bohol
THE Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Phil-
By Joseph P. Teodoro ippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) in celebration of its 50 th Founding
Anniversary has offered the Golden Jubilee Bonanza Raffle
TWO highest aspirations of today’s Filipino parents are to provide their families homes they can call their own and education for their Promo from January 01 to August 31, 2008, to holders of
children. Members of the Knights of Columbus are more fortunate to enjoy a privilege of having KCFAPI which takes care of these needs— inforce Benefit Certificate of KCFAPI. There were seven
ensuring the financial security of their families including helping them plan for their children’s college education. monthly draws through electronic raffle with fabulous prizes
Bro. Augusto Cesar C. Ventenilla of Pangasinan Council 3711 is one of those who took the opportunity of owning the College Savings Plan and one grand Winner of “Family Vacation Trip to
when this was first offered. Bro. Ogie and Sis. Maria Linda enrolled their two daughters, Arianne Maricarl and Princess Miles to the Hongkong Disneyland plus Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00)
educational program. shopping allowance.
Bro. Ventenilla, a past Grand Knight, a former District Deputy and a past Faithful Navigator, and Sis. Maria Linda invite every KC parent During the grand draw held last September 12, Sis.
who have children between ages 0-10 to take advantage of this unique opportunity available only to the members of our Order. Evangelyn B. Parages holder BC No. 6048768 was announced
as the lucky winner of the Hongkong Disneyland package
Dear Fellow KC Parents, tour.
Sis. Evangelyn B. Parages, a housewife and a native of
SOMETHING good happened to our family courtesy of the Dalaguete, Southern part of Cebu, is married to Bro. Jose
Steve S. Parages, a jeepney driver and a member of our Lady
Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, of Guadalupe Council No. 5883. When she received a call
Inc. (KCFAPI) the second-to-none life insurance provider of from Manila office informing her that she won the Grand
KC members and their families. Through this letter, Marilyn, Prize—Trip to Hongkong Disneyland, she never thought it
my two daughters and myself would like to share it with you was true, “di ko motuo kay binuang na” (I don’t believe, it’s
only a joke) she said. She was finally convinced when Cebu
the benefits of our membership. Service Office made a follow-up call.
More than six years ago KCFAPI offered its version of an “Wa gyud ko magdahum nga nituod diay nga nakadaug
Educational Program for children of our fellow members. I ko” (I never expected that I truly won), she said.
examined the benefits of the plan and found out they are more However, upon knowing the requirements and the neces-
sary documents for the passport, she opted for a cash con-
superior than those being sold by commercial companies. The
version in the amount of Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP50,000.00).
premiums are competitive. On top of these the program is be- Sis. Evangelyn mentioned that it was an answered prayer
ing handled by brother knights. since she really needed some amount of money to defray
My eldest daughter, Arianne Maricarl, now benefits on the expenses in the first year death anniversary of her mother to
education plan of KCFAPI. Checks come promptly in time for be celebrated in her home town, Dalaguete and for the
schooling of her seven year-old son.
enrollment. “Nagpasalmat gyud ko sa KCFAPI, daku kaayo ni og
It is for this reason that I am inviting you my fellow KC matabang namo, makapalit na gyud ko og computer para sa
parents to grab this unique opportunity available only to the ako anak,” (I thank KCFAPI, this will help us a lot and I can
members of our Order. Give your children the education they now buy a computer for my son) Sis. Evangelyn said.
She put part of her winnings under time deposit and
deserve and should enjoy and through KCFAPI. planned to get the Enhanced College Savings Plan for his
Vivat Jesus! son. Despite the meager income of her husband, Sis
Evangelyn, managed to save for KCFAPI insurance.
Sincerely, KCFAPI Chairman of the Board Engr. Patrocinio R. Bacay
Ventenilla Family: (Back, L-R) Arianne Maricarl, Princess led the awarding ceremony last September 30, 2008 at Cebu
Service Office, 36 Archbishop Reyes Avenue Cebu City. Also
Augusto Cesar and Maria Linda Ventenilla Miles (Front) Bro. Augusto Cesar and wife, Sis. Maria
present during the ceremony were Visayas Deputy, Dionisio
Linda R. Esteban Jr.; Area Manager of Central Visayas Assurers,
Wilfredo E. Lauron; Fraternal Counsellor of Our Lady of
Celebrating 50 Years of Fraternal Service!’ Evangelyn will be announced and be presented as KCFAPI
GOLDEN JUBILEE WINNER.
of Trustees and Officers. As early as 5:30 p.m. ush- tic style and many versions from the classical to con- Ananias P. Manreal, Cebu City Jimmy E. Pilapil, Cebu Province
ers and usherettes were already waiting for all temporary jazz. The finale of the momentous occa- Mario C. Reta, Davao City Mario T. Mitra, Zamboanga City
guests to arrive. sion was the singing of the Golden Jubilee theme Romulo E. Tanghinan, South Cotabato Manolo P. Aleligay, Pasig City
The gate closed at exactly 7:00 p.m. for the grand song “Hands of Love” led by Jubilee president Bro. Imelda C. Carino, Ilocos Sur Rev. Fr. Severino N. Diamante, Jr., Butuan City
procession of KCFAPI’s incumbent Board of Trust- Tony, and accompanied by violinist Jay.
ees with their ladies and escorted by more than 70 There was no lull and dull moment as the pro- WINNERS OF GOLDEN JUBILEE T-SHIRT AND UMBRELLA
honor guards who showcased their best regalia uni- gram ended with ballroom dancing with dance Philip O. Cueva Sr.,Samar Michael E. Arzaga, Palawan
form led by Bro. Christian Balis. instructors keeping everyone on their toes. Janette O. Lao, Ilocos Sur Melencio V. Cruz, Bulacan
The program started by a one-of-its-kind song in- It was truly a night to remember but most of all Mena P. Bautista, Bulacan Felisa A. David, Bulacan
vocation titled “The Prayer”. It was followed by the it was a reunion of many people who have been a Reynaldo D. Melicor, Bukidnon
welcome remarks of KC President Borromeo and part of KCFAPI.
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 12 No. 21
October 13 - 26, 2008 The Cross C3
Represented by
and
· ATM
· Telephone, just dial 89-100
· Cellphone, just go to Globe Services>My Favorites>BPI Mobile
· Internet, just log on to www.bpiexpressonline.com
*Payments via telephone, cellphone and internet are available to accountholders who are
enrolled users of these channels.
CBCP Monitor
C4 The Cross Vol. 12 No. 21
October 13 - 26, 2008
The Art Thomas Aquinas. This brings the are four Corinthian pillars that The Artist paintings, including life-size por- Aside from his interest in
The painting portrays Fr. message of scholarship dedicated represent the four cardinal prin- MSGR. GASPAR D. BALERITE, traits of four Filipino cardinals painting, Msgr. Balerite is also
George J. Willmann, S.J. holding to him. On his left is a grieving ciples of the Order of the Knights who is currently the Parish Priest which are displayed at the known for his writings. His
the shoulder of a poor boy since widow holding a KCFAPI check. of Columbus: Charity, Unity, of Allen, Northern Samar, is a Pontificio Collegio Filippino in works include: “Knowing the
Fr. Willmann had the heart for These two figures are assurances Fraternity, and Patriotism. Hov- member of the Knights of Co- Rome. He had a Painting Exhibit Written Word of God” (1991);
the poor and the young. His right of two futures: the eternal life and ering in the sky is a Dove, a sym- lumbus since 1977 (Council 3597) in UST last 1975 and won First “Violent Revolution and Jesus
hand holds a scroll with the writ- the existential life. On the right bol of the Holy Spirit, the Sancti- and a KC Fourth Degree since Prize in the poster contest spon- Mission of the Kingdom of God”
ing “ AD MAIOREM DEI of the canvas is a figure of a fier. “Dove” in Latin is 1982 (Northern Samar Assembly). sored by Vocation Directors in the (1992); and “The History of the
GLORIAM ” (for the Greater Brother Knight holding a banner COLUMBA. He is a KC priest-scholar and has Philippines in 1976. Msgr. Balerite Church in Northern Samar”
Glory of God), the motto of the which flows in changing color The painting was unveiled earned his licentiate and doctor- likewise participated in the Paint- (1996). He has translated Missals
Society of Jesus, and all of us who from golden yellow and white, during the Golden Jubilee Cel- ate degrees in Biblical Theology ing Exhibition of Filipiniana Art- and Catechisms in Waray. In
labor for excellence. the ecclesiastical flag, to the red ebration of the Knights of Co- from the Angelicum University ists in Rome, Italy (1985) and Paint- 1997, he authored the Samarenyo
On his right is a seminarian and blue, the color of the Philip- lumbus Fraternal Association of in Rome, Italy. He was appointed ing Exhibition in Rome, Italy, version of the New Testament.
who is reading a breviary with pine flag, a flag of Fr. the Philippines, Inc. on the 13th Honorary Prelate by the late sponsored by Philippine Embas- Msgr. Balerite’s latest project is
two books, the Holy Bible and Willmann’s acquired citizenship. day of September, 2008 at the Fr. Pope John Paul II in August 1995. sies to the Quirinale and to the the translation of the whole Bible
the Summa Theologica of St. Spread throughout the canvas George J. Willmann S.J. Center. Msgr. Balerite has done various Holy See (1988). in Binisaya Samar-Leyte version.
SUPER SPEK
Super SPEK provides you the LOWEST Contribution Rates that for financial concerns.
bring the HIGHEST Level of Protection for You and Your Family.
PARTICIPATING
TOTAL PROTECTION UP TO P59,800.00 As a member of the Association, you shall be entitled to yearly
dividends which you may: a) withdraw, b) use to reduce contribu-
We will accept you regardless of your health condition: tion, c) leave with your Association to accumulate at interest, or d)
· NO health questionnaires to accomplish! INSURANCE CONTRIBUTION PAY PERIOD buy paid-up additional insurance.
· NO medical examination to undergo! Plan becomes fully paid up at age 90.
ADDED VALUE PROTECTION
INSURANCE COVERAGE PERIOD IMMEDIATE CASH FOR EMERGENCIES After ten (10) full years, additional coverage will be provided at
Insured member is covered up to age 100. After three (3) full years, you may borrow the available cash value no extra cost.