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March 4 - 17, 2013

Vol. 17 No. 05

Php 20.00

PRE-CONCLAVE MEETING. Cardinals from around the world gather at the Paul VI Audience Hall in the Vatican for their first round of meetings before the conclave to elect the next pope, 4 March 2013. As of press time, no date has been fixed for the conclave. According to the Vatican Press Office, 117 of the 207 members of the College of Cardinals are under 80 and eligible to vote for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVIs successor.

Tampakan mining permit hit


THE governments issuance of an environmental compliance certificate to a multi-billion dollar gold and copper mining project did not go well with a Catholic Church official. A Catholic bishop, who has been vocal against the $5.9 billion Tampakan mine in South Cotabato, has opposed the idea saying it will only bring more harm to people than its supposed benefits. Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez said that the region can survive without mining, contrary to the governments claim that it

CBCP urges prayer for cardinals, next pope


By Roy Lagarde

THE HEAD of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines urged the faithful to pray for the cardinals from around the world who will elect a new pope.
As cardinals prepare for papal conclave, CBCP president

Tampakan / A7

Archbishop Jose Palma said that prayer is needed and important during this historic time in the Church. Whoever the cardinal-electors vote for, he would be another great pope in the making, Palma said. The archbishop also assured the people that God will guide the Church in days ahead after Pope Benedict XVI formally stepped down from his post last Feb. 28. He is now known as Pope Emeritus. Pope Benedict said Christ

did not leave the boat. Our leader is Jesus, we are all auxiliary helpers, said Palma. Our church is under the direction of the Lord, although we do not have a pope, he added. Also commenting on the upcoming conclave, former CBCP president, Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, said that this time is an opportunity for Catholics to pray for guidance of the Holy Spirit as a new pope is elected. Lets pray for all the cardinal-electors that the best among them may come out to lead the

Church according to the direction of the Holy Spirit towards New Evangelization beyond this Year of Faith, he said. At press time, the College of Cardinals are meeting in Vatican City prior to the conclave that will elect the next pontiff to lead the worlds 1.2 billion Catholics. The College of Cardinals is presently composed of 207 cardinals: 117 of them are Cardinalelectors who can vote in the conclave while 90 of them are over the age of 80. In the Philippines, Manila

Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle is the only qualified elector since both Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and Ricardo Cardinal Vidal are in their 80s as well. Last pope Contrary to prophecies of doom, the Catholic Church will continue for many more years, said Palma. According to him, there is nothing to fear about the last pope scenario as prophesied

Prayer / A7

Church did not violate election law poll lawyer


AN election lawyer stressed that the Church, particularly the Diocese of Bacolod, did not violate any election laws. Known election lawyer Atty. Romulo Macalintal said in a media forum held March 5 that the Church cannot be held liable on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution 9615 which is only applicable to candidates and incumbent officials who are running for public office this coming May polls. They are saying the diocese violated resolution 9615 which is the unlawful size of election materials that must be 2 feet by 3 feet. The question is, who are those liable to that law? Macalintal asked. It is stated in the resolution that the law applies to all parties which is defined as either a political party, sectoral party or a coalition of parties, and party-list organization duly registered/accredited with the Commission. But the Church is neither a political nor a sectoral party, so [it is] not liable for an offense, Macalintal said. The lawyer explained the term candidate refers to any person seeking an elective public office, who has filed his or her certificate of candidacy. Did the Church file a certificate of candidacy or seeking for public office? No, therefore, the Church is not covered by the definition of candidate and is not covered by the said election law, he added. He reiterated that Comelec is asking the diocese to remove the said tarpaulin, but so far, they have not filed a case against the diocese. Macalintal suggested that the commission must review the law wherein there is mention that it also applies
Violate / A6

Bishops deeply saddened over Sabah bloodshed

Raymond Bandril / CBCPMedia

Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal clarifies that Comelec Resolution 9615 banning the posting of oversized election posters does not apply to the Diocese of Bacolod.

Bishop to laity: Name your candidates! Bacolod diocese Team


A CATHOLIC prelate urged lay people to participate actively in politics and work for the renewal of the countrys political system. Straight up and without batting an eyelash, Auxiliary Manila Bishop Teodoro Bacani Jr. said, if bishops cannot endorse candidates, then lay Catholicsby all meansshould. Naming names Can you name names? Yes! Bp. Bacani, speaker of the 4th Episcopal Commission on Family and Life (ECFL) national conference, said, explaining that clergy and the laity have different roles in political life. Quoting from the 2nd Plenary Council of the Philippines, Bacani said all Catholics, in fact, should be active in politics. While stressing that members of the religious can only exhort the faithful to vote wisely and intelligently, he said, Catholics should agree to vote and even campaign for certain people in order to impress upon our executives and legislators the importance of the values we espouse. [When] you see a good man who holds Catholic principles, dont just vote for him, work that he may be voted. Get people to work together with you, Bacani, a member of the Episcopal Commission on Doctrine of the Faith said yesterday.

Archbishop Jose Palma

Patay is lay initiative


PROBABLY contrary to public perception, the Bacolod dioceses Team Patay/ Team Buhay campaign is not one bishops expression of political disapproval, but rather the lay peoples. Telling the inside story of how the diocese came up with the Team Patay / Team Buhay campaign at the 4thEpiscopal Commission on Family and Life (ECFL) national conference last Wednesday, Fr. Ron-

Flight from the world Calling on nothing less than a Catholic renewal of politics from within and without, Bacani outlined several action points that Catholics can do to participate actively in political life. He said, first, Catholics should, in fact, run for public office. No more flight from the
Candidates / A6

aldo Quijano said, the idea of campaigning against pro-RH candidates kept on cropping up again and again among ordinary Catholics during a series of seminars and workshops after the passage of the RH Law. Post-RH We tried to saturate the whole diocese [with workshops on the implications of the RH Law on Catholic life]
Initiative / A6

For better, but not for worse: Why we dont need divorce
EVERY bride and groom would probably cringe at the words, but if divorce is to be legalized in the Philippines, wedding day vows might as well be downgraded to befit a truly conditional contract, Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz of Lingayen-Dagupan, said. Theres [declaration of] nullity, theres annulment, legal separation, then you still want to add divorce, why marry in the first place? he asked hundreds of participants to a family life conference recently. There are already existing recourses for truly impossible marriages like legal separation, declaration of nullity and annulment, thus making the legalization of divorce not only superfluous, but dangerous, Cruz explained in his talk on church law and civil law on marriage, divorce and annulment. Divorce is simply rewarding
Divorce / A6

THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines is deeply saddened over the escalating conflict in Sabah as they called on the faithful to pray for end to violence in the region. CBCP president and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said the problem in Sabah must be addressed immediately to prevent further loss of lives. As of now we are encouraging for prayers, prayers that are spontaneous and sincere. A prayer for peace and end to all of this, Palma said. The fighting between Malaysian forces and followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III over the ownership of the disputed land cannot be solved with violence, he said. According to the CBCP head, parties involved should practice tolerance to prevent further bloodshed. The prelate admitted that the land dispute is complicated matter but must be addressed in a peaceful way. Well, we felt that this is something very complex. What we are saying is that we leave it to the diplomats, but rest assured that we are praying for peace in Sabah, said Palma. We are not in the position to discuss the sovereignty and ownership, and of course what is best to do in this situation, he added. Malaysia has moved to beef up security in the disputed area where at least 30 people have been reportedly killed since last week. (CBCPNews)

Illustration by Bladimer Usi

FILE PHOTO

Vatican Radios Facebook Page

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VATICAN City, March 3, 2013 An American cardinal has said the Catholic Church is undergoing a lot of changes in a Mass at the Vatican today. The Church is in the business of change big time, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said at St. Peters Basilica during a Mass he presided for U.S. journalists. He said that many journalists had been asking him if he believed the new pontiff would make changes within the Church. Jesus calls us first and foremost not to change structures, but to let God change us inside, he said at the Basilicas catacombs in the Hungarian Chapel. The cardinal believes he needs changing inside and labeled it conversion, repentance and spiritual renewal as well as the heart of the Gospel. What were doing right now is what makes the Church live and its more important than electing a Pope, said Cardinal Dolan during the Mass celebrated at 10:30am local time. Its a lot more important for the lives of the hundreds of millions of Catholics who went to Sunday Mass this morning, said the cardinal. But according to the cardinal,

World News
it is Mass that helps us understand the very nature of the papacy. Saint Paul says I hand down to you what I myself have received, the Archbishop of New York told the journalists during his homily. That is the very nature of the papacy, to hand on faithfully what God told Jesus, what Jesus told his apostles and what his apostles hand on to us traditionally, Cardinal Dolan said. He explained that in the Mass reading, the people of the time were trying to understand what God was telling them when they had tragedies. They were trying to figure it out just like we try to figure out tragedies, sickness and suffering in our life, said the prince of the Church. He noted that, Jesus, of course, brings us back to the basics when he said you know, its important to hear everybody and its repentance. Dont always try to figure out Gods will all the time, but try to figure out what God is asking you to do inside, advised the 63-year-old. It is a call to renew your life, to repentance of heart and to conversion of soul, he added. (CNA)

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 05
March 4 - 17, 2013

Church changing big time, says Cardinal Dolan

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan presides at a Mass in the catacombs in St. Peters Basilica on March 2, 2013.

Denver archbishop says faith requires trust, intimacy with God


DENVER, Colo., March 2, 2013Trust in God is the key foundation of faith which allows one to develop an intimate and personal relationship with the Father, according to Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila. The way we develop trust is first of all coming to recognize that God really does have our best interest at heart he truly is the God of love, the head Denvers archdiocese told CNA after his keynote address March 1 at the local Living the Catholic Faith Conference. Archbishop Aquilas talk, Standing Firm in Faith, highlighted the importance of relationship with both Christ and the Church. The archbishop began his remarks to the hundreds of conference attendees by touching on the aggressively secular world faced by Christians today. From all corners, the dignity of the human person is under attack, God is being removed from everything, the Church is being marginalized, morality is being compromised or said to be non-existent, and believers are being ridiculed for their beliefs, he said. The archbishop reflected that without truth or God, democracy becomes a social tyranny. He added that in a democracy devoid of virtue, devoid of God, rooted in relativism, justice cannot flourish. Our founding fathers assured us that without religious practice, our democracy would become a place for the powerful to exercise their will over the weak. The secular world challenges Christians to a type of witness, of martyrdom, of living our faith in the public square. Troublesome times are here and may only grow, he said. Being faithfully Catholic men and women, mothers and fathers, business owners, and Americans will be a challenge. If we want to be ready to stand firm in faith, we need to be disciples of Jesus Christ. To be Christian disciples, he said first the nature of faith must be considered. He called faith a decision to trust in God. This act of trust is reasonable, he said, because God has revealed himself to us in scripture and in the person of Jesus Christ. Only the divine person of God, incarnate in Jesus Christ, makes the proposal of faith reasonable...the only way for us to have a living, vibrant, witnessing faith is to pursue a personal Archbishop Samuel Aquila gives the keynote at the Living the relationship with Je- Catholic Faith Conference March 1, 2013 sus Christ. He said the need for the ministers of know Christ and to live their faith in the the Church to be themselves trustwor- Church included first of all entering into thy: Many people say today that to personal relationship with each person trust in the Church is harder than it once of the Blessed Trinity. He suggested that was. The scandals of the past ten years everyone strive to spend an hour a week have made the Church seem less reliable in Eucharistic adoration: it does lead and made faith more difficult. If this is us into a deeper intimacy with Jesus true, we need to acknowledge it, and Christ, who makes himself present for we need to ensure that the ministers of us, he said. They know you better than you the Gospel are people of true integrity. In his comments to CNA/EWTN know yourself, and they desire only News, he reflected that too often we... the good, the true and the beautiful for have listened more to the ways of the you. They desire for you to be happy. You must cooperate with this love by world than to the voice of Christ. This is particularly important regard- receptive and docile to it. He went on to suggest prayerful reading how Christ can heal us and restore order to us, he said, the way we can, in ing of scripture, studying the Catechism our relationship with him, truly experi- of the Catholic Church, and participating in the sacraments, especially Sunday ence his healing love for us. During his keynote address, the arch- Mass and Confession. We must give witness to our faith in bishops second point was that to be a person of faith, one must be in relation- the public square and propose our faith ship not only with Christ, but also with to others, he said. Every Catholic is called to evangehis Church. If we want to have an intimate re- lize others by their lives, in what they lationship with Jesus Christ, we will say and do. No Catholic is exempt from pursue an intimate relationship with going out and proclaiming and inviting others to come to know Jesus Christ. the Church. The failure to live the faith in the pubTo think of the Church as an institution, he said, is to miss the point. lic square is, he said, the biggest failure Rather, the Church is the living body of of Catholics in the past 50 years. Here and now, Archbishop Aquila Christ, her head. Archbishop Aquila said, If our ex- said, we are called to propose to the pectations, experience, or commitment world the truth of Jesus, and that the to the Church is less than our commit- call of the new evangelization is to ment to Jesus Christ, we cannot know transform the world through our love. Let us stand firm in faith by standing Christ. We know him in the context of firm, together, in love giving witness the Church. Practical measures Archbishop Aq- to the world in all we say and do, he uila suggested to help people come to concluded. (CNA)

For nuncio to Russia, Catholic-Orthodox relations saw positive developments under Benedict XVI
MOSCOW, March 1, 2013Benedict XVIs pontificate, which was centered on respect for the Christian tradition, has been an important and positive time for Catholic-Orthodox dialogue, this according to Msgr. Ivan Jurkovic, apostolic nuncio to Russia, who spoke with Russian news agency Ria Novosti about the pope and his almost eight years in office. In the last 100 years, the pontiffs of the Catholic Church have addressed the needs of the Church as well as those of modern society with great sensitivity, he explained. If we take into account the huge political, economic and social changes that occurred in the 20th century, we can better understand the extent of the challenges faced by that papacy last century. All these changes have not only led to a new cultural contest, but they have also led to a radical change in the way we view the world, especially in terms of family life. This process has affected Eastern Europe, but its nations are still very much devoted to the values and traditions that have been an integral part of their life for centuries. Interestingly, These nations have also been willing to fight for the traditional views that the Catholic Church has defended on the international scene. This part of Europe really appreciates the fact that Benedict XVI has placed the defense of Europes Christian values at the centre of his mission, the nuncio stressed. For Msgr. Jurkovic, the evolution of relations with Orthodox Christians is a sign of this positive development, as evinced by a recent article by Metropolitan Hilarion, head of the Moscow Patriarchate Department for External Church Relations, published by the Osservatore Romano, which was respectful and cordial towards the outgoing pope.

Peter Zelasko / CNA

According to Msgr. Jurkovic, the new pontiff will certainly be an extraordinary person. Indeed, Not only Church but the entire world is waiting for the new pope with great interest. It is obvious that the world will not stop making numerous demands on the pope. We all expect him to be actively involved in the life of humanity. However, he is first and foremost the head of the Church, of the community of believers, and his service is religious and spiritual in nature. The pope is above all a gift to the Church who also bears the burdens of the modern world in which the Church is hard-pressed to provide adequate responses to the many difficult questions people raise, such as the suffering caused by injustice and inequality or the absence of peace, or those that are of an ethical and moral nature. In this sense, the pope shall have to follow his spiritual vocation, as one might expect, and seek inspiration and consolation in the life of the Church if he wants to continue to be a guide for all. (AsiaNews)

Vatican Briefing
Free booklet explains conclave

Thousands sign petition for release of jailed Vietnamese Catholics


JAK ARTA , In d o n esi a , March 2, 2013A Prayer for Pope Benedict XVI and the decision to move from words to facts, from good intentions to real steps to address the problem of sectarian violence and dialogue among followers of different religions. And focus political and social attention on peace and justice in the region. These were the issues that topped the agenda of a three-day Muslim-Christian conference, held from February 27 to March 1 in Jakarta. The event promoted by the Conference of Islamic Scholars (ICIS) and the local episcopate (KWI), together with the Federation of Asian Bishops (FABC) and the Christian Conference of Asia, was attended by 16 experts and religious leaders from around the continent. In the official statement issued at the end of the work, the ChristianMuslim representatives stressed: we are fully aware that we are morally compelled to help our brethrens to more deeply acknowledge that religion is fundamentally a means to help faithful to exercise their faith. On the other hand, it must not lend itself to manipulation or become an excuse for personal attacks and violence. In the days leading up to the conference, commenting on the results obtained to date by the interreligious meetings, some critics have spoken of formal appointments, which have too often made the mistake of not involving the most extreme factions, but only moderate groups. Others point the finger at the proselytizing of evangelical movements and Islamic extremist factions, and the inevitable conflict between the two forces which cause violent conflict. However, in the course of three days, the meeting also warned against some of the many endemic ills affecting the nation; above all corruption, together with the issue of migrants and the ill-treatment they are often subjected to. Finally, on behalf of all conference participants, the Bishop of Timika (Mimika regency, Papua province) Msgr. John Saklil addressed a thought to Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI, the prelate also invited participants to pray for the pope emeritus in the early days of his retreat in Castel Gandolfo, pending the election of the new successor of Peter. (AsiaNews)

The Catholic Truth Society is offering a free resource for those hoping to better understand how a conclave works. Conclave: Step by Step Through the Papal Interregnum is available for download at their website, www. ctsbooks.org/pope. The 36-page booklet is written by Monsignor Charles Burns, the Ecclesiastical Adviser at the British Embassy to the Holy See. The book explains what happens before, during and after a papal election. (Zenit)
Patriarch wants next pope to continue in Benedicts line

Patriarch Kirill said he hopes the next Roman Pontiff will continue to develop a good relationship with the Russian Orthodox Church, as Benedict XVI did. In a farewell message to the Pope Emeritus published March 1 in English at the official Web site of the Russian Churchs Department of External Church Relations, Kirill expresses his fraternal love in Christ and respect.He speaks of Benedict XVIs decision to step down as one of simplicity and humility. (Zenit)
Vatican Post Office issues stamp for Popes resignation

The Vaticans post office is issuing a special cancelation stamp to mark the end of Pope Benedict XVIs papacy. A Feb. 28 communiqu from the post office reproduces the special postmark, which shows Pope Benedict in the foreground with his arms raised in a greeting. In the background is the dome of St. Peters Basilica and along the bottom in Latin are the words: Pope Benedict XVI Renounces the Petrine Ministry. Vatican Post, 28.2.2013. Anyone who wants to have the postmark on their mail must send it by April 3, 2013. (CNA)
Next Pope can still be Pontifex on Twitter

China Catholics thank-you letter to pope


VATICAN City, March 1, 2013A group of Chinese Catholic clergy and faithful have sent a heartfelt letter to Pope Benedict XVI to thank him for his attempts to improve ties between the Catholic Church and China. The text of the letter, dated February 22, was released by the Vatican on Thursday, the last day of Benedicts pontificate. The Chinese Catholicsbishops, priest, religious men and women, and laypeople, according to the Vatican say the February 11 announcement of Benedicts resignation came as shocking and sad news, in consideration of the special affection Chinese Catholics have for the now retired pope. Your Holiness has paid special attention to China and saved a special place for the Catholic Church in China in your heart, the groups letter says. You tried to promote dialogue and alleviate the cross we bear by showing concern and by blessing China and the Chinese people. In 2007, Benedict wrote a groundbreaking letter that attempted to bring a fresh start to relations between the Catholic Church and the Beijing government. But his reconciliation efforts have been marred by renewed crises over bishop appointments and over the role of a government-backed Church association that is not recognized by the Vatican. We will never forget that, in the past eight years, there were only best wishes, friendly greetings and high hopes expressed in the messages you sent to China. No matter what conflicts and harm occurred, no matter how sad and disappointed we made you feel, you always embraced China and the Catholic Church in China with fatherly love, the groups letter says.

The Vatican has dispelled claims that Pope Benedict XVIs Pontifex Twitter account will be shut down permanently, clarifying that it will be available for use by the next Pope as he may wish. Msgr. Paul Tighe, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, said Feb. 23 the Twitter account was created for the Popes exclusive use. In a statement published by Vatican Radio, he said the account will be inactive during the interim sede vacante period between the Feb. 28 resignation of Pope Benedict and the election of a new Pope. (CNA)
John Paul IIs canonization progress remains confidential
www.ucanws.com

China flags were seen among the well wishers on the popes farewell tour of St Peters Square

The Vaticans continuing work on Blessed John Paul IIs cause for sainthood cannot currently be made public, said the prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints. We are working on it, it is going well, and various documents are coming into the Congregation for the Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato said, responding to a flurry of media reports about an alleged miracle that would pave the way for the former Popes canonization. He said that at the moment, no further information could be given about the alleged miracle, as his office must maintain absolute confidentiality. (CNA)
Cardinal Wuerl: Confronting secularism a priority for next pope

Chinese Catholics also praise Benedicts free and unconfined attitude... in front of power, and his strong, persevering, humane response to various challenges. Their letter concludes: This not only moved the world, but also makes it difficult for us Chinese clergy and Catholics to say farewell to you. (AsiaNews)

The man cardinals choose as the next pope must be someone with the requisite energy and mastery of modern communications media to promote a revival of the faith in increasingly secular societies around the world, said Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington. The secularism that is just engulfing our culture, he said, will be weighing heavily on the hearts and minds in the conclave. Cardinal Wuerl, 72, said the same idea dominated the world Synod of Bishops on the new evangelization, which met at the Vatican in October 2012. (CNA)

www.asianews.it

Alejandro Bermudez / CNA

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 05
March 4 - 17, 2013

News Features

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In farewell to cardinals, Pope Benedict pledges obedience to next pope


VATICAN City, Feb. 28, 2013The Clementine Hall is traditionally the place where cardinals bid farewell to popes at the end of a pontificate, but usually when the pope in question is lying in state before his funeral. But on Feb. 28, hours before resigning from the papacy, Pope Benedict XVI briefly addressed the College of Cardinals there, calling for unity and harmony among the men who will choose his successor and pledging his unconditional reverence and obedience to the next pope. Pope Benedict addressed 144 cardinals, including many of the 115 under the age of 80 who are eligible and expected to vote in the upcoming conclave. I will continue to be close to you in prayer, especially in the next days, that you may be fully docile to the action of the Holy Spirit in the election of the new pope, Pope Benedict told the gathering in the Vaticans Apostolic Palace. May the Lord show you what is wanted of you. Among you, among the College of Cardinals, there is also the future pope, to whom today I promise my unconditional reverence and obedience. The cardinals are expected to begin meeting March 4 to plan the papal election. Looking back on his almost eightyear pontificate, Pope Benedict recalled very beautiful moments of radiant light on the path of the church, together with moments in which the occasional cloud thickened in the sky. The pope invoked Gods help in building unity, so that the College of Cardinals might be like an orchestra, where diversities, expressive of the universal church, always run together to a superior and harmonious concord. Pope Benedict also recalled the previous days general audience in St. Peters Square, attended by an estimated 150,000 people, saying that the gathering demonstrated that the church is a living body, animated by the Holy Spirit, and truly lives by the strength of God. Referring to the work of the late German theologian Father Romano Guardini, the pope said the church keeps alive the mystery of the incarnation since its members offer to God their own flesh and, in their very poverty and humility, become capable of generating Christ today in the world. The cardinals responded with a standing ovation. Prior to the popes remarks, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals, addressed a short tribute to the departing pontiff, whose resignation was scheduled to take effect at 8 p.m. the same day. With great trepidation the cardinal fathers present in Rome rally around you today to show once again their profound affection and express to you their deep gratitude for your witness of self-denying apostolic service, for the good of the church of Christ and all humanity, the cardinal said. Cardinal Sodano concluded his remarks with a German expression, Vergelts Gott: May God reward you! Following the brief ceremony, Pope Benedict received individual Pope Benedict XVI participates in a farewell audience with cardinals greetings from the on Feb. 28, 2013 in the Clementine Hall. assembled cardinals and from officials of the Roman in wheelchairs. Curia, the churchs central administraSome cardinals handed the pope what tion at the Vatican. Most kissed the appeared to be personal notes or small popes ring, with some also genuflect- presents; Viennas Cardinal Christoph ing before they exchanged a few words Schonborn, one of Pope Benedicts forwith the pope; a few were brought up mer students, gave him a book. (CNS)

Popes last words: Thank you for your friendship and love Bishop seeks justice for killed
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, Feb. 28, 2013After the 15-minute helicopter trip to Castel Gandolfo, Pope Benedict XVI offered a word of thanks to the thousands of people who traveled there to support him in his last hours as Pope. I am happy to be with you, surrounded by the beauty of Creation and your sympathy that does so much good for me. Thank you for your friendship and love, the Pope said at around 5:30 p.m. from the balcony of his villa. You know that today is different than previous ones. Im no longer the Pope. Until 8:00 p.m. I am, but then afterwards I am no longer Pope of the Catholic Church, he said. Pope Benedict then offered a window into how he sees this stage of his life. Im simply a pilgrim that is starting the last stage of his pilgrimage on Earth, he remarked, but I would still like with my heart, with my love, with my prayer, with my reflection, with all my inner strength to work for the common good of the Church and of humanity, and I feel very supported by your sympathy. Lets go ahead together with the Lord for the good of the Church and of the world, he said as he finished his brief greeting. Pope Benedict XVI then gave his last papal blessing to the crowd. Thank you. And now I impart to you the Lords blessing with my whole heart. May God bless you Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thank you and good night. Thanks to all of you. (CNA/EWTN News)

Ati leader

Pope Benedict says goodbye to the thousands of people who came to Castel Gandolfo to show their support.

Post-it gone viral: How pro-life students are stirring up a storm


PASIG City, Feb. 20, 2013It started with an innocent-looking note, posted in a public place with an innocent enough question, Is there more to life than your own? Not long after, half a dozen schools in Metro Manila are knowingly or unknowingly engaging in a discussion on pro-life issues via post-it and scribbles. Lunch hour idea A lunch hour idea of five University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) students, the notes, posted in bathroom stalls and cafeteria tables, were meant to spark an exchange among students about issues like freedom, choice and true love. According to Pat Bayona, 20, one of the initiators of the project, the initiative has since spread to five other schools, De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila, Paref Rosehill, San Beda College, University of Sto. Tomas, and Miriam College, since the first note was posted a few weeks ago. take into consideration what the future will be like. 1,500 notes after Bayona, a business administration student, added, young people are swayed by media to champion freedom of choice and the the RH law, but fail to understand its implications. Some 1,500 notes have been posted since last month, inciting a lively yet subtle exchange through paper and ink. Bayona said the back and forth comments are a sign that young people are far from apathetic. At first, we thought no one would mind them, but we got a very interesting response because people were actually writing their answersAnd people were talking to each other, she said. Chela Karaan and Ray de Los Santos, industrial economics students, and Kim Cajucom, a humanities student, are the three others who form the teams core group. (Nirvaana Ella Delacruz)

The notes feature questions like Is there more to freedom than choice? and Basta lang ba yolo?, among others.

Benedict XVIs first hours as Pope Emeritus


VATICAN City, March 1, 2013 As the clock struck 8:00 yesterday evening, the time of Sede Vacante began, thus officially ending the pontificate of Benedict XVI, now Pope Emeritus. The Swiss Guards, who are charged with the protection of the Holy Father, closed the doors of the Apostolic Palace and departed from Castel Gandolfo. At a press conference today at the Vatican, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, showed journalists a video of yesterdays events after the Sede Vacante began. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Camerlengo or Chamberlain, sealed off the papal apartments in Rome. Also present were Cardinal Pier Luigi Celata, Vice Camerlengo, and several prelates who work in the Pontifical household. Fr. Lombardi also said that Cardinal Celata sealed the papal apartments in the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome. Fr. Lombardi also spoke of the first hours of Benedict XVI as Pope Emeritus. The director of the Holy See Press Office said that he spoke with Archbishop Georg Gnswein, Benedicts secretary and prefect of the Papal Household, who said that His Holiness was very calm and serene. Benedict XVI had watched several news programs and expressed his appreciation for the work of the journalists as well as for the participation of those who had assisted in his departure from the Vatican. Shortly after a brief walk through the Apostolic Palace, he went to bed and according to Archbishop Gnswein, slept very well.

When asked the reason for going to so much trouble to encourage public discourse, Nicole Fuentes, 20, also one of originators of the pro-life post-its, said, This is also for us. How its going nowadays, its just go with the flow. [The youth] doesnt

MANILA, Feb. 25, 2013A Catholic bishop has denounced the killing of a tribal leader in Boracay and urged government to act swiftly and bring perpetrators to justice. Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples and Tuguegarao Archbishop Sergio L. Utleg denounced the killing of Dexter Condez, 26, and urged that justice be given on the slain Ati leader. We condemn in the strongest possible manner this brutal killing and we are calling for an immediate and thorough investigation to identify the perpetrator and the masterminds, Utleg said in a statement. Condez was shot dead on evening of February 22 by an unidentified gunman while on his way home to the Atis ancestral domain in Barangay Manocmanoc after attending a meeting. Utleg urged the Aquino administration to take all possible means to solve the case of Condez and other victims of extra judicial killings. The Ati people of Boracay together with the Ati Mission of Sto. Rosario Parish and the Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Peoples Apostolate are yelling for JUSTICE! Utleg declared. Condez was the spokesperson of the Ati people against those who oppose their ancestral domain claims. A partner-member of the Ati Mission of Sto. Rosario Parish, he also taught Indigenous Peoples Education among Ati children. Rightful owners On August 3, 2010, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) en banc has issued a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) RO6-MAL-0610-157 for the Ati community which was later registered with the Land Registration Authority (LRA). On April 17, 2012, members of Boracay Ati Tribal Organization (BATO) installed themselves in the 2.1-hectare CADT lot in Barangay Manoc-manoc. But even with government-issued CADT and assistance from legitimate government agencies, several interest groups and clans

This morning, His Holiness celebrated Mass at 7:00 am followed by praying the Liturgy of the Hours. At 4:00pm, the Pope Emeritus of Rome will plan to walk through the gardens of the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo and pray the rosary. Fr. Lombardi stated that among the various books on theology and church history that the Pope has brought with him, Archbishop Gnswein noted that currently Benedict XVI is reading famed theologian Hans Urs von Balthasars Theological Aesthetics. (Zenit)

insisted that the Ati people are not the owners of the said land. Threats and intimidations against the Ati occurred several times since they lawfully occupied their land. There will be no peace for the Ati people of Boracay until the issue of their ancestral domain is fully resolved and justice is done for their fallen leader. We pray for Dexter and his family! We pray and seek justice for all victims of extra judicial killings! Utleg furthered. Moreover, earlier report cited that the Boracay Atis were worried about their fate in Boracay, which was originally their home, but were displaced starting in the 1970s when tourists and investors started to descend on the island. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) said it was doing all it could to help the Atis but the bishop said the case must be settled at once because the indigenous people have long been struggling. Religious organizations helping the Atis lamented an earlier incident when a group of 20 armed men who were allegedly employees of Crown Regency Boracay destroyed parts of a perimeter fence of the Ati community on November 4, 2012. Armed with shotguns and handguns, the security guards reportedly entered the area forcibly and threatened the IPs. During this incident, Dexter Condez condemned the attack, adding that the children in their community got terrified. We ask them to fight fairly and not through intimidation and firearms. We will continue this fight and we will not surrender, Condez was quoted as saying. The CBCPs National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace earlier also called on the government not to forget that before the onset of these enterprises were the tribespeople. Boracay should be beautiful not only for its beaches but most of all because of its people that respect and promote the rights of the marginalized and the minorities, said Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Nassa chairman. (Yen Ocampo)

Choose candidates wisely, life advocates urge laity


MANILA, Feb. 28, 2013As the celebration of Pro-life Month comes to a close, a pro-life stalwart and a priest called on the lay people to be more stringent in choosing candidates to vote for in the nearing midterm elections, saying that the foremost issues faced by the country are brought by the wrong choices on who runs the government and who makes laws. Dr. Ligaya Acosta, Human Life International (HLI) regional director for Asia and Oceania, justified this call and stressed the importance of voting for candidates who align their political ideologies with the moral teachings of the Church. I think our first criteria in the coming elections and in every election for that matter, should be what is the candidates stand on God, life and family, because if they cant stand even on these very basic issues, we cant expect them to push for true welfare and development, she said. Need for rightful legislation Acosta also called out the passage of the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) law, which was secretly signed in December 2012, and said that population control measures are not what the country needs as a solution to poverty. Everyone needs to understand that this is a global anti-life agenda funded by mind-boggling amount of money, which allows them to advance their agenda by penetrating practically all sectors of society. The attack against faith, life, and family can be so subtlelike in the guise of poverty alleviationthat many fall into the trap, Acosta said. She noted that the passage of laws that will truly eliminate the cause of poverty and strengthen the family will bring a stronger nation and a more stable social order. What our lawmakers need to promote are laws that will eliminate graft and corruption, which is the real cause of poverty in this country, she said. They also need to craft laws that will promote education and genuine livelihood opportunities for the poor, and those that will strengthen marriage and the family, the basic foundation of the nation. As goes the home, so goes the entire social order. Acosta lambasted the moral corruption taking place in the country as it greatly affects and diminishes the spiritual beliefs and principles the laity upholds. This is the worst corruption ever because this is not only corruption of money, but corruption of faith, life, family, the youth, and our very core values. What happened was also a corruption of democracy and an open mockery of the constitutional provision of separation of powers, said the HLI regional director, who worked for the Department of Health (DOH) for more than 20 years and who witnessed the agencys execution of its population control programs. Back to basics Acosta said that going back to the basic teachings of the church pertaining to catechesis, life, sexuality, and marriage will make the public understand more clearly the logic behind church teachings. She added that unearthing the negative scientific facts behind contraception and abortion, scrutinizing the implications of sex education, and studying the real agenda behind the clamor for divorce, abortion, population control, and same-sex marriage will help educate Catholics and bring back the old conservatist nature of the church. True progress has for its purpose the development and not the destruction of man, who is the center of Gods creation and the subject and object of development. Thus, on the contrary, if people will only follow the teachings that Christ Himself taught, as well as the commandments given by God, this world would be a better place to live in, she said. We need to continue opening the eyes of our people for them to understand the double-speak, what this is all about, how it develops, and how it destroys the moral foundation and the very life of a nation, she continued. We need to expose the deception and fight against it. Opposing the culture of death Meanwhile, Fr. Vicente Cajilig, OP, said the success of building a pro-life nation depends on how the lay people, especially the lawmakers who legislate controversial measures, recognize their lapses for promoting the culture of death in the country. The future of life in this country depends on how we recognize our disgrace due to laws against life that favor the culture of death. Together, let us build a pro-life nation. A prodeath nation does not promise glory and eternity, he said in his homily at this months Pro-Life Convention at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center, Manila. He noted the presumed sinfulness of people for supporting anti-life agenda that violate Catholic morals. It is the sinfulness of us all, individual or societal, that we bring to the altar of God. We ask for forgiveness. For we believe that the love of God for mistaken leaders and followers is everlasting, Cajilig said. Ours as this period is a profession of faith in the creator who is the author and master of things. Remove the role of creator in creation and what we will have is pure evolutionism, he added. Attack of relativism He also bemoaned the failure of some Catholics to strictly uphold the ideals of the Catholic Church, further noting that morality is absolute and should not be affected by relativism. Relativism dominates the un-evangelized or poorly-evangelized minds and hearts of quasi-believers who profess they are Catholics but who never took seriously the moral truth and the saving doctrine contained in the rich documentation on family life and its role in a country or society, Cajilig said. (Jennifer M. Orillaza)

Nirvaana Delacruz

Stephen Driscoll / CNA

CTV / CNA

A4
EDITORIAL

Opinion
Servant leader

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 05
March 4 - 17, 2013

THE icon of a servant leader was at its most profound significance not only in the final act of selflessness of Pope Benedict XVI but throughout his term in the Petrine ministry. Even at the expense of being tagged as a shy pope, he was already very keen from the very start on separating the person from the papacy which is an office invested with authority and glory. Noticeable, for instance, how he saw to it that there would always be a large crucifix on the center of the altar whenever he celebrated the Eucharistto the disgust of cameramen perhaps to place more focus on the sacrament and not on the celebrant. Noticeable, too, how he left behind his distinguished theological positions the moment he stepped into the papacy. Instead, he issued inspiring encyclicals on the theological virtues, he wrote pastoral reflections on Jesus and beautifully crafted homilies and angelus messages; no longer originating from a professorial-chair point of view but from the Vicar of Christ, the shepherd of the entire Christendom. As he surrendered the papal reign to his successor to whom he already pledged his unconditional reverence and obedience, he also surrendered unresolved issues and ecclesiastical controversies surrounding his papacy and the entire church which his failing health and advanced age could only make worse if he continued. But again, it was an act of a servant leader whose greatest virtue, despite its very tempting prominence, is still humility. He started his papacy describing himself as a humble servant in the Lords vineyard, he ended it by capturing his retirement as a time of being a simple pilgrim, who begins the last stage of his pilgrimage on this earth. At press time, the Cardinals are on their 4th congregation, a preconclave conference that includes even non-elector members of the College of Cardinals. From the Paul VI Audience Hall in the Vatican where they hold these general congregations, they proceeded to hold an evening prayer service at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peters Basilica to give a good example of the call to the whole Church to live in prayer at this time of preparing for the important moment of electing a pope, according to the Vatican spokesperson, Fr. Federico Lombardi, SJ. A good deal of prayer is needed indeed to look for the man whose feet will fit the shoes of a servant leader. The entire world is wildly speculating of who the next pope would or should be. In social media, this one is very common: A humble and good candidate, a good communicator who meets with people around the world and attracts young people. Among US bigwigs, Cardinals Francis George and Sean OMalley look forward to a pope who will have zero tolerance when it come to clergy sex abuse and who will reform the administration of the Church. But of course, the Holy Spirit will know who should be the right Servant of the Servants of God for this generation.

Papal resignation
Should it happen that the Roman Pontiff resigns from his Office, it is required for validity that the resignation be freely made and properly manifested, though it is not necessary for it to accepted by anyone. (Code of Canon Law: Canon 332 par.2) THE above cited official and clear provision of the Code of Canon Law has special relevance these days on account of the recent development at the Vatican that received worldwide attentionplus worries and concerns on the part of the Catholic world. Many questions were asked. Some answers were given. Many worries were expressed. Certain assurances were made. For the record as some kind of a little information, it would be in order to know and understand the above-cited legislation of, in and for the Church concretely on the matter of nothing less than the resignation

Oscar. V. Cruz, DD

Views and Points


After the thus canonically qualified and wherefore effective resignation of a Pope, what happens in the meantime until there is a new Pope to assume the Office of the Papacy? The Code of Canon Law also provides the answer: When the Roman See is vacant, no innovation is to be made in the governance of the universal Church. (Canon 223). The above canonical provision in turn simply means that while changes in the governance or administration of local Churches such as Archdiocese, Dioceses and their ecclesiastical equivalents during the vacancy of the Papal seesede vacantemay be validly and licitly done by their respective Archbishops and Bishops, the governance or management of the universal Church herself remains the same until a new Pope comes to Office. It is the new succeeding incumbent Pope that then assumes the governing authority over the Church in the whole world.

Sharing our Faith


FAITH is not a gift that we keep selfishly to ourselves. It is a gift to be proclaimed, communicated, and shared. This is why Jesus bequeathed to the Apostles, the fathers of faith, a final mandate: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Mt. 28:19-20.) While every believer has the duty to proclaim the faith, most everyone is not called to do so in the way of catechists, religious educators, religious men and women, and the clergy. But everyone is called to share the faith by the witness of a good Christian life. A few are called by God to witness to Jesus by the offering of their very life as martyrs of the faith. This is why we are incalculably blessed with the canonization of our second martyr, San Pedro Calungsod, last October 21, 2012. Being a young lay catechist, he proclaimed the Lord Jesus by teaching others to know and accept the faith. By becoming a martyr like San Lorenzo Ruiz he gave the ultimate witness of his life. It is first of all by the silent witness of a truly moral Christian life, a life of faith and charity that we share our faith with others. This requires a life of fidelity to Gods will in the midst of daily challenges and daily work at home and at work. It requires fidelity to our God given responsibilities in the family, in the neighborhood, in the Church and in the wider society. Our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI confirms this truth of Christian witness: The renewal of the Church is also achieved through the witness offered by the lives of believers by their very existence in the world. Christians are called to radiate the word of truth that the Lord Jesus has left us. (Porta Fidei, no. 6.) Applying the same truth of witness to the whole Church, the recent Synod on the New Evangelization stated: It is therefore primarily by her conduct and by her life that the Church will evangelize the world, in other words, by her living witness of fidelity to the Lord Jesus, by her witness of poverty and detachment, and by her witness of freedom in the face of the powers of this world, in short, the witness of sanctity. (Instrumentum Laboris for Synod on New Evangelization #158) We reiterate this truth which is also a challenge for all of usit is by the witness of a truly moral life, the witness of a life of faith and charity, that we can eloquently and credibly proclaim and share our faith in the Lord Jesus. Lord, Increase our Faith! Integral Faith Formation: Towards Maturity in Christ (A Pastoral Exhortation of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines), 2013

of the Roman Pontiff himself, i.e., the Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, the Holy Father, the Pope, the Bishop of Rome in addition to being the Head of State of the Vatican City State, Europe. The more significant indirect and direct contents of the above Church legislation are the following: One, that it is usually nothing less than death that puts an end to a given papal tenure. Two, that Church law however has a specific provision in the event of the resignation by a ruling Pope. Three, that for its validity, the resignation should be freely or voluntarily done by the incumbent Pope himself. Four, that in order to be effective, the said resignation should be duly made public or known to those concerned. Five, that the same resignation need not be accepted by anyone, nor could it be rejected by someone whereas there is no authority in the Church higher than the Pope himself.

Teresa R. Tunay, OCDS

Benedict XVI, Teresa of Avila, and thats the truth and the New Evangelization
MARCH 12, 2013 marks the 391st anniversary of the canonization of St. Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church and founder of the Order of the Discalced Carmelites who had been hailed by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI as a model in the Churchs efforts to launch the New Evangelization. Flashback to February, 2011, exactly two years before announcing his resignation, the Holy Father initiated a new cycle of catecheses on the Doctors of the Church, saying he would begin with a saint who represents one of the highest examples of Christian spirituality of all times, St. Teresa of Avila. He went on to say that St. Teresa stressed how essential prayer is, prayer for her being a frequent and intimate conversation with a friend whom we know loves us very much. On July 16, 2012, memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Holy Father said, Today, too, as in the sixteenth century, in the midst of rapid transformation, it is important that trusting prayer be the heart of the apostolate, so that the redeeming message of Jesus Christ may sound out clearly and dynamically. He then reminded the world that in espousing a radical return to a more ascetic life by the Carmelites, St. Teresa, reformer of the Carmelite Order, sought to create a form of life which favored a personal encounter with the Lord. The ultimate goal of Teresas reform and the creation of new monasteries in a world lacking spiritual values was to protect apostolic work with prayer. He quoted the Spanish teacher of prayer who wrote (to her nuns) of post-Reformation Europe: The world is on fire. Men try to condemn Christ once again. They would raze His Church to the ground. No, my sisters, this is no time to treat with God for things of little importance. Then he asked, Does this luminous and engaging call, written more than four centuries ago by the mystic saint, not sound familiar in our own times? Fast forward to February 2013: the Holy Father, in announcing his resignation, said that he would thereafter live a life of prayer, hidden to the world. Non-believers judged it as an act of cowardice deserting his crossthinking he had been shamed by scandals in the Church. But in ending his papacy, to my mind, the pope was just being pope, and in a very radical wayleading his people to God, not only by word, but by deed. He was, and is, in effect, heeding a luminous call which should echo and reverberate in the heart of everyone who believes in the timeliness and relevance of the call to the New Evangelization. By the simple admission of his powerlessness, the light of a Greater Power shone through Benedict XVI. By opting for a monasticeven hermitical existence as an ordinary priest praying in one corner of the Vatican, he is showing us what matters most in his ministry; he is letting trusting prayer be the heart of the apostolate so that the redeeming message of Jesus Christ may sound out clearly and dynamically. In exalting the Spanish mysticwho did not have an academic formation but became a Doctor of the ChurchBenedict XVI said that in the exhilaratAnd Thats The Truth / A5

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Faith: Three essential elements


THE rich gift of faith as explored in traditional theology incorporates both dogmatic teaching as well as personal surrender to a loving God. Both the intellectualist dimension [knowing Church teaching] and the fiducial aspects [personal relationship with God] remain essential for believers. Yet, while retaining these two dimensions, contemporary theological reflection also places emphasis on a third aspect of faith. One might term this third dimension the missionary or witnessing dimension of faith. Ones faith-encounter with God is to lead to active witness and evangelization. In short, faith always demands three essential elements: (1) knowledge and acceptance of Church teaching, (2) entrusting oneself to God, and (3) a vigorous commitment to spread the faith, to tell the world of his love! Christian faith is a missionary faith! These three pivotal elements essential to a complete understanding of faith can be expressed using a variety of terms and images. Although various expressions are employed, the same three dimensions of

Fr. James H. Kroeger, MM

Year of Faith Reflections


the meantime, we have set aside? (SS 10). Benedict asserts that Christianity is not only good newsthe communication of a hitherto unknown content. In our language we would say: the Christian message was not only informative but performative. That means: the Gospel is not merely a communication of things that can be knownit is one that makes things happen and is lifechanging (SS 2). Again, the Pope notes: We have raised the question: can our encounter with the God who in Christ has shown us his face and opened his heart be for us too not just informative but performativethat is to say, can it change our lives, so that we know we are redeemed through the hope that it expresses? (SS 4). Benedicts questions challenge us: Does our faith make things happen? Is it really life-changing? Is it truly performative? We must all ask ourselves: How mature and complete is my faith? And, we pray with the apostles: Lord, increase our faith (Luke 17:5).

Living Mission

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faith are expressed. Faith always includes: (1) the INTELLECTUAL and NOTIONAL, (2) the AFFECTIVE and FIDUCIAL, and (3) CONCRETE DEEDS and WITNESS OF LIFE. Again, genuine faith is: (1) informative, expressing the content of faith, (2) formative and transformative, shaping the individual into a genuine disciple of Christ, and (3) performative, expressing itself in Christlike missionary service. Stated briefly, faith always involves our: (1) HEAD, (2) HEART, and (3) HANDS. Yes, authentic faith includes: (1) doctrine, (2) devotion, and (3) deeds. These triple expressions of three pivotal elements of faith are much more than a clever play on words. They seek to capture the essentials of integral faith; they deserve our reflection and integration into daily life. Pope Benedict XVI has often explored the performative dimensions of faith. In his 2007 encyclical Spe Salvi the Pope asks: Is Faith for Christians today a life-changing and life-sustaining hope? Is it performative for usis it a message which shapes our lives in a new way, or is it just information which, in

Illustration by Bladimer Usi

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 05
March 4 - 17, 2013

Opinion
And he flew into the sunset
(Did Benedict XVI come down from his cross by his resignation?)
husbands and wives think their cross is their spouse, some parents say it is a child or vice versa (a very advanced development of the meaning of the cross, come to think of it, but very much of a piece with this common sense). It should come as no surprise because the original cross of Jesus was, in fact, a device of horrific torture and death. Which is what we become to one another sometimes (if we extend the meaning of torture or death beyond mere physical). On the other hand, since Jesus taking of his cross had everything to do with the giving of his life at Calvary for the Father and for us, his challenge is that we must also be ready to give our life for him as an expression of discipleship. But it is helpful if we pause to consider an important point. It is not suffering, pain or death that defines the cross as saving, or that would make God a Divine Sadist. The Catechism for Filipino Catholics stresses the point, thus: Clearly it is not the very sufferings and death of Christ that save us, for this would make his torturers and executioners our saviors. Rather, we are saved by Jesus perfect self-giving love for his Father and for us, a love lived out to the death (CFC 5 5 8 ) . N o, w h a t m a k e s t h e cross of Jesus a saving cross and an instrument of discipleship is the reality of its being a symbol of saving love. For didnt Paul the Apostle remind us that even the giving of our body to be burned means nothing if it is without love (1 Cor 13:3)? And didnt John Paul II defined true love for us as willing the good of another (and/or others) even to the point of turning ones back on ones own good? Now I ask: Could it be that the seemingly diametrically opposed witness by John Paul II and Benedict XVI are two sides of the taking up of the cross to follow Jesus? Didnt, in fact, the love of Christs cross move John Paul II to suffer the papacy to his death and Benedict XVI to give it up so we could have a Supreme Pastor with the necessary strength of mind and body? No one can speak better for Benedict XVI than Benedict XVI himself. In his last General Audience I found words that seem to address the point at issue. I have taken this step, he addressed the gathered mass of pilgrims at St. Peters Square last February 27, 2013, in full awareness of its seriousness and also its novelty, but with profound peace of mind. Loving the Church also means having the courage to make tough choices, difficult ones, having always before oneself the good of the Church and not oneself. Then he continued: I am not abandoning the cross but remain in a new way with the Crucified Lord. I no longer carry the power of the office for the government of the Church, but in the service of prayer I remain, so to speak, within St. Peters bounds. These words ringing in my ears, the decision didnt seem to me too hard to understand now. Benedict XVI, Holy Father Emeritus, in letting go of the tremendous powers of the papacy, with all its privileges and temporal benefits, is actually embracing the cross more closely. In choosing to send himself away so we could have another Supreme Pastor of stronger mind and body, he reflects to us again the love of Christ on the cross who chose to die so we could live. No, Holy Father. You are not flying into the sunset but to the sunrise of Never-ending Day.

A5
Fr. Francis Ongkingco

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

By the Roadside
THE unforeseen announcement in Latin. The furor in the international media. The shock among Church and world leaders. Reactions both sober and cynical from non-Catholics. The outpouring of emotions from ordinary Catholic faithful (clerical and lay) expressing both sadness and admiration over the Holy Fathers renunciation of the Petrine ministry. The calming down on the way to February 28, 2013, the appointed end of the month and of Benedict XVIs papacy. All of the above will linger long in my and (I believe) in many peoples minds for all the drama and history they helped unfold around the 265th pope. But nothing could equal the pathos of watching the Holy Father being taken by helicopter away from the Vatican and flown into a new, expectedly more obscure period of his life called retirement. It was late afternoon in Italy and all I could utter was: And he flew into the sunset. Sure enough, the Holy Father seemed to have read my mind when he later addressed the far smaller crowd at Castel Gandolfo with these words: You know that today is different from othersas of 8 p.m., I will no longer be the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church. I will simply be a pilgrim who is beginning the last part of his pilgrimage on earth. Said in utter simplicity, the words couldnt hide their sense of finality. Benedict XVI is now devoid of the awesome powers of the Bishop of Rome. A former very close associate of the late John Paul II, Cardinal Dziwisz, who also knew Benedict XVI as Cardinal Ratzinger, said of the latters resignation as pope: The decision was full of prayer, reflection, and the Holy Father cant surely have made it easily. Being for so many years near John Paul II, I know that such decisions cost a lot. And this decision was difficult but brave. Yet certain quarters attribute very sinister motives and pressures behind Pope Benedict XVIs resignation, including the sex scandals involving members of the clergy, the vociferous harangues from so-called advocates of anti-hypocrisy, corruption inside the Vaticans financial system and bureaucracy and many such other painful Church realities. The Church, I remember telling a friend, has always admitted that she is Ecclesia peccatorum, a Church of sinners, not to excuse the sins of the clergy or even its lay members, but to confront reality. The reality of our sinfulness is what takes us to our need of the Savior and our need, as clergy and laity, to be constantly converted to him. All this leads to the question that stares us: Did not Benedict XVI effectively come down from his cross when he announced his resignation from the Petrine ministry? It is often said that John Paul II stuck to the papacy to the end even while he tremendously suffered especially in his last days on earth because he did not want to come down from his cross. The implication is that Benedict XVIs act of resignation was the exact opposite and smacks of cowardice and not courage, as is often officially said of it. And that, I submit, makes it necessary to ask what the cross is all about. Exactly what does Jesus mean when he says in Mt 16:24, Mk 8:34 and Lk 9:23 take up your cross [daily, only in Lk] and follow me? For us in our everyday language the cross often means any suffering, difficulty, pain, disease, inconvenience etc. Some

Whatever Faith and Consequence


BACK in high school, not so many years ago, after class we would relax in the subdivision clubhouse for a few snacks and drinks. The absence of iPhones, tablets and PSPs, fueled us to be more creative in spending these pastimes. Options were not as endless as todays music playlists or video games insecurely stored in a 32 Gigabyte iPhone or Tablet. We enjoyed chatting about friends, plotting our future careers and playing casual games. One of the games was called truth or consequence. I considered it a milder version of Russian roulette and perhaps worse since I hated being asked about girlfriends, crushes or break ups. Instead of a pistol, we used a ball-pen or an empty soft drink bottle. As the pistol pen or bottle slowly stopped spinning, the person it pointed at would have to either choose to answer truthfully a question or opt to carry out something he was dared to do by the group. If you chose truth, the juicy information was always welcomed by the gossipist of the batch since whatever small or big talk was always like fresh air for dead-talk in the province. If you chose otherwise (though the group had other ways of knowing your secrets anyway), then consequence was a safer option. *** I recalled this silly game when I was trying to think of an analogy to explain how our commitment to faith entails total adherence to its content AND its demands. It cannot be a whimsical choice between one OR the other. Sadly, many Christians only opt to embrace (often superficial as well) the contents of the faith, but reluctantly follow its moral demands. Faith and its implication in mans moral life are two realities that complement each other for the sake of mans human and supernatural fulfillment. Ones belief cannot remain in some conceptual void. Beliefs or convictions ought to naturally move man to behave according to them. Thus, faith alone, without its moral facet, would become a mere fashionable intellectual and inspirational indulgence. Benedict XVI, in Porta fidei, unveils this sad and alarming reality. It often happens that Christians are more concerned for the social, cultural and political consequences of their commitment, continuing to think of the faith as a self-evident presupposition for life in society. In reality, not only can this presupposition no longer be taken for granted, but it is often openly denied. (no. 2) In another place, the Holy Father gives a concrete example: the very door of faith, Christian baptism. This institution was never questioned in the past; in fact, it was always recognized as a necessary gift opening for the soulbesides holiness and Heavenmany wonderful graces required by lifes challenges. The Pope comments: We were baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit before we knew what was happening to us. Today, many people doubt whether this is a good thing. We have the impression that decisions are being anticipated and imposed on the person that only he himself can properly make. Such presumption seems to us a questionable limitation on human freedom in a central sphere of life. (In The God of Jesus Christ) We could describe this attitude as a commercialized faith. It coherently flows from todays consumerist tendency of acquiring the good without too many strings attached and without too much effort. When faith is embraced from this angle, one distorts the grace of Baptism into something burdensome. Thus, we hear people negatively react: If I get baptized, it means I would have to go to weekly Mass? or If Im baptized, then I cant do this or that anymore? Benedict XVI answers these egoistically conceived positions of a commercialized faith saying that, we are forgetting that life, too, is something determined in advance for uswe are not consulted beforehand! And life entails so much else as well: when a person is born, not only his biological existence is determined in advance, but also his language, the age in which he lives, its way of thinking, its evaluations. A life without advance gifts of this kind does not exist; the question is what these advance gifts are. (Ibid.) To this we add another example: individuals who claim to be catholic but are reluctant to embrace and live the fullness of their faith within the Church, Her authority and teachings. This incoherent dichotomy will eventually convert ones faith into one more personal socializing apparel minimally reserved for Sundays, and later to be tossed away and displaced by party, sports, mall and beach garbs. The Holy Father replies: Where the Church is regarded only as an accidental human association, the advance gift of faith will be questionable. But one who is convinced that it is a question, not of some human association, but rather of the gift of the love that already awaits us even before we draw our first breath, will see his most precious task as the preparation of another person to receive the advance gift of lovefor it is only this gift that justifies passing on the gift of life to him. This means that we must learn anew to take God as our starting point when we seek to understand the Christian existence. (Ibid.) Before going on his retreat, Benedict XVI invited us to make our faith and its consequences the criterion of our life and of the Churchs life. This involves constantly struggling against the temptation of mediocrity and ingratitude towards Gods graces. Thus, the Holy Father advised that this spiritual combat ensues within the decisive moments of life, where we must constantly examine ourselves. If we look closely, in every moment, we are at a crossroads: do we want to follow the self, or God? (Benedict XVI, Address, 1st Sunday of Lent, 17-II-2013)
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Grazie, Benedicto XVI


I CANNOT help but be teary-eyed watching His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, gave his blessing during his final public appearance as a Pope at the balcony of the Popes Summer Residence at Castel Gandolfo, Italy. Effective from the time of his resignation, 20:00 hours of February 28, 2013 (8 p.m. Vatican time), or 3 a.m. of March 1, 2013 (Philippine time), he will be called His Holiness Pope Emeritus or His Holiness Pontiff Emeritus or His Holiness, Bishop Emeritus of Rome. His Papal Ring or Ring of the Fisherman and the Papal Seal are destroyed, as if he had died, to prevent forgery of documents. He will continue to wear his white garment but he will no longer use his red shoes, instead, it will be a pair of handcrafted brown loafers made for him during his 2012 visit in Leon, Mexico. His residential apartment at the Vatican was locked and sealed and will be opened when the new Pope is elected. It was a heartbreaking sight when his Vatican staff and Swiss guards emotionally bid him farewell

Atty. Aurora A. Santiago

Duc in Altum
XVI. In his first remarks from his window overlooking St. Peters Square: After the great Pope John Paul II, the Cardinals have elected me, a simple and humble laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. In his farewell meeting with the cardinals, he told them I will continue to be close to you in prayer, especially in the next few days, so that you are fully accepting of the action of the Holy Spirit in the election of the new pope. May the Lord show you what he wants. Among you there is the future pope, to whom I today declare my unconditional reverence and obedience. On February 28, 2013, in his last public appearance from his window at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Benedict XVI told his flock Im simply a pilgrim that is starting the last phase of his pilgrimage on this Earth, but I would still like with my heart, with my love, with my prayer, with my reflection, with all my inner strength to work for the common good of the Church and of humanity, and I feel very supported by your sympathy. He further said Lets go ahead
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before he left his Apostolic Palace. On his flight to Castel Gandolfo, bells at St Peters Basilica and churches all over Rome rang as the helicopter carrying Pope Benedict circled Vatican City and flew over the Coliseum and other landmarks to give the Pontiff one last view of the city where he is also the Bishop. The Swiss Guards who stood sentry at the papal summer residence quit their posts, hung their sword and closed the massive wooden doors of the Popes temporary residence at the strike of 8 p.m. The staff and Swiss guards are now unemployed. The Pope Emeritus will stay at Castel Gandolfo for 2 months before transferring to his retirement home in Mater Ecclesiae Monastery inside the Vatican walls. *** Almost 8 years ago, on April 19, 2005, His Eminence Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger of Germany was elected by the College of Cardinal as the successor of Blessed John Paul II. He adopted the papal name Benedict

Fr. Roy Cimagala

Candidly Speaking
OUR times, I believe, call us to be tough yet flexible, tolerant yet discerning. And now that we are in an election season, these qualities are in great need. To be sure, the only and best way to acquire these seemingly contrasting traits is to be with God, to have a living relationship with him, where an intimate and ongoing conversation between him and us takes place. Some people are questioning the feasibility of such a situation, that is, to be able to talk with God. I dont know where they get that idea, since as far as I as well as many others are concerned, God is everywhere and he wants us to talk to him. We need to reinforce our belief that only in God can we have everything. Lets be wary of suggestions, now becoming very popular, that there are things in which God has absolutely nothing to say or contribute and that we are just on our own to think, say and do whatever we want. A passage from the Psalms can remind us of this need for God. The Lord is my firmament, my refuge, and my deliverer. My God is my helper, and in him will I put my trust. My protector and the horn of my salvation, and my support. (18,2) Sad to say, there are now a rising number of politicians who not only put God and his Church aside, but also mock and openly attack him and the Church. Or to be politically correct, they also make appeals to God but a God according to their own terms, a god and church of their own making. Some have gone to the extent of saying that this business of including God in politics, for example, hinders their freedom and effectiveness. In short, that God is a spoiler. And they can be Catholics who pride themselves to be good Catholics because according to them, they do this and do that, just like any fawning politician would parrot, and yet they go against Church doctrine. They even dare to say that the Church should change, otherwise it will be depleted of members, and that there would be a mass exodus of faithful to other sects, etc. I would say, no problem, since the Church has always experienced this mass exodus in the

Put God in politics


past and it will still continue to have such thing in the future. Remember that even in the time of Christ, massive defections already took place, and in spite of the systemic persecutions through the years, it is still around. That thinking of some of our Catholic politicians or politicized Catholics only show their poor and politicized understanding of what it means to be in the Church. It would indicate they think of the Church as a kind of prison such that they now are threatening a massive jailbreak. Well, they can go ahead. No one is preventing them. With moral issues now becoming more and more political, we have to make sure that God is in the middle of politics. Of course, there is such thing as autonomy of temporal matters like politics and business, and the oftenmisunderstood doctrine of the separation of Church and state, but all this does not mean God has no place in politics. Quite the contrary. If God is not in our temporal affairs, then those temporal affairs would be harmful to us. They would not be ruled by truth, justice and charity, mercy and prudence, but merely by human calculations that will always benefit the strong, the powerful, the rich more than everybody else. If we still want our country to be God-fearing, then we have to be wary of candidates peddling platforms that not only are alien to faith but are in open war against God and his Church. There are now initiatives started by some lay people, perhaps with some inspiration from Church leaders, to precisely put God in politics. That thing about the Team Buhay vs. Team Patay is one of them. I hope there be more. I am thinking of some groups vetting all the candidates as to their position about moral issues. Obviously, all this should be done in great delicacy and respect, with courteous dialogue and positive explanations made rather than indulging in gutter language and logic. Also, that all this should be done with clear delineation as to what properly falls to the clerics to do and what the lay faithful ought to do. May God bless us all!

ing task of the New Evangelization, St. Teresas example should inspire all Christians because she evangelized unhesitatingly, showing tireless ardor, employing methods free from inertia and using expressions bathed in light. This remains important in the current time when there is a pressing need for the baptized to renew their hearts through individual prayer in which, following the guidance of St. Teresa, they also focus on contemplation of Christs blessed humanity as the only way to reach the glory

of God. Over 450 years ago, St. Teresa of Avila began the reform of a religious congregation; today, when we find ourselves in an environment not much different from hers when she wrote The world is on fire. Men try to condemn Christ once again. They would raze His Church to the ground we are grateful for a pope giving up a powerful throne in order to lead us back to what is most essential in our faith: not preaching, not projects, but prayer. And thats the truth.

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Local News
THE religious family of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP) in the Philippines has added its voice denouncing the killing of Boracay Ati leader Dexter Condez. Condez, who spoke for the Atis in their fight to reclaim their ancestral lands, was also the youth conference president of the SSVP in the area. Karl Michael Hila, the director for youth development of SSVP-National Council of the Philippines said in an interview that they are calling for justice and continued support on the cause that Condez was fighting for. It is not just a piece of land that they are protecting but their identity and dignity as an indigenous community, Hila said. Hila added that those who knew Condez from the Vincentian family were saddened and shocked to hear about his sudden death and expressed their continued support on the cause that

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 05
March 4 - 17, 2013

RH law challenges Church to intensify evangelization


EVEN if the passage of the Reproductive Health (RH) Law signals a crisis of faith, it also presents an opportunity for evangelization for the Church, a Catholic priest said. Fr. Roque Villanueva, one of the speakers of the 4thEpiscopal Commission on Family Life National Conference said the RH Law is a wake-up call for all Catholics that should move the Church to re-examine why it was so easy for many Catholics to believe in the benefits of the law. Referring on the RH Laws decidedly foreign origins, the priest said, with its passage into law, R.A. 10354 has become Filipinonot necessarily a good thing too. The RH termite Nagkaroon siya ng legal face, ng legal life. Itong foreign value nagkaroon ng legal personality, Villanueva, who gave the second talk on the pastoral challenges of the RH Law, said. He explained the anti-life and antifamily content of the RH Law can now be carried out with all the needed machinery of RH services, commodities, supplies, funding and staffto the detriment of Filipino families. Drawing from the first speaker, Atty. Ronaldo Reyes, who said, the RH Law more importantly, about changing Filipinos values about family and human life. Based on data Despite calling the RH Law a systematic and permanent death to family life, Villanueva said its passage into law should move the Church to base its program of action on data and not just on the Church hierarchys preferences or considerations. Ano ba ang nangyayari sa family? (What is happening to the family?) Lets know, he said, drawing from his experience of conducting a survey of the state of Catholic marriages in his diocese. Fr. Villanueva added, the ongoing formation program for Catholics or lack thereof is the weak muscle of the Church. Aside from being focused on the same people who are active in Church, rather than trickling down to the grassroots level, he said, formation also tends to be curative rather than preventive. More than 200 participants, some coming from as far as Ozamis, Zamboanga and Bicol, attended the 4th ECFL national conference at the St. Michael Retreat House, Antipolo City, Rizal. (Nirvaana Ella Delacruz)

SSVP community condemns Ati leader killing


he and his fellow Atis are fighting for. Tuguegarao Bishop Sergio Utleg, earlier this week, has denounced the killing of Condez and urged the government to act swiftly and bring perpetrators to justice. Utleg, who is the chairman of the CBCPs Episcopal Commission on Indigenous People, urged the Aquino administration to take all possible means to solve the case of Condez and other victims of extra judicial killings. Condez was shot dead on the evening of February 22 by unidentified gunman while on his way home to the Atis ancestral domain in Brgy. Manoc-Manoc after attending a meeting. He was the spokesperson of the Ati people against those who oppose their claims on ancestral domain in Boracay and a teacher on Indigenous Peoples Education among Ati children. (Jandel Posion)

Fr. Roque Villanueva discussed how the RH Law signals both a crisis of faith and an opportunity for evangelization.

is not original, but a mere photocopy of laws in other countries, Fr. Villanueva said R.A. 10354 is like a termite, a completely foreign body, that will eat away at cherished Filipino family values and life. Ito yung anay (This is the termite) that will eat the Filipino soul, it will destroy the domestic church, he explained. Villanueva said, contrary to popular belief, the RH Law is not just about physical procedures or devices, it is,

Nirvaana Ella Delacruz

Order DAR to install farmers in their lands, Aquino urged


A GROUP of farmers urged President Benigno Aquino III to order the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to install farmers in 671 hectares less contentious lands. Task Force Mapalad (TFM), a national federation of farmers, farm workers and individuals working for agrarian reform and rural development reiterated its call on the government to immediately install hundreds of farmers in 671.2978 hectares of land in Negro Island and Mindanao which deemed to be less controversial. TFM said farmers in 10 landholdings in Negros Island and one each in Davao Oriental and Bukidnon provinces have secured installation orders as of June 2012 but are still waiting for the DARs action to have themselves installed in those agricultural land. The group stressed that USec. Anthony Parungao, DAR Undersecretary for Legal Affairs had issued a legal opinion last May 12, 2011 arguing that in the case of ARCALE Estate in Davao Oriental, the installation may proceed since no temporary restraining order had been issued against the act despite pending cases in the Court of Appeals (CA) and the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 12 of Lupon, Davao Oriental, in order not to delay the process of land acquisition and distribution (LAD). Former Usec. Narciso Nieto for Field Operations also cited the same opinion for installation of farmers in Davao Oriental and elsewhere. Meanwhile, DAR Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes himself argued in his letter to the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo dated July 26, 2011 that the Supreme Court had ruled that no court aside from itself shall have the jurisdiction to issue TROs and preliminary injunctions against the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council, the DAR and any other authorized or designated agencies in any case or dispute arising from the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). TFM Negros through its president Alberto Jayme asked De Los Reyes to invoke the same opinion and judicial principle in order to speed up the installation of farmers in the agricultural lands. If DAR could use the same in installing farmers in 2011 and 2012, then it stands to reason that it could be invoked now, Jayme said. (Jandel Posion)

Saturday Marian conferences celebrate Year of Faith


A SERIES of Saturday Marian conferences slated throughout the year will help deepen the Filipino faithfuls celebration of the Year of Faith. Themed In the Year of Faith, reflecting on Mary in Second Vatican Council and thereafter, the string of conferences started last March 2 and will end on November 9, 2013. Giving the opening remarks, Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles called Filipinos pueblo Amante de Maria or a people in love with Mary and that the Year of Faith represents a time for the faithful to reflect on Marys role and what can be learned from her. Full of hope Admission is free for the conferences, which will be
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held every first Saturday of the month from 16pm at the San Carlos seminary, Guadalupe, Makati City. The first conference last March 2 featured the showing of The 13th Day, a film on the Marian apparitions to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal in 1917. Former ambassador to the Holy See Howard Dee introduced the film saying, I cant tell you anything about Fatima that you do not already know. But he added, the Fatima messages have always been full of hope, encouraging the attendees to watch the film. What Vatican II says about Mary The next conference on April 9 will be a video lec-

ture by Fr. Robert Barron on Mary in Catholicism. Fr. Catalino Arevalo, SJ will talk about Mary, Model of Faith in Benedict XVI in the next conference on May 4. Devotion to Mary after the Second Vatican Council will be tackled by Bishop Teodoro Bacani on June 1. Archbishop Arguelles will discuss Mary in Gods Plan of Salvation in the Second Vatican Council on July 6. On August 3, the topic, Mary, Figure of the Church and Virtuous Model of the Church in the Second Vatican Council will be given by Bishop Bernardino Cortez. Bishop Broderick Pabillo will give a talk on Mary, Mother of the Church and Disciple of Christ in the Second Vatican Council as the

October 5 topic. Lastly, on November 9, Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle will give a timely talk on Mary, Star of the New Evangelization for the Transmission of Christian Faith. For inquiries, email valuesmetric@gmail.com or call (02) 403-4534, (02) 895-8855, +63917-5966031. (Nirvaana Ella Delacruz)

FILE PHOTO

the whole month with the same theme coming from their sharings: Team Patay, Team Buhay It is coming from the lay faithful. The Holy Spirit is working through you, Quijano, the diocesan family and life director of Bacolod, said. According to Quijano, the passage of R.A. 10354 seemed to symbolize a clear demarcation line between pre- and postRH fervor among Catholics in Bacolod that is re-energizing the Church. He recounted to some 200 family and life coordinators and lay leaders how Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra resolutely told his clergy and leaders before posting the controversial tarpaulin, I am willing to uphold everything that has been written there. Adding light-heartedly, he said, If they send me to prison for standing for the sanctity of human life, I want you all to be with me! To which, according to Quijano, they replied, Bishop we will be with you. We will evangelize the prison guards! From the priests to the pastors Apparently, the move to post the Team Patay/Team Buhay tarpaulin
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was not a spur of the moment. Starting with pastoral letters on the RH issue that were read during the Advent season, last December 24 and 31, wave after wave of seminars and workshops on the teachings of the Church on life, human sexuality, and marriage were organized in Bacolod. The first batch, which Bishop Navarra personally called for, included seminarians, priests and other members of the religious. Not long after, parochial school teachers, liturgical ministers, acolytes, mass collectors, and even choir members also attended the seminar, which discussed the reasons behind Catholic opposition to the RH Law. Soon, even members of the Bacolod media, doctors and nurses underwent the workshops. It was also during this time that the diocese decided to put up big red flags in all the churches to signify a collective protest against the law. Eventually, the dominantly Catholic anti-RH bloc would find unlikely allies in 30 Protestant pastors and their fami-

lies, who committed themselves to the same cause as the Church. Finally, the workshops reached the lay associations, organizations and the grassroots through the BECs (basic ecclesial communities). Jesus, our PR man All throughout, according to Quijano, the diocese would feel the support of its bishopmostly, silent but steady. [Bp. Navarras] presence was already a big support for the pro-life movement. [He] did not speak a word, but his presence is like a big bang, Quijano said. Quijano ended his 10-minute sharing by saying the diocese is intensifying its campaign even more in the coming months. We are on the side of truth and Jesus is our PR man, he said. The diocese of Bacolod sent one of the biggest delegations to attend the recent ECFL conference with 55 participants flying in to attend the event last February 26-28 at the St. Michael retreat house in Antipolo City, Rizal. (Nirvaana Ella Delacruz)

Indulgence for pilgrims to 5 churches in Manila


CATHOLICS may gain plenary indulgence by visiting at least five churches in the Archdiocese of Manila. The archdiocese said that the declaration of the pilgrim churches is in line with the observance of the Year of Faith that started last October 11 and will end on Nov. 24, this year. The designated pilgrimage sites include the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila; and the Saint John the Baptist Parish in Pinaglabanan Street, San Juan City. The three other churches are the Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in F.B. Harrison Street, Pasay City; the Archdiocesan Shrine of Divine Mercy in Maysilo Circle, Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City; and the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Sacred Heart Street, San Antonio Village, Makati City. Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said that a pilgrim church should make readily available to the people of God of the Archdiocese of Manila the graces and summons of the Year of Faith as enunciated in the Apostolic Letter (of Pope Benedict XVI), Porta Fidei. He said that the pilgrim churches, in its activities, should note the pastoral recommendations by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Decree of Apostolic Penitentiary and Archdiocesan directives for the Year of Faith. Tagle added that the churches should also have special programs for the pilgrims on the Year of Faith. The archdiocese added that pilgrims visiting the five churches can obtain plenary indulgence according to preViolate / A1

Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, one of the designated pilgrim churches in the Archdiocese of Manila during the Year of Faith.

world mentality, he said, quoting Jesus own prayer to the Father, asking Him not to take the disciples out of the world, but to protect them from evil. We are being sent into the world of culture, of the family, of economicswhich must be changed for the better. You are being sent to that. We will be disobeying the will of the Lord if you do not participate in politics, he stressed further.
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Paying taxes, traffic rules Second and probably most basic, Catholics should carry out their civic duties like following traffic rules and paying taxes, specifically, the correct amount of taxes. He also exhorted the family and life directors and delegates from lay groups to be more proactive, especially during the coming May elections. Seek ways and means to influence others to make a conscious and honest

choice, Bacani added, saying a lot can be accomplished with the right motive. Is he following election rules? He even encouraged lay leaders to gather their members to talk about their candidates and see whether they fit the bill of a pro-God, propoor, pro-life, pro-people, pro-environment leader. One key trait to look at is how the candidate is abiding

by election rules and regulations. If people will not abide by the rules of the game, how will they abide by the rules of government when there is nobody watching them all the time? he asked. More than 200 lay leaders and family and life directors and coordinators attended the 4th ECFL conference at the St. Michael retreat house in Antipolo City. (Nirvaana Ella Delacruz)

scribe normsgoing to confession and receiving Holy Communion and praying for the Pope the Apostles Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be. In Bicol, Caceres Archbishop Rolando Tirona has also classified five churches as pilgrimage churches for the Year of Faith. These include the Holy Cross Parish (Nabua, Camarines Sur), Mary Magdalene Parish (Bula, Camarines Sur), Immaculate Conception Parish (Quipayo, Camarines Sur), Naga Metropolitan Cathedral St. John the Evangelist Parish, and the Basilica Minore de Peafrancia. The churches, apart from the basilica, are the oldest in the archdiocese. In November 2012, the Diocese of Cubao also has declared Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine in New Manila and the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Project 6, both in Quezon City, as a pilgrim churches. (CBCPNews)

bad behavior, Cruz, who is also the Judicial Vicar of the CBCP National Tribunal of Appeals, said. With divorce, he explained, anyone who is simply tired of how his or her spouse looks or acts can have an affair, for example, to get a divorce. He said if violence, infidelity or abandonment are to be recognized as valid grounds for divorce, then, all a spouse needs to do to

escape a bad marriage is to engage in any of the said bad behavior. Cruz said, he doubted the legalization of divorce would help address domestic violence, infidelity and abandonment, the top three reasons for the breakdown of marriages, according to statistics. According to him, finding out why marriages are failing should be the real focus of the Church and, even of the state.

He even went as far as suggesting as requiring those who want to get married to take psychological tests. According to Cruz, troubled couples have the option of a declaration of nullity or saying that a marriage is void or never existed in the first place. Second is annulment, which applies to valid marriages that are made void. Lastly, there is legal separation, which is a mere

physical separation of a married couples roof, table and bed. In short, they simply do not live together, but are still married in the eyes of the Church and of society. More than 200 family and life coordinators and lay leaders participated at the 4th National Conference organized by the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life (ECFL) at the St. Michael Retreat House in Antipolo City. (Nirvaana Ella Delacruz)

to private citizens or private area. A person can use or abuse his/her private property unless it will endanger the lives or property of other people. There is a freedom of expression and religion that can be used by the private entity. What the commission needs to do now is not just to concentrate on illegal posters but focus on educating the voters in their rights to suffrage, Macalintal furthered. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court (SC) on March 5 issued a temporary restraining order against the order of the Commission on Elections to remove the controversial Team Patay and Team Buhay tarpaulin at the San Sebastian

Cathedral in Bacolod. SC ordered Comelec to file its comment on the petition for certiorari and prohibition with application for injunction and TRO of Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra within 10 days. Oral arguments on the controversial case have been set on March 19. In their petition to the SC, the diocese pointed out that the Comelec order is unconstitutional since the tarpaulin only represents the Churchs exercise of the freedom of expression. And by virtue of the separation of Church and State, the Comelecs order should be stricken down by the high court. (Jandel Posion)

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CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 05
March 4 - 17, 2013

Diocesan News
demic Dean of the Institute, during the Western Visayas Romblon Family Life Summit held in Iloilo City last February 25-27, recalled that Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI, in his 2011 address to the Pontifical Council for the Family, emphasized that the New Evangelization is inseparable from the Christian family. The summer course is designed considering that many professionals who are already involved in the family and life ministry of their respective dioceses or parishes need further training to face the challenges of the New Evangelization. For the summer of 2013, the course will run from April 8 until April 27. Education will be given by Dr. Maria Teresa Causing, Ed.D. On April 22 to April 27 Mrs. Lovella Divinagracia will be teach the course on Statistics. Students enrolling for the summer course will have the chance to study with no charges for tuition or board and lodging while enrolled in Bacolod. Only P5,000 for miscellaneous, and P300 for entrance examinations for new students, are needed for enrolment for the Masters of Education in Marriage and Family at the Pope John Paul II National Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family. Graduates of the summer courses on Masters of Education in Marriage and Family will

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receive a degree from the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod that would qualify them to teach or be employed in all types of institutions, either civil or ecclesiastical. Interested parties may get in touch with the John Paul II National Institute at telephone numbers (034) 4348396 or (034) 4322877, or email jpnatin@yahoo.com. A meeting and interview with prospective summer 2013 enrollees is slated on April 5 at the University of St. La Salle Graduate School. Msgr. Victorino Rivas, Director of the Institute, at the Centro Giovanni Paolo II in Bacolod City will give an orientation on April 7 at 6 p.m. (Fr. Mickey Cardenas)

John Paul II Institute offers summer course on marriage, family


BACOLOD CityThe Pope John Paul II National Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family (PJPII) in Bacolod City, a learning and formation center that provides programs on marriage, family and life according to teachings of the Church, is now offering a Masters of Education in Marriage and Family which will entail four weeks of studies for four consecutive summers. Launched last summer of April 16, 2012, the program is now open to continuing and new students. Students who have enrolled in the maiden course last summer came from as far as the diocese of Laoag in Northern Luzon. Fr. Ronald Quijano, the AcaPhoto courtesy of Fr. Mickey Cardenas

The John Paul II Institute in Bacolod City offers programs on marriage and family according to the teachings of the Church.

The subject for April 8 to April 13 is Bio-Ethics and Ethics and the Foundation of Moral Chris-

tian Life to be taught by Fr. Joey Gonzaga, S.Th.D. From April 15 to April 20, Foundations of

Davao fun run could help fund WYD Pinoy volunteers


DAVAO CityA fun run is being organized to raise money for the Philippine International Volunteers to the World Youth Day 2013 at Rio de Janiero, Brazil in July this year. More than a thousand runners are expected to join the race for the first Run for Rio in Davao City on April 7. It aims to fund the trip of ten international volunteers selected from the city. About P100, 000 is needed for each of them. Paul Galario Lamanilao, one of the event organizers, said the expectations around WYD are many and so are the challenges. There are spiritual, physical, mental and emotional expectations. However, a major challenge now is to raise funds to send all volunteers from Davao City to Rio de Janeiro, Lamanilao said. Jet Polinar, who is also part of the fun run organizing committee, said that by joining Run for Rio, participants would be able to help the Filipino volunteers for WYD. The Run for Rio has 3km, 5km, 12km, and 21km categories, which are open

Rebel priest seeks end to Tan dynasty in Samar


CATBALOGAN, W. SamarA Catholic priestturned-rebel Santiago Salas has called on the public to reject candidates belonging to a political family in Samar province. Salas, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front Eastern Visayas (NDF-EV), said that the province needs reform and one measure is by ending the Tan dynasty. The rebel leader accused the political clan of corruption, adding that they used their political power to entrench and further its economic interests at the expense of the people. While the Tans benefit from their political and economic power, the government employees and common people suffer grinding poverty, militarization, and deprival of basic social services, Salas said. If the Tans will have their way, they will certainly further their oppression and exploitation of the people, he said. There are currently three Tans in the Samar provincial government: 2nd district Rep. Milagrosa Tan, her daughter Governor Sharee Ann Tan and son Vice Gov. Stephen James Tan. Rep. Tans two other children are also seeking the mayoralties in the cities of Calbayog and Catbalogan, while her brother-in-law is aspiring a congressional seat in Samars first district. Because of their intertwined political and business interests, the Tans have also outraged the people with their nepotism and political patronage, exemplified by Rep. Tan and her four children running for key local positions as if just business as usual, said Salas. Fr. Salas, as called by his comrades, also criticized the government officials alleged inability to address cases of human rights violations in the province. Human rights violations have raged in the province since 2005 under then 8th ID chief, the butcher Gen. Jovito Palparan, but the Tans never condemned [it], he said. They also slammed the door on rights violation victims seeking assistance, as well refused as to aid areas suffering from intense militarization, Salas said. (CBCPNews)

Popes surprising resignation and bishops early retirement, mere coincidence


to all ages. Like them on Facebook Run for Rio or follow them on Twitter @runforrio. Additional information is available by contacting 082.284.5056/0932.892.5488 or email runforrio.davao@gmail.com. (Jandel Posion) SAN PABLO CityWild speculations about the unusually fast approval of a bishops early retirement with immediate replacement being linked with Pope Benedict XVIs own unexpected resignation on February 28 has no basis, said a Laguna prelate. Former San Pablo Bishop Leo Drona told the Laguna clergy during a Farewell Luncheon Program on Feb. 18, that it was mere coincidence that few days after the pope approved his early retirement, the pontiff also followed suit by announcing his own unexpected resignation. Some lay people and priests speculated that the seeming rush in approving Dronas application for retirement by Vatican was affected by the planned resignation of the Pope.
Duc In Altum / A5

Briefing
San Jose diocese celebrates World Day of the Sick

SAN JOSE City More than a thousand sick and handicapped parishioners from all over San Jose Diocese in Nueva Ecija gathered in a celebration of healing and prayer through a Mass and medical mission. Led by Bishop Roberto Mallari, the 21st World Day of the Sick was observed last Feb 9 at the St. Joseph Cathedral. During the Mass, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was administered to all the sick and handicapped present in the Cathedral. Doctors and nurses from San Jose city and Pampanga also volunteered free medical services, from pediatrics to ophthalmology, to all the faithful after the Mass. (Jandel Posion)
Cabanatuan youth joins KC annual mountain trek

Drona nonetheless pointed out that the underlying motive of his own retirement closely resembles the Roman Pontiffs intention of resigning. Both of them, he said, had among others, health reasons and for the greater good of the Holy Catholic Church as their main motives of resigning early. About a year ago, Drona had undergone the procedure of Coronary Angioplasty to clear some impairment in his heart. This subsequently slowed down the prelates pastoral activities. He is also suffering a delicate eye ailment, which greatly affected his vision. Drona, however, admitted being caught by surprise at the seeming promptness of Rome to approve his application for retirement including the swiftness of appointing his immediate

successor. Together with the announcement of Dronas resignation on Jan. 25, the Vatican also appointed former Gumaca Bishop Buenaventura Famadico as his successor. The Vaticans usual practice was to approve a bishops application for retirement or to transfer a prelate to another assignment without designating right away their respective successors. It would usually take one year or more before the Pope could usually appoint a replacement. Famadico was installed as the new bishop of San Pablo on March 2 during a Mass presided by Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, at the San Pablo the First Hermit Cathedral. (Fr. Romy O. Ponte)

CABANATUAN CitySome members of the Commission on Youth of the diocese of Cabanatuan joined the 22nd Trek to Taklang Damulag organized by the Knights of Columbus and the Columbian Squires last Feb. 15 to 16 in Nueva Ecija. Fr. Ordand Valino, parish priest of the Holy Cross, said the essence of the activity pointed out the participants ability even for a short while, to leave behind their pre-occupations and dependence on technology such as the internet, television, and the like. He also stressed that the trek was one way to celebrate the Lenten season by sacrificing and praying like what Jesus Christ did during his ministry. (Jandel Posion)
University of San Agustin-Iloilo kicks off 60th anniv celebrations

ILOILO CityThe University of San Agustin (USA) in Iloilo City kicked off its yearlong celebration of the 60th anniversary of its declaration as a university on March 1. The celebration revolves around the theme USA@60: A Commemoration of the Past, A Celebration of the Present, and A Commitment to the Future. The events tagline, echoed from the University Hymn, is Shout your glory across the sky. The USA was established on July 15, 1904 by the friars of the Order of Saint Augustine as the Colegio de San Agustin de Iloilo, an exclusive school for boys. On March 1, 1953, the government granted San Agustin University status making it the first university in Western Visayas. (Fr. Mickey Cardenas)
Borongan diocese launches community newspaper

together with the Lord for the good of the Church and of the world. *** Peter Seewald, a German journalist who wrote a book with the Pope in 2010, was alarmed with the health of the Pontiff: His hearing had deteriorated. He couldnt see with his left eye. His body had become so thin that the tailors had difficulty in keeping up with newly fitted clothes ... Id never seen him so exhausted-looking, so worn down. Pope Benedict said that he does not have the strength to continue with his office. He is courageous and humble enough to acknowledge his own limitations. He stated that his crisis-hit papacy had included moments of joy but
Tampakan / A1

also difficulty when it seemed like the Lord is sleeping. A lover of classical music, Pope Benedict compared the Church hierarchy to an orchestra with many instruments which should always seek to be harmonious. *** I owe to Pope Benedict my Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award (For the Church and the Pope) which I received in 2008. This tops all the awards I received in my life; this makes me a member of the Papal household. We will miss you Pope Benedict! You are always in our prayers. We love you! God bless! *** On the issue of the conclave, Pope Benedict changed parts

of a 1996 constitution issued by Blessed John Paul II so that cardinals can begin a secret conclave to choose a successor earlier than 15 days after sede vacante. The change means that in pre-conclave meetings starting on March 1, a day after Pope Benedicts resignation, they can decide when to start. Some cardinals believe a conclave, held in secret in the Vaticans Sistine Chapel, should start sooner than March 15 in order to reduce the time in which the Church will be without a leader at a time of crisis. An election by mid-March could mean a new pope before Palm Sunday who would lead the Holy Week services that culminate in Easter Sunday.

*** The 4th National Conference of Family and Life, sponsored by the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life chaired by His Excellency, Most Rev. Gabriel Reyes, Bishop of the Diocese of Antipolo, was a huge success. It was attended by Family and Life Ministers from the 44 Archdioceses and Dioceses all over the country; their priests also participated. *** Happy Birthday to Tess Lara, Nancy Sanchez, Rosenda Magpoc, Marivic dela Paz, Annie Venzon, Baby Santiago, Linda Gabriel of San Ildefonso de Navotas Parish, Diocese of Kalookan.

BORONGAN City The Diocese of Borongan has branched out into the world of print media, releasing on Feb. 27 the premiere of its first edition. The Este! (East!), a newspaper which covers church-related stories, catechesis and articles on social issues, is being published by the dioceses Commission on Mass Media. The 12-page paper currently has four full-time writers and other contributors. Borongan Bishop Crispin Varquez said he is convinced that print media is one of the powerful tools of evangelization in our times. (CBCPNews)
MSPC holds 10th Youth Congress in Ipil

IPIL CityThe 10th Youth Congress of the Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference (MSPC) was held on Feb. 25 to March 1.The congress on the theme Our Faith, Our Mission Towards Evangelization took place in Ipil City, Zamboanga Sibugay. Around 200 youth leaders and ministers from the five archdioceses and 17 dioceses under the MSPC joined the event. Organizers said that this years theme drew inspiration from the celebration of the Year of Faith to embrace the challenge of becoming protagonist of New Evangelization. The five-day congress started with a Mass presided by Ipil Bishop Julius Tonel. (Jandel Posion)
4th Legazpi Diocesan Youth Way of the Cross held

will boost the economy and create jobs in the area. For them, he said, living near mining projects does not mean a share of the wealthit means environmental damage, loss of land and human rights abuses. We do not need that as of now Socsargen (S. Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City) is improving without mining, Gutierrez said. But with mining, everything will be destroyed. What help (are they talking about)? It will only help some people, he said. According to him, only the rich get richer in mining while the ordinary people continue to suffer from poverty.
Prayer / A1

Worst, he said, the people in the region are also the ones who will suffer from the negative impacts of mining and not the mining operators and their backers in the government. If this government will receive millions, how about the destruction? You cannot replace them, said Gutierrez. The bishop vowed that they would block any future moves that would start the mining operations in the province, which according to him, is not safe from disasters brought by typhoons and flooding. He also claimed that allowing the open-pit mining project to operate will further aggravate the situation in the province. Environmental activist group Ka-

likasan Peoples Network for the Environment warned Malacaang for granting ECC to Sagittarius Mining Inc., as it will only lead to more violence and resistance there. The mining project in Tampakan is at the core of several cases of extrajudicial killings, most recently the murder of Juvy Capion, wife of anti-mining tribal leader Daguil, and her two minor sons in October 2012. A Blaan tribal warrior was also killed in a military operation last January. In March 2009, environment advocate Eliezer Billianes, who was vocal against the mining project was shot dead in Koronadal City. All these cases remain unresolved. (CBCPNews) The conclave is a sacred rite. Its improper to trivialize it by betting, said Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez. Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros explained that betting always involves something that you take the risk to wager even if it is not money. The election of the next pope is an act of religion which involves the Holy Spirit. It should therefore not be subjected to human frivolity, he said.

LEGAZPI City Hundreds of young faithful joined in the Diocese of Legazpis 4th Youth Way of the Cross on March 2. Organized by the Legazpi diocesan Commission on Youth together with the sub-Commission on Vocation, the event was held in Kawa-Kawa, Ligao City. With the theme Via Crucis: Via Fidei (Way of the Cross: Way of Faith), the activity was aimed at assisting the participants to observe more deeply the Lenten season through prayer and sacrifice. The event was also held for the faithful to grow in knowledge of Jesus and His saving mysteries and for young people to participate more actively in the life and mission of the Church (Jandel Posion)

by St. Malachy O Morgair following the resignation of Benedict XVI. Even if the Pope resigns or in times of succession, the Church is always in the hands of God, Palma said. The Church has been here for the past 2 thousand years and were here and were increasing. The Irish archbishop who was canonized in 1190 supposedly predicted that the next pontiff would be the last and the Judgment Day will follow.

In his prediction, dated 1139, Malachy claimed that there would be 112 more popes from his time to the Apocalypse. Benedict is supposedly the 111th pope. Palma said that the pope emeritus will be missed but the Church will endure and will continue its mission. He stressed that Benedict XVIs resignation should not be viewed as something negative because the pontiff did it for the good of the universal church.

There are big challenges and while we feel that its a great loss in the sense that he is a great pope, still to us we are challenged to believe that the Church is in the hands of God, said Palma. Stop betting Amid reports of online betting on the papal change, the bishops appealed on the faithful to stop the practice saying that gambling has no place in the conclave.

A8

People, Facts & Places

CBCP Monitor

Vol. 17 No. 05
March 4 - 17, 2013

THE visits of Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle to various schools within the Archdiocese of Manila should be a wake-up call for administrators to address the students need for an intensified campus ministry even inside a non-sectarian academic setting. In an interview, Fr. Conegundo Garganta of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth said the Cardinals trip and meeting with students highlight the prelates interest to answer the youths various questions concerning faith, a commendable gesture especially during the ongoing Year of Faith. The visit of Cardinal Tagle becomes a venue for students and even the faculty to realize the spirit of the Year of Faith because it encourages active dialogue about issues concerning faith, he said.

Hundreds join 50th Ka-Talk forum


MORE than 500 young people, seminarians, catechists, priests, religious nuns from different parishes, organizations and movements from the archdiocese of Manila and nearby dioceses participated in the 50th series of the Ka-Talk Forum held at the Paco Catholic School in Manila, last February 9. Themed God the Father, it was celebrated in connection with the Year of Faith, responding to the challenge of Benedict XVI to treasure and strengthen the Faith. The forum served as an ideal opportunity to understand the foundation of the Christian Faith based on an encounter that provides a new perspective and compatible destination about life. Manila Archdiocesan Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education Commissioner Msgr. Gerardo Santos served as the guest speaker for the forum where he
John Arthur Martinez

Garganta said that while Tagles campus tour is not new among bishops, he however, encouraged other dioceses to replicate what is being done in the Archdiocese of Manila. This is a commendable activity that others should replicate: visiting and interacting with students. I personally hope that these would continue even after the year of faith, he added. The CBCP executive also stressed the importance of campus ministry in schools that are not run by Catholic parishes, congregations and institutions. Campus ministry strengthens the students activeness in school and in the parish. It significantly contributes to the students spiritual and social lives, especially as they are mostly in school than at home most of their youth, Garganta added.

Photo shows Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle listening and exchanging ideas with young people during the event KAibigang TOTOo (Katoto): Kardinal Chito which was organized by the Archdiocesan Commission on Youth of Manila last December 4, 2012 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

This is why he also urged administrators of non-sectarian and public schools to

establish a campus ministry office and sustain it. (KB/ YouthPinoy)

Youth participants perform a number during the forum which highlighted God the Father's unconditional love and the Church's celebration of the Year of Faith.

explained the theme, God the Father. Santos also challenged the participants to deepen their relationship with God in order

to live in unity with dignity, love and holy fear of Him. Toby Andoy, a student from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) and one of the participants, shared his experiences with his father who taught him things that are important in life, particularly his Catholic faith. He said despite having only the basic things in life, it was his fathers love and his gentle reminders of what is truly valuable in life that molded him to grow up as a good person. Other topics for this years Ka-Talk series are Jesus and Mary for the 51st series, Holy Spirit and the Church for the 52nd series and Eschatology (Things to Come) for the 53rd series. The forum are held quarterly and organized by the Manila archdiocesan commission on youth. (Jandel Posion)

Campus youth congress tackles students role in elections


THE Youth Coordinating Council of the National Capital Region is holding a campus youth congress to discuss youth involvement in the coming elections. The first PPCRV-NCR congress slated on March 8 at the Pasig Catholic College, is in collaboration with the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), Manila Archdiocesan and Parochial Schools Association (MAPSA) and the Catechetical Foundation of the Archdiocese of Manila (CFAM). Themed Kilos Kabataan: CHAMP 2013, the event aims to bring together private, parochial and public schools in NCR to a discussion on how to have a CHAMP or Clean, Honest, Accurate, Meaningful and Peaceful 2013 mid-term elections. According to organizers, the event also aims to establish fraternity/fellowship among students in the private schools/ colleges/universities with those in public schools/universities and colleges in NCR, especially students who are first time voters as well as those who are existing voters; and to animate interest of campusbased students in the coming elections and the succeeding ones, particularly in voters education and engage them in the formation of CHAMP campuses in their respective schools. The congress will also bring the campus-based students to become more actively involved in the coming and succeeding elections, especially as PPCRV volunteers for the 7 types of poll watchers and their inclusion in the volunteers database. Organizers further explained that the activity will facilitate in establishing a PPCRV youth core group in every school for sustaining CHAMP campuses that will move forward youth engagement in elections from Pang Eleksyon Na, Pang Habang Panahon Pa. With the congress, the youth council is hoping to establish a base in identified schools/ colleges or universities through institutional partnerships with said educational institutions authorities that will guarantee support for continuing voters education in their campuses, inclusion of voters education in formal curriculum as well as mobilization of volunteers for PPCRVs non-partisan and continuous programs for electoral reforms, good governance and election exercises during election season and/or outof-season, from one election period to the next. A mass will highlight the event together with voters education sessions and workshops, PCOS demonstration and mock election, and a CHAMP tsunami play offs. An estimated 2,000 youth from 50 schools and dioceses within NCR are expected to attend. Several speakers will also grace the event. (Jandel Posion)

Esteve Mata, Youth Pinoy!

Church promotes culture through poster and logo contest


Basa also said the activity will be part of establishing a venue for New Evangelization or Gospel Zone. The logos mechanics should have an integration or meeting of Faith and Culture in its elements and must be computerized, with color of any shape with high resolution and may or may not have any text or word. The poster should project an image of the Catholic Cultural Center as a Gospel Zone or a Venue for New Evangelization where faith and cul-

Paraaque youth to conduct leaders conference


THE Diocesan Commission on Youth of Paranaque will hold a leaders conference for youth commission leaders focusing on ministering the youth. Around a hundred youth leaders from 52 parishes in the diocese are expected to attend the DCOY Shepherds Conference themed Uniting Around Christs Redeeming Cross, on March 9. According to Peter Pardo, diocesan youth coordinator, the annual leaders conference is set to tackle project management program implementation techniques and will equip all youth leaders with the right knowledge on proper ministering the young. The whole day conference is also one way of going back to the basics in doing youth ministry, Pardo added. He also reminded the leaders to continue serving the young people with a mindset of a pastor, promote unity in building strong relationships, empower fellow youth by inspiring them to commit to excellence for the Lord deserves nothing but the best from us. Continue serving your parish because by doing so, you help to strengthen the foundation of our diocese, he furthered. Aside from the youth commission leaders, youth representatives from organizations, transparochial groups and campuses are also attending the conference. (Jandel Posion) IN an effort to promote culture, the Episcopal Commission on Culture (ECC) of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has organized a logo and poster making contest for Catholic Cultural Centers (CCC) in the Philippines. Open to all high school and college students as well as seminarians, who have a gift in digital arts, the winning logo will serve as the official and exclusive logo of the CBCPs Commission on Culture, while the poster will be posted on all Catholic Cultural Centers in the country and shall be sent to the Pontifical Council for Culture in Vatican City. Sr. Mary Anthony Basa, PDDM, ECCs executive secretary said the contest is one of the commissions effort to re-activate among faithful the living out of their Catholic faith in line with the celebration of the Year of Faith and the New Evangelization.

CEAP: Make graduation rites simple


GRADUATION is a memorable experience for students, to be sure, but should not be stripped of its real essence by turning it into a fashion show, an official of Catholic educators said. As the end of the school year just a month away, Catholic schoolteachers and principals were reminded to keep the graduation ceremonies simple but meaningful. Fr. Gregg Baaga, president of the Catholic Educational of the Philippines (CEAP), that graduation should be held as something that students will cherish for many years without necessarily spending much. The CEAP official admitted that some parents and students are already complaining of some amounts that they have to shell out for graduation rites expenses. Lets make our graduation ceremonies simple because some parents are already complaining of lavish graduation rites, Baaga told Manila archdiocese-run Radyo Veritas. Life is hard. Its so difficult to find money for graduation fees. Lets not turn our graduation ceremony into a pageant or fashion show, he added. Baaga made the statement as he expressed support to the Department of Educations Spartan campaign in holding graduation rites. He also said that yearly Junior-Senior prom of high school students should be simple too and not to burden students and their families with unnecessary fees. Actually its not important but it has become a tradition to them but if it can keep away from it, then they should avoid it, he said. (CBCPNews)

Fr. Gregg Baaga, CM

ture meet. Form should be computerized, colored and in a portrait position with the size of 20x30 with High Resolution so it can be reprinted in cloths or tarpaulins for the poster. Submitted entries should have a brief explanation of the logo and poster with the name of the institution and student participant bearing his or her brief profile. Basa added that both logo and poster will be judged by the six bishop members of the commission. The winning logo and poster will be launched during the 1st National Conference of the Catholic Cultural Center of the Philippines on October 14-18. Deadline for entries from CCCs will be on April 30, 2013 and participants may send it to the Episcopal Commission on Culture via email cbcpculture@ gmail.com or fax (02) 527-1925. (Jandel Posion)

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Franciscan ProvCom and Media Office

Non-sectarian, public schools urged to create, intensify campus ministry

Biliranon friar elected new OFM provincial minister


A FRANCISCAN friar, a native of Almeria in Biliran province was elected as the new provincial minister of the Order of Friars Minor (OFM) of San Pedro Bautista Province during a recently-held provincial chapter of the Franciscans. Fr. Lino Gregorio Redoblado, OFM, the guardian of the Franciscan community in the Sanctuary de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati, has been Fr. Lino Gregorio Redoblado, OFM, takes elected as the new pro- his oath of office as the new Minister Provincial. vincial minister of the to the life that they see and procongregation. The election took place last mote it, Redoblado furthered. The provincial chapter was February 15 at the Little Flower Retreat House in Baguio City held last February 11-15 where during the Provincial assembly attending friars had their retreat, of the Franciscan friars of San discussion on issues concernPedro Bautista Province, also ing their community and other concerns, and strategic planning called as the Luzon province. Redoblado will head the 100 for the community for the next plus friars in the province, and 3-6 years. To date, Redoblado is preparwill act as animator and adviser to his brother friars and ing to transfer from Santuario members of the Franciscan com- de San Antonio Parish in Forbes Park, Makati City to his new asmunity. In an interview, he said the signment as minister provincial beginning of his term will be at the Provincial House in Frisco, devoted to giving new assign- Quezon City. The friars from the Province ments and appointments while other tasks will be carried out of San Pedro Bautista in Luzon during his 6-year term as pro- is serving parishes in Sta. Ana, Casambalangan and Sta. Terevincial minister. He thinks that difficulties dur- sita in Cagayan Valley; Parishes ing his term may pop up such in Palanan and Sto. Tomas in as friars who are not willing to Isabela Province; Quezon Town obey but believes that there are in Nueva Vizcaya; Santuario de San Pedro Bautista Parish solutions to every problem. in Frisco, Q.C.; San Jose Tagapagtanggol Parish in ComVocation When asked about the prob- monwealth, Quezon City; Our lem of diminishing vocations, Lady of the Angels Seminary Redoblado said that friars must in Novaliches; Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish in Sta. Ana, link with the youth. Friars must be a little bit open Manila; St. Anthony Shrine in to the young people. We must Sampaloc, Manila; Santuario de understand them, listen to them San Antonio Parish in Forbes in their situations and problems. Park, Makati; Juan de Plasencia And we must embrace realities, Novitiate in Liliw, Laguna; in including their shortcomings. the urban poor communities These will give us a chance to of the post-novitiate friars in Sampaloc, Manila and Commonredirect them, he stressed. He emphasized the need for wealth, Quezon City; Parish in accompaniment and witness- Donsol, Sorsogon; and the Poor ing to the life that young people Clare Monastery Chaplaincy in Katipunan, Quezon City. can see. Visayas and Mindanao are Actually, you are not just promoting your congregation, being served by friars from the focus is to direct them to the the Custody of San Antonio kind of vocation they belong, de Padua which is a separate whether religious life, single entity from the San Pedro Baublessedness or the married life. tista Province since 2007. (Jandel And there must be a witnessing Posion)

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 5
March 4 - 17, 2013

Pastoral Concerns

B1

given Motu Proprio Normas Nonnullas of the

Apostolic Letter

on some modifications of the norms governing the election of the Roman Pontiff
WITH the Apostolic Letter De Aliquibus Mutationibus in Normis de Electione Romani Pontificis, issued Motu Proprio in Rome on 11 June 2007, the third year of my Pontificate, I established certain norms which, by abrogating those laid down in No. 75 of the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, promulgated on 22 February 1996 by my Predecessor Blessed John Paul II, reinstated the traditional norm whereby a majority vote of two thirds of the Cardinal electors present is always necessary for the valid election of a Roman Pontiff. Given the importance of ensuring that the entire process of electing the Roman Pontiff is carried out in the best possible way at every level, especially with regard to the sound interpretation and enactment of certain provisions, I hereby establish and decree that several norms of the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, as well as the changes which I myself introduced in the aforementioned Apostolic Letter, are to be replaced by the following norms: No. 35. No Cardinal elector can be excluded from active or passive voice in the election of the Supreme Pontiff, for any reason or pretext, with due regard for the provisions of Nos. 40 and 75 of this Constitution. No. 37. I furthermore decree that, from the moment when the Apostolic See is lawfully vacant, fifteen full days must elapse before the Conclave begins, in order to await those who are absent; nonetheless, the College of Cardinals is granted the faculty to move forward the start of the Conclave if it is clear that all the Cardinal electors are present; they can also defer, for serious reasons, the beginning of the election for a few days more. But when a maximum of twenty days have elapsed from the beginning of the vacancy of the See, all the Cardinal electors present are obliged to proceed to the election. No. 43. From the time established for the beginning of the electoral process until the public announcement that the election of the Supreme Pontiff has taken place, or in any case until the new Pope so disposes, the rooms of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, and in particular the Sistine Chapel and the areas reserved for liturgical celebrations are to be closed to unauthorized persons, by the authority of the Cardinal Camerlengo and In particular, provision shall be made, also with the help of Prelate Clerics of the Apostolic Camera, to ensure that no one approaches the Cardinal electors while they make their way from the Domus Sanctae Marthae to the Apostolic Vatican Palace. No. 46 1. In order to meet the personal and official needs connected with the election process, the following individuals must be available and therefore properly lodged in suitable areas within the confines mentioned in No. 43 of Constitution who in any way or at any time should come to learn anything from any source, directly or indirectly, regarding the election process, and in particular regarding the voting which took place in the election itself, are obliged to maintain strict secrecy with all persons extraneous to the College of Cardinal electors: accordingly, before the election begins, they shall take an oath in the form and using the formula indicated in the following number. No. 48. At a suitable time of two Pronotaries Apostolic de Numero Participantium, swear and sign the oath according to the following formula: I, N.N., promise and swear that, unless I should receive a special faculty given expressly by the newly-elected Pontiff or by his successors, I will observe absolute and perpetual secrecy with all who are not part of the College of Cardinal electors concerning all matters directly or indirectly related to the ballots cast and their scrutiny for the election of the Supreme Pontiff. I declare that I take this oath fully aware that an infraction thereof will incur the penalty of automatic (latae sententiae) excommunication reserved to the Apostolic See. So help me God and these Holy Gospels which I touch with my hand. No. 49. When the funeral rites for the deceased Pope have been celebrated according to the prescribed ritual, and everything necessary for the regular functioning of the election has been prepared, on the day appointed in accordance with the provisions of No. 37 of the present Constitution for the opening of the Conclave, the Cardinal electors shall meet in the Basilica of Saint Peters in the Vatican, or elsewhere, should circumstances warrant it, in order to take part in a solemn Eucharistic celebration with the Votive Mass Pro Eligendo Papa. This celebration should preferably take place at a suitable hour in the morning, so that in the afternoon the prescriptions of the following Numbers of this Constitution can be carried out. No. 50. From the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace, where they will assemble at a suitable hour in the afternoon, the Cardinal electors, in choir dress, and invoking the assistance of the Holy Spirit with the chant of the Veni Creator, will solemnly process to the Sistine Chapel of the Apostolic Palace, where the election will be held. The Vice-Camerlengo, the Auditor General of the Apostolic Camera and two members of each of the Colleges of Protonotaries Apostolic de Numero Participantium, of Prelate Auditors of the Roman Rota and of Prelate Clerics of the Apostolic Camera will take part in the procession. No. 51 2. It will therefore be the responsibility of the College of Cardinals, operating under the authority and responsibility
Apostolic Letter / B4

Supreme Pontiff Benedict XVI

Letter from the College of Cardinals to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI


To His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Castel Gandolfo The Cardinal Fathers, gathered at the Vatican for the General Congregations in view of the next Conclave, send you their devoted greetings and express their renewed gratitude for all your brilliant petrine ministry and for your example of generous pastoral care for the good of the Church and of the world. With their gratitude they hope to represent the recognition of the entire Church for your tireless work in the vineyard of the Lord. In conclusion, the members of the College of Cardinals trust in your prayers for them, as well as for the whole Church. + Cardinal Angelo Sodano Dean of the College of Cardinals From the Vatican, 5 March, 2013 with the outside assistance of the Vice-Camerlengo and of the Substitute of the Secretariat of State, in accordance with the provisions set forth in the following Numbers. During this period, the entire territory of Vatican City and the ordinary activity of the offices located therein shall be regulated in a way which permits the election of the Supreme Pontiff to be carried out with due privacy and freedom. this Constitution: the Secretary of the College of Cardinals, who acts as Secretary of the electoral assembly; the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations with eight Masters of Ceremonies and two Religious attached to the Papal Sacristy; and an ecclesiastic chosen by the Cardinal Dean or by the Cardinal taking his place, in order to assist him in his duties. No. 47. All the persons listed in Nos. 46 and 55 2 of this

Cardinal Sodanos Letter to Cardinals


From the Vatican, 1 March, 2013 Lord Cardinal, Analogously to what is prescribed by the Apostolic Constitution Universi dominici gregis of February 22, 1996 at no. 19, for the case of death of the Sovereign Pontiff, I perform my duty to communicate officially to Your Eminence the news of the vacancy of the Apostolic See due to the resignation presented by Pope Benedict XVI, and effective since yesterday evening, February 28, at 8:00 pm in Rome. In communicating the foregoing, I fulfill my duty to convoke Your Eminence to the first of the General Congregations of the College of Cardinals, to be held Monday, March 4 at 9:30 am in Paul VI Hall, in the room of the Synod of Bishops. The General Congregations will then continue regularly, until the complete number of Cardinal electors has been reached and the College of Cardinals then decides the date of entrance into Conclave of those Cardinal electors as prescribed by the recent Motu Proprio of this past 22 February concerning some changes to the rules regarding the election of the Roman Pontiff. For my part I am pleased to take this opportunity to extend my fraternal greetings. Cordially in Domino, + Angelo Card. Sodano March 01, 2013 before the beginning of the election, the persons indicated in Nos. 46 and 55 2 of this Constitution, having been duly warned about the meaning and extent of the oath which they are to take, shall, in the presence of the Cardinal Camerlengo or another Cardinal delegated by him, and I likewise promise and swear to refrain from using any audio or video equipment capable of recording anything which takes place during the period of the election within Vatican City, and in particular anything which in any way, directly or indirectly, is related to the process of the election itself.

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Follow-up on the topic: When the Holy See Is Vacant
(Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university, answers the following queries:) IN the wake of our Feb. 19 comments on omitting the Popes name during the sede vacante, several readers asked for clarifications. One reader asked: In the commentary on the mention of the name of the Pope after retirement, you said something about the mention of the name of a retired bishop. In the diocese where I served, after the retirement of the bishop we continued

Updates

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 5
March 4 - 17, 2013

The Election of a New Pope

to mention his name as bishop emeritus after the name of the present bishop. Even the present bishop does the same. Is there any rule on this? Are we wrong to mention ... and N... our bishop emeritus in the Eucharistic Prayer? In fact, this is incorrect. In a column on Nov. 24, 2009, we mentioned an article on precisely this theme. The article was published in Italian in Notitiae, the official organ of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments: Regarding the Mention of the Bishop in the Eucharistic Prayer (Notitiae 45 (2009) 308-320). Although it is a study and not an official decree, the work gathers all the relevant official documentation on the subject. This article clarifies that only the current diocesan bishop is named. There is the option of naming the auxiliary bishop if there is only one. Otherwise, they may be referred to collectively and not by name. The reason for this distinction is that naming the bishop is not a question of courtesy or respect but one of ecclesial communion. In the Roman Canon we do not just pray for but together with the Pope and bishop. In other words, praying in communion with the Pope and the local bishop unites the assembly to the universal Church and manifests the Church in that particular celebration. An Irish reader asked if we should use titles, prefixes, or surnames in mentioning Pope and bishop. He points to a study article, in French, from Notitiae 1970 that argued in favor of being able to translate the Latin as with our Bishop Smith. Our reader admits that the article was a study with no official standing. It must also be observed that, in practice, this suggestion was never actually taken up by any official translation. I believe the translation principles it advocated are now superseded by those found in the Vatican instruction Liturgiam Authenticam, which requires a more literal translation. The new English translation also requires this practice. In Ireland it would be theoretically possible to say Dr. McCoy our Bishop, but this would be very difficult in the United States or other English-speaking countries that do not use such titles. Therefore, common practice is that in mentioning the Pope and bishop, only the name is proffered. The numeral corresponding to the reigning pontiff is also omitted. Thus: John Paul or Benedict our Pope, not John Paul II or Benedict XVI. Finally, a Maltese reader inquired: After certain prayers, like the rosary, the Way of the Cross, etc, we usually pray for the Popes intentions to gain a plenary indulgence, according to the document on indulgences of the Vatican. So now while the Holy See is vacant, for whose intentions can we pray to gain the plenary indulgence? There is certainly no suspension of plenary indulgences during the vacancy of the Holy See. Since prayer for the Popes intentions is a requirement for gaining an indulgence, one can presume that such prayers can still be said although the person praying knows that he or she is basically entrusting the prayer to Gods providence to apply it as he wishes.

CNA

Cardinals on their way to pre-conclave meetings at the Paul VI Hall in the room of the Synod of Bishops.

By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso, JCD


THE detailed dispositions for this process are contained in a Constitution titled Universi Dominici Gregis (Latin: Of the Lords whole flock, since the document begins with the words The Shepherd of the Lords whole flock is the Bishop of the Church of Rome), promulgated by John Paul II on 22.II.1996. This document follows a line of similar documents, each updating its predecessor, issued by the Roman Pontiffs, conscious of their special duty and specific right to establish fitting norms to regulate the orderly election of their Successor. In the case of John Paul II, he specifically stated: While keeping in mind present-day requirements, I have been careful, in formulating the new discipline, not to depart in substance from the wise and venerable tradition already established. For his part, Pope Benedict XVI, through a little-known Motu proprio, De aliquibus mutationibussigned 11.VI.2007 (the third year of his pontificate)had set aside certain provisions of Universi Dominici Gregis, in order to bring back the age-old requirement for a two-thirds majority for a Pope to be elected in all the rounds of voting (which John Paul II had reduced to a simple majority for the ballotings after the first three days were unsuccessful in electing a Pope. Finally, barely a week before the effective date of his resignation from the Papacy, Benedict XVI signed a document reiterating critical parts of the aforementioned Constitution, confirming the two-thirds requirement that he established in 2007, and establishing a new norm regarding the date of the conclave, which enters in force immediately upon its publication in the LOsservatore Romano notwithstanding any instruction to the contrary. Nature and Composition of the Conclave The College of Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church is entrusted with the election of the Roman Pontiff. While it is a doctrine of the faith that the power of the Supreme Pontiff derives directly from Christ, whose earthly Vicar he is, it is also certain that this supreme power in the Church is granted to him by means of lawful election accepted by him, together with episcopal consecration (Code of Canon Law, c.332, 1). More specifically, the College of Electors of the Supreme Pontiff shall be composed solely of the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, who have not completed their 80th birthday by the day before the death of the Pope, and not to exceed a total of 120. At present, there are 118 Cardinals who meet this age requirement and are eligible to form part in this Electoral College. However, three had confirmed their inability to

attend, such that as of 5.III.2013 there are 115 Cardinals who are expected to participate in the Conclave. Date of the Conclave According to John Paul IIs 1996 Constitution, the earliest the cardinals could have met to elect a new Pope was 15 full days after the Apostolic See became vacant (normally to give the Cardinals time to gather in Rome after the demise of a Pope). In his last act relative to the matter, Benedict XVI decreed that the College of Cardinals is also granted the faculty to anticipate the beginning of the Conclave if all the Cardinal electors are present as well as the faculty to defer, for serious reasons, the beginning of the election for a few days more. But when a maximum of twenty days have elapsed from the beginning of the vacancy of the See, all the Cardinal electors present are obliged to proceed to the election. Conduct of the Conclave John Paul II confirmed that the Conclave is to continue in its essential structure [while making] some modifications in order to adapt its procedure to present-day circumstances. Specifically: for the whole duration of the election the living-quarters of the Cardinal electors and of those called to assist in the orderly process of the election itself are to be located in suitable places within Vatican City State. Particularly, this means the Domus Sanctae Martae, recently built in Vatican City in which the Cardinal electors can have individual rooms and baths, and to which they are assigned by lots. a) the election will continue to take place in the Sistine Chapel, where everything is conducive to an awareness of the presence of God, in whose sight each person will one day be judged. b) the duty of maintaining the strictest secrecy with regard to everything that directly or indirectly concerns the election process itself is confirmed. These covers not only the Cardinal electors themselves, but extends to all the other ancillary personnel in the premises who may somehow learn something of the election process. c) the only form by which the electors can manifest their vote in the election of the Roman Pontiff is by secret ballot, in accordance with the rules set in the document. Thus, the ageold election by acclamation quasi ex inspirationei.e., spontaneous acclamation as if by inspirationand election per compromissumi.e., by proxyare abolished, and the only form of electing the Roman Pontiff shall henceforth be per scrutinium alonei.e., by individual scrutiny of secret ballot. Oath to Secrecy In what could be a reaction to

Vatileaks and the threat posed by new technologies, Benedict XVIs recent Decree imposes stricter sanctions for those ancillary personnel who violate the secrecy of the Conclave, by requiring them to make an oath to secrecy in the following terms: I, N.N., promise and swear that, unless I should receive a special faculty given expressly by the newly-elected Pontiff or by his successors, I will observe absolute and perpetual secrecy with all who are not part of the College of Cardinal electors concerning all matters directly or indirectly related to the ballots cast and their scrutiny for the election of the Supreme Pontiff. I likewise promise and swear to refrain from using any audio or video equipment capable of recording anything which takes place during the period of the election within Vatican City, and in particular anything which in any way, directly or indirectly, is related to the process of the election itself. I declare that I take this oath fully aware that an infraction thereof will make me subject to the penalty of excommunication latae sententiae, which is reserved to the Apostolic See. The Voting Process The voting process is carried out in 3 phases: 1st Phase: Pre-scrutiny comprises: 1) the preparation and distribution of the ballot by the Master of Ceremonies, who give at least 2-3 to each Cardinal elector; 2) the drawing of lot, from among all Cardinal electors, for 3 Scrutineers (to canvass ballots), 3 Infirmarii (charged with collecting ballots any sick Cardinal electors unable to go to Sistine Chapel), and 3 Revisers; actual filling out of rectangular ballot box [Eligo in Summum Pontificem ______________]. 2nd Phase: Scrutiny Proper comprises: 1) the placing of the ballots in the appropriate receptacle; 2) the mixing and counting of the ballots; 3) the opening of the votes. 3rd Phase: Post-Scrutiny which comprises 1) the counting of the votes; 2) the checking of the same; 3) the burning of the ballots. A 2/3 majority (rounded off to the next higher number) of all Cardinal electors present is necessary for the election of the Pope. Except for the first afternoon, in the succeeding days, two balloting are carried out in the morning and another two in the afternoon, until a Pope is elected. After 3 days of balloting (i.e., 1+4+4=9) and no Pope is elected, voting is suspended for a maximum of one day for prayer, informal discussion among the voters and a brief spiritual exhortation by the senior cardinal of the Order of Deacons. Voting is then resumed in the aforementioned manner. After 7 more balloting (i.e., two full days) and still no Pope is elected, there is another pause for prayer, discussion and an exhortation by the senior

Cardinal in the Order of Priests. Voting is resumed. After 7 more balloting (i.e., another two full days) and still no Pope is elected, there is another pause as before and an exhortation by the senior Cardinal in the Order of Bishops. Voting is again resumed. After 7 more balloting (i.e., another two full days) without successful result, another day will be dedicated to prayer, reflection, and discussion. What follows then is the novelty decreed by Benedict XVI last 22 February 2013: Another 3 rounds of 7 balloting followed by a pause (3 rounds of 2 full days each), where only the two whose names have received the greatest number of votes in the immediately preceding ballot will have the passive electoral right. There can be no waiving of the requirement that a valid election takes place only by a qualified majority of at least two thirds of the votes of the cardinals who are present and voting. Moreover, in these ballots, the two persons who enjoy the passive electoral right lose their active electoral right. Habemus Papam! When the election has canonically taken place, the junior Cardinal Deacon summons into the hall of election the Secretary of the College of Cardinals and the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations. The Cardinal Dean, or the Cardinal who is first in order and seniority, in the name of the whole College of electors, then asks the consent of the one elected in the following words: Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff? And, as soon as he has received the consent, he asks him: By what name do you wish to be called? Then the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations, acting as notary and having as witnesses two Masters of Ceremonies, who are to be summoned at that moment, draws up a document certifying acceptance by the new Pope and the name taken by him. After his acceptance, the person elected, if he has already received episcopal ordination, is immediately Bishop of the Church of Rome, true Pope and Head of the College of Bishops. He thus acquires and can exercise full and supreme power over the universal Church. If the person elected is not already a Bishop, he shall immediately be ordained Bishop. When the other formalities provided for in the Ordo Rituum Conclavis have been carried out, the Cardinal electors approach the newly-elected Pope in the prescribed manner, in order to make an act of homage and obedience. An act of thanksgiving to God is then made, after which the senior Cardinal Deacon announces to the waiting people that the election has taken place and proclaims the name of the new Pope, who immediately thereafter imparts the Apostolic Blessing Urbi et Orbi from the balcony of the Vatican Basilica.

Color of the Veil for the Cross


Q: In the new Roman Missal the color for covering the cross is violet; however, the color is red for the vestments. I have noticed that different churches do red and some violet; even the Vatican used red, which is the proper color for veiling the cross on Good Friday. M.P., St. Petersburg, Florida A: The Roman Missal says the following with respect to covering images. On the fifth Sunday of Lent: The practice of covering crosses and images throughout the church from this Sunday may be observed, if the Conference of Bishops so decides. Crosses remain covered until the end of the Celebration of the Lords Passion on Good Friday, but images remain covered until the beginning of the Easter Vigil. No specific color is mentioned here, but violet may be reasonably presumed because this is the traditional color and it also corresponds to the liturgical season. The missal is clearer regarding the first form of showing the cross on Good Friday: The Deacon accompanied by ministers, or another suitable minister, goes to the sacristy, from which, in procession, accompanied by two ministers with lighted candles, he carries the Cross, covered with a violet veil, through the church to the middle of the sanctuary. In the extraordinary form, violet is also stipulated both for Good Friday and for covering all images and crosses exposed for public veneration before the vespers that precede the first Sunday of Passiontide (fifth Sunday of Lent in the present calendar). As our reader points out, however, at the Holy Fathers celebration of Good Friday a red-colored veil has been used in recent years. This might be a particular custom of papal liturgy, similar to the tradition that red vestments are also used for a popes funeral. As mentioned once or twice in previous articles (see March 8, 2005), the historical origin of this practice probably derives from a custom, noted in Germany from the ninth century, of extending a large cloth before the altar from the beginning of Lent.
Color / B7

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CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 5
March 4 - 17, 2013

Features

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Conclave
(A basic outline prepared by Monsignor Charles Burns O.B.E., Residential Canon of St. Peters Basilica in the Vatican Ecclesiastical Adviser at the British Embassy to the Holy See. The free circulation of this article is courtesy of the Catholic Truth Society)
Introduction The Papacy is a dynasty: it claims to be an unbroken succession of Popes, onwards from the Apostle Peter in the first century of the Christian era, so is possibly the oldest institution surviving continuously to the present day. Unlike royal dynasties, however, the next in line to the papacy is unknown until he is elected to the office. The election of a new Pope arouses interest worldwide, not only within the Roman Catholic Church, but indeed with many of other faiths and of none. The public gaze will soon be focused on the Vatican, where the Cardinals assemble in seclusion to decide the succession. For centuries this has been termed the Conclave, derived from the Latin words cum and clave, meaning under-lock-and-key. Literally they are locked in and others are locked out. Why such interest? Who is the Pope that his death, or abdication of the role, and the choice of a successor should attract such attention? As Bishop of Rome he is the spiritual leader of millions of Catholics and acknowledged as a moral beacon by the secular world. The word Papa, meaning Pope, is derived from the Greek word papas meaning father, the equivalent in English to pap. The death of a Pope, whether sudden and unpredicted, or preceded by infirmity and advanced age, does not cause a crisis,norwouldhisfreeandclearly expressed resignation, which does not require to be accepted and confirmed by anyone. In both these circumstances, procedures are in place to replace him. There are, however, no procedures for deposing an impaired, mentally deranged, senile, comatose, or a manifestly immoral one. The papacy is vacated only by demise or renunciation. Over the course of the centuries it has been the duty of the Popes to enact laws providing for any normal eventuality that can arise during a vacancy or interregnum of this unique office. The norms for a valid election to the papacy are set out in the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, dated 22 February 1996, published in the Acta Apostolicae Sedis. The numbers given here within brackets refer to the relevant paragraphs to facilitate cross-checking with the official authentic text. The rules are the following and must be implemented and adhered to closely by the Grand Electors, it being their right and duty to ensure this due process of Canon Law by their personal oath of commitment. Death of the Pope The Cardinal Camerlengo (Chamberlain) of the Holy Roman Church, having verified the death of the Pope, and the requisite certificate having been signed, declares officially that the Holy See is vacant. Maximum discretion will guarantee the privacy and respect for the corpse of the pontiff [30]. The late Popes study and bedroom will be sealed off to prevent entry; after the burial the entire papal apartment will be vacated and remain securely locked. The Chamberlain informs the Dean of the College of Cardinals, the Cardinal Vicar of Rome and the Cardinal Archpriest of St Peters Basilica in the Vatican of the Popes death. He also assumes responsibility for the administration of the Vatican Palace, the Lateran Palace and the papal summer villa at Castel Gandolfo, overseeing their current expenditure, since it is his express duty to safeguard the possessions and temporal rights of the Holy See throughout the duration of the vacancy. Until the valid election of a new Pope, the central government of the Catholic Church remains temporarily suspended. A clear sign of this can be seen in the immediate destruction of the principal seals of office, namely, the defacement of the inscription bearing the reigning Popes name around the rim of the matrix of the Fishermans Ring, his special signet ring, with an engraving of the miraculous catch of fish as its central motif, which is impressed to validate certain official enactments. Likewise the embossed heads of the Apostles Peter and Paul, on the obverse, and the Popes name and ordinal number, on the reverse, forming the two sides of the matrix of the lead seal termed the bulla, are also destroyed. The bulla is attached to authenticate documents of major significance, such as the promulgation of the decrees of a General Council, of the Canonization of Saints, as well as those of lesser but still significant importance, such as the letters of appointment or transfer of bishops. From this, the name papal bulls is derived. During the interregnum, narrowly restricted powers are invested in the College of Cardinals to arrange the funeral of the deceased Pope, to make all appropriate preparations for the unhindered election of a successor, and to resolve matters arising not affecting the rights of the Holy See, but which in the majority opinion cannot be postponed . Jurisdiction over everything else remains reserved exclusively to the future Pope. The Cardinal Secretary of State; the Cardinal Prefects of the Congregations, (the equivalent of cabinet ministers in a national government: there are nine in all, with allocated responsibility for the Doctrine of the Faith, for the Oriental Churches, for Divine Mamberti] for Relations with States, the Secretaries of the Curial Departments and the papal Almoner [Archbishop Guido Pozzo] also remain in office, all answerable to the College of Cardinals. The Papal Representatives abroad continue at their diplomatic missions and their accreditations do not lapse. The Grand Electors Upon being informed officially of the Popes death by the Camerlengo, the Dean notifies the entire College of Cardinals, the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, and the Heads of State of the respective nations. He convokes all the Cardinals to the Vatican City State for the preparation of the election of a new Pope. Unless legitimately impeded, they are expected to attend the general preparatory meetings, termed General Congregations, exception being made for the very elderly Cardinals should they prefer to absent themselves from even these initial stages of the process. The College of Cardinals is composed in order of precedence as follows: Cardinal Bishops and Patriarchs, Cardinal Priests, and Cardinal Deacons. Although the right to elect a new Pope belongs exclusively to The burial takes place between the fourth and the sixth day after death, unless some special reason to the contrary prevails. Any eventual dispositions contained in the Popes last testament will be carried out by his executor, who is answerable only to the future Pontiff. These might include a preference for a place of burial other than the crypt of the Vatican Basilica. Parallel with the arrangements for the funeral of the deceased Pope, the Cardinals must oversee the preparations for the election of a successor. Much has to be decided. The space of fifteen days is considered sufficient to guarantee that distant Cardinals arrive in the Vatican in time to join their colleagues. A maximum of twenty days may elapse from the moment the Holy See became vacant, by then however all the Cardinal Electors present are obliged to proceed with the election without further postponement. A decision will be taken fixing the day and the hour for the beginning of the process. To assist the Camerlengo in dispatching ordinary matters inherent in the preparation for the election, three Assistants, one from each rank of the College (Bishops, Priests, Deacons), are chosen by lot from among the Electors already appropriate liturgical norms [13b]. A Commission composed of the Camerlengo, the former Secretary of State, and the former President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, undertakes the preparations for accommodating the Electors in the Domus Sanctae Marthae residence adjacent to St Peters basilica. The apartments are allocated by drawing lots. Suitable lodgings have to be found within the restricted area of the election for the other persons who must be included to ensure a smooth conduct of the process, namely, the Secretary of the College of Cardinals, who acts as secretary for the electoral assembly; the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations, with two Masters of Ceremonies and two Religious employed in the Sacristy; some priests must be available for hearing confessions, two medical doctors for possible emergencies, and an adequate team of domestic staff to prepare and serve meals, and for general housekeeping. All those listed above must have prior approval of the Camerlengo and his current three Cardinal Assistants. They too are bound to observe total confidentiality about anything they come to know directly or indirectly about the election process, in particular about the voting itself, and will be made election will be held and total seclusion guaranteed through careful preparations and stringent technical checks of the entire area. Invariably, since 1878, Conclaves have taken place there: it is the Major Chapel of the Papal Palace, built for Pope Sixtus IV (14711484), from whom it takes its name. Because some of the most sublime works of the masters of the Italian high renaissance adorn its ceiling and walls, including the awesome Last Judgment by Michelangelo, the Sistine Chapel is rated among the principal sites of world heritage. Architecturally, however, it is only a plain, lofty, oblong structure, measuring internally 40.23 metres in length and 13.41 metres in width, allegedly the same dimensions as Solomons Temple in Jerusalem. Lit by six large windows high up on the side walls, the height of the Chapel from the floor to the vault being 20.70 metres. This extreme simplicity renders it particularly suitable as the electoral chamber, but not until a team of carpenters, electricians, engineers, furnishers and technicians have completed a complicated transformation. Desks and chairs are arranged along the side walls to accommodate the exact number of Grand Electors seated in double rows facing one another across the chamber. Immediately in front of the altar, there are additional central tables, where the votes can be cast, counted, and the result of the ballot checked and then announced. In a corner at the opposite end of the Chapel near the principal entrance from the Sala Regia, a stove is installed temporarily in which the ballot papers and other discarded material can be burned by an assistant at the designated time. The smoke produced is emitted from a chimney constructed against the external gable wall, and so is clearly visible in St Peters Square. When the smoke is dark and dense in colour, this indicates an inconclusive ballot; when it is white, this means a decisive ballot has elected a new Pope. Having taken their places in the Sistine Chapel, the Dean administers the oath to them, by reading aloud the Latin text: We, the Cardinal electors present in this election of the Supreme Pontiff promise, pledge and swear, as individuals and as a group, to observe faithfully and scrupulously the prescriptions contained in the Apostolic Constitution of the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II, Universi Dominici Gregis, published on 22 February 1996. We likewise promise, pledge and swear that whichever of us by divine disposition is elected Roman Pontiff will commit himself faithfully to carrying out the munus Petrinum of Pastor of the Universal Church and will not fail to affirm and defend strenuously the spiritual and temporal rights and liberty of the Holy See. In a particular way, we promise and swear to observe with the greatest fidelity and with all persons, clerical or lay, secrecy regarding everything that in any way relates to the election of the Roman Pontiff and regarding what occurs in the place of the election, directly or indirectly related to the results of the voting; we promise and swear not to break this secret in any way, either during or after the election of the new Pontiff, unless explicit authorization is granted by the same Pontiff; and never to lend support or favor to any interference, opposition or any other form of intervention, whereby secular authorities of whatever order and degree or any group of people or individuals might wish to intervene in the election of the Roman Pontiff. Individually the Electors in order of precedence take the oath pronouncing personally the following words, while placing a hand on the page of Sacred Scripture: And I, N. Cardinal N., do so promise, pledge and swear. So help me God and these Holy Gospels which I touch with my hand. When the last of the Electors has sworn this oath, the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations gives the order extra omnes, ordering all those not taking a direct part in the election to leave the Sistine Chapel instantly. At this juncture, the second previously commissioned
Conclave / B5

Step by step through the Papal Interregnum

Cardinals attend the first of the General Congregations of the College of Cardinals, held Monday, March 4 at 9:30 am in Paul VI Hall, in the room of the Synod of Bishops.

Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, for the Causes of Saints (preparing the evidence that may lead eventually to canonization), for the Evangelization of Peoples (to coordinate and finance the missionary work of the Catholic Church throughout the world), for the Clergy (including the formation in approved colleges and seminaries of suitable candidates for ordination to the priesthood), for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (which are male and female religious communities living under vows), and for Catholic Education (extending from schools to universities)); the eleven Archbishop Presidents of the Pontifical Councils, which care for the Laity, for the Promotion of Christian Unity, for the Family, for Justice and Peace, Cor Unum for the organization of works of charity in all forms, for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants, for the Pastoral Support of Health Workers, for the Authentic Interpretation of Legislative Texts, for InterReligious Dialogue, for Culture, for Social Communications, and lastly the most recently created (in 2010) Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelisation; together with the consultative Members of the aforelisted Departments of the Roman Curia: all cease to function. Only the following remain in office for the duration of the vacancy and may exercise their ordinary prescribed faculties: the Dean [Angelo Sodano] of the College of Cardinals and the Camerlengo [Tarcisio Bertone] to organise the Conclave. The Major Penitentiary [Manuel Monteiro de Castro], the Vicar of Rome [Agostino Vallini], the Archpriest of St Peters and Vicar General of Vatican City [Angelo Comastri], for matters concerning the pastoral care of souls [14]. The Substitute [Archbishop Giovanni Angelo Becciu] of the Secretariat of State, the Secretary [Archbishop Dominique

the College of Cardinals, not all Cardinals may take an active part in the election. Those who have attained their eightieth birthday before the day on which the Apostolic See becomes vacant no longer exercise a personal role; they may also decide not to attend the preparatory general meetings, if they so prefer. The Apostolic Constitution confirms that the maximum number of electors should be restricted to one hundred and twenty; but this norm appeared to be abrogated by the mere fact that after recent consistories for the creation of new Cardinals the aggregate number has sometimes exceeded the legal limit. Before the Conclave The principal protagonists with special roles in the process of the election are the following: Cardinal Dean of the College; Cardinal Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church; Cardinal Major Penitentiary; Cardinal Vicar of the Diocese of Rome; Cardinal Archpriest of St Peters; the Vicar General for Vatican City State; former Cardinal Secretary of State; former Cardinal President of the Commission for Vatican City State [Giuseppe Bertello]; Senior Cardinal Deacon [JeanLouis Tauran]; Junior Cardinal Deacon [James Harvey]; Master of Papal Liturgical Ceremonies [Monsignor Guido Marini]; Secretary of the College of Cardinals [Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri]. Nine consecutive days of liturgical mourning, termed the novendiali, will be observed after the death of the Pope in accordance with the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis (Order of Funeral Rites of the Roman Pontiff), together with some other official formalities and injunctions. In one of the earliest preparatory meetings, the Cardinals will decide on the day, hour and manner of the dignified transfer of the remains to St Peters Basilica for the lying-in-homage.

present in the Vatican. After a period of three days a new trio will be selected to replace the previous one, and so it continues, also after the process of election has begun. The meetings of the Camerlengo with his Assistants are termed Particular Congregations, and serve to resolve the questions of lesser importance which arise from time to time. More serious matters are referred to the General Congregations of Cardinals, superannuated nonElectors included, over which the Dean presides. Prior to the election, they are termed preparatory and held daily to provide an open forum for individual opinions to be aired and suggestions offered. If any case needs to be put to a vote, this will not be open, but done in a way that safeguards confidentiality. In the first General Congregation the Cardinals receive a copy of the Norms and Regulations and they swear in Latin an oath to observe the prescriptions and maintain secrecy, according to the following formula: We, the Cardinals of Holy Roman Church, of the Order of Bishops, of Priests and of Deacons, promise, pledge and swear, as a body and individually, to observe exactly and faithfully all the norms contained in the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis of the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II, and to maintain rigorous secrecy with regard to all matters in any way related to the election of the Roman Pontiff or those which, by their very nature, during the vacancy of the Apostolic See, call for the same secrecy. Next each Cardinal adds: And I, N. Cardinal N., so promise, pledge and swear. And placing his hand on the Gospels continues: So help me God and these Holy Gospels which I now touch with my hand. In one of the Congregations immediately following, the Cardinals will decide on the more urgent items on their agenda, beginning with the arrangements to be made for the funeral of the late Pope, in conformity with the

aware of the seriousness of the oath (in Italian) they are required to take: I, N.N., promise and swear that, unless I should receive a special faculty given expressly by the newlyelected Pontiff or by his successors, I will observe absolute and perpetual secrecy with all who are not part of the College of Cardinal electors concerning all matters directly or indirectly related to the ballots cast and their scrutiny for the election of the Supreme Pontiff. I likewise promise and swear to refrain from using any audio or video equipment capable of recording anything which takes place during the period of the election within Vatican City, and in particular anything which in any way, directly or indirectly, is related to the process of the election itself. I declare that I take this oath fully aware that an infraction thereof will make me subject to the spiritual and canonical penalties which the future Supreme Pontiff will see fit to adopt, in accordance with Canon 1399 of the Code of Canon Law. So help me God and these Holy Gospels which I touch with my hand. Two renowned Preachers will admonish the Electors on the need for wise discernment in choosing a future Pope, given the challenges facing the Church in the present moment. The first meditation will be delivered during the obsequies of the deceased Pope; the second at the precise moment when the Electors withdraw from the outside world and enter the reserved precinct. The Conclave begins On the morning of the fifteenth day after the vacancy of the Holy See, and not later than the twentieth, the Cardinal Electors concelebrate a Votive Mass in St Peters Basilica Pro eligendo Papa (for the election of a Pope). Later that afternoon, they assemble in the Pauline Chapel, the smaller of the internal chapels of the Vatican Palace, constructed during the pontificate of Pope Paul III (1534-1549), and process chanting the Latin hymn Veni Creator to the Sistine Chapel, where the

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Features

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 5
March 4 - 17, 2013

The New Evangelization and the Christian Family


By Fr. Ronald S. Quijano, SThD
POPE Benedict XVI, in his 2011 address to the Pontifical Council for the Family, emphasized that the New Evangelization is inseparable from the Christian family. He envisioned that the Church should focus her evangelizing mission for the family because this is the concrete human space for an encounter with Christ. As we celebrate the Year of Faith, by commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and the 20th Anniversary of the Catholic Catechism of the Church, we wish to experience a new springtime: by entering the Porta Fidei (Acts 14:1ff) who is no other than Jesus Christ himself! Blessed John XXIII coined the Italian word aggiornamento which means bringing up to date to capture his agenda for Vatican Council II: a call for inner transformation (not only external changes) or renewal in Christian life. This endeavor demands another principle called ressourcement, a French word which expresses a return to the sources of faith (Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and Magisterium), and integrating them into contemporary ecclesiology. Both aggiornamento and ressourcement are two foundational principles that guided all the four sessions of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). The young Archbishop of Krakow, Karol Wojtyla (John Paul II), was there, and the young German theologian, Joseph Ratzinger (Benedict XVI), was also present, contemplating the signs of the times according to the gospels and participating actively in all the deliberations. The Family as the Heart of the New Evangelization Last October 7, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI convoked the Synod of Bishops in Rome with the theme: The New Evangelization for the Transmission of Christian Faith. The more we are challenged by the Holy Father for this new evangelization consists of the preaching of Gods word and giving witness to it. We, priests, merely preach and teach that we may transmit the faith. But our dear parents are more privileged because they transmit the faith, not so much by teaching but by their own blood! The perfect venue of transmission of the faith is through the family. The family is the subject and the object of evangelization. The Church envisions that, as the subject of evangelization, members of every family should nurture their faith together through prayer, study of the word, and express their love and care love one another. And as the object of evangelization, the evangelized family becomes an evangelizer of other families. Pastoral observation has proven that once the family becomes conscious of lay empowerment, parents and children will hunger for adequate faith-formation, will yearn for more updates on evangelizing strategy to answer the needs of the poor, and will become enthusiastic to join different lay associations that they may deepen their sense of belonging to the community. The Church, indeed, will be more fruitful in promoting the renewal of Christian life if the family is considered both the Lumen Gentium and the Gaudium et Spes for the world. The Family as the New Areopagus Areopagus is a place of discourse and debate in the ancient Greek society, particularly during the time of St. Paul. Blessed John Paul II, in his Redemptoris Missio, referred to culture and communications as the New Areopagus. In one way or another, the family today can also be considered as the new areopagus. It is like a public square in which various issues need to be addressed. To some degree, it is
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strange that we feel morally obliged to defend the family. The concept of the family, in a post modern world, as an intergenerational institution based on the stable union of a man and a woman who are open to love and life is seemingly a model of the past. The early years of Sexual Revolution showed that the ideological attack on the family was more upfront, manifested through the writings of Wilhelm Reich, J.P. Sarte or Simone de Beauvoir who treated the family as a public enemy. Secular societies adopted this thought treating marriage of man and woman as a form of slavery, womens pregnancy as a form of disease, and children are perceived more of burden rather than blessings. Todays rhetoric is much more subtle and probably dangerous to the family. There is a tendency to annihilate the word family from public discourse and render it empty of all meaning. Based on the recent census of Italy, a one-person household was identified as a one-person family. Consequently,

combined with a variety of social and economic dynamics have encouraged a reduction in childbearing and the number of children within a family. We ask ourselves, is it really our fundamental role to defend the family? If so, which family are we to defend? And how are we to present this defense? Are we already tired of the traditional family? Is abolishing the traditional concept of family a sign of progress? Is redemption possible for the family? In fact, we Filipinos thought before that we have strong religious-cultural values which can withstand the influx of secularism and ethical relativism. We realize later that culture is becoming ambivalent and human nature does not behave infallibly anymore. The only adequate defense of the Family in the contemporary world is found in the radical challenge of Blessed John Paul II himself: Christian Family, be what you are! He sustained this challenge for the family through his magisterial

because they are not so rooted in God. Married couples separate due to many reasons: lack of due discretion, psychical grounds, by deceit or fraud, domestic violence, abandonment, lack of interpersonality, etc. To them we offer compassion and pastoral care. However, we cannot deny the fact that marital separation can also be traced on how we handle the remote, proximate and immediate preparation of these people in marriage. The following are pastoral suggestions: Professionalize the staff of family life office in the parish. It is imperative for Family Life Ministers to avail a scientific/ formal training on how to conduct precana marriage preparation seminar in the parish. If possible, set up an Institute with its core curriculum which focuses on studies on marriage and family based philosophy, theology, law/morals, and behavioural sciences. Graduates of this Institute are recommended by their parish priests and commissioned officially by the Bishop to serve their

those who are living together in de facto unions, civil or same sex unions are also considered as a family. We sometimes hear stories of domestic violence like a husband killing his wife due to betrayal of trust. But these traits are not the essence but rather a deformation of a family. Recently, the finance minister of Japan suggested that the government should hasten the life of the elderly (to practice euthanasia) that their pensions can be used to solve economic crisis. And in Singapore, the government is giving a financial bonus of $4,600 to couples who can deliver a baby. As the proponents of reproductive law in the Philippines are seemingly rejoicing for their sweet victory in public debate, they should look at the consequences of their decision through the experience of first world countries which adopted this policy. Considerable efforts have been done for several decades to defend the family against unjust policies enacted by politicians in the West. These debates eventually led to the legalization of divorce, euthanasia, abortion, total population control, and homo sexual union (DEATH). Unfortunately, in each of these areas, the defense of marriage and family has reached limited success. At the same time, social and legal acceptance of unethical practices

teachings: Redemptor Hominis, Familiaris Consortio, Catechesis on Human Love or Theology of the Body, Mulieris Dignitatem, Evangelium Vitae, Letter to the Family, etc.which served as the roadmap for family ministry. Blessed John Paul IIs emphasis on the theology of the body and now continued by Pope Benedict with his theology of love, function as powerful leaven for the new evangelization. Towards an Adequate Family Ministry In our parish family life program, faith requirement in pre-cana marriage preparation is important. It is not just about submission of baptismal and confirmation certificates. Thorough catechesis must be given about the doctrine of marriage; duties and rights in marital state based on canon law and family code; undergo retreat and avail the sacrament of confession; give counseling if there are still unresolved problems; and avail a thorough seminar on natural methods and values of family planning and responsible parenthood; and have a deeper appreciation of the wedding liturgy. Let us remember, there are persons getting married, who have been raised as good Catholics, but lose it along the way. When trials in marital relationship come, they simply break their vows

respective communities. They are no longer to be called Family Life Workers but Family Life Ministers. Strengthen the Advocacy for the Protection of Human Life. Be able to explain well the sacredness of life based on divine revelation (Gen. 1:27-28; Gen. 2:7; 1Cor. 6:19), and subsequent magisterial teachings supported by clinical/medical studies. Human life begins at the moment of conception or fertilization and ends in natural death. This is also affirmed by the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Educate the Youth about the Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality. Sexuality refers, not to the genitals, but to the whole personhood. The parents themselves, not the school, should be the primary educators of their children about human sexuality. The process of education must be done in a graduated manner: from years of innocence, puberty, adolescence, towards adulthood. Sex outside marriage is immoral. The children and the young do not need sex education, what they need is education! Chastity as a form of virtue must be properly introduced to the young that they may fully discern the kind of vocation proper for them. Healthy relationship among teenage boys and girls are highly encouraged.

Appreciate deeply the Sacramentality of Marriage. Marriage is a covenantal relationship instituted by God for man and woman, raised by Jesus to the dignity of a Sacrament to give grace. A contract is just a piece of paper, but a covenant entails faith, a kind of fidelity based on partnership/belongingness of man and woman brought by God together in marriage. Marriage has two essential properties: unity and indissolubility. God created marriage as a primordial sacrament. He created it simultaneously when he made the whole universe as a perfect model of his love for humankind. Jesus elevated its dignity to a sacrament to highlight that this is an efficacious visible sign instituted by God himself, which is a perfect channel of his blessing / grace. Marriage has two important aspects: unitive and procreative dimensions. Unitive dimension refers to the good of spouses (bonum conjugum). It answers the question, what is marriage? It speaks of the love of the spouses which is the primary purpose of getting married. Procreative dimension, on the other hand, refers to the good of children (bonum prolis). It answers the question, how is conjugal love transmitted? It speaks of the love of husband and wife, which is reflected in the procreation of children and quality Christian education provided for them, the second purpose of marriage. The use of contraceptives contradicts the nature of marriage itself for these artificial methods of family planning separate these two essential dimensions. Love and responsibility are integral and a sure guarantee to healthy marital relationship. Rediscover the Four Tasks of the Christian Family. 1) To form Community of Persons. The human person, in theology, has dignity and rights for he has been created according to Gods image and likeness. A person, in scholastic philosophy, connotes uniqueness, individuality and relatedness. Thus communion of persons signify a higher level of maturity in terms of free decision, in the exercise of intellect and will, which determines a lifetime commitment; 2) To serve Love and Life. By free consent, man and woman are united in conjugal love. Out of their gift of conjugal love, comes the mission to transmit life by procreation of children. Both love and life, spouses and children are integral to the Christian family; 3) To participate in the Development of Society. Family members are called to become responsible citizens of their society by participating in the activities such as by promoting free, honest, peaceful and clean election or mangrove tree planting, etc. which are beneficial to the common good; and 4) To Share in the Life and Mission of the Church. By baptism, members of the family share in the three fold function of Christ as priest, prophet and king. The priestly function refers to the familys liturgical life. The prophetic function deals with the familys catechetical life. And the kingly function indicates its involvement in the social apostolate life. The family after all is a Church of the Home where members are considered stakeholders of the faith, which is nurtured through the life of prayer, study of the word, and this is practiced through work of charity and service to the poor. Christian Family, be what you are!is a call of Blessed John Paul II for the family to be true to its vocation and mission. There is so much beauty in the Christian Family that defending its integrity and values is worth like keeping a pearl of great prize in our hearts. Redemption is possible for the future of humanity passes through the family. (Fr. Ronald Quijano is the Dean of John Paul II Institute and Chairman of the Commission on Family and Life of the Diocese of Bacolod. He gave this talk during the Western Visayas Romblon Family Life Summit held in Iloilo City on February 25-27, 2013.)

Pinky Barrientos, FSP / CBCP Media

of the Camerlengo, assisted by the Particular Congregation mentioned in No. 7 of the present Constitution, and with the outside assistance of the Vice-Camerlengo and of the Substitute of the Secretariat of State, to make all prior arrangements for the interior of the Sistine Chapel and adjacent areas to be prepared, so that the orderly election and its privacy will be ensured. No. 55 3. Should any infraction whatsoever of this norm occur, those responsible should know that they will incur the penalty of automatic (latae sententiae) excommunication reserved to the Apostolic See. No. 62. Since the forms of election known as per acclamationem seu inspirationem and per compromissum are abolished,

the form of electing the Roman Pontiff shall henceforth be per scrutinium alone. I therefore decree that for the valid election of the Roman Pontiff at least two thirds of the votes are required, calculated on the basis of the total number of electors present and voting. No. 64. The voting process is carried out in three phases. The first phase, which can be called the pre-scrutiny, comprises: 1) the preparation and distribution of the ballot papers by the Masters of Ceremoniesthey will have been readmitted in the meantime, together with the Secretary of the College of Cardinals and the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations who give at least two or three to each Cardinal elector; 2) the drawing by lot, from among all

the Cardinal electors, of three Scrutineers, of three persons charged with collecting the votes of the sick, called for the sake of brevity Infirmarii, and of three Revisers; this drawing is carried out in public by the junior Cardinal Deacon, who draws out nine names, one after another, of those who shall carry out these tasks; 3) if, in the drawing of lots for the Scrutineers, Infirmarii and Revisers, there should come out the names of Cardinal electors who because of infirmity or other reasons are unable to carry out these tasks, the names of others who are not impeded are to be drawn in their place. The first three drawn will act as Scrutineers, the second three as Infirmarii and the last three as Revisers. No. 70 2. The Scrutineers

add up all the votes that each individual has received, and if no one has obtained at least two thirds of the votes on that ballot, the Pope has not been elected; if however it turns out that someone has obtained at least two thirds of the votes, the canonically valid election of the Roman Pontiff has taken place. No. 75. If the balloting mentioned in Nos. 72, 73 and 74 of the aforementioned Constitution does not result in an election, one day shall be dedicated to prayer, reflection and dialogue; in the successive balloting, observing the order established in No. 74 of the same Constitution, only the two names which received the greatest number of votes in the previous scrutiny, will have passive voice. There can be no

waiving of the requirement that, in these ballots too, for a valid election to take place there must be a clear majority of at least two thirds of the votes of the Cardinals present and voting. In these ballots the two names having passive voice do not have active voice. No. 87. When the election has canonically taken place, the junior Cardinal Deacon summons into the hall of election the Secretary of the College of Cardinals, the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations and two Masters of Ceremonies. Then the Cardinal Dean, or the Cardinal who is first in order and seniority, in the name of the whole College of electors, asks the consent of the one elected in the following words: Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff? And, as soon

as he has received the consent, he asks him: By what name do you wish to be called? Then the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations, acting as notary and having as witnesses the two Masters of Ceremonies, draws up a document certifying acceptance by the new Pope and the name taken by him. All that I have laid down in this Apostolic Letter issued Motu Proprio I hereby order to be wholly observed, anything to the contrary notwithstanding. This document will enter into effect immediately upon its publication in LOsservatore Romano. Given in Rome, at Saint Peters, on 22 February in the year 2013, the eighth of my Pontificate. BENEDICTUS PP. XVI

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 5
March 4 - 17, 2013

Statements

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Public Statement by the Diocese of Bacolod on the Occasion of the Feast of the Chair of Peter
THE Feast of the Chair of Peter is ordained by the Church to exhort and remind all the Catholic faithful to remember and honor the words of Jesus Christ: You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:17-19) The seat of the Pope as the successor of St. Peter and Vicar of Christ is central and vital to the Christian Catholic faith. The teachings of the Pope reinforce the dogma of our Lord Jesus Christ, and deserve the highest respect. As we pray for Pope Benedict as well as the College of Cardinals on the election of the new Pope, we remember the words of Pope Benedict XVI on the occasion of the World Day of Peace, last January 01, 2013, in his Message at the Vatican: Respect for Human Life is the Path to Peace In addition, Pope John Paul II said: We wish to speak to rulers of nations. To you most of all are committed the responsibility of safeguarding the common good. You can contribute so much to the preservation of morals. We beg of you, never allow the morals of your peoples to be undermined. The family is the primary unit in the state; do not tolerate any legislation which would introduce into the family those practices which are opposed to the natural law of God The 1997 Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and in the 1995 encyclical, Evangelium Vitae (EV), The Gospel of Life, John Paul II says, The Gospel of life is at the heart of Jesus message to be preached with dauntless fidelity to the people of every age and culture (EV 1). He exhorts Catholic faithful to adhere to the message of Jesus Christ on human life. In these times when there is a great conflict between a culture of death and a culture of life, he exhorts everyone to have the courage to proclaim the culture of life for the common good of society. This is a duty and responsibility of every Catholic. NOW THEREFORE, we the Roman Catholic faithful of the Bacolod Diocese declare that: 1. WE HAVE EXAMINED THE RH LAW (RA 10345) as being anti-life, anti-morals, anti-family, anti-marriage, and contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church; 2. WE CALL ON THE FAITHFUL NOT TO SUPPORT ANY CANDIDATE WHO IS ANTI-LIFE, AND TO SUPPORT THOSE WHO ARE PRO-LIFE. 3. The following candidates for Senators, based on the record, are ANTI-LIFE, as we call them TEAM PATAY: Escudero, Chiz Legarda, Loren Cayetano, Alan Peter Enrile, Jackie Hontiveros, Ma. Risa Casio, Teddy These people should not have our support. 4. The following are pro-life and are TEAM-BUHAY: Ejercito-Estrada, JV Trillanes, Antonio Honasan, Gregorio Magsaysay, Mitos Pimentel, Koko Villar, Cynthia These people should have our most wholehearted support. WE CALL ON THE CATHOLIC FAITHFUL AND ALL CHRISTIANS: STAND IN YOUR FAITH, ESPECIALLY DURING THISYEAROFFAITH!BESTRONG! BE BOLD! OUR FAITH IS NOT NEGOTIABLE! LET US DELIVER A VERY STRONG MESSAGE TO THE GOVERNMENT: NO TO DEATH! YES TO LIFE! A Christian is a Christian 24 hours a day!

A Call to Fidelity

Stand Firm in the Faith


VARIOUS reactions were hurled against the Diocese of Bacolod when it launched, as part of its Anti-RH Law campaign, the position not to support the Team Patay senatorial candidates and to support Team Buhay candidates. Once more, WE, the Bishop, the clergy and the Catholic Faithful of the Diocese of Bacolod declare with firmness our conviction that respect for life from conception until its natural termination is fundamental and sacrosanct and thus, should not be subject to any compromises that shall endanger it. Although there are claims by some senatorial candidates, particularly Team Patay senatorial candidate Loren Legarda that the RH Law does not include any provision on abortion, we, however think otherwise. In fact, this is the TRAGEDY about the whole thing. If all the pro-RH lawmakers only read what they championed and passed, it will not take 5 minutes for them to realize that RH Law did not criminalize the distribution, use, and sale of abortifacients. While the RH Law claimed that the use of abortifacients is not included in the reproductive health rights, the same law imposes no punishment to anyone using, dispensing, or selling abortifacients. To this effect, the RH Law absolutely failed to protect the life of the unborn at conception leading us to ask whether the real intention of the RH Law, as it seems to claim, was really to protect the life of the unborn. This deafening silence in the law that is now passed is very loud. The RH Law only pays lip service to protecting the life of the unborn at conception, for there is nothing else in the law that assures to protect life at all costs. Nothing at all! If in Criminal
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Law there is such a thing as homicide by reckless imprudence, equivalently the RH Law is almost a zygoticide or feticide by inconceivable forgetfulness. Moreover, Team Patay Senatorial candidate Risa Hontiveros and others claimed that selection of candidates should not be based on a single issue alone like the RH Law but rather on the whole track record and stand of the candidates on a whole range of issues like human rights, environment, economy, etc To this objection, the Diocese believes that respect and care for human life, especially

of the unborn at conception, is primordial, basic, and fundamental. The RIGHT TO LIFE, hence, is the mother of all rights. We cannot speak of and claim to champion any other rights, if the basic right to life is not upheld. If the basic right to life is compromised, how would everything else matter? All other issues cannot compensate for the terrible failure to ensure the protection of the life of the unborn at conception.

While there are some who commented that the Diocese should have avoided naming names, the Diocese finds its justification on the fact that Jesus Christ clearly said, He who is not with me is against me. (Matthew 12:30). God is for life. If you are not pro-life, you are not with God. Amidst this controversy, the Diocese of Bacolod will continue do our best to take our stand to the farthest and widest spectrum of audience as possible, especially at the grassroots. For decades the Diocese of Bacolod has stood for the least among us, devoting its focus and attention to the promotion of social justice. As part of our continued advocacy and obedience to the Lord, the Diocese has taken on the issue of the RH Law as part of her mission. People like Fr. Joel Tabora of Ateneo de Davao University, considered our action as silly and arrogant. He is certainly entitled to his own opinion, in the same certain way that we are. We will staunchly stand firm as a Diocese with our mission to fight the good fight, to run the race to the finish and to KEEP THE FAITH (cf. 2 Timothy 4:7) against the inherent dangers of the RH Law. We cannot stand mute and passive because all that it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing. Finally, since it is the opinion of most politicians that there is no Catholic vote, no church vote, then there should be no cause for them to be alarmed by the tarpaulin at the San Sebastian Cathedral. Ours is just a free expression of our freedom of conscience and a conspicuously exquisite manifestation of our CATHOLIC EFFORT! Meanwhile until this is over, the red flags of courage and martyrdom, for the protection of the life of the unborn, shall fly high in the skies of the Diocese of Bacolod.

REPLY TO NOTICE TO REMOVE CAMPAIGN MATERIALS


February 25, 2013 ATTY. MAVIL MAJARUCON Election Officer Bacolod City Dear Atty. Majarucon: In behalf of our client the Diocese of Bacolod City, this is to acknowledge that our clients have received on the same date your Notice dated February 22, 2013, calling attention to the supposedly oversized tarpaulin of the Diocese with the message Conscience Vote (Team Buhay/Team Patay), citing Comelec Resolution 9615. In reply to your Notice, may we most respectfully state: I. MAIN MATTERS 1. You will please notice that the MAIN MESSAGE of the Diocese was not really about the candidates of the May 13, 2013 election, BUT ABOUT THE REJECTION (IBASURA) OF R.A. 10354 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE RH LAW, a piece of legislation which the Diocese finds anti-life, anti-marriage, anti-morals, anti-family, anti-faith, and inimical to the best interests of the nation. This is captured by the FIRST TARPAULIN THAT SAYS IBASURA TO THE RH LAW. This tarpaulin is READ FIRST and ahead of the other tarpaulin by a left-toright reading orientation, and which points to the fact that the rejection of the RH Law was the MAIN MESSAGE of the Diocese. 2. The stand and campaign of the Diocese against the RH Law has been undertaken FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS NOW when the law was just still a Bill, AND IS INDEPENDENT OF ANY ELECTIONS. 3. The mention of the candidates (in the second tarpaulin) was MERELY INCIDENTAL to the MAIN CAMPAIGN OF THE DIOCESE, WHICH WAS AGAINST THE LAW ITSELF (RH LAW), as explained. 4. As such, it is the firm and honest belief of the Diocese that the so-called oversized tarpaulins (Team Buhay/Team Patay) should be covered by the BROADER CONSTITUTIONAL GUARANTEE OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND CONSCIENCE, and not by the more narrow and limited election laws, rules and regulations. 5. The 6 feet by 10 feet size of the tarpaulin that the Notice mentions is reflective of death (6 feet below the ground) and life (10 feet signifying standing tall as opposed to lying buried six feet below the ground), which we believe is part of the message the Diocese wants to strongly convey to the faithful. II. RELATED MATTERS 6. If the intention of the Comelec is to strictly enforce election rules on the Diocese, we find it disturbing that the Comelec has allowed much more glaring violations of its rules and regulations unattended. For example, the Comelec has announced that it is not allowing local candidates to be announced or proclaimed along with candidates for national positions, yet, to our knowledge, it has not taken any decisive action on the most recent public endorsement of local candidates by a national party. 7. Streamers and posters of candidates are everywhere, including the playing of their jingles on radio, long before the campaign period has began. 8. The Comelec has, in the past, freely and without permission from the Diocese used the northern portion of the Bacolod City Public Plaza as a common poster area, without prior permission from the Diocese, which owns said property. In view of all the foregoing, we most respectfully request: 1. That we be given a definitive ruling by the Comelec Legal Department of the Main Matters raised above. 2. That pending the opinion of the Comelec Legal Department and the availment of proper legal remedies available to the Diocese, the subject tarpaulins be allowed to remain in the meantime. 3. That we be given by your good office a kind reply also to the Related Matters abovementioned. Thank you very much for your kindest consideration. Lastly, may we be allowed to reiterate that under ordinary or usual circumstances, the Diocese in particular or the Church in general does not involve itself in partisan politics. However, the RH Law is an evil that the Diocese feels strongly it must fight as a duty to God and faith, and the fact that it is elections now is only incidental to this fight. With or without national or local elections, the Diocese will fight against the RH Law until it is repealed or adequately amended or modified. In fact, the Diocese enjoins your good person to also enlist in this fight. Hoping you understand the spiritual, moral, and legal position of the Diocese as herein articulated. Sincerely yours, ATTY. ARCHIE BARIBAR ATTY. MITCH ABELLA

Preacher will be invited to direct the minds of the Grand Electors to the grave task before them, on the need to act with right intention for the good of the Universal Church, solum Deum prae oculis habentes (having only God before their eyes). This challenging task accomplished, he leaves the Chapel, together with the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations. Voting for the next Pope The Electors are now completely alone. The Dean will ask them whether the election may begin, or are there still points requiring clarification,thoughanysubstantial modification or substitution of the promulgated norms and procedures is not permitted and would nullify the process. If, in the judgment of the majority, there is nothing to prevent the process from beginning, then it starts immediately. Paramount is the observance of total confidentiality by the Electors regarding what transpires during the election, and their protection from any violation of the self-imposed isolation. The Camerlengo and his three Assistants act as vigilanti, with the cooperation of trustworthy technicians, adept in uncovering surreptitiously installed devices, concealed with the intent of recording or transmitting what takes place within the off-limits area. The intentional use of such instruments is absolutely forbidden. Likewise, any communication or conversation with persons outside the area is forbidden for the duration of the election [56], and the Electors may not receive messages, newspapers, publications of any kind, nor

follow news bulletins via audio or video transmissions. This embargo on revealing the outcome of the voting, or other matters discussed or decided concerning the election of the Pope in the meetings of the Cardinals, both before and during the time of the balloting, applies to all members of the College, including non-Electors. This secrecy must be seen as a most grave obligation of conscience. The only valid form of electing the Pope is by scrutiny, a twothirds majority of the votes cast being required to elect a candidate, or two-thirds plus one when the total number of Electors does not divide into three equal parts. For instance with a full electoral college of one hundred and twenty voters, a two-thirds majority of eighty would be required, whereas with their number reduced to say one hundred and fifteen, the necessary majority would be seventy-six plus one. Should the election begin on the afternoon of the entry to the Sistine Chapel, only one ballot will be held that day. On the following days, if no one was elected on the first ballot, two ballots will be held in the morning and two in the afternoon. The voting process will be performed in three phases. The initial preparatory phase is simply the distribution of the ballot papers by the Masters of Ceremonies, who give at least two or three to each Elector. They are rectangular in shape and have the words Eligo in Summum Pontificem (I elect as Supreme Pontiff) printed on the upper half, with the lower half left blank to allow space for writing the name of the person chosen. Secondly, the drawing out by lot one after another of nine Electors

names by the junior Cardinal Deacon, the first three to serve as Scrutineers, the second three to carry out the task of the so-called Infirmarians, and the last three as Revisers. Finally, during the voting the Electors remain totally alone in the Chapel, so having distributed the ballot papers, but before the Cardinals begin to write, the Secretary of the College of Cardinals, the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations and the Masters of Ceremonies must leave the chamber. The junior Cardinal Deacon then locks the door, opening and closing it again each time this is necessary. The compilation of the ballot papers can now start. It is done in secret, each Elector writing legibly the name of the person of his choice, if possible in handwriting not easily identifiable as his, and so that the completed paper can be folded lengthwise. This concludes the pre-scrutiny phase of the election process. Casting their votes The scrutiny proper will consist of three crucial acts, namely, depositing the completed ballots in the urn; mixing and counting them accurately; opening and announcing the votes. In order of precedence, each Elector holding aloft between thumb and forefinger his completed and folded ballot, and in view of all the others processes with it to the large chalice-like urn placed in front of the Scrutineers. There he halts and declares aloud: I call as my witness Christ the Lord who will be my judge that my vote is given to the one who before God I think should be elected. Placing the vote

on the paten (a shallow circular metal plate on which normally the eucharistic wafer rests during the celebration of Mass) laid on top, and letting it slide into the urn below, he then bows in reverence and returns to his place. An arrangement is foreseen for an infirm Elector, having taken the oath, to cast his vote without leaving his seat by consigning the ballot to a Scrutineer, who performs the identical ritual of sliding it from the paten into the urn. If any Electors are so ill that they cannot come personally to the Sistine Chapel, but need to remain confined to their rooms, in these cases the Infirmarians will go to the Domus Sanctae Marthae to administer the oath individually, collect their votes in an empty locked receptacle and deliver it to be opened and the ballots checked by the Scrutineers. In order not to prolong the laborious electoral process unduly, the Infirmarians may vote immediately after the senior Elector and perform this special duty while the others in the Chapel continue with the balloting, thereby avoiding unnecessary delay. Counting the votes After the ballots of all the Electors have been deposited according to the norms, the second stage of the scrutiny follows immediately. The first Scrutineer shakes the urn several times to mix the papers thoroughly. The last Scrutineer counts them meticulously, transferring them one by one in full view of all those present to another empty
Conclave / B7

B6

Ref lections
By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD
HOW do we treat the members of our community who do not behave according to the standard of the dominant society? In todays Gospel, we have an example of such a person: a prodigal son who, selfish and extravagant, got his inheritance and squandered his money with whores and on dissolute living. Having become destitute, he even longed to eat the husks that were fodder for pigs, but no one gave him anything (Luke 15:12-16). Philosophers might describe him as a short-lived epicureanEat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we diebut we who have no leisure for the abstract would call him profligate. Obviously, such a man has nothing to contribute to progress and development. On the contrary, if his behavior were conducted at a national level, he would ruin the economy. We really have no use for him. How do we treat people like him? In our society, we expect him to be in jail, if merely to ignore him would not suffice. Of course, he has nothing that we can be proud of; we would disinherit him for shaming us. Such is our usual thinking and attitude. But as Christians, how do we deal with such a person? The parable, which is traditionally known as the parable of the prodigal son, provides two answers we can learn from. The first one is given by the elder son. Having learned that his profligate brother was back, he did not even bother to see him, still less join the merrymaking. For him, since his brother was unredeemable, dissolute and sinful, the book should be thrown at him. He should suffer the consequences of his action. Having squandered his share of the estate and therefore having lost his rights to partake what now belongs to him, why should he receive ring, the finest robe and a new pair of shoes? Why give a party and kill the fatted calf? (Luke 15:22-23). Since he sinned seriously, he did not deserve this royal welcome. There is simply no justice there, especially in view of the fact that his Father did not even give him, the elder brother, so much as a kid

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 5
March 4 - 17, 2013

Gods merciful love for the lost and the self-righteous


An Exegetical Reflection on the Gospel of the 4th Sunday of Lent, Year C, Luke 15:1-3.11-33, March 10, 2013
goat to celebrate with his friend, even though he never disobeyed his orders (Luke 15:29). Logically enough, he would not join a sinner in a party. The thinking and attitude of the elder son is easily identified with those of the Pharisees and Scribes. They criticized Jesus for welcoming sinners into his company, and eating with them. The second one is given by the father. In the parable, the Father of the two sons was so loving to his prodigal, younger son that he did not even allow him to finish his prepared piece. What was important to him was that he was back, and so it was time to hold feast. He overlooked the sinfulness of his son; instead of severely reprimanding his son, he embraced him without any criticism, recriminations, but with total forgiveness and mercy. The fact is, he had been longing for his son to come back (Luke 15:20a). And now that he was back, it was time to put the past into oblivion and to make merry: Let us eat and celebrate because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life. He was

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Merciful / B7

The merciful Father, always ready to welcome us back


4th Sunday of Lent, March 10, 2013
of light through thick, dark clouds . . . . He realized that there could still be hope for him. The young man rose and staggered homeward, famished and covered with tattered rags, at times running, at times crawling . . . sometimes hesitating, gripped by the fear that he might be rejected as he had rejected his father the day he had left home. Many of those he met on the road sneered at him or shouted to his face what a fool he was if he imagined that his father would still take him back . . . . But every time, hope had prevailed, and he had kept inching his way homeward, till he finally experienced the fondest and By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB THE young man had reached a dead enda situation of humiliation he never thought he would find himself in. Ending up as a guardian of pigs was surely the last thing he could have envisioned on the day he left the house of his father with an unquenchable yearning for freedom and happiness. That was a long time ago! Gone were the days when he had found himself surrounded by swarms of friends, cheering noisily at his prodigality. For a time he really thought that money and friends would have lasted for ever, and that they would have made him happy . . . . Then, gradually he had come to realize how dear (expensive!) friends can become, and how selfish their closeness can be. When there is nothing more to be sucked, they vanish into the nothingness from which they had unexpectedly emerged in the days of abundance . . . . Betrayed, cheated, humiliated, abandoned by all and disgusted with himself, the young man was on the verge of despair. But the loving figure of his father and the thought of the tranquil atmosphere of his home dawned on his mind. That was like the piercing of rays most sincere embrace in his life. He was back home, happy in his fathers arms. He was there to stay, and not as a servant but as a son. The bondage of a life of sin, alienation, shame, and fear was over! There may be a good deal of the prodigal son in each one of us. Often victims of our own un-wisdom, ambitions and pride, we may have found ourselves broke and without friends, rejected by all (after having been exploited by all), a shadow of what we used to be, tempted to conclude that we had reached a point of no return . . .. Todays parable should remind us that the Father is always ready to embrace us with love. For his part, our Kuya Jesus unlike the elder son of the parable, does not feel jealous or grumble. Actually, he is the one who volunteers to look for us to make us come to our senses, break the chains of the enslavement to sin, and lead us back homeback to Him where we belong. With Jesus by our side, all temptation to lose courage and all fear to be rejected by the Father should vanish. In fact, is it possible that He who did not spare His own Son, but handed him over for the sake of us all, will not grant us all things besides? . . . (Rom 8:32). Certainly not! He will surely and gladly reaccept us as His beloved children.

Bishop Pat Alo

ENCOUNTERS

The unforgettable memories of life


OF all the memories dear to us of friends and acquaintances, its certainly hardest to forget our dear papas and mamas. And why so? Because they cared for us since childhood days and we were inside our mothers wombs for 9 months. They taught us life, how to survive in this fleeting world of the earth and how to achieve the final end of man, which is reaching eternal bliss in Gods heavenly reward You will never forget the parents acts of kindness, teaching us discipline and how to live a life that is truthful and moral. After all, who are your best teachers since you were born if not your own parents. Of course, since as we grow we cannot be dependent on parents all the time but we must forge our way in life, absorbing and applying all that we have learned in the family and offer them for a life God wants us to live. Jesus gave us the formula when He says in Matthew 19:29: Everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, or land for the sake of my name will be repaid a hundred times over, and also inherit eternal life (Mt. 19:29). As you endeavor to live your vocation in life in accordance with Gods call to serve Him and humanity, your relationships tend to embrace the whole world wherever or whatever work God wants you to do in His name and for His name. Just think of all those thousands of models and exemplars in the list of Catholic Saints venerated by the people. These were the ones who obtained that hundredfold reward of the Lord in the above-quoted text of Mt. 19:29.

Renewed and saved by Gods merciful love


5th Sunday of Lent, March 17, 2013
By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB
THAT day, Jerusalem was set to witness the public execution of a confessed sinnera woman caught in adultery. The case was clear. The punishment was known to all: death by stoning. (See Lv 20:10 ff and Dt 22:22ff.) But that day, the zealous scribes and Pharisees were determined to catch two birdsthe adulteress and Jesus with one stone. The same stone could be used for both, since Jesus, tooin their viewhad gone against the law, and more than once. The trap was set. (See Jn 8:5f.) It was just a matter of delaying the execution by a short while until Jesus expresses his view, and causes his own ruin . . . But that day, Jesus hesitated to speak. There was an icy silence after the initial shouts. The silence of the woman was understandable. She could offer no justification, and any pleading for mercy would have fallen on deaf ears. The silence of Jesus, however, was not only unexpected, but above all, provocative. The case was clear. Why did he hesitate to concur with the provision of the Law? His enemies demanded an answer. Yes. But when the answer came, they regretted it. When finally Jesus rose and spoke up, it was the turn of the noisy crowd to grow speechless. Their angry voices fell silent; their faces drooped; the stones landed timidly on the ground, with a muffled sound . . . All the scribes and Pharisees present made an aboutturn, and then strode off like a routed army. Only Jesus and the adulteress remained. As the woman heard the voice of her defender, all her fright vanished and was replaced by a confident trust in Gods mercy. Gods forgiveness had made her new, alive once again and free free from sin and from the fear of human condemnation and mercilessness. There is much of that woman in us, though our sins may be of a different kind. We, too, may have experienced the terror that our sins might be known, and thereby we might lose our good name, if not our life, at the hands of the many who enjoy exposing and condemning the failings of others .... But God is different from us. He is one of a kind, even when it is a matter of judging our sins. We see His attitude revealed in Christ who stands discreetly by us even as we

Bo Sanchez

SOUlFOOd

Do you want to get rid of your destructive bad habits? Love yourself
So I told people to forget their own needseven their basic, valid, legitimate needs. For if Jesus gave His life on the cross for us, how can we not do otherwise? But along the way, I got into trouble I was trying to love Godbut I felt miserable. What was I doing wrong? I was trying to love God, but it was as though I was bumping on a brick wall. I failed and I couldnt understand why I was so miserable. Id given up everything for Him, so why did I feel empty and disconnected? And here was my bigger problem: Why was I still enslaved by various hidden addictions? Along the way, I also met a lot of good people like myself. Good, wonderful, spiritual people who wanted to follow God all the way. But they too were mired in hang-ups and addictions that made them discombobulated. Was Christian life this bad? What was wrong with us? And then there were my special visitations of God. Supernatural moments in prayer that blew me away. These were specific times when I felt God pierce through my belief systemwhere He would just love me. No ifs, no buts, no conditions. He would love me as is, where is. I would feel so loved, I couldnt understand it. And to my horror, it was as though He was inviting me to love myself as well, as is, where is. Naturally, I couldnt understand it. It went against my rigid legalistic theology and so I would cast out that inner voice. Wasnt I the enemy? Wasnt I the sinner who needed to be disciplined, chastised, and punished? What was this idea of just loving myself as is, where is? Heresy! But as the years went by, I began to understand. It took another ten yearsfrom 1990 to 2000for this healing to happen Deny myself? There was no SELF to deny! Slowly, I understood why I couldnt love God. How could I deny myself when I didnt have a SELF? How could I die to myself if nothing was alive in me? How could I give up if there was nothing to give up? Let me explain: Deep within, I was so broken. I never valued myself. I never felt good about myself. I was filled with shame. So to cover my shame, Id try to be good. To fill up my need for love, I tried to love God. But the more I tried, the more empty I felt Today, I realized that I can never give what I dont have. I cant love Godor anyone else for that matterif I didnt first love ME. My favorite verse in the Bible? We love because He first loved us. That is so true! The only way I can love God is if I receive His love for me. And it is His powerful love that will reconstruct me. Only then can I love Him. Are you killing yourself?
Soulfood / B7

WOULD you believe? Ive been preaching for over 30 years now. And in the first fifteen years of my preaching ministry, from 1979 to 1994, I never once preached about loving yourself. If you doubt me, look at my preaching notes and youll find nothing of this idea. Nada. Zero. Zilch. Zip. Why? Because I felt that loving oneself was another way of saying selfishness. So if you told me that I would one day write an article about loving yourself, I would call you nuts. Blasphemy! Id say to you with the vehemence of a snorting bull. Thats how I interpreted what Jesus said in the Bible, If you want to be my disciple, carry your cross, deny yourself, and follow me. Because Jesus wanted us to die to ourselves, how could I tell people to love themselves? Isnt that the very opposite of what Jesus wanted us to do? Here was my belief then: The SELF was the enemy of GOD. So why love it?

Renewed / B7

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CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 5
March 4 - 17, 2013

Social Concerns

B7
social hygiene clinic. These clinics are set up to service the sex industry that is the employer and purveyor of trafficked persons. These clinics ensure that no infected girl will work in a sex bar. The sex tourists are mostly from the UK, Australia and the USA and they are never checked for disease or are they investigated as offenders. The bars offer for a very high price, a virgin called a Cherry girl. Based on the investigations of the undercover retired police and the Preda Foundation social workers, trafficked and minors were identified and with the help of Assistant Secretary Geronimo Sy, a rescue operation was planned and successfully conducted by a joint team of agents of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) supported by Social workers of the Department of the Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and social workers from the Preda Foundation . They rescued a total of 13 trafficked girls, at least four of them minors. Preda Foundation, founded in 1974, is a human rights protection organization based in Olongapo City that advocates the rights of victims of sex-tourism, rescues them and gives two years of healing, recovery, therapy, empowerment and education to the victims. However, it struggles to get convictions. It needs volunteer retired lawyers, prosecutors, judges to be private prosecutors, pro bono. A rising star for the rights of women and children in the Department of Justice is Assistant Secretary Geronimo Sy. He is behind this case for the prosecution and will see it through to victory.

Saving the trafficked women and children


By Fr. Shay Cullen
THE trafficking of persons especially young girls is a worldwide multi-billion dollar business that exploits several million young girls and some boys; many are under-age, sold as sex slaves into the bars and brothels of Southeast Asia. Others are picked up by middleaged pedophiles and used as live-in sex partners to satisfy perverted desires. The young exploited children are damaged for life and have almost no self esteem or dignity left and have a short life expectancy as venereal disease, TB, hepatitis, HIV-AIDS and abortion are rampant among them. Unless saved, they die young, unknown and forgotten, the thrown-away children of our indifferent and apathetic world. How church, society and government can allow and permit this to continue all around us by a do-nothing attitude is the hypocrisy condemned by Jesus of Nazareth. Human trafficking is the buying and selling of young girls for sexual exploitation, bringing them from place to place. It is the modern practice of slavery and is growing at a speed that is both shocking and degrading. While widespread in many countries, it is bringing the Philippines in particular into disgrace as a dominantly Catholic country promoting it as a child and family, friendly tourist destination when it is not. Then the foreign sex tourists become addicted to child sex, they go home and abuse children in their own country. Its a global problem. Rosaline (not her real name), is an uneducated school drop-out. She was first
Color / B2

sexually abused when she was 14 years old by a foreign sex tourist on a beach in Olongapo City with the consent of her parents. In 2010, she was only 17 years old when she was first sold by her mother, a former sex worker into the sex bar and hotel in Subic, Zambales. Later, she transferred to another bar further down the national road, owned and operated by a US national. He had a 14 year old live-in partner until he was arrested when the bar was raided last February 5, 2013. He is detained in the NBI headquarters in Manila, the preliminary hearing will be on Monday, 11th February. That child has gone into hiding. The news is out that the family of the accused are

texting death threats against Rosaline. Despite official denial of the prostitution of children, minors are being offered for sex to undercover, retired, international police officers near the Olongapo City Hall and along the National Highway at Barrio Barretto where sex bars are spreading with local government permits. Some children as young as 12 years-old were also on offer by pimps at the Olongapo City Triangle. In Angeles City, the undercover agents were offered minors also on Fields Avenue. The Subic and Olongapo Municipal government social workers are bravely struggling to try and help as many children as possible but they are overwhelmed by the runaway situation.

The undercover retired police officers visited many sex bars also and were offered young girls to be bar fined, that is sold for sex and the money is divided between the girl and the bar owner. It is usually handled by the Mamasan. No foreigner has ever been convicted and served sentence for trafficking despite the fact that hundreds of these foreigners own and operate sex bars all over the Philippines. Its a thriving business under the very noses of local authorities who issue permits to the clubs and give health clearance cards (called night passes) to the girls after the mandatory weekly medical check-ups at the government-run

Conclave / 5

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This cloth, called the Hungertuch (hunger cloth), hid the altar entirely from the faithful during Lent and was not removed until during the reading of the Passion on Holy Wednesday at the words the veil of the temple was rent in two. Some authors say there was a practical reason for this practice, insofar as the often-illiterate faithful needed a way to know it was Lent. Others, however, maintain that it was a remnant of the ancient practice of public penance in which the penitents were ritually expelled from the church at the beginning of Lent. After the ritual of public penance fell into disusebut the entire congregation symbolically entered the order of penitents by receiving ashes on Ash Wednesdayit was no longer
Renewed / B6

possible to expel them from the church. Rather, the altar or Holy of Holies was shielded from view until they were reconciled to God at Easter. For analogous motives, later on in the Middle Ages, the images of crosses and saints were also covered from the start of Lent. The rule of limiting this veiling to Passiontide came later and does not appear until the publication of the Ceremonial of Bishops, of the 17th century. After the Second Vatican Council there were moves to abolish all veiling of images, but the practice survived, although in a mitigated form.

recoil in shame and fear. He shows himself to be infinitely more understanding than our fellowmen can be. His readiness to forgive, of course, should not be interpreted as indifference to sin, and even less as an encouragement to continue sinning. His forgiveness is always accompanied by the invitation and the empowerment to avoid sin in the future. (See the last verse in todays Gospel
Soulfood / B6

passage.) He knows well that we are molded out of clay. When God touches us with His forgiving love, He heals us thoroughly and gives us peace. He sets us free not only from our past sins, but also from our fears. With His loving presence He strengthens us, and makes us determined to live as He pleases, even when there are no human judges to condemn us.

receptacle. If the number of ballots does not tally with the number of participating Electors, the ballots must be burned and a second vote taken at once. If the ballots do correspond to the number of Electors, then the process of reading and announcing the names of those for whom the votes have been cast will be done in the following manner. The three Scrutineers will be seated at a table in front of the altar, on which the ballot papers have been placed. The first Scrutineer takes a ballot, unfolds it, notes the name of the person for whom the vote was cast, and passes it in silence to the second Scrutineer, who likewise notes the name written on the ballot, before passing it to the third Scrutineer, who reads it out in a clear voice, audible to all the Electors present so that they can hear and record the vote on the pages prepared for that purpose. He himself writes down the name he has just read aloud. He then inserts a needle through the word Eligo (I elect), on each ballot, drawing a thread through to be knotted securely at both ends, so that there is no risk of their dispersal. The sum of votes obtained by different papabili is calculated and recorded on a separate sheet of paper [69]. This concludes the second phase of the election by scrutiny. Double checking The third post-scrutiny phase follows, also comprised of three stages. The Scrutineers count the ballots all the individual Electors have received in their favour. If anyone has obtained two-thirds of the votes cast, (two-thirds plus one only when the quorum is not divisible in three), then he has been canonically and validly chosen as Pope and the election is over. Otherwise, the process must continue. In either case, the Revisers check both ballots and notes taken by the Scrutineers to make sure that the scrutiny has been conducted faithfully. If a second ballot needs to take place, it will be held immediately. Meantime, the earlier ballot papers are put aside. They will be burned only at the end, together with those of the second vote. At that juncture, the junior Cardinal Deacon will readmit the Secretary of the College and the Masters of Ceremonies to assist the Scrutineers in disposing of all the papers in the stove specially

installed for this purpose in a corner of the Sistine Chapel [70]. For reasons of confidentiality, this measure extends even to personal notes the Electors may have made in the course of the voting, all of which must be surrendered to the Camerlengo, or his Assistants, for destruction. They have the task of drawing up an accurate and detailed account of the voting at each session, that will be enclosed in a sealed envelope to be kept in a specially designated archive. Balloting will take place each day, twice in the morning and again twice in the afternoon [72, 73]. After balloting has been carried out as prescribed for three days without arriving at a conclusive result, the process will be suspended for one day, before being resumed in the usual manner. Another pause may be taken after seven more ballots, and again after another seven ballots. Impasse Facedwithanimpasse,calculated at around thirty-three or thirty-four ballotings, the Camerlengo will ask the Electors for their opinion on how to proceed and the election proceeds in accordance with what the absolute majority decides. For the validity of the election, however, a two-thirds majority of the votes will always be required, even in the extreme case of voting only on the two papabili who obtained the greatest suffrage in the immediately preceding ballot, and are excluded themselves from voting in the resumed round of balloting [Motu Proprio of Benedict XVI, dated 11 June 2007, abrogating the provision contained in n.75 of the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis that made a simple majority of votes sufficient for a valid election in these unusual circumstances]. The modern composition of the College of Cardinals aims at being representative of the Universal Church. Nevertheless there is nothing to prohibit the votes being cast for someone outside the College of Cardinals, who is deemed suited to shoulder the munus Petrinum - the office of Peter the Apostle. Beware! The last time a non-Cardinal was elected, in 1378, it caused the Great Western Schism, which divided Christendom into rival factions for almost forty years. Some statistics The longest interregnum recorded was prolonged for two years, nine months and two days, from the death of Pope Clement

Dont focus on your addiction. Because when you focus on your addiction, you end up in despair. And despair is the end of the road. Like Judas, many people commit some type of suicide. They may not kill themselves physically, but in their despair, they kill their dreams, or they kill their relationships, or they kill the blessings that God wants to give to them. You need to acknowledge your addiction (dont deny it), but you dont have to meditate on it. Your eyes should be on Gods love for you. Focus on Gods dream for you instead. And you can do that if you love yourself. Loving yourself means loving the sinner and the saint within you. Youre a mix of the good and the bad, and you need to love that mix. Unless you love yourself, you
Merciful / B6

jump from one hidden addiction to another Unless this happens, your addictions may never go away. When we dont love ourselves, our love tanks cause painful emotions to rise. So we may stop one addiction only to replace it with another, perhaps a more hidden addiction. I know of some former drinkers and smokers who, after removing these vices, unconsciously replaced them with more acceptable addictions, like workaholism and religious legalism, or a food addiction or TV addiction. If you want to get rid of a destructive bad habit, you need to love yourself. How should you love yourself? How should you love the saint and sinner within? In the next four weeks, Ill share with you four powerful ways of loving yourself that will change your life forever

IV on 29 November 1268, until the election of his successor Pope Gregory X on 9 September 1271. A previous one had lasted for two years, three months and one day, the interval between the pontificates of Pope Honorius IV (1285-1287) and Pope Nicholas IV (1288-1292). They were exceptions. In modern times the actual conclaves have been of very short duration: after an interregnum of nineteen days, only two days to elect Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli/ Pope Pius XII (1939-1958), after an interregnum of nineteen days, Cardinal Albino Luciani/Pope John Paul I (1978), and Cardinal Josef Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI (2005-2013), after an interregnum of sixteen days; three days to elect Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini/Pope Paul VI (1963-1978), after an interregnum of seventeen days, and Cardinal Karol Wojtya/ Pope John Paul II (1978-2005), after an interregnum of seventeen days; four days to elect Cardinal Giacomo della Chiesa/ Pope Benedict XV (1915-1922), after an interregnum of thirteen days, and Cardinal Angelo Roncalli/ Pope John XXIII (1958-1963), after an interregnum of eighteen days; and five days to elect Cardinal Giuseppe Sarto/Pope Pius X (19031914), after an interregnum of fifteen days, and Cardinal Achille Ratti/Pope Pius XI (1922-1939), after an interregnum that lasted fourteen days. The number of votes cast in the balloting during these recent Conclaves in favour of these Cardinals resulting in their election to the papacy has never been revealed, though accurate records are made, but remain inaccessible to consultation and are kept in a special archive in strict security. Election achieved When the election has taken place, the junior Cardinal Deacon summons the Secretary of the College and the Master of Papal Liturgical Ceremonies back to the Sistine Chapel. The Dean, in the name of the whole College of Electors, will ask the consent of the newly elected with the words: Do you accept our canonical election as Supreme Pontiff? Having received his assent, the Dean continues: By what name do you wish to be called? The Pope declares the name he wishes to assume during his pontificate. The Master of Liturgical Ceremonies acting as notary, and the two Masters of Ceremonies as witnesses, draw up a document certifying the new

Popes acceptance and the name he wishes to assume as Pontiff. After his acceptance, the newly elected, provided he is already a bishop, becomes immediately BishopofRome,truePopeandHead of the College of Bishops, acquiring full and supreme authority over the Universal Church. At this juncture, he will be accompanied by the Masters of Ceremonies to a small robing room, situated immediately behind the imposing fresco of the Last Judgement, where they assist him to divest from his scarlet robes as a Cardinal and don the traditional white vesture of a Pope. Three sizes of soutane, large, medium and small, are in readiness to be rapidly adjusted to meet his personal requirements, together with the white moir silk fascia and skull-cap, the lace rochet, or surplice, the crimson silk mozzettaa sort of shoulder capethe red morocco leather slippers and the elaborate goldembroidered red velvet stole. If he is not already a bishop, he then receives Episcopal ordination at the hands of the Dean of the College without further delay. Otherwise one by one in order of rank within each class, the Electors must first pay homage and obedience to the new Pope followed by a solemn act of thanksgiving to God intoning the Latin hymn Te Deum. This is the moment when the seniorCardinalDeaconannounces from the central balcony of St Peters that a canonical election has taken place and proclaims the identity of the newly elect and the pontifical name he intends to adopt. This proclamation is made using the Latin formula: Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum. HabemusPapam. Eminentissimum ac Reverendissimum Dominum, Dominum N. Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalem N., qui sibi nomen imposuit N., meaning: I announce a great joy to you; we have a Pope! The most Eminent and most Reverend Lord, the Lord N. (baptismal name) Cardinal N. (surname) of the Holy Roman Church, who has taken the name of N. (his choice of pontifical name). The new Pope will then make his appearance on the central balcony of St Peters Basilica and impart from there the first Apostolic Blessing Urbi et Orbi - to the City and to the World [88, 89, 90]. The Conclave is over. The Holy See is no longer vacant. Another pontificate has already begun.

lost and is found (Luke 15:23). Such an attitude and behavior may be, in our very human, all too human thinking, very inappropriate, for we usually think that one must first pay his debts before he could be accepted to the normal society. But Gods behavior is different from ours. And that is how he wants us to behave and treat the sinful members of our community. That explains why Jesus welcomed sinners and ate with them. God is generous and extravagant in his love. Like the father in the parable, he takes the initiative in reconciling himself with sinners. Paul explicitly asserts: It is

precisely in this that God proves his love for us: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom 5:8). In Christ, he even went to the extent of identifying himself with them: For our sakes God made him who did not know sin to be sin, so that in him we might become the very holiness of God (2 Cor 5:21). That is why it is preferable to title this story as a parable of a fathers love, instead of the parable of the prodigal son, for the focus, no doubt about it, is Gods love for sinners. His love is so different from ours! It is worth emphasizing that Gods

love is not only shown to the outcast of society, like the prodigal son. He also loves the self-righteous, like the Pharisees and the Scribes, whom the elder son represents. In the parable, the elder son resents that his father, instead of punishing him for wantonness, gave his brother ring and new clothes and threw a party for his coming back. It is as if he did not like that his brother was entirely forgiven. He was righteously indignant that his father wholly welcomed his wayward brother. When we are righteous, we are often jealous that God cares for sinners. But the truth

is, we are no less sinful, because we are trapped in our own righteousness. That is why the father in the parable sought the elder brother, too! He said that everything he had was his. Thus, he reminded the elder brother that everything the latter had comes from him. Moreover, what the elder brother needed was a lesson on fraternal charity and forgiveness. A community, of course, does not grow merely by following the rules of society. There may be order, which is the purpose of law, but that would not create an atmosphere that

is conducive to authentic living. For a community grows when there is love, which law cannot give. Law without love is like a body without spiritit is dead. But when there is love, there is also forgiveness and reconciliation, and the good of the beloved is sought. A society that kills its sinful members will end up killing itselfnone will be left, for we are all sinners. But when there is love and forgiveness among the brothers, even what seems to be impossible emerges. A new man, a new community looms in the horizon.

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FILM is indeed a powerful medium for teaching history. Had we not watched Lincoln and been awed by the riveting performance of Daniel DayLewis, the United States 16th president would have remained in our mind as nothing more than a shiny marble statue. Lincoln chronicles the last month, January 1865, in the life of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, as he zeroes in on the last and greatest win of his political careerthe abolition of slavery in America. Director Spielberg does right in depicting a Lincoln that is at once iconic and human. Far from being a traditional bio-pic that tends to paint a glossier-than-reality picture of a revered character, Lincoln shows how a principled man may still be admired despite his political savvy that enabled him to resort to the maneuverings prevalent in his time. President # 16 has been played by so many estimable actors since 1930, but in Lincoln, the role is not played, it is livedto the point that it becomes difficult to tell whether it is the actor Day-Lewis inhabiting the Lincoln character, or the spirit of Lincoln inhabiting the actors body. A well-chosen cast combined with matchless supporting performances notably by Tommy Lee Jones (as Thaddeus Stevens) and Sally field (as Mary Todd Lincoln) add to an authentic reliving of Lincolns struggle towards his goal. To the last detail, the rich production sets are adjudged faithful to Abes

Entertainment
life and times, bringing the past vividly back to life to afford the viewer a peek into history. The sessions in Congress where the battle over the 13th Amendment is raging is particularly eye-opening to contemporary political observers. They reveal that some things in the field of public service have not changedand perhaps never willsuch as under the table deals, patronage positions as bribes, presidential strategizing and pressure on the House of Representatives to ensure the passage of an amendment, etc. The latter may evoke a feeling of dj vu in people quite familiar with the debates that not too long ago raged over an RH bill in the Philippine Congress, and the nonchalance with which some lawmakers dismissed the Executive railroading of the contentious bill. In his rush to pass the 13th amendment, Lincoln utilized all the tricks in his arsenal. Sounds familiar? But of course, presidential maneuvering of the Legislative branch takes on a different coloration depending on the issue at hand: a law abolishing slavery is not the same as a law establishing a contraceptive mentality. It might also come as some form of warped consolation to Filipinos that their present-day solons (mis)behavior is civil compared to that of the insulthurling American counterparts in 1865. If in 1865 their congressional session room resembled a saloon filled with trigger happy cowboys, ours in 2012 was
Title: LINCOLN Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, hal holbrook, Tommy Lee Jones, John hawkes Director: Steven Spielberg Genre: Drama Running Length: 2:30 U.S. Distributor: Touchstone Pictures Technical assessment:
Moral Assessment

CBCP Monitor

Vol. 17 No. 5

March 4 - 17, 2013

Technical Assessment

Abhorrent Disturbing Acceptable Wholesome Exemplary

Poor Below average Average Above average Excellent

Moral assessment: CINEMA rating: PG 13 MTRCB rating: PG 13

simply reminiscent of classroom of overgrown kindergarteners who couldnt differentiate between study and play. One noticeable thing, though: the 1865 lawmakers hurled verbal darts at one another, but God was acknowledged in the process of lawmaking. In the 2012 RH arena well, make your own conclusions. KudostotheSpielberg-Kushner tandem that brought out the Oscar-winning performance of Day-Lewis, the Abraham Lincoln that came alive onscreen proves worthy of the reverence accorded him by his countrymena doting father, a sympathetic husband, a statesman made of fire and ice, wisdom and wile, a soul blessed with courage and grace, a human being who passionately went after his dream and paid the price for it. Certainly a very, very far cry from being a mere marble monument. (Teresa R. Tunay, OCDS)

MAC en COLET

Ni Bladimer Usi

Buhay Parokya

Look for the image of St. Peters Square, Popeemeritus Benedict XVI and Dove. (Illustration by Bladimer Usi)

TITLE: A good day to die hard CAST: Bruce Willis, Jai Courtney, Sebastian Koch, Sergei Kolesnikov, Yuliya Snigir DIRECTION: John Moore GENRE: Action RUNNING TIME: 110 minutes LOCATION: Russia TEChNICAL ASSESSMENT: MORAL ASSESSMENT: CINEMA rating: V18

IN Moscow, Victor Chagarin (Sergei Kolesnikov), a high ranking official coerces whistle-blower and political prisoner Yuri Komarov (Sebastian Koch) into handing over a secret file which Chagarin believes to have incriminating evidence against him. Simultaneously, Jack McClane (Jai Courtney) is arrested and offers to be a witness against Komarov in exchange for a shorter sentence. In New York, John McClane (Bruce Willis) learns of his estranged sons arrest and decides to go to Russia to bail him out. What John doesnt know is that Jack is actually a CIA operative who is trying to rescue Komarov and retrieve the file, too, as part of his mission to thwart a major crime in Chernobyl. But Johns sudden appearance spoils the CIAs plans and Jack is left to continue his mission on his own. Jack, trying to win back the son he has never known, trails along and constantly proves to be their life saver with his street smart keenness and wit to counter the double crossing and deceptions that happen along the way. From one explosion after the other, the film desperately tries to fill in the crevices of storytelling with a poor excuse of a father-son plot, which may not sustain the audiences sympathy or interest. The chase sequences, which must have received the biggest investment in the production, are just loud and tiresome to watch. Unless the McClanes have found an amulet to shield their bodies from death, the action sequences are implausible for ordinary humans to survive. The greatest satisfaction is counting the minutes before the end credits roll because between waiting for the next explosion and for Jack to finally call John dad, the scenes pass through like a madmans train of thoughtabsolutely meaningless and senseless. John McClane follows this philosophyGet the bad guys. Okay, that is good so far. But then, he continues this statement with at any cost. Now it becomes problematic because at any cost in the movie means blowing up cars, destroying property, endangering lives of innocent by standers who happen to be in the way of the action. Fine, the McClanes are supposed to be macho heroes who take fear and danger by their horn but with all the damage and violence that came hand in hand with the action, one would have to ask if the effort was worth it. On the other side of the plot is a father desperately trying to win the affection and respect of the son he had neglected in his youth. The films attempt to make a statement for the importance of the father-son bond, albeit against a backdrop of violence, is the movies saving grace. It has tender fatherson moments to emphasize the need for family unity and love but the explosions and the violence are much too loud to have that lesson instantly heard. One has to pay attention to the close-upsthe exchanges between father and father, father and son, father and daughterto get the message. A good day to die hard wants to say that the human need for family and the parental need for filial love outlast a mans need for success in his career even if that career were as dehumanizing as detective work. It is never too late to begin to heal wounds and start over again.

Vol. 17 No. 5
March 4 -17, 2013

CBCP Monitor

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The News Supplement of Couples for Christ

SFC 20 International Conference: from Emptiness to Fullness


th
Bacani exhorted the crowd to trust God completely, since trust is the most concrete profession of our faith. OBEDIENCE (faith of the hands) Bishop Bacani called Obedience the most essential part of our faith. This is the faith that is seen through the works of our hands and the journeys of our feet. he stated that Simply believing is nothing for even the devils believe. It is important that one must obey. When you have faith, what you are saying is: Lord I give myself to youmind, heart, hands and feet, body and soul. The second session was titled empty and it was given by SFC Metro Manila head Rob escano. Rob pointed out that God wants his creation, particularly mankind, to be good and to be filled. So why did man suddenly feel empty? Rob emphasized that emptiness comes from mans decisions and circumstance. he explained that there are a lot of choices to be madelifestyle choices in using ones time, talent and treasure; livelihood choices in funding this lifestyle, leadership choices that we make in choosing the people to look up to and lovelife choices in finding a lifetime partner. Any choice in these four aspects that is contradictory to Gods nature will make a person feel empty. Rather than think of emptiness as punishment for wrong choices, escano exhorted everyone to look at emptiness as avenues to make followers of Christ more accountable for the covenant that they have with the Lord. Because emptiness simply means that a heart is longing for God and his love. During the session, two sisters and one brother were courageous enough to admit that they were once empty and are now filled with nourishment from the Lord. The first sharer was Nathalie Antonio of SFC Australia who acquired wealth and a wonderful career but nevertheless felt empty. She proclaimed that she found fullness when she joined Singles for Christ and renewed her relationship with God. The second sharer was Brian Funcion of SFC Cebu who could not turn his back on lust. Whe he committed more fully to God and to the mission God entrusted to him, he found meaning in life and lost the empty feeling that was hounding him. The third sharer was Rhina Cerrojales from SFC Meralco who carried the negative effects of sexual molestation for a long time. Now, she has been healed and serves actively in SFC. The second workshop, called Witness, tackled the pitfalls of being a joyless Christian. According to eWTN head for Asia Pacific Region edwin Lopez, The most powerful argument against Christianity are joyless Christians. Lopez explained that many Christians have become like the salt that has lost its taste. Christians lose their saltiness when they avoid the Cross. You run away from the cross, you run away from Christ. The cross and Christ are inseparable. Lopez opined that our Catholic faith is characterized by eight items: a rock, a key, a sheep, an alarm clock, a dove, a buffet table, a pillar and a cross. The rock pertains to Simon Peter who is the first Pope of the Catholic Church while the key symbolizes Gods invitation for everyone to heaven. The sheep pertains to ones role of being a sheep guided by the Lord and of being a shepherd to others as well. The alarm clock is a reminder that God will be with his disciples always while the dove represents the holy Spirit that reigns in every believer. The buffet table is connected to Jesus Great Commission. Lopez stated that the potential number of people that Catholics can evangelize is as abundant as the food on a buffet table. The pillar is a reference to the foundation of the Church which is the Catechism of the Catholic Church while the cross is a reminder to every disciple of the cross that he must carry. Lopez added that being a witness can be done by imparting

The 20th CFC-Singles for Christ International Conference began on a high note, literally! The conference was ushered in by a praise concert ala-Liveloud, much to the amazement and enjoyment of the more than 8,000 delegates who filled the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last February 15, 2013. Jeremy Quimpang, full time pastoral worker for SFC Metro Manila West B, led the praise concert. he invited everyone to celebrate being ablaze by the holy Spirit and to accept Gods invitation to be in eternal union with him. Quimpang further shared that union with God is depicted in the image of a vine and its branches, a union best concretized in marriage but which is not just limited to the union of man and woman but of God and his Church. The following day was the beginning of the conference proper. The day was not just for listening, as the talks and the workshops emphasized. It was all about learning to apply the Word in our everyday lives. Before the workshops, SFC International Core member Adrian enaje prepared the heart of the people through a rousing worship. Bishop Teodoro Bacani delivered the first workshop entitled Obey. expounding on the Nicene Creed, the bedrock of our Catholic Faith, Bishop Bacani

characterized our faith as Believing or Faith of the Mind, as Trusting or Faith of the heart and as Obeying or Faith of the hands. BELIEVE (Faith of the mind) Bishop Bacani reminded everyone that the Nicene Creed encapsulates our beliefs as a follower of Christ and is the symbol of our Catholic Faith. Through this, people can see that we are strongly Catholic. Our creed is not just for recitation. It is a concrete PROFeSSION OF FAITh, starting as it does with the words I BeLIeVe. To say I believe means one accepts it to be true. Bishop Bacani further stated that We all have an option to believe. however when it comes to God, God is always believable. We know the truth not because of evidence, not because of reasoning but because God says so. Our senses and our mind are nothing compared to the power of his Word. TRUST (faith of the heart) Faith is also Pagtitiwala. Faith involves trust and confidence. Bishop Bacani pointed out that God is all powerful and loving. Thus, we have no reason not to trust him. God will make sure that if we trust him and we put our lives in his hands, he will not let evil win over us. Bishop

Inspiring personalities at the ICON, counterclockwise from top: His Eminence, Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle,Bishop Teodoro Bacani, D.D., and Edwin Lopez of EWTN.

kindness to others under the right motives and circumstance. While this will entail sacrifice, it is also an image of the love that God has for mankind. The high point of the three-day conference was the holy Mass officiated by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. The SFCs were one in their admiration for the cardinals wit and erudition as he exhorted the delegates to indeed live their lives according to Christs dictum to Obey and Witness. (By Lance Fernandez, Nirva de la Cruz and Dana Flores)

CFC Leaders Conference goes to Europe


2:5). Through this verse, leaders from CFC europe realized that following Christs call is a key that will open a door to transformation, and becoming a vessel of transformation and evangelization to others. The summit also showcased the profound devotion of CFC europe to the Blessed Mother as well as the virtue of charity among the leaders. Joe initiated the call to raise funds for the building of the CFC grotto for Mama Mary at her shrine in Banneaux, Belgium. At the end of the conference, the total amount raised even exceeded the sum required to finish the project. The 3-day summit was truly fruitful and blessed. CFC leaders came as jars filled to the brim with eagerness and obedience, as God commanded, and having their eagerness and obedience transformed by the Lord through overflowing spiritual nourishment and intellectual sustenance, similar to how Jesus transformed the unremarkable water into the finest wine during the wedding at Cana. CFC european Leaders marched on home with hearts on fire, their passion for their mission renewed and with a new profound love and appreciation for Christ. empowered by encouraging words and Gods unending grace, CFC european leaders are, now more than ever, eager to transform europe into a continent for Christ.

By Christian Alvez-Dela Cruz


OBeY & Witness! This was the chant that reverberated not only within the four walls of the conference hall, but also in the hearts of the more than 200 delegates who participated in the 4th CFC european Leaders Summit. CFC leaders from all over europe trooped to the coast of Marseille, France to attend the summit from February 15-17, 2013. The highlight of the first day was an introduction to the summit from Joe Yamamoto, CFC Continental Overseer of europe. Yamamoto underlined the importance of focusing on the core of CFC, which is falling in love with

Christ. The way to evangelize europe is to hard sell Christ himself, he reiterated. The 2nd day of the conference was highlighted by a Womens Forum led by Mila Yamamoto and a separate discussion among brothers led by Joe Yamamoto on the outputs from the leaders meeting in Bratislava last May 2012. These served as prelude to the subsequent planning session on the direction of CFC Europe for 2013. The final day ended with CFC european Leaders sharing best practices from their respective countries employing the start-continue-stop approach. Throughout the summit, Mama Marys message was very evident: Do whatever he tells you (John

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Ricky Cuenca

Ugnayan

CBCP Monitor
March 4 - 17, 2013

Vol. 17 No. 5

United in Christ
COUPLeS for Christ is not just an organization, but a community of family evangelizers! By the grace of God and the power of the holy Spirit, we have been given a unique identity that will not only help us merit heaven, but also renew the face the earth. When I think about what sets us apart from all the other organizations that exist in the world, I am reminded that CFC isnt merely an organization but a family. This is what gives us our identity as a community we are a family and we are family evangelizers. Very few other organizations have been given the charisma to focus on the family and to strengthen and enrich marriages. In this regard, it is an honor to serve the CFC community as the Chairman of the CFC International Council. Yet, its just a title a position with roles that need to be fulfilled so that we can move forward, and grow stronger as one community of Couples for Christ. All of us, members and leaders alike, are placed here during this time for a purpose: to transition the community to where God is calling us to be and to fulfill the CFC vision of becoming Families in the holy Spirit renewing the face of the earth. No one person, not even the Chairman or the executive Director, can make this happen, and it is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that the fulfillment of this vision can take place. Indeed, its a humbling and happy experience for me to attend gatherings or social occasions outside the community where I am recognized not because of my name or face, but because of the CFC pin that I religiously wear on my collar. After all, it isnt our respective positions or even individual personalities that matter most, but Gods. everyday, I remind myself that Christ is the Chairman, not me. We can attribute all the progress and positive development of our community to him alone. Couples for Christ is currently present in 124 countries, with almost 700,000 adult members and 300,000 members in the young ministries. From just a handful of couples in 1981, our community has grown to approximately 1 million members! [As the director of the CFC International Missions, I do hope that our respective country and provincial leaders can work with us in updating this tally regularly so that we can observe just how busy the Lord has been at work in the community.] Of course, progress cannot be defined by statistics alone. Instead, think of all the households that are meeting this very day, and how many lives continue to be renewed through the gift of community. Truly, our holistic work (based on the three priority goals of CFC) allows each member, regardless of age, gender, race and class, to experience the fulfillment of the vision personally. First, our members continue to grow in holiness through the sacraments, prayer, scripture study, service and the regular household. On our own, its really difficult to live true Christian lives, but the support of the CFC community strengthens us in our journey towards becoming more Christ-like. Second, the community works towards building the Church of the home (or the family). By working for family renewal, we help strengthen the societies we live in, stirring hope for our nation and for the world. Lastly, we take part in building the Church of the Poor, which is a task of every Christian to help those who have no one to help them. Together, these three allow us to grow in our personal relationship with God and to live full lives that we might be ready for our eventual destination, which is heaven. Another inescapable part of the CFC identity is our strong love for one another. Though we dont limit our generosity to community members, there is an undeniable affinity for our brothers and sisters in CFC. each member will find that he/she has a home in every country where CFC is located. Furthermore, when youre a member of CFC, you can experience God through your family, which can be found all over the world. Apart from the household assemblies and worship identifiable to CFC, it is also this eagerness to share what they have that makes CFC member distinct. Ive been to so many countries and its always the same treatment wherever I go, not because Im the CFC Chairman, but because the people welcoming me into their homes are Couples for Christ. Naturally, however, some cultural factors trickle into the practices of CFC communities across the globe. For example, while Filipinos are known to welcome guests even at a moments notice, the CFC in Canada have learned to adapt to the more formal customs of locals, advising of their visits to members homes beforehand. I also remember how local Canadians are shocked at the intimate nature of some Filipinos sharing during households. Over time, they, too, started to become more open because of their experience in CFC. In the end, what is necessary for us is to observe, respect, adjust and adapt to the countrys culture whenever appropriate. For example, if its not in their nature to meet every week for a household, we cannot impose. Instead we learn to adapt until the time comes when, hopefully, they can have a household weekly. In this way, we remember that, though our cultures may vary, it is towards one vision that we work for. A Filipino might kiss the hands of their elders; Chinese or Japanese nationals might bow formally; a european sister might kiss your cheeks thrice; and an African brother might shake your hand. In all these, we recognize the beauty of the unique traditions of Gods people, because it is through these simple ways that we are able to testify to Gods love and greatness. however, our witnessing should not only be in the community, but should be evident in our personal lives on a daily basis a part of our personal identity as children of God. In the last 26 years that Ive been a member of CFC, Ive experienced the blessing of a better relationship with my wife, and having my two daughters grow up in the community. In my own way, I find that Im able to witness God to other people by always being excited, passionate, and on fire. Wherever Im asked to go, Im all out! In fact, I would rather go to the most difficult countries where there are lurking dangers, threats, and difficulties, because that is where I find the true mission and experience Gods mantle of protection, believing fully well the verse from Acts 1:8, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Whomever I talk towhether it be my dentist or my insurance agentI always proclaim the greatness of God that Ive experienced through CFC. And it always pays off because we bring more people to God in this way. We mustnt be lukewarm, but hOT, burning with passion! For when we are passionate, we are able to evangelize more effectively. Because we have experienced the presence and love of Christ in our lives, and because he is alive in us, we cannot help but share this with as many people as we can! As in any task, we face struggles in being true to our identity and proclaiming God to others. To overcome such obstacles, we must remain active members of the community and enjoin others to do the same, so that we can reap the full benefits of the holistic work of Couples for Christ. In every activity we attend, it is the Lord first and foremost whom we encounter. When we draw away from the community, we might be distancing ourselves from Christ. But when we actively participate, we encounter God through our interactions with our brothers and sisters who are eager to share his love with us. In community, we find others like ourselves and realize how truly blessed we are in spite of all our personal trials. Second, we must continue witnessing, as Christs disciples witnessed during their time. If we are to be true to our identity as Christians, we cannot be lax in our witnessing. There is always an opportunity to share God with others. Finally, we must never cease praying and receiving the Sacraments. Prayers are our main source of strength, while receiving the eucharist is the greatest form of worship. When we receive the Body of Christ, he is truly alive in each of us and we, in turn, are transformed and receive all the faculties necessary to live like Christ. holy Communion allows us to remain in a state of strength wherein we find it easier to be holy through the power of the holy Spirit who lives in us. To be truly for Christ is not easy, but it is possible. We must continue to allow Christ to live in us so that, with Mary as our example, we may eventually attain our place in heaven. For just as we have received the blessing and privilege to be where we are today, so will it be in eternity. And for this, we cannot help but praise and thank the Lord. Alleluia! Alleluia!

CFC missionaries filled to the brim


By Dana Flores
because God will never allow His servants to be left wanting. In Him, there is always an assurance of a full life. These words found resonance in the hearts and minds of fulltime pastoral workers during the 7th Missionaries Conference last February 22, 2013, in Silang Cavite. A total of 176 Couples for Christ Fulltime Pastoral Workers (CFC FTPW) gathered together for the three-day Conference to take a break from their mission areas and gather strength once more from God. The FTPWs from Kids for Christ (KFC), Singles for Christ (SFC), Youth for Christ (YFC), evangelization and Missions Office (E and M), and ABLAZe Communications, spent the conference discussing one of the most important aspects in their livestheir mission and calling. Fr. Benedict Lagarde started off the series of inspirational sessions by humorously reminding the participants of their abnormal lives. The session, titled Missionaries in Motion affirmed the mission workers that though their calling meant going in a different direction from what their families expected of them, they would never exchange missionary life for anything, despite the constant challenge of obedience to the One who sends. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19)this is the will that propels all missionaries to adopt the posture of attentiveness, pro-activeness, and obedience. The session on Making Disciples of All Nations reminded everyone that along with this will is a promise of not only companionship, but also guidance throughout the journey and mission. With this in mind, each missionary (as Timothy) was paired with one seasoned missionary acting as Paul. This pairing exercise symbolized the importance of relationship, accountability, mentoring, and inspiration in mission. Missionary work thrives on the quality of relationships that happen within the group. This was manifested through the brothers-only and sisters-only teambuilding activities that followed. Later in the evening, the FTPWs were given 30 minutes to prepare for the FTPW Creative Competitions, where they showed their fun, excellent, and creative side. One tenth of the 1 percent, a phrase constantly reiterated by CFC executive Director Melo Villaroman Jr., became a favorite for the CFC FTPW as it all the more emphasized how special, specific, and personal Gods calling is to his servants. The importance of obeying and witnessing was stressed in all aspects of a missionarys life, with the discernment of Gods will always a constant goal. Through situations in leadership, livelihood, love life, and lifestyle, Cornerstone Program head Shok Arriola emphasized how to live in a manner worthy of the call that you have received. Obedient mission workers move as a community, helping each other protect their anointing by having one heart and one mind in mission. This strong oneness and total obedience was the focus of the last days session where examples of a missionarys possible weaknesses were laid out one by one and discussed. Personal Management was the term used to describe how a FTPW can live an excellent life for the Lord. This meant a constant checking of self in all aspects of their lives in order to see if ones heart, mind, and soul are in the right place. FTPWs realized that despite their ordinariness, God has given them an extra-ordinary task. The awareness of Gods expectation in the life of a missionary led the participants to come before God, listen, and once again renew the vow they have made with him. embracing the verse of Matthew 28:19-20 , the Pauls were exhorted to pray over their Timothys, symbolizing the assurance of companionship and accountability in their lives. From wandering hearts to hearts filled to the brim with purpose, the missionaries left the conference taking Gods call to mission to a more personal level.

MC Teaching Night

The Social Media in the New Evangelization


numbers will be even greater if the survey had been done in the Philippines, with the Filipinos penchant for personal interaction. Mr. Lopez said that these surveys validate the teaching of John Paul II that there is still no substitute for direct human interaction. Mr. Lopez further stated that in the area of new expressions and new methods in the transformation of lives and becoming witnesses to the faith, we need to communicate effectively. he said there are actually three levels of communication; mass media (which include social and tri-media), interpersonal media (which is the way people directly relate to one another) and intrapersonal media (where minds are conditioned by way of taglines and pre-written scripts that tend to influence the way people think and act.) To become witnesses of Jesus Christ in the new evangelization, he said, people must learn to interact with one another through acts of kindness and love. he cited the experiences that he underwent when as a youth, he became a member of a Born Again group despite being raised a Catholic and at the same time a full scholar of the Catholic school Don Bosco Technical Institute simply because he felt loved by the groups members. Little did he know that he was slowly beginning to shed his Catholic faith and it was only through the constant show of kindness to him by the school rector that he was brought back to the Church. Mr. Lopez added that if we are talking about witnessing and transformation, all the social networking sites are simply tools to be used for human interaction and that people are still craving for direct human interaction. Mr. Lopez warned that the faithful need to learn fast and speak the language of its audience and that it has to compete with pre-written scripts of the social media, which can subtly and subliminally feed the minds of its audience. Therefore, he said, the faithful and the Church need to be able to speak the language of its audience on the intra-personal level. This means bringing the message of Christ the way advertisers and marketing professionals do it -by listening to the audience and the scripts in their minds. The faithful must also learn how to listen to its audiences desires, their dreams, problems and aspirations. If the faithful do not learn to speak on the intra-personal level, the battle for the formation of conscience shall be lost. Mr. Lopez added that if we do not act as the Church militant and to interfere and intervene in the formation of conscience in accordance with what the Church teaches us, media, particularly social media today, will be the one to form them. Lopez, aside from his work as the International Marketing Manager for the eternal Word Television Network, is also a board member of TV Maria as well as a college professor in Philosophy at the San Carlos Seminary.

By Raymond V. Bucu
IM not a priest I have always wanted to be a priest, but my wife objected. It was in such a lighthearted vein that the MCG Teaching Night took off last February 19, 2013 at the Christ the King Parish in Greenmeadows Village, White Plains, Quezon City. Speaking before the assembly of the Mission Core of Couples for Christ was Mr. edwin Lopez, International Marketing Manager of the eternal Word Television Network (eWTN), who spoke about the importance of social media in the New evangelization. Mr. Lopez said that, evangelization can be new but its content cannot be new because Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, and that evangelization will always be Christo-centric. But, Mr. Lopez added, evangelization can be new in four areas; methods (which include social media), new expressions, new ardor, and adaptability to its audience. Citing surveys among Catholics in the Philippines, he revealed that about 85% of the nations population belong to the Catholic faith yet only around 10% of these Filipino Catholics go to mass and a further 10% or so of the mass-going Catholics are active in the life and mission of the parishes. Mr. Lopez cited another survey in the United States, which showed that among the youth aged 13 to 17 years old, around 49% still preferred face to face communication. he said that the

Melo Villaroman, Jr. IC Oversight Zenaida Gimenez Editor-in-Chief Marivie Dalman Managing Editor Vangie Mecedilla Circulation Staff Alma Alvarez Associate Editor/ Layout Artist

The News Supplement of Couples for Christ


The Ugnayan News Supplement is published by the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc., with editorial offices at 156 20th Avenue, 1109 Cubao, Quezon City. Editorial trunk line: (+63 2) 709-4868 local 23 Direct line : (+63 2) 709-4856 www.couplesforchristglobal.org l cfcmultimedia@couplesforchristglobal.org

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 5
March 4 - 17, 2013

Ugnayan
Joe Yamamoto

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The Word Incarnate in our midst


(Second of two parts) The INVOCATION The early Jews prayed a supplication at table as they blessed the cup of wine, asking God to send the Messiah to Israel and to restore the Davidic kingdom. The early Christians included a similar supplication (epiclesis, supplication upon) that the Father send the holy Spirit so that the gifts of bread and wine may be changed to the body and blood of Christ. Like the ancient Jews, the modern-day priest petitions that the Messiah- King be made present once again in the bread and wine - Make holy, therefore, these gifts, we pray, by sending down the Spirit upon them like dewfall, so that they may become for us the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, (eucharistic Prayer II). Just like the early Jews who prayed for the Messiah to unite the people in a restored Davidic kingdom, we pray that the Messiah will unite us more deeply together in his church: Grant that we, who are nourished by the body and blood of your Son and filled with his Holy Spirit, may become one body, one spirit in Christ. The WORDS OF INSTITUTION and the CONSECRATION It is important to understand the words of consecration in the background of the Passover meal, especially as the Last Supper took place in that context. The first Passover at the time of the exodus was a foundational night in Israels history marking their liberation from the bondage of slavery in egypt. The annual observance of the Passover by the Israelites was as a biblical memorial, that is, it was not only remembered but actually re-lived. When a Jew today celebrates the feast, it is as if he himself and the other Jews are walking out of egypt with his ancestors from the exodus generation. The annual Passover feast forged a solidarity that bridged all generations and made the people united in the one covenant family of God. We believe the Mass to be a Holy Sacrifice, for Jesus spoke about the sacrifice with reference to himself. First, Jesus spoke about the body and blood in the context of the Passover as it brings to mind the Passover lamb, the blood of which was separated from the body in the ceremonial sacrifice. Second, the word is used in Luke in reference to Jesus act as he says his body will be given up for you in the New Testament as a form of sacrifice. Third, when Jesus said that his blood will be poured out ... For the forgiveness of sins, it was an allusion to the atoning sacrifices in the Temple. Fourth, Jesus most significantly speaks of the blood of the new and eternal covenant. This was reminiscent of what Moses said in the sacrificial ceremony at Mount Sinai, sealing the covenant of God with Israel as his chosen people. As Jesus established the new covenant, he was clearing the way for the sacrifice on the cross in which his blood was poured out for the salvation of many. The Consecration marks the supreme moment of the Mass for now the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ. Reverently, the priest genuflects before the chalice, and on rising, solemnly recites the mystery of faith- We proclaim your death, O Lord, and profess your resurrection until you come again. Following the words of institution are two prayers that make explicit what is happening in the liturgy and allow the faithful to ponder them in their hearts. The first is the memorial (anamnesis in Greek) that makes present the redeeming action of Jesus on the cross and makes us participate in its power more fully -- Do this in memory of me. The second prayer is based on the memorial, the offering. It expresses how we are conferred the privilege through the Mass to offer what Jesus offered alone in Calvary. On the cross, Jesus offered his sacrifice alone but in the Mass, he offers it with his Church as he draws us with his sacrifice. REMEMBERING THE SACRIFICES OF OLD In the Old Testament, there were three sacrifices that prefigured the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The first was the sacrifice of Abel which God found pleasing because he willingly gave the Lord his best. Melchizedek, the priest- king of Salem, offered bread and wine to God and blessed Abraham. From the earliest times of Christianity, his sacrifice was seen as prefiguring the offering by Jesus of bread and wine at the Last Supper. Finally, Abraham, the first patriarch to whom God gave a lasting covenant, was willing to sacrifice Isaac, his son, as a sacrificial offering for sin. The story goes that Abraham took Isaac to Mount Moriah on a donkey while Isaac carried the wood for the offering up the mountain. In was on this wood he carried that he was bound and readied for the sacrifice. At Calvary, God the Father offered his only beloved Son Jesus in Jerusalem, the city associated with Moriah. Like Isaac, Jesus traveled on a donkey, carried the wood of the cross to Calvary and was bound to the wood and offered as a sacrifice for sin. God spared Isaac and through the act of willing sacrifice, the whole human family was blessed through the descendants of Abraham. The Father allowed the supreme sacrifice of His Son on the cross, for the salvation of mankind. THE GREAT AMEN Towards the conclusion of the eucharistic prayer, the priest makes two intercessions. First, he prays for those who will soon receive the nourishment of the body and blood of Jesus, that they may become one body, one spirit in Christ and participate in the eternal offering to you or as a living sacrifice. Second, the priest prays for the universal church, naming the pope, the local bishop, interceding for all the bishops, clergy and the entire people of God. The prayers culminate with the expression of praise and to which the faithful respond with Amen, transliteration of the hebrew word for So be it, or simply an affirmation of the truth and validity of what has been said. After hearing the priest acclaim that all honor and glory belongs to God forever and ever, the faithful eagerly respond with Amen as the angels do in heaven. In the great Amen, we join the Levite priests, ezra, St.Paul, and all the saints and angels in heaven in the unending chorus of praise. St.Jerome wrote that the Amen in the Mass of the early Christians in Rome resounded in heaven as a celestial thunderclap. THE COMMUNION RITE At this point, the time of final preparations is reached. The consecration of bread and wine is done, and the words of institution spoken. The Lord is truly present before the faithful as they prepare to receive him in holy Communion. The next parts of the Mass, which include the Lords Prayer, the Rite of Peace, the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) and other rites are meant to lead everyone to be properly disposed to receive the body and blood of Christ. The Church teaches us that the Mass is a wedding feast, the culmination of the Liturgy, an intimate union with our divine Bridegroom, Jesus, in the eucharist. In Revelations, the angel instructs John to write: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. (Revelations 19:9) After distributing the eucharist, the priest cleanses the vessels and prays for the fruits of the eucharist to take effect in the lives of those present. CLOSING RITES In the olden times, an assembly was closed with a formal dismissal. From the fourth century, the Latin words Ite Missa est (Go, you are dismissed.) were used for that dismissal. The word Mass received its name from Missa (dismissal/ sending) in this closing line. The conclusion of the Mass should be seen as a sending forth (missio) of the faithful. Jesus commissioned his apostles, telling them: As the Father has sent me, even so I send you (Jn 20:21). The Father sent the Son into the world as expiation for our sins and to give us a share in his divine life. We are all invited to a life of holiness, deeply united to Jesus, the Word in our midst, in the eucharist. As the people of God, we are sent out to bring the mysteries of Christ into the world and to tell the story of the Incarnate Son, the Word made flesh, the Word who is in our midst. Sources/ References: 1. Catholicism by Fr. Robert Barron 2. A Biblical Walk Though the Mass: Understanding What We Say and Do in the Liturgy by edward Sri.

ANCOP USA brings medical and surgical mission to batangas


By Alma Alvarez
WheN ANCOP USA CeO Roger Santos met Batangas Governor Vilma SantosRecto during the ANCOP Congress in June 2011, neither knew that it would open doors of partnership between CFC ANCOP and the Batangas LGU. That initial meeting led to another, and after a series of email communications, a plan to conduct an ANCOP Medical and Surgical Mission in the province of Batangas was born. Last February 21 to 23, 2013, more than 20 medical practitioners from the USA flew in for the 3-day Medical and Surgical Mission at the Batangas Provincial hospital in Lemery Batangas. The team, which was put together by ANCOP USA health Manager Beth Makaraeg, worked with the GKare Medical Mission team headed by BCOP Director Joe Yamamoto in bringing quality medical services to the poor families in the said province. According to Beth, the ANCOP USA health team had only a month to organize the doctors and nurses from the United States. All this after ANCOP USA had worked out the sponsorship from World Relief Foundation, a church-based, international non-profit organization that cares for the marginalized across the globe. Through this sponsorship, the team from the USA was able to bring with them medical and surgical supplies, plus some money solicited from the various fund-raising efforts of ANCOP USA. Through the coordination of ANCOP health Batangas under the leadership of Dr. Peng Capistrano and Batangas BCOP Coordinator Vic Alvarez, the venue for the mission, screening of patients, and the quarters and meals of the Medical and Surgical Mission Team were arranged. Some 800 patients received medical care, with a good majority going through various surgical procedures such as appendectomy, thyroid surgery, and removal of uterine fibroids, hernia, among others. Alvarez, a member of the governance team of CFC-Archdioceses of Lipa and also the local overall coordinator of the mission, related that the Medical and Surgical Mission did not only create a great impact on the health concerns of the poor of Batangas. The medical mission even became a channel of peace and order for the town of Nasugbu. On the second day of the mission, a military truck from the 730th Infantry Battalion stationed in Nasugbu came, carrying about 20 patients from the far-flung barrios of the town, Alvarez narrated. Since these patients came without prior notice and had not been screened, we were worried that the doctors wont be able to accommodate them. Dr. Yamamoto talked with the doctors and they agreed not to send them home without having been checked. At the end of the day, 12 of the 20 patients were cleared for minor surgery,
ANCOP Health in Batangas, counterclockwise from left: free eye check up and prescription glasses were among those given for free by the team; Tito Doc Jess giving a lecture on dental hygien to ANCOP scholars; a full-packed operating room; team of nurses and doctors giving free medical check up to Batangueos; some of the medical team and the ANCOP workers during the fellowship night.

while 8 were given medical attention and given prescription medicines. Because of this, Alvarez received a call from the Battalion Commander, thanking the team profusely for not turning the people away despite the short notice. It turned out that the patients came from barrios known to be places where insurgency is still present. And the goodwill extended by CFC and ANCOP to the people will prove to go a long way in helping the military camp keep the peace in the area. On the evening of Day 2, Gov. Santos-

Recto hosted a fellowship night for the doctors at Taal Bayview Bistro. During the fellowship, Yamamoto expressed gratitude to ANCOP USA for initiating the mission. he also took the opportunity to announce that ANCOP europe, ANCOP Middle east and ANCOP Australia are following ANCOP USAs initiative, giving ANCOP health enough resources to target 12 missions a year to places where medical assistance is most needed. On the last day of the medical mission, the medical team then gave assistance to about a hundred ANCOP

education scholars of the province, as part of the benefits received annually by ANCOP scholars. The ANCOP USA team returned to the States the following Monday, bringing with them an experience that they would never forget as most of them were first-time medical missionaries. When asked if they would come back to do mission work again, Beth replied with a resounding yes, adding that being given such opportunity to help kababayans in a very concrete way is a mission worth doing over and over again.

ANCOp Australia on DzMMs CSP scholars pass dlS-CSb qualifying exams Todo-Todo Walang preno
DOM and Josie Pangilinan, couple head of CFC ANCOP Australia, and ethelyn Balenton, ANCOP education Program head, were invited to DZMMs Todo- Todo Walang Preno Program, hosted by Ariel Ureta and Winnie Cordero last Feb. 12, 2013. Dom Pangilinan spoke on Australias commitment to continue supporting the education of about 300 currently sponsored children, including the 25 children affected by Typhoon Sendong from Pagatpat, Cagayan de Oro City. These 25 children were the beneficiaries of last years Takbo sa Karunungan in partnership with DZMM. Aside from lobbying with the Australia government for more aid to the Philippines, Pangilinan shared that one of their strategies to raise funds is through the Ambassador Program. This was initiated in 2004 by volunteers of CFC ANCOP Australia, which supports the education of poor children in the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Similarly, it empowers the participants to spread awareness that they can make a difference in the lives of other people. On the other hand, Balenton briefly explained the basic guidelines on the Child Sponsorship Program (CSP). Josie Pangilinan also shared about the experiences of 15 members of Singles for Christ who joined the Oceania Great Adventure Tour (GAT) this year, from Feb 7 to 14 at the Our Lady of Banneux (OLB) Ancop Community in San Mateo, Rizal.. The GAT is an 8-day immersion program, which provides the GAT-ers a first-hand experience and appreciation of ANCOP programs such as education & Shelter. (Efren Tompong)

By Efren Tompong
S T U D e N T S s p o n s o re d b y CFC ANCOP posted a 100% passing rate in the recent De La Salle College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) qualifying examinations for incoming freshmen. The 16 passers are now qualified to study and obtain a college degree from one of the premier schools for tertiary education. The scholarship was made available to CFC ANCOP through a partnership with DLS-CSB under the Benildean hope Grant Program (BhG). The 16 incoming freshmen will be enrolled in Information Technology-Game Design and Development, Ani-

mation, Architecture, Fashion Design and Merchandising, Consular and Diplomatic A ff a i r s a n d B S B A h u m a n Resource Management and export Management. Since DLS-CSB follows a trimestral schedule, a degree can be obtained in 3 years and 1 trimester. each CFC ANCOP s c h o l a r w i l l b e n e f i t f ro m P650,000 worth of free tuition fees for the duration of his tenure with DLS-CSB. In addition to the 16 incoming college freshmen, 6 college students are currently enrolled with DLS-CSB, the first batch of BhG beneficiaries from CFC ANCOP. The 6 students are performing well academically. One of

the scholars, Jobet Daco, is a Deans Lister, while three others are just a few points away from the honor roll. Although expectations for the DLS-CSB scholars to do well in their courses are high, the education Program team of CFC ANCOP count on parental support and assistance from the respective program implementing teams to ensure that the scholars are guided every step of the way until they graduate. To help them cope up with the stress of college life and enhance their spiritual growth, each of the scholars are encouraged to become members of the DLS-CSB campus-based YFC.

For more CFC stories, news and videos, scan the QR Code using your mobile device or go to http://couplesforchristglobal.org/home.

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Ugnayan

CBCP Monitor

Vol. 17 No. 5
March 4 -17, 2013

CFC-baltimore Md receives Ecclesial Recognition


By Ronnie Chavez
JANUARY 20, 2013 was a very memorable day for CFC Maryland. On that day, at St. Joseph Parish Fullerton, Maryland, Most Reverend Archbishop William e. Lori formally recognized Couples for Christ as a partner in the evangelization work of the Diocese of Baltimore. Around 500-600 family members and friends of CFC and its ministries from Maryland and neighboring Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware attended the momentous occasion. The holy eucharist was officiated by Most Reverend Auxiliary Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski of the Diocese of Baltimore, with Monsignor Kevin Schenning, pastor of St. Joseph Parish and spiritual director of CFC-North Baltimore, and some other priests from around the area assisting. Just before the holy Mass, Archbishop Lori enthusiastically announced the formal recognition of CFC Baltimore as a lay organization in the Diocese. The Archbishop thanked the community for their efforts in bringing families closer to Christ and to the Church through activities like the Christian Life Program, Marriage enrichment retreats, the eucharist, the congregation and the various pastoral forma- proceeded to St. Josephs hall for tion programs. Glen Santayana, a dinner and short program. Fr. CFC USA National Council Louis Bianco, assistant Pastor of member who is in charge of St. Joseph Parish and Rev. Msgr. USA Church Relations, came Kevin Schenning welcomed the from Florida to witness the guests. Malie Tanseco, hOLD event, and received the Decree of Recognition from the Archbishop. In his homily, Bishop Rozanski reiterated how grateful he and the whole of the Diocese of Baltimore are to the CFC community for working with the Church in bringing families back to Christ and to the fold of the Church. Just after communion Glen Santayana receives the Ecclesial Recognition from Archbishop William Lori and before the final blessing, Glen Santayana, Maryland Area Coordinator, in return, led the congregation together with the other handin praying over Bishop Rozanski maids of the Lord and other and the clergy who concelebrated volunteers from CFC and SFC, the mass with him, by way of prepared and served dinner. gratitude for the service they do Various talents from the CFC family ministries entertained for Gods people. Right after the celebration of the congregation during dinner. Margie, a hOLD member from Baltimore, shared with the congregation how CFC has helped her appreciate the value of serving the Lord with gladness. CFC couple James and Via Borgum from South Baltimore shared how CFC has changed their lives and brought their family closer to God after they attended the Christian Life Program and joined Couples for Christ. James, a Caucasian, particularly highlighted how he appreciates CFC as a vehicle for spiritual growth despite some initial misgivings about the community whose members are mostly of Filipino origin. The simple program was concluded with Glens presentation about CFC and its ministries, and its work for the past 32 years. he reiterated that there is still much work to be done, but that the CFC family is emboldened to face these challenges with the holy Spirits guidance and empowerment. Wi t h t h e A rc h d i o c e s e o f Baltimores ecclesial Recognition of the CFC family as a lay partner in evangelization, CFC is truly grateful for this stamp of approval on the work of building the church of the home and building the church of the poor.

CFCs across USA join 2013 March for Life


JANUARY 22 marked the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the controversial case which led the U.S. Supreme Court to legalize abortion. Since then, 55 million babies have been aborted (this figure does not include illegal abortions).

On Friday, January 25th, an estimated 650,000 marchers from all parts of the United States, all ages and all walks of life (the highest number of participants recorded) gathered in a peaceful protest against abortion that started from the National Archives in Washington, DC to the Supreme Court. The pathway to the Supreme Court was packed with supporters the entire way, especially by many young people. Among the marchers were CFC members coming from Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, California, Texas, North Carolina, and Illinois led by Gift of Life Ministry National Core members and National Council Overseer, Jack Macalalad (TX). The leaders also attended a retreat after the march to discuss CFCs future pro-life initiatives.

Oceania SfC goes on a Great ANCOP Adventure


By Efren Tompong
FIFTeeN SFC members, all young professionals from Australia and New Zealand, joined the Oceania Great Adventure Tour (GAT) in the Philippines from February 7 to 14, 2013. Cynthia Argana, wife of Reg Argana (Australias National Director), headed the team. Bobby Lasala acted as coordinator for the GAT. The GAT-ers rounded up their stay with their attendance at the 20th SFC ICON at the World Trade Center in Manila from February 15-17, 2013. The groups first stop was the ANCOP Canada Markham Village in Las Pinas City, where ANCOP President eric delos Reyes gave an orientation on ANCOP. ethelyn Balenton, ANCOP education Program Director, and Shok Ariola, Cornerstone Program head, presented an overview of their respective programs, Atty. Arnel Santos, a member of the International Council (IC) delivered a very interesting talk on Faith and Justice. The GAT-ers had a four-day immersion activity at the Our Lady of Banneux (OLB) ANCOP Community in San Mateo, Rizal. A host family was assigned for each of the 15 participants. It was truly an immersion activity as the participants lived in the hosts residence, shared meals and interacted with the family members. They also helped build the homes by plastering and hauling construction materials. The group also visited the Bahay at Yaman ni San Martin de Porres (BYSMP), a CFC ANCOP partner, in Bustos, Bulacan,, where Fr. Florentino Boyet Concepcion, founder of the orphanage, briefed the group about its simple beginnings in 2002 as a soup kitchen in Tondo, Manila. Today, the BYSMP is a shelter where 123 children are housed, fed, educated, tutored, and provided spiritual and values formation to mold them into better individuals and eventually responsible adults. The GAT-ers enjoyed a mini-concert performed by the children themselves who played classical music on their violins and danced. In turn, the GAT-ers surprised the kids when they donned mascot costumes and happily played with the kids, and later entertained them with story-telling sessions.

Prior to the march, supporters attended Mass at their local parishes. Special Masses were held in other places like Washington DCs famous Verizon Center, where thousands of youth and clergy gather every year, and in hotels located throughout Washington DC. The Gift of Life National Core members attended a Mass celebrated and chanted by monks of Our Lady of Guadalupe (AZ) at the hyatt hotel.

CFC, wearing bright yellow beanies emblazoned with Couples for Christ, joined the thousands of marchers, praying that the leaders of America would overturn the decision that was made 40 years ago. Although the walk was only for one mile, the marchers endured freezing temperatures and snow that fell toward the end of the mile. Meanwhile, in sunny Florida, the CFC family ministries, along with other Catholic pro-life organizations in the Diocese of St. Augustine, Florida, and Protestant Christian ministries, marched for life as well. The Florida march started at 9:00 AM with a Mass at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, featuring a talk given by Bishop Felipe

CFC-Cebu responds to the call to Obey And Witness


ON February 17, 2013, Couples for Christ-Cebu scheduled its Provincial Leaders Conference, a whole day activity, in the Trade hall of SM City, Cebu City. The provincial conference is an annual gathering of leaders from the entire province that aims to empower and energize the leaders in their service as they receive marching orders from the top leaders. This year, about 3,000 CFC leaders from all over the province of Cebu marched to the venue to proclaim the theme for this year: Obey and Witness The morning session started with a worship led by South 4 Sector head Jing Cabanag. A praise and fashion show followed to launch ABLAZe Communications, with a pep talk by ABLAZe President Rommel Anchieta. This was followed by the launching of Cornerstone by the former national coordinator Bernie Cuevas. The afternoon session was the re-echo of the global leader s conference. everyone joined in the Obey and Witness chant, led by Cebu Provincial Area Director Arnel Sacris. Worship followed shortly after, led by the KFC provincial coordinator Andrew Macatangay. To usher in the talks, a group of talented members of the community presented a creative number which dramatized the wedding at Cana. Talk No. 1 titled Obey was delivered by CFC executive Director Melo Villaroman while Ricky Cuenca, CFC Chairman, talked about Witness in Talk No. 2. The assembly ended with honoring of new leaders who answered the call to obey and witness Christ as shepherd of the flock entrusted to them. After the conference, CFCCebu, which has a total of 33,000 members, is now ready to obey whatever Jesus tells them to do this year, and will continue to live as a witness to others through the miracles of transformation in their lives. estevez. The city stood still while thousands of people marched from Nombre de Dios to the town square at the heart of downtown St. Augustine. CFC was highly visible among the crowd. The theme for this years march was Courage, and the keynote speaker, Mark houck (president of The Kings Men Inc.) reminded marchers to be no longer silent, and to remain faithful. The marchers were encouraged to be virtuous, respectful, and faithful, as they are the key to help put an end to abortion. (with Gian Lizardo for Washington and Jon & Bel Masinsin for Florida)

From Around the World

CFC ANCOP Work Recognized


CFC ANCOP President eric delos Reyes receives recognition from Caritas Manila Chairman, his eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle for CFC ANCOP-Tekton Foundation Inc. for being one of the benefactors in its Youth Servant Leadership and education Program (YSLeP).

CFC ANCOP sponsors from Australia met with their sponsored children recently in Manila, Philippines. The meeting, which was organized by the ANCOP education team, aims to connect sponsor and scholar for a deeper appreciation of one another.

AFTeR the successful pilot of the Womens Forum in Manila last January 20, 2013, wives of CFC leaders from the NorCal participated in the Womens Forum in San Jose, California last February 13, 2013. The Forum was initiated by the CFC International Council wives. CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca and wife Irma, and executive Director Melo Villaroman Jr. with Nini, paid a visit to the Most Reverend Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu, President of the CBCP, while on mission in Cebu. With them are Bohol PAh Vic Abarquez and wife Tetet.

CFC wives from USA take part in Womens Forum

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