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Vol. 11 No. 6
Pope
March 19 -Pens
April 1, Exhortation
2007
the Eucharist
on Holy Father’s Message on the
22nd World Youth Day 2007
The New Roman Missal
and the Easter Vigil
Freedom to Choose the
Candidates
1
www.cbcponline.net/cbcpmonitor cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net

Bishop Cries Foul CBCP Head Calls

CBCP Monitor
on Speedy Passing for Probe on
of PAGCOR Bill COMELEC Fire
A BISHOP has cried foul over the A TOP official of the Catholic hierar-
hasty effort to extend the franchise chy has called for a serious investi-
of the Philippine Amusement and gation into the huge blaze that burned
Gambling Corporation (PAGCOR). the old building of the Commission
Pagcor’s franchise is set to ex- Protagonist of Truth, Promoter of Peace on Elections (Comelec) on March 11.
pire in 2008. The extension of its li- Archbishop Angel Lagdameo,
cense however has been included president of the Catholic Bishops’
Bishop / P4
March 19 - April 1, 2007 Vol. 11 No. 6 Php 20. 00 CBCP / P4

Cardinal Backs ‘Green Vote’


Drive for May Polls
By Melo Acuña

A RANKING Church offi-


cial has given his full sup-
port to candidates who
positions on key environ-
mental issues and produce
guide that will help voters
care for the environment. make more informed
In a statement, the Ro- choices in the elections.
man Catholic Archbishop “We need an enlight-
of Manila, Archbishop ened electorate to vote for
Gaudencio B. Cardinal ecology-minded public of-
Rosales, said he is sup- ficials for them to lead our
portive of the efforts of the democratic institutions and
“Eco-Waste coalition” to work with our communities
inform the general public in winning the battle
about candidates who against waste dumps and
champion the cause of en- incinerators, climate
vironmental protection. change, genetically-modi-
The 74 year-old prel- fied organisms (GMOs) and
ate, a staunch supporter of other environmentally-de-
church-based and commu- structive activities,”
nity-based non-govern- Rosales added.
ment organizations, said it In another develop-
is imperative to inform the ment, the Greenpeace and
voters whom to put into Eco-Waste Coalition last
office to protect mother na- week launched their cam-
ture and defend her from paign plan to focus on en-
being “desecrated, con- vironmental concerns and

© Denz Dayao / CBCP Media


taminated and destroyed listen to local and national
by apathy, greed, crass ma- candidates talk about their
terialism, toxic wastes and platform of government
chemicals, and the unsus- and halt further destruc-
tainable use of the earth’s tion.
dwindling resources.” Greenpeace Southeast
Environmentalists say Asia Campaigns Director
the “Green Electoral Initia- Von Hernandez said, “Po-
tive” aims to assess the litical realignments, mud- “Bridge for Universal Charity,” was how the live satellite linkup with the Pope Benedict XVI and the catholic students in Asian and Europe was dubbed. Simultaneous with
those in 9 other countries, students in the Philippines gathered at the grounds of University of Santo Tomas to pray the Rosary with the Holy Father on video feed and
‘greenness’ of aspiring slinging and scandals still witness the handing of the Apostolic Exhortations Ecclesia in Europa and Ecclesia in Asia to youth representatives
senators based on their Cardinal / P4

CBCP Rallies Faithful to End Violence Against Women


THE government should re- ment and the people should act concern that many of those who with human rights abuses, and
double its efforts to end vio- together in order to put an end have fallen victims remained “si- violence against women and
lence against women, the to gender-based violence—”a lent and unable to move ahead” children.
Catholic Bishops’ Conference sad reality that is happening in because of fear and at times, se- “Disturbingly, Women’s
© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media

of the Philippines said. our country.” vere trauma. Month this year is marked by a
“There should be a fresh “The CBCP exhorts the The Global Gender Gap Re- statistics of a reign of terror,”
campaign against it in all its government and various sectors port for 2006 released last month CWR Executive Director Mary
forms,” CBCP President and of our society to link hands to indicated the Philippines as Joan Guan said.
Jaro Archbishop Angel N. protect our women from exploi- ranking 6th of the top ten in Gen- Last year alone, the group
Lagdameo said. tation of all kinds, from violence der Equality. said, 21 women victims of po-
The call came on the occa- that reduce them to silence, and However, the Center for litical killings were reported,
sion of the celebration of the from abuse that deprive them of Women’s Resources (CWR), an marking 62 percent increase,

Prelates Laud Women Leaders


National Women’s Month on their dignity as persons,” he independent training institute compared to 2005, and has the
March 16. said. for women said the data is ironic highest rate of women killed
Lagdameo said the govern- The prelate also expressed since women issues is bloated Women / P4
AT least two Catholic various religious and
bishops this Women’s
Month have offered
women organizations.
CBCP Office on Church Urged: Put Church No Endorsing of Candidates Says CBCP
their vision of how to
build a better world:
Women executive secre-
tary Dr. Zenaida Rotea Power in Media THE Catholic Bishops Conference of parties or candidates,” he said.
more women must be- and Novaliches Bishop JARO, Iloilo City—”It is Church: Do We Have it?” the Philippines (CBCP) rejected the Lagdameo’s statement came af-
come leaders. Antonio Tobias were better to have Church She said the Catholic calls to name poll bets saying that ter El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike
“Indeed, you, among those that power in the media than to Church today has re- the move would be pastorally unwise Velarde urged prelates to help voters
women have enormous perked up the crowd have media power in the sources in radio, television, and could be politically counter-pro- choose the right candidates by nam-
reasons to celebrate during the event. Church,” said Teresita Z. print, film and the internet ductive. ing them.
your gains which helped CBCP-OW board Hermano, executive director and has “sufficient involve- “In the end, we cannot be genu- Velarde suggested it would be
humanity to achieve member Atty. Mia Zafra of Communication Foun- ment in local and national inely sure whether the candidates who better if bishops could endorse 18
glorious triumphs in his- read Marquez’s mes- dation for Asia (CFA) be- media and as expected, it have been dictated on the voters will worthy senatorial bets so that lay
tory,” said Bishop Emilio sage as he lauded fore church-based groups, could accomplish more.” really serve them. Proof of this is the faithful could have a better option of
Marquez, head of the women’s great contribu- Mass Communications stu- “The Church is present past experience of elections,” CBCP candidates they want to vote.
CBCP-Office on Women tion to the Church and dents and mainstream me- in the media, in events and president Archbishop Angel He said the Church should have
(CBCP-OW) in a mes- for country’s develop- dia practitioners at the first- activities where news and Lagdameo said in a statement. active participation not just in setting
sage during the ment. ever “Msgr. Jose B. advocacy are strong,” said As pastors, bishops should be a guidelines but also in guiding their
Women’s Month cel- The Church and Buenaflor Memorial Me- Hermano. She further sign of truth and unity, teaching viv- flock on who the worth-voting candi-
ebration at the St. Peter the world at large al- dia Forum” at the John Paul added the Church has vast idly and bringing the faithful together dates are.
Shrine on Quezon City. ways have not been II Hall of the Archbishop’s network “even more impor- around the values of the Gospel. But the prelates, while respect-
The CBCP-led cel- without the feminine fig- Residence, this city recently. tant than computers and He stressed direct involvement ing what the leaders of El Shaddai and
ebration drew a cast of Prelates / P4 The forum had for its transmitters.” in partisan elections would destroy other groups have been doing for
theme: “Media Power in the Media / P4 the said role. “We cannot endorse No Endorsing / P4
CBCP Monitor
2 World News Vol. 11 No. 6
March 19 - April 1, 2007

Growth of New Media is Good Woman Battles Against the


The Eucharist is the Font but Their Impact can be “Forced” Conversion of her
of All Christian Joy, Pope Destructive, Says Pope Children to Islam
Benedict Says
Vatican City, March 9, 2007— edge and learning that previ- KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia,
The growth in new media, es- ously for many could only be March 14, 2007—A woman of
ond Vatican Council pecially electronic media like accessed with difficulty, if at Indian origin, resident in Ma-
and the magisterium of radio, TV and internet, is all. Such contributions to the laysia, is battling against the
my revered predeces- happening against the back- common good must be ap- custody of her children being
sors, Paul VI and John drop of their increasing con- plauded and encouraged.” given to her husband, a recent
Paul II.” centration in the hands of a However, “it is also convert to Islam, who has pe-
Pope Benedict few multinational corpora- readily apparent that much of titioned the Islamic Courts for
pointed out the con- tions. For this reason, the what is transmitted in various divorce. According to Sharia custody of their two children
nection between the Pope has called for special forms to the homes of mil- Law, enforced in the country of 3 and 1 years of age. “Both
post-synodal exhorta- care be given to education to lions of families around the for Muslim citizens, in sepa- want to dissolve their mar-
tion and his first encyc- “safeguard the common world is destructive.” ration cases children are en- riage – explains appeal court
VATICAN CITY, March lical “Deus caritas est.” Judge Suryadi Halim Omar -
19, 2007—Sunday, on the good, uphold the truth, pro- In referring to his mes- trusted to the “better half” in
“That’s why I called tect individual human dignity sage for World Communica- other words the Islamic half, but the appellant’s [Ms
day when the Church cel- it ‘Sacramentum Subshini’s] objection, merely
ebrated “Laetare” Sunday, and promote respect for the tions Day, dedicated this year in this specific case to the
caritatis,’” he said, “tak- needs of the family” because to the relationship between husband; as a result Islam will on the grounds that the
Pope Benedict used his ing inspiration from a fine Shariah Court was set up only
weekly Angelus address the media’s influence can be media and young people, become their religion.
definition of the Eucharist “destructive.” Benedict XVI said that in Muhammad Shafi for Muslims, made no sense”.
to remind the Church that by St Thomas Aquinas, The judge said it was
the Eucharist is the font of Speaking to the partici- such a situation the “respon- Saravanan Abdullah con-
‘The Sacrament of love.’” pants in the plenary assem- sibility to introduce and edu- verted to Islam May last. He Muhammad Shafi’s right to
Christian Joy. “Yes,” he added, “in annul his marriage in the Is-
“Today the liturgy in- bly of the Pontifical Council cate children and young petitioned an Islamic tribunal
the Eucharist, Christ for Social Communications, people into the ways of for divorce from his wife, R lamic court instead of the civil
vites us to cheer up, be- wanted to give us ‘His’ court. In fact in Malaysia there
cause Easter, the day of the Pontiff’s message was di- beauty, truth and goodness Subshini. The woman then
love, which drove Him to rected at those who control is a grave one. It can be sup- turned to the Appeals Court are two legislations: Islamic
Christ’s victory over sin offer His life up for us on law and constitutional law
and death, is drawing the new means of social com- ported by media conglomer- in an attempt to have their
the Cross.” munication. ates only to the extent that case heard by a civil tribunal, which often enter into conflict
nearer,” the Holy Father “In His Last Supper, with each other above all in
said at midday, after re- In his address he said they promote fundamental but her petition was turned
as he washed the that “the various components human dignity, the true value down. Thus it will be the first family law cases. Ethnic mi-
turning from a Mass he Apostles’ feet, Jesus left norities such as Chinese and
had celebrated at Rome’s of the mass media” have of marriage and family life, time that a non Muslim ap-
us the Commandment of been of “great benefit to civi- and the positive achieve- pears before an Islamic Court. Indians, fall under the jurisdic-
Casal del Marmo, Juvenile love,” he said. tion of the civil courts.
Prison. lization.” Internet too “has ments and goals of human- Ms Subshini, 28, wants
But, warned the Pope, opened up a world of knowl- ity.” (AsiaNews) alimony from her husband and (AsiaNews/Agencies)
“Where is the spring “since this is possible
of Christian joy but in the
Eucharist, which Christ
only if we stay bonded to
Him, as shoots to a vine, Vatican Instructs German Top Knight Calls Mexico City
left as a spiritual food,
while we are pilgrims on
He decided to stay Him-
self amidst us in the Eu-
Bishops to Cut Ties With Abortion Proposal “Misguided
this earth?”
“This Eucharistic
charist, so that we could
‘stay in Him’. Therefore,
Abortion Counseling Group and Dangerous”
food,” he continued, “pro- as we feed on His Body BERLIN, March 20, 2007 / 09:17 MEXICO CITY, March 20, most de-
vides for the faithful of all and on His Blood with am.- The Vatican has in- 2007—A bill being debated in fenseless
ages a profound joy, which faith, His love enters us structed the German bishops Mexico City, which would le- members,
is at one with love and and enables us, in turn, to to distance themselves from galize abortion in the area, is from the
with peace, and which give our life for our neigh- an abortion counseling group, misguided and dangerous unborn
springs forth from one’s bors.” This, he added, “is called Donum Vitae, so that said Knights of Columbus child to the elderly, in the name
communion with God and the spring of Christian joy, they will not be perceived as Supreme Knight Carl A. of a public interest which is
with one’s brothers,” the the joy of love.” endorsing abortion, reported Anderson. really nothing but the interest
Holy Father said before Finally, the Pope re- LifeNews.com yesterday. “In a country that has of one part.”
the Marian Prayer. called that next to Mary, Cardinal William Levada, violation of Church teaching made great progress in the The Supreme Knight is
who he called the epitome prefect of the Congregation on life issues, reported democratic inclusion of all its adding his voice to those of
Sacramentum Caritatis of the “Eucharistic for the Doctrine of the Faith, LifeNews.com. citizens, a law such as this will numerous Mexican Catholic
The Holy Father also woman,” God placed issued the instruction, which In 1998, Pope John Paul remove legal protection from leaders. The Mexican Bishops
spoke of his Apostolic Ex- Saint Joseph to guard the was initially reported in Ger- II asked German clergy to stop the most vulnerable members Conference has repeatedly
hortation, Sacramentum redeemer. “I particularly man newspaper Die issuing certificates, indicating of society,” Anderson said. spoken out against what it
Caritatis, which was pre- invoke this great Saint,” Tagespos. that they had counseled preg- If Mexico City’s assem- calls a “program of extermina-
sented last Tuesday and whose Feast the Church German law requires nant women considering an bly succeeds in legalizing tion” being advanced by this
which is written on the celebrates on Monday, he counseling before a woman abortion. abortion in that municipality, and other legislation.
theme of “the Eucharist as said, “so that by believ- has an abortion and German Die Tagespos reported it will be the first such law in Luis Guevara, who serves
the source and summit of ing, celebrating, and liv- clergy considered the program that the Catholic Church in Ger- Mexico. as a liaison between the
the life and mission of the ing with faith the Eucha- to provide a way to persuade many officially asked parishio- Anderson said that we Knights of Columbus in the
Church.” ristic Mystery, the people women not to have one. ners in June 2006 to not work should recall the words of United States and those in
The text, explained of God may be infused However, the program with Donum Vitae, but the Pope John Paul II who wrote: Mexico noted: “The protec-
Benedict XVI, “is an ex- with Christ’s love and also involves the issuing of a Vatican now wants a more ac- “Democracy, [when] contra- tion of the right to life is the
pression of the faith of the may spread its fruits of certificate “allowing” the abor- tive enforcement of that request. dicting its own principles, ef- most important right that a
universal Church in the joy and peace across the tion if the woman is not per- There are about 1,500 fectively moves towards a government can safeguard,
Eucharistic Mystery, whole of mankind.” suaded to keep her baby. The counseling clinics in Ger- form of totalitarianism. The and legalizing abortion in
which continues the Sec- (CNA) Vatican sees this as an en- many; about 250 are run by State is no longer the ‘com- Mexico City sends the mes-
dorsement of abortion and a Donum Vitae. (CNA) mon home’ where all can live sage that life is cheap and ex-
together on the basis of prin- pendable. Such a law goes
Islamic Groups Impose Tax on Christian “Subjects” ciples of fundamental equal-
ity, but is transformed into a
against the conscience of the
vast majority of Mexicans
tion of the veil on all women. umma. tyrant State, which arrogates who value and respect the
The website Ankawa.com was The tax was once ex- to itself the right to dispose dignity and value of each life.”
the first to carry news of this tracted by the Ottoman Empire of the life of the weakest and (CNA)
latest development; the until its collapse in 1918, but
website has eye witness ac-
counts of Iraqi refugees in
now Baghdad and Mosul’s
Mosques have ordered it be
Vatican Web Site Focuses on
Erbil, in the semi autonomous
region of Kurdistan.
put in place again, “without
revealing it to authorities”.
Lent
The fourth anniversary of According to local Chris- VATICAN CITY, March 7, The site will include all his ad-
the US military’s arrival in tians it really is a contribution 2007—Internet users can live dresses during Holy Week cer-
Baghdad, March 20th 2003, to the holy war, which—the Lent with Benedict XVI this emonies.
brings with it little improve- jihad maintains—will also pro- year. Under the Lenten Stations
ment in the conditions of the tect their community from ex- The Vatican Web site is of- tab is a list of each stational
ever decreasing Christian ternal aggression. The monies fering a compilation of the Holy church, and a brief Italian ex-
community. Bomb attacks, collected are then given over Father’s teachings and other planation of each stop.
kidnappings and threats con- to Mosques, but “without the tools for celebrating the liturgi- The Lenten Music section
tinue to mark the daily exist- knowledge of authorities”. cal season. includes hymns from the Pon-
BAGHDAD, Iraq, March 19, threats of extortion, thou- ence of those few who so far Other accounts tell of let- The site’s Focus section tifical Musical Chorus of the
2007—”Non Muslim subjects sands of non Muslims are also have not been able to leave. ters being left in gardens or offers five tabs: Words of the Sistine Chapel.
must pay a contribution to the being forced to leave their The latest sign of the in- the entrance to Christian Holy Father, Lenten Stations, The Calendar of Celebra-
jihad if they wish to be allowed homes by letters assigning creasingly worrying situation homes, notifying the families Lenten Music, Calendar of Cel- tions presided over by Benedict
to live and practice their faith their house to Muslim citi- is news that the community is that they must leave their ebrations, and Live. XVI is posted.
in Iraq”. zens. now being forced to pay the dwellings because they have The first, Words of the The Live section connects
These orders are being The initiative is part of jizya, a “poll tax” requested been assigned to others, Holy Father, is updated with directly to the Vatican Televi-
imposed on the Christians of the general campaign to from non Muslims according whose names and surnames Benedict XVI’s teachings dur- sion Center, which has the
Mosul and Baghdad by Is- Islamafy the entire country, to the Koran, guaranteeing are listed in black and white in ing this liturgical season, begin- schedule of its live broadcasts
lamic militias. Besides these which begun with the imposi- “protection” from the Islamic the letters. (AsiaNews) ning with his message for Lent. for the month of March. (Zenit)
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 6
March 19 - April 1, 2007
News Feature 3
THE Diocese of Malaybalay held its

Pope Pens Exhortation on the Eucharist


37th Diocesan General Assembly on
February 26-28 at the Diocesan For-
mation Center, Impalambong,
Malaybalay Holds 37th
Celibacy and
marriage
Malaybalay City with 425 partici-
pants coming from 42 parishes.
The assembly had the theme
Diocesan General Assembly
T h e “Gagmay’ng Simbahanong
document Katilingban: Sumbanan sa
confirms the Politikanhong Kabag-ohan” (The
Basic Ecclesial Community: Source
© Alessandra Benedetti/Corbis
discipline of
priestly celi- of Political Transformation) in view
bacy. of the coming elections.
“The fact The meeting kicked off with a
that Christ recollection, guided by the Bishop of
himself, the Iligan, Most Rev. Elenito R. Galido,
eternal priest, D.D. The first day was capped with
lived his mis- the Holy Mass presided by Bishop
sion even to Galido, assisted by one of the two
VATICAN CITY, March 13, 2007— the sacrifice of the cross in the newly ordained priests of the diocese,
Benedict XVI released his second state of virginity constitutes the Fr. Joe-ann Lamasan. The rest of the
major document, an apostolic ex- sure point of reference for under- clergy, including Most Rev. Honesto
hortation that reflects the conclu- standing the meaning of the tradi- Ch. Pacana, S.J., D.D. bishop of
sions of the 2005 synod on the Eu- tion of the Latin Church,” the Pope Malaybalay, concelebrated.
charist. explains. “It is not sufficient to The assembly tackled the issue
At a press conference today, understand priestly celibacy in of lay leaders running for political
Cardinal Angelo Scola and Arch- purely functional terms. offices. Previously, the diocese held
bishop Nikola Eterovic presented “Celibacy is really a special the stance of asking lay leaders want-
the document, “Sacramentum way of conforming oneself to ing to run for public office to take a
Caritatis” (Sacrament of Charity). Christ’s own way of life.” leave of absence from active Church
service. growing evils during elections and into their deaneries (Diocesan sub-
The document, dated Feb. 22, Benedict XVI asks that priests the different political responses of regions) for discussion, the result of
reflects the conclusions of the 11th “have the courage to set before Diocesan Vicar General, Fr.
Biven Belderol, gave the input for people according to temperament or which was presented in the after-
Ordinary General Assembly of the young people the radical decision political belief. noon. The assembly came out with a
Synod of Bishops held in Rome to follow Christ, showing them the discussion. Fr. Belderol cited that
Barangay officials who are active He suggested an Institutional hini-usang baruganan (common
from Oct. 2 to 23, 2005. how deeply rewarding it is.” Church stance based on “critical stand), which was presented the fol-
Cardinal Scola, who was the The exhortation ratifies the in- Church workers are generally more
able to serve their public function collaboration” which can be gleaned lowing day. The position paper was
relator general of the synodal as- dissolubility of matrimony: “If the from the Gospels and the Church’s drafted by a core group with a repre-
sembly, said the title of the apos- Eucharist expresses the irrevo- with integrity. He said allowing these
people to resign or take a leave of teachings on Social Doctrines. sentative coming from each deanery.
tolic exhortation reaffirms “the cable nature of God’s love in Christ The message is clear. Some- Bishop Pacana, SJ celebrated
Holy Father’s insistence over for his Church, we can then un- absence during campaign and elec-
tion period is tantamount to with- thing has to be done by the Church the Holy Mass on the last day and
these two years of his pontificate derstand why it implies, with re- to curtail the growing evil and fraud. gave the synthesis of the assembly.
on the truth of love.” gard to the sacrament of matri- drawal of support.
Fr. Belderol also outlined the The delegates were grouped (Fr. Jojo Tianero)
The cardinal said that this mony, that indissolubility to which
clearly indicates that this is “one all true love necessarily aspires.
of the crucial themes upon which The Holy Father considers
the future of the Church and of
humanity, depend.”
the “complex and troubling pas-
toral problem” of those who have Cardinal Rigali’s Lenten Reflections flect during the holy season of Lent.
I ask you, my brothers and sisters in
The text “is divided into three divorced and civilly remarried.
sections, each one of which con-
siders one of the three dimensions
“The Synod of Bishops con-
firmed the Church’s practice,
a Hit on YouTube Internet Site Christ, to pray that I may go the ex-
tra mile during this season and re-
ally help bring a bit more light to
of the Eucharist,” Cardinal Scola based on Sacred Scripture, of not people who are still in darkness.”
explained. admitting the divorced and remar- “What a beautiful meditation on
The sections are entitled: ried to the sacraments, since their the importance of truly listening to
“The Eucharist, a Mystery to Be state and their condition of life God in our times of prayer, lest they
Believed,” “The Eucharist, a Mys- objectively contradict the loving become episodes of fruitless, one-
tery to Be Celebrated,” and “The union of Christ and the Church way babble. Thank you, Cardinal
Eucharist, a Mystery to Be Lived.” signified and made present in the Rigali!”
Benedict XVI explains that the Eucharist,” the Pope writes. “I think this is s-o-o-o cool.”
Eucharist “makes manifest that “Yet the divorced and remar- “Cardinal Rigali, thanks for do-
‘greater’ love which led (Christ) to ried continue to belong to the ing this. I set up a YouTube account
‘lay down his life for his friends.’” Church, which accompanies them just to be able to post a response.”
“In the sacrament of the altar, with special concern and encour- “Keep ‘em coming, Cardinal
the Lord meets us, men and women ages them to live as fully as pos- Rigali. ... proud to be Catholic.”
created in God’s image and like- sible the Christian life through “This is super. It makes me feel
ness and becomes our companion regular participation at Mass, al- good to know that our church is
along the way,” the Holy Father beit without receiving communion, reaching out to God’s children
writes. “In this sacrament, the Lord listening to the word of God, Eu- through modern technology.”
truly becomes food for us, to sat- charistic adoration, prayer, partici- “Excellent idea to make use of
isfy our hunger for truth and free- pation in the life of the commu- ‘YouTube’ to console, comfort and
dom. nity, honest dialogue with a priest encourage Christians and others to
“Since only the truth can or spiritual director, dedication to see the whole point of living a Chris-
make us free, Christ becomes for the life of charity, works of pen- tian life.”
us the food of truth.” ance, and commitment to the edu- “I, too, thank God for this to be
cation of their children,” he adds. on YouTube. May the Lord bless all
Validity of renewal The greater part of the text is who see Cardinal Rigali’s messages
Gathering the proposals that dedicated to teaching how to live PHILADELPHIA, USA, March 12, and on the meaning of life and love. and the cardinal as well, but also
emerged from the synod on the the Eucharist more intensely and 2007—Who’s that you’re seeing on Through the years, the Church those who run YouTube for letting
Eucharist, where the Pope intro- to reflect on its beauty. It offers YouTube? has shown tremendous commitment this be on the site!”
duced free interventions, the text indications for the homily, for the Yes, it is really Cardinal Justin to social communications, the cardi- “With increased attacks on hu-
asserts: “The synod fathers ac- rite of peace and for the end of the Rigali of Philadelphia. nal said. “Communicating the uplift- man life, the pope is urging us all to
knowledged and reaffirmed the Mass. The cardinal is providing video ing message of Christ is just a bless- speak up for the truth. We all need
beneficial influence on the reflections for each Sunday of Lent, ing,” he added. dedicated people like Justin Cardi-
Church’s life of the liturgical re- Eucharistic adoration as well as for Holy Thursday, Good Clearly, Cardinal Rigali is a hit nal Rigali to deepen our faith.”
newal which began with the Sec- “The act of adoration outside Friday and Easter on the free, video- on the video site, where contribu- “Inspired by the Holy Spirit,
ond Vatican Ecumenical Council. Mass prolongs and intensifies all sharing Web site, which allows us- tions may be rated, and the number Justin Cardinal Rigali went to the
“The Synod of Bishops was that takes place during the liturgi- ers to upload, view and share video of times they have been viewed are spiritual desert, where the people are.
able to evaluate the reception of cal celebration itself,” the Pope clips. also made public. ‘This man eats and drinks with sin-
the renewal in the years following says to encourage Eucharistic Once on the site, According to the archdiocesan ners’ — such was said of our Lord
the Council. adoration. www.youtube.com, visitors can eas- Office for Communications, on Ash Jesus. Praise God that the Word has
“There were many expres- “Wherever possible, it would ily find the reflections by typing Wednesday, the day the cardinal’s reached the tube! The love of God,
sions of appreciation. The difficul- be appropriate, especially in “Cardinal Rigali” into the search area. first Lenten reflections were posted, the peace of Christ, the fellowship
ties and even the occasional densely populated areas, to set “YouTube is a place where his video was one of the top-linked of the Holy Spirit be with all.”
abuses which were noted, it was aside specific churches or orato- people communicate a multiplicity of videos in the category “People and The communications office has
affirmed, cannot overshadow the ries for perpetual adoration,” he things, and certainly, from the view- Blogs.” received e-mails from Italy, Spain and
benefits and the validity of the li- adds. “I also recommend that, in point of the Church, we have a de- By the afternoon of March 12, Australia, among other points
turgical renewal, whose riches are their catechetical training, and es- sire to communicate Christ,” Cardi- the cardinal’s first posting had re- around the globe, from people com-
yet to be fully explored.” pecially in their preparation for nal Rigali said recently. “We have the ceived almost 17,000 views. mending the cardinal’s debut on
The first part of the docu- First Holy Communion, children be message in the Gospel—the uplift- Here is a sampling of the re- YouTube.
ment, a mystery to be believed, is taught the meaning and the beauty ing message of Jesus, a wonderful sponses to the cardinal’s reflections The cardinal’s Lenten reflec-
made up of seven sections, includ- of spending time with Jesus, and message of hope ... of love ... of posted on YouTube: tions are also available in streaming
ing an analysis of the Eucharist’s helped to cultivate a sense of awe faith.” “Cardinal Rigali—you are the video on the archdiocesan Web site
relationship to each of the sacra- before his presence in the Eucha- The cardinal said he hopes his man. Thanks for keeping it real.” at www.archdiocese-phl.org through
ments. rist.” (Zenit) contribution will be of help to people “Another amazing message! ... the “Living Lent” area. (Christie L.
who are reflecting on God and Christ, The messages are helping me to re- Chicoine, CNS)
CBCP Monitor
4 News Vol. 11 No. 6
March 19 - April 1, 2007

Students Pray with Pope for Better World


HUNDREDS of catholic students in lic; Calcutta, India; Hong Kong, China; the Pope, as God’s loving gift to the Nuncio Installs New UST Seminary Rector
Manila have joined counterparts in Bologna and Turin, Italy; Krakow, Po- youth, “because through the prayer,
Asia and Europe on March 10 to pray land; Manchester, England; Coimbra, we show our union with others and FATHER Gerard Francisco The history of the central
with Pope Benedict XVI as “a bridge Portugal; Tirana, Albania; and share our love.” Timoner III, OP has been officially seminary may be traced back to
for universal charity.” Islamabad-Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The Pope, apostolic nuncio Arch- installed Rector of the University the establishment of the univer-
Through a satellite linkup, stu- Although great distances may bishop Fernando Filoni said, also of Santo Tomas (UST) Central sity in 1611.
dents gathered at the University of separate them, the Pope observed, urged the students to take the cross Seminary on March 19. The Catholic institution is the
Santo Tomas (UST) and came face to young faithful are “linked by their in- with all their enthusiasm to the next The installation rites were country’s oldest interdiocesan
face with the Holy Father. terior quest and the witness they bear.” year’s World Youth Day (WYD) in presided by His Excellency Arch- seminary run by the Dominican
Vatican’s Diocese’s Pastoral Of- Emphasizing the role of intellec- Australia. bishop Fernando Filoni, Apostolic fathers. A good number of the
fice for Universities organized the two- tual charity in the formation of the “We did it in prayer and we hope Nuncio to the Philippines at the Catholic Hierarchy are graduates
way telecast thru the Eternal Word youth, he said: “The mystery of the to do it again in Australia with all the UST Santissimo Rosario Church. of UST Central Seminary.
Television Network (EWTN). Cross is not removed from the theme enthusiasm of the universitarian,” said Fr. Timoner succeeded Fr. At the installation rites, Arch-
The Pope led the praying of the of intellectual charity, on the contrary, Filoni. Ernesto Arceo who served from bishop Filoni tasked Fr. Timoner
rosary in the Paul VI auditorium also for it illuminates it. Christian wisdom is the At the end of the rosary, the Pope January 2005 to October 26, 2006. to attend to the needs of his semi-
the 5th European Day for Universities. wisdom of the Cross.” also gave student representatives the It will be recalled Fr. Timoner was narians and called on God to
He joined the students in pray- Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, Apostolic Exhortations Ecclesia in appointed Rector late last year. watch and guide him more as he
ing, then, offered his greetings, in president of the Catholic Bishops’ Europa and Ecclesia in Asia. The newly installed rector is assumed his new ecclesiastical
seven different languages, to partici- Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), “The universitarian must know an alumnus of the UST Central post.
pants in the event in Rome and in other who led the Mass before the praying these documents, for them to know Seminary. He took his Philosophy In another development,
locations around the world. of the rosary urged the faithful to unite the program for the future of the and Theological studies at the Do- former CBCP Secretary General
The event was also transmitted and be instruments of God’s love. Catholic Church,” the nuncio added. minican House of Studies in Msgr. Hernando Coronel was ap-
to gatherings in Prague, Czech Repub- He described the occasion with (CBCP News) Quezon City and studied at the pointed by Archbishop
UST Ecclesiastical Faculties in Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales as
Cardinal / from p1 Manila and at the Catholic Univer- chaplain of the Manila-based Phil-
sity of Nijimegen in the Nether- ippine Women’s University.
outweigh the discourse of the com- The issues and questions were “These are legitimate election lands (CBCPNews)
ing polls, undermining the current en- raised and formulated in collaboration issues that will have direct impact
vironmental issues.” with a number of environmental on community health and environ-
“For a nation that is regularly groups, focused on key issues, but not ment. As senatorial candidates woo CBCP / from p1
confronted with serious environmen- limited to water, solid waste, toxic waste us for our votes, it is their responsi-
tal threats, and increasing number of trade and the Japan-Philippine Eco- bility to tell the people their positions Conference of the Philippines sible Voting (PPCRV) national con-
environment-related calamities, it is nomic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), and planned actions on these is- (CBCP) said a deep investigation ference for its poll watchers.
unthinkable that this issue has not genetically-modified organisms, sus- sues,” said Panaligan. should be done to determine what Authorities said they cannot
even merited prominence in the cur- tainable agriculture, logging, mining, “We need leaders of great clar- had caused the fire that early Sun- rule out sabotage as the cause of
rent debates,” Hernandez added. climate change, and air pollution. ity and vision who will help reverse day. the fire. The Marines who were man-
“With the Green Electoral Initia- The candidates are also required environmental ruin, move us quickly “It must be thoroughly inves- ning the Comelec offices were no-
tive, we are challenging senatorial to disclose their track record in envi- from fossil fuels to renewable energy, tigated so that the truth will come where to be seen when the
aspirants to disclose how the welfare ronmental concerns and their imme- and help empower Filipinos to se- out,” said Lagdameo. firefighters arrived.
of the environment figures, or doesn’t diate plans and programs on our en- cure a safe and decent future,” he An investigation is underway Fire officials said all the guards
figure, in their political plans,” he fur- vironment. said. to verify what sparked a massive assigned to secure the Comelec
ther said. Eco-Waste Executive Director According to Hernandez, the fire that hit the two-story building building will be summoned for ques-
An important part of the groups’ Rey Panaligan said it is to the candi- choices the electorate will make in that housed the offices of some tioning.
program thrusts, questionnaires have dates’ credit and media mileage to ex- May will help decide whether the Comelec top officials, the educa- Critics of the Arroyo adminis-
been sent to senatorial candidates to pound on their respective legislative country is headed for a green—or tion and information division, the tration, meanwhile, fear the fire
find out their views about the agenda, with due emphasis on envi- gray—future. (with reports from records division, statistics office, would pave the way for massive
country’s environmental problems. ronmental protection. Roy Lagarde) administration services depart- cheating in May.
ment, and the Commission on Au- Lagdameo, however, called on
No Endorsing / from p1 dit. the people not to do a “guessing
The Comelec claimed the blaze game” as to who are responsible of
years, still maintain the freedom of the they will be elected they will serve tion according to the rule will be re- destroyed documents that wouldn’t the incident.
Catholic faithful to choose their can- the people and not themselves.” spected and not manipulated by self- affect the May 14 elections. “We have this point in time
didates. “This is what the Parish Pastoral interest,” he said. “If the wisdom of Comelec chairman Benjamin when we are left in a kind of guess-
“We expect them to discern, dis- Council for Responsible Voting the people were allowed freely to Abalos told Lagdameo that the ma- ing game as to what actually hap-
cuss and personally decide whom to (PPCRV) is trying to do,” he said. function, they will get the leaders terials and documents needed in- pened during the fire. Let’s not ac-
vote. To dictate on them whom to vote As Church’s watchdog, PPCRV they want or they get the leaders they cluding the list of voters are kept cuse anyone with the investigation
is as bad as buying their votes,” said helps form the moral conscience of deserve.” elsewhere. going on,” he said.
Lagdameo. the voters towards responsible vot- The CBCP official then reiter- Lagdameo and Abalos were “Let us hope that the investi-
The CBCP head downplayed ing, as well as of the institutions in- ated his call for vigilance and coop- able to meet on March 11 during the gation will bring out the truth of the
Velarde’s claim that church leaders are volved in the electoral process to- eration among the faithful to scruti- Parish Pastoral Council for Respon- matter,” he added. (CBCPNews)
showing a lack of interest on election wards clean and honest polls. nize the candidates and their plat-
issues. Lagdameo said the laity could form of government. Bishop / from p1
The CBCP, he said, does not discern well “if only their judgment By doing it, he said: “voters may
on the agenda of the lower house’s enough that it rakes in some five
want the candidates to be indebted will not be violated or adulterated by even come to an agreement among
to the bishops. guns, goons and gold”. themselves whom to vote but each special session. billion every quarter from its gull-
There are protests as to the ible patrons.”
“Instead we want the candidates “We can trust the wisdom of the one must personally come to his or
to make a genuine covenant that if people if only the process of elec- her decision.” (Roy Lagarde) consideration of the Pagcor’s fran- “Directly under the office of
chise in the congress’ session with the president and operated by five
Media / from p1 some lawmakers arguing that there Malacañang appointed directors,
are more pressing matters that if the bill extending the operational
These networks, she said are the and pastoral work, “we are far ahead that participates, liberates, supports should be deliberated than the life of Pagcor is further approved
people who are active church mem- in terms of content.” and develops cultures. Pagcor issue. by House of Representatives, the
bers, and the media owners, reporters, She added the perennial lack of She concluded that “Christian Lingayen-Dagupan Arch- infamous government corporation
editors and producers who can be funds could be well addressed by Communication is indeed prophetic bishop Oscar Cruz questioned the is henceforth even authorized to
called on when needed. church-based organizations if they so thus, when all these principles are put “undue haste” of passing the enter into joint-ventures with pri-
Further, the Church has formed desire to support the media apostolate. into practice, Christian communicators Pagcor bill that would extend the vate corporations,” he said.
valuable networks such as the Catho- A panel of reactors composed of would find Church power in Media.” corporation’s operation by another “The bill also legitimizes the
lic Media Network (CMN) which Rev. Frs. Raymond Ferraris of the So- Msgr. Jomarie Delagado, St. 25 years. devious e-gambling that in reality
links 48 Catholic radio stations in 35 ciety of St. Paul and Domingo Rafael Vincent Ferrer Seminary rector said the “Pagcor now is salivating not respects neither age nor status of
provinces nationwide. For TV, it has Alimaje, Dean of St. Vincent Ferrer forum is a manifestation of everyone’s only in looking forward to a gener- gamblers,” he said.
its own national television network, Seminary and Philippine Daily In- desire to move forward and pursue ous lease of gambling life for no “The eventual winner is the
known as TV Maria, while for print, quirer Correspondent Nestor Burgos total human development. less than a quarter of a century. It national leadership. The ultimate
Church involvement is active with said the Church should introduce The forum was held in honor of has also generously worked for losers are the pitiful gamblers, the
publications and some bookstores run timely messages and spiels to get the late Msgr. Jose B. Buenaflor, an more corporate gambling possibili- social imperative of sweat and toil,
by Paulines Media, Claretian Publi- wider audience, consider communica- exponent of the Archdiocese of Iloilo’s ties under its dubious nationwide the elementary mandate of sound
cations, Society of St. Paul and Catho- tions as building blocks in community tri-media apostolate through umbrella,” he said. value system,” said Cruz.
lic Book Trade among others, under building and for the Church to inform Katesismo sa Kahangian about ten At present, Pagcor has no He added: “This is the perfect
the auspices of the network called, the the media of its timely activities for dis- years ago. His brother Ramon, now in less than 16 casinos and another picture of an exploiter and ex-
Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc. semination. his 80s, together with priests and lay- 10 slot machine arcades, “all lur- ploited. What the administration
Hermano stressed the Church Hermano emphasized on the so- men, continues to utilize radio, print ing gamblers and nurturing gam- cannot get by direct and indirect
knows what it does best and its exten- called Christian Principles of Commu- and television programs in catechism. bling addicts; no matter the taxes, it grabs by enticing citizens
sive experience in values education nication which creates communities (Elsa S. Subong) socio-moral costs it is not even to gamble.” (Roy Lagarde)
Prelates / from p1
ure and the sensibility to compliment to protect them against “slavery”. The bishops also urge more lay- Women / from p1
and accompany them in their journey, He said many women must be women to participate in fighting so- within one year under the Arroyo and love they deserve and for a total
said Marquez. lauded for courage and willingness cial ills. administration. stop to exploitation and violence.
“The Church and the world con- to sacrifice themselves for the good “In this way you make an indis- “We have a woman president in “Let us pray that those victim-
tinue to exist and survive because of of the Church and country. pensable contribution to the growth power. It is condemnable that a gov- ized by violence may find the cour-
the irreplaceable, non-substitutable, “As a man I can honestly say that of a culture which unites reason and ernment, led by a woman, who is sup- age to forgive and get on with their
and invaluable presence of women I’ve been fortunate to have smart, savvy feeling, to a model of life ever open to posed to protect its citizens, is now lives. Let us also pray for the en-
who compliment men in all their hu- and strong women helping me (in his the sense of mystery, to the estab- taking the lead in the commission of lightenment and conversion of
man realities,” he said. pastoral work),” he said. “Thanks to lishment of economic and political violence against them,” said Guan. those who inflict violence against
Tobias, meanwhile, called on the you all for what you’ve done for the structures ever more worthy of hu- Lagdameo urged the faithful to women,” Lagdameo concluded.
faithful to care for women’s rights and Church and in our society.” manity,” said Marquez. (CBCP News) pray for the women to get the respect (CBCPNews)
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 6
March 19 - April 1, 2007 Feature 5
you have love for one another” (Jn

7 QUESTIONS for
13:35), you should stimulate, with
your enthusiasm and charity, the
activities of the parishes, the com-

Bishop Jesse E. Mercado, DD


munities, the ecclesial movements
and the youth groups to which you
belong. Be attentive in your concern
for the welfare of others, faithful to
the commitments you have made. Do Most Rev. Jesse E. Mercado, DD was
not hesitate to joyfully abstain from appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Manila in
some of your entertainments; cheer- February 25, 1997. He was named the
fully accept the necessary sacrifices; first bishop of the diocese of Parañaque
testify to your faithful love for Jesus in December 7, 2002 when the
by proclaiming his Gospel, especially Ecclesiastical district of PLM
among young people of your age. (Parañaque, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa)
Preparing for the future was established as a new diocese.
The second area, where you are Recently, he shared with CBCP Monitor
called to express your love and grow his views on various issues, most
in it, is your preparation for the fu- significantly how the social concern agenda is being implemented
ture that awaits you. If you are en-
Message of the Holy Father
in his diocese, participation in politics, the family life program in
gaged to be married, God has a the diocese, the quality and quantity of vocations entering the
project of love for your future as a
Benedict XVI to the Youth of couple and as a family. Therefore, it seminary, the influx of guest priests and the media’s treatment of
is essential that you discover it with Church issues in the news.

the World on the Occasion of


the help of the Church, free from the
common prejudice that says that
Christianity with its commandments How is the social concerns tion of Christian family life. The
the 22nd World Youth Day, and prohibitions places obstacles to
the joy of love and impedes you from
agenda of the Church being
observed in your diocese?
family life program is in the pro-
cess of being organized along the
2007 fully enjoying the happiness that a
man and woman seek in their recip- The Diocese has a continu-
diocesan pastoral thrust.

rocal love. The love of a man and ing agenda for social concerns. Would you say that the
“Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (Jn 13:34). woman is at the origin of the human In fact, this concern is articulated changing set-up of families
family and the couple formed by a in the newly formulated Vision nowadays, has an influence
man and a woman has its founda- and Mission, Core Values and on the quality and number
MY dear young friends, as in the figure of Christ himself, who tion in God’s original plan (cf Gen Pastoral Priorities statement of of vocations entering the
gives flesh and blood to those con- 2:18-25). Learning to love each other the Diocese. priesthood and religious
On the occasion of the 22 nd cepts—an unprecedented realism” as a couple is a wonderful journey, What is equally interesting state?
World Youth Day that will be cel- (n. 12). The manifestation of divine yet it requires a demanding “appren- is the process by which the Dio-
ebrated in the dioceses on Palm Sun- love is total and perfect in the Cross ticeship”. The period of engagement, cese arrived at this social concern. The phenomenon of the ab-
day, I would like to propose for your where, we are told by Saint Paul, very necessary in order to form a For 2 years the Diocese used sentee-parenting could contrib-
meditation the words of Jesus: “Just “God proves his love for us in that couple, is a time of expectation and consultation processes where the ute to the decline of vocations.
as I have loved you, you also should while we still were sinners Christ died preparation that needs to be lived in various sectors of the Diocese But it seems that what influences
love one another” (Jn 13:34). for us” (Rm 5:8). Therefore, each one purity of gesture and words. It al- (clergy/laity/religious) reached the youth’s vocation today
of us can truly say: “Christ loved me lows you to mature in love, in con- out to the poor developing com- comes more strongly from con-
Is it possible to love? and gave himself up for me” (cf Eph cern and in attention for each other; munities to listen to their per- tact with priests, involvement in
Everybody feels the longing to 5:2). Redeemed by his blood, no hu- it helps you to practice self-control ceived problems and crucial is- their parishes, membership in re-
love and to be loved. Yet, how diffi- man life is useless or of little value, and to develop your respect for each sues. ligious organizations and faith
cult it is to love, and how many mis- because each of us is loved person- other. These are the characteristics Likewise, in the new organi- communities.
takes and failures have to be reck- ally by Him with a passionate and of true love that does not place em- zational chart of the diocese, the
oned with in love! There are those faithful love, a love without limits. phasis on seeking its own satisfac- social concern permeates the How would you appraise the
who even come to doubt that love The Cross—for the world a folly, for tion or its own welfare. In your prayer three (3) Departments of the Di- quality of vocations entering
is possible. But if emotional delu- many believers a scandal—is in fact together, ask the Lord to watch over ocesan structure to guarantee full the seminary today?
sions or lack of affection can cause the “wisdom of God” for those who and increase your love and to purify implementation. It is integrated

7
us to think that love is utopian, an allow themselves to be touched right it of all selfishness. Do not hesitate into the Evangelization Many vocations
impossible dream, should we then to the innermost depths of their be- to respond generously to the Lord’s Department (the direc- come from a pastorally-
become resigned? No! Love is pos- ing, “for God’s foolishness is wiser call, for Christian matrimony is truly tion-setting arm of the motivated desire to
sible, and the purpose of my mes- than human wisdom, and God’s weak- and wholly a vocation in the Church. diocese), the Pastoral serve the Church.
sage is to help reawaken in each one ness is stronger than human Likewise, dear young men and Department where a There is a need to look
of you—you who are the future and strength” (1 Cor 1:25). Moreover, the women, be ready to say “yes” if God Commission for the par- more seriously into the
hope of humanity—trust in a love Crucifix, which after the Resurrection should call you to follow the path of ticipation of the devel- personality make-up
that is true, faithful and strong; a would carry forever the marks of his ministerial priesthood or the conse- oping communities is and social skills, the
love that generates peace and joy; set up and the Adminis- mental maturity and ap-
QUESTIONS
passion, exposes the “distortions” crated life. Your example will be one
a love that binds people together and lies about God that underlie vio- of encouragement for many of your trative Department that titude of those desiring
and allows them to feel free in re- lence, vengeance and exclusion. peers who are seeking true happi- provides logistical sup- to enter the seminary.
spect for one another. Let us now Christ is the Lamb of God who takes ness. port to the implementa-
go on a journey together in three upon himself the sins of the world tion of its program. You have many guest priests
stages, as we embark on a “discov- and eradicates hatred from the heart Growing in love each day serving in your diocese.
ery” of love. of humankind. This is the true “revo- The third area of commitment Would you consider partici- What could be the reasons
lution” that He brings about: love. that comes with love is that of daily pation in politics a part of the for the influx of guest priests
God, the source of love life with its multiple relationships. I social concerns agenda of to your area?
The first stage concerns the Loving our neighbor as Christ loves us am particularly referring to family, the Church?
source of true love. There is only one Now we have arrived at the third studies, work and free time. Dear The reasons for the influx of
source, and that is God. Saint John stage of our reflection. Christ cried young friends, cultivate your talents, The Church has a responsi- the guest priest in the diocese
makes this clear when he declares out from the Cross: “I am thirsty” not only to obtain a social position, bility to evangelize all aspects and are varied. The law of supply and
that “God is love” (1 Jn 4: 8,16). He (Jn 19:28). This shows us his burn- but also to help others to “grow”. strata of human life and this in- demand necessitates the pres-
was not simply saying that God ing thirst to love and to be loved by Develop your capacities, not only in cludes the political life of the na- ence of guest priests in the
loves us, but that the very being of each one of us. It is only by coming order to become more “competitive” tion. The clergy has a prophetic priest-strapped Diocese of
God is love. Here we find ourselves to perceive the depth and intensity and “productive”, but to be “wit- role to play in so far as helping Parañaque. Second, the general
before the most dazzling revelation of such a mystery that we can realize nesses of charity”. In addition to the citizenry acquire an enlight- phenomenon of midlife transition
of the source of love, the mystery of the need and urgency to love him as your professional training, also make ened, deliberate choice of lead- where the priests from the prov-
the Trinity: in God, one and triune, He has loved us. This also entails an effort to acquire religious knowl- ers, in view of Christian principles. inces who are in need of sabbati-
there is an everlasting exchange of the commitment to even give our edge that will help you to carry out But it belongs to the laity to di- cal break and personal renewal
love between the persons of the Fa- lives, if necessary, for our brothers your mission in a responsible way. rectly evangelize the philosophy tend to gravitate to the city of
ther and the Son, and this love is not and sisters sustained by love for In particular, I invite you to carefully and teachings of the Church and Metro Manila where they can
an energy or a sentiment, but it is a Him. God had already said in the Old study the social doctrine of the the faith dimension of our politi- take a breather.
person; it is the Holy Spirit. Testament: “You shall love your Church so that its principles may in- cal development as a nation.
neighbor as yourself” (Lev 19:18), spire and guide your action in the What is your assessment of
The Cross of Christ fully reveals but the innovation introduced by world. May the Holy Spirit make you Let’s move on the program the mainstream media’s
the love of God Christ is the fact that to love as he creative in charity, persevering in of family life apostolate in treatment of Church issues
How is God-Love revealed to loves us means loving everyone your commitments, and brave in your your diocese, how is it be- in the news?
us? We have now reached the sec- without distinction, even our en- initiatives, so that you will be able to ing observed in your area?
ond stage of our journey. Even emies, “to the end” (cf Jn 13:1). offer your contribution to the build- Mainstream media’s treat-
though the signs of divine love are ing up of the “civilization of love”. Specific family life programs ment of the Church issues is too
already clearly present in creation, Witnesses to the love of Christ The horizon of love is truly bound- (especially Pre-marriage Instruc- issue-oriented, conditioned by
the full revelation of the intimate I would like to linger for a mo- less: it is the whole world! tions) do exist. But the Commis- news-worthiness and coming
mystery of God came to us through ment on three areas of daily life where sion on Family Life on the Dioc- mainly from a hierarchical Church
the Incarnation when God himself you, my dear young friends, are par- “Dare to love” by following the ex- esan Level is still being organized (CBCP and individual bishops).
became man. In Christ, true God and ticularly called to demonstrate the ample of the saints as part of the mandate of the Di- There is a need to focus on basic
true Man, we have come to know love love of God. The first area is the My dear young friends, I want ocesan Pastoral Assembly. It is orientations, long term concerns
in all its magnitude. In fact, as I wrote Church, our spiritual family, made up to invite you to “dare to love”. Do the body that will develop the and perceptions drawn from the
in the Encyclical Deus caritas est, of all the disciples of Christ. Mindful not desire anything less for your life programs, organize the family-life other sectors of the Church, es-
“the real novelty of the New Testa- of his words: “By this everyone will than a love that is strong and beau- workers, train them in the promo- pecially the laity.
ment lies not so much in new ideas know that you are my disciples, if Message / P14
CBCP Monitor
6 Opinion Vol. 11 No. 6
March 19 - April 1, 2007

Editorial

Poor Philippines

There seems to be no end to the sad plight of


this country under not only the worse but still
worsening governance. Never before in its
history has this country been subjected to
shame and disgrace before the international
community.

It is seemingly not enough that this country’s


leaders have championed graft and corruption
in government. It is neither enough that people
are hungry when in the country and practically
slaves when working abroad for lack of local May the Holy Week observance
employment.And this, without even counting
the spectacle of millions of children that are out transcend the pageantry of rituals and
of school or the statistics that some 8 out of 10 bear fruit in a more concrete Christian
sick poor people are dying for lack of medicine.
concern for suffering brothers and sisters.
But all these seem to be condonable if only
because, perhaps, of its magnitude and therefore
numbing and incomprehensible effect. What’s

A Challenge to Become
deplorable is the continuing rise of murders Abp. Angel N. Lagdameo, DD
euphemistically called extrajudicial killings.

The United Nations Special Rapportuer already In and Out of Season God’s Agape and Eros
called the attention of the administration in no
uncertain words that the extrajudicial killings in (This is lifted from the homily of Archbishop Agape is self-giving love, looking fects and punishments of our sins, God
the country are too many for comfort. Yet right Angel Lagdameo at the Youth Gathering at exclusively for the good of the person sent his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ,
after he left, the killings simply went on without UST, Manila on March 10, 2007 when the
Holy Father prayed the rosary with the Youth loved. The love which we experience to be the new proof, the immortal image
remorse, without reserve. via satellite linkup) from God is undoubtedly agape. He has of God’s Agape and Eros, God’s desire
given to us everything that we are and to give and God’s desire to possess. The
The European Union also expressed its serious MY dear young people: we are gath- everything that we have. We cannot Holy Father asks, “Is there more ‘mad
ered tonight to offer the Eucharist in the give to God anything that he does not eros’ than that which led the Son of God
concern regarding the same killings which do spirit of Lent and to pray with the Holy possess or that did not come from him. to make himself one with us even to the
not respect either time or place. What is certain Father, Pope Benedict XVI, who will pray Everything is a divine gift to us. point of suffering as His own conse-
is that blood is spilled all over the land, at any the Most Holy Rosary with us via satel- But God’s love is also eros. Love- quences of our offenses?”
time, with no warning, much less any due cause. lite. eros is possessive-love, needing-love; “They shall look on Him whom they
The Holy Father himself has of- it is the love of someone who wants to have pierced”. Let us look at Christ
fered us the biblical theme that guides possess what he/she needs; it is the whom we have pierced in the cross! He
The US Congress likewise signified its disgust our Lenten Reflection. Together with love of someone who wants to be united is the unsurpassed expression of God’s
and disdain for exactly the same killings in the our Blessed Mother Mary and the with the person loved. Pope Benedict love. The sacrifice of our heroes for the
Philippines. It noted with both curiosity and Apostle John on Calvary, close to Jesus XVI said “God’s love is also eros ”. And fatherland, the martyrdom of the saints,
repugnance how come the administration proves forsaken and crucified, the Holy Father he recalls the image used by the prophet the pain and the hurts that we suffer for
offers the biblical theme from John 19/ Hosea: God’s divine passion for man, one another or for our beloved country,
inutile in stopping them. 37: “They shall look on him whom they God’s love for us is like the love of a are but a pale glimmer of that love shown
have crucified.” husband for his wife who has become in the Cross. Agape and Eros: self-giv-
One can only wonder what is next. It is worth In this season of prayer and pen- unfaithful; or the love of a wife towards ing love, and love that seeks to pos-
thinking if the present government has the ance, let us direct our gaze on Jesus her adulterous husband. How timely sess, far from being opposed, enlighten
capacity and the will to protect the lives of the Christ, Crucified, whom the sins of man- and appropriate is the image used by and compliment each other.
kind, from Adam to our time, have cruci- the prophet Hosea even for our time. In this Lenten season, we are chal-
citizens or would it rather play God deciding fied, but whose passion and death have Even in the midst of our infidelity lenged to become a force, to become
who live and who die. The question is worth restored to us new life and the forgive- and sinfulness, as happened in the case ourselves manifestations of God’s
asking why is it that the UN, the European Union ness of our sins. of Adam and the people of Israel, God agape and eros, as Jesus Christ is and
and the US Congress are the ones concerned There on the cross, Jesus revealed never wavered in his love for us. In the the saints were. In his Lenten Message,
with the preservation of the Filipino lives while fully for us the love of God. The Holy New Testament the mystery of the cross, Pope Benedict XVI says: “The response
Father in his encyclical Deus Caritas Est the image of Christ crucified reveals to the Lord ardently desires of us is above
the administration sees nothing wrong with this dwelt on the two fundamental forms of us God’s powerful and merciful love in all that we welcome His love and allow
ignominious waste of life. God’s love: love as agape and love as all its fullness. In order to win back our ourselves to be drawn to him. Accept-
eros. love, in order to redeem us from the ef- In and Out / P8

A Call to a Personal Jose B. Lugay

Commitment to the Lord Laik


Laikoo Lampstand
ISSN 1908-2940

CBCP Monitor
P r o ta g o n i s t of T ruth, Promoter of Peace DURING the Holy Week, we give more
time to spiritual introspection and remi-
rather than its journey to my Christian
spirituality. Gradually as I attended cat-
blooms from her garden to take them to
her tomb. He did this for 15 years be-
nisce what we have done or what we echism classes I began to understand fore he stopped. That was when the
Pedro C. Quitorio Pinky Barrientos, FSP have left undone—the sins we commit- the doctrines of the Catholic Church. American GI’s in Guiuan, Samar after
Editor-in-Chief Production Manager
ted, the laziness to give time to what Although morning and evening liberation vandalized grandmother’s
Melo M. Acuña the Lord wants us to do for our neigh- prayers sustained my young mind to grave which had a removable lid for
Rowena T. Dalanon
Managing Editor bors. be always in touch with the Lord, it was grandfather to place flowers on her
Circulation Manager
In a Self-Encounter retreat held by in the manifestation of true love, love breast. His devotion beyond death was
Dennis B. Dayao Ma. Lourdes G. Ebilane the Christian Family Movement last that could only emanate from a Divine the best teaching of love he passed on
On-Line Editor Marketing Supervisor March 1996, we were asked to deliber- source that I understood the love of to his children and grandchildren.
ate on how through life, we experienced God for us. This was my grandfather’s God’s love for me was a surprising
Roy Q. Lagarde Ernani M. Ramos the deepening relationship with God. devotion to the Lord and to his wife discovery that was made clear to me
News Editor Comptroller The exercise was to lead us to answer and family. by an SVD German priest, my religion
the call to commitment of our lives to As a young lad in grade school I teacher in first year High School—Fr.
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP
Communications Development Foundation, Inc., with the Lord as a lay person. We had to personally witnessed this—the devo- Ernest Hoerdemann. Feared by the stu-
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editorial and business offices at 470 Gen. Luna St., recall the early stage of our lives when tion of my grandfather to his wife—a dents because of his booming voice,
Intramuros, Manila. P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO. Edito- the call to commitment started. Here is manifestation of love beyond death. A he was respected for his excellence as
rial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612. my story: daily mass-goer and communicant, a teacher in catechism. One session,
Email: cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net Website: When I first received my first Holy grandfather never failed to visit my he gave a brilliant explanation of the
www.cbcpworld.net/cbcpmonitor Communion I was more engrossed with grandmother’s grave every morning. He Eucharist to our young minds: 1) That
the pomp and ceremony of the event usually picks flowers roses or jasmine Laiko / P8
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 6
March 19 - April 1, 2007 Opinion 7
Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS
Commandments for Rev. Euly B. Belizar, SThD

Love Life Pro-Life Voters By the Roadside


Roadside

PRO-LIFE groups are now busy iden-


tifying pro-life oriented political can-
too precious to be entrusted to such
people.
moral values and developing vir-
tues.
Is Our Jesus Dead?
didates, especially for Senate and 3. You shall not take your vote in vain. 8. You shall not vote for candidates
Congress. In the last Congress, our You shall not sell it for a price or for that advocate same-sex unions and MY niece Babette (her nickname) was about two years
the legalization of same-sex marriage old when she witnessed the Good Friday ‘Santo Entierro’
pro-life congressmen were truly cou- money. You shall not vote without
rageous in stopping the passage of scrutinizing the candidate’s track in the guise of anti-discrimination. procession in our hometown (Borongan, Eastern Samar).
9. You shall not vote candidates that She surveyed warily the enormous but mostly silent
anti-life/anti-family bills. Such bills will record both in public and private life.
surely be filed again in the coming 4. You shall not vote for candidates sell our country’s future to foreign crowd marching around town, accompanying Jesus ly-
and elite interest, concerned with ing still and motionless on a carro, and in her tiny voice
Congress so it is important that we that are in favor of legalizing abso-
elect into position those people we can lute divorce and are themselves not their vested interest to the destruc- said in plaintive, lisping Waray to her parents: “Tatay,
tion of our environment and natural Nanay, kay-ano damo tawo? Hadlok ak’…Ila Jesus
count on to protect our pro-life prin- faithful to their own marriage and
ciples. family. resources, and disregard the plight patay, ila Jesus patay! [Tatay, Nanay, why are there so
of the poor. many people? I’m scared…Their Jesus is dead, their Jesus
Here are guidelines for our vot- 5. You shall not vote for candidates
ers. that are for legalization of euthana- 10. You shall not vote for candidates is dead]!”
that are corrupt, steal from the gov- Of course, my niece was simply describing what she
Ten Commandments for Pro-life sia or mercy killing and are not car-
and Family Voters ing for the older persons and the ernment, that are insensitive to our was seeing.
people’s demand and opinion; that But even today I ask whether or not my niece was
1. Promote and defend Life at all times, sick.
from conception up to natural death. 6. You shall not vote for candidates are undemocratic, unjust and unpa- actually making a rather profound commentary on the
triotic in their governance and pro- way my home parish and, by and large, my country prac-
You shall not have false values that that are for legalization of abortion
degrade the dignity of life and the and any form of abortifacients. You grams. True development is the tice the Christian faith. Holy Week is such a huge hit
upliftment of the lives of the least of among us but especially Good Friday. Since my child-
welfare of the family, the basic unit shall not vote for candidates that
of society. advocate for reproductive rights our brethren and the enjoyment of hood I’ve never seen any church activity more attended
justice, freedom and peace. than the procession of the dead Jesus dramatically en-
2. You shall not compromise your pro- and support contraceptive use and
life and pro-family principles in your sterilization as a means for popula- Please feel free to reproduce and cased in a glass-covered structure and joined in by such
distribute this to as many people as a massive number of people one can neither see nor tell
dialogue with and in selecting can- tion control.
didates. You shall not bow down to 7. You shall not vote for candidates possible. where the procession’s tail-end is. I assume this is also
For more information, call our pro- true in many parts of the archipelago (an assumption I
immoral, corrupt and inept candi- that promote sex education that is
dates and vote them to office. Our focused on contraceptive use and life office at 911-2922 or email us at verify with others’ and my own experiences in other
life@prolife.org.ph. places). We need to ask: Are we ‘Santo Entierro’ Chris-
life, our family and our country are emphasize “safe sex’ rather than
tians? Hasn’t this have consequences on our faith prac-
tice?
We are admittedly the country with the most numer-
ous Christian (especially Catholic) population in Asia.
Oscar V. Cruz, DD
2007 Government Debt: Yet, the latest PERC (the Hong Kong-based Political and
Economic Risk Consultancy) survey says we are also
V ie ws and P
iews oints
Points
Pesos 3.82 Trillion
perceived to be ‘the most corrupt country in Asia’. We
must allow the likes of Babette to say to us: Isn’t this
because our Jesus is dead? Isn’t our Jesus dead be-
cause we hardly see him alive in our political, eco-
A MILLION pesos while sizable is still In fact, to incur more and bigger debts and the medicine they need, are all nomic and socio-cultural realities? Our Jesus, others
imaginable, still countable to relatively has become a matter of course for the taxed by the government, direct and may say more with their eyes than with their lips, seems
many people. A billion pesos become present administration. indirect taxes are all meant not only to dead and proofs of it abound: a selfish elite basking in
already difficult to count and even The principle and the practice re- pay for BIG government expenses but the benefits of economic prosperity that doesn’t trickle
highly improbable to have for the big main the same: the government owes to pay as well for also big government down to the poor hungry masses; a perennially-tainted
majority of Filipinos. But a trillion pe- and the people pay. The government debts. electoral system; a damaged educational system where
sos—this is definitely an amount that is wallowing in money while the people The truly disturbing fact is that cheating leakages are only symptomatic of a culture given
baffles the mind of almost all Filipinos. are suffering from hunger and want. the present administration has been to moral compromises; a socially unjust system that’s
For the present administration how- No Filipino is spared from paying taxes long since making money by deliber- incessantly analyzed and legislated against but never
ever, trillions of pesos are peanuts. from birth to death. It is not enough ately and resolutely marketing abroad resolved; elite Catholic schools or parishes that produce
And this is especially true when that those who are able pay direct people themselves. It is not a secret Catholics who know little and practice even less their so-
Malacañang indulges in incurring taxes. It was not enough that even the that the country is kept financially called ‘Christian faith’; Catholic politicians who are prodi-
debts from all possible local and inter- poorest paid value added tax for all afloat by the taxed remittances of gal with the people’s money but are stingy with their
national sources. consumer goods they need. They are OFW’s, a good number of whom are presence or service; a largely Catholic electorate who
There is one thing both interest- now even required to pay the infamous working like veritable slaves. short-cuts its way to money and a sense of prosperity
ing and disgusting in this matter of e-vat for exactly the same items they So on goes the ominous and odi- by selling its vote or support to the highest political
national debts. This: The government consume. ous reality in this country. The present bidder and in the end getting the leaders and the current
incurs the debt at will while the people Rice and corn, clothes and shoes, administration goes on borrowing situation it laments of, in the first place. There are more
make the payments per force. No big milk, cotton and diapers—not to men- money while the citizens continue pay- proofs the reader can add. But the point is that, in all
deal if the foreseen national debt this tion gasoline, fuel, and all other con- ing with their hard earned pesos. And these realities, can anyone detect Jesus alive in us Fili-
year has a mind-boggling total esti- sumers items—are infallibly taxed and where does all the money go? This is pino Catholics of today?
mate of pesos 3.82. So what if the debt a good number of poor people do not another thorny issue, another sad My niece Babette has a point. We get the Paschal
becomes much more in the years ahead. even know that the water they drink story, another sorrowful mystery. Mystery wrong when we become mere ‘Santo Entierro’
Christians, when we think Holy Week ends with Good
Friday. The result of this incomplete view of Jesus is the
‘scary’ pass we are in. It is about time we let out the
Melo M. Acuña
Impossible Dreams,
whole truth: Jesus suffered, yes. Jesus died, yes. BUT
JESUS IS ALSO RISEN FROM THE DEAD! We need to
Issues and Concerns shift our focus from the Santo Entierro to the empty tomb,
Anyone? from Good Friday to EASTER! We need to show Jesus is
alive in us and in the country and the world we live in,
with all its flaws and fortes, in its systems and mores.
I’m struck as I go through the very first Christian
IT has been said tension exists be- called on everyone to keep the polls may not be too outstanding, except gospel of Mark. In three succeeding chapters, namely
tween the government and its people honest, orderly, peaceful and cred- for a few who have experience in law- chapters 8:31, 9: 31; and 10:33-34, at which Jesus remark-
when the country’s leaders no longer ible. The candidates then had the making. ably foresees the terrors of his own sufferings and death,
represent the people’s interests and same set of promises and programs With the party-list aside, take a he never fails to add: “and three days after HE WILL
for their failure to realize their dreams of government which, more often than long, hard look at the principles put RISE”. In a word, even from the lips of the Savior we are
on a levelled playing field where op- not, never got realized. forth by both the Administration and told that his saving work didn’t end with his suffering or
portunities lie for everyone qualified Of course, without sounding the Opposition. In fact, some believe death but with his resurrection and ‘exaltation’. It is be-
to work. nostalgic, I recall covering for Veritas they are one and the same. cause of the glory of Easter that even the horror of his
Two weeks ago, I chanced upon a 846 the series of rallies during the What we need are servant-lead- death is swept away in his description of it in the gospel
youth seminar at the Social Action later part of 2000 and the early days ers and never dealers masquerading of John as a time of his own ‘glorification’. “And Jesus
Center of Pampanga (SACOP) which of January 2001 when almost every- as leaders. I came across the Declara- answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man
Archbishop Paciano Aniceto and Aux- one had something to say about graft tion of Principles of Ang Kapatiran, to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain
iliary Bishop Roberto C. Mallari hosted and corrupt practices and illegal gam- also known as “ The Alliance for the of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a
to get high school and college stu- bling. In fact, I witnessed the forma- Common Good” which fielded three grain of wheat; but if it dies it produces much fruit” (Jn
dents into action for the coming mid- tion of the so-called coalition between candidates for the Senate, namely Dr. 12:23-24). Jesus is never meant to die, with death as his
term elections. One of the animators the Right and the Left along Ayala Martin Bautista, Atty. Zosimo Jesus defining moment. His defining moment is not in his grain
said all is not lost for there’s much hope Avenue. “Jess” Paredes II and Atty. Adrian falling to the ground and dying, but in his death bearing
for a country as ours. He went on to However, the issues then seemed “Dado” Sison. Should they be able to its fruit which is the RESURRECTION.
recite the lyrics of “The Impossible to have remained. What we had was bring forth their message across, they But the death of Jesus also casts some light on why
Dream.” The only problem is we’ve got a simple change in faces of people would definitely land seats at the Sen- Jesus doesn’t seem alive in Philippine society today. For
an oversupply of “promising” politi- who held power. After the 2004 polls, ate and may bring a difference. that death is something we are called not simply to pa-
cians and leaders, insensitive to the the same issues remained. In fact, Whatever votes they get would rade about in our Santo Entierro processions; it is a death
real problems of the common man. there are two major problems today: only prove the political maturity or we must share. Thus we must state here a painful truth:
During my younger days in high the rich worrying of their wealth and the lack of it in our country today. The reason Jesus is scarcely seen alive in Philippine so-
school, I was part of the Citizens Na- the poor worrying of their poverty. We never run out of idealists, people Roadside / P8
tional Electoral Assembly which Today’s candidates for the Senate who dream “The Impossible Dream.”
CBCP Monitor
8 CBCP Commissions Vol. 11 No. 6
March 19 - April 1, 2007

POPE Benedict XVI, in the homily authority of the Magisterium, and


he gave at the Basilica of St. John received by faith. These givens have
Lateran, just a month after his elec- the force of principles. To eliminate
tion, said: “The pope isn’t an abso- them would mean to cease doing
lute sovereign, whose thoughts and theology” (no. 12) (italics added).
desires are law. On the contrary, the A theologian’s work, therefore,
ministry of the pope is the guarantor finds its highest fulfillment in its
of the obedience toward Christ and ecclesial service. “To be sure, the-
His Word”. ology and the Magisterium are of
The image of a pope as minister diverse natures and missions and
of the Word of our Savior, and not cannot be confused. Nonetheless,
as an authoritarian teacher of the they fulfill two vital roles in the
Word, is a constant in the entire his- Church which must interpenetrate
tory of the Church. It does not mat- and enrich each other for the service
ter if the Pope was St. Peter or of the People of God (…) As for theo-
Alexander VI or Benedict XVI: by a logians, by virtue of their own proper
special grace of God, whoever is the charisms, they have the responsibil-
Vicar of Christ on earth, he is con- ity of participating in the building up
scious of being a person entrusted of Christ’s Body in unity and truth.
with Divine Revelation—a reality Their contribution is needed more
which he has to proclaim, defend and than ever, for evangelization on a
transform into Life, in himself and in world scale requires the efforts of the
the whole Church.
The weight that any pope feels
on his shoulders is shared by any
Episcopal Commission on whole People of God” (ibid., no. 40).
In his autobiography, the future
Benedict XVI recalls an incident that

Doctrine of the Faith (ECDF)


bishop in his own diocese. “Feed my involved one of his favorite profes-
sheep”—Our Redeemer’s instruction sors in the theological faculty of the
to St. Peter—resounds in the heart University of Munich, Gottlieb
of every bishop. He is given super- Söhngen. That professor held the
natural powers to feed his flock with By Fr. Luis P. Supan opinion that the Blessed Virgin was
the Word by means of his non-trans- not assumed to heaven, body and
ferable duty to govern, to teach, and “orthodontics”—the science and art without a guide whose credibility the late John Paul II. The subtitle soul. A Lutheran friend of Söhngen’s
sanctify. of correcting dental problems.) As rests, in the last analysis, on God sounded offensive to some politi- asked him during a debate: “But
While it is true that this duty is such, orthodoxy does not only mean himself, Truth itself? cally correct ears: “On the unicity what will you do if the dogma is nev-
non-transferable, a bishop is at the “accepting established facts and Benedict XVI, in the homily of and universality of the salvific mis- ertheless defined? Won’t you have
same time assured of the help of the practices”; it becomes a necessity— the Mass just before the conclave sion of Jesus Christ”. The Declara- to turn your back on the Catholic
whole Church, concretely that of the if one is sincerely pursuing the truth that elected him, said: “Having a clear tion merely put together the peren- Church?” Söhngen thought for a
members of the episcopal conference about God, man and the world. faith, based on the Creed of the nial tenets of Christology—that moment and then answered in words
to which he belongs. It is in this con- Reaching the truth is not an easy Church, is often labeled today as Jesus Christ is God made man, the that continued to resonate in
text where the CBCP Commission on goal to achieve. Any student of the fundamentalism… Whereas relativ- promised savior of mankind; that He Ratzinger’s mind for the rest of his
the Doctrine of the Faith carries out history of philosophy and theology ism, which is letting oneself be had entrusted to the Church the mis- life. “If the dogma comes”, said
its functions. The commission on can reach that conclusion very tossed and ‘swept along by every sion of continuing the proclamation Söhngen, “then I will remember that
doctrine of any episcopal conference quickly. If man is constantly deterred wind of teaching’ looks like the only of the Good News. According to the the Church is wiser than I and that I
does not supplant the bishops’ re- from using his intellect correctly due attitude acceptable to today’s stan- principles of relativism, Jesus Christ must trust her more than my own eru-
sponsibility to guide their own flock to its inherent limitations, coupled dards”. Contemporary culture scoffs cannot claim to be the only savior of dition”. (Quoted from Stephen
towards a faithful adherence to by the subjective impediments of at any claim of possessing the truth, mankind (i.e., “He may be Christ, but Mansfield, Pope Benedict XVI (His
Christ’s teachings; it exists in order prejudice, passion and the capital in particular religious truth. This is he is not the only one”), much less Life and Mission), Tarcher-Penguin,
to facilitate the bishops’ ministry in sins (especially pride), it stands to the logical outcome of philosophi- could the Church claim that it is only New York, 2005, pp. 58-59).
this matter. reason that he needs an “intellectual cal skepticism—the conviction that in Him and through Him that salva-
In the same way that the Holy
See’s Congregation for the Doctrine
lighthouse” to guide him safely to
port. This is the role of the
man’s intellect is incapable of reach-
ing the truth, so man should be con-
tion is to reach all men. It was sad
because many of the cold and, at OFFICERS
of the Faith assists the Pope in safe- Magisterium, the teaching authority tent with accepting various opin- worst, angry reactions to that Dec-
guarding and in explaining Divine of the Church, exercised by the Pope ions. Thus, man cannot talk of “ab- laration came from Catholic theolo- Chairman
Bp. Luis Antonio G. Tagle
Revelation (the “deposit of the and the bishops in communion with solute truth” especially in religious gians. Vice Chairman
Faith”), so does the doctrinal com- him. or moral questions. Moral relativism An important but frequently ig- Bp. Arturo M. Bastes, SVD
mission serve the bishops of an epis- To be orthodox, therefore, is to is the spirit behind the social trag- nored-document in this regard is the Members
copal conference. News reports be assured of reaching the truth. edies of modern man. What’s more, Instruction “On the ecclesial voca- Bp. Jose F. Advincula
Bp. Teodoro C. Bacani
about the said Congregation (of Inversely, it can be said that any er- the Pope said in the same homily: tion of the theologian” of the same Abp. Onesimo C. Gordoncillo
which the present Pope was the Pre- roneous statement in matters of “We are moving toward a dictator- Congregation, published in May Bp. Edwin A. de la Pena, MSP
fect for over two decades) usually Christian faith and morals is really a ship of relativism which does not 1990. After acknowledging the nec- Bp. Jose F. Oliveros
describe it as a “watchdog of doctri- failure in “correct thinking”. This recognize anything as for certain and essary contributions of theologians
nal orthodoxy”. Perhaps that label made St. Thomas Aquinas, describe which has as its highest goal one’s to the understanding and communi- Executive Secretary
Fr. Luis P. Supan
causes uneasiness in some minds, error as a monstrous product of the own ego and one’s own desires”. cation of Revelation, the Instruction Office
for whom “orthodoxy” connotes a intellect (analogous to a physically- The Pope must still have fresh comments on freedom of research as Samar Study Center
way of thinking that is unwilling to deformed newborn). Given man’s real in his mind the unfriendly reactions applied in theology: “In theology this 159 Mother Ignacia St., South
embrace change and progress. limitations in solving correctly even that greeted the Declaration Domi- freedom of inquiry is the hallmark of Triangle, 1103 Quezon City
Etymologically, “orthodoxy” just the riddles of nature, how much nus Iesus (August 2000), coming a rational discipline whose object is Mobile No. : 09276370283
means “correct opinion” or “correct more difficult would it be for him to from the Congregation for the Doc- given by Revelation, handed on and Fax : 929-3541
thinking”. (The word sounds like unravel the mysteries of Revelation trine of the Faith, and approved by interpreted in the Church under the

In and Out / from p6 Laiko / from p6


ing his love, however, is not ing the call to participate in chang- our Lord God loved us so much He wants it! From that time on, I but once. Do the best you can.
enough. We need to respond to ing the situation of our economy, that He gave his only Son who died developed a prayer life together 2. The best prayer I want to hear
such love and devote ourselves to politics, and society. Let us help for us on the cross to save us from with my wife. Attending mass fre- from you is doing the best you
communicating it to others. Christ transform the crisis of our sins; 2) That this sacrifice is quently during my youth, the Gos- can with the gifts I gave you.
‘draws me to himself’ in order to disempowerment, distrust and dis- repeated every time the Eucharis- pel readings left in my soul some 3. If you want to thank Me, serve
unite himself to me, so that I learn illusionment into coordinated and tic Mass is celebrated and that the seemingly imperceptible messages your fellowmen, specially those
to love the brothers with his own collaborative action that will bring host, after the priest’s consecration from the Lord. who have less in life.
love.” about Bagong Pag-asa, Bagong becomes the body and blood of In today’s corporate world 4. Remember you started from
Let us stand up to the chal- Kilusan para sa Bagong Buhay. Let Jesus Christ. they describe it as a frame of mind, nothing and I placed you where
lenge of God’s agape and God’s us open our doors to new possibili- My young mind deduced that a paradigm. However I believe it you are now. Continue show-
eros. The image is no less than that ties for our country by participat- if man can show deep love to a mor- is the Lord’s call for me—A CALL ing Me your love through sac-
of Jesus Crucified, “Him whom they ing to make the forthcoming elec- tal being, like my grandfather’s love TO COMMITMENT TO HIM. rifice.
have pierced.” Agape—love of giv- tion a clean, honest, accurate, mean- to his wife, how much more feasible These are the messages perma- Now at the age of 78, I am still
ing to the beloved. Eros—love of ingful and peaceful (C.H.A.M.P.) it is for God with all His powers to nently imprinted in my soul: striving to live by the call to com-
being united with the beloved, election. show His love for us in the manner 1. Life is short. you pass this way mitment to the Lord.
through mutual understanding, mu- Let us stand up to the challenge
tual forgiveness, mutual self-giving. of rebuilding our democratic institu- Roadside / from p7
Let us stand up to the chal- tions by discovering not what we can
lenge of agape and eros, and make only criticize but by discovering and ciety is that we Filipino Christians believe that we shall also live with by the same power. “He will trans-
it an impulse or motivation to de- actually doing our positive share in have still to truly die with him by es- him” (Rom 6:8). form our lowly body and pattern it
velop the “civilization of love” into renewing our society. pecially dying to the sins of selfish- If Babette were to ask me today, after his glorified body by the same
a culture of collaboration, solidar- Yon pong sinabi natin last De- ness, greed for power and money, ‘Is our Jesus dead?’ I would say: power that enables him to subject
ity and communion. Show this in cember na “Watch and Pray” indifference to unjust and oppres- The question should be, ‘Until when everything unto himself” (Rom
your respective families, making ipakita po uli natin sa sive ways and lifestyles, and the do we refuse to die with Jesus so 20:21).
them schools of love. Show this in pamamagitan ng pakikilahok, pride that blinds us to the basic that we may reap the fruits of his The Christian insight seems
your respective classrooms, making halimbawa sa mobimiento ng equality among us and induces us resurrection?’ The grain, after all, clear enough: If we die with Jesus,
your classrooms homes of collabo- PPCRV sa inyong respective par- to mistreat fellow Filipinos or other must fall to the ground and die; only he will live in us. Jesus ALIVE in us
ration, and communion. ishes and Dioceses ngayong human beings as notches below us then can and will it bear “much fruit”. will enable us, by the power of his
Show this in your respective darating na election. Makipag- in dignity for reasons of our social, The ‘much fruit’ is an allusion not resurrection, to transform even our
work, and profession, making them ugnayan po kayo sa inyong economic and political disparities. only to the transformation wrought lowly and decaying society after the
channels of God’s love through you. parokya upang malaman kung We need to assimilate the truth St. in Jesus’ body by his own resurrec- pattern of his Risen Body! Let this
Let us stand up to the chal- paano kayo makikipag-ugnayan sa Paul preaches to the Romans: “If then tion but also in the transformation be our prayer and our collective call
lenge of agape and eros by accept- trabahong ito para sa ating bayan. we have died with Christ, then we Jesus will work in us and through us to action.
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 6
March 19 - April 1, 2007 Diocese 9
IN the beginning, there was no Phil- installed in Butuan. They dedicated
ippines, but there was Butuan! the first Church and convent erected
Butuan is an ancient kingdom in Banza in 1625 to St. Joseph. In
in Mindanao, whose name was the 1753, the church and the convent,
oldest ever mentioned in the annals including those in other areas in
of history. It is more ancient than the Caraga were burned by Muslim pi-
name given to it (Filipinas) by the rates.
Spaniards in 1543. The name Butuan More than 250 years of toil for
was inscribed in China (Sung His- Christianity marked the mission of
tory 1000 A.D) in Sanskrit, Butuan the Recollects in Butuan. Fray Pedro
paleograph and ivory seal circa 13 de la Virgen de Los Martires, OAR
&14; in Portuguese (1512) and Span- was the last Recollect Parish Priest
ish (1521). of Butuan. Butuan at this time was
In the past, the natives of relocated in Baug (now Magallanes),
Butuan called Butuanons but this was transferred to its present
[(Butuanese by the Chinese traders, site in Agao under the recommenda-
(National Geographic, July 1986)] tion of the succeeding priest, Fr.
used the balanghai as their means of Raymundo Pamies, SJ. He built and
transportation in navigating the riv- dedicated the second stone church St. Joseph Cathedral, Butuan City
erine highways. In the year C. 1000 of Butuan on 19 March 1884. From
A.D., Butuan was already trading the St. Joseph Parish of Butuan, Je-
with Xiamen and its neighbors in
Asia (National Geographic, July
1986). The name “Butuan” is used
up to the present by the City and of
suit missionaries started their work
of evangelization for the “lumads”
of Upper Agusan. These were made
through the efforts of Fr. Juan
The Diocese of Butuan
the Diocese. Butuanon is the native Casellas, Fr. Domingo Bové, Fr. by Fr. Joesilo C. Amalla
language used by the ancients and Raymundo Pamies and Fr. Saturnino
is still used at present. Urios (Catalogus Provinciae
This kingdom and its people Hispanae Societatis Iesu Ineunte Birth of Diocesan Clergy Mary in Kitcharao; Virgen del
were led by two Butuanon kings who anno 1859, p. 29). Through the motivation of the Carmen in Carmen; Christ the King
were brothers, Rajah Siagu and Ra- missionaries and the formation given in Tungao; Sacred Heart in San Fran-
jah Colambu. They were the kings Return of the Missionaries by the Belgian Fathers (CICM), the cisco and Bayugan. Thirteen Catho-
who hospitably met the Spaniards When the Jesuits returned to call for priestly vocation was ad- lic schools were established. There
aboard Armada de Malucco who first the Butuan Mission in 1901, they dressed. The diocesan clergy be- were 15 Sisters serving the people
circumnavigated the world in 1521. found out that there was a prolifera- came the shepherds of our parishes of the two Agusan provinces. The
Their chaplain offered a Thanksgiv- tion of Protestantism and the rise of at present. The Missionary Sisters whole population of the diocese that
ing Mass on Easter Sunday in the the Philippine Independent Church of Mary, founded by Bishop Charles year was 312,211 with Catholics num-
island of Masawa of Butuan, where led by Gregorio Aglipay. In these cir- van den Ouwelant, MSC and Fr. bering 270,180.
their Captain General planted a Cross cumstances, a rift was felt when the Herman van der Sman, (MSC) in 1958
on these islands, which they claimed Americans brought in their religion, answered the catechetical needs of Development of the Ministries and
for the Crown of Spain (“ Primo their culture and their way of gov- the time. This local congregation of Apostolates
Viaggio Intorno Al Mondo”, The ernment, their public school system sisters later grew in number and While the priests and the sis-
Phil. Islands, vol. 33, pp.123, 133.) and the use of the English language served Agusan provinces, and is ters worked in the parishes and
as the medium of instruction and now spread in many parts of the Catholic schools, the lay people also
Europeans in the Islands communication. The Filipinistas oc- world. served the Church under the moti-
After a few years, several expe- cupied Roman Catholic Churches, The founding of the St. Peter vation and inspiration of Vatican II. His Excellency
ditions reached the Butuan shores, the convents, school, cemeteries Seminary in Ampayon, Butuan City Many signed up for membership in Most Rev. Juan de Dios Pueb-
Francisco de Castro in 1538, Rui and other properties owned by the in 1959 made an impact in the local various religious organizations, los, D.D., Bishop of Butuan
Lopez de Villalobos in 1543; Rui Roman Catholic Church in parishes need for priests. It should be remem- among them; Apostolado de la
Lopez de Legaspi in 1565. The for- under Spanish priests. bered that the implementation of the Oracion, Legion of Mary, Knights of renamed to Fr. Saturnino Urios Uni-
mal evangelization of Mindanao The local revolution heated un- documents of the Vatican Council II Columbus, Daughters of Isabela, versity (FSUU). This is now the cen-
started in 1596 by the Jesuits. Fr. der the leadership of Andres Atega (1962-1967) made a dent in the pres- Catholic Womens’ League, Curcillos ter of Catholic religious education in
Valerio de Ledesma and Fr. Manuel & Gumercindo Flores. During the ervation of Catholic Culture and the de Cristianidad, Young Christian Caraga Region and one of the “top-
Martinez blessed the first Catholic revolution a unique historical event massive decrease of vocation to Workers, Catholic Youth Organiza- twenty schools” in the Philippines.
Church and Christian community in happened—the raising of four flags consecrated life of priests and reli- tion, Catholic Faith Defenders, the
Mindanao on September 8, 1957 in in Butuan within a span of one gious. This phenomenon did not Catechists, and other organizations Ecclesia Semper Reformanda
Butuan. This community in Butuan month—the Spanish flag, the white only happen in Butuan, in that helped the priests in their minis- The Vatican Council II (1912-
was also the first group of people flag of surrender, the Vatican flag and Mindanao; but affected the entire try. There was also a positive growth 1965) changed the thrust of the
who heard a homily on our holy the new Philippine flag. Fr. Saturnino Church. in enrolment in Catholic schools and Church and brought change in the
Faith. It should be remembered that Urios became the parish priest when those who entered the seminary. life of faith and the belief of the faith-
before Christianity was spread in the the missionaries came back to “Dioecesis Butuanensis” in In 1976 the management of ful. Pope John XXIII (1958-1963)
Philippines, the natives already had Butuan. He became the judge and Mindanao Urios College was entrusted to civil- started the changes which were pur-
their own culture and set of beliefs. interpreter between the natives and The credit for the establishment ian hands. The administration of sued by Pope Paul VI (1963-1978).
They were not yet introduced to any the Americans, and the disagree- of the Butuan Diocese goes to Msgr. Saint Peter Seminary was turned over The two pontiffs realized the need
structured religion like Hinduism, ments between the “lumads” and the Carlos van den Ouwelant, MSC. It by the CICM Fathers to the diocesan for the change in the
Buddhism, Islam or Catholicism. Is- Christians. Fr. Urios reopened the was during his episcopacy that he priests. It was also converted into a “aggiornamento” of the liturgy and
lam in Sulu (1380) and Christianity in parochial school of Butuan in 1901. recommended the creation of a dio- college seminary to enable the semi- the “approfondimento” of theology.
Butuan, (1521) first came to the Phil- In 1935, the mission of Jesuits in cese for Agusan. Butuan was cre- narians to pursue theological stud- Under their papacies, clergy and re-
ippine Islands through Mindanao. Butuan ended. They were replaced ated a bishopric on March 20, 1967 ies after their spiritual and philo- ligious men and women have begun
by the Sacred Heart Missionaries through the Apostolic Constitution sophical formation. asking the meaning of their conse-
The Advent of the Missionaries (MSC) from the Netherlands. Fr. Juan “Eodem officio” issued by Pope Paul cration vis-à-vis the new structures
The Jesuits did not stay long Ruijter, MSC became the parish priest VI. The procurator of the Collegio Religious and Political Develop- and models of the Church and their
and were sent back to their missions in Butuan while Fr. Martin Fransen, Filipino in Rome, Fr. Carmelo D. F. ments relevance in the modern times.
in the Visayas. They were replaced MSC was assigned in Cabadbaran. Morelos, a Bicolano; was appointed Bishop Morelos became the In their desire to strengthen the
by diocesan priests from India and After 15 years, on August 2, 1950, as its first bishop on April 4, 1967. 13th president of the Catholic Bish- local Churches, the Mindanao Sulu
Portugal until eight Augustinian Butuan became a city though R.A. The see of Butuan (Dioecesis ops’ Conference of the Philippines Pastoral Conference (MSPC) was
Recollect friars arrived in Mindanao 253. The enactment of another law, Butuanensis) (cf. Acta Apostolicae (CBCP) from 1991-1995. He was ap- conceived. This was first staged in
in 1622. They established their first R.A 4979 on June 17, 1967, split Sedis, vol. IX p. 531) was taken from pointed as archbishop of Zamboanga Davao in 1971; while the 8th MSPC
mission station in Tandag, Butuan, Agusan into Agusan Sur and the bishopric of Surigao. It was a on Dec. 8, 1994 by Pope John Paul II. was held in Butuan on October 23-
Jabonga and Cagayan de Oro. Fray Agusan Norte. part of Cagayan de Oro which was During the vacancy (sede vacante) 27, 1989. The spirit, principle and
Jacinto de San Fulfencio, OAR was elevated into a diocese in 1933. of the diocese, the Caraga Region policies and other measures agreed
was born through R.A. 7901, on Feb. upon in their meeting were bought
First Parishes of Agusan and their 23, 1995. It is comprised of the two to their respective dioceses. The end
IMPORTANT FACTS Growth
A few years after the second
Agusan provinces, the two Surigao
provinces, Butuan City and Surigao
result of this was the creation of the
GKK at the parish level.
world war in 1948, the whole of City. Butuan was made the regional These three important gather-
Bishops …………………………. 2 Educational Centers: Agusan had only eight parishes: San capital. On Nov. 24 of that same year, ings, Vatican II, PCP II and MSPC (I-
Diocesan Priests ……………….. 78 Colleges:
Religious Priests ……………….. 29 Diocesan ………....………… 3 Jose in Butuan, La Asuscion in Bishop Juan de Dios M. Pueblos was XII); helped in setting up of the Di-
Religious Sisters ……………..... 69 Enrollment …….....…. 4,913 Jabonga: San Jose in Bunawan, San appointed second bishop of ocesan Pastoral Assembly (DPA) of
Religious ………….....……… 1 Estanislao Kostka in Talacugon, San Butuan. He was installed on Janu- Butuan in 1998, where a retrospec-
Seminarians: Enrollment ….....……… 282 Ignacio de Loyola in La Esperanza, ary 17, 1996 by Archbishop Gian tive analysis was made to find out
Pre-College …………..…........ 48 High Schools:
College …………….........……. 70 Diocesan ………....………. 14 La Candelaria in Cabadbaran, Vincenzo Moreni, the Apostolic where the Church stands to its “be-
Seminarians from other dioceses Enrollment ……...…. 7,359 Santiago in Buena Vista and San Nuncio, at St. Joseph Cathedral. In ing Church” and its “being Church
studying in the diocese: Religious …………....……… 3 Miguel Arcanghel in Nasipit. Ten 2003, the diocese had three bishops of the Poor”, and its being a commu-
Pre-college ………........………. 1 Enrollment ……....…… 277 religious priests (MSC), 3 Sisters in residence: Bishop-Emeritus Carlos nity of the faithful in the present
College …………........……….. 16 Elementary:
Augustinians Discalced ………… 35 Diocesan ………...………... 2 (RVM), and 3 Catholic schools van den Ouwelant, MSC, who died times. The DPA drew up some guide-
Seminarians of the diocese studying Enrollment ….....……… 859 served the almost 70 thousand on August 22, 2003; Bp. Juan de lines to smoothen the management
in other diocese: Kindergarten: Catholics in a population of 92,575. Dios Pueblos as the local Ordinary and the life of the diocese.
Theology ………….......……… 13 Parochial …………...……... 2 A year after the diocese of and Bp. Zacarias Jimenez, appointed
Enrollment ……....……. 451 The challenge of the Church to the
Butuan was created; there were al- as auxiliary bishop on June 11, 2003.
Diocesan Divisions:
Districts …………......………... 8 Institutions: ready four diocesan clergy and 14 On Aug. 4, 2006, Urios College, Faithful
Parishes with Resident Pastors: Seminar/Retreat House …..…... 1 religious priests. Additional seven one of the oldest Catholic schools From being a mission-accept-
Diocesan Clergy …….....……. 34 Population ………...…. 1,268,713 parishes were erected; Sta. Cruz in in Mindanao; was formally granted ing country in the past, we are now a
Religious Clergy ……......……. 14 Area …….…. 11,276.85 sq. kms. Ampayon; Sta. Rosario in university status by the Commission mission-sending country. After help-
Magallanes, Immaculate Heart of on Higher Education (CHED). It was Butuan / P10
CBCP Monitor
10 Liturgy Vol. 11 No. 6
March 19 - April 1, 2007

THE rubrics for Holy Saturday found preparatory rites, it takes place at this
in the Missale Romanum, editio moment.” Of course no. 33 of the Rite
typica tertia address several matters of Christian Initiation of Adults
which will be helpful to those in- points out: “The National Confer-
volved in the preparation of the cel- ence of Catholic Bishops approves
ebration of the Easter Vigil. the omission of the anointing with
the oil of catechumens both in the
Introduction to the Easter Vigil celebration of baptism and in the
optional preparation rites for Holy
The rubrics of the Missale Saturday. Thus, anointing with the
Romanum remind us that this oil of catechumens is reserved for
“mother of all vigils” is the “greatest use in the period of the
and most noble of all solemnities and catechumenate and in the period of
it is to be unique in every single purification and enlightenment, and
Church” (Missale Romanum, “Ru- is not to be included in the purifica-
brics for the Easter Vigil” (EV), no.2). tion rites on Holy Saturday or in the
On this holy night, the Church keeps celebration of initiation at the Easter
watch, celebrating the resurrection Vigil or at another time.”
of Christ in the sacraments and Number 49 of the rubrics for the
awaiting his return in glory. It is the Easter Vigil notes that when there are
turning point of the Triduum, the many to be baptized, the priest may
Passover of the new covenant, ask for the renewal of baptismal
which marks Christ’s passage from promises of all present immediately
death to life. Therefore, the Easter after the profession of faith made by
Vigil does not correspond to the
usual Saturday evening Mass and
its character is unique in the cycle of
The New Missale Romanum those to be baptized, along with the
godparents and parents.
The celebration of Confirmation
is to take place in the sanctuary as
the liturgical year.
The Vigil, by its very nature,
“ought to take place at night” (EV,
no. 3). It is not begun before night-
and the Easter Vigil indicated in the Pontifical or the
Roman Ritual.

fall and should end before daybreak ing the words indicated. After these tament chosen from the law and the fants, takes place at the Easter Vigil. Liturgy of the Eucharist
on Easter Sunday. The celebration rites, the priest lights the candle from prophets and two readings from the Even if there are no candidates for Care should be taken that, par-
of the Easter Vigil takes the place of the new fire and says: May the light New Testament, namely from the baptism, the blessing of baptismal ticularly in regard to this night’s cel-
the Office of Readings (EV, no. 5). of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the apostles and from the gospel. Thus, water should take place in parish ebration of the Eucharist, the liturgy
The role of the deacon assist- darkness of our hearts and minds. the Lord “beginning with Moses and churches. At the very least, baptism is not done in haste and that all the
ing the priest is highlighted in the (EV, no.14) all the prophets” ( Lk 24.27, 44-45) should be commemorated by the rites and words should be given their
new Missale, although it is noted The organization of the proces- meets us once again on our journey blessing of water intended for sprin- full force.
that in his absence his duties may sion is more clearly described in the and, opening up our minds and kling upon the people. The Missale has incorporated
be exercised by the priest celebrant new Missale Romanum. One of the hearts, prepares us to share in the The rubrics describe two in- into itself rubrics found in nos. 241-
himself or by a concelebrant (EV, ministers takes burning coals from breaking of the bread and the drink- stances of Baptism at the Vigil. If 243 of the Rite of Christian Initia-
no.6). the fire and places them in a censer ing of the cup. The faithful are en- there is a procession to the baptis- tion of Adults. These allow for a com-
(thurible) and the priest, in the usual couraged to meditate on these read- tery or the font, the catechumens are memoration of the baptized and their
The Elements and Parts of the way, places incense into it. The dea- ings by the singing of a responsorial called forward and presented by their godparents to be made in the Eucha-
Easter Vigil con, or in his absence another ap- psalm, followed by a silent pause, godparents. If there are children, they ristic Prayer. Proper formulas are
propriate minister accepts the Eas- and then by the celebrant’s prayer. are carried by their parents and god- found in the Roman Missal for each
ter candle from the celebrant and a The Missale adds a sentence about parents to the front of the assembly. of the Eucharistic prayers (EV, no.63).
The Service of Light procession is formed. The order of the nine readings proposed, saying Those who are to be baptized, along The Rite of Christian Initiation of
In a suitable place outside the procession is the thurifer with smok- that “all of these must be read when- with their godparents, are led first Adults indicates that these formulas
Church, a “blazing fire” (rogus ing thurible, preceding the minister ever it can be done, so that the char- by a minister with the Easter candle; are found in the section for ritual
ardens) is to be prepared so that the holding the candle, followed by the acter of a Vigil which takes place over the other ministers, deacons and Masses, “Christian Initiation: Bap-
people may gather around it and ex- ministers and the priest and the some duration of time can be ob- priest follow after them. This proces- tism.”
perience the flames dispelling the people. All hold unlit candles (EV, served” (EV, no. 20). sion is accompanied by the singing The Missale reminds the priest
darkness and lighting up the night. no.15). Just as the children of Israel The new Missale recognizes of the Litany of the Saints. The priest that before he says, This is the Lamb
Thus do the beauty of the fire, its were guided at night by the pillar of that “nevertheless, where grave pas- then gives the introductory state- of God, he may make a brief remark
warmth and its light, draw the litur- fire, so Christians follow the risen toral circumstances demand it, the ment. to the neophytes about their first
gical assembly together. The rubrics, Christ. number of readings from the Old If the Baptisms take place in the Communion and “about the pre-
however, acknowledge that when The places at which the procla- Testament may be reduced (EV, no sanctuary, the priest makes the in- ciousness of so great a mystery,
this cannot be done adaptations may mation, Light of Christ, are sung now 21). At least three readings from the troductory statement and this is fol- which is the climax of initiation and
be made. The Missale also states that differ from what was in the previous Old Testament should be read al- lowed by the singing of the Litany the center of the Christian life” (EV,
cross and candles are not to be car- Missale. ways including Exodus 14 (EV, no. of the Saints. no. 64). In no. 65 the rubrics for the
ried in this procession (EV, no. 8). The new places are: at the door 21). The reference found previously When there are no Baptisms and Easter Vigil indicate the desirability
Having reached the fire, the cel- of the Church (after which the priest in the Missale to the possibility of the font is not to be blessed, the for the neophytes as well as all the
ebrant and faithful sign themselves lights his candle), in the middle of having only two Old Testament read- litany is omitted and the blessing of faithful, if the diocesan Bishop con-
with the sign of the cross while the the Church (after which all light their ings in extreme necessity is omitted. water takes place at once (EV, nos. sents, to receive Communion under
priest says: In the name of the Fa- candles), and before the altar, facing The Missale is very specific 39-41). both kinds.
ther, and of the Son, and of the Holy the people. The Missale instructs about the priest singing the Alleluia The Missale reminds the cel- The Missale provides a solemn
Spirit (EV, no. 9). After this new be- the deacon to place the candle in a before the Gospel: “After the Epistle ebrant that during the blessing of the blessing to conclude the liturgy (EV,
ginning, he greets the people and large candle stand prepared either has been read, all rise, and the priest water his hands are outstretched (EV, no.69). It is used in place and can
then gives the instruction (EV, no. next to the ambo or in the middle of solemnly intones the Alleluia three no.44). presently be found in the
9). As the celebrant blesses the fire the sanctuary (EV, no. 17). The lights times, raising his voice a step each Numbers 48 to 53 of the rubrics Sacramentary at no. 6, “Easter Vigil
he says the prayer “with hands out- of the Church are then lit with the time. All repeat the Alleluia each for the Easter Vigil of the Missale and Easter Sunday”. It is also pos-
stretched” (EV, no. 10). exception of the altar candles which time. If necessary, the psalmist in- Romanum describe the initiation pro- sible to use the formula of the final
The Paschal Candle is brought are lit just before the intonation of tones the Alleluia. Mention is then cess. As was mentioned before, it is blessing in the Order of Baptism for
forward. This candle should be made the Gloria (EV, nos. 17 and 31). made of the psalmist or cantor sing- important to closely consult the Rite Children, according to circum-
of wax, never be artificial, be renewed Before the Easter Proclamation, ing Psalm 117 and the people re- of Christian Initiation of Adults on stances.
each year, be only one in number, the priest gives his candle to one of sponding, “Alleluia” (EV, no. 34). this matter. Number 48 of the rubrics The very last rubric reminds us
and be of sufficiently large size that the ministers and blesses incense as This psalm is often recited by the for the Easter Vigil mentions that af- that “the Easter candle is lighted in
it may convey the truth that Christ is at the Gospel during Mass. Having apostles in their Easter preaching ter the renunciation and profession all of the more solemn liturgical cel-
the light of the world. This descrip- asked for and received the blessing, (Acts 4.11-12; Mt 21.42; Mk 12.10; of faith “if the anointing with the Oil ebrations in the Season of Easter”
tion is developed in no. 94 of Built the deacon announces the Easter Lk 20.17). of Catechumens did not take place (EV, no. 70).(Committee on the Lit-
of Living Stones which reminds us proclamation from the ambo or at a The Missale directs explicitly beforehand, as part of the immediate urgy, USCCB)
that the Paschal Candle is the sym- lectern. This poetic text captures the that the homily, even if it is brief, is
bol of the “light of Christ, rising in whole Easter mystery placed within not to be omitted (EV, no.36). This
glory,” scattering the “darkness of the context of the economy of salva- requires that the homilist carefully Butuan / from p9
our hearts and minds.” “Above all, tion. In the absence of a deacon the prepare and craft the homily so that
the Paschal Candle should be a genu- priest himself or another it captures the tremendous myster- ing us, we are now in a position to ogy, 103 priests (78 of them diocesan),
ine candle, the pre-eminent symbol concelebrating priest may announce ies being celebrated on this most help. Our priests and sisters, even missionaries to different countries,
of the light of Christ. Choice of size, the Easter proclamation. If, however, holy of nights. the lay faithful who went on mission thousands of members to various
design, and color should be made in a lay cantor announces the procla- to other countries are proof to this. Catholic organizations, officers and
relationship to the sanctuary in mation, the words, My dearest Liturgy of Baptism Pope John Paul II said “…I can- members of the GKK’s and laity work-
which it will be placed…” (Congre- friends, up to the end of the invita- The Missale has reorganized not fail to urge the Church in Asia ing to the best of their abilities to-
gation for Divine Worship and the tion are omitted, along with the greet- the rubrics for this entire section of to send forth missionaries, even wards achieving the common good,
Discipline of the Sacraments, Circu- ing, The Lord be with you (nos. 18- the Vigil (nos. 37-58). Nevertheless, though she herself needs laborers to obtain peace and happiness, and
lar Letter Concerning the Prepara- 19). The reference to the Conference the Rite of Christian Initiation of in the vineyard…” (Ecclesia in Asia, for our salvation (ab intra) and sal-
tion and Celebration of the Easter of Bishops adapting the text by in- Adults should always be consulted par. 49, 1999). Pope Benedict XVI also vation of others (ab extra).
Feasts [1988], no 82). serting acclamations is no longer in conjunction with the rubrics men- said this in his Message for World Inspired by our colorful history
The candle is then prepared in mentioned. tioned here in the Missale. This is Mission Sunday of 2006: “…In this and grace of our Jubilee, we pray
rites which are no longer optional. especially true when Baptisms are lies the secret of the apostolic fruit- that our Church will have a success-
The celebrant cuts a cross into the Liturgy of the Word taking place by means of immersion. fulness in missionary work which ful celebration of the 40th anniver-
candle with a stylus. Then he makes One of the unique aspects of the Christ’s Passover and ours are crosses frontiers and cultures, sary. We look forward to the fruitful
the Greek letter Alpha above the Easter Vigil is the recounting of the given full expression when baptis- reaches all peoples and spreads to celebration of her mission, her vision
cross, the letter Omega below it, and outstanding deeds of the history of mal water is blessed in the font and the utmost ends of the world.” and her goals as a Church in
the four numerals of the current year salvation. These deeds are related when the Christian initiation of At present, the diocese has 120 Mindanao in the Third Millennium
between the arms of the cross, say- in seven readings from the Old Tes- adults, or, at least the baptism of in- seminarians in philosophy and theol- of our salvation in Christ.
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 6
March 19 - April 1, 2007 Social Concern 11
Barely five months after its
launching, 24 out of the 28 par-
ishes in the diocese have mani-
fested support for the success
of the program. The remaining
four parishes namely, Parish of
the Holy Spirit in Pasig,
Claveria, Parish of the Holy
Trinity in Liong, Cataingan,
Parish of St. Isidore in Claveria,
Masbate and Parish of St. Pas-
chal Baylon in San Pascual,
Masbate are set to launch
MUMHO within the next two
months.
One of the highlights of
the MUMHO activities in 2006
was “Adlaw Para sa Mumho” Catanduanes Rising from the Typhoon:
which was a gathering of del-
egates coming from the differ-
ent parishes in order to have a DVSAFI’s Rehab
deeper understanding of the
objectives of the program as
well as to formulate MUMHO
Initiatives
work plans for the parishes. By Rev. Fr. Laudemer Jose A. Gapaz
Today, the total collection
already deposited in the bank
is sixty seven thousand nine SUPER typhoon Reming and massive damages
hundred thirty one pesos (Php (DURIAN) was a lot brought by the typhoon

Mumho of Masbate 67,931.00), which is only a frac- stronger than Typhoon to residential houses,
tion of those still within the Loleng, the last major ty- shelter assistance is an
various social action posts in phoon that hit immediate need. The
the parishes where MUMHO Catanduanes in 1998. DVSAFI is to grant con-
Reming wrought dam- crete shelters to those not
By Bong Marcaida has already taken off as a di-
ages to crops and prop- being served by the gov-
ocesan program.
In order to create a greater erties due to very strong ernment and other agen-
awareness about the program, winds and heavy rains. cies. This will be called
MUMHO (literally means us could be very important to sisters their dignity, their
crumbs), the Masbateño ver- sectoral launching has been The strength of the ty- SHELTER REHAB
others. names.
adopted as a strategy target- phoon was measured PROJECT. This type of
sion of the Pondo ng Pinoy The bishop stressed that “Let us build character
movement of the Archdiocese ing almost all the sectors within from 290 kph up to 320 km project was already imple-
this is something we give out and start at home. Let us give
the diocese such as agricul- per hour. Although the mented by the diocese
of Manila has continued to of sacrifice. “It must be some- back to each other his/her dig-
gain grounds after it was offi- ture/ fishery, business, educa- storm was the strongest during the rehabilitation
thing that we really feel. Give nity. Let us build a community
tion, government, urban poor so far to hit the province, of the province after the
cially launched in a simple cer- and sacrifice until it hurts.” and, let us include the poor,”
emony during the Eucharistic and a lot more. loss of life was minimal onslaught of Typhoons
Emphasizing the impor- the bishop said.
MUMHO will have its since it occurred at day- Loleng and Dindo. Our re-
celebration to commemorate tance of helping the less for- MUMHO is a program
the 38th founding anniversary grand launching on April 23, time when people were hab project was a suc-
tunate, the bishop shared a aiming to give back to the
2007 which is the last day of able to flee to safe shel- cess. The shelter we pro-
of the diocese last Sept. 26, story of a beggar having been poor their names and their dig-
2006. the Rodeo Masbateño Festi- ters given their time- vided to our beneficiaries
asked what his saddest expe- nity by helping them sustain
val 2007. The event will be tested experience to with- withstood the onslaught
At its official launching, rience was. Was it when he their needs for food, shelter,
Bishop Joel Baylon intro- highlighted by a MUMHO stand strong typhoons. of the very strong winds
begged and not given? To education, good health and
Run for a Cause, launching of Number of confirmed brought by the super ty-
duced MUMHO to the dio- which the beggar answered, most importantly, the spiritual
cese as the program formed to MUMHO’s official logo and death is 16. Nevertheless, phoon. Not one of the
“No, it was when I was treated needs through catechism.
jingle as well as a MUMHO one life lost is far too concrete shelters we pro-
give expression to an orga- like I didn’t exist.” MUMHO is sharing with our
nized form of love. It makes Congress and the sending off many to their relatives vided were damaged and
Bishop Baylon called on brothers what we have in ex-
of MUMHO volunteer cat- and friends. thus served as safe refuge
sense how things that have everyone to give back to our cess, instead of throwing
little significance to some of less fortunate brothers and them off. echists. Of the affected pri- to several families. We
vate residential houses, were able to build 136
the Provincial Disaster units scattered in the
Coordinating Council province.
THE San Lorenzo Ruiz Medical and Den- (PDCC) reported that This time we are tar-
tal Charity Clinic (SLRMDCC) is truly a 23,648 were partially- geting to assist 70 families
work of the Holy Spirit. With its noble damaged houses and build their shelter. Target
purpose to restore the health of the sick 15,920 were totally dam- areas are Barangay Sipi in
anawim (the beloved poor of Yahweh), it aged. There are still fami- Bato, Nagbarorong in
is certainly in line with the mission of lies living in temporary Baras, San Miguel,
Jesus (cf. Lk 4:16-21) which, interestingly, makeshift shelters be- Barangays Luminangas,
includes the proclamation of the Jubilee cause of the difficulty of Tibgao and Marilima in
Year—a perfect biblical paradigm of rebuilding their houses. Virac, Asgad in San
SLRMDCC because it was founded by When rains come, they Andres and Palumbanes in
Bishop Edmundo M. Abaya, DD in 1986 just have to make do with Caramoran. Estimated cost
when the Diocese of Laoag celebrated whatever they have to of one concrete 4x4 con-
its Silver Jubilee. shelter them and their crete shelter: P 72,000.00.
Starting modestly under Dr. meager resources. There This project is funded by
Leoploldo Calimlim, the first medical prac- is a need for tarpaulins, at generous dioceses, par-
titioner who was later joined by other vol- the very least, as tempo- ishes, institutions and
unteer doctors, dentists and nurses, the rary shelters for those other well-meaning orga-
clinic has grown into the institution of who do not have the fi- nizations and persons
love that it is today. Indeed, the warmth, nancial ability to rebuild here and abroad.
care, concern and compassion which their homes. The DVSAFI through
spring from the life-giving spirit of the Coconut, rice, fruit the assistance of NASSA
Church, and channeled through trees and abaca planta- and CRS is implementing
SLEMDCC healers, speak well of their
faithfulness to the clinic’s ‘mission of love 20 Year of Service to the Poorest tion were severely dam-
aged. Damage to crops
an Agricultural Liveli-
hood Recovery Project.

of the Poor in Laoag


and service to the poor.’ was extensive and is This project is anchored
And what else can we say! After the deemed to have reach 48 on the twin objectives: a)
celebration of “The Year of Social Con- million pesos, which is 325 farmers and fishers
cern”, we rejoice all the more because believed to be a very con- have restored their pre-di-
By Francisco C. Bitagon servative estimate. We saster agricultural and
SLRMDCC is very much alive at 20. Ap-
plied to the clinic in this opportune mo- ciation were awarded to the volunteers medical-dental mission to parishes dur- have to consider also the fishing activities in more
ment, how fitting then are the words of after the mass. The recipients of the San ing fiestas; 4) quarterly medical-dental livestock and fishery sec- profitable and sustainable
Pope Benedict XVI scribbled in Deus Lorenzo Ruiz Service Award were doc- mission to the Ilocos Norte Provincial Jail, tors. manner; b) Households,
Caritas Est ‘…the Church cannot neglect tors: Purisima Labio, Gregorio Labio, Laoag and Batac Jails; 5) gift-giving to In view of the magni- especially the women, are
the service of charity any more than she Melba Camarillo and Rebecca Cabanos all patients during December; 6) Balik tude of the problems engaged in profitable and
can neglect the Sacrament of the Word.’ who served as volunteers for 20 straight Kalusugan Program—medicines are con- faced by the marginalized sustainable non-farm live-
The 20th foundation anniversary of years. Other awards were given to indi- tinually provided for patients with heart families in the typhoon lihood activities.
SLRMDCC was celebrated last year on viduals who rendered exemplary volun- disease and asthma; 7) Medical Assis- ravaged province, the The Project Compo-
September 25. It was highlighted with the teer service to the clinic. tance Program for poor patients who need Diocese of Virac Social nents are: Agricultural and
celebration of the Holy Eucharist pre- SLRMDCC started as an outpatient hospitalization; 8) SLRMDCC acts as a Action Foundation, Inc. Fisheries Rehabilitation
sided by its founder, Most Rev. Edmundo clinic. Through the years its services ex- referring agency for patients who need (DVSAFI) identified ini- and Development; Mar-
M Abuya, DD, and some Laoag Clergy panded because of growing needs. To- major surgery. This is done after the clinic tiatives where it can con- keting support; Formation
headed by Rev. Msgr. Policarpo M. day the clinic offers the following ser- has administered initial treatment. tribute to the rehabilita- and Development of Com-
Albano. vices: 1) consultations and free distribu- At present there are 2,877 poor fami- tion and development of munity-based Organiza-
In recognition of their voluntary ser- tion of medicines every Tuesdays and lies from Laoag City and Ilocos Norte that the province. tion/Basic Faith; Off Farm
vice to the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Medical Den- Fridays; 2) minor surgery every second are registered as beneficiaries of the With the extensive Livelihood Support.
tal and Charity Clinic, Plaques of Appre- Wednesday of the month; 3) outreach clinic.
CBCP Monitor
12 Statements Vol. 11 No. 6
March 19 - April 1, 2007

A Pastoral Letter on the Preparations for the Celebration of


Our Stand Towards Political Progress the 40th Anniversary of Erection of the Diocese of Butuan
Diocese of Malaybalay
37th Diocesan General Assembly TO the Clergy and Religious, the Lay cal and horizontal dimensions of re- and witnessing in our diocese. We
February 26-28, 2007 Faithful, and all men and women of lationships, with God and with one only need to revitalize and exploit the
Diocesan Formation Center good will of the Diocese of Butuan, another, the focus of the prepara- missionary spirit within us. Indeed,
Impalambong, Malaybalay City my cordial greetings of peace and tions of the Ruby Anniversary and we are challenged by Pope John Paul
love: onwards to the Golden Jubilee will II, of happy memory, to go further,
Praised be God, the Lord of his- be the renewal in all levels of the dio- beyond the mundane and the rou-
WE, the 423 delegates of the 37th for candidates with a record of
tory, who through the years have cese as a pilgrim Church. tines, into the ‘deep.’
Diocesan Pastoral Assembly agree corruption and cheating; Do not
nurtured and nourished us with His Given this backgrounder, our As your shepherd in the dio-
that the lay leaders of the Diocese vote just because of debt-of-grati-
blessings of peace, love and joy. To preparations for the Ruby Anniver- cese, I urge and enjoin everyone to
may run for political positions tude, popularity, ‘pakikisama’ or
Him be glory forever. sary that look forward to our Golden heed this call of our times. Amidst
since the Government and the padrino; Do not vote for candi-
Last September 8, 1997, just five Jubilee should therefore be a time: the difficulties we are facing, we are
Church serve the same people. dates who live immoral lives, and
years after we celebrated the 25th • to look back (Pagbag-o) with grati- called to take active part in the re-
With our assent, we hope that they those living in contempt against
year of the erection of the diocese, tude to God for the blessings and newal and consolidation of all as-
will be the instruments towards the God; Vote for the good of the
we were blessed with a blissful mile- learnings the diocese has gained, pects of our life as Christians and as
gradual transformation of our po- barangay, municipality, province,
stone in the history of our local and even the mistakes and failures citizens of a country beset by seem-
litical situation as they stand on and country.
Church. We joyfully celebrated then we have experienced in the past ingly insurmountable odds. Let us
Christian integrity and justice. C. AFTER ELECTIONS: the 400th year of the founding of the forty years. Thus, we will review all strive to make this preparation for
They shall be allowed to con- Support those elected even if this first chapel (BEC) in the whole is- and examine the Diocesan Vision- the celebration of the Ruby Anniver-
tinue in active service, since from is not your candidate; Do not ask land of Mindanao which was dedi- Mission-Goal statement and the sary and the Golden Jubilee of our
the Church they obtain the needed for personal favors from winners cated under the patronage of the past Diocesan Pastoral Assemblies diocese a grace-filled occasion that
strength and courage for genuine who are Church workers. most Blessed Virgin Mary. Once in order to make it more in-keeping will bring us all to a total liberation
service through the various for- Help follow up the realization again, we will prepare for another with the challenges and opportu- and transformation towards the es-
mation programs they receive. of platforms and programs prom- significant passage of our diocese nities of this new millennium. We tablishment of ‘a new heaven and a
To properly guide our people ised by the candidate. as a pilgrim Church journeying to- will also take a closer look at our new earth.’
of this new stance, the following wards the heavenly homeland. present customs and practices as On the 9th of July 2006, exactly
regulations are hereby set: III. Policy for Church lead- On July 10, 2007, our diocese will a local Church to see if we are still one year from the actual 40th year of
ers whose help will be solic- have reached its 40-year milestone. in line with our mission of becom- the erection of the Diocese of Butuan,
I. For the would-be Candi- ited by candidates This is indeed an occasion to give ing a Church of the Poor as envi- I formally and officially launch the
dates
praise and thanks to God for what sioned by the Diocesan Vision- beginning of our preparations for the
It is the right of every church we are now, and for the journey we Mission-Goal statement; celebration of the Ruby Anniversary
A. BEFORE ELECTIONS, the leader/worker to support a candi-
have traveled so far, as a Church in • to have a closer relationship that will usher us to the more signifi-
Church leader who wishes to be date. Thus he will be allowed to this part of the world. The Ruby (40 (Pakigsuod) among the clergy, the cant milestone of the history of the
elected should: Exemplify integrity do such provided he follows the
years) Anniversary of the diocese religious and the lay faithful. In local Church of Butuan as a diocese—
and the qualities of a servant guidelines set below. will look forward to the 50th year of keeping with the spirit of the bibli- the Golden Jubilee.
leader; Have been actively serv- A. BEFORE GIVING SUP-
our history as a diocese. Thus, this cal Jubilee, the clergy and the reli- Let us invoke the powerful in-
ing the Church for at least two to PORT: The Church leader must is an opportune time to prepare for gious will bring to the people, es- tercession of the most Blessed Vir-
three years; Be an active BEC examine closely this politician ask-
where we hope to go, as expressed pecially the poor and oppressed, gin Mary who for more than four
member; Be ready to stand for Jus- ing for support if indeed he is wor- in our Diocesan Vision-Mission-Goal matters that concern not only their hundred years have been the LIGHT
tice; Be morally upright, have thy to be supported and cam-
statement, and as a response to the spiritual welfare but most impor- (kasilak) guiding us in our journey
enough know-how, sincere; Be paigned for. challenge of the late Pope John Paul tantly matters that will help allevi- towards God. Let us ask St. Joseph,
Pro-God, Pro-Ecology, and Pro- B. DURING THE CAM-
II “to put into the deep” for a catch ate the hardships and sufferings; patron of the diocese and patron of
Poor; Be ready to take part in form- PAIGN AND ELECTIONS: Use (Conclusion, Novo Millennio • to hold joyful celebrations the universal Church, for protection
ing the new heaven and the new only the track record and the quali-
Ineunte). (Pagmaya) that will heighten and and guidance.
earth. ties of his candidate; No mudsling- We will celebrate the Ruby An- deepen the spiritual and liturgical Lastly, as your pastor in the dio-
B. DURING THE CAM- ing against other candidates. niversary with a one year prepara- concerns, moral and social aware- cese, I impart my apostolic blessings
PAIGN AND ELECTION PERIOD, Encourage his candidate to tion which will be marked not only ness, environmental and ecologi- on everyone to have courage and
the Church leader who wish to be make his own platform and pro- by a heightened spiritual awareness, cal consciousness of all; wisdom in order that we may all face
elected should: Deliver a clear plat- gram; Attend continuing forma- but also by an intensive concern for • to move forward (Padayon) with a the challenge of renewing and liber-
form and program, rather than mud- tion given by the Church towards the other vital aspects of Christian renewed and fresh outlook and at- ating ourselves as People of God on
slinging against other candidates; political maturity; Not to use and civil life, of the peoples in the titude in the manifestation and prac- the way to the Promised Land.
Not buy votes; Not use the pulpit means contrary to the vision of the diocese. The Steering Committee for tice of the Christian faith, with a Given this 3rd day July 2006, the
(Mass or KP) to campaign. But this Church like vote-buying, threats, the preparations of the Jubilee aptly more vibrant hope for a better fu- feast of the Apostle Thomas at the
can be discussed during BEC’s or cheating, and others. chose to take a four-pronged theme: ture of the local Church of Butuan Bishop’s Home, Ampayon, Butuan
meetings; Follow and respect the C. AFTER ELECTIONS: Sup- and with a stronger and greater City.
guidelines set by the Comelec and port those elected even if this is Pagbag-o… Pakigsuod… love of God.
the stand of the Diocese. not his candidate; Do not ask for Pagmaya… Padayon. This new millennium is definitely In Mary’s FIAT,
C. AFTER ELECTIONS, those personal favors from winners Pursuing the spirit of the cel- a time for growth towards the matu-
not elected should: Accept his whom he supported; Help follow ebration of the Great Jubilee Year rity of our faith and our mission as Most Rev. Juan de Dios M. Pueb-
defeat with great humility; Not up the platform and programs of 2000 which was indeed a year of rec- baptized Christians. There is a tre- los, D.D.
grumble nor blame others; Support the candidate he supported. onciliation and renewal at the verti- mendous potential for evangelization Bishop of Butuan
the platform and programs of the
elected candidate; Continue serv- IV. Policy regarding money
ing the Church. Those elected distributed during the elec-
should: Remain modest; Continue tions International Women’s Day:
serving the Church and attend the
formation programs given; Real-
ize the campaign platform and pro-
THE GOAL AND OBJEC-
TIVE: The goal and objective of “Women Celebrating Gains, Facing Challenges”
grams he uttered; Stand for Chris- receiving money is to deter or dis-
tian integrity and justice. courage the “would-be-vote- 16 March 2007
buyer”; not to enrich oneself;
II. Policy for the Voters Those who can ‘abstain’ from re- “God created man in his own image, in the image of ing plan of God in time. Fact is, in every period of his-
ceiving are highly encouraged to God he created him; male and female he created tory—whether it is acknowledged or not—the Church
A. BEFORE ELECTIONS: Be do so. (Thanks be to God!). Live them” (Gen 1:27) and the world at large always have not without the femi-
aware of the positive and nega- it, do it, because it is a sin to de- nine figure and sensibility to compliment and accompany
tive traits of the candidates by at- clare not to receive, but will actu- THIS passage from Sacred Scriptures gives us a clear them in their journey. This is equally true in our time. The
tending political rallies, voter’s ally receive in secret; Clarify the understanding that men and women are equal and com- Church and the world continue to exist and survive be-
education, candidates’ forum, and motive of the giver. Clarify also plimentary. “Womanhood and manhood are complemen- cause of the irreplaceable, non-substitutable, and invalu-
other political activities; Respect your position. It is up to him to go tary not only from the physical and psychological points able presence of women who compliment men in all their
the decision of others in choosing ahead and give after he has heard of view, but also from the ontological. It is only through human realities.
who to vote for after you have ex- your position; State who you will the duality of the “masculine” and the “feminine” that Thank you, women who are mothers! You have shel-
pressed your experience regarding vote for. Doing this will confuse the “human” “finds full realization” (Letter to Women, tered human beings within yourselves in a unique experi-
a politician; Examine the moral as- the candidate whether to give or 7, Pope John Paul II, June 29, 1995). ence of joy and travail. This experience makes you be-
cendancy, qualification or suitabil- not because he will not be sure of Your theme for this year’s International Women’s Day: come God’s own smile upon the newborn child, the one
ity and other qualities personal to the vote. But if he proceeds to “Women Celebrating Gains, Facing Challenges,” is an- who guides your child’s first steps, who helps it to grow,
the candidates. If the candidates cheerfully give without expecting other great opportunity for the Church to recognize and and who is the anchor as the child makes its way along
have moral issues, choose the anything in return, take it; We do thank you for your irreplaceable, non-substitutable, and the journey of life.
“lesser evil”; Understand the is- not and will not ask. If we are invaluable contribution to the realization of the struggle Thank you, women who are wives! You irrevocably
sues, the platforms and the pro- given, vote for the person you like for human perfection and for the total human develop- join your future to that of your husbands, in a relation-
grams of the candidates asking for since you already made known ment in the pilgrimage of faith. Indeed, you, women have ship of mutual giving, at the service of love and life.
your vote. your stance; If a church leader- enormous reasons to celebrate your gains which helped Thank you, women who are daughters and women
B. DURING ELECTIONS: candidate will distribute money humanity to achieve glorious triumphs in history. This is who are sisters! Into the heart of the family, and then of all
Pray before casting your vote, write from “above”, if belonging to a not a proud exaltation of womanhood, but a just recogni- society, you bring the richness of your sensitivity, your
down a list of the candidates you party, clarify the motive for giv- tion of the truth. How can we forget the line of women intuitiveness, your generosity and fidelity.
will vote for as a result of your ing. If this is freely given, take it personages in the economy of salvation, the likes of Sa- Thank you, women who work! You are present and
prayer; Do not sell your vote be- but stand on whoever you like to rah, Ruth, the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Elizabeth, St. Mary active in every area of life—social, economic, cultural,
cause this is like selling your hu- vote for; Three days before elec- Magdalene, St. Martha, St. Monica, St. Joan of Arc, St artistic and political. In this way you make an indispens-
man dignity; Do not vote for can- tions, do not sell your vote. Re- Catherine of Sienna, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Therese of the able contribution to the growth of a culture which unites
didates with the 5 G’s (Gold, Guns, ceive, but vote for whoever you Child Jesus, and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta? They and all reason and feeling, to a model of life ever open to the
Goons, Girls, & Gin); Do not vote want. the other great women in history contributed in their own sense of “mystery,” to the establishment of economic and
humble ways for the unfolding and realization of the lov- International / P13
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 6
March 19 - April 1, 2007 Statements 13
Statement of Solidarity
he can sow fear at the hearts of the
lumad? Why does he harass his own Press Statement
people? Mario Napongahan, a

Freedom to Choose the Candidates


CAFGU commander, has an applica-
tion for a Certificate of Ancestral Do-
Religious of the Good Shepherd main Title (CADT) covering an area
Women – Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation
of not less than 9,000 hectares. This
Visayas- Mindanao Network THE Bishops in the CBCP, while they want or they get the leaders
includes areas that do not even be-
long to him or to his family. Lumad respecting what the leaders of El they deserve.
Kaming mga lumad sa San Luis, Agusan del Sur nagpuyo sa kahadlok, communities affected by his claim are Shaddai and other groups have As we said in our pastoral
kabalaka, kadislokar ug krisis sa panginabuhian, magpatabang sa not in favor of the application. They been doing for years, still main- letter, we exhort our people not
pagsumpo sa dili makatarunganon nga pagpanglapas sa tawhanong filed protests against the said appli- tain the freedom of Catholic mem- only to pray but also to be vigi-
katungod sama sa pagpanghulga sa seguridad; pagpahawa sa cation. In return, they are being ha- bers to choose their candidates. lant. Let the different associa-
rassed and threatened by We expect them to discern, discuss tions and groups come together
katilingban ug programa sa RGS-TFM.
Napongahan and his group. The arms and personally decide whom to to study and examine the candi-
issued by the government are being vote. To dictate on them whom to dates and their platform of gov-
THIS is the cry of the people heard domain of the lumad, it is also a target used to harassed, threatened and even vote is as bad as buying their votes. ernment. They may even come to
kill innocent people. In the end, we cannot be an agreement among themselves
during the Solidarity and Pastoral of military harassments and threats.
Mission conducted by the CARAGA One of its key personnel, Mateo genuinely sure whether the can- whom to vote; but each one must
Land is Life! didates who have been dictated personally come to his/her deci-
Church People’s Alliance last March Morales was even shot dead on Janu-
9-10, 2007 at Balit and Tabon-Tabon, ary 24, 2006. The RGS W-JPIC joins the lumad on the voters will really serve sion. They will not vote accord-
in asserting their rights to life and to them. All the more if the voters ing to personality or winnability
San Luis, Agusan del Sur.
Encountering them, listening to Forcible Evacuation, lies and decep- their ancestral domain. We strongly are taken with a “buy and sell at- but in view of the candidates’
tion denounce the abusive acts of titude.” Proof of this is the past agenda of government.
their stories, being with them in their
experiences, the participants of the In a meeting last December 31, Napongahan and his group. We experience of elections. On the one hand, there is no
2006 in Mahagsay, Mario clearly understand that the intimida- The CBCP does not want the Catholic vote in the Philippines,
Solidarity Mission witnessed that
the lumad living in the sitios of Napongahan, a CAFGU leader issued tions and threats are not because of candidates to be indebted to the because all Catholics are free to
an ultimatum to the residents of any inter-tribal conflict but because bishops; instead we want the vote any candidate of any politi-
Minlinao, Tabon-Tabon, Nakadayas,
Kimambukagyang, and Balit are: Tabon-Tabon and Nakadayas that of greed and selfish interest. The lives candidates to make a genuine cal party. On the other hand, be-
they are given only up to March or of the lumad are interwoven with land. covenant with the electorate: that cause Catholics are almost every-
Living in fear until the end of the school year 2006- For the lumad, land is life. To take if elected, they will serve the where, many of the candidates
The lumad of San Luis live in 2007 to leave their community and to away their land is tantamount to kill- people and not themselves. This who win, win by catholic votes;
fear amidst the threats and harass- transfer to the detachment in ing. To take away their land is an act is what the PPCRV is trying to do. but this is no reason to brag
ments they constantly receive from Mahagsay. Not wanting to leave their of murder. Because for the lumad, life We can trust “the wisdom of about, because the candidates
Mario Napongahan and his group peaceful community and their farms is not possible if there is no land. the people,” if only their judg- win or lose by his own virtue or
who are military and CAFGU person- where they are dependent for subsis- We therefore demand that: ment will not be violated or adul- lack of it, and the electors vote
nel of the 23rd IB assigned at tence, they were further intimidated 1. The families of Minlinao will be terated by “guns, goons and according to their respective per-
Mahagsay and Km 24 detachment. with the declaration that Napongahan given protection and be allowed to gold,” if only the process of elec- suasion and conviction.
In 2004, military personnel led by has the authority from the Provincial go back safely to their ancestral tion according to the rule will be
Pvt. Mariano Tunogan under the com- Governor Adolph Edward Plaza that domain without any conditions. respected and not manipulated +ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO
mand of Col. Johnny Macanas inten- if the people refuse, their community 2. The intimidation, harassments and by self-interest. If the wisdom of Archbishop of Jaro
sively recruited the lumad and lured will be bombed. threats to lumad communities and the people were allowed freely to CBCP President
them with false promises to join the Same threats are received by the to the RGS-TFM be stopped. function, they will get the leaders March 13, 2007
CAFGU. Various means were used to other lumad communities. Community 3. Justice be given to Mateo Morales
convince the lumad to be CAFGU leaders who speak out against these and to all the victims of killings and
members. They promised the people abuses and harassments (like in Balit, attempted killings. Statement
PhP5,000.00 and a sack of rice per Nakadayas and Kimambukagyang) 4. Mario Napongahan and his group
month if they will be CAFGU members.
Free housing facilities and free educa-
are themselves threatened. Their live-
lihoods have been affected since they
and all abusive elements of the
Military and CAFGU be investi- A Month of Prayer and Peace for the
tion for the children were also prom-
ised. Those who refused to and opted
could no longer go freely to their
farms and their movements limited
gated and disarmed.
5. Recruitment of CAFGU and arm- Filipino Family in Celebration of
to stay in their communities were
threatened, intimidated and harassed.
within the villages. Communities
where there are Urios Extension
ing of civilians be stopped.
6. Mining, tree plantation and log- National Women’s Month
From 2005 onwards, threats in- schools administered by the RGS- ging concessions will not be al-
tensified. Lumad communities live in TFM are targets of intimidation and lowed entry to the lumad ancestral AS the country celebrates National Women’s Month this March 2007,
fear and insecurities. The situation in harassment. domain. we are reminded to pray for all women who have been, and are, victims
San Luis Municipality worsened. Kill- Last December 20, 2006, resi- Respect the indigenous right to of all kinds of abuse and violence within the family and outside their
ings and attempted killings happened dents of Minlinao evacuated and were self-determination! homes.
almost every month even right in the displaced due to fear brought about Defend the indigenous right to The world had just celebrated the International Day for Women
commercial center of Dona Flavia. by the intimidation of the CAFGU unit their ancestral domain! last March 8, calling our attention to the plight of women all over the
These cases were related to the ha- in Km. 24. Leaving behind their homes Uphold human rights! Stop mili- world. Here in our own country, we celebrate National Women’s Day
rassment of the lumad communities and farms, they are now dependent tary operations in lumad communi- on March 16; it is a day to remember our Filipino women, especially
and the program of the Religious of upon others to help them with their ties! those who nurtured us since we were born—our very own mothers.
the Good Shepherd-Tribal Filipino daily needs. Until now, they have not We are aware that many of our women have become victims of
Ministry (RGS-TFM) and their staff. gone back to their community and the Reference: violence, especially in their own homes. It is a sad reality that is hap-
RGS-TFM has been working Urios Minlinao Extension School was Sr. Maria Alicia S. Andres, RGS pening in our country. The home is supposed to be a sanctuary
with the lumad communities in the forced to close temporarily. Religious of the Good Shepherd where peace and love reign, but many of our homes now are becom-
Municipalities of San Luis and La Paz Women-Justice and Peace and Integ- ing a venue where women are battered and abused.
since 1981. Vocal and active in the Fraudulent Claim rity of Creation The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines exhorts the
defense of the rights and ancestral Who is Mario Napongahan that Visayas Mindanao Network various sectors of our society to link hands to protect our women
from exploitation of all kinds, from violence that reduce them to si-
International / from p12 lence, and from abuse that deprive them of their dignity as persons.
political structures ever more worthy of humanity. the ones having been specially entrusted the future of Many of those who have fallen victims remained silent and unable to
Thank you, consecrated women! Following the ex- human beings with your motherhood or your virginity for move ahead because of fear and hurts, while just as many are slowly
ample of the greatest of women, the Mother of Jesus Christ, the sake of the Kingdom, feel the closeness, support, and finding the courage to go on living their lives. We call on our brothers
the Incarnate Word, you open yourselves with obedi- the love of the Church who knows well the challenges of and sisters both in government and the private sector to lend help
ence and fidelity to the gift of God’s love. You help the your vocation for she herself is a mother and a virgin. Be and services to our women in crises.
Church and all mankind to experience a “spousal” rela- assured that the Church acknowledges and “invite all oth- May we indeed make this month dedicated to women a month of
tionship to God, one which magnificently expresses the ers to once again acknowledge the indispensable contri- prayer. As we pray for our Filipino women, we also pray that peace
fellowship which God wishes to establish with his crea- bution of women to the building up of the Church and the may reign in the Filipino family. Let us pray that our women get the
tures. development of society” (Christifideles Laici, 49). respect and love they deserve. Let us pray that exploitation and
Thank you, every woman, for the simple fact of being At this juncture, I would like to make fresh to you the violence against women stop. Let us pray that those victimized by
a woman! “Through the insight which is so much a part of words of Pope John Paul II the Great, “The eyes of faith violence may find the courage to forgive and get on with their lives.
your womanhood you enrich the world’s understanding behold a wonderful scene: that of a countless number of Let us also pray for the enlightenment and conversion of those who
and help to make human relations more honest and au- lay people, both women and men, busy at work in their inflict violence on women.
thentic.” (Letter to Women, 2). daily life and activity oftentimes far from view and quite Let us also recommend our Filipino women to the protection and
Thank you dear sisters, for these gains you offer, un acclaimed by the world, unknown to the world’s great intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary, the model and icon of
and the gift of selves, to the Church and the world; true personages but nonetheless looked upon in love by the womanhood.
enough, the human society owes much to you—to these Father, untiring laborers who work in the Lord’s vine-
“genius of women” (cf. Letter to Women, 9). yard. Confident and steadfast through the power of God’s ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO
While thanking you, I must also exhort you with the grace, these are the humble yet great builders of the Archbishop of Jaro
voice of the Magisterium of the Church, and this stand Kingdom of God in history” (Christifideles Laici, 17). President, CBCP
for you as challenges. Before the threats of the prevailing Again, I wish to convey my heartfelt gratitude and March 11, 2007
culture of death of our time which has its roots in “the sincere congratulations to all of you, my sisters and co-
mentality which carries the concept of subjectivity to an journeyers in the pilgrimage of faith. May Mother Mary
extreme” (Evangelium Vitae, 19) and in a “notion of free- constantly protect, guide, and intercede for you all, as
dom which exalts the individual in an absolute way” (EV, you continue taking her as your perfect model in living
19)—let me remind you of your sublime vocation, that out the vocation and holiness of womanhood—gaining
God entrusts the human being to you women in a special more fruits to be celebrated at the banquet of the Church.
way (cf. Mulieris Dignitatem, 30). To you dear women,
the appeal of the Church takes a special urgency and God bless!
intensity, “in the name of God; respect, protect, love, and
serve life, very human life” (EV,5)—from the moment of +MOST REV. EMILIO Z. MARQUEZ, DD
conception to natural death. Chairman, CBCP - Office on Women
As you continue living out your special vocation as Bishop of Lucena
CBCP Monitor
14 Reflections Vol. 11 No. 6
March 19 - April 1, 2007

Changes in Religious Life


Killing Enemies of the State By John Paul B. Alvarado

By Fr. Rufino Pepoye Cabatingan THE fact of change is one of the novitiate, I have some- God’s call. She further expli-
the undeniable reality that all how processed this problem cated that the quality of liv-
of us have experienced, are with the help of my formators ing the vows changes in ev-
TODAY killing of people has become a daily It is regrettable that most of our reli- experiencing, and will experi- and my brothers in the com- ery evolution of conscious-
occurrence. And we seldom hear condem- gious leaders are silent about these crimes. ence. This philosophical dic- munity which minimized my ness that one’s “yes” at
nation from the citizenry, as if nothing is Is it because they do not want to offend
tum shows that all of us are feeling of being annoyed present is more intense and
wrong. One can easily get killed and the their beloved Gloria? If so, then this is the changing, evolving and when I encounter changes trustful to God compared to
perpetrators seem to feel no remorse. How I same attitude they have shown in May 2004
transforming. Whether we that are uprooting me in my the previous “yes” that a re-
wish the souls of the victims of the so-called Presidential Elections where “they see no like it or not we will always comfort zone. ligious professed. Again, this
extrajudicial killings return to earth and end- evil and hear no evil.”
be confronted by change. But I know that I have not point led me to reflect and
lessly annoy those “ugly beasts” until they But what is more disturbing is the alle- But it doesn’t mean that we totally healed myself in this discern whether I am mature
repent for their crime of murder. gation that some law-enforcers reportedly
are helpless in front of the matter. But despite this, God enough to take the vows
It is agonizing to think that alleged the believe that it is alright to kill as long as the changes that we are experi- is really great for He uses which will not protect me but
perpetrators are the ones who are supposed victims are considered enemies of the state.
encing. We have the power events, circumstances and which I will protect. And this
to uphold the law—a case of the law en- This may be the reason why extra-judicial to choose whether we’ll ac- situations in life in order to is where my prayer now is
forcers becoming law-breakers. Most of killings continue to remain unabated.
cept, reject and ignore the help me process myself and focused whether I am ready
the victims are critics of the government. As believers of God, we have to stop changes in our lives. heal me from my wounds and to profess and live the vows
This may be the reason why non-govern- this despicable practice. There is no justifica-
This matter brought me to issues in life that hinder me to maturely, responsibly and
ment organizations are accusing the Ad- tion to this crime. A law enforcer has no right reflect on how do the changes move on. And in my reflection, joyfully.
ministration to be behind these killings. to kill. Killing a person at all times is a sin.
in my life affect me and how God used the session on hu- Lastly, what I admired
do I take them within. man development and sexual- most in the session is that Sr.

To Go More than a Mile My reflection on the


changes in my life was more
enlightened when we have
ity for me to clarify my confu-
sions to understand and take
them in a helpful way. And it
Letty has exemplified her ex-
planations in the existential
and basic level. That is why
the session on Human De- is true, for it became clear that she related the living of the
By Bp. Jose R. Manguiran velopment and Sexuality. It I will undoubtedly change, vows in our very nature as
was there that I have vividly evolve and transform. But beings created in the image
BY being a Christian, one human ground of transac- understood the way I should what I need to choose is that and likeness of God who is
has pledged to carry on tion; everybody, even pa- deal with the changes in my whether I will have a bitter love. She elucidated that we
Christ’s love. gans related himself within life in a healthy manner. Sr. change or I will change for the have forgotten who we are,
To love as Jesus this familiar ground. Leticia Garcia, DC, our better and eventually for the our very nature, and our
does is to do extra, to go Christ challenged us to speaker, gave the natural pro- best. personhood that calls us all
“more than a mile” (Mt. go across the familiar cess of how nature works and This was even clarified to to love. Our very nature calls
5:41), to go beyond our ground and explore the un- changes. She said that every- me existentially when our us to love our Creator who is
ordinary human transac- familiar, unknown: thing in nature experiences speaker told us that as we Love and who created us out
tions. To love those To love those who are birth, loss and gain. Though change our consciousness of love.
whom you know as not lovable is “extra.” loss is part of the process, also changes to attain matu- Relating it with the reli-
friends is not “extra.” To To give to those who what matters most is the gain rity and act more responsibly. gious life, the vows which a
give to those who have cannot give in return is that one achieves after one’s This is the part where my be- religious professes are used
given you in return in not “more.” loss. It is in this natural pro- ing was really struck. It is as instruments to love more.
“more.” To work because To serve those who can- cess that I grasped that na- where I asked myself if I have This point made it clear to me
you are paid a salary is not serve in return is “be- ture itself is teaching me how really evolved progressively, that the profession of vows
not “beyond.” To give in yond.” to view and take changes that maturely and responsibly. It and ordination are not the
order to be given in return To forgive even your en- are complicated, difficult and made me reminisce my past end but the means to achieve
is the form of honor, emy is “extra.” intricate which in the end will and made me unearth that I the end and that is—to love.
praise, promotion is not To explore the unfamil- make me gain. have become a better person. I have come to appreci-
“extra.” iar ground with Christ’s love Before I was really irri- Relating this point in my ate and attune my attitude to-
All these—friend- is going more than a mile. tated to the changes that I ex- aspiration to become a wards change in a healthy
ship, salary, honor, praise, Only the extra-miler deserves perience for they present un- Camillian religious and the manner that I should choose
promotion are ordinary the name “Christian.” usual and unconventional goal to follow and serve freely and willingly to change
situations in me that I am not Christ in religious life, Sr. for the better and for the best
at ease. Though I understand Letty expounded that as a because the higher I go and
that change will always take religious grows maturely and the more I know the bigger
place, I am not aware that I changes positively he/she responsibility to love is given
Bo Sanchez Today, I’m a preacher.
am exasperated because my should all the more be re- to me.
Believe in Yourself the
And I love my job. I have
reached millions of people comfort zone is being shaken. sponsible and serious in con- (John Paul Alvarado, OSC, is a nov-
with God’s Word, all over Previous to my entrance to tinuously responding to ice of the Order of St. Camillus)
Way God Believes in You the world.
Why? Message/ from p5
Because of one tiful and that is capable of Teresa put the teachings of the Elizabeth, to render “in haste”
YESTERDAY, I met her Everything was coming woman who believed in making the whole of your ex- Lord into practice: “Just as the love of Christ into gener-
again after a long, long back. me. istence a joyful undertaking you did it to one of the least ous service towards our broth-
time. The walls. The picture One woman who to of giving yourselves as a gift of these who are members of ers and sisters.
Aida. frames. The windows with old- this day leads a small to God and your brothers and my family, you did it to me”
A mother of six chil- fashioned curtains. group of twenty people. sisters, in imitation of the One (Mt 25:40). The message of Towards the encounter in
dren, loving wife, and pure The past started coming As I say this, I already who vanquished hatred and this humble witness of divine Sydney
Ilocana. alive. imagine Aida shaking her death forever through love (cf love has spread around the On this subject, the rec-
A leader of a small “You shall preach next head. She will tell me with Rev 5:13). Love is the only whole world. ommendation of the apostle
prayer group. Friday, Bo” a smile, “Well, how could I force capable of changing the John is illuminating: “Little
Perhaps twenty or It was as though I could not believe in you? God heart of the human person and The secret of love children, let us love, not in
thirty people. hear Aida’s voice. believed in you, Bo.” of all humanity, by making Each one of us, my dear word or speech, but in truth
I visited her again, and A motherly voice that As I look back, I some- fruitful the relations between friends, has been given the pos- and action. And by this we
was struck at how so many was gentle yet strong. times have tears in my men and women, between rich sibility of reaching this same will know that we are from the
things have not changed. More than any other, eyes—thinking what and poor, between cultures level of love, but only by hav- truth” (1 Jn 3: 18-19). Dear
I went to the living room these were the “sacred” would I be now without an and civilizations. This is ing recourse to the indispens- young people, it is in this
where I used to sit as a thir- words that changed the direc- Aida in my life. shown to us in the lives of the able support of divine Grace. spirit that I invite you to expe-
teen-year-old boy. The tion of my life. The thirteen- May you find one in saints. They are true friends Only the Lord’s help will allow rience the next World Youth
plastic leatherette chair felt year-old boy looked up and your journey. (We need a of God who channel and re- us to keep away from resigna- Day together with your bish-
small now. But the old nodded handful of them around flect this very first love. Try tion when faced with the enor- ops in your respective dio-
brown piano was still “Okay,” I said meekly to us.) to know them better, entrust mity of the task to be under- ceses. This will be an impor-
there—and at once, I could her. People who believe in yourselves to their interces- taken. It instills in us the cour- tant stage on the way to the
hear the old charismatic I didn’t know what else you so much, they’ll be sion, and strive to live as they age to accomplish that which is meeting in Sydney where the
songs of years gone by. to say. But at the back of my willing to accept the early did. I shall just mention humanly inconceivable. Above theme will be: “You will receive
“This is the day” and “Oh mind, I wondered, “Why me?” disasters that will flow out Mother Teresa. In order to re- all, the Eucharist is the great power when the Holy Spirit
what a mighty God we I was the youngest in the of our budding greatness. spond instantly to the cry of school of love. When we par- has come upon you; and you
serve” and “Come Holy group. I’ve got another idea. Jesus, “I thirst”, a cry that had ticipate regularly and with de- will be my witnesses” (Acts
Spirit I need You”. Funny So the following week, I Be an Aida for some- touched her deeply, she be- votion in Holy Mass, when we 1:8). May Mary, the Mother
how everything started to preached my first talk. one else. gan to take in the people who spend a sustained time of ado- of Christ and of the Church,
come back. It was a disaster. There is always one were dying on the streets of ration in the presence of Jesus help you to let that cry ring
I remember how I had But Aida’s belief in me person out there that you Calcutta in India. From that in the Eucharist, it is easier to out everywhere, the cry that
a big crush on Aida’s eldest was unflinching. She smiled know who will bless so time onward, the only desire understand the length, breadth, has changed the world: “God
daughter. She played the pi- all through my talk. And right many others—if only of her life was to quench the height and depth of his love is love!” I am together with
ano so gloriously; I wanted after the “disaster”, she told someone will believe in thirst of love felt by Jesus, not that goes beyond all knowl- you all in prayer and extend
to do the same. Well yes- me to give another “disaster” them, the way God believes with words, but with concrete edge (cf Eph 3:17-18). By shar- to you my heartfelt blessing.
terday, I met her there—al- the following Friday. in them. action by recognizing his dis- ing the Eucharistic Bread with
ready a doctor, married, and That was more than two Will you? figured countenance thirsting our brothers and sisters of the From the Vatican,
with a wonderful baby. decades ago. God believes you can. for love in the faces of the Church community, we feel 27 January 2007
poorest of the poor. Blessed compelled, like Our Lady with BENEDICTUS PP. XVI
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 6
March 19 - April 1, 2007 CINEMA Reviews 15
Title: PATHFINDER
Lead Cast : Russel Means, Jay
Title: MONAY Tavare, Nicole Muñoz, Moral Assessment
Lead Cast: Manuel Urbano Jr, Leo Martinez, Richie Adamos, Rex
Michelle Thrush, Ralf Moeller
Cortez, Tirzo Cruz III, Ricky Davao Director: Marcus Nispel
Director: Manuel Urbano Jr. Abhorrent
Producers : Mike Medavoy, Arnold Disturbing
Screenwriter: Manuel Urbano, Jr. Messer
Genre: Comedy Acceptable
Screenwriter : Laeta Kalogridis
Distributor: Onabru Productions Music: Jonathan Elias Wholesome
Location: New Zealand
Editors: Jay Friedkin, Glen Exemplary
Technical Assessment: Scantlebury
Moral Assessment: Genre: Action/Drama
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above Cinematography: Daniel Pearl Technical Assessment
Distributor: 20th Century Fox Film
NAGSIMULA ang M.O.N.A.Y. sa marahil ay may pulitikang sangkap Corporation Poor
isang disyerto sa Mongolia , kung ito. Mayroon nga, ngunit Location: USA Below average
saan sakay ng isang kabayo ang diumano’y “Walang kinikilingan,” Technical Assessment: Average
katutubong si Mr. Shooli (Jun ani Urbano, “ Ito’y para sa tao, para Moral Assessment: Above average
Urbano). Magloloko ang kabayo sa Pilipino.” Maraming katiwalian CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 Excellent
kung kaya’tmnamahinga muna si sa ating lipunan ang and above
Mr. Shooli sa isang tolda. Dito niya pinagtutuunan ng pansin ng
THE action-adventure movie Path- him to adulthood. CINEMA Rating Guide
matatanggap ang balitang nasa M.O.N.A.Y., lalo na’t mga maling
bingit na ng kamatayan ang gawi ng mga pulitiko at mga finder unfolds in pre-Columbus While a great deal of research
America when Viking “dragon ships” went into the making of Pathfinder, it VA - For viewers of all ages
kanyang tatay-tatayan na si Mr. naglilingkod sa pamahalaan, at pati V13 - For viewers age 13
Garci , na siyang nag-alaga at na rin mga taliwas na values ng mysteriously came out of the mist to is a story set in a time that is beyond
invade Native American villages for and below with parental
nagpalaki kay Mr. Shooli nang mga Pilipino (tulad ng historical reach, a fact that allowed guidance
siya’y maulila sa Pilipinas. pagpapabaya sa pamilya ng mga slaves. A lone survivor in an inva- the movie’s production team (direc- V14 - For viewers 14 and
Magnanasa si Mr. Shooli na OFW habang naghahanap ng pera sion, a white-skinned blond 10-year- tor Marcus Nispel, cinematographer above
bumalik sa Pilipinas, isang sa ibang bansa), mga bagay na old boy, emerges from the bloodied Daniel C. Pearl,, costume designer V18 - For mature viewers 18
bansang napalapit na sa kanyang talos natin ay tunay namang shipwreck, suspicious and shaking Renée April, production designer and above
puso, at maaabutan pa niyang nangyayari sa ating kapaligiran with fright but with self-preservation Greg Blair) unlimited creative freedom NP - Not for public viewing
buhay si Mr. Garci . Papasa- ngayon. Bagama’t tapat sa instinct intact. He is found by a na- in piecing together a mythical culture
kabilang buhay si Mr. Garci, at sa katotohanan ang M.O.N.A.Y, tive American Indian woman, a mem- from the shards of fact, fiction and
puntong ito magsisimula ang iba’t hindi rin masasabing lubos itong ber of the local Wampanoag tribe, legend. The sets, costumes, cinema-
ibang karanasan ni Mr. Shooli who brings him home and pleads with tography, and other technical details over ignorance. The hero, Ghost,
malaya mula sa partisan politics,
kasama ng kanyang kaibigan at sapagkat may mga elemento itong the village elders to keep him as a real are a marriage of reality and imagina- suffers from being somewhere in
dating kamag-aral na si Congress- member of the community. The coun- tion, deliberately departing from ste- between being Viking and being In-
“patama”, tulad halimbawa ng
man Manhik-Manaog (Leo paggamit ng pangalang “Garci”--- cil of elders fears that the “different” reotypes---of Vikings wearing horned dian, but realizes that to prove his
Martinez), mga karanasang human being who has strayed into helmets and American Indians living loyalty and his worth to both him-
di kaya sinadya ito para magpa-
magbibigay-kahulugan naman sa alala ng kung ano?---bakit Garci at their village would be tailed by evil in teepees, for example---while remain- self and his foster people he has to
talumpati ni Mr. Shooli sa dulo ng wherever he goes but the Pathfinder ing faithful to and respectful of his- confront the demons of his past
hindi Cruz, Santos o Reyes? Ang
pelikula. pamagat mismo na M.O.N.A.Y. ay (Russell Means), the community’s tory and culture. Commendable, too, which actually make up the greater
Ang “Monay” ay isang ac- powerful shaman, perceives the is Pathfinder’s minimal use of CGI, demon within him. He is consumed
nagpapa-alala rin sa “State of the
ronym na nangangahulugang “ Nation Address” o S.O.N.A. na young boy’s destiny among the compelling the actors to do their own by rage and revenge for what he sees
Misteyks Opda Neysion Adres native’s and prevails upon the com- stunts under harrowing conditions-- to be his enemy---the savages who
taon-tao’y inihahayag ng isang
Yata .” Isang comedy-satire ang pangulo ng bansa. Sadya ring munity to adopt the boy. He is thus -if the script calls for “eighty people deprived him of his family as a boy
welcomed, named “Ghost” because falling off a snow-covered cliff,” the and who have returned to rob him
M.O.N.A.Y, at nagniningning ito ipapalabas ang M.O.N.A.Y. sa mga
sa dami ng mga sikat na artistang sinehan ngayong Marso, panahon of his white skin, and raised as one of movie refuses to cheat you with digi- again of his new people---but
them. Fifteen years later, Ghost (Karl talized images but gives you exactly through the guidance of the Path-
nasangkot sa pagbubuo ng ng kampanya, bago mag-eleksyon
pelikula. Isa itong katuparan ng sa Mayo. Maganda ang Urban), still fired by anger and re- 80 people falling off a snow-covered finder, the shaman who shows oth-
venge, is a skilled hunter and warrior, cliff. ers the way, Ghost learns that only
tatlong-taong pangarap ng intensiyon ng M.O.N.A.Y.sa
artistang si Jun Urbano, na siya pagbatikos sa ating mga katawa- ready to wage a one-man war against Pathfinder is not simply about by masterfully controlling his emo-
the Vikings in order to protect the the triumph of good over evil; it is tions can he succeed in dealing with
ring manunulat at direktor ng tawang gawi ng mga pulitiko,
M.O.N.A.Y. Nakaka-entertain ang ngunit pili rin ang binabatikos nito: people who have nursed and nurtured more about the triumph of wisdom the enemy’s brute force.
kuwento nito, at bagama’t halimbawa, hindi kabilang sa mga
matilamsik ito sa “paggigisa” sa pinagtatawanan nito ang
mga baluktot na gawain sa ating pagkakandidato ng mga walang Title: DREAMGIRLS travagant musical performances and
bansa, maluwag tanggapin ang karanasan sa pulitika o walang Running Time: 131 mins production numbers, soulful songs
katotohanang kanyang alam sa batas, tulad ng ilang mga Lead Cast: Jamie Foxx, Beyonce and talented performances from the
sinasalamin at isinusulong artista o media people. Ano man Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, cast -- both as actors and singers.
Eddie Murphy, Anika Noni There is a fairly smooth transforma-
sapagkat ito’y binabalot sa ang dahilan, maaari na nating ipikit Rose, Danny Glover
katatawanan. angating mga mata sa mga tion of the presentation from a stage
Director: Bill Condon play into a movie. Although there is
Nang anyayahan ang CIN- pagkukulang ng M.O.N.A.Y., Producer: Laurence Mark
EMA sa isang private screening sapagkat sa kabubuuan ng Screenwriter: Bill Condon some awkwardness on how the
ng M.O.N.A.Y, naisip nami’y pelikula ay nababakas ang Music: Henry Krieger screen adaptation requires the char-
“Bumalik na naman ba ang katapatan ng mga gumawa nito. Editors: Virginia Katz acters to suddenly burst into a song
bomba?” sapagka’t ang pamagat Ibukas na lamang natin ang ating Genre: Musical /Drama in the middle of a conversation, ar-
nito’y nagpapaalala sa ilang mga mga isipan sa ubod ng talumpati Cinematography: Tobias gument or reflection, like an after-
pelikula noong nakaraan na ni Mr. Shooli bago magtapos ang Schliessler thought instead of a nicely interwo-
pinamagatang Talong, Patikim ng pelikula, kung saan niya nawikang Distributor: Paramount Pictures ven number, spoiling or trivializing
Pinya, Tuhog, at kung ano ano “Ang rebolusyon ay wala sa Location: Detroit-USA, 1960-70s what would have contributed to good
pang pamagat na sa kultura ng EDSA, wala sa Makati, kungdi Technical Assessment: character-development. Dream Girls
Pilipino ay may dobleng nasa puso ng bawa’t tao.” Ito ay Moral Assessment: is an engrossing story and an enter-
kahulugan. Nang malaman namin umaayon sa turo ng Simbahang CINEMA Rating: For viewers age taining show with a great packaging
13 and below with parental of energetic songs and haunting
ang kahulugan ng “MONAY” Katoliko na ang pagbagago ng guidance
bilang isang acronym, naisip nam- lipunan ay nagmumula sa IT’S the early 60s in Detroit where ballads presented with crisp
ing ito’y ginawang paraan lamang pagbabago ng kalooban ng bawat his mark as a music producer. All he camerawork and tight editing.
civil rights are still just a whisper in needs is the right product. Enter the
upang mapansin ang pelikula, at nilalang. the streets. Curtis Taylor (Jamie “Ego” -- that three -letter words
Dreamettes -- Deena (Beyonce often gets in the way of relationships
Foxx) is a car salesman raring to make Knowles), Lorell (Anika Noni Rose) and growth -- wrecking careers and
and Effie (Jennifer Hudson), the breaking hearts. The movie illus-
childhood friends and singing trio, trates what happens when a person
who come in for an audition looking is too full of himself to look at and
very ordinary but overflowing with care about how his actions and de-
talent. They are just what Curtis cisions affect the people around. To

CBCPMonitor Name ___________________________________________


(Family Name) (Given Name) (Middle Name)
needs. He signs them up, as back-
up singers, despite lead singer Effie’s
protests, for a gig with Jimmy Early,
preserve one’s self is a natural in-
stinct and success is everyone’s in-
nate desire. But human beings need
SUBSCRIPTION RATES (Eddie Murphy), Detroit’s rising star. to transcend the instinct and desire
Mailing Address __________________________________ From then on, their careers skyrocket and become noble and productive.
until Curtis launches the girls as a To be noble means to let go of one ’s
_________________________________________________ solo act, christening them as The self and look more at what others
The CBCP Monitor is published Phone No.: _______ Fax No.: ______ E-mail: __________ Dreams. Only one small glitch in the need, while to be productive is to
fortnightly by the CBCP Media Of- equation – sultry Deena is to take respond to the others’ needs by giv-
fice, with editorial and business of- Mode of Payment center stage as lead vocalist while ing up one’s self. Only then does
fices at 470 Gen. Luna St., Check/PMO enclosed Cash Payment the more talented yet overweight and success become meaningful and ad-
plain-looking Effie becomes back-up. mirable. Young audiences will enjoy
Intramuros, Manila. PO Box 3601, (Payable to: CBCP Communications Development Foundation Inc.) Everyone’s dreams slowly takes place the film but some sensitive issues
1076 MCPO but at a steep price that may be too such as extramarital affair, substance
• Domestic heavy for their hearts to bear. abuse and betrayals need explana-
1 Year Php 500.00 ______________________ The movie shines with its ex- tion and guidance from parents.
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CBCP Monitor

16 People, Facts & Places Vol. 11 No. 6


March 19 - April 1, 2007

Cardinal Vidal
Marks 51 Years
of Priesthood
John Paul II appointed Vidal the fourth
Markings
Filipino Cardinal. He also became the CELEBRATED. Diocese of CELEBRATED. Diamond Jubi-
president of the Catholic Bishops’ Butuan, 40th anniversary of lee of Religious Profession of
Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) foundation on March 20, RVM Sisters; March 17, 2007; S.
from 1986 to 1987 and served as chair- 2007; Pope Paul VI created Ma. Socorro Alvarez, S. Ma.
man of the CBCP’s Episcopal Com- the ecclesiastical territory Febenigna Acebedo, S. Ma.
mission on the Clergy (ECC) in 1989. of Butuan on March 20, Consuelo Ananca, S. Ma. Vicenta
Since 2000, Vidal has been serv- 1967. Fr. Carmelo D. F. Cañeda, S. Ma. Dolores Lim, S. Ma.
ing as the president of the Pontificio Morelos was appointed as Maura Lopez, S. Ma. Angelita Macaraig, S. Ma.
Colegio Filipino (PCF), a home in first bishop of Butuan on Ignacia Magdalena, S. Ma. Adela Moreto, S. Ma. Flora
CEBU Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal
Rome of Filipino diocesan priests April 4, 1967, and was in- Nini, S. Ma. Dominga Palanca, S. Ma. Joaquina
Vidal has marked his 51st anniversary stalled on July 10 of the Pascua, S. Ma. Cecilia Perez, S. Ma. Margarita
of his ordination to the priesthood who have been sent by their bish-
ops to pursue higher ecclesiastical same year. Most Rev. Juan de Dios M. Pueblos was Quevedo, S. Ma.Amda Retig, S. Ma. Susana Urbina;
on March 17. appointed as second prelate of Butuan when Bishop at the Our Lady of theAssumption Chapel, Q.C., with
Born on February 6, 1931, he studies.
Among the many awards that Carmelo D.F. Morelos was appointed archbishop of the Apostolic Nuncio, Most Rev. Fernando Filoni pre-
was ordained a priest in 1956 by the Zamboanga by Pope John Paul II on Dec. 8, 1994. siding.
late Lucena Bishop Alfredo Ma. he received are: The Outstanding
FilipinoAward from the Cultural Cen- Bishop Pueblos was installed on January 17, 1996 by
Obviar, whose life is being studied the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Gian Vincenzo CELEBRATED.
by the Congregation for the Causes ter of the Philippines in 1998, and the
Rizal Peace Award in 2002, and the Moreni; at St. Joseph Cathedral. On June 11, 2003, Golden Jubilee
of Saints of the Vatican, in view of a Bp. Zacarias Jimenez was appointed as auxiliary of the following
petition to raise him to the honors of Sovereign Order of Malta’s Bailiff
Grand Cross of Honor and Devotion bishop. Daughters of St.
the altar. Paul (FSP);
The 75-year-old prelate first in 2002.
In 2005, the cardinal participated March 18, 2007:
served as a parish priest in his home- S r. Ma. Leus
town in Mogpog, Marinduque. in the papal conclave which selected
Pope Benedict XVI as the successor Abuda, Sr. Ma.
After being appointed as bishop C a n d i d a
in 1971, he was later appointed as of Pope John Paul II.
Vidal tendered his resignation Sahagun, presently assigned in the archdiocese of
archbishop of Lipa City in Batangas. Manila; Sr. Ma. Bernarda Branzuela, assigned in the
In 1981, he was named coadju- as archbishop of Cebu last year
upon reaching retirement age but diocese of Tacloban; and Sr. Ma. Antonietta Echavez,
tor archbishop of Cebu. He was for- assigned in the archdiocese of Davao. Fr. Ruben
mally installed as archbishop of the Pope who urged him to continue
his pastoral work declined it. LAUNCHED. Congregation of the Order of Areño, SSP, provincial of the Society of St. Paul; pre-
Cebu City on September 18, 1982. Carmelites (O.Carm) in the Philippines; Golden jubi- sided the thanksgiving mass at the Queen of Apostles
It was in 1985 when the late Pope (CBCPNews)
lee celebration on March 16, 2007, in Escalante, Negros Sanctuary at the Daughters of St. Paul’s compound
Occidental. The Dutch Carmelite Friars who arrived in Pasay City. A lighted candle which is consumed as
Lipa’s KSFS Turns 63 in Negros Occidental in 1958 started the Carmelite
presence in the Philippines. Almost fifty years since
it sheds light beautifully conveyed the theme of the
celebration. The symbolism represented the Sisters’
MORE than two hundred promoters then, the Carmelites continue to serve the people 50 years of life spent in joyful service of the Gospel.
and benefactors gathered at the through pastoral care, school ministry, lay formation
Study Hall of St. Francis de Sales and BCC building, media education, retreat work and Died: In March 2007; Rev. Fr.
(SFS) Minor Seminary, Lipa City last social action. The friars’ communities in the Philip- Leopoldo Solleza, Archdiocese of
March 10 to celebrate the sixty-third pines are found in Quezon City, Negros Occidental, Jaro; Rev. Fr. Alberto Vito, Arch-
Anniversary of the Kapisanan ni San Agusan del Sur, and Cebu City. The Carmelites trace diocese of Capiz; Rev. Fr. Salvador
Francisco de Sales (KSFS). their roots to Mount Carmel in Palestine, where her- Cecilio, Diocese of Borongan; and
Rev. Fr. Aloysius H. Buensalida, mits lived a life of prayer and solitude. Sr. Maria C. Basas, DC.
Parochial Vicar at San Sebastian Par-
ish, Lipa City, facilitated the bene-
factors’ Lenten Recollection, focus- ers and benefactors willingly give
ing on the Seven Last Words of
Jesus. Seminarians from the pre-col-
themselves to such a noble cause.
The former directors of the
Jaucian Ordained New Bishop for Abra
lege, college and theology depart- KSFS were Rev. Fr. Cirilo Almario IN a ceremony that lasted more than ent dioceses of the country attended The apostolic nuncio, mean-
ments of St. Francis de Sales Semi- (now Bishop-Emeritus of Malolos, two hours, the former Provincial Su- the solemn Episcopal ordination in- while, expressed his “fraternal soli-
nary personally expressed their grati- Bulacan), Rev. Msgr. Alberto perior of the Philippine Central Prov- cluding papal nuncio Archbishop darity” and support to the country’s
tude through songs during the af- Boongaling (now Parochial Admin- ince of the Society of the Divine Word, Fernando Filoni and Manila Arch- bishops.
ternoon program. Parlor games and istrator of St. Martin of Tours Par- Leopoldo Jaucian, was elevated to the bishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales. He told Jaucian: “Do not forget
raffle draws were also prepared for ish, Taal, Batangas), late Rev. Fr. order of bishops. The new bishop came from a what the Lord Jesus has done for
the guests. Oscar del Rio, Rev. Fr. Joselin Gonda The ceremony took place at the poor but exemplary family that traces you today… you are called to sus-
Most Rev. Ramon C. Arguelles, (now director of Lipa Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Word in the its ancestry from Ilocos Norte. tain the faith of your clergy and your
DD, STL, Archbishop of Lipa, pre- Commission on Migrants and Mis- Christ the King Seminary in Quezon He was a working student him- flocks,” said Filoni.
sided over the Eucharistic celebra- sion), Rev. Fr. Marcelino Antonio City on March 26, 2007. self, and was ordained at the church “You (bishops) are collaborators
tion. Incumbent KSFS director, Rev. Maralit, Jr. (now Vice Rector of SFS Jaucian will assume the pasto- where he served as a sacristan in the in the name of the Lord. Please make
Rochester Charles “Toter” Resuello, Theological Seminary, Lipa), Rev. Fr. ral care of the Diocese of Bangued ‘70s. your collaboration a sign of devo-
SFS High School Principal, Rev. Fr. Reynaldo Evangelista (now Bishop in Abra province that was left va- “Many years ago I was the one tion and charity,” he said.
Oscar Andal and SFS Prefect of Dis- of Boac, Marinduque), Rev. Fr. Raul cant when the former Bangued cleaning the sacristy… from a ‘sac- Archbishop Ernesto Salgado of
cipline Rev. Fr. Jose Dennis Tenorio Francisco Martinez (now Parish Bishop Artemio Rillera was trans- ristan’ to a bishop,” said Jaucian. the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia
concelebrated with the Archbishop. Priest of St. Clare Parish, Sto. Tomas, ferred to the Diocese of San “The great love of God is my only will officially install Jaucian as
The KSFS was established by Batangas) and Rev. Fr. Wilfredo Fernando, La Union. treasure than I can only share with bishop of Abra on March 31 at the
the late Most Rev. Leoncio Lat, DD Rosales, (now director of SFS Insti- Around 25 bishops from differ- you,” he added. Cathedral of Bangued. (CBCPNews)
on March 14, 1944. True to the tute of Formation).
organization’s motto, Pietas et KSFS has been blessed with one
Caritas, the members pray and work hundred nine promoters and thou-
for the increase of vocations and, in sands of benefactors who selflessly
their own little way, extend financial support thirty five seminarian-ben-
help to poor but deserving seminar- eficiaries, excluding seminarians and
ians of the Archdiocese of Lipa. priests studying abroad. (Emma D.
Those who are recruited as promot- Bauan)

His Eminence Gaudencio B. Rosales retraced his steps to the priesthood in his homily
on the occasion of his 49th presbyteral anniversary. The signal event was celebrated on
March 20 at the Arzobispado de Manila in the presence of his two auxiliary bishops and
the priests of the Archdiocese of Manila who were in session for the regular monthly
presbyterium.

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