Monitor
CBCP
MAY 29 - JUNE 11, VOL 21, NO. 11
C1
UGNAYAN
THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT
OF COUPLES FOR CHRIST
B1
STATEMENT OF THE
MINDANAO BISHOPS
ON MARAWI AND
MARTIAL LAW
Cardinal Quevedo slams
demonic terror ideology
By Roy Lagarde
FOR Cardinal
Orlando Quevedo,
terrorism has no God.
In his strongest statement so
far following the terror attack in
Marawi City, the cardinal stressed
that nothing can justify an ideology
that asserts the morality of killing
in the name of God.
CBCP urges senators to junk
death penalty, be heroes of life
Lakbay Buhay pilgrims march and other anti-death penalty advocates march toward
the Senate to call on legislators to reject the death penalty, May 24, 2017. NICEFORO
VINCE A. BALBEDINA III
THE Catholic Church
appealed to senators to be
heroes of life by voting
against the bill reimposing
the death penalty in the
country.
Solidarity appeal for Marawi launched
THE Catholic Churchs
social action arm on Monday
launched a solidarity
appeal to dioceses to extend
help to people displaced by
by the ongoing clash between
government troops and the
Maute terrorist group.
The national Caritas
is now appealing to your
generosity for any assistance
to augment the needs of the
internally displaced persons
The Diocesan Social Action Center of Iligan distributes relief supplies to residents of Marawi City who have evacuated to the Maria Cristina Gymnasium in Iligan City, May 28, 2017. SR. JARRIET SIGNAR/CONTRIBUTOR
This is a demonic ideology.
The true believers in Islam have
condemned this ideology, and this
violence of terrorism is creating
the greatest of fear and anxiety in
Mindanao, he said.
The cardinal made the statement
on Wednesday, May 31, in his
homily during the canonical
coronation of the Nuestra Seora
de Aranzazus image in San Mateo,
Rizal.
He said that hundreds of people
In a video message, CBCP
President Archbishop
Socrates Villegas enjoins
the senators to stand for
life and not lose the chance
Penalty / A6
affected by the Marawi siege,
said Caritas Philippines head
Cceres Archbishop Rolando
Tria Tirona in a letter to 85
dioceses and social action
directors nationwide.
The agency has initially
released Php 300,000 to
support the relief efforts of
the Diocese of Iligan.
Donations may be sent
to the Caritas Philippines
Solidarity / A6
CBCPMONITOR@AREOPAGUSCOMMUNICATIONS.COM
PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE
Bishop cries foul
after mining firm
clears forest in
Palawan
THE cutting of thousands of
century-old trees by a mining
company in Palawan has drawn
have died in Mindanao in the Thousands of poor people are the ire of a Catholic bishop who
hands of the extremists and other trodden under foot and forgotten, urged for action so that it wont
criminals such as those involved in he added, as the clashes between happen again.
the illegal drug trade. the government troops and the As the countrys last
He also lamented the powerful Maute group in Marawi City ecological frontier because of
people who go against the law entered its 8th day.
through corruption aggravating Quevedo went further by
its unique biodiversity, Bishop
Socrates Mesiona emphasized
poverty and underdevelopment. invoking God and the Blessed the importance of protecting
The spectre of terrorism, hatred, Mother to reign over our minds the provinces environment
hostility, of prejudices and biases and hearts today. and its remaining natural
this spectre of darkness is stalking Let us beg them to bring peace, resources.
our beloved land, said Quevedo, a unity, and integrity to our country. This is a tragedy because
well-known peace advocate. Terror / A7 Mining / A7
Abducted priest pleads for help in video
A WEEK after his They dont ask for
abduction by Islamic anything... they just ask
militants in Marawi City, that you leave this place
a video of Fr. Teresito peacefully.
Chito Suganob We are in the midst
surfaced on Facebook of this war we are asking
on May 30 appealing your help to please give
for President Rodrigo what they are asking
Dutertes help. for, he said.
The priest said the The vicar general of
militants are demanding the Marawi prelature
a stop to the military said that along with him
offensive against them are about 240 more
and for the sake of the hostages, including
prisoners of war. several women and
Mr. President, please children.
consider us, Suganob Its uncertain when Fr. Teresito Chito Suganob, who was abducted by the Maute group a week ago, is seen in a
said in a cracking voice. Help / A7 screen grab from a Facebook video. CBCPNEWS
Church appeals for humility in govt-NDF peace talks
THE Catholic Bishops
Conference of the
Philippines (CBCP) called
on the government and
the communist rebels to
take bold steps to end the
decades-old armed conflict
in the country.
At the same time, the
bishops asked for humility
as a way of overcoming
misunderstanding that may
crop up.
Do not be afraid to take
the bold steps that alone can
bring peace. Intransigence
is not strength. Humility is,
said Archbishop Socrates Philippine government and National Democratic Front peace negotiators meet once more in the town of Noordwijk in the Netherlands,
Humility / A6 hours before the Duterte administration cancelled the peace negotiations, May 28, 2017. RUBEN MANAHAN/OPAPP
A2 WORLD NEWS May 29 - June 11, Vol 21, No. 11 CBCP Monitor

In Iraq, necessity makes priests

t

become engineers
ROME, Italy Priests in Iraq are
helping reconstruct around 13,000
homes in the Plain of Nineveh which
have been damaged or destroyed by
ISIS so that Christians will have a place
to come back to.
To accomplish this, the Pontifical
Foundation Aid to the Church in Need
(ACN) has created a Commission for the
Reconstruction of Nineveh.
Besides celebrating Mass, the priests
also serve as surveyors and obtain
elec-tric service and materials for the
reconstruction of homes. The first
work is being done in places that ISIS
occupied for a short time and where
there is not a lot of material damage.
One of the members of this project is
Fr. Georges Jahola, a Syrian Catholic
priest from Qaraqosh.
The priest told ACN that here in Iraq
if the Church doesnt do these things,
whos going to do them? We have the
capacity to act and do the talking, and
also the contacts.
The reconstruction of the Plain
of Nineveh includes five Chaldean
Christian villages: Badnaya, Karamlesh,
Telleskof, Bakofa and Telkef, located in
the eastern part.
Fr. Salar Boudagh, another member of
this initiative, said that $7,000 is need-
ed to renovate a lightly damaged home.
To restore a burned home costs $25,000
and to reconstruct a totally destroyed
home runs $65,000.
We have begun the reconstruction
of Telleskof and Bakofa, because there
damage to the homes is not too serious,
as opposed to what is happening in
Badnaya where 80 percent of the homes
are destroyed, the priest said.
Before the arrival of the Islamic State
1,450 families lived in Telleskof, 110 in
Bakofa, 950 in Badnaya, another 700 in
Telkef and 875 in Karamlesh, said Fr.
Boudagh, who is also the Vicar General
of the Chaldean Diocese of Alqosh.
For these families, the first condition
to return to their villages is security.
The priest emphasized that our area,
the eastern part of the Nineveh Plain, is
controlled by a Christian security force,
the Zeravani, who are guaranteeing
us 100 percent security. Its an official
militia which is paid by Kurdistan.
In Qaraqosh, 6,327 houses of Syrian
Catholics and 400 homes of Syrian Or-
thodox Christians must be rebuilt.
Fr. Jahola explained that after the
liberation of Qaraqosh from the control
of the jihadists, an operation which
took place in November and December
of 2016, 6,000 houses in the city were
photographed. These were divided into
sectors and classified according to the
level of damage.
There are very damaged or totally
destroyed homes that would would need
to be rebuilt from the ground up, burned
homes or hit by a missile that can be
restored, and finally, there are homes
partially damaged the we can renovate
with little means, he said.
When we began we had a team of
20 volunteer engineers; now we have
40 and some 2,000 workers ready to
begin work. Were optimists, since
electric service is slowly being restored
throughout the city, Fr. Jahola said.
(CNA)
Vatican Briefing
Pope taps Bishop Angelo de Donatis as new Vicar
of Rome
The Vatican announced that Bishop Angelo de
Donatis had been chosen by Pope Francis as the new
Vicar of Rome, who will oversee the administrative
needs of the Roman diocese, including its clergy. In
addition to naming him Vicar of Rome, Francis also
named Donatis an archbishop, according to the May
26 Vatican communique on the announcement. He
will be taking over for Cardinal Agostino Vallini, who
has held the position since 2008, under Bene-dict
XVI. Currently also a member of the Council for the
Economy established by Pope Francis in 2014, Vallini
previously served as Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura
from 2004 until his appointment as Vicar of Rome.
(Elise Harris/CNA)
Pope Francis to nuns: Your joy can change
the world
Women who are consecrated to God live the
prophecy of joy, and this au-thentic joy is their
most credible witness, Pope Francis told leaders
of the Sis-ter Disciples of the Divine Master on
Monday. Joy is a beautiful reality in the life of
many consecrated persons, but it is also a great
challenge for all of us, he said, adding authentic
joy, not self-referential or complacent, is the most
credible witness of a full life, he said May 22. The
Pope addressed an audi-ence of sisters gathered in
Rome in recent weeks for the 9th General Chapter

US bishop says Trump budget at odds with of the Sister Disciples of the Divine Master. The
general chapter has elected its new superior general
and other leaders. (CNA)

Catholic, American ideals Pope invited by bishops to address the future of

LOUISVILLE, Ky. The
former head of the US bishops
decried President Trumps
budget plan, claiming its cuts
to social services conflict with
both the Catholic faith and
American principles.
Whether through Social
Security, Medicaid, food
stamps or foreign aid, our
nation has recognized that
our worth is judged by how
we treat the most vul-nerable
among us, Archbishop
Joseph Kurtz of Louisville,
Kentucky said in a May 24
article published by Courier-
Journal.
The concept is shared
by many religions and has
become part of the ethos of
the United States.
President Trump issued
2018s budget proposal, The
New Foundation for American
Greatness, on Tuesday. The
proposal would defund many
aid pro-grams benefiting
the poor, the environment,
and the foreign aid, drawing
out-cry from organizations
like Catholic Charities and
Catholic relief services.
The budget proposes 4.1
trillion dollars for 2018, with
budget cuts expected to affect
nearly $19 billion in global
aid according to Reuters.
Catholic leaders have
applauded that federal
funding will be redirected
from Planned Parenthood to
womens health centers that
Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville at the Pontifical North American College in Rome
on Oct. 8, 2014. BOHUMIL PETRIK/CNA
do not perform abor-tions.
But they lament the decrease
in funding to US charitable
programs.
Our church has always
said that we fulfill our
responsibility to the poor
not only through personal
charity, but also through
our support for just govern-
mental policies, Archbishop
Kurtz said.
The work of these agencies
to serve the most vulnerable
people depends on both
private contributions and
public support.
Archbishop Kurtz, who
served as president of the
U.S. Bishops Conference
from 2013-2016, discussed
the benefits of foreign aid,
especially to schools which
provide both food and
education.
Right now in many
developing countries,
hundreds of thousands of kids
get a nutritional meal every day
at school Sometimes thats
the reason they go to school.
Its a win-win situation: They
get fed, and they get educated.
They benefit. Their country
benefits.
He continued to give the
example of Thomas Awiapo,
who went to school solely
because he was hungry.
Receiving an education, he
now works at Cath-olic Relief
Services providing similar
relief to other children.
After his father died,
Awiapo was forced to live
with his extended family. The
family was already struggling
with food, including family
members who died from
malnutrition. He then saw
his friend returning from
school with sor-ghum, a grain
often used to feed US cattle.
Attending school, he worked
was able to receive food and
education, and eventually
he received his masters in
public administration.
The programs not only
work, said the archbishop,
but are part of U.S. history
and serve to affirm the
inherit dignity of the person.
He expressed hopes that
Congress would consider this
and reject the proposal.
The budget cut would affect
both Catholic Relief Services,
an international aid program
established in 1943, and
Catholic Charities, a national
relief program established
in 1910. The programs rely
on funding from private and
public donations.
A budget cut for the next 10
years will decrease funding
to national welfare programs
by over $270 billion and $72
billion to disability programs
in order to prepare for the
increase in national defense.
Included in the proposal is
an additional $54 billion to
US military funding and $2.7
billion to immigration control.
Military funding will have
a total of $639 billion. Over
$44 billion will go towards
the Department of Homeland
Security and nearly $28
billion to the Department of
Justice. (CNA)
Europe
Pope Francis will deliver his fifth speech on the
present and future of Europe during an event organized
by the Commission of the European Bishops Con-
ferences of the European community (COMECE). The
event, titled Rethinking Europe, has been organized
by COMECE in collaboration with the Holy See, and
will take place in Rome Oct. 27-29 to mark the 60th
anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, which laid the
foundation for the European Union. Pope Francis was
invited to the event during a private meeting he had
with the COMECE standing committee on May 16.
The meeting took place in the after-noon in Domus
Sanctae Marthae, where Pope Francis lives. (Andrea
Ga-gliarducci/CNA)
Pope Francis: Church teaching helps us avoid
harm of ideology
Pope Francis warned that ideologues sow confusion
and division in the Church in the name of false clarity,
rather than relying on the Pope, the bish-ops, and
Church councils inspired by the Holy Spirit. We are
human, we are sinners, he said, adding that there are
difficulties even in the Church. Being sinners leads
to humility and drawing closer to God who saves us
The Popes words came in his homily at Casa Santa
Martha May 19, Vatican Radio re-ports. He reflected
on the Council of Jerusalem of 49 A.D., recounted in
the Acts of the Apostles, which rejected claims that
gentile converts to Christiani-ty would have to be
circumcised. (CNA)
Benedict XVI praises Cardinal Sarah as great
spiritual teacher
In an afterword to a book on silence and prayer
recently authored by Cardinal Robert Sarah, Benedict
XVI praised the prelate as a spiritual model given the
depth of his interior life, saying the liturgy is safe in
his hands. Cardinal Sarah is a spiritual teacher, who
speaks out of the depths of silence with the Lord, out
of his interior union with him, and thus really has
something to say to each one of us, Benedict XVI
said. The emeritus Pope added that we ought to be
grateful to Pope Francis for his 2014 appointment of
Cardinal Sarah as prefect of the Congregation of Divine

Four religions in Korea unite for migrants

Worship and the Discipline of the Sac-raments. (Elise
Harris/CNA)

No research justifies the use of human embryos,

Pope Francis says
Pope Francis said that there is no outcome that can
justify the use or destruc-tion of embryos for scientific
purposes even for the commendable cause of trying
to help those suffering from incurable diseases.
Some branches of re-search, in fact, utilize human
embryos, inevitably causing their destruction. But we
know that no ends, even noble in themselves, such
as a predicted utili-ty for science, for other human
beings or for society, can justify the destruc-tion of
human embryos, he said May 18. Pope Francis spoke
during a meet-ing at the Vatican with people affected
by a rare and incurable genetic brain disorder called
Huntingtons disease, along with their families and
caretakers. (CNA)

Pope to ambassadors: Work for peace amid

Father Simon Lee Sang-min speaks at the Solidarity of Four Religions for the Human Rights of Migrants press conference held in front of Jogye-sa Buddhist temple in Seoul
on May 17. THE CATHOLIC TIMES OF KOREA
SEOUL, South Korea An inter-
religious group in Korea has asked
the new government to ensure the
protection of migrants and ban racial
discrimina-tion.
Solidarity of Four Religions for the
Human Rights of Migrants held a
press conference on May 17 in front
of Jogye-sa Buddhist temple in Seoul.
Com-posed of Buddhists, Catholics,
Protestants and Won Buddhists, they
have been campaigning against racial
discrimination.
Even during the presidential
election campaign, the candidates
did give any attention to the two
million migrants in Korea. Given
that even the basic hu-man rights
of migrants are not guaranteed,
we should take care of them by
establishing concrete policies, they
said in a statement.
The group called on people to raise
awareness of the problem, report cases
of rights infringement and to pray for
an improvement in the situation. Any
ac-tion based on racial discrimination
should be banned and punished, they
added.
Father Simon Lee Sang-min,
secretary of the bishops Committee
for the Pas-toral Care of Migrants and
Foreign Residents Living in Korea
said, Most mi-grants left their native
countries due to external pressure
and not because they chose to. The
new government should introduce
policies to safeguard their basic
rights. (UCAN)
complex global conflicts
Pope Francis received the credentials of six new
ambassadors to the Holy See on May 18, telling them
to work for the common good and support peace
ef-forts that lessen tensions given the complexity
of the global climate. The in-ternational scene is at
present marked by great complexity, nor is it free of
dark clouds, the Pope said. This situation, he added,
requires a greater awareness of the approaches
and actions needed to pursue the path of peace and
to lessen tensions. Francis spoke to ambassadors
Ms. Zhanar Aitzhan of Kazakhstan; Ms. Aichetou
Mint MHaiham of Mauritania; Mr. Ramesh Prasad
Khanal of Nepal; Mr. Boubacar Boureima of Niger;
Mr. Daffa-Alla Elhag Ali Osman of Sudan and Mr.
Colin Michael Connelly of Trinidad and Tobago.
(Elise Harris/CNA)
CBCP Monitor May 29 - June 11, Vol 21, No. 11 A3

What bishops did to revive the Angelus

TWELVE members of the
Catholic Bishops Conference
of the Philippines (CBCP) re-
cently recorded the Angelus
in eight of the most widely-
spoken Philippine dialects
in a bid to reintroduce the
once-popular family prayer
to todays Filipino Catholics
as well as promote regional
culture.
The Angelus project aims
to revive the habit of families
and communities to stop
all ac-tivity by nightfall and
pray together, shared Robby
Tantingco, director of Holy
Angel University (HAU)s
Center for Kapampangan
Studies (CKS), which oversaw
the record-ing during the
CBCP plenary session at
the Pope Pius XII Center in
Manila in January.
He explained that the
Angelus used to be not only
a religious habit but also
a cultural practice among
Filipino Catholics.
By reviving it, we hope
to see more youths coming
home early instead of staying
out late, and more families
praying together, added
Tantingco.
The prelates recorded the
prayer in the languages of
their respective dioceses as
part of the Centers campaign
to promote local culture
through the use of regional
languages.
The participating prelates
were:
Cebu Archbishop Jose
Palma, (Cebuano);
San Carlos Bishop
Gerardo Alminaza,
(Hiligaynon);
Masbate Bishop Jose
Bantolo (Masbateo);
Laoag Bishop Renato
Mayugba (Ilokano);
Borongan Bishop Crispin
Varquez (Waray-Waray);
Imus Bishop Reynaldo
Evangelista (Tagalog);
Legaspi Bishop Joel
Baylon (Bikol);
Surigao Bishop Antonieto
Cabajog (Cebuano);
Marawi Bishop Edwin de
la Pea (Cebuano);
Paraaque Jesse
Mercado (Tagalog);
Baguio Bishop Victor
Bendico (English); and
Kalookan Bishop Pablo
Virgilio David (Tagalog)
David, who once served
as Auxiliary Bishop of San
Fernando in Pampanga, also
record-ed a Kapampangan
version of the prayer in
addition to that of San
Fernando Archbishop
Emeritus Paciano B.
Anicetos being aired daily
by Pampanga radio stations.
Tantingco revealed that
the current Kalookan bishop
helped HAU launch the
Kapampan-gan Angelus
project in 2012 and facilitate
the bishops recording
sessions during breaks at the
last CBCP plenary session.
He added that compact-
disc copies of the recordings
whose CD jacket features two
paint-ings by Kapampangan
artist Romi Mananquil of
Filipino families praying the
Angelus, have been sent to
the participating prelates
and radio stations in their
regions.
According to Tantingco,
HAU has also partnered with
Church-run radio station
Radio Veritas. major Catholic advocacy to wear saints costumes
The Angelus project after Catholic Halloween instead of attires depict-ing
is the Universitys second which encourages children evil creatures. (CBCPNews)

Bishop tells students:
Studies first, love later
A CATHOLIC bishop reminded
students to focus on their studies
and leave relation-ship out of their
minds, saying that it will come
eventually.
Bishop Roberto Mallari, former
vice chairman of the CBCP
Commission on Youth, said that
there is no need to rush and what
is more important is to complete
their studies.
It is best that they leave
courtships and relationships as
they may not be able to fin-ish their
studies, Mallari said.
With only around two weeks to
go before the opening of classes, the
prelate also urged the students to get
away from vices and unnecessary
luxury.
Mallari stressed that the school
provides them opportunities to
learn and become better citizens.
Its an opportunity to be
enriched as a person and we hope
every student shall un-derstand
the importance of being in school
everyday, he added.
Bishop Roberto Mallari of San Jose in Nueva Ecija
The bishop also said that
prioritizing studies would be a
good way to show gratitude to God
and their parents who love and care
for them.
We hope that they will really
understand that this (parents love)
is also Gods way of expressing
His love for them said Mallari.
(CBCPNews)
Seminarian who once saved the Eucharist from ISIS
returns a priest
KARAMLESH, Iraq Martin Baani
was just 24 years old when he risked
Sacrament in my hands, he told
the pontifical foundation Aid to the
from Iraq but I have decided to stay.
I love Jesus and I dont want our
his life as a seminarian to rescue Church in Need. history to disappear.
the Blessed Sacrament from the Despite threats from ISIS, Baani Almost a year later, following the
imminent invasion of Islamic State chose to stay in Iraq instead of liberation of the villages of the Plain
terrorists in his hometown. fleeing with his fami-ly to the United of Nineveh from ISIS control, Fr.
Now, he is returning to his native States. He continued his studies at Banni confirmed his decision to stay
village as a priest, ready to serve the Saint Peters Seminary in Erbil, the in Iraq in order to serve my people
people through the Eucharist. capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. and our Church.
On August 6, 2014, Baani received In September 2016, Baani was Now I am happy to celebrate
a call from a friend who warned ordained a priest along with six Holy Mass in Iraq, he said.
that a nearby vil-lage had fallen other men. Aid to the Church in Need has
into the hands of ISIS, and that his Around 500 people attended the currently planned the reconstruction
hometown of Karamlesh would be ordination, which was presided over of about 13,000 Christian homes
next. by the Patri-arch of the Chaldean that were destroyed by ISIS.
Baani promptly headed to the San Catholic Church, Louis Raphael Several weeks ago, the foundation
Addai church and took the Blessed Sako. held an olive tree ceremony where
Sacrament, to prevent the jihadists A few months before his they deliv-ered an olive plant to
from desecrating it. That day, he ordination, Baani told Aid to the the homeowners of 105 Christian
fled in a car along with his pastor, Church in Need: Every day I go to homes in the villages of Bar-tella,
Fr. Thabet and three other priests. the refugee camps to accompany the Karmalesh and Qaraqosh as a
I was the last one to leave families. We are Christian refugees. symbol of peace and reconciliation.
Karamlesh, with the Blessed ISIS wants to eliminate Christianity (CNA)
How the Mini Pope moved the hearts of pilgrims at Fatima
FATIMA, Portugal The after the birth she could he was to be discharged, of dressing him up like
photo of a baby dressed not see her baby. They Diego again had a severe Pope Francis. They both
up as the pope at the had to immediately reversal and was returned searched the Internet for
Fatima Shrine rocked resuscitate him and take to intensive care. At that a pattern that would be
social media during Pope him away to the intensive time, Carla asked Pope easy to make and the
Francis pilgrimage to care unit, she said. Francis to intercede for grandmother sewed the

Indian politician suggests

Portugal for the centenary
of the apparitions of the
Virgin Mary.
ransom fund for kidnapped But what many do not
know is the moving story
The little one had
trouble breathing. None of
the doctors could explain
why he was struggling to
breathe so much, said
her son and promised that
when the pontiff went to
Fatima on May 12-13, she
would bring the baby to
the shrine.
outfit.
To complete the
ensamble, Carla put
around his neck a rosary
that Pope Emeritus Bene-

Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil behind this tender picture.

NEW DELHI, India A member
of Indias Legislative Assembly
is encouraging the Church to
raise money for the release of
kidnapped priest Father Tom
Uzhunnalil, claiming a need for
concrete action beyond prayer.
Legislative member P.C.
George expressed concern that
prayer and words are the only
action taken to release Fr. Tom,
and said the terrorists only
want money.
The Catholic Church should
take initiative to raise the fund
to pay as ransom to them, he
said, according to Manorama
on May 27.
The legislator said he would
be willing to donate money,
and suggested local churches
set aside a particular collection
to raise the money necessary
for the freedom of priest, who
was kidnapped last year by
terrorists while serving the
poor in Yemen.Georges words
followed a similar call to action
from Kerela chief minister
Pinarayi Vijayan a day before.
Vijayan emphasized the serious
nature of kidnapping and the
need to speed up the process
of his rescue.
I will directly request Prime
Minister to speed up efforts
for his rescue during our next
meeting in New Delhi, he
said, according to the Deccan
Chronicle, adding that little
interest has been shown so far
to hasten the process.
Fr. Tom is an Indian priest
who was kidnapped last year
during a raid on a house of
the Missionaries of Charity in
Yemen, which left four nuns
dead. The attack was carried out
by unknown militants, making
it difficult for Indian officials to
broker an agreement.
In ransom videos, Fr. Tom
has said that the governments
response to his abduction has
been poor.
The most recent video was
posted last month. It shows
the priest sitting cross-legged
with a cardboard sign dated
April 15, 2017 and speaking
slowly to the camera.
Similar to previous videos,
he expressed a need to be
hospitalized soon and that his
health was deteriorating. Fr.
Tom appears to be thin with
an unkempt beard. A member
of Indias Legislative Assembly
is encouraging the Church to
raise money for the release of
kidnapped priest Father Tom
Uzhunnalil, claiming a need for
concrete action beyond prayer.
George and Vijayan insisted
that serious steps be taken, and
called on the government and
Church to be more responsive.
Vijayan, however, explained
the difficulty in intervening
within Yemens affairs, currently
characterized by violence, and
said it may be necessary to
involve the United Nations.
The Yemen civil war began
in March 2015 when Sunni-led
government was challenged by
Shia rebels. Creating a power
vacuum, the war allowed Al-
Qaeda and the Islamic State
to have a greater foothold in
the country. Military factions
from Saudi Arabia have also
been involved. According to
the United Nations, more than
6,000 people have been killed.
(CNA)
Diego Guerreiro is
from the Portuguese city
Carla, who has another
seven-year-old son.
She said that Diego
On Thursday May 11,
they arrived at Fatima and
spent the night in their car
dict XVI gave to the babys
father when he was at the
Fatima Shrine as part of
of Pinhal Novo, located was in the Santa Maria in order to go to the Shrine the securi-ty detail of the
some 25 miles from Hospital for 76 days, at 8:00 a.m. the following pontiff.
the capital, Lisbon. He where he experienced day. They got a place Diego is still having
was born prematurely both many improvements near the security barrier problems, with his mother
at 33 weeks, weighed and setbacks in his health. installed along the route saying actually he can
three pounds eleven The baby spent half that where the popemobile faint at any mo-ment.
ounces and measured time in ne-onatal intensive would pass. Meanwhile, she remains
16 inches. care with respiratory For this occasion, steadfast and alert to help
Speaking to Tvi24, his assistance. the mother and the her son when needed.
mother Carla said that The evening of the day grandmother had the idea (CNA)
The murder case of Blessed Oscar Romero has been reopened
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador A
nearly 40 year-old murder case
was reopened this week to properly
prosecute the suspected killer
behind the Salvadorian archbish-
ops martyrdom.
Because of an amnesty law that
prohibited the prosecution of
criminal acts stem-ming from the
El Salvador Civil War, the alleged
murderer of Archbishop Oscar
Romero was never convicted of any
crime. The law was lifted last year by
the coun-trys constitutional court,
Archbishop Oscaro Romero with young people in El Salvador in this undated file photo. ARZOBISPADO DE
reopening cases from 1980 to 1992. SAN SALVADOR
Judge Ricardo Chicas reopened
the case on Thursday and ordered repression, leading to death squads friend and teacher to the archbishop
that charges be sought against and forced disappearances. Pro- was gunned down by military forces
the main suspect, whose case was government forces fought against on the way to Mass. Before he died
dismissed in 1993 because of the left-wing guerilla groups from 1979 in 1980, 30 priests in his archdiocese
amnesty law. to 1992. were either murdered or expelled
Alvaro Rafael Saravia was a The El Salvadoran Civil War from the state, and many more lay
soldier and is the main suspect claimed an estimated 75,000 lives faithful were subject to the same fate.
tied to a right-wing death squad before a peace agreement was Investigation into Archbishop
who killed the priest at a hospital established in 1992. Romeros canonization officially
in San Salvador. Blessed Romero Many of the clergy spoke against opened in 1993, but was delayed
was killed while saying mass at the El Salvadors inhumane practices, until the early 2000s because
hospitals chapel. The archbishop and many Catho-lic leaders faced of complex politics and false
was well known for preaching backlash once they denounced reports. In January of 2015, the
against the countrys poverty and the government. Blessed Romero Congregation for the Causes of
corruption from the pulpit. especially decried both the social Saints unanimously recognized the
Social and economic inequality of injustices which heavily oppressed priest as martyr due to the hatred
the 1970s resulted in demonstrations the poor and the militarys towards the faith identified within
and rebel-lions against the El oppressive tactics. the act, and Pope Francis approved
Salvador government. The protests Blessed Romero became for the beatification a month later.
were encountered by gov-ernment exceedingly outspoken once a close (CNA)
A4 OPINION May 29 - June 11, Vol 21, No. 11 CBCP Monitor

EDITORIAL

Martial law and terrorism

ALTHOUGH it may said that President Rodrigo Duterte had an
inkling of declaring martial rule early on to solve the countrys
pressing problems, it was because of the terroristic act of the
Maute group that he placed in haste the entire Mindanao under
martial law.
Everybody condemns terrorism. In the words of Mindanao
Catholic bishops, In the strongest terms we condemn terrorism
in its various forms. It is an ideology that is totally against the
tenets of any religion of peace. Especially so when terrorism is
perpetrated while our Muslim brothers and sisters are preparing
for the holy month of Ramadhan. Terrorism distorts and falsifies
the true meaning of any religion.
The majority of the Senators and, presumably, the majority
of the population support the decision of President Duterte
to declare Martial Law in response to the Marawi crisis. Most
netizens, or mostly those who have not experienced the Marcos
rule, have no second thoughts about martial law. For them what

ILLUSTRATION BY BLADIMER USI

is important is a once-and-for-all solution to the protracted
Mindanao conflict. At this point in time, many believe that
martial law is the only answer to local terrorism. For now, it
does not matter that the root cause of the conflict in Mindanao
lurks in social injustice, poverty and, to quote Pope Francis, in
ideology that masquerades as religion.
Despite safeguards guaranteed by the 1987 Constitution,
however, not a few have questioned the legitimacy and efficacy
of declaring Martial Law. The Catholic bishops of Mindanao in
a statement signed by Cardinal Orlando Quevedo have raised
Family spirituality and Living Mission
several questions, too. But the answers to many questions, they
say, are speculative. We have many fears. But at present we
pastoral mercy Fr. James H. Kroeger, MM
simply do not have solid and sufficient facts to absolutely reject
the declaration of Martial Law as morally reprehensible. But
we are certainly agreed that Martial Law must be temporary.
We shall condemn any abuse of Martial Law and as in the past CHAPTER eight of The Joy of Love, a pastoral approach toward people sexuality can be experienced as a sharing
will condemn it outright if it goes in the way of evil, so said the Accompanying, Discerning and who have contracted a civil marriage, in the full life of the resurrection (317).
bishops. Integrating Weakness, has elicited who are divorced and remarried, or The pope encourages family prayer
The only rub is, history do have many answers even to forward- much comment; it deals with Church simply living together, the Church [as] a special way of expressing and
looking questions. Even without mentioning Ferdinand Marcos, pastoral situations which do not yet or has the responsibility of helping them strengthening the faith (318). All
Sr., who seems to be the idol of the present dispensation, other no longer correspond to her teaching understand the divine pedagogy of family life is a shepherding in mercy.
countries tell of history where absolute rule has become worse on marriage (292), e.g. cohabitation, grace in their lives and offering them Each of us, by our love and care, leaves
than pockets of terrorism. Terrorism pales in comparison the divorced and civilly remarried, their assistance so they can reach the fullness a mark on the life of others (322).
with the devastation that absolute military might has plagued acceptance within the Church. of Gods plan for them, something It is a profound spiritual experience
humanity. Pray tell that there are no dictators in the making out This modest reflection cannot respond which is always possible by the power to contemplate our loved ones with
there, or else even Congress and other democratic institutions to the many, diverse pastoral questions of the Holy Spirit (297). the eyes of God and to see Christ in
will not be able to withstand--as in the past. that arise (consider reading The Joy Thus, Francis sees the Churchs task in them. Our loved ones merit our
of Love for yourself). Only some of such cases as acting like a field hospital complete attention. This gives rise
Pope Francis pastoral guidelines are which will serve and accompany with to a tenderness which can stir in the
What to do with the new techs? presented. attention and care the weakest of her other the joy of being loved. Tenderness
Francis recommends that we children, who show signs of a wounded is expressed in a particular way by
ITS a question many people are asking nowadays. Some are
follow the logic of pastoral mercy and troubled love (291). Undoubtedly, exercising loving care in treating the
worried of the undeniable peripheral damage it has caused on
(307-312), employing the principle the key for Pope Francis is pastoral limitations of the other (323).
many people, especially the young. We cannot deny that forms
of addiction, of wasting time, of exposing users to moral dangers, of gradualness in pastoral care mercy (307). Conclusion. In the final paragraph
are appearing. These problems should be addressed promptly (293-295) and the discernment of Spirituality of Marriage and Francis affirms: No family drops
and drastically. irregular situations (296-300). Such Family. In the ninth and concluding down from heaven perfectly formed;
Others are also worried that some people condemn these new sensitive approaches are needed, since chapter of The Joy of Love, Pope Francis families need constantly to grow and
technologies as pure, unmitigated evil, and so they shy away from we know that no easy recipes exist notes that the spirituality of family love mature in their ability to love. This
them completely and tell others to do likewise. This position is (298) for such greatly diverse marital is made up of thousands of small but real is a never-ending vocation. Let us
not realistic. Its a cowardly attitude akin to the ostrichs defense and family situations that exist in the gestures; indeed, the Lords presence make this journey as families, let us
of burying its head in the sand when a predator comes. world today. dwells in real and concrete families, with keep walking together. Holy Family
Obviously, both groups have their valid reasons which should Need for Pastoral Sensitivity. all their daily troubles and struggles, of Nazareth, grant that our families
be given due consideration. But I think the main thing to do is As for the way of dealing with different joys and hopes (315). Authentic too may be places of communion and
to develop the sense and skill of using these new technologies irregular situations [several were spirituality becomes incarnate in the prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel
properly. This to me translates into how to achieve a sober and noted earlier], the Synod Fathers communion of the family (316). and small domestic churches (325).
intelligent use of these technologies. reached a general consensus, which I For Francis, everything, all moments Holy Family of Nazareth, we turn to you;
Yes, we have to avoid plunging into these modern wonders [Pope Francis] support: In considering of joy, relaxation, celebration, and even guide our path; pray for us!
guided only by our instincts, curiosities and the intoxicating
fascination for novelties. This attitude has no other end than
disaster. We need to discipline these elements and put them Worship in an age
under the direction of our reason enlightened ultimately by faith, And Thats The Truth
hope and charity.
In practical terms, we have to see to it that we have a clear Teresa R. Tunay, OCDS of distractions
and valid reason for using these technologies. And ultimately, Part 2
the clear and valid motive for using these techs is nothing other
than giving glory to God and serving others. If we are not aware
and driven by these motives, we would be pursuing things badly. SO, why are these young free will clung to that faith or authorities to provide Unfortunately, no one is
The understandable spontaneous reaction of curiosity and people being attracted and live it with conviction. convincing answers that will available to assure them that
interest once we discover and explore these technologies should to worship styles and In fact, we are happy to know establish the relevance of heartfelt participation in the
immediately be reined in. Its always worthwhile to practice some Eucharistic celebrations of a number who have even their religion in their lives. Holy Eucharist itself could
restraint and moderation in their use so as not to be dominated that differ from those they become apologists in their My parents are always open the door to the answers
and led by mere blind impulses and urges. I would say that this have grown up in? Lest own right, fiercely defending fighting; why cant we have they seek.
is part of what Christ said about having to deny oneself and carry we be accused of making the Catholic faith in their divorce in this country? Young people are attracted
the cross if we have to follow him. (cfr. Mt 16,24)
sweeping generalizations, blogs and in social media in They say God is good, so by witness. When they hear
Part of this self-restraint and moderation is to be contented
let it be known at this point general. But not all young why does he allow war to go others sharing about their
with what we already have unless we have good reason to explore
that when we say young Catholics have been blessed on and innocent children faith experiences stemming
into what we may consider as new territories. Theres such thing
as disciplining and even controlling our unhinged curiosities that people, we are not referring with sound catechism from to die needlessly? Some from their struggles they
can lead us to unnecessary complications in life. to ALL young people but only their elders, or privileged to young people arrive late come to believe they are
This attitude and action is never an infringement of our to those typified in the three join and be inspired by World for Sunday Mass, sit in the not alone in theirs. They
freedom and our rights, as some people would claim. We can also instances mentioned in Part Youth Day activities. back, and chat away the hour see others testimonies as
freely deny ourselves when we realize that there is a higher good 1 of this series. Thanks be to Young people have (unmindful of the homily concrete evidence of Gods
that we have to be more interested in pursuing and protecting. God we have countless other questions about life in and the consecration), presence in our lives; it gives
Freedom is never just a function of following our instincts, young people who have come general and religion and sincerely think they them a sense of belonging
feelings and ideas alone. It is essentially a function of following to embrace the faith of their in particular. And often have fulfilled their weekly and strengthens their own
the commandments of God who, in the first place, is the author birth, who have out of their there are not enough elders obligation as Catholics. And Thats the Truth / A7
of our freedom.
And if we follow by that rule, then our new technologies should
be used for Gods glory that is translated into loving him and Well always have Candidly Speaking
loving everyone. They are not meant simply to feed our own
interests. the poor Fr. Roy Cimagala

Monitor
CBCP
CHRIST himself said so. You what is appropriate. proper to us. Thats because, health, etc.are secondary
always have the poor with Thus, we have to in the end, we are all brothers to this and should serve as
you, but you will not always understand very well the true and sisters, all children of occasions and instruments to
PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE have me. (Mt 26,11) In other meaning of the slogan often God! meet our need for God.
words, we will always have mouthed by many people Our differences should We have to be very wary of
Pedro Quitorio the poor because in the end today that we should give rather trigger the dynamics certain ideologies that water
Editor-in-Chief we all are the poor. We are preferential option to the of greater love and unity, down our need for God, or
all in need of God. Thats poor. This policy or pastoral not of division. They should at least distort it, by getting
Nirvaana E. Delacruz Ronalyn Regino what makes us all poor and thrust which, doubtless, is invite and encourage us entangled in their priorities,
Associate Editor Design Artist hopefully struggling to attend very sublime, should not to be more understanding giving exaggerated attention
to that most important need. deteriorate into some and compassionate with to the material aspects of
Roy Lagarde Mercedita Juanite That said, we cannot unnecessary and dangerous one another the way our life at the expense of our
News Editor Circulation Manager
deny the obvious fact that social division and conflict Christ was understanding spiritual and supernatural
Kris Bayos Marcelita Dominguez according to some human among ourselves. and compassionate with goals.
Features Editor Comptroller standards and criteria, Despite our differences, we everyone. The material and economic
we have some people who have to care for one another. Our common, universal aspects are definitely
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the Areopagus
Communications, Inc. with editorial and business offices at are considered poor and We should be responsible for and absolute need is God, important, but it would be
Ground Flr., Holy Face of Jesus Center & Convent, 1111 others considered rich. This one another. We have to give and we just have to learn wrong to pursue them as
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trigger in us the desire to do getting lost in the priorities needsmaterial, economic, Candidly Speaking / A6
CBCP Monitor May 29 - June 11, Vol 21, No. 11 OPINION A5

The Church and Along the Way

By the Roadside martial law Fr. Amado L. Picardal, CSsR, STD
Fr. Eutiquio Euly Belizar, Jr. SThD

THE Catholic Church in the

Philippines is no stranger to Martial
the declaration of Martial Law in
Minadanao in lieu of a more collective
the Church should not stop bringing
its politician sons and daughters to Martial Law
Law. From 1972 till 1986 she, like the statement from the CBCP. account and to the summons of the
rest of the nation, went through what It is clear that the grave situation Good News of justice and peace, by Finally, President Duterte Majority of the senators
most thinking Pinoys consider among of peril and crisis in Marawi and way of silent lobby, if need be, or by has declared martial law in and representatives have
the dark years of their history, mainly a desire to prevent their spillover way of proclaiming the Word to their Mindanao after threatening expressed their support
because of the death of democracy into other parts of Mindanao or the constituents, the voters. to do so several times since for martial law and did not
under one-man rule. The clampdown Visayas or Luzon are foremost in Above all, the Church especially last year. He said he is convene as a joint body
on the opposition considered enemies their minds. Or perhaps the existence after Vatican II and PCP II have thinking of extending it to as commanded by the
of the state that included politicians, of the 1987 Philippine Constitution a lot of things to live by, such Visayas or even to the whole Constitution to discuss and
students, farmers, ordinary citizens safeguards (continuing operation of as being a sign and instrument country. There is no doubt debate the validity of the
purportedly to save the Republic the three branches of government, of Communion, Community he will do it once he finds an martial law declaration. This
from ruin resulted in countless the power of review by Congress or of Disciples or Church of the excuse. Apparently, this is can send the signal that the
disappearances, detentions, tortures, the Supreme Court) have softened Poor constantly being threatened what he has always wanted president can freely expand
summary executions and other human for them the notion of martial rule by our destructive partisan and to do which is consistent with martial law over the whole
rights abuses of prominent and under the present circumstances. personality-oriented politics, not to the only leadership style he country unopposed. He has
nameless citizens. But a dose of caution is always a fruit say by the scandalous gulf between knows - autocratic. This is the vowed to defy the Supreme
No wonder, many members of the of acting by Cardinal Sins stance. our rich and our poor, by the onset model used by tyrants and Court should it rule against
clergy and lay faithful, particularly We could collaborate when the State of terrorism and EJKs as well as by dictators including his idols martial law. In the absence
the generations that saw by close uses Martial Law to achieve its the seemingly insatiable corruption - Hitler and Marcos. of check and balance, the
up and experienced Martial rule on legitimate ends, such as the security and criminality in our systems Was declaring martial law country is sliding into another
a daily basis, took the presidents and safety of citizens, respect for and and structures of government and in Mindanao (with a land area dictatorship.
declaration with plenty of wariness protection of human rights despite the society. In a word, the Churchs very of 105,000 sq km) necessary This president behaves as
and trepidation. After all, the current existence of crisis, and the return to nature compels her to be involved when the only place affected if he is above the law - that
president has, in a number of times, normalcy (democratic not autocratic in urging both the Martial Law was Marawi City (land area he is the law. He has ignored
unabashedly declared his admiration life, that is). But the Church must apparatus supporters and its critics 33 square km)? The Maute the rule of law, and human
for the first Filipino president to also turn critical when Martial to turn away from sin in their group which expressed rights, which has led to
declare Martial Law over the whole Law becomes again an instrument decisions, structures and programs allegiance to ISIS does not extrajudicial killings of over
country, even characterizing those of repression and abuse of power as well as to follow the ways of the even have a sizable force 10,000 people, mostly users
years as very good. as well as a convenient cover-up Gospel. and mass base. What has and majority of them from
Yes, it is not as if Martial Law came for inefficiency in government (like After all, it is the radical demands been happening is neither a the lower class. He promised
to us as a surprise. The president, on failure of intelligence) or a lack of of that same Gospel that really point rebellion nor an invasion. It that the killings will continue
previous occasions, has been thinking effective programs to resolve poverty to real peace and harmony among was a PNP/AFP operation to and will reach 50,000. He
out loud through the media, seemingly and social injustice, the twin roots of the majority Christians and yes even arrest ASG Isnilon Hapilon threatened to behead human
testing the waters, of bringing his rebellion and social unrest. with rebels and terrorists. Or do we that had gone awry and rights advocates. These are
anti-drug, anti-crime, anti-corruption The hierarchy has always been need to be reminded by St John Paul which transmogrified into not empty threats or jokes.
agenda to its inevitable date with encouraging the lay faithful to II that Jesus, in becoming human, the hostage-taking of Fr. Meanwhile, peace
what he considers a tool to save the actualize in the fields of politics, has become one with every human Chito Suganob together with negotiations with the NDF
country from destruction: Martial economics, culture, and sciences the being, regardless of race, gender or some parishioners and the have been suspended as the
rule. We in the Church cannot say we values of the Gospel. Unfortunately religion (Redemptor Hominis, no. burning of the cathedral CPP ordered the NPA to step
were not forewarned. I believe our in the Philippines political interests 13)? Or should we continue to have and other buildings to evade up its tactical offensive as
experiences with the first Martial rule and the basic drive to survive in power the message of the Lady of Fatima capture. The report that the a response to martial law.
had a few lessons we can and should exert more influence in the decisions that we pray and do penance for hospital of Amay Pakpak The MILF is still waiting for
never do without. Or we could repeat and actions of its leaders than the fellow sinners fall on deaf ears, firstly was taken over was false, so the implementation of the
the horrors of yesteryears. Gospel. We see it in politicians our own? was the supposed beheading peace agreement. Unless this
For instance, His Eminence Jaime reactions to the declaration. Again the Martial Law is not the Savior; Jesus of the chief of police. These is implemented, the armed
Cardinal Sins critical collaboration Church in the Philippines is deeply, Christ is. Hence, the Church cannot were cited as part of the conflict will persist and drive
stance still rings and brings some and sadly, aware of this reality. Yet, but proclaim Jesus Christ to everyone, justification for martial law. more Muslims to the side of
relevance today. Some bishops rather than give in to the pressure inside and outside of Martial Law The Secretary of National the more radical and extremist
have already supported publicly of leaving things well enough alone, premises. Defense denied that he Moro groups like the BIFF and
recommended the declaration Maute. Martial law cannot
martial law, admitting later solve the Mindanao problem.
Is martial law on that the situation can As in the past, the Church
Duc in Altum be resolved even without remains the only institution
the answer? Atty. Aurora A. Santiago
martial law. It appeared
that the president made the
that can stand up against
this autocratic rule. Will it
decision to declare martial continue to do so? Can the
law all over Mindanao while new CBCP leadership that
he was far away in Moscow, will be elected and soon take
ON May 23, 2017, while *** etc. Answer? Many agrees and lacking due consultation and over have the courage to be
on a state visit to Russia, Article VII, Section 18 The 1987 Constitution justifies the declaration of deliberation. Meanwhile, prophetic in this dark period
President Rodrigo Roa of the 1987 Constitution puts a limit to the authority martial law in Mindanao; there is a humanitarian crisis of our history as a nation?
Duterte signed Proclamation authorizes the President, as of the President: (1) Martial others disagree, fearing as thousands of families have Will the clergy, religious, and
No. 216 declaring martial the Commander-in-Chief law shall not exceed 60 for another Marcos Martial fled their burning city that lay people overcome fear and
law in Mindanao. Earlier of all armed forces of the days; (2) Within 48 hours, Law. As citizens of this has been bombed. Meanwhile apathy and speak out?
that day, the Muslim Philippines, to suspend the proclamation should be country, we are not privy the PNP chief is echoing We who survived and
extremists Maute Group the privilege of the writ transmitted to Congress; (3) to intelligence reports and the presidents story that struggled to end the Marcos
were hoisting, flying and of habeas corpus or place If not in session, Congress classified information. the Maute group is being dictatorial rule cried out:
waving in several areas of the Philippines or any part shall, within 24 hours Only the Office of the supported not just by ISIS Never Again! Will this be an
Marawi City, in Lanao del thereof under martial law, following such proclamation President and the Armed but also by drug lords. empty wish?
Sur, the flags of foreign for a period not exceeding or suspension, convene in Forces of the Philippines
terrorist organization ISIS 60 days. He may call the accordance with its rules have accessed to such data.
(Islamic State of Iraq and
Syria). The incident caused
armed forces to prevent or
suppress lawless violence,
without any need of a call.
(4) Congress, voting jointly,
We may not see what they
see; we may not know what Pitik-Bulag
the loss of many innocent invasion or rebellion. by a majority vote of all its they know. I therefore Fr. Wilfredo Samson, SJ
lives, burning of homes, The present Constitution Members in regular or special submit to the Statement of
government and private protects the citizens from session, may revoke such the Mindanao Bishops led
facilities and buildings, abuses of martial law. Those proclamation or suspension; by His Eminence Orlando
taking over a hospital and provisions are not present (5) The Supreme Court may Cardinal Quevedo, O.M.I.,
establishing several check
points within the City. They
in the 1971 Constitution, the
basis of Proclamation 1081,
review the proclamation in
an appropriate proceedings
Archbishop of Cotabato.
Next to the President and
Are you serious?
inflicted casualties on the Martial Law Circa 1972. filed by any citizen, and the military, the Mindanao IM one of the immediate driver will tell you that the
part of government forces Was there invasion or must promulgate its decision Bishops are literally on supporters when LTRFB rosary hanging at the center
and private sector, causing rebellion? Yes. Invasion within 30 days from filing. the forefront and know banned the use of cellphones of the windshield is hindering
thousands of residents to flee is a military offensive in (6) Upon the initiative of what it is happening in the while driving. It is indeed road visibility. In fact, the
the area. The Proclamation which combatants of the President, Congress may grounds. Our Mindanao necessary to eliminate rosary and the religious
stated that aside from the one geopolitical entity extend such proclamation or Bishops said: The answers vehicular accidents caused images may even remind
existence of sedition and aggressively enter a territory suspension for a period to to many questions are by texting or calling while them to be more careful in
rebellion, there was a series controlled by another entity be determined by Congress, speculative. We have driving. Kudos to LTRFB! driving. Think before talking.
of violent acts committed by with the objective of either if the invasion or rebellion many fears. But at present But I raised my eyebrows in Pray before making a decision.
the Maute terrorist group conquering, liberating or shall persist and public we simply do not have disgust when they included With the rosary in front of
such as the attack on the reestablishing control or safety requires it. solid and sufficient facts the banning of rosaries me while driving, it may
military outpost in Butig, authority over a territory Another limitation is that to absolutely reject the and other small religious even stop me from cursing
Lanao del Sur in February forcing the partition of it does not suspend the declaration of Martial Law articles near windshields and your office, LTRFB for not
2016, killing and wounding a country, altering the operation of the Constitution, as morally reprehensible. dashboards. Reason: they doing anything to address the
several soldiers, and the established government. nor supplant the functioning But we (are) certainly distract the drivers view while worsening traffic situation in
mass jailbreak in Marawi Yes, there is also rebellion. of the civil courts or agreed that Martial Law driving. Are you serious? Do our cities. I admire your effort
City in August 2016, freeing Sections 134 and 135 of The legislative assemblies, nor must be temporary. you know what youre talking to make our roads safer, but
their arrested comrades and Revised Penal Code provide authorize the conferment Let us therefore be calm about? Where are you coming please prioritize your work.
other detainees. that there is rebellion when: of jurisdiction on military but let us not be complacent. from? What is your basis? There are far more urgent
Bishop Edwin dela Pea there is public uprising, courts and agencies over Let us be ready to condemn Did you go through a serious things to be done, like strict
of the Prelature of Marawi taking arms against the civilians where civil courts abuses but let us respect the evaluation to reach a well- implementation of traffic
stated that the Maute Group government for the purpose are able to function, nor authorities. Let us pray that discerned decision? Do you rules, employing better traffic
forced their way to the of removing allegiance to the automatically suspend the the government will be able have concrete data and studies enforcers, clearing roads of
Cathedral of Our Lady Help government the territory of privilege of the writ which to suppress terrorism and to support your decision? illegally parked vehicles and
of Christians, burned the the Philippines, or depriving shall apply only to persons rebellion so that Martial Law Unlike the alarming accidents vendors, and fixing busted
Cathedral and the Bishops the Chief Executive or judicially charged for may be lifted the soonest caused by cellphones, which traffic lights. Do these urgent
Residence, took hostage Legislature any or their rebellion or offenses inherent time possible, for the good of have been documented and things--and all of us will be
of Fr. Teresito Chito powers and prerogative, in or directly connected with everyone. Let us be vigilant proven the world over, we happy. But please dont waste
Suganob (Vicar General of destroying property or the invasion. During the but let us not forget to pray dont have valid and urgent your time banning those little
Marawi), the church staff committing serious violence. suspension of the privilege for peace not only in Marawi reasons to ban rosaries and holy things in our cars. And by
and church goers, who Malacaang disclosed that of the writ, any person thus City and Mindanao but also other religious articles in our the way, I have been driving
were then attending the there were foreigners who arrested or detained shall in the whole Philippines. cars. for the past twenty years
Novena Mass preparatory were killed in the encounter. be judicially charged within Our Mindanao Bishops urge I admire your desire to now, I dont find the rosary
to the celebration of the News reports alleged that the three days, otherwise he us: Together let us pursue minimize vehicular accidents, and the small holy image on
feast of their patron saint, Maute Group is now joined shall be released. what leads to peace. Let us but youre barking at the my dashboard a hindrance to
and used them as human by other unlawful elements *** pray for peace and work for wrong tree. You missed the my driving. Not at all. For it
shields. like Abu Sayaf, Bangsamoro, Is Martial Law really the peace. mark a hundred miles! No means a lot to me.
A6 LOCAL NEWS
CBCP denies approving ban
of rosaries on dashboards
THE Catholic Bishops
Conference of the Philippines
has denied it approved the
ban of rosaries and other
religious items on car
dashboards because of safety
concerns.
In fact, CBCP Secretary
General Fr. Marvin Mejia
said he was told by the Land
Transportation Franchising
and Regulatory Board
that there will be no total
prohibition of religious
items in vehicles.
He admitted being
consulted through phone
call by LTFRB spokesperson
Aileen Lizada yesterday about
the implementation of a 2014
policy on sacred symbols
but there was no talks about
approval or something.
Who are we? Mejia
said, adding that he has yet
to relay to the bishops the
information he received from
the LTFRB.
We were even assured that
there would be no prohibition
of religious items inside the
car as long as it does not
impede the drivers line of
sight, he said. But how
to determine it? Thats the
Priests urged to help in
anti-smoking drive
A Church official called on
priests to actively help in the
campaign against smoking
in their own parishes as the
government orders a public
ban on smoking.
Fr. Jerome Secillano,
executive secretary of the
bishops public affairs
committee, said the Church
has a role to play to protect
the health of the parishioners.
Parishes would have
to constantly remind
parishioners about the law
and ban smoking within
church premises, Secillano
said.
The priest suggested that
parishes can also put up
posters and tarpaulins to
remind the faithful about the
Candidly Speaking / A4
relation to God, the Creator,
these aspects have no other
way but to get into trouble.
Not that by making God
the ultimate need, there
will be less concern for the
material, economic and other
human needs we have. Quite
the contrary. Our concern
for them would in fact be
enhanced.
We have to be wary of
certain currents of thought
that, no matter how subtly
done, tend to put into conflict
our material and natural
needs with our spiritual and
Humility / A1
Villegas, CBCP President.
That one has stood ones
ground is not necessarily
the best that can be said of
anyone. That he has sown
the seeds of peace is to say of
a person that he is blessed!
he said.
The bishops made the
appeal on May 23, four days
before the government called
off the peace negotiations
with the National Democratic
Front (NDF).
While many people do
not have high hopes about
question.
Following mixed reactions
from motorists, the priest
urged the authorities to first
iron out the confusions of
the law.
He said the LTFRB should
also consider the cultural and
religious traditions of the
Filipinos before fully enforcing
a law aimed at removing
distractions for drivers.
For me, personally, they
should review it to address
the many concerns related to
the safety of the motorists,
he said.
For her part, Atty. Aurora
Santiago, former president of
the Council of the Laity in the
Philippines, said that the ban
may violate the constitutional
right to freedom of religion.
I will not remove my
rosary. Now if they will
question me, Ill tell them
that its not a distraction but
I rather feel safe, Santiago
said over Church-run Radio
Veritas.
One of the practices of
our Catholic faith is to pray
the rosary so they cant
prohibit that, she said.
(CBCPNews)
smoking ban.
If parish priests would like
to do it, they can initiate. But
its not imposed on them,
he said.
President Rodrigo Duterte
recently signed the executive
order banning the use of
tobacco, including electronic
cigarettes in public places,
including church grounds,
nationwide.
The policy also prohibits
anyone under 18 from using,
buying, and selling cigarettes
or tobacco products.
Its a good law. It has
health and environmental
benefits. Lets hope that it
will be strictly implemented,
Secillano said. (Max
Rempillo/Intern, DLSU)
supernatural needs.
We somehow should
follow the example of Mary,
that woman who brought
the precious ointment
to Christ, in the sense of
giving Christ the best that
we have, whether material,
moral or spiritual.
That would show how
much we love him. And
by loving him, we would
know how to love the others
properly, a love that can go
all the way, without being
afraid of any sacrifices
involved.
the peace talks, Villegas
said the Church remains
optimistic that a positive
outcome will be achieved in
the negotiations.
Reflecting on the
despondent apostles who
were calmed by the peace of
Christs resurrection, Villegas
said Peace ignited that
charity in their hearts that
made them share everything
in common. Peace built
the community. Peace can
still rebuild our nation!
(CBCPNews)
May 29 - June 11, Vol 21, No. 11 CBCP Monitor
Church exec hits Dutertes rejection
of EU aid as short-sighted
AN official of the Catholic Duterte dared the EU
Churchs social action arm and United States to
has criticized President withdraw financial aid to
Rodrigo Duterte and said his the Philippines if they are
decision to stop development against his bloody drug war.
assistance from the European A Malacaang official
Union would be short sighted confirmed that the
and irresponsible. government will no longer
Caritas Philippines receive up to P13.85 billion
Executive Secretary Fr. grants from EU.
Edwin Gariguez urged Presidential Spokesperson
Duterte to rethink his Ernesto Abella said the
decision to avoid unintended country will reject foreign
consequences that are aid with conditions that
detrimental to the poor and may interfere the countrys
vulnerable groups. internal policies.
The Duterte admin is just detrimental to the welfare killings. The Caritas official called on
too fanatically engrossed on and interest of the poor, like EU Ambassador to Manila Duterte to think of his fellow
war on drugs, hating every this decision not to accept EU Franz Jessen earlier said that Mindanaoans who may be
institution that questions it, aid, he said. the trade with Europe may more at risk from his decision.
Gariguez said. The EU has repeatedly be affected if the Duterte What is more at stake
This short sightedness criticized Dutertes war on administration would ignore is the big billions of aid
is echoed even in making drugs and even called for an warnings on human rights for the poor, especially in
foreign or economic international investigation violations. Mindanao, Gariguez said.
policy which is extremely into the alleged extrajudicial In October last year, (CBCPNews)
Heeding Gods call: Accountant, nurse among Davaos new priests
DAVAO City They have made an oath before entering the Holy Apostles Senior of the Perpetual Rosary in Cabantian,
to become good professionals, as an Seminary in Manila where he finished Davao City.
accountant and as a nurse, but things his theological studies. I only share with the bishops
have turned out differently as they made Calumpon followed in the footsteps of priesthood. Without him, I will not
another vow follow Jesus. his elder brother, Fr. Jade Calumpong, be ordained, Jardin said referring to
Two new priests from the Archdiocese who is a senior priest in Davao del Sur Valles.
of Davao have chosen to leave heir under the Diocese of Digos.
professions in order to enter the seminary Today, Calumpong is already serving 2 more servants in Davao
and train themselves in the academic and as director of the San Lorenzo College of Aside from the two, there are also two
spiritual rigors of priestly life. Davao, an archdiocesan school. new priests who began to share in the
Our new priests are good example bishops priesthood last April.
of those who have already worked and A nurse turned priest Fr. Christopher Alcayde and Fr. Matt
practiced their profession. Theres a big Fr. Jeus Jardin started his journey Bernard Quiao were classmates in St.
possibility that you may also be called to in the priesthood when he entered the Francis Xavier College Seminary in
serve as priests, said St. Francis Xavier College Seminary Catalunan Grande, both graduating in
Archbishop of Davao Romulo G. but left after being advised to go out 2010.
Valles during the rites of ordination and experience the world outside the Alcayde studied theology at the nearby
held on separate dates, noting how those seminary walls. St. Francis Xavier Regional Major
who are already professionals can still He was in his fourth year in Philosophy Seminary while Quiao was sent to study
be called by God to serve Him in the when he decided to pursue a degree theology at the University of Navarra in
priesthood. outside the seminary. Jardin graduated Spain, and was ordained deacon before
from nursing, eventually practicing returning to Davao City for his diaconal
A priest, a CPA as a professional nurse. Not only that, program.
Fr. Emman Calumpong, a CPA,
received the gift of priesthood on May
6, at his home parish, the Ascension
he went on to higher studies, paving
the way for him to become a clinical
instructor, teaching aspiring nurses.
Both ordained by Valles, Alcayde
was ordained on April 24 at his home
parish in San Isidro Labrador Parish
of the Lord Parish in this city, the first
ordination in the 15 years of the parishs
It was in 2010 when he applied to
go back to the seminary and was sent
in Lumondao, Davao City, while Quiao
was ordained April 26, at the Our Lady
existence. to finish Philosophy at the University of Fatima Parish in Davao City.
The priest had previously served of Navarra in Spain where he was also The four new priests celebrated their
as an accountant under the Chancery ordained a deacon in 2016. thanksgiving Mass at the San Pedro
of the Archdiocese of Davao and as a He was ordained to the priesthood on Cathedral in Davao City on May 17. (John
senior accountant of an accounting firm April 22 at the Shrine of the Our Lady Frances Fuentes/CBCPNews)
Penalty / A1
to be protectors of Gods gift. to be heroes when they voted to restore provinces including Cebu, Tacloban,
To our senators, we entrust in your the death penalty, said Villegas. Borongan, Catarman, Sorsogon, Naga,
hands the opportunity to become the The archbishop reiterated that killing Gumaca, Lucena, San Pablo, Lipa and
heroes of life, said Villegas, who is also a person is unacceptable regardless Imus before reaching Metro Manila.
the archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan. of the seriousness of the crime of the The pilgrimage for life ended on
Stand up (for your principles). Dont condemned. May 24 at the Senate where they asked
waste the chance given to all of you. If a person guilty of a crime or the senators to reject the proposed
Stand up for life, he said. innocent is killed, its called the same measure.
The video was played Sunday, May thing killed. So thou shall not kill, The bishops National Secretariat
20 to hundreds of crowd gathered at according to Pope Francis, pertains to for Social Action (Nassa), one of the
the University of Santo Tomas for the the guilty and to the innocent, he said. organizers of the caravan, clarified that
Lakbay Buhay pilgrims. And its more inadmissible, Villegas the initiative was only to demonstrate
A Mass was, presided over by added, if the one responsible for the their stand against death penalty and
Kalookan Bishop Virgilio Pablo David, killing is the peoples own government. not against President Duterte.
along with Manila Auxiliary Bishop The church leader also thanked This is not anti-Digong (Duterte) or
Broderick Pabillo and several other the lay people and the clergy who anything. This is a stand against death
priests. supported the pilgrims and the 21-day penalty, said Fr. Edwin Gariguez,
The CBCP head lamented how cross country pilgrimage. Nassa executive secretary. This is
lawmakers in the Lower House ignored The 15 core pilgrims from various regardless of party affiliation.
to defend the sanctify of life and stand sectors arrived in Manila last Friday The intention of this mobilization
up for heroism when they approved after a 16-day caravan march from is really to bring the message to the
the capital punishment two months ago. Cagayan de Oro City. senators that they need not support the
Our congressmen lost a great chance They traversed at least 13 cities and death penalty, he said. (CBCPNews)
Solidarity / A1
account at the Bank of needs to be done as he Gariguez said. ensure that the good plan
Philippine Islands (BPI): emphasizes the need to aid He said they have been for the communities is done
CBCP Caritas Filipinas the evacuees. coordinating with the Diocese properly, in fast pace, and
Foundation, Inc. with account Food, clean water, of Iligan where thousands effectively, Balderama said.
number 4951-0071- 08. blankets, sleeping mats, and of displaced families from He added that emergency
Other dioceses Mindanao other essentials remain the Marawi City have evacuated. and recovery responses often
have also started helping the top priorities, he said. Caritas, along with fail because of unfamiliarity
Prelature of Marawi assist the other humanitarian aid to local cultures and political
displaced families. Localization of organizations, have earlier dynamics.
Thousands of families have humanitarian work renewed their commitment He also said that only 0.2
been displaced from Marawi The agency earlier said it to strengthen and empower percent of aid is channeled
City and are now staying at is looking at improving the stakeholders. directly to national and local
different evacuation centers localization of humanitarian The groups cited the actors for humanitarian work,
in ligan City and in nearby response particularly strengths of stakeholders, while the bulk of funding
towns. for those affected by the especially community-based goes to the United Nations
The archbishop said ongoing strife in Southern organizations, in knowing agencies and the national
a Caritas Philippines Philippines. better the local context and government.
assessment team has been Fr. Edwin Gariguez, ability to work with local The appeal is for at least
deployed to Mindanao this executive secretary of governments. 25 percent of funding will be
week to further check on the Caritas Philippines, said that Lets give it back to local coursed through the national
needs of those affected. localization will deliver more stakeholders the planning and local non-government
Caritas Manila has also appropriate, cost-efficient, and decision-making on organizations as long as a
sent an initial Php 500,000 and accountable aid. how use the aid for the system for transparency and
and 100 cavans of rice to We really see that community, said Benedict accountability are in place,
augment the Iligan dioceses important role of not just the Balderama of the Partnership he said. (Niceforo Vince
relief operations. big orgnizations but primarily of Philippine Support Service Balbedina with reports
Marawi Bishop Edwin the local communities in Agencies. from Max Rempillo/
Dela Pea said much more responding to emergencies, Lets strengthen them to CBCPNews)
CBCP Monitor
Fire guts Cebu Franciscan house
The Postulancy House of the Custody of St. Anthony of Padua located at Franciscan Renewal Center (FRC)
in Minglanilla, Cebu City is turned to rubble after a fire guts the building on May 17, 2017. FR. NEIL BADILLO
CEBU City A fire broke out on May
17 razing the Postulancy House of
the Custody of St. Anthony of Padua
located at Franciscan Renewal
Center (FRC) in Minglanilla in this
city.
Neighbors and firemen helped
extinguish the fire but saved almost
nothing from the mostly wooden
building. No one was hurt in the
incident.
The tragedy occurred at 3:00
a.m. when 2 formator-residents, 2
postulants, and 4 guest-friars who
had just finished a month-long retreat
in preparation for solemn vows were
out for an overnight outing.
According to Fr. Neil Badillo
Rosary ban legally baseless priest
SORSOGON Amid an uproar
because of a ban on rosaries and
other religious objects on rear-
view mirrors and dashboards
on vehicles, a priest declared
that such a announcement has
no legal basis.
The newly promulgated
Republic Act 10913, or the Anti-
Distracted Driving Law (ADDL),
that took effect on May 18, does
not explicitly mention rosaries,
pointed out Fr. Philippe Andrew
Gallanosa, JCL, chair of the
Sorsogon Diocese Commission
on Media for Evangelization.
In fact, nowhere in all six
pages of the Anti-Distracted
Driving Law is it mentioned that
rosaries are banned, stressed
the priest.
The supposed ban on rosaries
cannot be anchored in any other
part of the law other than from
these eight words of RA 10913
Section 5, a: with the line of
sight of the drivers.
According to the canon lawyer,
good legal thinking says that
what is not expressly prohibited,
is not prohibited.
Prohibited devices
Citing Section 3 (e) of RA
10913, Gallanosa enumerated
prohibited devices as follows:
mobile communications
devices
electronic communications
equipment
cellular phones
wireless telephones
two-way radio transceivers
pagers and other
similar devices capable of
transmitting, receiving, or
both, of encrypted data and/
or signals through wireless
electronic or any other similar
means
The general manager of Good
News Sorsogon Foundation
Inc. also cited the laws ban on
the illegal use of such devices as
Mining / A1
Palawan is the last frontier so we
hope that our environment will be
protected, especially the century-
old trees, Mesiona said over Manila
archdiocese-run Radio Veritas.
Thousands of trees in Brookes
Point town were cut just days after
former Environment Secretary
Gina Lopez was rejected by the
Commission on Appointments.
Lopez, who took to Facebook in
exposing the massacre, accused
the Ipilan Nickel Corp. of cutting
trees without a permit and
protected area clearance.
The former Cabinet official said
the cutting of trees will affect
3,000 hectares of agricultural land
and 30,000 people in at least five
barangays.
May 29 - June 11, Vol 21, No. 11 DIOCESAN NEWS A7
OFWs deserve better protection
CBCP official
BALANGA, Bataan The overseas
Filipino workers (OFWs) deserve to
get the support and protection they
deserve for their sacrifices and for
their contributions to the Philippine
economy, a Catholic bishop said.
Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman
of the Churchs Commission on
Migrants and Itinerant People, said
the OFWs are not just modern day
heroes but our blessings.
To show our gratitude to them
is to protect them and to promote
their rights and dignity, Santos
said.
To value their labors is to take care
of remittances that this remittances
will not be stolen, corrupted and
OFM, secretary for formation and
misused for non essential or non
studies, Fr. Arturo Daquilanea OFM,
existent government projects, he
Custos, Superior of the Franciscans
said.
in the Visayas and Mindanao, has
Cash remittances from OFWs OFWs in Hong Kong. FILE PHOTO
decided to postpone the reporting
reached their highest monthly level
of incoming postulants from the last
in March with $7.71 billion, up by for skilled Filipino workers abroad. With their sacrifices they uplift
week of May to the first week of July
8.1 % compared to the same period Bishop Santos said this manifests our economy and build up our
2017 because of the incident.
last year. that the OFWs sustain and support image as honest, hardworking and
Badillo hopes that a new structure
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas the country. They are the best, our trustworthy Filipinos, he said.
will soon be built in the area.
attributed the increase in outstanding Filipinos in the world, (Niceforo Vince A. Balbedina
However, he said, the Custody has
remittances to the strong demand he added. III, CSJL intern/CBCPNews)
no standby contingency funds for
such nature. And Thats the Truth / A4
The Custody through its Custos
appeals for support and assistance faith. Young people who that appeals to young heard of megaphones. understood sacraments
from the local and international are not active in the parish hearts somehow they are Understandably too self- and mouthing formulaic
fraternities after the incident. (Carl but have only the Sunday saying, We understand absorbed to recognize the prayers in adolescence,
Jaime Bordeos/CBCPNews) Mass to count on for this you guys, youre ok, were reality of mysteries, they they ask for something
feeling of belonging to ok, so lets be happysee still need to be shown more. The occasional
the flock want to hear you next Sunday! besides the preachy religious retreats and
powerful witnessing from
the pulpit. What a pity if
Young people want
a religion that works
door to holinessa
walkable path that
recollections in school
some young people
defined in Section 4 of RA 10913: they are ready to listen but helping them in practical might now seem too experience may spur them
Using a mobile the homily disappoints. ways in their daily lives. pragmatic but may in the on to seek beyond their
communications device to Young people crave They expect proofs long run lead them to childish religiosity. Its so
write, send, or read a text-based affirmation. In spite of that the gospel is useful Jesus as well. Could this sad that they do not know
communication or to make or their braggadocio and in meeting 21st century be what those how to what they are looking
receive calls, and other similar maybe an occasional needs. They have not be truly rich talks offer, forthey just feel a lack,
acts; and smart aleck comment lived long enough to packaged with the Holy a void in their worship,
Using an electronic about not needing religion realize that the gospel Mass? and feel certain that they
entertainment or computing or God to be happy, they is relevant in and for all Young people want something more.
device to play games, watch secretly want a nod from times. Born in an age of believe it or notwant a Whats even sadder is if
movies, surf the internet, elders that they are okay technological advances deepening of their faith. the parish is caught in
compose messages, read as they are, and that and surrounded by its Their battle cry would complacency that renders
e-books, perform calculations, they need not be broken, attention-grabbing be After this, what? its leaders numb to the
and other similar acts remolded, straightened gadgets and gizmos, the After dutifully fulfilling cry of the young people.
out, or made over to be average young person religious obligations since Clueless and left on their
Drivers: focus on driving accepted. Perhaps this may find it hard to the day they learned to own, they in all likelihood
In line with this, Gallanosa is why the evangelical connect to the message kneel down and clasp their will turn to the likes of
discouraged the public from service attracts young Jesus delivered when hands at bedtime, after Deepak Chopra.
multi-tasking. peopleby using music people had not even partaking of the dimly- (To be continued)
While Filipinos may consider
Terror / A1
themselves multi-taskers,
especially the millennials
Let them be the queen and the king Marawi Bishop Edwin Angot dela as they called for public vigilance
who study, watch TV, listen
of our minds and hearts, the king Pea said he remains hopeful that against abuses.
to music, and surf on social
and queen of our families, he said. Suganob and other hostages will be Speaking for Mindanao bishops,
media all at the same time while
Quevedo also called on the released soon. Quevedo of Cotabato said that
working on their assignments,
faithful to help the thousands of He said the y have alre ady while they acknowledged the
he said, studies have shown
families displaced by the ongoing requested assistance from questions against the military rule,
that our brains actually cannot
siege in Marawi, especially the intermediaries who may be able to the answers to it are speculative.
multitask.
children traumatized by the convince the militants to free the We shall condemn any abuse of
That is why it still better
violence. hostages. martial law and as in the past will
for drivers to focus on driving,
Service is needed in the poor of The prelate was at the outskirts of condemn it outright if it goes in
period! the priest stressed.
your own neighborhood, and Our the city when the clash erupted. He the way of evil. Let us be vigilant,
Lady and her son, are calling us to was supposed to go to Marawi on Quevedo said in a pastoral guidance
God-fearing, life-loving
help them in any way that we can. that day but I was asked to cancel issued on May 26.
driver
The bell that hung in the thorn my trip because of the siege. We have many fears. But at
We welcome ADDL as a
bush is calling us, he said. The Catholic Bishops Conference present we simply do not have solid
law which seeks to safeguard
of the Philippines (CBCP) also and sufficient facts to absolutely
everyone on the road and,
Islamic State called on Filipinos to pray for all reject the declaration of Martial
as law-abiding citizens, we
The fighting broke out between the hostages. Law as morally reprehensible,
will endeavor to follow it.
government troops and the Maute Archbishop Socrates Villegas, he said.
But I have never read studies
group, which pledged allegiance to CBCP President, asked the The bishops exhorted the faithful
showing that rosaries in the
the Islamic State, last May 23. government to ensure the safety to be remain calm in the midst of
rear-view mirror may have
The militants also adducted a Fr. of the hostages as they pursue the martial law and cooperate with
contributed to vehicular
Teresito Chito Suganob, the vicar militants. the authority, and not to provoke
accidents, he said.
general of Marawi prelature, and As the government forces violent reaction.
To the contrary, it is my
several civilians, mostly Christians. ensure that the law is upheld, we As of press time, Malacaang
personal experience that the
The terrorists also set on fire beg of them to make the safety said the death toll in the crisis has
rosary, or the small statue of
the St. Mary Catholic Cathedral, of the hostages a primordial reached 104, including 65 from the
the Santo Nio or of Mother
the bishops residence, and other consideration, Villegas said. militant group and 20 government
Mary, actually helped me
government structures. casualties.
become a more responsible, God-
On the same day, President Vigilance Civilian deaths also remain at
fearing, and life-loving driver,
Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial The Mindanao bishops said they 19, including eight workers who
Gallanosa attested. (Fr. Mickey
law across the entire Mindanao are not against the martial law but were found dead in the outskirts
Cardenas/CBCPNews)
region to quell security threats. said it must only be temporary of Marawi.
Help / A1
The prelate then lauded the the video was taken but it the relentless military was more worried now received a call in the
unity among the people and local shows Suganob standing offensive will just put the because the terrorists are evening of May 23 from
officials who fought to protect the in the midst of destroyed lives of the hostages at using their captives. a militant who only
environment. houses and vehicles. risk because the militants They seem to be introduced himself as
Its a good thing that the people The video, showing are ready to die for their cornered so they use a member of the ISIS
themselves who led the fight because Suganob wearing a black religion. Father Chito, De la and demanded for a
they realized that the environment shirt and trousers, first Mr. President, you Pea told the Inquirer by unilateral ceasefire.
is really important, he said. surfaced on the Facebook cant use force and phone. They want a ceasefire
My instruction to our Social account of a certain violence because they This is the most critical and for the military to
Action Director is to do whatever Datumasa Khalid. have the commitment part of Father Chitos give them access out of
we can to help the people because Mr. President, if they will die for this, he captivity, this is the most Marawi. Otherwise, they
we see the initiative thats really you want me to kneel said as the militarys fight difficult time for all the will kill the hostages, he
coming from the public, he added. before you just to knock against members of the captives, he said. said.
Local officials are also planning your heart in favor of Maute group entered the De la Pea earlier said In social media,
to sue the mining company and our families who are 7th day. that the extremists have there are several
demand for the cancellation of crying out there in Marawi Bishop Edwin threatened to kill their comments saying that
the firms environmental plan different places, for our de la Pea, who saw the hostages if the military in the video recording
permit and a mineral sharing relatives we will do video, confirmed that the offensive against them Suganob may have been
agreement with the government. that, he said. priest was Suganob. continues. dictated under duress.
(CBCPNews) He also warned that The prelate said he The prelate said he (CBCPNews)
A8 PEOPLE, FACTS, AND PLACES
Pope names new bishop of Batanes
POPE Francis has appointed
Fr. Danilo Ulep as the new
bishop of the Prelature of
Batanes, a group of islands
located at the northernmost
tip of Philippine territory, on
May 20.
The 54-year old priest
from the Archdiocese of
Tuguegarao will succeed
Bishop Emeritus Camilo
Gregorio, 77, who retired
after serving the prelature for
almost 14 years.
The bishop-elect, who just
assumed as rector of the
Tuguegarao Cathedral last
week, will be the fifth bishop
of the 67-year old prelature.
Reacting to his appointment,
Ulep said it was surprsing,
but also humbling.
This will be the first time that
I will be uprooted in my native
place because Ive been here
in Cagayan since birth. This
is what they say you have to
leave everything and everyone
behind liter-ally, he said.
I didnt realized that God
has other plans for me, Ulep
said. Its a challenge that
God has given me a new
mission that Im going to
embark on this time around
with a bigger responsibility.
Ulep said he would be sad
to leave the Archdiocese of
Tuguegarao but was looking
forward about going to
Batanes with only about
20,000 Catholics from six
parishes.
The bishop-elect revealed
May 29 - June 11, Vol 21, No. 11 CBCP Monitor
that he had just visited the
place for the first time late last
year for a four-day vacation
together with some other
priests of the archdiocese.
The good thing is we were
able to visit all the parishes
there. I didnt have any idea
that I will have to go back
there. Gods ways are really
not our ways, Ulep said.
Im very positive that I will
go to a place where the people
love their priests and their
Church. Im eagerly looking
forward to going there and be Bishop-elect Danilo Ulep is flanked by the lay liturgical ministers of the Sto. Nio Parish in San Gabriel, Tuguegarao City.
with them, he added.
A priest for 30 years, At present, he is also the Ulep was born in 1962 and degree in canon law and a
Ulep had been to at least six director of the archdioceses educated at the University licentiate in philosophy.
assignments, including five biblical apostolate and of Santo Tomas (UST) in He was ordained a priest in
parishes and a minor seminary president of the priests Manila, the same school April 1987. (Roy Lagarde/
where he served as rector. assembly. where he also earned his CBCPNews)
Antipolo diocese celebrates Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu coronation
HYMNS of praises shook the
church of San Mateo as the image
of the Nuestra Seora de Aranzazu
was canonically crowned after
three centuries of devotion in the
Philippines.
Our Lady, dressed in gold-
embroidered rose and blue
garments, was crowned by Cotabato
Arch-bishop Orlando Beltran
Quevedo during a Mass attended
by more than a thousand devotees.
The cardinal said that the
coronation is a recognition of the
maturity of faith and devotion of
the faithful in San Mateo.
He added that it is also a Cardinal Orlando Quevedo of the Cotabato archdiocese crowns the image of the Nuestra Seora de
recognition of the strong Marian Aranzazu during a canonical coronation Mass in its diocesan shrine and parish in San Mateo, Rizal,
May 31, 2017. MARIA TAN
devotion in the Philippines, which is
be-ing manifested by the thick pages of the Nuestra Seora de Aranzazu It was brought to the Philippines
of stories of miracles and favors in July 2016. in 1705 by the Jesuits through Fr.
sought through her intercession. It was the third canonically Juan Echazabal.
In his homily, the first cardinal crowned image of the Blessed The fast acceptance of the
from Mindanao also exhorted the Mother in Antipolo diocese after community of San Mateo to the
faithful to turn to Mary in praying the im-age of the Our Lady of Peace devotion allowed the construction
for healing, unity and peace in the and Good Voyage in 1926, and of the church in honor of Our Lady
country. Marikinas Patroness, Our Lady of in 1716.
Allow her and her child to be the the Abandoned, in 2005. The Philippines and Spain
queen and the king of our minds The devotion to the Nuestra hold the distinction as the only
and hearts, the king and queen of Seora de Aranzazu started in 1469 two countries to have a special
our families, he said. in Spain when the Virgin Mary ap- devotion to Our Lady of Aranzazu.
Pope Francis approved the peared nestled in a thorny bush to (Niceforo Vince A. Balbedina
canonical coronation of the image young Rodrigo de Balzategui. III/CBCPNews)
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