Monitor

CBCP

MARCH 5 -18, 2018 VOL. 22 NO. 5 CBCPMONITOR@AREOPAGUSCOMMUNICATIONS.COM

PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE

UGNAYAN A3: NEWS A6: LOCAL NEWS B1: PASTORAL CONCERNS

THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church Mayon simmers down; evacuees back to farms Message of His Holiness
OF COUPLES FOR CHRIST added to liturgical calendar Pope Francis for the 33rd World Youth Day 2018

Junk divorce bill, lawmakers urged

By Roy Lagarde

SAYING that divorce

does more harm than
good, a Catholic bishop
has warned against the
proposed measure’s
‘irreversible’ damage to
the sanctity of marriage
and family life.
Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Oscar
Florencio said that divorce is just
another way of introducing more
problems and immorality in society.
“We have to take this
seriously because the damages
are irreversible. There are more
damages and immoralities that will
come out of divorce than the good
that divorce can offer,” Florencio
said over Radio Veritas on March 5.
The family, he said, is the most
fundamental institution of society
and as such should be protected
and strengthened instead.
The bishop appealed to lawmakers
to look into the principle of serving
the common good, “rather than the
good of the few”.
“You attack the family then
obviously, you will be attacking
the whole society,” Florencio said,
adding that lawmakers should
also think of the impact of “broken
marriages” on children.
For the first time in history, a Thousands of lay people join the ecumenical Walk for Life at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Feb. 24 to protest the government’s bloody war on drugs, the proposed divorce bill and the revival of the death
Divorce / A7 penalty in the country. ROY LAGARDE

Think of the children, Cardinal Tagle asks parents

AMID the renewed
push to legalize
divorce in the country,
a top Church official
called on parents to
consider the welfare
of their children
before making a
decision that would
forever change their
marriage.
Cardinal Luis
Antonio Tagle of
Manila said that
the comfort and
happiness of the
parents, as adults,
should not hinder the
welfare of their kids,
A mother shows photos of her two sons killed in anti-drug operations to Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle at the sidelines of the whenever possible.
Walk for Life in Manila, February 24, 2018. ROY LAGARDE “My appeal to the
couples is think not
just of yourselves but
also of the children,”
Tagle said over
Manila archdiocese-
run Radio Veritas.
“They (children)
are just at the stage
of discovering life.
Consider also their
sufferings and their
capacity to absorb the
burdens,” he said.
The cardinal noted
certain “tendencies”
today that when
minor problems
begin to crop in the
family, the immediate
interpretation is
separation.
According to him,
conflict is bound to
happen because it’s
an inevitable part of
married life.
“A perfect, smooth
and seamless
situation is an
illusion,” he said,
adding that the ability
to resolve conflict
should be part of
family life or even just
in an organization.
The Catholic
Bishops’ Conference
of the criticized the
pending bills in
Congress introducing
divorce, stressing the
“sanctity and dignity
of marriage as a
sacrament”.
In fact, said Lipa
Archbishop Gilbert
Garcera, chairman
of the CBCP’s
Commission on
Family and Life,
the Constitution
recognizes the
sanctity and dignity
of marriage.
“In fact, our
Constitution was once
touted as the first pro-
family constitution in
the world,” he said.
“Let not Congress lay
waste to these victories
with a divorce bill.”
(CBCPNews)

Balanga bishop deplores ‘maid Catholics urged: ‘Speak up
auction’ in Saudi Arabia
Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the CBCP Commission for the Pastoral
Care of Migrants and Itinerant People. ANALYN PERUCHO
AN official of the Catholic
Bishops’ Conference of
the Philippines has raised
serious concern over the
alleged “maid auction” and
other abuses committed
against Filipino workers
in the Kingdom of Saud
Arabia.
Balanga Bishop Ruperto
Santos, head of the CBCP’s
migrants ministry, said
about social issues online’
it’s deplorable and blatant
“desecration of human
person”.
“OFWs (overseas Filipino
workers) are not objects,
nor commodities. They are
not tools for profits nor for
pleasure. They are persons
with rights and dignity
which should be respected
and defended,” he said.
Auction / A7
MANILA Auxiliary Bishop
Broderick Pabillo urged
Catholics to be socially
responsible by speaking
up online about issues of
national significance.
At the closing of the
Sangguniang Laiko ng
Pilipinas Lay Leaders’
Caucus on Feb. 10, the
bishop in-charge of Laiko
encouraged those present to
learn more about the topics
discussed, namely, human
rights, the Constitution,
federalism and charter
change, and to use social
media to spread their
thoughts and opinions. The
“cyber highway,” he said,
magnifies the message.
He specifically mentioned
using cellphones and
gadgets so that by simply
texting and posting on social
media sites, they can already
let other people know their
stand.
In addition, the prelate
Bishop Broderick Pabillo
enjoined them to use parish
or community meetings as
venues for discussion and
for spreading information.
Pabillo said “the Filipino
makes sense” once he is
educated about current
issues. The problem is that
many Filipinos are not
Issues / A6
Human rights advocate
explains EJK in family context
A REPRESENTATIVE of
the Commission on Human
Rights (CHR) placed the
Duterte administration’s war
on drugs and extra-judicial
killings in a family context,
further highlighting why it
is simply indefensible.
“You have a child who’s a
police [officer], you have a
child who’s an addict. As a
father, are you ok with your
police officer child killing
your other child who’s an
addict?” asked Allan Alegre of
the Commission on Human
Rights during the second to
the last talk of the first day
of the National Discernment
of Priests on their Prophetic
Role, March 6.
According to the human
rights advocate, he usually
cites the aforementioned
family scenario to supporters
of the administration’s war
on drugs, who believe drug
addicts can and should be
killed.
‘Us and them’
“[The war on drugs]
normalizes the war
mentality. ‘There is an
enemy, us and them.’ [It’s
about the] other, othering,”
said Alegre, noting how the
present administration’s
all-out war against illegal
drugs is not unlike other
governments in other
countries that consolidate
and use power to “destroy
their enemies.”
Speaking to priests from
all over the country, he
categorically stated that
the issue of extra-judicial
killings is not about whether
or not the state is behind the
killings.
“I will cut to the chase.
The conclusion is there
is impunity. Impunity in
international human rights
is the failure to bring
perpetrators of rights
violations to justice,”
Context / A6
A2 WORLD NEWS March 5 -18, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 5 CBCP Monitor

Washington archdiocese issues Vatican Briefing

Amoris Laetitia marriage plan Pope to visit Switzerland in June, government
official says
Pope Francis will visit Geneva in June, the Vatican
WASHINGTON D.C.— The
confirmed.His visit is meant help commemorate
Archdiocese of Washington
the 70th anniversary of the founding of the World
has released a pastoral
Council of Churches and show the Catholic Church’s
plan aiming to implement
support of the organization’s ecumenical initiatives,
Amoris Laetitiawithin the
Swiss Cardinal Kurt Koch told reporters at the
archdiocese.
Vatican March 2.The cardinal, president of the
Amoris Laetitia is the post-
Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity,
synodal apostolic exhortation
said the visit June 21 “will be a sign of recognition
published by Pope Francis
of a unique contribution of the WCC to the modern
in April of 2016 following
ecumenical movement. It will be an expression of
two episcopal synods on the
the personal commitment of the Holy Father to
family.
the goal of Christian unity as expressed on many
The Archdiocesan pastoral
occasions.”(JunnoArochoEsteves/CNS)
plan focuses primarily on
encouraging marriages are
Broader representation of women in church
open to life; the ministry
is a process, cardinal says
of accompaniment;
The fuller participation of women in decision-
building welcoming parish
making in the Catholic Church is a continuing
communities; and combating
process that still needs time, Cardinal Kevin J.
challenges posed by modern
Farrell said.Speaking during a question-and-answer
culture.
session in Rome March 1 after the presentation of
This, Catholic University
the book, “A Pope Francis Lexicon,” Cardinal Farrell
of America professor Dr.
said that a greater role for women in the church “is
Chad Pecknold told CNA, is
going to take more than just issuing a decree.””It’s
a “breath of fresh air.” Cardinal Donald Wuerl CNA a question of changing a culture, and I believe that
Pecknold praised Cardinal
treatment of Catholics who emphasizing that Amoris context of Amoris Laetitia as will take time, but I think that Pope Francis -- more
Donald Wuerl for his clarity
have been divorced and Laetitia did not change what a whole. than anybody -- has tried and continues to try and
in maintaining that Church
civilly remarried without the Church teaches on any “The pastoral plan is continues to bring about that change each and every
teaching has not changed,
an annulment from the topic. While Catholics should much more concerned with day,” he said. (JunnoArochoEsteves/CNS)
and that objective truth
exists. Catholic Church, use their own consciences to the pastoral encounter
A widely criticized make decisions, Wuerl states between priests, the Pope names two Vatican officials as apostolic
“One of the most
footnote in the exhortation’s plainly that, “Prudential Church, and those who nuncios
important things that the
eighth chapter seemed to judgments of individuals are struggling to live the Pope Francis named two longtime Vatican officials
cardinal stresses —relying
some critics to suggest about their own situation do Christian life in marriage. as apostolic nuncios and elevated both to the rank
as much on Saint John
that there could be a path not set aside the objective This is what I think Amoris of archbishop.The Vatican announced Feb. 26
Paul’s Veritatis Splendor as
for couples in “irregular moral order.” Laetitia was always about,” that the pope named Msgr. Alfred Xuereb, general
on Amoris Laetitia—is that
unions” to partake in the Fr. Thomas Petri, O.P., vice Petri said. secretary of the Secretariat for the Economy, as
the Church must not only
Eucharist following an president and academic dean Petri also noted that despite nuncio to South Korea and Mongolia.The pope
proclaim the objective moral
examination of conscience. of the Pontifical Faculty of the frequent mention of the also named the Vatican’s head of protocol, Msgr.
truths, but also attend to
This has become a subject the Immaculate Conception challenges of modernity Jose Bettencourt—a priest of the Archdiocese of
how people can experience
of considerable debate, at the Dominican House of and current culture for the Ottawa—as an apostolic nuncio. Two days later, the
and be formed by these
and some cardinals have Studies, echoed Pecknold’s modern family, the plan says Vatican announced that he was appointed as nuncio
truths,” said Pecknold.
requested that Pope Francis praise. nothing about a potential to Armenia. (JunnoArochoEsteves/CNS)
Amoris Laetitia has been
the subject of controversy clarify certain elements of Petri told CNA that he was path for allowing the divorced
the exhortation. pleased with the majority of and remarried to receive Pope names Spanish nun undersecretary of
because, among other
Wuerl’s pastoral plan the plan, and was encouraged Communion. (CNA/EWTN congregation for religious
things, some theologians
includes a subsection that it focused on the larger News) Pope Francis named a Spanish nun who had
have questioned its
served as a missionary in South Korea to be the new

Nigerian bishops map out ways to promote ‘culture of life’

undersecretary of the Congregation for Institutes
of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
The Vatican announced Feb. 23 the appointment of
ABUJA, Nigeria— Amid ongoing “the wave of political assassinations, of Jalingo as assistant secretary. Sister Carmen RosNortes, a member of the Sisters
violence and attacks against human killing for ritual purpose, frequent “On behalf of my brother bishops of Our Lady of Consolation.Born in southeast Spain,
dignity in Nigeria, the Catholic bishops mass murder of harmless, innocent and who with me constitute the new CBCN Dec. 20, 1953, she earned degrees in theology,
of the country released a pastoral defenseless citizens.” executive, we want to thank God for catechetical pedagogy and humanities, and obtained
communique promoting a culture of life The bishops’ words came after the giving us, unworthy as we are, the her licentiate in theology, specializing in Mariology,
within the Church and nation. conference’s first plenary meeting of the opportunity and the rare priviledge to in Rome in 1985.She took her perpetual vows in
“As the Church prepares to mark year, held at the Catholic Secretariat of serve you and by extension the Church 1986 and served her congregation in many ways,
the golden jubilee of Pope Paul VI’s Nigeria, Durumi, Abuja from Feb. 17- in Nigeria,” said Archbishop Akubeze, including as a missionary in South Korea, according
Encyclical Humanae Vitae, we call on 23. The theme of their statement was according to the Catholic News Service to a Vatican statement.In 1992, she was hired to be
families to embrace and cultivate the focused around John 10:10, “…that of Nigeria. an official at the Vatican Congregation for Institutes
culture of life, a culture marked by they might have life and have it more “As your servants, we will be very open of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
faith and solidarity,” read the statement abundantly.” to diverse opinions and we will seek to She also teaches at “Studium,” the congregation’s
released together by the bishops. In addition to releasing the build consensus on matters that requires school of theology and law for consecrated life.
“In recognition of our divine communiqué, the bishops elected a collective decisions. We appeal to all of (Carol Glatz/CNS)
mandate, may we remind all of the new president of the Catholic Bishops you to ensure that we speak with one
sacredness and inviolability of human Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop voice on crucial matters that affect the Pope appeals for end to inhumane fighting,
life. No person, authority or institution Augustine Obiora Akubeze of the Benin life of the Church,” the newly-elected evil of war in Syria
has the right to terminate human life,” City archdiocese. He will replace the president continued. Calling the war in Syria “inhumane,” Pope
they continued. previous president, Archbishop Ignatius Among matters discussed by the Francis called for an end to the fighting, immediate
The bishops particularly pointed Kaigama of Jos. bishops was Nigeria’s “Gender and access to humanitarian aid for those in need and
to the “recent happenings in Nigeria” Other executive officers were also Equal Opportunities Bill,” which they the evacuation of the injured and infirm.”My
which have been the “cause for grave elected, including Bishop Lucius Ugorji warned “could provide an avenue for thoughts often turn to that beloved and martyred
concern and worry.” of Umuahia as vice president, Bishop the legalization of many anti-human and Syria where the war has intensified, especially
They said the faithful must stand Camillus Umoh of Ikot-Ekpene as anti-family activities.” (CNA/EWTN in eastern Ghouta,” he said Feb. 25 after praying
against “senseless killings” such as secretary, and Bishop Charles Hammawa News) the Angelus with people gathered in St. Peter
Square.”This month of February has been one
Pakistan churches start movement to demand justice for Christians of the most violent in seven years of conflict:
hundreds, thousands of civilian victims -- children,
LAHORE, Pakistan— Catholic as they attempted to force woman, the elderly. Hospitals have been hit and
and Protestant churches confessions from them both. people can’t get anything to eat,” he said.”All of
in Pakistan have started a Critics say police duress in this is inhumane,” he said. “Evil cannot be fought
movement to demand justice such cases is common in with evil. And war is an evil.”(Carol Glatz/CNS)
for Christian cousins accused Pakistan.
of blasphemy, reported Speakers at the protest Confessional is a place of forgiveness, not
ucanews.com. demanded an independent threats, pope says
Sajid Masih, 26, jumped inquiry into the case, a fair Priests must be mindful that the confessional is a
from the fourth floor of the trial and access to justice for place where people can find forgiveness and mercy,
Punjab headquarters of the the accused. not threats and condemnation, Pope Francis said.
Federal Investigation Agency The protest was organized God “does not want to beat us and condemn us,”
in a suicide attempt Feb. 23. by the Pakistan Christian but rather “he always looks for a way to enter the
He fractured both legs. Action Committee, formed hearts” of those who are repentant, the pope said in
Sajid was arrested with his at a March 1 meeting at the his homily Feb. 27 at morning Mass in the Domus
cousin, Patras Masih, 18, for National Council of Churches Sanctae Marthae.”When we priests—in the Lord’s
allegedly posting an insulting in Pakistan. Organizers said place— hear confessions, we also must have this
photo of the burial place of the committee will function attitude of goodness like the Lord, who says, ‘Come,
the prophet Muhammad on as a permanent ecumenical let us talk, there is no problem, there is forgiveness,’
a Facebook account. entity to counter the and not with a threat from the beginning,” he said.
More than 200 Christians increasing cases of violence (JunnoArochoEsteves/CNS)
gathered March 2 in front against minority Christians. Pope Francis walks with family members of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced
of the Punjab Assembly in Archbishop Joseph Arshad, to death in Pakistan, during a private audience at the Vatican Feb. 26. CNS/VATICAN MEDIA Vatican judge accused of possessing child
Lahore. Teams from Caritas chairman of the Catholic pornography accepts plea deal
Pakistan, the Catholic Commission for Justice and standards are required for “Security should be A judge on a top Vatican tribunal was given a
Church’s charitable agency, Peace, Father Emmanuel law enforcement authorities provided for the accused 14-month suspended sentence by an Italian court
and the Catholic Commission Yousaf, national director, and and the judiciary, which and their family in order to for possessing child pornography and sexual
for Justice and Peace Cecil Chaudhry, executive have failed in their duty to prevent the real and present molestation. He then resigned his position on the
attended the protest. director, expressed their protect minorities,” they threat of violence and to Roman Rota, the tribunal. According to the Italian
“Justice for Sajid, Justice concern over the ill treatment said. take strict action against the newspaper La Stampa, Msgr. Pietro Amenta, a
for Patras,” cried Pastor Riaz of religious minorities in a They asked the Supreme perpetrators,” the statement judge on the Rota, a court that deals mainly with
Malik as he pointed his finger Feb. 28 statement. Court to withdraw an said. marriage cases, accepted the terms of plea bargain
at a photograph of Sajid. “The hatred and systemic attempted suicide report According to the justice Feb. 14.In an email to Catholic News Service Feb. 21,
Sajid claims he was being discrimination fabricated in against Sajid because of his and peace commission, 18 Paloma Garcia Ovejero, vice director of the Vatican
punished for an act allegedly our society needs to be ended claim he was attempting to cases of blasphemy were press office, said the Italian monsignor “resigned
committed by his cousin through state intervention in escape from physical and recorded in 2017. Accusations as prelate auditor of the Roman Rota last week”
and that security authorities order to protect persecuted psychological torture while of blasphemy often result in following his conviction. (JunnoArochoEsteves/
had ordered the two men to groups. Serious reforms also being forced to sexually mob attacks on minority CNS)
engage in a homosexual act in light of human rights abuse his minor cousin. communities. (CNS)
CBCP Monitor
Nearly 50,000 baptisms
registered in China in
2017, says Vatican agency
Chinese pilgrims react after meeting Pope Francis during his general audience in St.
Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 11, 2017. PAUL HARING/CNS
THE Catholic Church in China
registered 48,556 baptisms in
2017, reflecting the vitality
and missionary strength of
the Catholic communities
there, according to a report
by Fides, the news agency
of the Congregation for the
Evangelization of Peoples.
The figures likely are
incomplete, however, given
the difficulty of procuring data
from Catholic communities
in the rural parts of China,
the report said.
But the numbers still
“reflect the vitality and the
missionary dynamism of a
community that fully lives
faith,” said the organization
conducting the annual
survey: the Faith Institute
for Cultural Studies, a
church-run organization
based in Shijiazhuang.
Fides republished the
organization’s findings Feb.
15.
The province of Hebei—
which consistently has
the highest number of
baptisms each year of all the
Chinese provinces—topped
the list again with 11,899
baptisms, the report said.
The Archdiocese of Beijing
registered 1,099 baptisms,
while the Diocese of Ningxia
had 128 new Catholics
baptized. China’s northwest
autonomous region of
Actress shares journey of
forgiveness or mom’s killer
LOSING a parent is hard
enough, more so if she is
lost in a gruesome manner,
one that demands radical
forgiveness.
This is what Filipino actress
Cherry Pie Picache shared at
the Walk for Life Saturday,
Feb. 23, to thousands of
people gathered at the
Quirino Grandstand to make
a stand on issues ranging
from abortion, the extra-
judicial killings, the proposed
revival of the death penalty;
environmental destruction
and resulting threats to the
lives of indigenous peoples;
genuine land reform; labor
contractualization; the new
tax law; human trafficking;
and the lack of decent housing
for the urban poor.
“When I remembered my
mother and I miss her…
It’s been 3 years… I still ask
myself, can I really forgive?
… You cannot cling to anyone
else but God. So I decided, no
matter how painful, I would
forgive the one who killed my
mother,” shared the actress
turned life advocate, who has
been serving in the prison
ministry for two decades.
Ongoing journey
In September 2014,
Picache’s mother, Zenaida
Sison was murdered in her
home in Quezon City in
an apparent robbery. She
sustained 26 stab wounds.
The assailant was her
houseboy, Michael Flores.
At that time of the murder,
the veteran actress had been
serving in prison pastoral
care for around 12 to 13 years.
The road to forgiveness and
March 5 -18, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 5
Xinjiang, where the majority
of the population is Muslim,
registered 66 baptisms.
The Qinghai province had
54 baptisms, and isolated
communities such as Hainan
Island in southern China and
Tibet had 38 and 11 baptisms,
respectively.
“In spite of the encouraging
figures and the great
missionary commitment
in local communities
throughout China, we must
always feel called to a renewed
missionary commitment,”
said the Faith Institute for
Cultural Studies.
“Evangelization in China
is a long and difficult path
to carry out,” it said. The
organization also pointed out
that its data represented “an
invitation and a call because
we must strengthen our faith
and always go forward on our
journey toward Christ.”
The organization
encouraged all of the Catholic
communities of China to
maintain and continually
improve upon their archives
and parish registers so that a
more complete set data can
be collected in the future. It
concluded by saying that its
data is a means “to see the
growth of the church and
the work of evangelization
accomplished by Christ.”
(Wyatt Noble/CNS)
true healing, she admitted,
is still ongoing.
“Now I am in the pathway.
I’m journeying… And I’m
praying that I will get to the
end in forgiving the assailant.
… I said before that I was a
Catholic. …I pray, I thank
[God] for all the blessings
I receive, but when that
happened to me, the only
thing I told God was, ‘It’s so
hard when you ask me how
much I love You,’” shared
Picache in Filipino.
Restorative justice
Though painful, for a year
she had to see her mother’s
killer every week. By praying
for and with Flores she began
embracing the process of
restorative justice.
“I want to believe that my
mother did not die in vain. I
want to believe maybe God
allowed it to really magnify
the love and mercy of God,”
said Picache.
The last sharer before
the Mass, she called on
the faithful to be a “living
testament of God’s mercy.”
Thousands of members and
leaders from organizations
like Adoracion Nocturna,
Soldiers for Christ, Ligaya
ng Panginoon, Couples for
Christ, Couples for Christ
– Foundation for Family
and Life, Prolife Philippines,
Light of Jesus community,
Singles for Christ, students,
priests and religious joined
this year’s Walk for Life,
which was replicated
in Tarlac, Cebu City, San
Pablo, and Cagayan de Oro
City. (Nirva’ana Ella
Delacruz/CBCPNews)
NEWS FEATURES A3
Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church
added to liturgical calendar
VATICAN CITY— On
Saturday, the Vatican
announced Pope Francis’
decision that the Church
celebrate the Blessed Virgin
Mary in her role as “Mother
of the Church” every year on
the Monday after Pentecost,
as a way to foster Marian
piety and the maternal sense
of the Church.
The decree establishing
the memorial was published
March 3 in a letter from
Cardinal Robert Sarah,
head of the Congregation
for Divine Worship and the
Discipline of the Sacraments.
As Sarah explained, Pope
Francis added the memorial
to the Roman Calendar after
carefully considering how
the promotion of devotion
to the Blessed Virgin Mary
under this particular title Pope Francis incenses the altar during Mass in Gyumri Armenia June 25, 2016. VATICAN MEDIA
might encourage growth in
“the maternal sense of the in light of reflection on the conferences and approved by countries, dioceses and
Church” and in “genuine mystery of Christ and on his the congregation. religious families were
Marian piety.” nature, cannot ignore the A celebration of a memorial granted permission by
“This celebration will help figure of a woman, the Virgin generally means that prayers the Holy See to add this
us to remember that growth Mary, who is both the Mother and readings specific to the celebration to their particular
in the Christian life must be of Christ and Mother of the day’s memorial are used in calendars. With its addition to
anchored to the Mystery of Church.” the Mass. the General Roman Calendar,
the Cross, to the oblation The memorial of the Blessed The Marian title of “Mother it will now be celebrated by
of Christ in the Eucharistic Virgin Mary, Mother of the of the Church,” was given to the whole Roman Catholic
Banquet and to the Mother of Church, has been added to the Blessed Mother by Bl. Church.
the Redeemer and Mother of the General Roman Calendar, Pope Paul VI at the Second In 2018, the memorial of
the Redeemed,” Sarah wrote. the Roman Missal, and the Vatican Council. It was the Blessed Virgin Mary,
The cardinal noted that Liturgy of the Hours. The also added to the Roman Mother of the Church, will
the “joyous veneration given Latin text has been published, Missal after the Holy Year of be celebrated on May 21.
to the Mother of God by and the translations will be Reconciliation in 1975. (Hannah Brockhaus /
the contemporary Church, prepared by the bishops’ Subsequently, some CNA/EWTN News)
CNN’s 2016 Hero of the Year fights euthanasia of children in Colombia
IN 2016, Jeison Aristizabal was named insurance, their healthcare system, Colombia.
CNN’s Hero of the Year for overcoming would not provide him with medical Through the foundation, he said, he
the challenges posed by cerebral palsy care, would not provide medication helps those with physical or cognitive
and working to help children with for their child.” disabilities to realize that they have
disabilities in Colombia. The child’s family, feeling powerless, value and worth.
Today, Aristizabal, 38, is focusing his told their insurance company that “they “Today’s society is one that gives us
efforts on fighting a measure to legalize would rather see their child die than prognoses,” said Aristizabal, but “you
euthanasia in Colombia. to see him suffering from negligence, have to overcome that prognosis. We
In October 2017, Colombia’s and from the insurance company’s must tell the person who feels defeated
Constitutional Court instructed the lack of coverage for his medications,” today, who has waved the white flag, to
Department of Health to produce Aristizabal said. not give up.”
within four months regulations for “What the country never expected was Aristizabal said that he has traveled
administering “death with dignity” that instead of the court saying, ‘We are around the world encouraging people to
to “boys, girls and adolescents” with going to sanction the healthcare system, “not surrender in the face of obstacles.”
disabilities and terminal illness. we are going to order the healthcare “And this is the message that we want
The Colombian court said that system to be more effective,’ what this to bring to these parents that today are
its ruling seeks to prevent minors court did was to order the government experiencing a tragedy, that today are in
from becoming “victims of cruel and to issue regulations on childhood a tough situation, [with their children’s]
inhumane treatment because their right euthanasia.” health issues: don’t wave the white flag,
to die with dignity is being denied.” “What this court said was that any don’t give up, don’t accept defeat,” he
In response, Aristizabal filed for an
injunction with Colombia’s Council
parent can dispose of the life of his
child when he has a terminal illness or
said.
“Instead rise up today with the will to
of State – the country’s highest
judicial authority – to prevent the
a disability.”
Born with cerebral palsy, Aristizabal
fight, to win, with the help of God and
society.”
implementation of the Constitutional has faced numerous challenges in life. Aristizabal has launched a CitizenGo
Court’s ruling. A doctor told his mother when he was petition drive directed to the Council
Speaking recently to EWTN’s Radio young that he was “not going to amount of State, encouraging it to oppose
Católica Mundial (Catholic World to anything in this life.” childhood and adolescent euthanasia.
Radio), Aristizabal said that “people But his mother supported him, “Disabilities cannot make children’s
need to know how this happened. and today, he is a media professional human lives of lesser worth because
This came about because the family and lawyer, in addition to running they have such conditions,” he said.
of a child with disabilities and a a foundation that serves hundreds “Life is valuable in itself and must be
terminal illness saw that their health of children with disabilities in Cali, protected.”(ACI Prensa via CNA)
‘Man of the people’: Getting to know Iba’s new bishop
IF there’s one person closest numerous projects including other shrines or parishes but you are very blessed! We
to the bishop-elect of Iba the improvement and also with other dioceses,” he pray to Mama Mary in her
apart from his family, it may renovation of almost all parts explained. titles as Our Lady of Fátima
well be Jilson Tio. of the church and convent,” No doubt, the faithful of and Ina Poon Bato for Msgr.
Having served with Msgr. said Tio in an interview. Fátima shrine feel proud that Bart, now bishop-elect, to
Bartolome Gaspar Santos, According to him, such one of their own has been have the same zeal in serving
Jr. in various capacities at is Santos’ vision for the elevated to the episcopate. God’s flock not anymore in
the National Shrine of Our shrine that he has ongoing But it is actually a bittersweet our parish and diocese but
Lady of Fátima in Valenzuela projects to date, one of which moment for Tio and his co- in another one. We hope that
for almost a decade, Tio has is the adjoining Centennial parishioners, because it also he would also find in his new
seen firsthand his natural Building, his brainchild. means having to let go of mission the same warmth
closeness to regular, common He shared that the their beloved pastor of over and support that we gave him
folks. monsignor also strengthened nine years. for the past years,” he added.
“He is very approachable. the community’s love and “We’re experiencing Santos’ episcopal
You would often catch him appreciation of the Scriptures separation anxiety,” said ordination, which will be
offering Mass at a wake on by hosting weekly Bible the young man who already presided over by Manila
the street or mingling with studies for his parishioners. considers his unassuming Archbishop Luís Antonio
ordinary people. He has “He prioritized the shepherd a father. Cardinal G. Tagle, is
a heart for the needy and promotion of the message When Tio was battling scheduled on April 30,
would even brave the floods of Our Lady of Fátima a life-threatening illness, 2018 at the Immaculate
to rescue parishioners,” he nationwide. It was evident Santos would visit him Conception Cathedral in
shared. in the visits of the national personally to celebrate Mass Malolos, Bulacan.
pilgrim image of Our Lady. in his hospital room. The Diocese of Iba,
Active parish priest He would always find the He is also one of the few which covers the province
Tio added that the bishop- chance to be present in the monsignori he knows of who of Zambales and the
elect initiated programs for different visitations,” said has no problem commuting independent city of Olongapo,
the poor and the needy like Tio. by MRT. is set to welcome him as their
their monthly “Boteng Gala” fifth bishop on May 25, 2018
which sponsored free milk for ‘Separation anxiety’ New mission at the San Agustín Cathedral
children. This is probably why Tio Tio said he and his co- in Iba.
He also observed the active was hardly shocked when he parishioners are grateful The rite of liturgical
involvement as a rector and received the news from Rome that their shrine has already reception and canonical
parish priest in the life of the that Pope Francis had just produced two bishops, the installation will be officiated
shrine. appointed his “boss” as the first being Emeritus Bishop by his predecessor, San
“He gave the National new bishop of Iba. Deogracias Iñiguez, who had Fernando Archbishop
Shrine a new direction when “I was not surprised also served in Iba as well as Florentino G. Lavarias.
he became our parish priest because his gift of ministry Kalookan, and now Santos. (Raymond Sebastian /
and rector. He implemented is worth sharing not only with “To our brethren in Iba, CBCPNews)
A4 OPINION March 5 -18, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 5 CBCP Monitor

EDITORIAL

A way of undermining the Constitution

THERE are individuals and groups who for reasons, motives,
or causes of their own, are bent on subverting the intrinsic
nature and trivializing the essential finalities of marriage—in
addition to undermining the core significance and inherent
consequence of marriage in terms of the formation, care and
affirmation of the family.
In its substantive understanding and ontological consequences,
marriage is not only a consummate union between a man and a
woman but also a sanguine community between them and their
children. So it is that in clear and succinct language, honest-to-
goodness marriage equals unity and indissolubility between a
husband and a wife—until death does them part, with or without
having co-created a family of their own. This is the nature and
substance, the connotations and consequences of marriage.
But for different personal reasons of their own, the aforesaid
individuals and groups appear decided to change the nature
and significance, the finalities and consequences of marriage. In
essence, they want marriage to be not simply divisible but also
soluble for personal causes they have, for individual options they
make. Why do they hate marriage for what it really is? Why do they
abhor marriage for what it truly is? Why do they want to substitute
marriage for something it is not? Why do they want “Soluble

ILLUSTRATION BY BLADIMER USI

Marriage” on account of this or that personal reason or cause?
Is it because they are the pitiful products of failed
marriages? Is it because their own marriages are wrecks? Is it
because after all is said and done, they are in effect personally
incapable of entering into insoluble conjugal unions? Is it
because neither marriage nullity nor marriage annulment as
provided by the Family Code of Philippines is enough for them
in case of marriage failure on account of a given personality
liability? Is it because after all is said and done, what they in
fact and in truth really desire is the institution of divorce in
the Philippines. Hence, more questions:
What are the grounds for divorce? Infidelity: So a spouse
commits it on purpose to get a divorce. Violence: So the husband
or the wife kicks the other to obtain a divorce. Abandonment:
So the husband or wife abandons the other to have a divorce.
And how many divorces may a husband or wife have, how many
re-marriages may either or both of them enter into and break,
and how many children will they hurt and/or make them hate
their mothers and fathers? So it is that in the USA, there is a
well-known woman who had no less than nine divorces. Will
Filipinos eventually break the record?
So categorically and officially provides nothing less than
the Constitution of the Philippines: “The State recognizes the
Filipino family as the foundation of the Nation. Accordingly,
it shall strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its total
development.” (Art. XV, Sec. 1). “Marriage, as an inviolable
social institution, is the foundation of the family and shall be
protected by the State.” (Art. XV, Sec. 2).
Those in favor of the institution of divorce in the country
should likewise have to undermine no less than the Philippine
Constitution. (State Policies, Sec. 12)
Beware of clericalism and laicism
SINCE 2018 is declared by our bishops to be the Year of the
Clergy and Consecrated Persons with the thrust on clerics
and religious to be renewed servant-leaders for the New
Evangelization, everyone, especially the laity, should contribute
whatever he or she can to make this campaign successful.
The lay people can do a lot in helping the clergy and
consecrated persons. Rather than staying on the background
since the focus is on the clerics, the laity should be emboldened
to help their bishops, priests and other consecrated persons,
so that the clerics and religious will remain consistent to their
calling and ministry.
There is supposed to be an “organic cooperation” between
clergy and the laity in the Church, since both have the same
calling for holiness, though this is pursued in different ways.
The laity should never be regarded, and worse, should never
regard themselves as secondary citizens in the Church. There
is a fundamental equality between clergy and laity. No one is
superior or inferior to the other. This is the reality about the
clergy and the laity. Therefore, we should avoid two extremes that
does damage to this reality. These are clericalism and laicism.
Clericalism is, in a nutshell, when the clerics think or are
regarded as superior to the laity. This anomaly can lend itself
in many manifestations. Laicism is the opposite. It’s when the
laity thinks the clerics are completely irrelevant in their lives.
For years, decades and centuries, many and big parts of the
world´s population have been under the wrong notion that
the Church is mainly if not exclusively the responsibility of
the priests and bishops. The lay people only play a supporting
cameo role if not just an extra.
Priests and laity, by their baptism, enjoy a fundamental equality
in that being conformed to Christ all of us are called to aim at
genuine holiness and to participate in carrying out the mission of
the Church, each one in the way proper to his condition.
These erroneous ideas can be called the clerical mentality that
has been afflicting us here in the Philippines, in spite of our long
Christian tradition. It gives undue importance to the role of priests
and bishops at the expense of the laity. Its usual manifestations
are the tendency to make the lay people as some kind of assistants,
servants and longa manus of the clergy or the attitude of regarding
the priests as the sole agents of the Church mission.
In this Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons, clerics,
lay and religious, examine themselves more deeply and root
out whatever traces of clericalism or laicism there may be in
our understanding of things and in our lifestyle.
Political dynasties Panaghoy
Bp. Broderick Pabillo
THERE is a lot of talk among government dynasties belong to the elite. This is will have their own turfs. Each will be
politicians (i.e., politicians aligning why our congress people are elitists. entrenched there, without any external
themselves with the government) about They represent the elite. Not even! They control and even threat from outside
federalism. They are even go so bold as represent their own families! This is their “states”. We will have a chop-chop
to rush the change of the constitution why in congress the congress men and country, if ever there will still be one
in a month or two. Why is there no talk women do not represent the people in country!
at all about political dynasties? Why? the true sense of the word. They are not Before clamoring for federalism, we
It is still debatable whether federalism really elected by the people. They are put should first shout: “Away with political
is good for us or not, whether it can in congress because of fraud, bullying, dynasties!” We can discuss about
bring about progress or failure to our deceit and political machinations. federalism, if there are no political
country. Even our former chief justices And there their families remain. Even dynasties. Federalism then may still be
have different views on it. And these our presidents of the republic, both of defensible. But with political dynasties,
are brilliant legal minds. But it is a the present and of the past, belong to federalism will be a sure failure.
no-brainer to see that federalism with political dynasties. A good gauge if our present political
political dynasty is a sure formula for The phenomenon will continue to leaders are really concerned for the good
failure. It will surely divide our country. happen with federalism, unless a clear of the country is their action to take away
Federalism will surely lead to feudalism prohibition is given by the constitution— political dynasties, because corruption
and our country will be turned into not one to be acted upon by congress, and poor governance are rooted in
fiefdoms by various political families. which again they will never do—that political dynasties. This will spell the
The abolition of political dynasties has there be no political dynasties and it end of our democracy. But as we see
been a mandate of our 1987 constitution is clearly stated what political dynasty now, this is not how our current leaders
but it has never been a reality for us. It means. But why, with all the commotion act. Federalism is shouted in the air as
has never been acted upon and legislated and propaganda on federalism, political the system that will bring progress to the
by our lawmakers. Why? Because more dynasties are not mentioned? Why? country without even a whimper about
than 80% of our congress people belong Clearly because they want to wed the political dynasties. They have their own
to political dynasties. And political two— for their own sakes! Each then family agendas. Can we trust them?
Along the Way Lamentation from
Fr. Amado L. Picardal, CSsR, STD EJK land
THE bullet-riddled corpses sprawl on the sidewalks, churches Sunday after Sunday and join processions in masse
the dark alleys or inside the shanties or attend the Pope’s Mass in millions
waiting to be laid to rest in public cemeteries keep silent or approve of this and say
or dumped in common graves. those addicts & enemies of the state deserve to die?
The inconsolable widows & orphans or shocked
fathers & mothers cannot not afford to bury them Where is mercy and compassion
for the police are making a killing out for those wounded by neglect, abuse,
of the killings or mass murder isolation and loneliness in need of healing and conversion?
inspired by the blood-thirsty ruler. Where is justice for those unjustly punished without due
process, deprived of human rights & dignity
The slums beside dumpsites, railways, while drug lords go scot-free
waterways & cemeteries just because they are relatives, friends or partners?
beyond the posh villages & subdivisions have become killing
fields day by day, night after night O Lord, we believe that you will deliver us from evil as you
as the poor wait in fear & trembling did in times past – especially at EDSA.
for the executioners in uniform But how long must we wait?
or masked hit-men riding in tandem. How many more lives have to be wasted?
When will the people stand up and rise
Why do brutal, corrupt & incompetent men lord over this empowered by your Spirit?
land like criminals? In this dark night we toll the bells and light our candles full
Why do pious men & women who fill the of helplessness and despair and hope.
On priestly celibacy Candidly Speaking
Fr. Roy Cimagala

Monitor
CBCP
THE other day, the Cebu clergy held And that’s simply because priestly spiritualized, like that of Christ after his
their monthly afternoon of recollection celibacy conforms one to Christ as head resurrection.
PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE with priestly celibacy as the theme for of the Church in a more intense way. There will be no need for any carnal
consideration and reflection. This topic, With celibacy, a priest like Christ can or marital activity since the population
Pedro Quitorio of course, is part of the line-up meant for be more available to the people in their there will be fixed. There will be no more
Editor-in-Chief this Year of the Clergy and Consecrated spiritual and moral needs. births nor deaths. That is why priests
Persons. Besides, priestly celibacy holds the and consecrated persons have to dress
Nirva’ana E. Delacruz Ron Ramos While the speaker gave a very thorough so-called eschatological meaning of up and behave in such a way as to give
Design Artist
Associate Editor and also very humorous treatment of reminding everyone here on earth that some kind of public witness to this truth
the topic, what struck me first was that in our definitive state of life in heaven, of our faith.
Roy Lagarde Mercedita Juanite the main approach sounded more like all of us will be celibate. How I wished this aspect of the reason
News Editor Circulation Manager
priestly celibacy as a burden rather than And that’s because Christ clarified for priestly celibacy had been more
Christine Paguirigan Marcelita Dominguez a gift of God. in that gospel episode where he was highlighted!
Managing Editor Comptroller I have always believed that priestly asked whose wife a woman was who I believe the problem was because the
celibacy is first of all a gift—in fact, a got married to seven brothers, that in main approach to the theme was that
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the great gift and treasure—in the life of the resurrection on the last day and in of priestly celibacy as an ecclesiastical
CBCP - Media Office with editorial and business offices
at 3rd Floor, CBCP Compound, 470 General Luna the persons involved and of the Church heaven we will be like angels. (cfr Lk requirement rather than a gift and
Street, Intramuros, Manila. Email Address: cbcpmonitor@ in general. It should make priests more 20,27-40) treasure. It gave more focus on the
areopaguscommunications.com, Business: (632) 404 - 1612.
ISSN 1908-2940. happy and welcoming rather than In other words, in heaven our frailties of men rather than on the grace
worried and hesitant. resurrected body will be completely Candidly Speaking / A7
CBCP Monitor March 5 -18, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 5 OPINION A5

Supreme irony Another Angle

By the Roadside
Fr. Eutiquio ‘Euly’ Belizar, Jr. SThD Fr. Emmanuel Mijares

“There is no peace without justice,

and no justice without forgiveness”
(St. John Paul II, February 8, 2003)
I HAD always thought that justice
was blind. Now, with the efforts to
again impeach a Supreme Court
Chief Justice, I realize it is we the
people who have been blind all along
to the mystique represented by the
Justices of the Philippine Supreme
Court. Filipinos have mostly held the
Supreme Court and its Justices to a
supreme degree of respect and even,
in certain instances, adulation. Then
came Chief Justice Corona’s sobering
impeachment. It ended in a loud
whimper of everything but grace. He
was removed from the highest pedestal
of the Supreme Court by a majority
vote of the then sitting senators acting
as judges. I had thought that, minus the
politically charged public excoriations
by then President Pinoy of former CJ
Corona, it was nonetheless a necessary
tool of government towards a more
credible justice system in the country.
I now realize how naive I was.
A relatively young lady judge took his
place, bypassing more senior justices
who joined the SC before her. Now it is
her turn, under a new administration,
to face another impeachment roller-
coaster. Her case is a similar and yet
a different story on its own.
Like her predecessor, she earned
the ire of the chief executive, but
for different reasons. To someone
outside the legal profession the current
CJ’s predicament began when she
criticized the anti-drug-campaign-
related killings since the launching
of OPLAN TOKHANG in 2016 by the
administration. It seemed that she is
about to join the fate of a lady senator
before her who initially also opposed
TOKHANG killings and initiated
senate hearings on the issue, but later
ended up in jail on charges of being
a big time drug operator herself.
Two ladies who, for all intents and
purposes, have been doing everything
to serve the country’s justice system
now seem to have fallen instead into
a systematic operation against critics
of the anti-drug war.
If that is not supreme irony, I would
not know what is.
On top of that, ordinary citizens
were served unprecedented scenes
in the House of Representatives of
Supreme Court justices clearly at odds
with the current CJ testifying against
her on various charges. Associate
Justices gave vent to their supreme
dissatisfaction against their present
head through a litany of grievances at
once eye-opening and at the same time
disheartening. To me the exercise was
not unlike the case of a beleaguered
prominent family, with sons and
daughters exposing their mother’s
dirty linen in public so as to force
her to leave the house. And they have
managed, as admitted by the acting CJ,
to make her consent to an indefinite
leave ostensibly to allow her to prepare
for her impending impeachment.
Why is this matter important to
people of faith such as ourselves?
In the first place, faith and justice
are inseparable. In truth, faith must
do justice. When our system of justice
in the country is therefore made more
problematic by a chief executive who
has a low tolerance for any opposition
to his policies and a Supreme Court
whose independence is becoming
more and more in doubt, the practice
of faith is also wounded. If the God
of Abraham could not tolerate the
oppression of his people in Egypt, his
people today betrays him if they allow
a travesty of true justice.
Second, faith entails listening to and
doing God’s Word that reveals God’s
will to us. This, to people of faith, is
the real foundation of genuine law
and order being served by a working
justice system. Although, for instance,
Paul the Apostle tells us to “be in
subjection to all governing authorities”
(Rom 13:1), he also shows us that our
“rulers are ministers of God” (Rom
13:6). Therefore when a political
authority contradicts God’s will, such
as the sanctity of life (Ex 20:13) or of
marriage (Ex 20:14; Mt 19:6), or the
rendering to “Caesar what belongs
to Caesar and to God what belongs
to God” (Mk 12:17), which includes
genuine justice inside and outside the
courts, Peter’s advice gives us our clear
direction: “We must obey God rather
than men” (Acts 5:29).
Third, Supreme Court Justices
must be supreme examples both of
civilized human conduct and, if they
are Christian, of Gospel-inspired
behavior. The House hearings have
opened a can of worms on the
CJ’s part; whether they amount to
impeachable offenses remains to
be seen. But her detractors do not
come off as saintly either. Paul’s
words could apply to them when
he urges Thessalonian Christians
to “make it your ambition to lead a
quiet life, to attend to your business,
and work with your hands, just
as we commanded you,” (1 Thess
4:14). Most of all, they must bear in
mind the Master’s words: “Blessed
are those who hunger and thirst for
righteousness” (Mt 5:6), not those
who hunger for power, political
patronage, popularity or wealth.
This kind of faith should inspire
the justices’ acts to truly seek after
protecting the court’s Integrity.
It should also warn them that
whenever they give in to political
pressure or personal ambitions and
interests rather than the dictates
of true justice, they become living
contradictions.
And that is Supreme Irony.
Orientations for a
pastoral planning
NEW evangelization necessitates a pastoral planning or
a concrete plan in any level: parochial, diocesan or even
national. Most ecclesial reality has it. Usually, however,
it might happen that even all the efforts, energy and
economic resources have been offered, unfortunately,
most of them might remain only in paper. Though there
are other plans that we know are very fruitful and serves
as an avenue for growth and becomes witness to many.
Any program of evangelization is basically to give Jesus
and to bring all to Jesus. It is not only an organized
programmatic schedule with techniques coming experts
or from surveys and conclusions done in a more or less
organized way and with a specific time table. These are
all useful, but if they don’t bring Jesus to our people then
everything could be in vain.
Some planning encounters could even lead to divisions
among the planners themselves in as much as there are
a lot of hidden agendas involved. Instead of discovering
what is the plan of God for that particularly time and
particular place, it could be a source of conflicts.
We are warned by no other than St. John Paull II
in his encyclical letter Novo Millennio Eneunte which
is considered to be a like a Magna Carta for the third
millennium as far as planning is concerned:
“We are certainly not seduced by the naive expectation
that, faced with the great challenges of our time, we shall
find some magic formula. No, we shall not be saved by a
formula but by a Person, and the assurance which he gives
us: I am with you!” He continues, “It is not therefore a
matter of inventing a “new programme”. The programme
already exists: it is the plan found in the Gospel and in the
living Tradition, it is the same as ever. Ultimately, it has
its centre in Christ himself, who is to be known, loved and
imitated, so that in him we may live the life of the Trinity,
and with him transform history until its fulfilment in the
heavenly Jerusalem.” (NMI, 29).
In the scriptures, St. John has indicated to us what was
original and essential in this evangelizing program which
is applicable even today and does not “change in the shifts
of times, even though it takes account of time and culture
for the sake of true dialogue and effective communication”.
(NMI, 29). The Apostle wrote:
“That which was from the beginning, which we have
heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have
looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of
life; That which we have seen and heard declare we unto

Support family and life!
THE Walk for Life sponsored
by Sangguniang Laiko ng
Pilipinas (“Laiko”) was a
huge success. Its President,
Dra. Marita Wasan, the
Board of Trustees and
Past Presidents led the
different dioceses and
archdioceses, national
organizations, ministries
and Basic Ecclesial
Communities (“BEC’s).
As early as 3am, people
were already trekking to
Quirino Grandstand Parade
Grounds, Rizal Park. At
exactly 4:30a.m., the
walk started from Quirino
Grandstand towards Manila
Hotel to Roxas Boulevard, to
T.M. Kalaw back to Quirino
Grandstand. While doing
the Walk, the participants
prayed the Rosary and sang
Marian songs.
Several invited guests
gave testimonies on the
value of life, opposition
to divorce, euthanasia,
abortion, same sex marriage
and extrajudicial killings.
The highlight of the Walk for
Life was the Mass presided
by His Eminence Luis
Antonio Cardinal Tagle,
concelebrated by Most
Rev. Pablo Virgilio David,
Bishop of Kalookan and Vice
President of the the Catholic
Bishops Conference of
the Philippines (CBCP)
and Most Rev. Broderick
Pabillo, Auxiliary Bishop of
Manila, Spiritual Director
of Laiko and Chairman
of the CBCP Episcopal
Commission on the Laity.
In his Homily, Cardinal
Tagle emphasized the value
of life as a gift; that life
is a gift that should be
protected and taken care
of. In the same manner
that our family is also a gift
from God and should be
protected.
Walk for Life was also
held in different parts of
the country like Cebu City,
Bicol, San Pablo.
***
We should voice out
our strong opposition to
House Bill No. 6027, An
Act Providing for Grounds
for the Dissolution of the
Marriage. The Advocates
for Family and Life released
its Position Paper against
this Bill. They stated that
Sec. 3, Art. XV, of the 1987
Constitution provides that
“marriage, as an inviolable
social institution, is the
foundation of the family
and shall be protected by the
State”. Likewise, Sec. 1, Art.
XV thereof provides that
the State shall strengthen
the family’s solidarity
and actively promote its
total development. The
State shall defend the
right of families. The State
recognizes the sanctity
of family life and shall
protect and strengthen the
family as a basic social
institution. The Family
Code declares that marriage
is the foundation of the
family and an inviolable
social institution whose
nature, consequences and
incidents are governed
by law and not subject to
stipulation, except that
marriage settlements may
fix the property relations
during the marriage within
the limits provided by this
Code.
HB 6027 is contrary to
these constitutional and
statutory provisions; the
Bill proposes grounds
for easy dissolution
of marriage based on
vague, flimsy, whimsical
and capricious grounds
such as irreconcilable
differences and severe
and chronic unhappiness,
for the convenience of the
spouses. The Bill weakens
marriage as an inviolable
social institution and as the
foundation of the family.
Marriage is downgraded
as an ordinary contract
Duc in Altum
Atty. Aurora A. Santiago
wherein the spouses
will be freely allowed to
establish such critical
areas as support, parental
authority, custody, living
arrangements for the
common children by their
mere agreement. The Bill
also allows the government
to interfere in the parenting
of children by assuming the
role of parents.
***
Happy 59th Birthday
and Happy 35th Sacerdotal
Anniversary to Most Rev.
Pablo Virgilio “Ambo”
S. David, D.D., our dear
Bishop of Kalookan. May
our Lord continue to
give Bishop Ambo more
birthdays, good health,
physical and spiritual
strength to carry out
his various projects and
advocacy in the Diocese
of Kalookan. Bishop
Ambo is actively engaged
in the Rehabilitation of
Persons with Substance
Abuse (Drug Dependents),
Educational and Spiritual
Assistance to Families of
EJK victims, takes care
of the welfare of Street
Children and out-of-
school youth so that he
constructed a MASID (“Mga
Anak Din Sila ng Diyos”)
Center as halfway house,
construction of Spiritual
Renewal Center through
the help of donors, and
establishment of Mission
Stations in different
parishes of the Diocese.
In just two (2) years of
taking over the Diocese,
Bishop Ambo turned the
Quasi Parish of Birhen ng
Lujan into a parish, under
the Vicariate of Sacre d
Heart, Caloocan City. The
mission station of Santa
Clara in Dagat-Dagatan,
under the OFM priests, is
now a Quasi Parish. Last
December, Bishop Ambo
established the Quasi Parish
of Santo Nińo de Pasion,
Daanghari, Navotas City.
Soon to be established is
the Quasi Parish of Virgen
Delos Remedios in North
Bay Boulevard North. All
the three Quasi Parishes are
in the Vicariate of San Jose
de Navotas under its Vicar
Forane Fr. Bong Gino.
Likewise, the Diocese has
established various Mission
Stations: San Rafael Chapel
in Tangos, Navotas City; St.
Martin de Porres Chapel
in Tugatog, Malabon
City; Mission Station
in Salmon St., Dagat-
Dagatan, Caloocan City.
The mission stations are
under the administration
and supervision of different
congregations of priests
and nuns. Bishop Ambo
wants to bring the Church
to the people so that it can
serve the Least, the Last
and the Lost. The Church
and its servant leaders must
not only evangelize, but
must also go out and serve
everyone, irrespective of
religion.
In connection with the
Rehabilitation Program
of the Diocese called Task
Force Salubong, after
undertaking six months
of rehabilitation, three (3)
batches graduated and their
names were deleted from
the Police Drug Watchlist.
In order for the graduates
not to return to illegal drug
use, the Community Care
Program of the Diocese
takes care of them. They are
given livelihood program;
educational assistance or
scholarship.
***
Belated Happy Birthday
to Rev. Monsignor Pepe
Quitorio, the Editor-in-
Chief of CBCP Monitor and
anchor of morning program
of Veritas Pilipinas of Radio
Veritas; and my niece Raiza
Elmira Imperial.
you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly
our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus
Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy
may be full.” (1 John 1-4)
We note that the subject is in plural form. This “we” is
not only a conglomerate of persons more or less organized
but an ecclesial reality united in charity having one mind
and one heart. It is within the context of an experience
after Pentecost where the ecclesial beginnings are formed
by the Holy Spirit deeply united in Christ whose members
are in mutual charity that deserves the presence of Jesus
in their midst. it is this same Jesus that they have seen
and heard. It is not something graphic or a caricature of
Jesus but a real Jesus who is present in the first community
of disciples and therefore has a Trinitarian imprint. This
Jesus is the source of their joy.
This experience however is a result of an asceticism
which involves a ‘dying’ to oneself in order to love the other
disciple as a neighbor like Jesus loved (till death), so that
though a reciprocity of love which could be generated -
and the presence of the body of Christ becomes a reality.
It is no wonder, that in his wisdom St. John Paul II in
the same letter said:
“Before making practical plans, we need to promote
a spirituality of communion, . . .” “A spirituality of
communion indicates above all the heart’s contemplation
of the mystery of the Trinity dwelling in us, and whose
light we must also be able to see shining on the face
of the brothers and sisters around us. A spirituality of
communion also means an ability to think of our brothers
and sisters in faith within the profound unity of the
Mystical Body, and therefore as “those who are a part of
me”. . . .
“A spirituality of communion implies also the ability
to see what is positive in others, to welcome it and prize
it as a gift from God: not only as a gift for the brother or
sister who has received it directly, but also as a “gift for
me”. . . .”A spirituality of communion means, finally, to
know how to “make room” for our brothers and sisters,
bearing “each other’s burdens” (Gal 6:2) and resisting the
selfish temptations which constantly beset us and provoke
competition, careerism, distrust and jealousy. “
Thus he declared: “Let us have no illusions: unless
we follow this spiritual path, external structures
of communion will serve very little purpose. They
would become mechanisms without a soul, “masks” of
communion rather than its means of expression and
growth.” (Novo millennio ineunte, 43).
This plural form “we” or “us” together with the whole
people of God, is a starting point of any true evangelization.
It is basically ecclesial and not individualistic nor a
projection of any individual pastor whose personality
is more or less pleasing or charismatic. Evangelization
is a collective effort not in a sense of a collectivity of
the many, but an internal reality which has a trinitarian
imprint of mutual charity. It must also end not on the
popularity rating of a group or any fan club but it should
end up towards the growth of and in the same “we” of the
church and makes the church more visible and real in
any space and time. In other words, true evangelization
is not only a project or space for pastoral experts with a
more or less delineated program which is more or less
perfect with deadlines and objectives but at the end does
not give Jesus. It could only be a particular vision of an
individual missionary although plausible but may give
less of Jesus and more of himself or herself. This kind of
missionary program will not lead to a deeper communion
Another Angle / A6
A6 LOCAL NEWS
Mayon simmers down; Missionary says “I have
lost that sense of fear”
evacuees back to farms
AS government scientists noticed
a significant reduction in Mayon
Volcano’s eruption pattern,
thousands of evacuees from seven
to eight-kilometer radius from the
crater trooped back to their villages
to hopefully resume their normal
lives.
In a statement released March
7, the Philippine Institute of
Volcanology and Seismology said
the 2,462-meter conical volcano’s
condition has manifested “a
general decline in unrest” as seen
in moderate quakes, gas emission
and deflation. They also noticed
a decrease in eruptive activities at
the crater.
Albay Governor Al Francis
Bichara, in an interview said there
are only 10,833 persons from 2,665
families temporarily camped at
195 school rooms in 13 evacuation
centers.
“The remaining evacuees come
from 11 villages within the six-
kilometer Permanent Danger Zone
in the towns of Daraga, Camalig,
Malilipot, Guinobatan and Tabaco
City,” he further said.
Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal
said they will decamp evacuation
centers where residents from
five villages stayed for nearly two
months today. There will be no
more avacuation centers in the city
by tomorrow morning.
Resident Volcanologist Ed
Laguerta said there was relative
quiet during the past four days and
with the decline in the intensity and
frequency of eruptive events suggest
“a gradual depletion of eruptible
magma at the shallow levels of the
volcano.”front and margines of lava
flows in three gulies towards Daraga
Issues / A1
informed, he said, or if they are
informed, they think “they are
alone.”
He also asked the audience to
visit the Laiko website and its
Context / A1
explained Alegre during EJK stats
the event organized “We are only able
by the National Clergy to investigate 1,200
Discernment Group. EJKs. We are just 600
According to him, [people in the CHR],
the CHR is simply said Alegre, noting that
overwhelmed by the the official EJK count of
volume of EJK cases, half the Philippine National
of which the institution has Police, the National
been unable to investigate Bureau of Investigation,
due to lack of manpower and the Philippine Drug
and resources. Enforcement Agency
Another Angle / A5
with Jesus present in a community
and build up the People of God, but
a private projection which does not
come from that essential reality of
the “we”.
In fact Pope Francis in his
Evangelii Gaudium wrote: “I am
a mission on this earth; that is
the reason why I am here in this
world. We have to regard ourselves
as sealed, even branded, by this
mission of bringing light, blessing,
enlivening, raising up, healing and
freeing. . . But once we separate
our work from our private lives,
everything turns grey and we will
always be seeking recognition or
asserting our needs. We stop being
a people,” (n. 273) We stop being
a People of God but only a kind of
a private organization, an NGO, or
just a cooperative.
Perhaps it is in this context that
the holiness of priests—embedded,
in the reality of a true Presbyterium
united, in one heart and mind with
the other members of the clergy in
charity and with the local ordinary—
that St. John Paul II considered it
as starting point of any pastoral
initiative. Mission should not
separated from communion and
vice versa. Any pastoral program
should lead to a more creative and
fruitful communion which then
leads to a greater mission and
pastoral activity. Thus, it is like a
cycle of communion-mission-and
a deeper communion. It is this
communitarian dimension which
is the starting point of mission that
priests are sanctified by sanctifying
the others in their mission. Pastoral
planning then is not something
external to the holiness of the clergy
and laity. He said:
Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara BICOL TIMES
town and Legazpi City.
With all the parameters
considered, PHIVOLCS lowered
the alert status from Alert Level 4
which means hazardous eruption
is immiment to Alert Level 4 which
means decreased tendency towards
hazardous eruption.
However, they clarified the
decision to lower the alert level
should be interpreted “that unrest
has ceased” because the volcano can
be expected to continue generating
volcanic earthquakes, degassing
and weak surface activities which
include steam-driven explosions,
rockfalls and pyroclastic flows.
The Ligñon Hill Observatory-
based scientists said they will
continue to watch Mayon Volcano’s
activities.
Should there be any persistent
downtrend in monitoring
parameters, the Alert Level will be
further lowered to Alert Level 2.
Facebook page where they can
post their personal one-liners on
social issues.
Information materials on
charter change and federalism
is at 3,987 while the
Human Rights Watch
says EJK cases are at
7,000.
Meanwhile, several
media outfits claim it is
possible the figure could
be anywhere between
9,000 – 13,000.
According to Msgr.
Manuel G. Gabriel,
convenor of the gathering,
“I have no hesitation in saying
that all pastoral initiatives must
be set in relation to holiness.”
(NMI, 30). He asked himself:
“At first glance, it might seem
almost impractical to recall this
elementary truth as the foundation
of the pastoral planning in which
we are involved at the start of the
new millennium. Can holiness
ever be “planned”? What might
the word “holiness” mean in the
context of a pastoral plan?” (NMI,
30).
Holiness is precisely not only
the starting point but also the
point of arrival of any pastoral
planning. But it is a choice filled
with consequences and fruits.”
He continues to explain:
“In fact, to place pastoral planning
under the heading of holiness is a
choice filled with consequences.
It implies the conviction that,
since Baptism is a true entry
into the holiness of God through
incorporation into Christ and the
indwelling of his Spirit, it would be
a contradiction to settle for a life of
mediocrity, marked by a minimalist
ethic and a shallow religiosity. To
ask catechumens: “Do you wish
to receive Baptism?” means at the
same time to ask them: “Do you
wish to become holy?” It means to
set before them the radical nature
of the Sermon on the Mount: “Be
perfect as your heavenly Father is
perfect” (Mt 5:48).
“As the Council itself explained,
this ideal of perfection must not
be misunderstood as if it involved
some kind of extraordinary
existence, possible only for a few
“uncommon heroes” of holiness.
The ways of holiness are many,
Albay Governor Bichara
expressed his appreciation for the
assistance extended by President
Rodrigo Roa Duterte who mobilized
the entire government machinery to
assist over 82,000 evacuees at the
height of Mayon Volcano’s eruptive
episode recently.
He also thanked international
agencies, non-government
organizations and faith-based
groups for the assistance shared
with the evacuees in cash or in kind
including non-food items.
Albay Public Safety and
Emergency Management Office
head Dr. Decric Daep said the
7-kilometer distance within Mayon
volcano’s east-south-east quadrant
will remain off-limits to farmers.
This is in addition to the 6-kilometer
Permanent Danger Zone earlier
declared by PHIVOLCS and disaster
mitigation officials. (Melo M.
Acuna/Bicol Times)
are available on the Laiko website
for members to use in parish
or community study groups.
(Marylee San Buenaventura/
CBCPNews)
the event was organized
to help reactivate “’circles
of discernment’—to
discern, decide, and act
what is necessary in the
light of Gospel values
the urgent moral task
that seriously impacts
the future of our
nation.” (Nirva’ana
Ella Delacruz/
CBCPNews)
according to the vocation of each
individual. . . . “. (Novo Millennio
Ineuente, 30-31).
He strongly suggests then that
“the time has come to re-propose
wholeheartedly to everyone
this high standard of ordinary
Christian living: the whole life
of the Christian community and
of Christian families must lead
in this direction.” This direction
is towards the “training for
holiness”, which “must integrate
the resources offered to everyone
with both the of traditional forms
of individual and group assistance,
as well as the more recent forms
of support offered in associations
and movements recognized by
the Church.” (Novo Millennio
Ineuente, 30-31).
To be holy together then which is
no other than to be more church:
one and holy, Catholic and apostolic
- is the program that opens for us.
It is not something which involves
only acting but of being church and
makes its communion and unity
more visible. It is in this way that
we could present Jesus, the source
of joy, of faith and hope in this
world wounded by division and sin.
Mission in fact should originate
from a communion similar to
that of the Holy Trinity who loves
one another and therefore with
a trinitarian imprint and should
end to this same reality with
more intensity and profundity.
In being faithful to our basic and
fundamental vocation to be holy
and make the others holy, then
together in one heart and one
mind, in prayer, the creativity that
comes from the Holy Spirit could
act to formulate any program.
March 5 -18, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 5
Fr. Amado Picaral, CSsR BICOL TIMES
AS far as Redemptorist missionary
Amado Picardal is concerned, he
has “lost that sense of fear” after
having been detained and tortured
for seven months during the Marcos
martial law years.
Fr. Picardal, now 64 years old,
said he was first asked by Tambayan,
a youth group in Davao City in
southern Philippines in 1998 to lead
in prayers for two of their members
earlier killed by still unidentified
gunmen.
“As we were praying, another
teenager was killed nearby,” Fr.
Picardal said in an interview after
the Walk For Life march and Holy
Mass presided over by Manila
Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal
Tagle early morning on February
24.
He recalled from that time on, he
got involved in the group’s activities
which included the monitoring
of the day-to-day killings. He
admitted the killing somewhat
subsided from 1998 to 2001 because
then Mayor Rodrigo Duterte was
elected Davao’s First District
representative.
Various concerned citizens met
and discussed the issues after Davao
Metropolitan Archbishop Fernando
Capalla issued a pastoral statement
on the unsolved killings in the city.
“A coalition was formed composed
of non-government organizations,
lawyers from the Integrated Bar of
the Philippines, cause-oriented and
religious groups,” Fr. Picardal said.
He remembered being appointed
spokesman because he has nothing
to lose having no family of his own
as lawyers were concerned of their
personal safety.
He had to accept interviews from
local, national and international
media on the spate of killings in
Davao City.
Fr. Picardal said his group was
able to establish a pattern which was
similar to the findings of Human
Rights Watch and the Commission
on Human Rights that most of the
victims were poor people involved
in petty crimes with the victims
identified through lists from the
city’s barangays.
While he and his loose coalition of
anti-extra judicial killings advocates
had contacts with the victims’
relatives, they were also approached
by former hitmen who said those
who were killed were composed
of minors, young people, women
who were poor from urban poor
communities.
“What began as anti-criminality
campaign was narrowed down to
anti-drug crusade because there
were drug addicts behind criminal
activities,” he said.
Asked if he received threats
to his life and limb, Fr. Picardal
said as early as 2006, he received
information that then Mayor Rody
Duterte was really mad at him.
“He criticized me for protecting
the rights of criminals but being
blind to heinous crimes victims in
his television program “Guikan sa
Masa, Para sa Masa” in Davao City,”
the missionary added. He recalled
Mayor Duterte has emphasized as
the city’s chief executive, his priority
was peace and order.
As far as threats are concerned,
Fr. Picardal said people around him
are more concerned of his safety.
He admitted he nearly became a
victim of extra-judicial killing when
his interrogator cocked a pistol in
his mouth in a detention center in
Cebu City.
He acknowledged his detention
and torture has somewhat
CBCP Monitor
“hardened” his views about life and
his vocation that when he reflects on
his priesthood, he has long given his
life to God and “anyone can kill me
as long as I what is right.”
He lost his 59-year-old mother
after being shot by criminals in
Iligan City in December 16,1985.
He said his mother just went out of
a bank and probably the criminals
thought she had withdrawn a
significant amount.
“She only had P300.00 in her
wallet,” Fr. Picardal said. However,
he learned a month later the ones
behind the crime were Philippine
Constabulary elements.
Despite experiencing the lowest
point in his life where he felt
helpless and hopeless and near
despite, he said he “never doubted
God’s liberating goodness.”
He recalled the feeling he
had before EDSA People Power
revolution in 1986 and a few months
before then President Joseph
Estrada left Malacanang in 2001.
“I have the same feeling now with
the first sign of the International
Criminal Court’s decision to perform
“preliminary examinations” on the
complaint filed by lawyer Jude
Sabio and the information provided
by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and
Congressman Gary Alejano.
Asked of his views of self-
confessed killer Edgar Matobato
and retired policeman Arturo
Lascañas, Fr. Picardal said both
want to make amends for what
they have done and they don’t care
anymore of their personal safety.
“They are ready to die,” he addded.
He added while there were other
people who want to come out and
stand witness against the former
Davao City mayor, Fr. Picardal said
he declined because it is difficult to
assure safety.
He expressed optimism the four
ICC representatives now in the
Philippines would find sufficient
grounds to pursue the case. Fr.
Picardal said among the details
provided in the 77-page complaint
filed by Atty. Sabio last year were
particulars of his summary of cases
from 1998 to 2015 in Davao City. He
said the same document was picked
up by national and international
media.
Fr. Picardal sounded optimistic
the criminal complaint would
prosper and that the ICC would
issue an arrest warrant. Asked who
would implement it, Fr. Picardal
said he has no idea.
He explained the ICC immediately
acted on the complaint because
failure to do so would mean more
killings.
He observed while violent
police operations have somewhat
subsided, the vigilante killings have
remained unabated.
He said shabu is resorted to
by people who want to increase
their productivity, such as utility
with the poor among the regular
users because the prohibited drug
reduces hunger pangs and serves
pain reliever.
“While President Duterte
has focused on his campaign
against illegal drugs, programs on
poverty alleviation has remained
wanting,” the Redemptorist
missionary said.
“Poverty breeds addiction and
without addressing poverty, the
drug problem will prevail,” he added
as he called on the government to
seriously look into the plight of
the poor as the latest tax reform
program would “worsen poverty.”
(Melo M. Acuna/Bicol Times)
CBCP Monitor
Water, sanitation problems
confront Mayon evacuees
The Legazpi diocese’s Social Action Center distributes assistance to evacuees at the Tabaco Northwest Central Elementary School recently. SAC LEGAZPI
AS alert level 4 remains in effect
over Mayon volcano, thousands
continue to stay in overcrowded
evacuation centers where access
to water and lack of sanitation
facilities is becoming a problem.
Fr. Rex Paul Arjona of the
Legazpi diocese’s social action
center, said that from a peak of
85,000 evacuees, the number has
gone down to around 67, 000 a
month after the volcano spewed
ash and lava.
“Because of the lengthy period of
Bishop: God’s grace brings ‘dynamism’ into priestly, religious life
JUST as water keeps
plants alive, priests and
conse crat e d p e rso ns’
constant “connectedness
to the stream of grace” will
keep their vocations “full
of life and dynamism”, a
newly appointed bishop
said.
And this current of
grace, said Bishop-elect
Abel Apigo of Mati, must
flow into God’s ocean and
be translated into “fidelity
of our service to Him”.
“Even in stormy
weather, even in drought
or dry season, we continue
to give meaning and to
give life,” he said in his
homily at the closing Mass
of this year’s Canon Law
Society of the Philippines’
convention in Davao City
on March 1.
“And it is precisely
because the constant flow
of water will ensure life in
our priestly and religious
ministry,” he stressed.
A seminary formator
himself, Apigo went
Auction / A1
The Department of Labor and
Employment earlier reported
that Filipino household service
workers were being traded like
“slaves” by their employers and
recruiters alike in KSA.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello
III said the government is now
eyeing on expanding the existing
Divorce / A1
congressional committee recently
approved a divorce bill for plenary
deliberations.
Under the substitute bill that
consolidated all proposals to
legalize divorce, married couples
may apply for the dissolution of
their marriage for several reasons
including abuse, infidelity, and
irreconcilable differences.
Apart from the Vatican, the
Philippines is the last country in
the world where divorce is illegal.
Preserve or destroy?
Couples for Christ, a global
Catholic renewal movement,
earlier urged lawmakers to help
preserve the sanctity of marriage
instead becoming accomplices in its
destruction by legalizing divorce in
the country.
In a statement, the huge group
of Filipino couples cried out to
March 5 -18, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 5
stay in evacuation centers, several
problems already emerged. As far
congestion is concerned, evacuees
experience water and sanitation
issues,” he said in a press conference
in Manila on Feb. 22.
While these problems are being
addressed, he said evacuation
centers are just too crowded and
ill-equipped to address the hygiene
needs of displaced families.
Arjona said many people are really
suffering from mental and physical
stress living in the complicated
Bishop-elect Abel Apigo of Mati presides over the closing Mass of the 26th
National Convention of the Canon Law Society of the Philippines in Davao
City, March 1, 2018. SCREEN GRAB/DXGN SPIRIT FM-DAVAO
further by pointing out We never stop journeying
that priestly and religious to conversion for the sake
life is an ongoing stage of of God’s people.”
formation. All these, he added, are
As emphasized in the aimed “to rekindle the gift”
“New Ratio”, a detailed set received at ordination and
of guidelines and norms for religious vows and share it
priestly formation, he said to others.
that formation never stops. “I hope that you
“We continue to continue to bring Jesus
hone our skills in view Christ to other people…
of serving God’s people that canon law is
better,” according to him. translated into pastoral
“We never stop learning. charity, service for the
deployment ban in Kuwait to
Saudi Arabia.
Detained Senator Leila de Lima
also expressed alarm over reports
that domestic helpers are being
auctioned to highest bidders in the
Arab country.
Bishop Santos urged the
government to investigate and
lawmakers to stand up against any
threats to families.
“You are in all-important position
to preserve or destroy the sanctity
of our marriages,” the CFC said
after the House Committee on
Population and Family submitted
recently a divorce bill for plenary
debate.
The lay movement said what
the country needs is not a bill that
dissolves unions but legislations
that protect family life and “actively
promote its total development”.
“What we need from society and
the State right now is support to
enable couples to have a fighting
chance to save marriages that are
not in their healthiest state,” it said.
“We are not yearning for a
redefinition of marriage, to include
a way out of it, or to terminate and
end it through absolute divorce,”
the CFC added.
environment of evacuation centers.
“But we are happy that other
interventions are focused on putting
water, sanitation, hygiene and
emergency shelters,” he said.
As far as the diocese is concerned,
it has already received more than
Php7 million worth of donations
in kind and around Php4 million
in cash.
Caritas Philippines has also
provided an initial aid of Php5
million to the Legazpi diocese’s
relief operations. (CBCPNews)
local Church, service to
our brothers and sisters
in the diocese,” Apigo
added.
“In the end, what
ensures fidelity in the
priesthood, what can
rekindle the fire is
primarily the Eucharist.
We go back to our source,
to our stream,” he also
said.
Pope Francis has
appointed Apigo, 49, as
the second bishop of Mati
in Davao Oriental.
Upon his appointment,
the bishop-elect has been
serving as the episcopal
vicar for the clergy of the
Archdiocese of Davao and
Rector of the St. Francis
Xavier Regional Major
Seminary.
Apigo’s episcopal
ordination will be held at
the Davao metropolitan
cathedral on April 24.
He will be installed at
the Mati cathedral on
the following day.
(CBCPNews)
lodge diplomatic protest into the
“shameful and sinful” abuses.
“It’s criminality that should
be condemned and perpetrators
be severely punished,” he said.
“It is high time to discuss and
decide also for total deployment
ban of OFWs there in KSA.”
(CBCPNews)
‘Backbone of a stable society’
The Archdiocese of Manila’s
Commission on Family and
Life stressed that indissoluble
marriage is the only institution
that firmly unites children with
their parents.
A society that undermines this
“backbone of a stable society”, it
said, “is a society undermining its
very well being.”
Rather than allowing divorce,
the Commission asked lawmakers
to enact laws that will keep healthy
marriages and support couples
struggling amidst challenges.
“We appeal to our law makers to
focus their attention and legislative
efforts at ensuring that the sanctity and
strength of marriage and the family
be upheld and protected at all times,
instead of weakening and undermining
them with a divorce law,” it said.
(With reports from Jem Capin)
Archbishop Valles calls
on Davao officials to be
instruments of mercy
Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao. FILE PHOTO
DAVAO Archbishop Romulo Valles
of Davao urged local government
leaders and public servants to
use their power by being active
instrument of God’s mercy.
In his homily during Mass for
the 81st founding anniversary of
Davao City March 1, he encouraged
local leaders to continue their
work in humble service as “God’s
instruments of goodness”.
“We just don’t realize how
powerful we are to serve and show
goodness and mercy to others,”
Valles said in his homily at the San
Pedro Cathedral.
Public service, according to him,
is a tall order but it’s also a “God-
given” opportunity to serve “despite
Gov’t reminded: Human rights
is state’s obligation
IN the midst of what many call a
reign of injustice and impunity in
the country, a representative from
the Commission on Human Rights
(CHR) stressed that the state is
obliged to protect and uphold
human rights.
“Human rights is a state
obligation. …Human rights is a state
obligation; it’s not the obligation
of CHR only. It’s an obligation of
the entire state. The duty-bearer
is the state. And it is enshrined in
our Constitution,” explained Allan
Alegre of the CHR at the
National Discernment of Priests
on their Prophetic Role on Tuesday,
March 6.
According to him, the Duterte
administration has the three-fold
obligation to respect, protect, and
fulfill human rights.
Three-fold obligation
“If the state will not do anything
[to address a situation], it should
not do anything to the right holder,”
said Alegre, giving the right to freely
assemble as an example.
Second, the state has to
protect human rights, he said,
mentioning this is why there are
laws and international covenants
against torture and enforced
disappearances.
Lastly, the state has to promote
and facilitate human rights, for
example, by adopting relevant
legislation, policies, and programs
that promote women empowerment,
said Alegre.
‘Not even human’
He noted how “human rights is
Candidly Speaking / A4
and mercy of God and the beauty of
celibacy itself.
Of course, it cannot be denied
that priestly celibacy would require
nothing less than heroic efforts
from those who are obliged to live
it. Given our weaknesses, not to
mention the growing temptations
around, we cannot exaggerate the
need for this kind of
efforts that should correspond
as faithfully as possible to God’s
abundant grace.
Without detracting from the more
fundamental truth that priestly
celibacy is a divine gift, we should
be realistic enough about the grave
duties and responsibilities we
priests and consecrated persons
have in living that gift.
That is why the need for a life
of genuine prayer and sacrifice, of
vigilance and spiritual struggle,
of developing the appropriate
DIOCESAN NEWS A7
our frailty and weakness”.
Taking his cue from Pope Francis’
humility, the archbishop asked the
local officials to learn the leadership
power in admitting mistakes and
limitations.
And when they do so, the president
of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference
of the Philippines (CBCP) said, it
increases credibility and strength.
“That task is no joke. And if we are
really honest to the task, we say we
are sinners… we don’t measure up
to the world,” Valles added.
“The Lord knows we are weak. All
of us! But the mystery and beauty
is that He simply continues to trust
us, be there for us,” he also said.
(CBCPNews)
being blurred as a concept.”
With regard to the hot-button
topic of extra-judicial killings (EJKs)
and the Duterte administration’s
war on drugs, Alegre showed to the
members of the clergy gathered how
“impunity and the normalization of
political violence” are seen through
four trends:
• d e l e g i t i m i z a t i o n o f t h e
human rights discourse
• erosion of the rule of law and
devaluation of due process
• undermining of institutions
of democracy
• trivialization of gender
violence
Alegre cited how President
Rodrigo Duterte’s public statements
and comments on killing drug
addicts and even rape pave the way
for a culture that makes it easy to
trample on human rights.
He said: “Basically, the
message [is]: ‘Human rights is
not important. I don’t care about
human rights. Human rights
protects criminals and punishes
the righteous law enforcers and
besides, why are we talking about
human rights when these people
are not even human?’”
Aside from political issues
like the EJKs and the proposed
Charter Change, the gathering
focused on the CBCP’s declaration
of 2018 as the Year of the Clergy
and Consecrated Persons, the 6th
year celebration of the Church in
the Philippines’ 9-year “spiritual
journey” towards 2021, the 500th
year after the arrival of Christianity
in the Philippines. (Nirva’ana
Ella Delacruz)
virtues and skills, cannot be
overemphasized. There’s no way
one can live priestly celibacy if these
means are not taken up seriously.
In a recent statement, Pope
Francis confessed that he had
been talking to victims of clerical
sex abuse and that he considered
this scandal of erring clerics as the
“greatest desolation that the Church
is undergoing.” He also said that the
scandal expresses both
the Church’s fragility as well as its
level of hypocrisy.
Those are truly strong words that
should stir up in all those concerned
the need to get very serious in loving
God and others more and more,
because only with that love can one
truly live priestly celibacy. Only
with that love will one continually
wage war against his human frailty
and the many temptations and sins
around.
A8 PEOPLE, FACTS, AND PLACES
Virgin of La Purisima
Concepcion episcopally
crowned
Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros bestows the episcopal crown on the Blessed Virgin of La Purisima
Concepcion in Sta. Maria, Bulacan. PHOTO COURTESY OF RAINIER POLICARPIO
MALOLOS Bishop Jose Oliveros
led the faithful and devotees in
bestowing the episcopal crown on
the Virgin of La Purisima Concepcion
during a Mass and coronation rites
held Saturday, March 3, at the
La Purisima Concepcion Parish
Church in this town.
In his homily, Oliveros said the
episcopal coronation is a sign of
their love for Mary.
“Mary does not need further
honor for she has already received
the highest honors from our Father
in heaven with His son, Jesus,
and the Holy Spirit during her
assumption in heaven and her
coronation as queen of heaven
and earth,” the prelate explained.
“Much [more] important is that
we are doing our best to follow her
holiness.”
“Is the blessed mother really
a queen to our hearts and our
lives? … Let us offer ourselves to
her intercession so that, in due
Bishop Varela buried at
Sorsogon cathedral
Sorsogon Bishop Emeritus Jesus Varela (1927-2018). PHOTO FROM THE DIOCESE OF SORSOGON
HUNDREDS of Catholics gathered
in Sorsogon City on Feb. 28 to bid
farewell to the diocese’s former
bishop.
Retired Bishop Jesus Varela
of Sorsogon died at a hospital in
Manila of Feb. 23. He was 90.
His death came almost a year after
he celebrated his 50th anniversary
as bishop.
Dozens of bishops and more than
a hundred priests from different
dioceses filled the front seats of the
Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral,
where the prelate’s coffin rested
before the altar.
The bishop’s body was contained
in a simple wooden casket
carpentered according to his own
specifications of lumber from a
Gmelina tree which he personally
planted.
Throughout the entire funeral
service, the coffin was laid flat on
the floor. “That was his instruction,”
said Msgr. Francisco Monje, the late
bishop’s vicar general for 16 years,
in his homily.
All these specifications, he said,
speak of the bishop’s true spirit as
“a truly humble man”.
“He was that priest and bishop
who was always connected to the
ground where his people are,”
Monje said.
“He leaves behind him a legacy
that is so rich and so beautiful,”
he said. “He may be gone but his
memory will remain in the hearts
of many of us.”
Bishop Varela was ordained to
time, she may be able to lead us
to the kingdom of her son,” added
Oliveros.
Meanwhile, in an interview,
parish priest Msgr. RaniloTrillana
urged the faithful to continuous
devotion to the Blessed Mother as
a way to Jesus Christ.
“This episcopal coronation of the
Virgin of La Purisima Concepcion is
not merely a visual demonstration
to honor her; but, more importantly,
this is the faithful’s expression of
their deepening devotion and love
for her,” he said.
The bishop signed the promulgation
of the solemn episcopal coronation of
the Virgin of La Purisima Concepcion,
Feb. 6, after reviewing the petition of
the parish.
Fr. Leocadio De Jesus, episcopal
vicar of the eastern district of the
diocese, and other members of the
Malolos clergy also graced the event.
(Myraine Joy Policarpio/
CBCPNews)
the episcopacy on April 30, 1967 at
the Carmelite Monastery in Naga
City. He was Auxiliary Bishop of
Zamboanga until Feb. 17, 1971
when he was appointed bishop of
Ozamiz.
On Nov. 27, 1980, he was named
the third bishop of Sorsogon.
It was during his term that the
diocese’s first pastoral assembly was
held, where they crafted the first
ever diocesan pastoral plan which
embodied the local Church’s vision
and mission and its subsequent
implementation.
According to Monje, the prelate’s
pastoral management was typically
characterized by collaboration,
cooperation, subsidiarity, and
widespread participation.
“All these led to the living out of
communion in the local Church,”
he added.
After 23 years of shepherding the
diocese which now has more than
30 parishes, Varela retired on April
13, 2003.
During his active ministry, he was
president of UNDA Philippines,
a Catholic radio and television
organization, and the Federation of
Catholic Broadcasters.
At the Catholic Bishops
Conference of the Philippines,
he served as member of the
Permanent Council and chairman
of the Commission on Family and
Life.
The bishop’s remains were
interred in a niche at the side altar
of the cathedral. (CBCPNews)
Pope appoints new
bishop of Tandag
POPE Pope Francis has
named a Cagayan de Oro
priest as the third Bishop
of Tandag in Surigao de
Sur province.
Fr. Raul Dael, who
comes from Jasa-an
in Misamis Oriental,
was appointed by the
pope as the successor
of 77-year-old Bishop
NereoOdchimar.
Odchimar, who is
retiring having passed the
age limit of 75, has served
the diocese for almost 17
years and was a former
president of the Catholic
Bishops’ Conference of
the Philippines.
Upon his appointment
on Feb. 26, the bishop-
elect has been serving as
the Vicar for the Clergy
of the Archdiocese of
Cagayan de Oro.
Dael was born on
October 10, 1966.
After completing his
Philosophy course at
Xavier University in
Cagayan de Oro City, he
studied Theology at St.
John Vianney Seminary of
Theology in the same city.
Focus on mercy, CBCP head asks canon lawyers
Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, CBCP President, and the delegates of the 26th National Convention of the Canon Law Society of the Philippines pose for
group photo after the a Mass at the San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City, Feb. 26, 2018. PHOTO FROM THE DAVAO CATHOLIC HERALD
THE head of the Catholic Bishops’
Conference of the Philippines
(CBCP) asked canon lawyers to
focus on how their ministry can
reflect God’s mercy.
In his homily at the inaugural
Mass of this year’s gathering of
canon lawyers in Davao City,
Archbishop Romulo Valles, CBCP
President, said that God’s call
to be merciful “should continue
to empower and inspire us as
Christians”.
“We may continue to serve that at
least at the end of each day through
Join the Father Michael McGivney Guild for free!
THE Knights of Columbus
established the Father
McGivney Guild to promote
the Cause for canonization
of our founder, Venerable
Michael J. McGivney (1852-
1890). The goal of the Guild
is to spread the good word
about his holiness of life, to
encourage devotion to his
memory, and to seek his
intercession before the throne
of God. The Guild serves as a
clearinghouse for information
about Father McGivney, his
life and works, and any favors
attributed to his intercession.
Father McGivney is a unique
model today for both Catholic
laymen and priests because
of his attention to the social
ills and injustices of his day
and his collaboration with the
people of his parish. He was
zealous for the life of union
with God through prayer and
the sacraments, and would
have been right at home in
Name/s: ________________________________________________________________________________
Complete Mailing Address: _______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
City/Province:_________________________ Country & Zip Code: ______________________________
March 5 -18, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 5 CBCP Monitor
Bishop-elect Raul Dael of the Diocese of Tandag. PHOTO FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CAGAYAN DE ORO
At 27, he was ordained a at the Loyola School of Philippines after his
priest for the archdiocese Theology of the Ateneo Rome studies, he became
in 1993 and began his de Manila University professor of Pastoral
ministry as Parochial and served as a professor Theology at the same
Vicar of the Metropolitan and director of spiritual seminary.
Cathedral. Two years and pastoral formation Dael’s episcopal
later, he was reassigned as at St. John Vianney ordination has yet to be
Parochial Administrator Seminary of Theology. set. In the meantime,
of St Peter the Apostle From 2003, 2009, he Bishop Odchimar
parish in Sugbongcon in studied spirituality at will continue as head
Misamis Oriental. the Pontifical Gregorian of the diocese on an
In 2000, he obtained University in Rome. interim capacity. (Roy
a Licentiate in Theology On his return to the Lagarde/CBCPNews)
your ministry, the law of the Church He added that the call to be
will truly be experienced as the merciful enables Christians to
mercy and compassion of the Lord,” approach the world with “realism”.
he said at the San Pedro Cathedral The 26th National Convention
Feb. 26. of the Canon Law Society of the
Leading the delegates on the tract Philippines gathered dozens of
of compassion, he said that they canon lawyers from different
are called to live “the authentic dioceses.
servanthood” according to the This year, the convention is
Gospel “in our struggle to build centered on theme “The Clergy and
human society wherever in the the Consecrated Persons towards
world may be”. the New Evangelization”.
Christians, according to him, are CLSP is an association of canon
challenged to love the world more lawyers, mostly priests but not
than by any servant of mankind. exclusively. (CBCPNews)
today’s world. He was then
and would be today an eager
apostle for the Gospel of
life, and active in building a
civilization of love.
Membership in the Guild
is open to anyone who wishes
to share in this mission of
making known the life and
work of Father McGivney
and of encouraging devotion
to his memory. To join, fill
out the attached application
and mail it to the address
given. There is no charge to
enroll, and you need not be
a member of the Knights of
Columbus. To start your free membership
The Guild is anxious to and receive the Guild newsletter,
please complete the form below
receive reports of favors and return to: Father McGivney
received through Father Office - Philippines, Knights of
McGivney’s intercession. It Columbus Fraternal Association of
is not only miracles that are the Philippines, Inc. Center, Gen. Luna
required to move the cause cor. Sta. Potenciana Sts., Intramuros,
forward, but witnesses to the Manila 1004, Philippines
power of the servant of God’s
prayers before the throne of
God.
CBCP Monitor March 5 -18, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 5
Filipino pilgrims wave their country’s flag during Mass to open the World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland on July 26, 2016. ROY LAGARDE
“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you
have found favor with God” (Lk 1:30)
Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the Thirty-Third World Youth Day 2018
DEAR young people,
World Youth Day 2018 represents another step
in preparation for the international WYD due
to take place in Panama in January 2019. This
new stage of our pilgrimage falls in the same
year that the Ordinary Assembly of the Synod
of Bishops will meet on the theme: Young
People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment.
This is a happy coincidence. The focus, prayer
and reflection of the Church will turn to you
young people, with the desire to receive and,
above all, to embrace the precious gift that you
are to God, to the Church and to the world.
As you already know, we have chosen to be
accompanied on this journey by the example
and intercession of Mary, the young woman of
Nazareth whom God chose as the Mother of
his Son. She walks with us towards the Synod
and towards the WYD in Panama. If last year
we were guided by the words of her canticle of
praise – “The Almighty has done great things
for me” (Lk 1:49) – teaching us to remember
the past, this year we seek, together with her, to
listen to the voice of God who inspires courage
and bestows the grace needed to respond to
his call: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have
found favour with God” (Lk 1:30). These are
the words addressed by God’s messenger, the
Archangel Gabriel, to Mary, an ordinary girl
from a small village in Galilee.
1. Do not be afraid!
As is understandable, the sudden appearance
of the angel and his mysterious greeting: “Hail,
full of grace, the Lord is with you” (Lk1:28),
strongly disturbed Mary, who was surprised
by this first revelation of her identity and
her vocation, as yet unknown to her. Mary,
like others in the Sacred Scriptures, trembles
before the mystery of God’s call, who in a
moment places before her the immensity
of his own plan and makes her feel all her
smallness as a humble creature. The angel,
seeing the depths of her heart, says: “Do not be
afraid”! God also reads our inmost heart. He
knows well the challenges we must confront
in life, especially when we are faced with the
fundamental choices on which depend who we
will be and what we will do in this world. It
is the “shudder” that we feel when faced with
decisions about our future, our state of life, our
vocation. In these moments we are troubled
and seized by so many fears.
And you young people, what are your
fears? What worries you most deeply? An
“underlying” fear that many of you have is
that of not being loved, well-liked or accepted
for who you are. Today, there are many
young people who feel the need to be different
from who they really are, in an attempt to
adapt to an often artificial and unattainable
standard. They continuously “photo-shop”
their images, hiding behind masks and false
identities, almost becoming fake selves. Many
are obsessed by receiving as many “likes” as
possible. Multiple fears and uncertainties
emerge from this sense of inadequacy. Others
fear that they will not be able to find an
emotional security and that they will remain
alone. Many, faced with the uncertainty of
work, fear not being able to find a satisfactory
professional position, or to fulfil their dreams.
Today a large number of young people are
full of fear, both believers and non-believers.
Indeed, those who have accepted the gift of
faith and seek their vocation seriously are not
exempt from fears. Some think: perhaps God
is asking or will ask too much of me; perhaps,
by following the road he has marked out for
me, I will not be truly happy, or I will not be
able to do what he asks of me. Others think:
if I follow the path that God shows me, who
can guarantee that I will be able to follow it
through? Will I become discouraged? Will I
lose my enthusiasm? Will I be able to persevere
for the whole of my life?
In moments when doubts and fears flood
our hearts, discernment becomes necessary.
It allows us to bring order to the confusion
of our thoughts and feelings, to act in a just
and prudent way. In this process, the first
step in overcoming fears is to identify them
clearly, so as not to find yourself wasting time
and energy by being gripped by empty and
faceless ghosts. And so, I invite all of you to
look within yourselves and to “name” your
fears. Ask yourselves: what upsets me, what
do I fear most in this specific moment of my
life today? What blocks me and prevents me
from moving forward? Why do I lack the
courage to make the important choices I need
to make? Do not be afraid to face your fears
honestly, to recognize them for what they are
and to come to terms with them. The Bible
does not ignore the human experience of fear
nor its many causes. Abraham was afraid (cf.
Gen12:10ff), Jacob was afraid (cf. Gen 31:31;
32:7), and so were Moses (cf. Ex 2:14; 17:4),
Peter (cf. Mt 26:69ff) and the Apostles (cf. Mk
4:38-40; Mt 26:56). Jesus himself, albeit in
an incomparable way, experienced fear and
anguish (cf. Mt 26:37; Lk 22:44).
“Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?”
(Mk 4:40). In admonishing his disciples Jesus
helps us to understand how the obstacle to
faith is often not scepticism but fear. Thus
understood, the work of discernment identifies
our fears and can then help us to overcome
them, opening us to life and helping us to
calmly face the challenges that come our way.
For us Christians in particular, fear must never
have the last word but rather should be an
occasion to make an act of faith in God… and in
life! This means believing in the fundamental
goodness of the existence that God has given us
and trusting that he will lead us to a good end,
even through circumstances and vicissitudes
which often bewilder us. Yet if we harbour
fears, we will become inward-looking and
closed off to defend ourselves from everything
and everyone, and we will remain paralyzed.
We have to act! Never close yourself in! In
the Sacred Scriptures the expression “do not
be afraid” is repeated 365 times with different
variations, as if to tell us that the Lord wants
us to be free from fear, every day of the year.
Discernment is indispensable when
searching for one’s vocation in life. More
often than not our vocation is not obvious or
evident at first but rather something we come
to understand gradually. Discernment, in
this case, should not be seen as an individual
effort at introspection, with the aim of
better understanding our interior make-up
so as to strengthen us and acquire some
balance. In such instances the person can
become stronger, but is still confined to the
limited horizon of his or her possibilities and
perspectives. Vocation, however, is a call
from above, and discernment in this context
principally means opening ourselves to the
Other who calls. Prayerful silence is therefore
required in order to hear the voice of God
that resounds within our conscience. God
knocks at the door of our hearts, as he did with
Mary; he longs to establish friendship with
us through prayer, to speak with us through
the Sacred Scriptures, to offer us mercy in the
Sacrament of Reconciliation, and to be one
with us in the Eucharist.
It is also important to dialogue with and
encounter others, our brothers and sisters in
the faith who have more experience, for they
help us to see better and to choose wisely
from the various possibilities. When the
young Samuel hears the voice of the Lord,
he does not recognize it immediately. Three
times he runs to Eli, the older priest, who in
the end proposes the right response to give to
the Lord’s call: “If he calls you, you shall say:
‘Speak Lord, for your servant hears.’” (1 Sam
3:9). In your doubts know that you can rely on
the Church. I know that there are very good
priests, consecrated men and woman and lay
faithful, many of whom are also young, who
can support you like older brothers and sisters
in the faith. Enlivened by the Holy Spirit, they
will help you to make sense of your doubts and
understand the plan of your own vocation.
The other is not only a spiritual guide, but also
the person who helps us open ourselves to the
infinite riches of the life that God has given us.
It is important to create spaces in our cities and
communities to grow, to dream and to look at
new horizons! Never lose the enthusiasm of
PASTORAL CONCERNS B1
enjoying others’ company and friendship, as
well as the pleasure of dreaming together, of
walking together. Authentic Christians are
not afraid to open themselves to others and
share with them their own important spaces,
making them spaces of fraternity. Dear young
people, do not allow the spark of youth to be
extinguished in the darkness of a closed room
in which the only window to the outside world
is a computer and smartphone. Open wide the
doors of your life! May your time and space
be filled with meaningful relationships, real
people, with whom to share your authentic
and concrete experiences of daily life.
2. Mary!
“I have called you by name” (Is 43:1). The
first reason not to fear is the fact that God
has called us by name. The angel, God’s
messenger, called Mary by name. To God
belongs the power to give names. In the
work of creation, he calls into existence every
creature by name. There is an identity behind
a name, that which is unique in every single
thing, in every single person; that intimate
essence that only God truly knows. This
divine prerogative was shared with man when
God invited him to name the animals, the
birds and also his own offspring (Gen 2:19-
21; 4:1). Many cultures share this profound
biblical vision; they recognize in a name the
revelation of the profound mystery of life and
the meaning of existence.
When God calls someone by name, he also
reveals to the person his vocation, his plan of
holiness and fulfillment, through which the
person becomes a gift to others and is made
unique. And when God wants to expand the
horizons of life, he gives a new name to the
person he is calling, as he did with Simon,
whom he called “Peter”. From here comes the
custom of taking a new name when entering
a religious congregation, to indicate a new
identity and mission. Since the divine call
is unique and personal, we need the courage
to disentangle ourselves from the pressure
of being shaped by conforming patterns, so
that our life can truly become an authentic
and irreplaceable gift to God, to the Church
and to all.
Dear young people, to be called by name
is therefore a sign of our great dignity in the
eyes of God and a sign of his love for us. God
calls each one of you by name. All of you are
the “you” of God, precious in his eyes, worthy
of respect and loved (cf. Is 43:4). Welcome
with joy this dialogue that God offers you, this
appeal he makes to you, calling you by name.
3. You have found favor with God
The main reason why Mary need not be
Mary / B7
B2 UPDATES
The Sacramental Law of the Church
By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso, J.C.D.
There is an anti-juridic tendency in people—
and the ecclesiastical world is no exception—
that leads them to do (as somebody once
put it) what they damn please. At bottom
it is really nothing but an echo of that cry
of rebellion at the dawn of human history,
that led our first parents to disobey a simple
commandment, with the diabolic pretension
to be like God, determining good and evil. It is
the same tendency that lies behind the lack of
care with the liturgy, such that every minister
feels himself empowered to do what he likes,
with little regard for the rubrics.
What would really be painful would be
to see this same phenomenon in the realm
of the sacraments established by Jesus
Christ. Thus, the bulk of the canons of Book
IV of the Code of Canon Law deal with
sacramental discipline—constituting a
veritable Sacramental Law of the Church.
The juridic nature of the sacraments
The sacraments of the New Testament,
instituted by Christ the Lord and entrusted to
the Church, as they are the actions of Christ
and the Church, stand out as the signs and
means by which the faith is expressed and
strengthened, worship is rendered to God and
the sanctification of humankind is effected,
and they thus contribute in the highest
degree to the establishment, strengthening
and manifestation of ecclesial communion
(c.840).
Substantially, then, the sacraments are
those actions of Christ to which He himself
had wanted to bind the sanctifying efficacy of
his Life, Death and Resurrection, manifesting
them thus to His Church, so that by carrying
them out in His name, it may apply the fruits
of the Redemption to individual persons. From
this we can appreciate the multiple juridic
dimensions of the sacraments.
On the one hand, the root of the juridic
nature of the sacraments is the Will of Christ
the founder for His Church—i.e., how His
disciples are to be sanctified through these
visible signs. This gives rise to a series of
rights and duties corresponding to the relation
between the flock and the sacred ministers
who are the active subjects of the constitution
and administration of the Sacraments.
On the other hand, the sacraments are the
cause of juridic effects to the extent that they
constitute the Church as a society which is
structured and organized precisely around the
sacraments. Since the sacraments are the same for the
Finally, the sacraments are especially
valuable elements of the common good of
the Church, and thus are principal objects of
canonical regulation.
Blessing of water outside Mass
(Father Edward McNamara, professor of
liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina
Apostolorum university, answers the follow-
ing query:)
Q: In the Appendix II of the Roman Missal,
the rubrics for the “Rite of Blessing and Sprin-
kling of Water” include this: “If this rite is
celebrated during Mass […]” (no. 1). Does this
imply that this rite could be celebrated outside
Mass? The Latin of the rubric says, “Si ritus in-
tra Missam peragitur […].” Again, this would
seem to imply that the Church envisages that
this rite would be celebrated extra Missam as
well as intra. Do you believe it would be pos-
sible to celebrate the rite independently of
Mass, in other words, as a stand-alone rite?
If so, could a deacon celebrate the rite in this
case? If not, can you help me understand
why not? In other words, if it is only to be
celebrated within Mass, why would the rubric
even be necessary? It seems that the celebra-
tion of this rite would allow the use of holy
water with salt in the post-conciliar liturgical
use not only at Mass, but generally. — D.B.,
Nolensville, Tennessee
A: In order to interpret this expression I
think we must first see it in its original context:
“1. On Sundays, especially in Easter Time,
the blessing and sprinkling of water as a me-
morial of Baptism may take place from time
to time in all churches and chapels, even in
Masses anticipated on Saturday evenings. If
this rite is celebrated during Mass, it takes
the place of the usual Penitential Act at the
beginning of Mass […].”
Later, when addressing the question of mix-
ing the water with salt, the missal says:
“3. Where the circumstances of the place
or the custom of the people suggest that the
mixing of salt be preserved in the blessing of
the water, the priest may bless salt, saying:
“We humbly ask you, almighty God: be
pleased in your faithful love to + bless the
salt you have created, for it was you who com-
manded the prophet Elisha to cast salt into
water, that impure water might be purified.
Grant, O Lord, we pray, that, wherever this
THE JURIDIC NATURE OF THE SACRAMENTS
NANCY WIECHEC/CNS
The canonical regulation of the
sacraments
Without affecting their very substance (as
instituted by Christ), it is the competence
of ecclesiastical authority to posteriorly
determine the elements required for the
validity of the sacraments. In this regard,
the following distinction of competencies is
established by the Code:
1) Requirements for validity:
whole Church and pertain to the divine
deposit, it is for the supreme authority of the
Church alone—i.e., the Roman Pontiff or the
Ecumenical Council—to approve or define
mixture of salt and water is sprinkled, every
attack of the enemy may be repulsed and your
Holy Spirit may be present to keep us safe at
all times. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
“Then he pours salt into the water, without
saying anything.”
Here it would appear that the legislator’s
aim in using the expression “if this rite is
celebrated during Mass” is directly related to
the omission of the penitential rite.
While it is true that the expression “within
Mass” is redundant, as this is obvious from the
context, I doubt very much if it has anything
to do with the possibility of whether this rite is
possible outside of Mass. The legislator would
not use the missal to implicitly make rules for
other contexts.
Indeed, confirming this interpretation we
find the possibility and the rules for celebrat-
ing the rite of blessing and sprinkling of holy
water outside of Mass contained in another
liturgical book, the Book of Blessings.
This book contains a slightly different rite
from that of the missal, and it is this rite that
should be followed outside of Mass and not
the rite found in the missal. To wit:
“1388. On the basis of age-old custom, water
is one of the signs that the Church often uses
in blessing the faithful. Holy water reminds
the faithful of Christ, who is given to us as the
supreme divine blessing, who called himself
the living water, and who in water established
baptism for our sake as the sacramental sign
of the blessing that brings salvation.
“1389. The blessing and sprinkling of holy
water usually takes place on Sunday, in keep-
ing with the rite given in the Roman Missal.
“1390. But when the blessing of water takes
place outside Mass, the rite given here may be
used by a priest or deacon. While maintaining
the structure and chief elements of the rite,
the celebrant should adopt the celebration to
the circumstances of the place and the people
involved.
“ORDER of BLESSING
“1391. The celebrant begins with these
words: ‘In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit.’ All make the sign
March 5 -18, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 5
those things which are required for their
validity supreme authority of the (c.841).
2) Requirements for licitud: Other
than the requirements for the validity of the
sacraments, the Episcopal Conference and
the diocesan Bishop within their respective
jurisdictions are also competent to determine
what pertains to their lawful celebration,
administration and reception and also the
order to be observed in their celebration
(c.841).
It must be pointed out that some
of these requirements are really of Divine
Law but only expressed and formalized
by ecclesiastical law. This is the case, for
of the cross and reply: ‘Amen.’
“1392. The celebrant greets those pres-
ent in the following or other suitable words,
taken mainly from Scripture. ‘May God, who
through water and the Holy Spirit has given
us a new birth in Christ, be with you all.’ All
make the following or some other suitable
reply. ‘And with your spirit.’
“1393. As circumstances suggest, the cel-
ebrant may prepare those present for the
blessing in the following or similar words:
‘The blessing of this water reminds us of
Christ, the living water, and of the sacrament
of baptism, in which we were born of water
and the Holy Spirit. Whenever, therefore, we
are sprinkled with this holy water or use it in
blessing ourselves on entering the church or
at home, we thank God for his priceless gift to
us and we ask for his help to keep us faithful
to the sacrament we have received in faith.’”
There then follows a brief Liturgy of the
Word with a wide selection of readings. Fol-
lowing the readings, the celebrant uses one of
the following prayers of blessing:
“‘Let us pray.’ All pray briefly in silence,
then with hands outstretched, the celebrant
says the prayer of blessing.
“Blessed are you, Lord, all-powerful God,
who in Christ, the living water of salvation,
blessed and transformed us. Grant that, when
we are sprinkled with this water or make use of
it, we will be refreshed inwardly by the power
of the Holy Spirit and continue to walk in the
new life we received at baptism. We ask this
through Christ our Lord. R/ Amen.
“1397. Or:
“Lord, holy Father, look kindly on your
children, redeemed by your Son and born to
a new life by water and the Holy Spirit. Grant
that those who are sprinkled with this water
may be renewed in body and spirit and may
make a pure offering of their service to you. We
ask this through Christ our Lord. R/ Amen.
“1398. Or the celebrant says:
“O God, the creator of all things, by water
and the Holy Spirit you have given the uni-
verse its beauty and fashioned us in your own
image. R/ Bless and purify your Church.
“O Christ the Lord, from your pierced side
CBCP Monitor
example, of the general requirement that the
recipient be properly disposed (cf. c.843, §1)
as applied to the requirement for state of grace
in the reception of Holy Communion (cf. cc.
915 & 916).
3) Duty of sacred ministers: As a
consequence of the above, it is incumbent on
the sacred ministers as such, and other faithful
who may actively participate in the celebration
of the liturgy, to faithfully observe the liturgical
norms established by the competent authority.
Thus, c.846, §1 (literally quoting SC, 22, §3)
declares: The liturgical books approved by
the competent authority are to be faithfully
observed in the celebration of the sacraments;
therefore no one on personal authority may
add, remove or change anything in them.
Nevertheless, in case of urgent necessity,
the sacraments may be administered omitting
those elements that are not essential for
validity (cf. cc.850; 883, 3º; 889, §2; 961-962;
976; 999; 1000).
Relation of the ministers and the
faithful to the sacraments
An important aim of sacramental discipline
is to establish the relationship between
the sacred ministers and the faithful to the
sacraments themselves. In this regard, we can
point out the following:
1) Norms for the valid and licit
celebration and administration of
the sacraments on the part of the sacred
ministers. This is expressed in c.843 in the
following terms:
§1. The sacred ministers cannot
refuse the sacraments to those who
ask for them at appropriate times,
are properly disposed and are not
prohibited by law from receiving
them.
§2. Pastors of souls and the rest of the
Christian faithful, according to their ecclesial
function, have the duty to see that those who
seek the sacraments are prepared to receive
them by the necessary evangelization and
catechetical formation, taking into account
the norms published by the competent
authority.
2) Norms for the valid, licit and
fruitful reception of the sacraments
by the faithful. Some of these norms are
really of Divine Law, even if elaborated by
the canonical legislator, as for example the
different levels of the use of reason for different
sacraments. Thus, the Code does not require
the use of reason for Baptism, Confirmation
and Penance (at least not explicitly required);
it requires it explicitly for the Holy Eucharist
(c.914), Annointing of the Sick (c.1004) and
Marriage (c.1095, 1º); and requires it implicitly
(given the high intellectual requirements) for
Sacramental / B7
you gave us your sacraments as fountains of
salvation. R/ Bless and purify your Church.
“O Holy Spirit, giver of life, from the bap-
tismal font of the Church you have formed us
into a new creation in the waters of rebirth.
R/Bless and purify your Church.
“1399. After the prayer of blessing, the cele-
brant sprinkles those present with holy water,
as a suitable song is sung; as circumstances
suggest, he may first say the following words.
“Let this water call to mind our baptism into
Christ, who has redeemed us by his death and
resurrection. R/ Amen.”
Although similar in structure there are
clear differences between the rites within
and outside of Mass. Within Mass there is no
Liturgy of the Word, as that will follow later.
The prayers are also different, since those
contained within the missal make explicit
reference to the day being Sunday the Easter
Mystery as the case may be.
For these reasons I would say that the rite
found in the missal should not be used outside
of Mass but rather the rite found in the Book
of Blessings.
There may, however, be one exception: the
blessing and use of salt. There is no mention
of this rite in the Book of Blessings.
The missal, as we have seen above, men-
tions: “Where the circumstances of the place
or the custom of the people suggest that the
mixing of salt be preserved in the blessing of
the water, the Priest may bless salt, saying:
[…].” The prayer used is not tied to the Sunday
or the liturgical season.
The Book of Blessings says: “While main-
taining the structure and chief elements of the
rite, the celebrant should adopt the celebra-
tion to the circumstances of the place and the
people involved.”
I think that this rubric would allow for the
introduction of the rite of blessing and addi-
tion of salt if the circumstances or the custom
of the place suggest it.
In other words, in any place where salt
would be mixed with the water whenever the
rite is celebrated on a Sunday within Mass,
it could also be done if holy water is blessed
outside of Mass.
CBCP Monitor
(Lifted from the Acts and Decrees of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines, par 470-493)
Nuns from different religious congregations line up to take communion during Mass presided over by Papal Nuncio Archbishop Gabriele Caccia to celebrate the World Day of Consecrated Life at the Manila Cathedral, February 2, 2018. ROY LAGARDE
4. Revitalizing Religious
Charisms
The dynamism of religious life
proceeds from the ever-creating
Spirit. Its vitality can be seen in
the many forms it assumes even
today. The Church today recognizes
various forms of consecrated life
(monastic, eremitic, anchoritic,
order of virgins, religious institutes,
clerical or lay, secular institutes)
societies of apostolic life (of varying
forms and means of consecration),
and other types. The creativity of
religious charisms does not make
for easy classification; it can also
create a fair amount of confusion
for the average Christian. It is not
readily seen by many, for example,
that the religious brotherhood is
fully a vocation in its own right
distinct from the clerical state. All
these notwithstanding, we must
reaffirm that it is charism and not
office, vows and not ordination
that define the essence of religious
consecration.
All religious institutes share a
common tradition, namely, that
their founders tried to respond
in a radically Christian way, at a
particular state of history, to the
demands of the Gospel. Accordingly
they concentrated on one or the
other societal or religious need,
such as schools, hospitals, missions,
prayer. All these charisms are part
of the patrimony not only of the
institutes but of the church as a
whole.
For religious to be workers of
renewal, however, they must adapt
some aspects of their religious
life. Institutes must always be
willing to adapt their community
to the word of God and the needs
of the present situation rather
than engage in a sheer defense or
simple maintenance of the status
quo. The structures of religious
life are no more than means for the
religious to encounter the ineffable
God. Ossified and deified, these
structures will hinder rather than
serve to bring them face to face with
the living God.
Beyond adaptation, institutes
must reinterpret and revitalize their
charisms in the light of the signs of
the times. Charisms are products
of their times and hence relative to
history. Because of the historical
reasons, the particular charism
may have passed and an institute
will have to be ready to reformulate
its charism or even to disappear.
Institutes must constantly re-found
themselves, since to make charisms
absolute is to make them surely
obsolete.
March 5 -18, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 5
The Religious
In our day the Spirit has brought
into being a new type of consecrated
life represented by the secular
institutes. Their members may
be lay or clerical. Lay members
of these institutes express and
exercise their special consecration in
apostolic activity. They participate
in the evangelizing mission of the
Church in the world and from
within the world, by their witness of
Christian life, their fidelity to their
consecration, and by assistance
they give in directing temporal
affairs to God. Young people
who are called by God to life a
vowed life without feeling called
to community might find in the
secular institute the alternative they
seek. Clerical members of secular
institutes support their colleagues
by a distinctive apostolic charity, by
the witness of their consecrated life,
and by their sacred ministry.
5. Religious and the Missionary
Character
Even if religious life is by
itself already a privileged means
of effective evangelization as a
transforming force within society,
there is no clearer distinction of
the vitality of a Church than its
missionary character. Vatican II
encourages the young churches
to participate fully in this task.
It is cause for joy that various
missionary institutes have been
sending Filipino members to other
local churches. To date ca. 900
Filipinos missionaries are overseas.
This is a splendid evidence of the
vitality of the Philippines church.
We received our faith more
than 400 years ago from religious
missionaries. It is an act of gratitude
to God as well as a fruitful response
to God’s call to “teach all nations”
when we send our own religious
missionaries to other lands.
The missionary character of
religious life does not exclusively
belong to missionary religious
institutes of men and women. It
also belongs to those who, within the
walls of contemplative monasteries,
pray for missionaries and offer their
sacrifices for the spread of God’s
kingdom. It is by the inspiration of
the Holy Spirit that the Church has
chosen two patrons of the missions:
St. Francis Xavier and St. Therese of
Lisieux, the first an active religious
who spent his life as a modern Paul
in various parts of Asia, and the
other a young contemplative nun
who joyfully and sacrificingly spent
her life of consecration entirely
within her monastery convent.
6. Apostolic Life and Mission:
Passion for Justice
Today, religious are increasingly
interpreting their call to proclaim
the Gospel in “preferential option
for the poor.” This has led to a
reexamination of traditional works in
order to better respond to emerging
pastoral needs, particularly in the
areas of social justice, building Basic
Ecclesial Communities animated by
communion and participation, and
the transformation of society.
Religious groups render true
service to the world when they
show the falsity and futility of
the ancient dichotomies between
prayer and action, the sacred and
the profane, spirituality and active
social involvement or personal
compassion and social justice.
Active religious express their
charisms in spiritual and corporal
works of mercy. Some exercise
an apostolate of service; some
teach doctrine; some encourage
through exhortation, give retreats
and train lay leaders; some give
simplicity, or serve the pastoral
work of the Church by educating
the young, caring for the sick, and
discharging other services. All have
been summoned by the Second
Vatican Council to renew and to
adapt their lives to modern needs.
This renewal is necessary. An
urgent dimension is for religious to
have a passion for justice. People
are groping towards an experience
of Christ and waiting in hope for
His kingdom of love, of justice and
of peace. The needs and aspirations
of the world are an appeal for the
Gospel. It will not be possible to
bring Christ to people, or to proclaim
His Gospel effectively unless a
firm decision is taken to devote
ourselves to the tasks of justice.
Injustice must be attacked at its
roots which are in the human heart
by transforming those attitudes and
habits which beget injustice and
foster the structures of oppression.
At the same time, service according
to the Gospel cannot dispense with
a carefully planned effort to exert
influence on those structures.
The life and mission today of
apostolic communities is to serve
the Gospel in apostolates whose
aim is to help people become more
open toward God and more willing
to live according to the demands of
the Gospel. This service demands
a life in which the justice of the
Gospel shines out in a willingness
not only to recognize and respect
the rights of all, especially the poor
and powerless, but also to work
actively to secure those rights. This
Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons B3
is of course the fruit of the Spirit
who transforms our hearts and fills
them with the power of God’s mercy,
that mercy whereby He most fully
shows forth His justice by drawing
us, unjust though we are, to his
friendship.
7. Within the Local Church:
Prophecy, Integration and
Coordination
The ideals of the early Christian
communities were fellowship in
Christ and sharing. Those ideas
were kept alive over the centuries.
The earliest religious communities
were often “contrast communities.”
Towards the world they were counter
cultural forces as they sought to
follow more closely the service of
the Good Shepherd.
Religious in the Philippines,
particularly in view of our colonial
history, would do well to seek
new forms of religious leadership
intentionally through collegiality
and subsidiarity, where leadership
is understood as diakonia, the
service it always was in the primitive
church. Religious should learn to
apply to their relations with the
local Church what they claim about
authority and power as servant-
leadership, with its respectfulness,
affability, gracious reciprocity and
gentleness.
Their manner of life, work and
prayer should be in harmony with
the requirements of our culture,
as well as the socio-economic
circumstances that mark our present
history. Religious life cannot be lived
“in splendid isolation,” estranged
from our culture. When religious,
both Filipino and non-Filipino, take
up the challenges of inculturation
and contextualization, they would
most profoundly enrich the Church.
The emergence of local religious
responding to the needs of the
Philippines, is a sign of growth.
The local church has to test the
authenticity of their spirit and
with them find meaningful ways to
integrate the various polarities they
face, and to discern the relevance
of their mission for the Philippine
church.
Religious contribute to the renewal
of dioceses by contributing the riches
of their own charisms, particularly if
integrated into the overall pastoral
effort of the local church, and
coordinated with diocesan and
supra-diocesan organizations and
activities. There will always be
tension between prophecy and
the need of integrating it into the
overall, organized pastoral effort of
a diocese. Hence the importance
of regular dialogue among bishops,
religious and local clergy.
8. Women Guides on the
Pilgrimage
In the Western world, and here
in the Philippines as well, there is a
profound shift in the consciousness
of women. This new sensitivity
often clashes with authoritarian,
patriarchal pattern which have
influenced many decisions about the
orientation, spirituality and lifestyle
of the sisters.
The attitude and stance of Jesus
towards women was one of openness
and great-heartedness. He made
them disciples, thereby educating
their faith. He enabled them to
witness his crucifixion, death and
resurrection, events which enabled
them to announce the Good News
to others.
In a spirit of fidelity, the church
must let go of cultural attitudes
that prevent the liberating action of
Jesus for women. She must actively
promote their participation in her
internal structures, convinced that
the God-created potentials of women
will positively contribute to the life of
the church. She must also inculcate
a healthy respect towards women
in order that Catholics may not be
guilty of that behavior which the
Pope has declared as contradictory:
“For whenever man is responsible
for offending a woman’s dignity
and vocation, he acts contrary to his
own personal dignity and his own
vocation.” (MD, 10).
The history of many religious
women is also the story of
the strength, competence,
resourcefulness and natural abilities
of women. Religious women have
the obligation to use these same
gifts now for the advancement
of the status of women in our
country; to minister to and with
them; to be open to the women’s
movement, modeling for them
spiritual leadership in living the
Gospel.
Religious women should become
more responsive to the Spirit’s call
to develop their latent possibilities
and with a greater sense of
responsibility, engage themselves
in fuller collaboration in the total
work of the church.
Thus may the church overcome
whatever alienates people on
from another, and more faithfully
approximate the image of the
kingdom proclaimed by Jesus Christ
whereby all women and men are
called to their full status as children
of the one God. (Cf. Gal 3:28). (To
be continued next issue)
B4 FEATURES
An excerpt from the Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy
Principles and Guidelines
Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
Catholic faithful queue for the “Veneration of the Cross” at the end of the celebration of the Lord’s Passion at the Manila Cathedral on Good Friday, March 25, 2017. FILE PHOTO
Lent
124. Lent precedes and prepares
for Easter. It is a time to hear the
Word of God, to convert, to prepare
for and remember Baptism, to
be reconciled with God and one’s
neighbour, and of more frequent
recourse to the “arms of Christian
penance”(134): prayer, fasting and
good works (cf. Mt 6, 1-6. 16-18).
Popular piety does not easily
perceive the mystical aspect of Lent
and does not emphasize any of
its great themes or values, such a
relationship between “the sacrament
of forty days” and “the sacraments
of Christian initiation”, nor the
mystery of the “exodus” which is
always present in the lenten journey.
Popular piety concentrates on the
mysteries of Christ’s humanity, and
during Lent the faithful pay close
attention to the Passion and Death
of Our Lord.
125. In the Roman Rite, the
beginning of the forty days of
penance is marked with the austere
symbol of ashes which are used in the
Liturgy of Ash Wednesday. The use
of ashes is a survival from an ancient
rite according to which converted
sinners submitted themselves
to canonical penance. The act of
putting on ashes symbolizes fragility
and mortality, and the need to be
redeemed by the mercy of God. Far
from being a merely external act,
the Church has retained the use of
ashes to symbolize that attitude of
internal penance to which all the
baptized are called during Lent. The
faithful who come to receive ashes
should be assisted in perceiving the
implicit internal significance of this
act, which disposes them towards
conversion and renewed Easter
commitment.
Notwithstanding the
secularization of contemporary
society, the Christian faithful,
during Lent, are clearly conscious
of the need to turn the mind towards
those realities which really count,
which require Gospel commitment
and integrity of life which, through
self denial of those things which
are superfluous, are translated into
good works and solidarity with the
poor and needy.
Those of the faithful who
infrequently attend the sacraments
of Penance and the Holy Eucharist
should be aware of the long ecclesial
tradition associating the precept
of confessing grave sins and
receive Holy Communion at least
once during the lenten season, or
preferably during Eastertide(135).
126. The existing divergence
between the liturgical idea of Lent
and the outlook of popular piety need
not prevent an effective interaction
between Liturgy and popular piety
during the forty days of Lent.
An example of such interaction
is to be seen in fact that popular
piety often encourages particular
observances on certain days, or
special devotional exercises, or
apostolic or charitable works which
are foreseen and recommended by
the lenten Liturgy. The practice
of fasting, characteristic of the
lenten season since antiquity, is an
“exercise” which frees the faithful
from earthly concerns so as to
discover the life that comes from
above: “Man does not live on bread
alone, but on every word that comes
from the mouth of God” (cf. Dt 8,3;
Mt 4, 4; Lk 4,4; antiphon for the first
Sunday of Lent).
Veneration of the Crucified
Christ
127. The journey of Lent ends with
the Easter Triduum, initiated by the
celebration of the Coena Domini
Mass. During the Triduum, Good
Friday which is dedicated to the
celebration of the Lord’s Passion, is
eminently suited for the “Adoration
of the Holy Cross”.
Popular piety tends to anticipate
the cultic veneration of the Cross.
Throughout Lent, every Friday is
observed, since very ancient times,
as a commemoration of the Lord’s
Passion and the faithful easily direct
their devotions towards the mystery
of the Cross.
They contemplate the crucified
Saviour, they sense more easily the
great suffering which Jesus, the
Holy and Innocent One, suffered
for the salvation of mankind.
They understand his love and the
effectiveness of his redemptive
sacrifice.
128. The various and numerous
devotions to the crucified Christ
acquire a special significance in those
churches dedicated to the mystery of
the Cross or where authentic relics
of the true cross are venerated. The
“invention of the Cross” in the early
fourth century, and the subsequent
diffusion throughout the Church
of particles of the true Cross, gave
notable impulse to devotion to the
Cross.
Devotions to the crucified Crist
contain many elements usually
found in popular piety: hymns and
prayers, acts such as the unveiling
and kissing of the Cross, processions
and blessing with the Cross. These
can lead to the development of
pious exercises often containing
many valuable formal and material
elements.
Devotion to the Cross, however,
sometimes requires a certain
enlightenment. The faithful
should be taught to place the
Cross in its essential reference
to the Resurrection of Christ:
the Cross, the empty tomb, the
Death and Resurrection of Christ
are indispensable in the Gospel
narrative of God’s salvific plan. In
the Christian faith, the Cross is an
expression of the triumph of Christ
over the powers of darkness. Hence,
it is adorned with precious stones
and is a sign of blessing when made
upon one’s self, or on others or on
objects.
129. The Gospel texts of the
Passion are especially detailed.
Coupled with a tendency in popular
piety to isolate specific moments
of the narrative, this has induced
the faithful to turn their attention
to specific aspects of the Passion
of Christ, making of them specific
devotions: devotion to the “Ecce
Homo”, Christ despised, “crowned
with thorns and clothed in a purple
cloak” (John 19, 5), and shown to
the multitude by Pilate; devotion
to the five sacred wounds of Christ,
especially to the side of Christ from
which flowed blood and water for
the salvation of mankind (John 19,
34); devotion to the instruments
of the Passion, the pillar at which
Christ was scourged, the steps of the
Praetorium, the crown of thorns, the
nails, the lance that pierced Him;
devotion to the Holy Shroud.
Such expressions of piety, often
promoted by persons of great
sanctity, are legitimate. However,
in order to avoid excessive
fragmentation in contemplation of
the mystery of the Cross, it is always
useful to emphasise the whole event
of the Passion, as is the case in
biblical and patristic tradition.
Reading of the Lord’s Passion
130. The Church exhorts the
faithful to frequent personal and
community reading of the Word
of God. Undoubtedly, the account
of the Lord’s Passion is among the
most important pastoral passages
in the New Testament. Hence, for
the Christian in his last agony,
the Ordo untionis informorum
eorumque pastoralis curae suggests
the reading of the Lord’s Passion
either in its entirety, or at least some
pericopes from it(136).
During Lent, especially on
Wednesdays and Fridays, love
for our Crucified Saviour should
move the Christian community
to read the account of the Lord’s
Passion. Such reading, which is
doctrinally significant, attracts the
attention of the faithful because
of its content and because of its
narrative form, and inspires true
devotion: repentance for sins, since
the faithful see that Christ died for
the sins of the entire human race,
including their own; compassion
and solidarity for the Innocent who
was unjustly condemned; gratitude
for the infinite love of Jesus for all
the brethren, which was shown
by Jesus, the first born Son, in his
Passion; commitment to imitating
his example of meekness, patience,
mercy, forgiveness of offenses,
abandonment to the Father, which
Jesus did willingly and efficaciously
in his Passion.
Outside of the liturgical celebration
of the Passion, the Gospel narrative
can be “dramatized”, giving the
various parts of the narrative to
different persons; or by interspersing
it with hymns or moments of silent
reflection.
Via Crucis
131. Of all the pious exercises
connected with the veneration of
the Cross, none is more popular
among the faithful than the Via
March 5 -18, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 5
Crucis. Through this pious exercise,
the faithful movingly follow the final
earthly journey of Christ: from the
Mount of Olives, where the Lord, “in
a small estate called Gethsemane”
(Mk 14, 32), was taken by anguish
(cf. Lk 22, 44), to Calvary where he
was crucified between two thieves
(cf. Lk 23, 33), to the garden where
he was placed in freshly hewn tomb
(John 19, 40-42).
The love of the Christian faithful
for this devotion is amply attested by
the numerous Via Crucis erected in
so many churches, shrines, cloisters,
in the countryside, and on mountain
pathways where the various stations
are very evocative.
132. The Via Crucis is a synthesis
of various devotions that have
arisen since the high middle ages:
the pilgrimage to the Holy Land
during which the faithful devoutly
visit the places associated with
the Lord’s Passion; devotion to
the three falls of Christ under the
weight of the Cross; devotion to
“the dolorous journey of Christ”
which consisted in processing from
one church to another in memory
of Christ’s Passion; devotion to
the stations of Christ, those places
where Christ stopped on his journey
to Calvary because obliged to do so
by his executioners or exhausted
by fatigue, or because moved by
compassion to dialogue with those
who were present at his Passion.
In its present form, the Via Crucis,
widely promoted by St. Leonardo
da Porto Maurizio ( 1751), was
approved by the Apostolic See
and indulgenced(137), consists of
fourteen stations since the middle
of seventeenth century.
133. The Via Crucis is a journey
made in the Holy Spirit, that divine
fire which burned in the heart of
Jesus (cf. Lk 12, 49-50) and brought
him to Calvary. This is a journey
well esteemed by the Church since
it has retained a living memory of
the words and gestures of the final
earthly days of her Spouse and Lord.
In the Via Crucis, various strands
of Christian piety coalesce: the idea
of life being a journey or pilgrimage;
as a passage from earthly exile
to our true home in Heaven; the
deep desire to be conformed to the
Passion of Christ; the demands of
following Christ, which imply that
his disciples must follow behind
the Master, daily carrying their own
crosses (cf Lk 9, 23).
The Via Crucis is a particularly
apt pious exercise for Lent
134. The following may prove
useful suggestions for a fruitful
celebration of the Via Crucis:
the traditional form of the Via
Crucis, with its fourteen stations,
is to be retained as the typical form
of this pious exercise; from time
to time, however, as the occasion
warrants, one or other of the
traditional stations might possibly
be substituted with a reflection on
some other aspects of the Gospel
account of the journey to Calvary
CBCP Monitor
which are traditionally included in
the Stations of the Cross;
alternative forms of the Via
Crucis have been approved by
Apostolic See(138) or publicly used
by the Roman Pontiff(139): these
can be regarded as genuine forms
of the devotion and may be used as
occasion might warrant;
the Via Crucis is a pious devotion
connected with the Passion of Christ;
it should conclude, however, in
such fashion as to leave the faithful
with a sense of expectation of the
resurrection in faith and hope;
following the example of the Via
Crucis in Jerusalem which ends
with a station at the Anastasis,
the celebration could end with
a commemoration of the Lord’s
resurrection.
135. Innumerable texts exist for the
celebration of the Via Crucis. Many
of them were compiled by pastors
who were sincerely interested in this
pious exercise and convinced of its
spiritual effectiveness. Texts have
also been provided by lay authors
who were known for their exemplary
piety, holiness of life, doctrine and
literary qualities.
Bearing in mind whatever
instructions might have been
established by the bishops in the
matter, the choice of texts for the
Via Crucis should take a count of the
condition of those participating in
its celebration and the wise pastoral
principle of integrating renewal and
continuity. It is always preferable
to choose texts resonant with the
biblical narrative and written in a
clear simple style.
The Via Crucis in which hymns,
silence, procession and reflective
pauses are wisely integrated in
a balanced manner, contribute
significantly to obtaining the
spiritual fruits of the pious exercise.
The Via Matris
136. As Christ and Our Lady of
Dolors were associated in God’s
saving plan (Lk 2, 34-35), so too
they are associated in the Liturgy
and popular piety.
As Christ was the “man of sorrows”
(Is 53, 3) through whom it pleased
God to have “reconciled all things
through him and for him, everything
in heaven and everything on earth,
when he made peace by his death on
the cross” (Col 1, 20), so too, Mary is
“the woman of sorrows” whom God
associated with his Son as mother
and participant in his Passion (socia
passionis).
Since the childhood of Christ,
the Blessed Virgin Mary’s life was
entirely lived out under the sign of
the sword (cf, Lk 2, 35). Christian
piety has signalled out seven
particular incidents of sorrow in her
life, known as the “seven sorrows” of
the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Modeled on the Via Crucis, the
pious exercise of the Via Matris
dolorosae, or simply the Via Matris,
developed and was subsequently
approved by the Apostolic See(140).
This pious exercise already existed in
embryonic form since the sixteenth
century, while its present form dates
from the nineteenth century. Its
fundamental intuition is a reflection
on the life of Our Lady from the
prophecy of Simeon (cf. Lk 2, 34-35),
to the death and burial of her Son,
in terms of a journey in faith and
sorrow: this journey is articulated
in seven “stations” corresponding
to the “seven dolors” of the Mother
of Our Savior.
137. This pious exercise
harmonizes well with certain themes
that are proper to the lenten season.
Since the sorrows of Our Lady are
caused by the rejection of her Son
(cf. John 1,11; Lk 2, 1-7; 2, 34-35;
4, 28-29; Mt 26, 47-56; Acts 12,
1-5), the Via Matris constantly and
necessarily refers to the mystery
of Christ as the suffering servant
(cf. Is 52, 13-53, 12). It also refers
to the mystery of the Church: the
stations of the Via Matris are
stages on the journey of faith and
sorrow on which the Virgin Mary
has preceded the Church, and in
which the Church journeys until the
end of time.
The highest expression of the
Via Matris is the Pietà which has
been an inexhaustible source of
inspiration for Christian art since
the middles ages.*
CBCP Monitor March 5 -18, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 5 STATEMENTS B5

Pastoral statement against divorce

“I promise to be faithful to you, in good
times and in bad, in sickness and in health,
to love and to honor you all the days of my
life”. This Matrimonial Covenant is promised
by married people before God and before
each and every one of us. This marriage our
Constitution recognizes “as an inviolable
social institution, is the foundation of the
family and shall be protected by the State”.
In fact, our Constitution was once touted as
the first pro-family constitution in the world.
Couples who overcome trials in
marriage  together grow in virtue and
happiness. That is why decent peoples of
the world accompany couples and families
toward reconciliation and healing. And our
holy Mother, the Church, will always and
everywhere be there to help.
Children deserve a Home where love,
faithfulness, and forgiveness reign. In
particular, they don’t want to see their
parents quit because there are difficulties in
their relationship. The sight of their parents
persevering together will always remain with
them especially when they will have their
own families.
Science and human experience tell us
that marriage is an immutable and undeniable
good. Even in difficult marriages, children
have benefited psychologically, physically
and spiritually. Its demands and benefits lead
to a better, compassionate, stable and more
dynamic society. Our Constitution’s goal of
the common good demands all these.
The dignity of women and men require
all these. Because of all of these, Christ the
Lord raised Marriage to the dignity of a
Sacrament. Let not Congress lay waste these
victories with a divorce bill.
“Because of the hardness of your
hearts, Moses wrote you this commandment
[on divorce]. But from the beginning of
creation, ‘God made them male and female.
For this reason a man shall leave his father
and mother (and be joined to his wife), and
the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are
no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what
God has joined together, no human
being must separate” (Mk 10:5-9).
NO TO DIVORCE!
 21 February 2018
Note: The above statement was discussed
during the first meeting of the 2018 ECFL
National Conference. The following were
present and called for the issuance of a
pastoral statement against divorce. This is
the shortened version.
Benjamin Aguilar of the Prayer Warriors
of the Holy Souls
Michael Ariola, Jimmy and Lorna Ilagan,
Lawrence Quintero of Couples for Christ
Global Mission Foundation
D r. Re n e B u l l e c e r o f   H u m a n L i f e
International – Philippines
Victorico and Ma. Clarita Fernandez
of  Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon
Floro and Natalia Teresita Flores
of  Focolare New Families Movement
Raymond Ganar and Rex Morales of World
Organization Ovulation Method Billings
Eduardo Jr. and Socorro Hipolito
of  C a t h o l i c E n g a g e d E n c o u n t e r
Ed and Emma Karganilla of Regina Pacis
Mundi
Rene and Ellen Lantin of
the Neocatechumenal Way
Timothy Laws of Alliance for the Family
Foundation, Inc.
Maria Elma Lopez and Grace Helen del
Castillo of  Subtle Attacks against the
Family Explained
Guillermo and Zenaida Mallillin of Servants
for Family Empowerment
Michael Anthony Mapa of Filipinos for Life
Noemi Marasigan, Manjoe and Lenette
Mendoza of Educhild Foundation, Inc.
Oca Oblefias, Ansel Beluso, and Xavier Padilla
of  Couples for Christ Foundation for
Family and Life
Reyes Ordoñez and Renato Rafon of Familia
Carlos Antonio Palad and Lito David
of ProLife Philippines
Renato and Lilian Perez for Heartbeat
Pregnancy Support Services of Asia, Inc.
Julio and Merle Gilda Ramores of Catholic
Grandparents Association
Maureen V. Q. Reyes, for Lay Evangelization
– Katesismong Pamilya
Lee-An Rosal of Live Life
Edwin Valles of Courage – Philippines
Edna Vargas of Worldwide Marriage
Encounter – Philippines
Dexter and Jessica Yu of the Christian
Family Movement
Archbishop Gilbert A. Garcera of
the  Episcopal Commission for Family
and Life

CFC-FFL statement against the Support and

passing of the divorce bill
WE, the members of the Couples
for Christ Foundation for Family
and Life (CFC-FFL) and its Family
Ministries, Young Couples Ministry,
Servants for Family and Life,
Handmaids for Family and Life,
Singles for Family and Life, Youth
for Family and Life, and Kids for
Family and Life, Work for Life,
denounce the passage of the “Divorce
Bill”, entitled, “An Act Instituting
Absolute Divorce and Dissolution
of Marriage in the Philippines
(Absolute Divorce Act of 2018)”, by
the House Committee on Population
and Family Relations, last February
21, 2018. (This passage at the
Committee level is the prerequisite
for the Bill’s being passed by the
Lower House of Congress after
debates in a Plenary session). Stated
below are the compelling reasons
based upon the articulations of
the proponents of the consolidated
Divorce Bill.  its total development. Section
NOTE: CFC-FFL released last July
27, 2017 its combined position
paper against the Divorce Bill and
the Homosexual Union Bill, known
as the SOGI (Sexual Orientation
and Gender Identity).  NOTE:   The Legislators  rationalize
In summary, we re-state:
As a Catholic evangelistic and
missionary community, committed
to the renewal of the family and the
defense of life, CFC-FFL adheres
faithfully to a set of beliefs and
ideals from which flow its Christian
attitudes, values and behavior, as
well as its programs, teachings
and approaches to Christian
renewal within the context of family
relationships.
We invite all in unity to a life
in Christ Jesus, wholly dedicated
to loving God and serving Him.
Marriage, although regulated by
civil and church laws, originates
neither from the church nor the
state, but from God. Therefore,
neither church nor state can alter
the intrinsic definition of marriage,
with its indissolubility.
Below is an update on the Divorce Bill:
The proposed law contradicts and,
for all intents and purposes, devalues
a morally enshrined provision in the
Philippine Constitution, “Article
XV on the Family, Section 1. The
State recognizes the Filipino family
as the foundation of the nation.
Accordingly, it shall strengthen its
solidarity and actively promote
2. Marriage, as an inviolable social
institution, is the foundation of the
family and shall be protected by
the State.
that the Divorce Bill does not
violate the Constitution by these
statements:  1.1“It is not an affront
to the constitutional provision on
the sanctity of marriage as a basic
social institution because what is
subject to divorce proceedings are
marriages long dead or vitiated
promote marriage.
from the very start. In the language
of the Supreme Court, it is giving
a decent burial for a cadaver of a
Do not end it.
marriage.” 1.2 “To show that the
State places importance on the
sanctity of marriage, the court
will only start divorce proceedings
six months after the petition for
divorce is filed.”  1.3 “To mandate
a six-month “cooling off” period
“as a final attempt of reconciling
the concerned spouses for abusive
relationships”.
The aforementioned statements
of the Legislators manifest the
lack of intent and judiciousness
towards the repairing and restoring
marriage as an inviolable social
institution.
Further the proponents’ stated
intention to facilitate and prioritize
the processing of Divorce for
Overseas Filipino Workers
(OFWs) is deplorable. De facto,
all married persons who are
OFWs are separated from their
families placing their marriages
at risk due to infidelities. Thus,
for the Divorce Bill proponents to
institute this rationalization, which
overlooks and ignores the fact that TODAY, in the face of a threat against the Filipino family, we Filipino
the deeper problem of OFWs is couples are crying out to our lawmakers. You are in an all-important
about instability of marriages and position to preserve or destroy the sanctity of our marriages.
parents-children relationships, We have no need for a bill that dissolves unions. What we need are
parental absence that are linked legislations that promote marriage and family life. What we desire are
to more profound problems such legislations that strengthen the solidarity of family, and actively promote
as juvenile delinquency, drug its total development.
addiction, school dropout, teenage What we need from society and the State right now is support to enable
pregnancy, early marriages among couples to have a fighting chance to save marriages that are not in their
the children of migrants, as well as healthiest state. We are not yearning for a redefinition of marriage, to
other serious damages to marriage include a way out of it, or to terminate and end it through absolute divorce.
and the family. Therefore, this is Please give Filipino couples a chance to endure the pursuit of a happy
an unacceptable rationalization by and successful family life.
the proponents of the Bill because
it undermines the necessity for COUPLES FOR CHRIST
legislating greater interventions twogether@couplesforchrist.org
to strengthen and protect the
Marriages and Family lives of the
OFWs and grossly oversimplifies insufficient for the subsistence of below 5 Million, is an insult to the
the Divorce process. his family, as identified by the Local true indigents of our society.
Another stated intention of the Health Insurance Office and based
proponents is to redefine the term upon specific criteria set by the CONCLUSION:
“indigents”  as those whose real Corporation in accordance with All attempts by government
properties are below P5 million, the guiding principles set forth in institutions, with special reference to
an amount proposed by Speaker Article I of this Act.” this proposed Divorce Bill that was
Pan t al eo n A l v ar ez. D ep u t y The Divorce Bill’s proposal to recently approved by the Committee
Speaker Pia Cayetano explained expand the definition of “indigents” on Family Relations, and scheduled
that the overseas Filipino workers to include those whose real for approval during the forthcoming
(OFWs) they consulted had properties are below Php 5 Million, is plenary sessions at the Philippine
specifically asked that the process highly prejudiced to grossly cheapen House of Representatives, are seen
would be affordable or would not the cost of nullifying marriage. to be essentially political and self-
cost them a year’s salary. The value of marriage is being serving. It violates our founding
NOTE:  The definition of an reduced to a commodity that can Christian principles that Marriage
indigent based on Republic Act be discarded at a cheaper price by and the family are central social
7875 is “Indigent  – A person a wider population. This expanded institutions that must be supported
who has no visible means of category of indigents, to include and strengthened and not
income, or whose income is those whose real properties are undermined.
B6 REFLECTIONS
How can we attain eternal life? The call to love as
God/Christ does
4th Sunday of Lent B (John 3:14-21)
March 11, 2018
By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD
WHEN a ship wanders off course in
a stormy night, what gives life and
hope to its passengers and crew is
the lighthouse that beacons. If one
is lost in the forest, he gains hope
when he finds a footpath, and there
is hope for him as long as he follows
it. When one walks the boulevard
at night, he is assured of safety
as long as he does so along the
lighted path. The more he wanders
from it, the greater the danger of
losing his life. In these instances,
the image of the lighthouse, the
footpath and the lighted path
describes an opportunity which
one must not miss or neglect if he
is to be saved, if he is not to perish.
In today’s Gospel, which is really
a part of the dialogue between
Jesus and Nicodemus that turns
to a monologue, John stresses
a similar point. The image he
uses for this purpose alludes to
an event in the Old Testament in
which a bronze serpent was raised
on a pole by Moses. Of course,
in Europe, there was a healing
cult of Asclepius and Glycon,
and the caduceus has become a
symbol of medicine in European
tradition. In hospitals, serpents
are displayed as a sign of hope,
salvation, healing and life. And
it is possible that the story of the
The paradox of human existence:
finding life by losing it
5th Sunday of Lent B (John 12:20-33)
March 18, 2018
By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD
BY NATURE WE recoil at the
thought of death and love life.
Under normal circumstances, we all
wish to avoid death; in fact, in face
of sickness and threats of death, we
seek to prolong our life. Normally,
we try to escape suffering. When ill,
we seek immediate healing. We all
dread death. We fear extinction.
That is why, striken with terminal
cancer, for example, people are
terrified; they feel shattered. They
are horrified at the thought of
dying. The reason for all this is that,
consciously or unconsciously, we
all wish to live forever. This is true
even of those who do not believe
in God. There is no untruth to the
observation that faced with the fact
that death is inevitable, many people,
often without explicitly intending to,
immortalize themselves through
various ways. Some write books.
Others erect monuments. Still
others sire children. To live forever
is innate to human nature.
In today’s Gospel (John 12:20-33),
Jesus was confronted with death.
And John does not hide Jesus’
horror over it: “My soul is troubled
now” (John 12:27). Which echoes
bronze serpent image in the Old
Testament (Num 21:8-9) reflects
this aspect of serpent symbolism:
hope , he aling, salvation and
life. Here, the Jews impatiently
grumbled against God for leading
them from Egypt through Moses,
but the Lord punished the rebels
by sending them a great number
of serpents. Realizing their
folly, they asked forgiveness, and
God instructed Moses to raise a
bronze serpent so that those who
were bitten, by just looking at
it--that is to say, by believing in
God’s power manifested in the
bronze serpent--could recover. In
appropriating the serpent image
to Jesus, John wanted to say
that just as the contemplation of
the bronze serpent in the desert
brought healing and salvation to
the Israelites bitten by the fiery
serpents, so the very sight of Jesus
lifted up on the cross can bring life
and salvation to those who have
faith in him, in more or less the
same way that as long as the crew
and the passengers of the ship look
on and not lose contact with the
lighthouse that beacons, the will be
saved from the raging storm at sea.
Hence, the statement of the
Jesus in John: “Just as Moses
lifted up the serpent in the desert,
Mark’s portrait of Jesus’ agony:
“My heart is filled with sorrow to
the point of death (Mark 14:34).
Of course, John does not have
an account of Jesus’ agony in the
garden, unlike the Synoptics, but
the anguish and other elements of
his agony are found in the Gospel.
The statement, “what can I say?
Save me from this hour” (v 27),
really conveys the inner tension
which Jesus suffers. This, of course,
is quite ironic, even paradoxical,
because when he came, Jesus went
about doing good, healing all who
were in the grip of the devil (Acts
10:38). But when the Devil turned to
him, he could not free himself from
his grip. Thus his prayer, “save me”
(John 12:27b). He prayed to be freed
from the hour of his passion.
The point of the passage is this.
Though Jesus cannot be saved
from the hour, he triumphed over
the natural shrinking from the
horror of passion and death. The
reason for this is that “it was for
the purpose of bringing salvation
that he came” (v 27d), and this can
be achieved only through suffering.
He brought salvation because he
so must the Son of Man be lifted
up, that all who believe may have
eternal life in him” (John 3:14).
This saying represents John’s
theology of the cross. It is in the
crucified Jesus that eternal life is
found. The crucifixion, which is
also Jesus’ glorification in John, is
therefore God’s invitation to share
his life, and all man has to do is
to accept the offer. But does this
mean that one can acquire eternal
life by just trusting in the crucified
Lord? Far from it. In John, “to
believe in” means to have personal
allegiance to him (John 1:12; 3:18;
12:46). First of all, this includes an
acceptance of his revelation. In the
1st Reading (2 Chron 26:14-16.19-
23), the Jews did not enjoy safety,
but were delivered to the Chaldeans
because they refused to listen to
the revelation by the prophets, or,
more accurately, to the prophets
who were the interpreters of
God’s revelation (2 Chron 36:16).
Second, it implies putting oneself
entirely in the hands of Jesus (John
6:37; 17:2). In the language of Paul
in the 2nd Reading, this is because
life, salvation or healing is God’s
work, not a consequence of our
good deeds or our efforts to save
ourselves (Eph 2:8).
Eternal / B7
obediently accepted the cross. Far
from doing his own will (see Mark
14:36), he clung to God, for he
was all that mattered. On account
of this, salvation--or, in John’s
vocabulary, life--became possible.
Thus Reading II: “In the days when
he was in the flesh, he offered
prayers and supplications with loud
cries and tears to God, who was
able to save him from death, and he
was heard because of his reverence.
Son though he was, he learned
obedience from what he suffered,
and when perfected, he became the
source of eternal salvation for all
who obey him”(Heb 5:7-9). Also,
by his suffering, Jesus showed to
people who God is: God fulfills his
promise of a new covenant (Jer
31:34, Reading I) to people who
are the beneficiaries of his Jesus’
suffering.
This truth of salvation is akin to the
situation of a woman in labor. The
first time she is about to give birth,
a woman is gripped by fear, even by
the fear of dying, but the thought of
her husband whom she loves and
who loves her, and her baby, makes
Paradox / B7
March 5 -18, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 5
4th Sunday of Lent B (John 3:14-21)
March 11, 2018
By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB
FATHER are expected to be loving,
forgiving, and selfless. Unfortu-
nately, not a few fall short of this
expectation. And even the very good
ones sometimes do fail, due to the
weakness of human nature. There is
only one father who never lets down
any of his children, and continually
takes to heart the full happiness
of all of them. This ideal father is
GOD. He alone meets the standard
of perfect fatherhood. From Him,
all fatherhood on earth derives its
meaning and authority.
The perfect Father has a personal
name – LOVE, a name which ex-
presses the essence of His nature.
He is love in person. (See 1 Jn
4:8.16.) All His deeds are deeds of
love: a love that is like a symphony
resulting from the combination of
the many harmonious notes of His
power, mercy, forgiveness, provi-
dence, faithfulness, self-giving, com-
munion . . .
Israel experienced God’s love with
a special intensity and clarity. The
Lord’s love for His “Special People”
was ever-mindful (see Is 49:15f),
both tender and firm (see Hos
11:1.3-4.8-11), God’s love is rooted
in His own eternity. He has loved
His people with an everlasting love.
(See Jer 31:3.)
But God’s love is not limited to
Israel. It encompasses all human
beings. Creation in all its richness
is for all. For all is the call to eternal
happiness in heaven. (See 1 Tim
2:4.) But the greatest sign of the
divine love for all men is the gift of
The call to die to self
that others may live
5th Sunday of Lent B (John 12:20-33)
March 18, 2018
By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB
VALUABLE items have a high
price. Important achievements
are the crowning of courage,
determination, effort, and
perseverance. Medals, whether
gained in sports, civil service or war
time are never a formality. Behind
that small piece of metal there
lies a world of self-sacrifice and
dedication.
In our existence on earth, there
is nothing more precious than
our spiritual life. Such a treasure
initially comes to us as a gift from
God; but it is a “living gift” which
has to be protected and developed.
Our spiritual life—the best part
of our “selves”—is more like a seed
than like a diamond. Every seed
has immense (often unsuspected)
potentialities: endless riches of
colors, flowers, fruit, life . . . All this
will come to light, the richness that
is within will be made visible only
if the seed undergoes the process
of transformation, which, in many
aspects, is a form of death.
This miracle, in fact, will happen
only if the shell opens up and rots
away in order for the tender shoot
to sprout and grow to fullness.
The best part of us is often
wrapped, in a shell of ordinariness
and defects like wrong attachments
to ourselves, other people or the
material world; resentments,
grudges, envy, lust, pride . . . These
defects are like fetters that cripple
us and hamper the development of
our personality and spiritual life. If
we really mean to attain a new life,
CBCP Monitor
God’s only Son.
All men have sinned. In one way
or another, they have all rejected
God. But God never rejected men.
True to His nature, He did not
abandon sinful mankind. True love
never gives up. (See 1 Cor 13:7.) As
a proof of His persistent love, when
men were still sinners, God allowed
His only Son to die—the just for the
unjust—that all of them might have
eternal life and enjoy the gift of an
undeserved sonship. (See Rom 5:8
and 1 Pt 3:18.) So much did God love
an unloving and uncaring world!
What else could He have done that
He did not do? . . .
Jesus revealed all the depth of the
Father’s love to Nicodemus on the
night of the secret meeting, and he
would prove it by dying on the cross.
The same message is addressed to us
today. We, too, need to know and be
convinced of God’s immense and
unconditional love for us.
Knowing this, we should respond
with appreciation, gratitude, co-
operation, and imitation. There is
nothing that we can do to deserve
God’s love, but there is a lot we can
do to make it bear fruit in ourselves
and around us. Jesus loved mankind
unto death, and taught his disciples
to do the same. It is now our turn to
show in practice that we have learnt
the most important lesson in life:
to love God in return and to love
one another as He has done. (See
Jn 13:34 and 1 Jn 4:11.) Then, and
only then, shall we deserve the title
of “disciple.”
or enjoy a fuller life, we must rid
ourselves of them with the help of
God’s grace.
This will be possible only on one
condition: that we be ready to die
and be transformed like a seed. The
hard shell of selfishness must be
opened wide and shattered to give
way to a sincere concern for others.
Layers of make-up and pretense
have to be removed to reveal
sincerity and truthfulness. Hotbeds
of decay and moral corruption
of all denominations have to be
scraped in order to allow the roots
of a new life to strike deep into our
personalities and bear fruits of
honesty, dedication, purity . . .
The new life will flower in us only
at the cost of the death of our lower,
sinful “selves.” This is the meaning of
Christ’s saying, “The man who loves
his life loses it, while the man who
hates his life in this world preserves
it to life eternal” (Jn 12:25).
Jesus did not just teach this as
a striking, paradoxical theory. He
lived it out, and paid the price which
this principle entails. “Son though he
was, Jesus learned obedience from
what he suffered; and when he was
made perfect, he became the source
of eternal salvation for all who obey
him” (Heb 5:8f).
That was a wonderful fruit indeed,
sprouting from the seed of his life
given for us. We can share in it only
if we accept to share in his self-
offering and death. Then will our
being disciples of Jesus become a
wonderful reality.
CBCP Monitor March 5 -18, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 5
Opposing human trafficking and modern slavery
By Fr. Shay Cullen
CHURCH and police authorities
and non-government organizations
(NGOs) came together recently
in the Vatican under the Santa
Martha Group headed by Cardinal
Vincent Nicholas to discuss and
share their experience and listen to
each other. They discussed greater
cooperation in combating the
global scourge and horrific crimes
of human trafficking of vulnerable
people into modern slavery. Such
cooperation is absolutely essential
to find an efficient global response
and local action to save the victims
and challenge the criminals.
Human trafficking is rife in both
the developed rich world and in
the poorer developing countries
and Eastern Europe that are the
source of the victims of slavery. Pope
Francis has rightly called it a crime
against humanity and convened
the grouping in his Santa Martha
residence. Anti-trafficking is now
on top of the Church agenda since
hundreds of thousands of migrants
and refugees fall victim to human
traffickers as they seek refuge from
violence, oppression and hunger.
The Migrants and Refugees
Section of the Vatican has addressed
the issue at a conference in Rome
recently. The conference resolved
to come up with a plan of action
to guide and inspire both church
and civil society to respond to the
challenge of human trafficking.
Human trafficking is a crime
against persons where, by force or
false promises, they are taken from
one place to another, treated as
commodities and objects without
human dignity or rights and are
exploited and forced to work with
little or no pay when placed in a
situation of abuse and coerced
servitude or slavery.
Many people may think forced
Mary / B1
afraid is that she has found favour
with God. The word “grace” speaks
of love freely given, not owed.
How much we are encouraged to
know that we do not have to earn
the closeness and help of God, by
presenting a “Curriculum Vitae
of excellence”, full of merits and
successes! The angel says to Mary
that she has already found favour
with God, not that she will obtain
it in the future. And the same
formulation of the angel’s words
helps us understand that divine
grace is continuous, not something
passing or fleeting; for this reason,
it will never fail. Even in the future,
the grace of God will always be there
to sustain us, especially in moments
of trial and darkness.
The continuous presence of divine
grace encourages us to embrace
our vocation with confidence; our
vocation demands a commitment
of faithfulness that needs to be
renewed each day. Our vocational
path is not without its crosses: not
only our initial doubts, but also
the frequent temptations that crop
up along the way. The feeling of
inadequacy accompanies Christ’s
disciple to the end. Yet he or she
knows the help of God’s grace.
The Angel’s words descend upon
our human fears, dissolving them
with the power of the Good News
of which we are heralds: our life is
not pure chance or a mere struggle
for survival, rather each of us is
a cherished story loved by God.
That we have “found grace in his
eyes” means that the Creator sees
a unique beauty in our being and
that he has a magnificent plan for
our lives. The awareness of this
certainty, of course, does not resolve
all our problems nor does it take
away life’s uncertainties. But it
does have the power to transform
our life deeply. The unknown that
tomorrow holds for us is not a dark
threat we need to overcome, but a
favourable time given to us for living
out the uniqueness of our personal
Eternal / B6
In our response to the life and
salvation Jesus gives from the
cross, it is important, therefore,
that we do not deviate from his
revelation, especially from his
teaching. Just as one who goes off
course shown by the beacon coming
from the lighthouse navigates
dangerously, so one who does
not accept the teaching of Jesus
cannot hope to acquire eternal
labor or slavery is a thing of the past
when thirteen million Africans were
kidnapped, chained and herded like
animals into the slave ships and
transported across the Atlantic to
the cotton and sugar fields of North
and South America. There they
were made to suffer a life of cruel
slavery. The rich of the United States
and Europe became richer on their
forced unpaid labor.
Human trafficking of victims into
slavery has never really disappeared.
It is all around us. Iit is underground
in the criminal world. But the victims
could be serving our drinks in a
bar or cleaning our hotel room or
working in our fields or factories.
We seldom think about the condition
of the foreign workers in the rich
developed world and ignore the
enslaved in the sweatshops or
trafficked into brothels of Europe
or Asia and South America. Here
the sex tourists and travelling sex
offenders abuse vulnerable women
and children enslaved in bonded
labor as sex workers.
The traffickers earn huge amounts
of money with no investment. Today
human traffickers facilitate the
enslavement of as many as 42 million
people worldwide. Men, women
and children suffer intolerable
conditions of forced unpaid labor
and are sold to gang masters, to
factories, fishing fleets or sex bars
where they are forced to work for
very little or no pay.
Many are told they have debts to
pay for food and transportation and
board and lodging. They are cheated
and trapped and become victims of
bonded labor with so-called loans
that they can never pay. Many are
given drugs and made addicted and
have debts to the drug dealers and
can never escape the clutches of the
human slavers. There are threats
of violence against them or their
families that keep them in a state of
vocation, and for sharing it with our
brothers and sisters in the Church
and in the world.
4. Courage in the present moment
From the certainty that God’s
grace is with us comes the strength
to take courage in the present
moment: the courage to carry
forward what God asks of us here
and now, in every area of our lives;
courage to embrace the vocation
which God reveals to us; courage to
live out our faith without hiding or
diminishing it.
Yes, when we open ourselves to
God’s grace, the impossible becomes
a reality. “If God is for us, who can
be against us?” (Rom8:31). God’s
grace touches the “now” of your
lives, “takes hold” of you as you
are, with all your fears and limits,
but it also reveals his marvelous
plans! You young people need to
know that someone truly believes in
you: please know that the Pope has
confidence in you, that the Church
has confidence in you! For your
part, have confidence in the Church!
To the young Mary was entrusted
an important task, precisely because
she was young. You young people
have strength as you go through a
phase of your lives where energy
is not lacking. Make use of this
strength and this energy to improve
the world, beginning with the
realities closest to you. I want
important responsibilities to be
given to you within the Church;
that there may be the courage to
make space for you; and that you
may be prepared to take on these
responsibilities.
I invite you once again to
contemplate Mary’s love: a caring,
dynamic and concrete love. A
love full of boldness and focused
completely on the gift of self. A
Church permeated by these Marian
qualities will always be a Church
going forth, one that goes beyond
her own limits and boundaries
to let the grace she has received
life. Faith in Jesus, according
to John, therefore requires that
we follow him, both his words
and his examples. The second
implication of the Johannine
concept of faith urges us to unite
ourselves spiritually with Jesus by
sharing in the power that comes
from the cross. Just as a man who
does not walk under the light of
the boulevard is in danger of being
The People’s Recovery Empowerment Development Assistance Foundation has provided shelter to victims of trafficking and abuse. PHOTO COURTESY OF
PREDA FOUNDATION
docility and fear. There is no consent
or freedom of choice in modern
slavery. Their life knows no peace,
only fear and intimidation.
There are over a million children
enslaved, many of them are in
the sex industry. It is tolerated,
accepted and seldom opposed by
even Christian populations. The
citizens allow sex slavery to thrive
by their apathy and indifference.
They don’t see the human misery
that surrounds them in society as
the neon lights of the sex bars flash
their lurid invitation to abuse and
rape the captured slaves.
Husbands are corrupted and
broken homes and abandoned
families are the result. Child abuse
drives children to run away into
the streets where traffickers easily
recruit them. About 70 percent
of sex workers were first sexually
abused as children in their own
homes.
overflow. If we allow ourselves to
be truly touched by Mary’s example,
we will live out authentically that
charity which urges us to love God
above all else and above ourselves,
to love those with whom we share
our daily life. And we will also love
those who may seem hardly lovable
in themselves. It is a love that is
service and dedication, above all
towards the weakest and poorest,
love that transforms our faces and
fills us with joy.
I would like to end with the
beautiful words Saint Bernard
used in a famous homily on the
mystery of the Annunciation, words
that express the anticipation of
all humanity for Mary’s response:
“You have heard, O Virgin that you
will conceive and bear a son; you
have heard that it will not be by
man but by the Holy Spirit. The
angel awaits an answer… We too, O
Lady, are waiting for your word of
compassion... In your brief response
we are to be remade in order to be
recalled to life… This is what the
whole earth waits for, prostrate
at your feet... Answer quickly, O
Virgin” (Sermon 4, 8-9; Opera
Omnia).
Dear young people, the Lord,
the Church, the world are waiting
for your answer to the unique call
that each one receives in this life!
As World Youth Day in Panama
draws closer, I invite you to prepare
yourselves for our gathering with
the joy and enthusiasm of those
who wish to participate in such
a great adventure. WYD is for
the courageous! Not for young
people who are searching only
for comfort and who withdraw
whenever difficulties arise. Do you
accept the challenge?
From the Vatican, 11 February 2018
VI Sunday of Ordinary Time
Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary
of Lourdes
FRANCIS
stabbed or held up, so we must
walk under the power of Jesus,
under his light, for this is the one
that gives us spiritual life, strength
and sustenance. That power or
light is none other than the love
of God in Christ who, in his mercy,
made us alive (Eph 2:4). God’s
love consists in his sending of his
Son to us that we may have life
through him (1 John 4:9).
In the Philippines and other
Southeast Asian countries, most
brothels and sex bars operate with
a government permit. Although
prostitution is illegal, it thrives with
the connivance of the authorities.
The President joked recently in
India that he would offer virgins
to the tourists to lure them to
the Philippines. The victims are
subjected to violence, forced
abortions and exposed to venereal
diseases and HIV-AIDS.
The first thing to do to combat
human trafficking is to support
preventive education to help people
in the supply countries be aware of
the dangers of trusting traffickers
and labor recruiters. Where the
trafficking is prevalent, education
campaigns are needed to awaken
the conscience and sensitivity of
the public to the plight of victims.
We must provide the public with an
opportunity for easy safe reporting
Sacramental / B2
Holy Orders.
3) Right of the faithful to
receive the sacraments. It is also
the aim of sacramental discipline to
justly order the administration of the
sacraments, so as to conveniently
satisfy the rights of the faithful to
receive them. At this point, however,
one may ask whether the sacraments
can be the object of a right, strictly
speaking, considering that as
goods pertaining to the economy
of salvation, they are gratuitously
given and are a grace as far as God
is concerned.
This question is answered by
remembering that the Will of God
is that all men be saved, and that
Christ instituted the sacraments
and entrusted them to the Church
precisely to be administered to men.
Thus, there exists in the Church
a hierarchical order whose most
radical duty is of a ministerial
character, the objective of which is
to give men the Word of God and
the sacraments. Thus, the right
of the faithful to the sacraments
is not with respect to God, but
rather with respect to the sacred
ministers. Put another way, even if
grace is not material and therefore
not susceptible of distribution (and
therefore not an object of justice),
the channels for grace established by
Christ are. These are the sacraments.
This is well expressed by c.213:
The Christian faithful have the
right to receive assistance from the
sacred pastors out of the spiritual
good of the Church, especially the
Word of God and the Sacraments.
Conclusion
From the foregoing discussion,
the following would constitute a
Paradox / B6
her undergo through it all. She at
first may recoil at it; nonetheless,
she submits to it. But through her
labor, a new life is ushered in to the
world. A baby is born.
The same may be said of our
life as Christians. To find eternal
life, we need to undergo constant
dying. We die to our selfishness, to
our ambition to dominate others,
acquire enormous wealth, and be
number one. To do this, of course,
is not easy because, earthbound as
we are, we tend to attach so much
importance to self and its selfish
cravings for power, wealth and
honor. But in the long run, we
find that these do not guarantee
happiness, nor is one able to cling to
power, wealth and honor forever. In
SOCIAL CONCERNS B7
of abuse through a hotline.
We can deploy a trained, church-
based awareness and rescue team to
save victims and educate the public.
It should have a paralegal officer to
respond to the hotline reports of
incidents of human trafficking and
modern slavery and child abuse.
More professionally run therapeutic
centers for the victims are very
necessary. In these homes, the
victims can find protection, therapy
and comfort and legal assistance.
An uncorrupted police unit trained
to respond and collect and present
evidence to a skilled prosecutor
before a just judge is essential to
have justice for the victims. The
team would give training seminars
to parents, teachers, duty bearers
and clergy to train them to be aware
and teach them to recognize and
report human trafficking. We must
act together to end this evil and save
the victims.
violation of the right of the faithful:
Lack of an adequate
sacramental pastoral care
that makes access to the sacraments
impossible or very difficult—e.g.,
lack of fixed and regular hours for
confession in the parishes. Now
that we are approaching the Easter
Season, it would be good to be
reminded of the Church Precept
that binds the faithful (and the
sacred ministers) to receive the
Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament
of Reconciliation at least once a year.
As I have repeatedly pointed out,
for this to be obeyed, every priest
needs to hear on the average 20
confessions daily, which translates
to sitting in the confessional for
about three hours every day. Thus,
the practice in many parishes of
limiting confessions to less than an
hour before or after daily Masses is
sorely inadequate.
Pastoral praxis that unduly
delays the reception of the
sacraments—e.g., scheduling
baptisms very rarely in the year, or
not scheduling confirmation.
Pastoral praxis that unduly
imposes obligations for the
reception of the sacraments which
Canon Law does not impose.
Examples of this would be making
attendance to the so-called Pre-
Cana Seminar an absolute
requirement for marriage, such
that a veritable impediment (i.e., the
non-attendance to such seminar) is
constituted, contrary to the tenor of
c.1075; or the imposition of fees for
certain sacraments (e.g., baptism,
confirmation and marriage) that
make them inaccessible to the poor,
contrary to the tenor of c.848.
the end, we discover that these have
to go, leaving us disillusioned. There
is much truth to Jesus’ saying that
“whoever would preserve his life will
lose it, but whoever loses his life for
my sake and the gospel’s will find
it”(Mark 8:33). As a Christian, one
has to suffer, even die, for Christ and
his body the Church. Then, new life
will surely sprout. “Unless the grain
of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it
remains just a grain of wheat. But if
it dies, it produces much fruit”(John
12:24-25). That is enough guarantee
that one will live forever. Books
can burn, monuments can crumble,
generation can be obliterated, but
the life that comes from suffering
for the Gospel is the only thing that
will remain forever.
B8 ENTERTAINMENT March 5 -18, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 5 CBCP Monitor

Buhay San Miguel Brothers Matias

The Shape of Water Lolo Kiko Bladimer Usi

Buhay Parokya FIND 3 MISSING THINGS:

1. SAINT JOHN PAUL II
2. CHALICE
3. HOLY WATER

DIRECTOR: Guillermo del Toro GENRE: Fantasy, Drama

LEAD CAST: Sally Hawkins,
Octavia Spencer, Richard
Jenkins, Michael Shannon,
Michael Stuhlbarg, Doug Jones
SCREENWRITERS: Guillermo
del Toro, Vanessa Taylor
PRODUCERS: J. Miles Dale,
Guillermo del Toro
EDITOR: Sidney Wolinsky
MUSICAL DIRECTOR:
Alexander Desplat
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Dan
Laustsen
DISTRIBUTOR: Fox Searchlight
Pictures
LOCATION: Ontario, Canada
RUNNING TIME: 123 minutes
Technical Assessment:
Moral Assessment:
Cinema Rating: V14
MTRCB Rating: R-13

Imagine tale as old as time love renders us speechless.

Beauty and the Beast. Only that
the beauty, Elisa Esposito (Sally
Hawkins), is mute and is not
stunningly beautiful. The fish
monster (Doug Jones) never
transforms into a handsome
prince. The setting is the 60s
with America and Russia in
a race for global domination.
Colonel Richard Strickland
(Michael Shannon) captures
the amphibious creature,
calls it the Asset, and wants
him cut open for research.
Elisa is a cleaner in this secret
government research facility,
and in the most lyrical and
romantic way, connects with
the Asset, through music and
eggs, because though mute,
she is not deaf, and her boiled
eggs become the monster’s
favorite dish. She rescues the
Asset with the help of coworker
Zelda (Octavia Spencer), next-
door neighbor Giles (Richard
Jenkins), and a surprising
ally Dr Hoffstetler (Michael
Stuhlbard) who is actually a
Soviet spy.
The Shape of Water is a love
story with political undertones.
Director Guillermo del Toro
of the much-loved Pan’s
Labyrinth (2006) assembles an
alliance of all that the bigotry
in Colonel Strickland hates:
Elisa is mute, Zelda is black,
Giles is gay, and Hoffstetler
is a migrant. They’re all
marginalized and lonely, and
they set free another lonely
creature, the captive monster.
Del Toro, who also made the
screenplay together with Game
of Thrones writer Vanessa
Taylor, says he made the story
simple so he could make the
characters complex. Hawkins’
Elisa benefits the most from
this approach. Her face speaks
a range of emotions: disgust,
rage, tenderness, amusement.
She loves, she cannot speak,
and for director del Toro who
wins a Golden Globe for this
film, that’s what love means:
If the theme and acting don’t
mesmerize you, the visuals will.
Can anything be more graceful
than water, or people in water,
and the music (another Golden
Globe winner) that flows
smoothly with every motion
and emotion in the story. We
note that The Shape of Water
takes time to digest. In the
cinema, it’s best appreciated
for its visuals and acting. It
has adult content, with nudity,
some gore, and cusswords, as
called for in the story. It’s on
hindsight that the message
dawns on you, sticks to you,
and you are magnetized.
The story happens in
the turbulent 60s, when
US President Kennedy is
assassinated, Martin Luther
King leads the civil rights
movement, there’s the
Vietnam War, and anyone
who dissents is branded a
communist. We don’t see these
in the film. Instead, we hear
the voiceless Elisa and we see
the marginalized Zelda, Giles,
and Hoffstetler saving the
strange creature from death
by vivisection. The film is a
political commentary with so
much hope. Indeed, the film’s
message of social justice is
a fulcrum to the Church’s
uncompromising respect for
life and its condemnation of
summary killings. Cardinal
Tagle in his homily during
the mass in “Walk for Life” in
Manila on February 24 said
that life, however ugly it may
seem (like the Asset or disabled
like Elisa), is a gift from God.
We all must protect that gift
from the Colonel Stricklands
of this world who seek to
extinguish life. It’s been three
years since Pope Francis came
to the Philippines. Mercy and
Compassion for the poor in
the periphery, which was the 90 years old na sila sina panunukso ni Tasha (Natalie Tuloy, hindi nito nasapawan ang mga dati’y maiinit
theme of that Papal Visit, rings Kanika (Coleen Garcia) at Hart) na malaki pala sira ang kwentong tiyak na magmahalan. Nandiyan
ever loudly today. The Shape of David (Xian Lim). Pero isang sa ulo. Dito na rin mag- mahahanapan ng magandang ang pisikal na pagkakalayo,
Water echoes that theme. araw, kukulimlim ang langit uumpisa ang kahindik-hindik aral ng mga manunood. ang pambubuyo ng mga

Sin Island
DIRECTOR: Gino Santos
LEAD CAST: Coleen Garcia,
Xian Lim, Natalie Hart, TJ
Trinidad SCREENWRITER:
Keiko Aquino, Jancy Nicolas
PRODUCERS: Olivia Lamasan,
Malou Santos, Charo Santos-
Concio, Carlo Katigbak EDITOR:
Noah Tonga MUSICAL DIREC-
TOR: Cesar Francis Concio
GENRE: Erotic thriller, Adult
drama CINEMATOGRAPHER:
Mycko David DISTRIBUTOR:
ABS-CBN Film Productions LO-
CATION: Philippines RUNNING
TIME: 106 minutes
Technical assessment:
Moral assessment:
CINEMA rating: V18
MTRCB rating: R-16
Flight attendant si babae,
photographer si lalaki.
Parehong seksi, parehong
good-looking. Bagay na
bagay, inlab na inlab, at tipong
magha-honeymoon hanggang
nila nang—dahil sa isang
“aksidente”—ay babagsak
ang wedding photography
business ni David. Sabay na
maglalaho ang mga kliyente
at ang self-confidence ni
David, made-depress ito, lalo
na’t laging naiiwang mag-
isa ng asawang lumilipad
sa ibang bansa. Samantala,
sumisimple naman kay
Kanika ang pilotong si Captain
Stephen—may asawa din pero
napipinto ang pagihiwalay—
at di maglalaon, hindi na
maitatago ang umuusbong
na attraction nila sa isa’t
isa. Pagkatapos ng isang
matinding confrontation
nila Kanika at David,
magpapalamig si David sa
Sinilaban Island—a.k.a.
“Sin Island”—at dito siya
madadarang sa init ng
at madugong parte ng istorya.
Kapuna-puna na dumarami
nang mga pelikulang
Pilipino ang nagtatampok
ng magagandang tanawin sa
Pilipinas, tulad ng Siargao
atbp. Naipakita din ng
Sin Island ang ganda ng
kapaligiran ng lugar, kaya
lang, wala naman totoong
“Sinilaban Island” sa Pinas—
inimbento lang kung baga,
para magkaroon ng “Sin
Island”. Catchy nga naman
bilang title, biruin mo,
isang Pulo ng Pagkakasala!
Dahil sa pamagat na “Sin
Island”, agad maiisip ng
manonood ay “Siguradong
bomba ito.” Meron ngang
“bomba”, pero dahil maayos
ang kuha noon ng kamera,
hindi naging salaula ang
bed scenes sa Sin Island.
Bagama’t makatotohanan
at nagpapakita ng maturity
ang pagganap ni Lim at
Garcia, lalo na sa mga pag-
aaway nila, medyo nagkulang
naman ang characterization
ni Tasha bilang kontrabida—
hindi isinasalarawan ang
ugat ng kanyang murderous
streak, tuloy maiisip mo sa
simula, “Tinotopak lang ba
ito o talagang me dugong
mamamatay-tao?”
Bagama’t makatuwiran ang
pagtatapos ng pelikula, ang
Sin Island ay para lamang
sa mga may hinog na isipan,
at sadyang makaka-relate sa
kuwento ang mga may asawa
na (o nagbabalak mag-asawa
pa lang) pagka’t ipinapakita
nito kung anu-anong mga
bagay ang nagiging dahilan
para magkatabangan
kasamahan, ang kahinaan
ng ibang tao, at higit sa lahat,
ang kakulangan ng tunay
na pagkilala at pagtanggap
sa sarili. Ang malalim na
pagsusuri at pagkilala natin sa
ating pagkatao—anuman ang
estado natin sa buhay—ang
mag-aakay sa atin tungo sa
matalinong paglutas ng kahit
anong suliraning ibabato sa
atin ng pagkakataon. Ang
pagkilala din sa tunay nating
pagkatao—sa liwanag ng
kaalamang tayo ay nilikha
kawangis ng Lumikha—ang
magbibigay lakas sa atin
upang mapaglabanan natin
ang laganap na mga pag-
uugaling nakakalason sa
ating isipan at manatili
tayo sa wastong landas na
magbibigay-buhay sa atin at
sa ating kapwa tao.

CBCP Monitor. Vol. 22 No. 05
SFC AT 25: REJOICING IN GOD’S
RELENTLESS LOVE!
7, 000 young people gathered to celebrate
25 years of God's faithfulness to the min-
istry of CFC Singles for Christ during
the International Conference held from
February 16-18 at the Globe Circuit Event
Grounds, Makati City, Philippines. The
conference theme was 'Relentless', inspired
by 2 Timothy 1:6.
The Most. Rev. Francisco De Leon, bishop
of the Diocese of Antipolo, was the main Mass
celebrant on Day 1, with Fr. Jeff Rosales and Fr.
Armando Orido concelebrating. Bishop de Leon
challenged the delegates— coming from Metro
Manila, the different provinces of the Philip-
pines, and from 28 countries—to fast not only
from what they eat but also from what goes out
from their mouths.
The prelate said, “Say yes to the words that
encourage and heal. Say yes to Jesus,” he added.
The conference officially opened with mes-
sages from Metro Manila Missions Director Mike
Bukuhan, Family Ministries Director Lawrence
Quintero and SFC International Coordinator
Noli Manuel.
Rekindle!
CFC President Shok Ariola, former Interna-
tional Coordinator for SFC, invited the delegates
to look back at the past 25 years with fondness,
remembering all the blessings, challenges, les-
sons and even hurts; to honor the people who
have touched each one’s life and made an impact
through their witnessing while in the ministry,
and to be grateful for these are gifts from the Lord.
Ariola exhorted, “If you are asked to remember
your journey as Singles for Christ, do not forget
the following: first, that God loves you.; second,
that we are disciples of Jesus Christ; third, remem-
ber repentance; fourth, remember the power of
the Holy Spirit that is made available for all of us;
and lastly, remember that God has sent us tools
in the form of community, prayer, sacraments.”
Sharers Topher Hernandez from SFC Australia,
Manuel Loma of SFC Bohol, and former CFC
fulltime pastoral worker Kirby Llaban shared how
they journeyed with God through the community.
Rejoice!
The second day of the conference was filled
with workshops, performances by guest artists
and celebrities, and empowering sessions.
In the morning, Singles for Christ gathered for
the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, a must for
all events of the community. Most Rev. Pablo
Virgilio David, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of
Kalookan, who presided in the Mass, reminded
SFC that God’s salvation is offered to all— saints
and sinners alike.
SFC also took the opportunity to honor
their ‘second parents’ during the Couple Co-
ordinators Conference.
In the evening, for the second session, John
Acosta, Regional Coordinator for SFC Canada
talked about the SFC ICON, p2
CFC Family Ministries Gears up
for its 25th year
THIS year is not just a our community 'Re-
year of rekindling the kindle the Gift. Fulfill
gift and fulfilling the your Ministry!' Truly,
ministry for the CFC we have been given a
Family Ministries but very special gift, the
also a year of celebrat- Family Ministries.”
ing God’s goodness to Quintero defined
the community for the the Family Ministries
past 25 years. as a gift to couples, so
CFC Family Minis- that they can bring
tries Head Lawrence their whole family to
Quintero said, “This holiness as they follow
year, as we celebrate Christ; to the Church,
the 25th Anniversary so that the community
of CFC Family Minis- can share the vibrancy,
tries, we are affirmed dynamism, and gifted-
by the very theme of ness in the propaga-
Mission Core reminded: love without
bitterness, give with forgiveness
THE Metro Manila Mission
Core, for its March gathering
on March 4, chose to reflect on
the Lenten Season via a recol-
lection. The MCG (Mission Core
Gathering) was held at the St.
Paul Auditorium in Pasig City.
Recollection facilitator Msgr.
Allen Aganon, the CFC Spiri-
tual Director, focused on what
happened when Jesus prayed in
Gethsemane.
“Reflecting on Jesus’ own
prayer in the Garden of Geth-
semane, we can learn from His
example in the moments be-
fore his passion MC RECO, p3
Ugnayan
THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT OF COUPLES FOR CHRIST
Photo credits: SFC ICON Media Team
tion of the faith; and
to society, as catalysts
of positive change and
help build more fami-
lies that will renew the
face of the earth.
He encouraged the
members and leaders
of the ministries to
celebrate their own
giftedness in order
to fulfill their respec-
tive ministry.
The Family Minis-
tries started its celebra-
tion with the Singles
for Christ Internation-
CFC IC Pays Courtesy Visit to Cardinal Tagle
al Conference (ICON)
on February 10-18.
This will be followed
by Servants of the Lord
Men’s Conference on
March 23-25 in Tag-
bilaran Bohol; Youth
for Christ ICON on
April 13-15 in Metro
Manila; Handmaids
of the Lord ICON on
April 27-29 in Laguna;
and Kids for Christ
International Family
Conference on May
11-13 in Cebu City.
ON March 6, CFC Chairman Melo Villaroman
FAMIN, p2
Jr. with wife Nini, Pastoral Formation Office
Director Rouquel Ponte and Church Rela-
tions Office Head George Campos with wife
Cynthia, paid a courtesy call on His Eminence
Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Archbishop of
Manila, at the Arzobispado in Intramuros,
Manila. Fr. Joel Jason, parish priest at the
Mary, Mirror of Justice Parish in Makati City,
joined the meeting.
Villaroman and Ponte reported on the recent
activities of the community, as well as updates on
evangelization and missions, the Family Ministries,
ANCOP, and the Social Development programs.
The Cardinal was pleased to hear about the
developments in CFC, and encouraged the lead-
ers to continue what CFC is doing. His Eminence
also reiterated that the encounter and union with
Christ must be the central focus of the mission
for family renewal, and that it is always better to
work together with like-minded communities in
the family and life ministries.
“This will be a powerful witness that the
Church itself is a family that works together, with
March 5 - 18, 2018 C1
SFC celebrates 25th year
with many activities
2018 is CFC Singles for Christ’s 25th year,
and to celebrate God’s faithfulness, SFC
members and leaders from the four cor-
ners of the globe converged in Manila to
celebrate this milestone.
The celebrations, spread over ten days,
kicked off on February 10, 2018 with a
career fair, wedding expo, activity booths
and an open mic stage at the Blue Bay
Walk, Pasay City.
The whole day activity had the singles
mingling, meeting old friends and making
new ones, exploring opportunities at the
jobs fair, and honing their talents through
the activity booths.
Engaged couples even got the chance to
take home loot bags and get discounts from
the exhibitors at the wedding expo.
The afternoon open mic performances
showcased talents in singing, dancing and
the spoken word. Gracenote, a Filipino pop
rock band, sang their latest songs, much to
the delight of the young crowd.
Highlighting the kick off, and signal-
ing the beginning of the ten-day celebra-
tions, was the unveiling of the “SFC at
25” logo.
Fr. Ro Atillano, SJ, who used to be a
member of SFC and who is now Chaplain
of the Bureau of Jail Management and
Penology, celebrated the Holy Eucharist.
In his homily, Fr. Atillano reminded the
congregation, “If it is the work of the Lord,
He will sustain it. If it were simply by our
own efforts, we could not have reached
this far.”
The day ended on a high note with
Overflow, a praise concert featuring talents
from SFC.
On February 12, for its third activity (see
story on the second activity, the SFC Silver
Run on page 2), SFC gathered at the San
Ildefonso Parish, Makati City to honor the
efforts and service of the Singles for Christ
Mission Volunteers (MVs).
It was an evening of thanking the Lord
for His assurance that the missionaries
are never alone in their work despite the
many trials and tribulations, because
not only is He with them, but fellow
“trailblazers,” their co-missionaries, are
journeying with them, and sharing in
their mission.
At the end of the fellowship activity, Noli
Manuel, SFC International Coordinator,
honored the MVs, calling them ‘Motivated
Victors’ because of their effort of bringing
Christ to different places.
SFC ACTIVITIES, p3
each member contributing according to his gifts
and charisms,” the prelate said.
Cardinal Tagle likewise emphasized the Holy
Father’s call to mercy and compassion as CFC
does its share in the pastoral conversion of those
in difficult family situations.
He said, “While we affirm the teachings of the
Church, we as ministers must continue to give
them hope. The situation of other people is not
all ideal, but in their brokenness and in their
struggles, we must continue to offer our hands
to help and extend love.”
Other areas for collaboration that came up, es-
pecially between the Clergy and the laity, are the
accompaniment of single parents, persons with
same sex attraction, migrants, the military and
the police force, the environment, social media,
and persons with disability.
There are also many programs in the RCAM
or the Roman Archdiocese of Manila that are
parallel to the existing programs of CFC. Villaro-
man and Ponte assured the Cardinal that CFC is
committed to partner with the Church in these
initiatives. (Alma Alvarez)
C2 March 5 - 18, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 05 CBCP Monitor

SFC Invites “Old-timers” to Grand Reunion
AS SFC celebrated its 25 year,
th
it was a time to rekindle friend-
ships and to have fun. Singles
for Christ thus gathered SFCs,
from the pioneers of 1993 down
to the present members, to a
Grand Reunion on Valentine’s
Day, February 14. The activity
was held at the Metro Tent in
Metrowalk, Pasig City.
SFCs from the different gen-
erations, beginning with the
Firestarters (1993-1997), the
Trailblazers (1998-2002), Torch-
bearers (2003-2007), Ablaze
Batch (2008-2012) and the
Rekindle Batch (2013-2018), all
came to reminisce and look back
at the “good old days.”
February 14 being Ash Wednes-
day, Fr. Paul Uwemedimo cel-
ebrated Mass for the revelers. Fr.
Paul, who is also an “old-timer”
SFC, reminded the participants to
ask for the grace to receive God's
love and be transformed by that
love so that in return they could
love God and love others. This
was a very timely message for the
beginning of Lent.
STMA tackles ChaCha at Breakfast Forum
It was a night of throwbacks,
from favorite worship music
back in the day, to games the SFC
played during the early years.
But it wasn’t only a time
for fun, as it was also a time
for remembering the broth-
ers and sisters who have gone
ahead, but who had unde-
niably offered their lives
for the mission. The past
generation of leaders was
also recognized for bringing
SFC to where it is now. (SFC
Communications)

SFC runs 25K on its silver year
MANILA, February 12, 2018 — Hundreds of
runners gathered in one historical event for
Singles for Christ. For the first time in SFC his-
tory, the ministry organized its first marathon,
with the SFC Silver Run as its initial salvo. The
special marathon, which was part of the SFC
at 25 anniversary celebration, was held on
February 12 at the Camp Aguinaldo Grounds,
Quezon City.
Community members and invited guests from
different organizations joined the event and
raced under the 25K, 10K and 5K categories.
Funds raised for the run will benefit Answer-
ing the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP) Cornerstone, an
advocacy that focuses on tutoring school children
in the public schools in reading and writing, as
well as giving values formation classes to the
parents of these children.
“This is not just about running the race. This day
is about preparing ourselves for the next 25 years,”
said Noli Manuel, SFC International Coordinator.
During the Holy Mass that concluded the event,
Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Chaplain
Brig. Gen. Fr. Tirso Dolina reminded the finishers,
“May your joy of winning, the fulfilment and the
triumph in this run motivate you all to strive for
holiness and win heaven for your souls.”
The following runners won in the various
categories of the SFC Silver Run:
5K Male Category: Alesandro Luciano
5K Female Category: Andrei Enriquez
10K Male Category: Mark Angelo Diagtan
10K Female Category: Joan Teves
25K Male Category: Romuald Tiangco
25K Female Category: Rose Sales
(SFC Communications)
“THE issue of charter change has overshad-
owed or sidelined all other major issues of
paramount importance,” former Chief Justice
Hilario Davide Jr., told the members and
guests at the breakfast forum hosted by the
St. Thomas More and Associates (STMA). The
regular breakfast forum was held on March 3,
2018 at the Kalayaan Hall of Club Filipino in
San Juan City.
The former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
shared his insights on the issue of charter change
and urged those present to act against the pro-
posal to amend the 1987 constitution.
“My stand on this charter change, especially
against federalism, is publicly known. I have
welcomed opportunities to share my views with
others in hopes that the people may be able to
share my views and understand exactly what it is
all about, and not to be hoodwinked into believ-
ing in the ‘new paradise’ that proponents of char-
ter change promised to them especially in these
times of fake news and false news,” Davide said.
He added, “I must tell you that this ‘new
paradise’ is not for the people. It is for politicians
who seek power, fortune, and fame, at the same
time protecting themselves with that power and
acquiring more fortune. The shift to federalism
is a lethal experiment.”
The former Chief Justice further elaborated on
the ‘hell’ that people might experience as soon as
ChaCha is implemented, such “hell” to include
the hidden agenda of the politicians.
“What our people need today is not a change in
the constitution by adapting the federal system
but primarily the full implementation of the
constitution such as those on social justice, the
passage of a law implementing the anti-political
dynasty policy and the amendments in the local
government code to respond to the challenge for
a more just and rational sharing of resources with
the local political subdivisions,” added Davide.
“No constitution is perfect because only God is
perfect. (Our present constitution) is what is best
for the country and for the people, and not just
for our generation but even for the generations
yet to come. It is the best in the world as a matter
of fact, even if it is imperfect,” Davide empha-
sized. “It is the best because I do not know of any
other constitution in the world that is pro-God,
pro-Filipino, pro-people, pro-life, pro-family,
pro-marriage, pro-poor, pro-human rights, pro-
women, pro-environment among others.”
Davide touched on the present attacks on our
Christian values, especially on the institutions
of marriage and the family.
“We have now the recently proposed bill of the
house adopting divorce in the Philippines. There
is another one soon to follow, allowing same-sex
marriage.” Davide said.
The guests at the forum, a regular activity of
the St. Thomas More and Associates, CFC’s Social
Development Program for Good Governance, ex-
pressed their gratitude at the opportunity to hear
the former Chief Justice expound on the issues
that now threaten the very fiber of Philippine
society. (Yvonne Dolorosa)

CFC Negros Occidental Holds
Leaders Conference
ABOUT 660 CFC leaders
from all over Negros Oc-
cidental filled the St. John
Marie Vianney Hall at San
Sebastian Cathedral during
the echo of the Leaders Con-
ference on February 11.
Holy Mass was celebrated
by Rev. Fr. Arnold Deletina,
parish priest of Queen of
Peace, Bacolod City. Fr. De-
letina, affirmed CFC NegOcc
on their call as family evan-
gelizers, with the aid of their
devotion of the Our Lady of
Lourdes, whose feast they
celebrated on that day.
Frank Nazareno, Sector Head
of Metro Bacolod, East and
Central Sector, led the opening
worship, exhorting the CFCs to
be open to the messages that
God will be unveiling to them
during the conference.
In his welcome message,
Bebot Caceres, Provincial
Area Director, warmly wel-
comed all the leaders from
each sector and prayed that
they will focus their hearts
and minds on the activities
for the day.
Jorge Miravite, Provincial
Area Head, delivered the first
session titled Rekindle the
Gift, emphasizing the call
for CFC to reignite the gift of
light that has been offered by
the Lord, and to accept, open,
use, share and celebrate the
said gift in the community.
In the second session, Shine
the Bright Light of Christ,
Board of Elders Moderator
Joe Tale emphasized that
the Holy Spirit that dwells
in CFC is always bright and
on fire, and can transform
the toughest hearts as well as
help everyone overcome suf-
fering and persecutions. He
emphasized that the power of
the Spirit’s fire that has been
at work in each person has
not changed.
Tale added that rekindling
the gift is done by honoring
God’s vision for CFC through
the community’s vision and
mission, by standing firm in
the CFC core values, through
love that lights up and trans-
forms moments, and through
praise.
Bryan Funcion, CFC Kids
for Christ Provincial Coor-
dinator, led the powerful
closing worship. The leaders,
with hearts overflowing with
praise for the Lord, went
home with hearts ablaze,
ready to rekindle the gift
and shine the bright light of
Christ in Negros Occidental.
(April Dawn Gabrido)
The CFC Co-ops Federation held its 13th General Assembly on February 25, 2018 in San Jose, Antique. Sixteen cooperative primaries
were represented in the assembly. Elected to the Board of Directors were Jorge Asensi of Co-ops for Christ Southern Leyte Multipurpose
Cooperative, Bong Bautista of the CFC Coops for Christ Multipurpose Cooperative (Agusan del Norte), Art San Luis of the Entre-Workers
Multipurpose Cooperative (Iligan), and Zos Tayaban of Couples for Christ Multipurpose Cooperative Laguna I. On the day before the
assembly, the delegates went on a Lakbay-Aral activity, visiting two cooperatives in Iloilo—the ISAT-U Cooperative and the Taytay
sa Kauswagan— and another two in Antique—the San Jose Waterworks Service Cooperative and the San Jose Multipurpose
Cooperative— to learn about best practices.
FAMIN, p1
Vision for the next 25 years “Whatever will be the call of able to adapt to changes and
Quintero said, “For the next 25 the times, whatever the realities renew our ministry so that we
years of the CFC Family Minis- of the families will be in the can continue to bring Christ to
tries, we hope that we will con- years to come, as long as we each member of the family, and
tinue to be pro-active and relevant are inspired and empowered to all the families in the world,”
in our evangelization work.” by the Holy Spirit, we will be he added. (Andrelene Veloso)
SFC ICON, p1
‘Joys’ in SFC's life. Acosta said, “Serving the difficult as they are, can restore our faith, ” Fr.
community brings joy to our lives. But there are Olin said. “They can bring back relationships,
some instances that this joy is being robbed from they can allow us to look back, reexamine our
us.” He added, “Even if we have been serving the life, perhaps see what is lost, what are we giving
community for almost half of our lives, we are up, what we are getting rid of, what we need to
not exempted from temptations and problems put back into our lives,” he added.
that take this joy away from us.” The last session was given by Noli Manuel,
Acosta reminded the delegates that they will SFC International Coordinator. Manuel pre-
always find their way back by rooting their joy sented a challenge and at the same called SFC
on J.O.Y.: J- Jesus, O- Others and Y- Yourself. to action: to step out into the world and to go
out to the peripheries.
Relentless! In living out the SFC vision of “Every
The third session focused on the main message single man and woman all over the world,
of the conference: that God’s love is relentless. experiencing Christ”, Noli emphasized that
Aldy Katigbak highlighted that God’s relentless each SFC is being called to reach out and
love allows one to respond by proclaiming the embrace those who are single parents, young
Word, to be persistent, to have the ability to widows/widowers, young individuals whose
convince, reprimand and encourage, to be self- marriages have been annulled, and those
possessed and more importantly, to put up with who have same-sex attractions.
the hardships. “The mission for us is not just to wait for
them, but to look for them! We need to reach
Fulfill Your Ministry! out to them so they can experience Christ’s love,”
On the third day, Rev. Fr. Xavier Olin, SJ con- Manuel said.
celebrated the morning Mass with Fr. Jeffrey The conference ended with a powerful praise-
Rosales. Fr. Olin encouraged the participants fest, bringing the conviction of every SFC del-
to embrace the desert experience, as deserts are egate to an even higher level.
places and times of encounter, of preparation, The much-awaited announcement of the
of restoration and rediscovering lost selves, of venues— General Santos for SFC ICON 2019 and
overcoming temptation and building oneself Indonesia for SFC ICON 2020—was enough to
from within. bring the delegates to a state of joyful anticipa-
“Many times, we go through periods of deso- tion for the next conferences. (SFC ICON Media
lation and confusion, we go through periods Team/Aj Cuntapay, Anlyn Pega, JV Monzon,
of great doubt… and these desert experiences, Vanessa Tingson, Yvonne Dolorosa)
CBCP Monitor March 5 - 18, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 05 C3

CFC OSM Plans for 2018

VOLUNTEERS of the CFC
Order of St. Michael coming
from Manila, as well as Baguio
and Cebu, started arriving at
Hotel Dominique on February
11, 2018 for the CFC Order of
St. Michael Strategic Planning.
A total of 73 delegates logged
in, all eager and enthusiastic to
take part in crafting the plans
for the year for OSM.
The event started with prayer
and worship led by Derrick
Aguilar from MM South B.
Willy Ona, OSM Vice-head,
followed with his welcome
remarks, putting emphasis on
service to God in the uniformed
personnel sector.
In his inspirational message,
CFC Chairman Melo Villaro-
man Jr. recounted memories
of his father and grandfather
who were both in the military
service, and how they were
instrumental in guiding him
to love God and his family. He
narrated that if OSM CEP had
been available for the military
personnel and leadership back
then, more soldiers would have
been guided to live righteous
and better lives.
SOCDEV Head Mon de Leon
zeroed in on ‘The Good News
of Deliverance” in his message.
He shared that he has recog-
nized in his life the value of
CFC household prayer meet-
ings, chapter prayer assem-
blies, serving in the CLP as
a way of life for CFC, while
serving in the social devel-
opment programs such the
CFC Migrants Program, CFC
Project ReForm, or the OSM.
He emphasized that the lat-
ter programs are “extra mile”
service that every CFC should
get involved in.
Art Alabanza, OSM Head,
presented his vision for OSM,
showing the delegates how
OSM came to be, starting from
a prophesy by St. Louis de Mon-
fort in 1700 saying, “Mary will
raise up apostles of the latter
times to make war against the
evil one… the power of Mary
over all the devils will spe-
cially shine forth in the latter
times…” He believes it is now
the time and OSM is Mary’s
army of apostles.
CFC Cavite ready to take on CFC ReForm mission
Alabanza presented a SWOT
analysis of OSM, as well as OSM’s
strategies and targets for the
year. He emphasized that the
group should always remember
to be humble for the OSM is
God’s work and that each person
is called to be His workers.
Ricky Cuenca had everybody
on fire with his message: “The
work is big and we need on fire
workers, we need the passion
and the re-energized spirit to
fulfill the vision of families in
the spirit renewing the face of
the earth.”
Before the lunch break, Ro-
land Arrogante facilitated the
team building session. The activ-
ity elicited powerful realizations
about the mission in OSM.
In the afternoon session, the
assembly was divided into sev-
eral groups, each discussing the
different branches of the mili-
tary, namely: Group NBI (led
by Roland Ong); Group PRO4
CALABARZON (Tony O’bien);
Group Cebu (Larry Gonzaga);
Group PNP CG MAAP PMMA
(Jess Millan); Group PMA (Claro
Unson); Group Airport Po-
lice (Ric Martin); Group OSM
Documentation (Imee Ona);
Group Philippine Army (Rudy
Jimenez); and Group PNP BJMP
BFP (Benny Fortajada).
On Day 2, Fr. Ian Emping,
SSP, of Cavite, celebrated the
Mass. In his homily, he en-
couraged CFC OSM to serve
wholeheartedly as they answer
the call of God to serve. After
the Eucharistic celebration,
the groups presented their
respective SWOT analyses and
strategies to the plenary.
With the OSM Vision, the
uniformed personnel have
so much to look forward to
through the Character En-
hancement Modules. The posi-
tive feedback both from the
volunteers from CFC OSM and
the military personnel who
have undergone the modules
are affirmations that reiterate
the Holy Father Pope Francis’
call to help and evangelize the
men and women in the military
and police forces.
Alabanza reminded the
group to adhere to the OSM
Motto: “Pride will destroy us,
humility empowers us” and re-
minded them that much needs
to be done in order to fulfill the
mission entrusted to them.
Finally, Arrogante gave a re-
cap of the planning session and
provided the participants with
some pointers to take away:
1. Accountability;
2. Leadership;
3. Follow through;
4. Avoid being blindsided by
annoying issues;
5. Put God first and every-
thing will follow;
6. Work within one’s sphere
of influence and do not
forget to seek the help of
God and other people every
time one is stonewalled;
7. Be humble, submit to the
leadership of your elders
and never allow the ego to
be an issue.
CFC IC member and Evange-
lization and Missions Director
Arnel Santos charged the vol-
unteers of CFC OSM, quoting
words from Book of 2 Timothy
4:1-5: “I charge you in the pres-
ence of God and of Christ Jesus,
who is to judge the living and
the dead, and by his appearing
and his kingdom: preach the
word; be ready in season and out
of season; reprove, rebuke, and
exhort, with complete patience
and teaching. For the time is
coming when people will not
endure sound teaching, but hav-
ing itching ears they will accu-
mulate for themselves teachers
to suit their own passions, and
will turn away from listening to
the truth and wander off into
myths. As for you, always be
sober-minded, endure suffering,
do the work of an evangelist,
fulfill your ministry.”
Santos assured the volunteers
of the IC support and added
that he will help encourage
the Metro Manila Sectors to
embrace the mission of OSM.
He also pledged to initiate the
meeting of the Sector SOCDEV
heads of Metro Manila and
OSM leaders, and look into the
possibility of using untapped
funds of the ANCOP Global
Walk as scholarship funds for
children of uniformed person-
nel. (Elmer D. Jacob)
THE CFC VATICAN OFFICE AT 2
—REKINDLING THE GIFT
WE BLEW and blew, but
the flame of the two lighted
candles on the cake during
the CFC Vatican Office’s sec-
ond anniversary could not
be extinguished. (It was one
of those special fireworks
candles.) It was very symbolic
-the significance and honor of
having an office in the Vati-
can is, after all, a gift from the
Holy Spirit and continues to
be rekindled!
It has now been two years
since we inaugurated the CFC
Vatican Office on February
20, 2016. Our second an-
niversary celebration start-
ed with a Holy Mass at the
nearby parish, San Gregorio
VII Church, officiated by Fr.
Greg Gaston, Rector of the
Collegio Filipino in Rome,
who also did the blessing at
the inauguration. Fr. Nico
Espinosa, Rector of the SVD
Mother House in Rome, con-
celebrated. It was followed
by a simple reception at the
office. CFC members from
Rome led by area leaders
Alex and Julie Poyaoan at-
tended the simple celebra-
tion. Among the guests were
some leaders of the Filipino
Chaplaincy in Rome.
Here’s a bit of trivia: Did
you know that when an of-
fice in Rome was first offered
by the Vatican in 2014, CFC
decided not to take it? Then
in 2015, CFC’s interest was
rekindled and we hoped that
the Vatican would reconsider
the offer. Through the help
of Cardinal George Pell, the
property was made available
to us again although another
organization was interested
SFC ACTIVITIES, p3
SFC Pre-ICon activities
On February 13 to 15, the SFC Pre- delegates
from the Philippine and International Mis-
sions were challenged to ENCOUNTER Manila
through an encounter with people on the
streets, those in need, and God.
On Day 1, the delegates were divided into
groups and assigned to different venues for their
immersion, including the DOH Treatment and
Rehabilitation Center in Bicutan, Grace to be
Born (Home for Abandoned Children) in Pasig,
Sagip Batampalengke, also in Pasig, the Metro
Manila District Jail, and the Golden Reception
and Action Center for the Elderly and Other
Special Cases (GRACES).
Each team prepared activities and gave gifts to
the residents in the assigned institutions.
Their second day itinerary was filled with
activities such as cleaning the streets of Pasig.
Later in the afternoon, everyone learned about
the Filipino spirit of bayanihan through the
Parish Encounter as they helped in cleaning the
church premises.
In the evening, the Pre-IConers joined the
“old-timers” at the SFC Grand Reunion, which
was held at the Metro Tent in Pasig City.
On the third day, the delegates heard Mass at
the Saint Francis Church of Assisi Parish, Man-
daluyong, after which they were given a tour of
the RAVE (Rainforest Adventure Experience) in
Pasig. They ended the Pre-ICon activities with a
fun party at Jollibee.
Hours before the ICON proper, delegates from
28 countries from International Missions of
Singles for Christ gathered to discuss the updates
and directions for 2018 at the Makati Sports Club
on February 16, 2018.
Ace Lu, SFC fulltime pastoral worker, gave
updates and the SFC State of the Mission.
in it by then. With the grace given special attention and
of God, the property became care. We have expressed to
ours and on February 18, the Vatican our ability and
2016, we signed an eight-year willingness to be part of any
lease agreement from 2016 resource or working groups
to 2024. ministering to these types of
For all CFC members world- people, among others.
wide, the CFC Vatican Office CFC’s presence in Rome
is a source of great joy and also allows us to partner with
thanksgiving. It is a concrete various religious congrega-
expression of our being “one tions who are required by the
with the Catholic Church” Vatican to locate their global
and “a global community”. headquarters in Rome. For
Many CFC members have example, since early 2017,
visited the office, from as far we have been working with
away as Canada, the USA, the SVD Curia in Rome to
New Zealand and Sabah, and expand our evangelization
they were all unanimous in work to more countries in
expressing how blessed we are Africa and South America
to have such an office. where the SVD has numerous
From our experience of the parishes. We have also been
past two years, communica- partnering with the Filipino
tion with the Vatican Curia Chaplaincy in Rome to in-
has been much closer and crease our evangelization
easier. We now receive emails in the area, which effort can
and letters directly from the also be initiated (if not yet
Vatican. Our letters seem to get done) in the various Filipino
attention and obtain quicker chaplaincies in Europe.
response when the CFC Letter- As part of the original plan,
head has the address “Via del making the CFC Vatican Of-
Cottolengo 19, Roma”. fice the CFC Europe Conti-
Also, I have realized that nental Missions Office is now
enormous potentials exist being earnestly implemented.
to expand our ministries This will enhance CFC’s work
through the Vatican dicaster- of evangelization and mis-
ies. Now the Vatican knows sion in Europe and beyond.
more deeply about our very All in all, I believe CFC
active ministries for the has made significant break-
young—kids, youth, singles. throughs in our relationship
This is important because building with the Vatican
the next Synod of Bishops, through the CFC Vatican
in October, 2018, will deal Office, and opportunities
mainly with the young! An- abound in using this office
other example: they are learn- to enhance and expand our
ing only now that CFC has evangelization not only in
a ministry for widows and Europe but throughout the
divorced/separated women, a world. Let us therefore re-
vulnerable group Pope Fran- kindle and love this special
cis himself said should be gift! (Nick Borja)
Manuel also presented the 2018 SFC thrusts
and priorities.
Finally, a day after the International Con-
ference, the Global Leaders’ Summit (GLS)
served as an opportunity for SFC leaders
from different countries to reconnect with
one another.
For this year’s GLS, discussions were held
to see what other measures the ministry can
do and improve in the next 25 years, includ-
ing the new areas that SFC will handle (the
Campuses, BPOs and Corporate evangeliza-
tion, and the peripheries). The leaders also
discussed how best to accompany SFCs facing
various realities.
In the next 25 years, SFC would like to embrace
and journey with mature unmarried members,
young widows or widowers, single parents, singles
with same-sex attraction, and young couples who
have had their marriages annulled.
“With these new directions, we now high-
light the need for couple coordinators to be
their (the SFC’s) pastors,” Noli Manuel said
in his closing exhortation. “It would be more
challenging, more meaningful and more Spirit
filled because we really need the Holy Spirit
to do all of these,” he added.
Lawrence Quintero, CFC Family Ministries
Director, asked the leaders this question: ‘What
do you do when people who are dear to you are
the ones who are among the lost?’
His answer was: “First, we go to them just like
Jesus did to his friend Lazarus. Second, we go
back to them so we would be able to bring them
back to the fold. Third, we search for them just
as the woman did in the Parable of the Lost Coin.
And lastly, we welcome them, eagerly wait for
them and run to them just like the father did to
his prodigal son.” (Yvonne Dolorosa)

CFC Cavite cluster heads participated in the first
run of the CFC Project ReForm Vanguard Train-
ing from March 3 to 4, 2018 at the Knights of
Columbus Hall, Molino, Cavite. The Vanguard
Training is conducted to prepare and equip talk
therapists in engaging with community-based
drug patients under the pastoral care of parishes.
Pons Gutierrez, Social Development Program
Head for CFC Cavite, initiated the request for the
training in order to prepare the province for the
mission of caring for recovering drug patients.
The Vanguard Training is composed of the
C.A.R.S training that will equip the basic skills
for Calibration, Anchoring, Rapport building and
editing of Sub-modalities. These skills are essen-
tial so that therapists are able to gain trust and
build relationship with the drug surrenderers.
The second part of the training is an orienta-
tion to the Road to Recovery (R2R) Program
modules. The R2R Program is composed of three
modules with 13 sessions, one session given
every week to the recovering drug patients. The
modules are aptly named “To Change Route”
for Module 1 (S.T.O.P), “To Follow the Sign” for
Module 2 (D.R.U.G.), and “Road to Recovery” for
Module 3 (A.B.U.S.E.), each letter of the session
titles standing for Self, Trust, Overcome, Prayer,
Decision, Realization, Uplift, Goal-setting, Af-
firmation, Better Life, Unselfish Love, Scripture,
and Establish Community Support.
Noel Deang, CFC ReForm Coordinator for
Visayas and Mindanao, conducted the training.
On Day 2, the delegates were assigned to deliver
sample sessions with coaching and critiquing.
After the training, CFC Cavite is expected to
use the modules in serving patients in the reha-
bilitation center in Tagaytay, and possibly the
inmates inside the Bacoor City Jail. Collabora-
tions with the local diocese are also possibly in
the pipeline.
CFC Soc Dev Programs Head Mon de Leon
exhorted the participants to not be discouraged
to serve and give their extra mile in the Social
Development Programs of CFC. He said that
these programs are CFC’s response to the call
of the Holy Father to reach out to those in the
peripheries, and are gateways for evangelization.
(Alma Alvarez)
MC RECO, p1
and death on how to love and forgive,” Msgr. own will. Jesus accepted everything with a warm
Aganon said. and forgiving heart.
The Mission Core was asked to reflect on the Msgr. Aganon said, “This is what the Lord is
situations and circumstances that call them to give asking of us in this Lenten season: We are loving
more and to love more, which, for Msgr. Aganon, is people, self-giving people, but can we go beyond
natural for humans. that? Can we love? Can we give as a real lover with-
He said, “What could be difficult is when we give out bitterness in our hearts? Can we go through this
our all and sometimes expect something in return. pain, these difficulties in life with a forgiving heart?”
This is not what happened in the Garden of Geth- “Let us pray for this, brothers and sisters. It is al-
semane. This is not who Jesus is.” ways a challenge. It is always a test. It is more about
Although Jesus did not want to face pain and loving without bitterness and resentment, and giving
agony, He chose obedience to His Father over His with forgiveness,” he concluded. (Yvonne Dolorosa)
The News Supplement
of Couples for Christ
Michael C. Ariola
IC Oversight
Zenaida A. Gimenez Alma M. Alvarez Andrelene D. Veloso
Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor Editorial Assistant
Yvonne Grace J. Dolorosa Deomar P. Oliveria Evangeline C. Mecedilla
Staff Writer Layout Artist Circulation Staff
The Ugnayan News Supplement is published by the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc., with editorial offices at 156 20th
Avenue, 1109 Cubao, Quezon City. Editorial trunk line: (+63 2) 709-4868 local 31 Direct line : (+63 2) 709-4856
www.couplesforchristglobal.org globalcommunications@couplesforchristglobal.org
C4 March 5 - 18, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 05 CBCP Monitor

CFC USA re-enters Mexico Canada Leaders Converge

for 1st Atlantic Assembly
and Evangelization Rally
HISTORY was made ers Henjie San Juan to share their God-
last February 23 to 24 and Francis Apgao given gift and use it as
in the town of Blacks delivered the theme a means to evangelize.
Harbour, New Bruns- for the year—Rekindle The weekend conclud-
wick as the Atlantic the Gift and Fulfill the ed with a praise pa-
region held its first Ministry. The confer- rade showcasing the
CFC Leaders Confer- ence also featured lo- different ministries
ence and Evangeliza- cal CFC members Ray present both in New
tion Rally. A mission Leger and Kay Mennie Brunswick and across
team, composed of full as sharers which was a the Atlantic.
time missionaries and first for the area. The The weekend was a
mission volunteers, Leaders conference momentous occasion
coordinated with local ended with Holy Mass for the Atlantic re-
CFC to help organize presided by Rev. Fr. gion as CFC plants its
the event. Rolando Suplido and a feet in the east coast
The weekend began short lunch break, be- of Canada. It was a
on Friday evening with fore heading into the weekend of celebrat-
a 60s-themed fellow- Evangelization Rally. ing the victories and
ship night. The night The rally began joys of the past three
was filled with music, with a creative play years, and more im-
games, and a potluck telling the origin of portantly the hard
“WE HAD a fruitful mission trip to resent potential participants in CLPs 2. CFC will present its vision and dinner. This first event Couples for Christ work and dedication
Mexico,” Roger Santos reported to for this region. mission at the global SVD meet- helped to unite CFC in the Atlantic, an of God’s faithful. The
CFC Chairman Melo Villroman Jr., Secondly, the group reached out to ing in Paraguay on Saturday, and the locals and fos- excellent bridge for Lord truly has great
Evangelization and Missions Direc- local parishes, particularly with Fr. November 10, 2018. This will be ter a closer relationship recognizing the past things in store for the
tor Arnel Santos, CFC USA National Santiago Crespo of Parroquia de los a very important engagement as with the community. and looking forward people of the Atlantic
Director Toffee Jeturian, International Santos Reyes to discuss CFC’s work and the CFC USA team will meet all of The CFC Leaders to the blessings of the and this event was
Missions Head for the Americas Bboy mission. Fr. Crespo advised the team the Zone 1 Provincial SVD heads Conference started future. Jun Clarito just a glimpse of the
Arguelles, and ANCOP Canada Presi- to set a meeting with the bishop of the from around the globe; on Saturday morning led the ministries in many blessings He
dent Ricky Cuenca. The Mexico mis- Archdiocese of Mexico, Archbishop 3. SVD will go into partnership with with over 40 members a short exhortation, has in store. (Keegan
sion was on February 17, 2018, with Adolfo Miguel. Next steps will include ANCOP USA in conducting medical in attendance. Speak- rallying the members Fernandes)
Santos’ wife Josie, and Rod Bustos a meeting with the CFC PPC (Parejas missions in Mexico, where ANCOP
completing the mission team. Para Cristo) leaders for help especially USA will provide from $500,000 to
Santos reported that first, Team in communicating to the key persons $1 million worth of medicines and
USA had a meeting with Mikhael de in Spanish. send medical volunteers;
Dios, consul and charge d’ affairs of Lastly, the team had a spirit-filled 4. Fr. Benas will introduce CFC to the
the Philippine consulate in Mexico, encounter with the Provincial SVD following countries where SVD is
with de Dios providing them sta- head of Mexico and Cuba, Fr. John present: Panama, Nicaragua, Bra-
tistics on the number of Filipinos Benas. In their meeting, Fr. Benas zil, Honduras, Cuba and Aruba.
in the following countries: Mexico committed the following:
– 700; Costa Rica – 500; Cuba – 26; These are indeed exciting times for
El Salvador – 20; Honduras – 200; 1. Start CFC-CLP in three SVD par- CFC USA and for ANCOP. This new
Nicaragua – 150 to 200; Panama – ishes in Mexico, with Bustos mission will hopefully rekindle CFC’s
1,000; and Guatemala – 150. These working out the details for the fire in the entire South American
numbers, aside from the locals, rep- Christian Life Program; region. (CFC USA Communications)

YFC UAE Couple Coordinators CFC HIROSHIMA TURNS ONE!

Go on Team Building
THE couple coordinators of Youth for Christ in
the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held their an-
nual Couple Coordinator Team Building activity
on January 25. YFC coordinators from all over
UAE gathered to strengthen their communica-
tion skills as well as to deepen their relationship
with one another.
The goal of the team building activities, which
included an Amazing Race-style competition,
was to help couple coordinators realize the depth
of trust and coordination that now exist among
them and most especially among those they
serve, the youth.
Randomly grouped so as to further bring them
out of their comfort zone, the coordinators went
through a number of activities that fulfilled the
goal of the activity — they deepened interper-
sonal relationships, and they realized the value
CFC SCHEDULE OF
EVENTS 2018
of nurturing and effectively communicating with
the youth under their care. Many confessed that
caring for a large number of youth can often be
overwhelming, but knowing that the care and
love they give each of the young people draws
them not only closer to them, the coordinators,
but to their families and especially to God, is all
worth it.
The youth, on the other hand, expressed their
admiration for their coordinators as they testi-
fied that they draw inspiration from witnessing
coordinators work hard hand in hand towards
the youth’s personal, emotional and spiritual de-
velopment. Everyone enthused that the activity,
held at the beginning of each year, helps them
achieve the joyful attitude and commitment that
are needed in fulfilling the mission throughout
the year. (Kriselle Anne Fuentes, YFC UAE)
THE second Sunday of Lent,
February 28, 2018 marked the
very first anniversary celebra-
tion of CFC Hiroshima. Held
at the Jesuit Retreat House
in the beautiful hill area of
Nagatsukanashi, Hiroshima,
the celebration gathered CFC
members for an amazing spiri-
tual gathering.
SFC household leader Reji
Obedencio led the praise and
worship assisted by the music
ministry. SFC Head Edcel De
La Torre, who came all the
way from Tokyo, presented the
inspirational talk regarding
Financial Stewardship.
In the afternoon, the as-
sembly prayed the Stations of
the Cross, with solemn prayers
accompanied by spiritual songs.
It was followed by the celebra-
tion of the Mass with Fr. Alex
Varickmackal officiating.
In his homily, Fr. Varick-
mackal emphasized the mes-
sage of Pope Francis about
taking up the Lenten journey
with enthusiasm, sustained by
almsgiving, fasting and prayer.
The special event concluded
with a wonderful praisefest
thanking God for the fruitful
ANCOP Regina engages with families in Albay
DESPITE the threat posed by the
continuing eruptions and lava
flow of Mt. Mayon, delegates
from Holy Child Parish in Sas-
katchewan, Canada, led by CFC
ANCOP Regina, shared their time
and gave hope to the residents
of Tabaco City, Albay through
an immersion from February
19-22, 2018.
The delegates, on their first
day, celebrated joy with the
new 27 home partners in CFC
ANCOP Canada Saskatchewan
Community through a turn
over ceremony.
One of the home partners,
41-year-old Letty Patricio,
whose house stands within the
6-km danger zone in Tabaco,
shared their current situation
and struggles. She said, “Mahi-
rap ang aming kalagayan. Una
year He blessed the commu-
nity with.
It was just a year ago when
unit heads Manny and Helen
Cajilog started the evangeliza-
tion of a few couples with the
help of CFC leaders Percival
and Sai Padilla. By God’s grace,
the group grew bigger with the
third batch of graduates being
welcomed after the successful
Christian Life Program in De-
cember 2017.
This year, the community is
planning to have two CLPs and
its first CFC Youth Camp. This
is only the beginning and CFC
sa lahat, kami ay napilitang um-
alis sa aming tirahan at lumipat
sa evacuation center. Naiwan
din ang aming kabuhayan at
mga alagang hayop sa bukirin
upang kami ay makalikas.” (Our
situation is really difficult. We
had to flee from our home and
move to an evacuation center,
forcing us to leave our livelihood
and livestock.)
Letty, along with other fami-
lies, face not just the threat of
the Mayon eruption. They are
also unsure whether or not they
still have a home to return to.
Although they found a tempo-
rary shelter through the evacu-
ation centers, daily survival has
been a challenge.
On the other hand, Lorna
Broncate, 59, and her hus-
band, 61, also evacuees, ex-
Hiroshima will continue to re-
kindle the gift of God and fulfill
its ministry.
The success of the commu-
nity would not be possible
without the dedication of
CFC leaders Rosario Charo,
Carmi and Raffi Roble and
Toshi Sugino. Most notably,
CFC Hiroshima would not
have great ties with the local
church if not for the incred-
ible support of Bishop Alexis
Mitsuru Shirahama of the
Diocese of Hiroshima and the
parish priest, Fr. Domenico
Vitali. (Glen Orlanes)
pressed their joy when they
were blessed with a new home
through CFC ANCOP.
Lorna said, “ Kami po ay
palaging sa Diyos kumakapit
kahit sa oras ng ginhawa o ka-
gipitan. Laking biyaya na kami
ay napabilang sa komunidad at
nabigyan pa ng pabahay. Lalo
po naming titibayan ang aming
debosyon sa Panginoon bilang
kabahagi ng CFC, sampu ng am-
ing pamilya.” (We always held
on to the Lord whether it is in
good times or bad. It is a bless-
ing that we became part of this
community and were awarded a
new home. As a family, we will
strive to remain faithful to the
Lord, being members of CFC.)
The delegates also spent their
time conducting relief op-
erations and having fellowship
with the families at the ANCOP
site. ANCOP Regina Coordina-
tors, Greg and Chelo Ravasco,
along with the former parish
priest of Holy Child Parish in
Regina, Canada, Fr. Dan Dan
Rafael, brought not just bags
of goods from parishioners in
Canada, but also hope to CFC
brethren who were affected by
the volcanic activities in Albay.
The immersion ended with
the team finding fulfillment
in not just being instruments
of hope and light, but an exten-
sion of God’s love and care to
the residents. (Diana Mendoza)