•A3 Benedict XVI recalls

victims of war
•B1 Religious freedom, the
path to peace
•C1Ugnayan
The News Supplement for
Couples for Christ

Criminals can’t escape Zambo youth gather for

justice: Bishops local youth day
A CATHOLIC bishop warned offenders that SOME 800 Muslim and Christian youth from
they cannot escape justice even if they belong across the Zamboanga Peninsula gathered in
to influential families. this city last December 18 for the 5th annual
Puerto Princesa Bishop Pedro Arigo made Harmony Youth Day (HYD) organized by inter-
the statement following the release of a son religious organization Silsilah Movement.
of a senator and six others accused of killing a The participants, who hailed from 18 high
family of three 19 years ago. schools, colleges and universities, 5 youth
“The Supreme Court is not the last court. organizations and 6 communities mostly from
Anyway there is always a divine justice,” said Zamboanga City and Basilan, converged at the
Arigo who chairs the CBCP’s Commission on Harmony Village Auditorium, in Sinunuc town
Prison Pastoral Care. in this city for an affair themed “Youth: Bridging
Criminals / A6 January 3 - 16, 2011 Vol. 15 No. 1 Php 20.00 Zambo / A6

Pope urges religious tolerance,

condemns attacks on Christians
By Pinky Barrientos, FSP

POPE Benedict XVI appealed for religious tolerance

amidst surging persecution of Christians and urged
the faithful to commit themselves in building a
society that ensures freedom of worship as a means
to achieve peace in the world.
Allowing everyone to have Christians targeted
the freedom of worship is the The pope made the plea for
only way to peace, the Holy peace in the light of continued
Father said. persecution of Christians, espe-
“I implore all men and women cially in countries that suppress
of good will to renew their com- freedom of worship.
mitment to building a world For anyone to suffer persecu-
where all are free to profess their tion because of religious belief
religion or faith, and to express is an affront to God and human
their love of God with all their dignity, the Holy Father said.
heart, with all their soul and The pope noted in his new
with all their mind,” the pope year’s message the violent attack
said in his 2011 World Day of on Iraq Catholics in October 31
Peace message. last year that killed two priests
He said he prays “especially and over 50 faithful while gath-
for peace”, as he noted how the ered for the celebration of Holy
previous year has been again Mass at the Syro-Catholic Cathe-
“marked by persecution, discrim- dral of Our Lady of Perpetual
ination, terrible acts of violence Help in Baghdad.
and religious intolerance.” Pope Benedict expressed his
But even as he appealed for closeness to the suffering Chris-
peace on New Year’s Day, media tian community who endured
reported of a suicide bombing in more attacks in the aftermath of
Alexandria, Egypt that targeted violence.

© Noli Yamsuan / RCAM

Christian worshippers leaving “My thoughts turn in a special
a New Year’s mass at a Coptic way to the beloved country of
Orthodox Church. Iraq, which continues to be a
The bombing killed at least 21 theatre of violence and strife Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, is accompanied by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas as he sprinkles holy
water to the congregation last Dec. 27. Archbishop Adams led the formal transfer of the Episcopal Seat and the establishment of the Cathedral Church of the arch-
people and injured several oth- as it makes its way towards a diocese from church on Zamora St. to the church on Burgos St.
ers, according to reports. Pope / A6

Poverty, not a result of an increasing

population—CBCP head
DESPITE dehumanizing conditions of Quoting Pope Benedict XVI, he growth.” ing realities of poverty, injustice and
poverty and other social ills that grip said: “The extermination of millions The pope’s word clearly shows that unpeace that await Filipinos as a new
the country, the Church remains firm in of unborn children in the name of the poverty can be fought “even without year begins, the prelate said.
its stand that privation is not a conse- fight against poverty actually consti- depopulation,” Odchimar pointed Although hoping for a better life
quence of an increasing population. tutes the destruction of the poorest of out. ahead as New Year 2011 comes, Odchi-
CBCP president and Tandag Bishop all human beings. And yet it remains Assuring that God is “concerned mar said Filipinos should also be prag-
Nereo Odchimar, in a New Year Mes- the case that in 1981, around 40% of with the plight of his people”, Odchi- matic to the realities around them.
sage, said that poverty is not an effect the world’s population was below the mar told the faithful to “keep in the “This indubitable reality already
of increasing population, as he cited the threshold of absolute poverty, while memory of our hearts the goodness of manifests in different circumstances
worldwide campaign to stamp demo- today that percentage has been reduced the Lord, who sees us through in our of various groups of people such as:
graphic growth even “using methods by as much as half, and whole peoples joys and pains, despite our human the landless farmers, jobless Filipinos,
that often fail to respect even the right have escaped from poverty despite iniquities.” homeless urban poor, dislocated tribal Bishop Odchimar
to life.” experiencing substantial demographic This, even with the same disturb- Poverty / A6

Surigao del Norte officials back HB 13

IN what could be another boost to pro-life Other Purposes.”
advocacy, the provincial government of The media office of the Catholic Bishops’
Surigao del Norte has manifested its sup- Conference of the Philippines was fur-
port behind the Catholic Church in sup- nished with a copy of the Resolution No. 186
porting a measure that will protect unborn which was approved by Provincial Board of
children. Surigao del Norte during its regular session
All the 10 members of the provincial on December 6.
board unanimously approved a resolution “No implementing law of this particular
strongly supporting the passage of HB 13, provision of the Constitution has been
also known as “An Act Providing for the passed since its adoption in 1987, most
Safety and Protection of the Unborn & for Surigao / A6
www.img155.imageshack.us

Grand Knight ordained priest

A GRAND Knight of the Knights of Co-
lumbus was ordained to the priesthood by
Capiz Archbishop Onesimo Gordoncillo on
December 13.

Prelate slams terrorists’ attack on Jolo chapel Seminarian Anthony O. Aguason, 27, a
Grand Knight / A6

CAGAYAN de Oro Archbishop pines, conveyed his New Year’s mes- Fr. Romeo Villanueva, OMI
Antonio J. Ledesma joined other sage of peace in “solidarity with the was celebrating the Christmas
religious leaders in condemning victims of the Christmas day bombing” Day Mass at the chapel when a
the senseless attacks by terrorists at Sacred Heart Chapel in Jolo. bomb exploded and shattered
on a Catholic chapel in Jolo on The prelate said that “even as we the chapel’s roof.
Dec. 25. condemn the senseless bombings of in- The explosion left at least 11
Ledesma, who is also chairman nocent church-goers by some extrem- innocent civilians wounded,
of the Commission on Interreli- ists, we wish to express our message of including Fr. Ricky Bacolcol,
Illustration by Bladimer Usi
gious Dialogue of the Catholic peace and hope to all peoples of vari- Villanueva’s assistant.
Bishops Conference of the Philip- ous cultures and religious traditions. Jolo / A6

www.cbcponlineradio.com www.cbcphealthcare.org www.cbcpmedia.com

 World News
CBCP Monitor
A2 Vol. 15 No. 1
January 3 - 16, 2011

Underground priest appeals for religious

freedom, remembers late Bishop Gao Kexian BEIJING, China, Jan. 3, 2011—Reflecting
on the papal Message of World Day of

Vatican Briefing
Peace, an underground priest in Shan-
dong has called for the commemoration
of the late John Gao Kexian, the bishop
of his diocese, who died in detention
In new message, Pope focuses on religious liberty for in 2004.
Christians
Father John, who is in his 40s, told
Religious liberty — and the growing struggles of Christians AsiaNews that the message, with the
and Church institutions worldwide — has emerged this year theme “Religious Freedom, the Path to
as one of Pope Benedict XVI’s most pressing concerns. It’s a key Peace”, reminded him of the religious
agenda item in the Pope’s recent meetings with ambassadors persecution of Bishop Gao, who was
and world leaders. At present, Christians are the religious jailed because of his Catholic faith and
group that suffers most from persecution on account of its loyalty to the Holy Father.
faith,” Pope Benedict writes in a message to mark to the annual On 16 November 1999, Bishop Gao
World Day of Peace, which is celebrated Jan. 1. (CNA) was arrested for the second time in
Pingduming village, Yantai diocese.
His whereabouts were unknown there-
Church must repent, repair damage caused by clerical
after. In 2004, Bishop Gao’s family and
abuse, pope says local Catholics learnt that he had died,
In response to the “unimaginable” scandal of clerical sex abuse against ill, at the age of 77.
minors, the church must reflect, repent, and do everything possible The next day, only the family and
to rectify the injustices suffered by victims as it works to prevent such several government officials hurriedly
abuse from ever happening again, said Pope Benedict XVI. The pope buried the prelate’s body (see AsiaN-
said he and others were “dismayed” when, during a year dedicated ews, in Italian, 14 September 2004).
to the world’s priests, further cases of clerical sex abuse came to light Father John describes the prelate as
“to a degree we could not have imagined.” (CNS) loyal to the Church and to the Pope,

www.asianews.it
enthusiastic about evangelisation, who
Vatican deplores China’s ‘hostile acts’ as signs of fear, was “martyred for his faith”.
weaknesses United Front officials and official
The Vatican issued a sharp rebuke to China for forcing bishops and Church clergymen tried to get Bishop
others loyal to Rome to take part in elections for Catholic organiza- Gao to join the Patriotic Association but
tions controlled by the ruling communist party. The incidents “mani- he refused and insisted in his loyalty to
fest a repressive attitude with regard to the exercise of religious liberty, the Holy Father.
which it was hoped had been consigned to the past in present-day
China,” the Vatican said in a statement issued Dec. 17. (CNA)

Leaked cable notes Church’s opposition to ‘aggressive’

Pope remembers UK visit with fondness
LONDON, Jan. 1, 2011—Benedict XVI is
Born into a fervent Catholic family
in Zhoucun diocese in Shandong, he
entered minor seminary in Zhoucun
and major seminary in Jinan. In 1952,
for ever and restored life by means of his
population control recalling with “great fondness” his visit shameful death on the cross.” he was sentenced to reform-through-
A leaked State Department cable shows that the US Embassy to the last September to the United Kingdom. “Out of love for us he took upon himself labour, and was released in 1982. Or-
Holy See is reading Catholic statements on the environment through The Pope recorded a Christmas mes- our human condition, our fragility, our dained a priest in 1985, he taught at the
the lens of population control policy. The cable, released Dec. 19, is sage to all the people of that region, which vulnerability, and he opened up for us the Zhengding seminary from 1985 to 1997.
one of hundreds of thousands of unauthenticated US State Depart- was transmitted Dec. 24 over the radio path that leads to the fullness of life, to a He was clandestinely ordained bishop
ment documents being released through the WikiLeaks website. by BBC in London for the “Thought for share in the life of God himself,” Benedict of Yantai in 1997.
The Nov. 11, 2009 cable was apparently signed by US Ambassador the Day.” XVI noted. The Chinese government and some
to the Holy See Miguel Diaz. It explained that Pope Benedict XVI’s The Pontiff stated, “Recalling with great He added, “As we ponder this great mys- clergy in the official Church claim there
proposal to curb environmental degradation is to reject “excessive fondness my four-day visit to the United tery in our hearts this Christmas, let us give is religious freedom in China, he said,
materialism and consumerism.” The cable noted Vatican officials’ Kingdom last September, I am glad to have thanks to God for his goodness to us, and but he wondered how Bishop Gao, Bish-
past claims that the world’s most populous countries were not the the opportunity to greet you once again, and let us joyfully proclaim to those around us op Han Dingxiang of Yongnian (who
ones that released the most greenhouse gas. (CNA) indeed to greet listeners everywhere.” the good news that God offers us freedom died in 2007) and Bishop Fan Xueyan
“God is always faithful to his promises, from whatever weighs us down: he gives of Baoding (1992) died in detention, not
Pope hosts hundreds of poor at Vatican luncheon but he often surprises us in the way he us hope, he brings us life.” to mention the whereabouts of Bishop
Pope Benedict XVI hosted more than 350 poor people at a fulfills them,” the Holy Father affirmed. “Dear Friends from Scotland, England, Su Zhimin of Baoding and Bishop Shi
post-Christmas luncheon at the Vatican, an event that marked He continued: “The child that was born in Wales, and indeed every part of the English- Enxiang of Yixian.
this year’s 100th anniversary of the birth of Blessed Mother Bethlehem did indeed bring liberation, but not speaking world, I want you to know that I Father John was impressed by Bishop
Teresa of Calcutta. The pope passed among the guests in the only for the people of that time and place — he keep all of you very much in my prayers Gao’s silence, life of prayer and his
crowded atrium of the Vatican audience hall Dec. 26, then sat was to be the Savior of all people throughout during this holy season,” the Pope stated. loyalty to the Holy Father and the
down at a table with 14 others for a three-course meal that the world and throughout history. He affirmed: “I pray for your families, for Church.
featured lasagna, roast veal with potatoes and the classic Italian “And it was not a political liberation your children, for those who are sick, and Even though we did not talk about
“pandoro” Christmas cake — this one with melted chocolate that he brought, achieved through military for those who are going through any form religious freedom openly in those days,
and Chantilly cream. (CNS) means: Rather, Christ destroyed death of hardship at this time. (Zenit) I believe Bishop Gao was hoping to see
religious freedom in the country, he
said. (AsiaNews)

Jerusalem patriarch reviews lights, shadows of 2010

Notes satisfaction with record numbers of Holy Land pilgrims
JERUSALEM, Dec. 24, 2010— ties, whether in Arab countries tians in Baghdad in the Church of Christ.”
In his traditional message for or in Israel.” of Our Lady of Perpetual Help,
Christmas, the Latin Patriarch The patriarch expressed his saying, “These innocent victims Significant beginnings
of Jerusalem offered eight points satisfaction at record numbers are added to the thousands of Patriarch Twal praised “a very
to “emphasize above all the posi- of pilgrims to the Holy Land. victims of fundamentalism and significant gesture and [what]
tive events [of the Middle East] He explained that by Novem- violence afflicting our world.” may be a beginning of a fruit-
without, however, excluding the ber, some 3 million people had He spoke of his trips to Central ful collaboration in the future,
suffering and the concerns that visited the Holy Places. “This and South America, where he when peace will be established
remain.” number could still increase was able to visit people of the in this troubled land.” He was
His Beatitude Fouad Twal to arrive at nearly 3.4 million Middle East who have emigrated speaking of the offer from the
discussed issues ranging from visitors, a figure never reached to these lands. “Now they are all Palestinian Authority to make
the synod on the Middle East to before, even in 2000, the Jubilee well integrated into the local so- available teams of firefighters
the forest fires in Israel. Year,” he said. ciety, and many have expressed for the forest fires of Haifa.
Regarding the Oct. 10-24 syn- their willingness to support our Still, he said, “We suffer from
od, the patriarch thanked the Future projects projects in the Holy Land and the failure of direct peace nego-
Pope for convening it. He said, Patriarch Twal welcomed an come on pilgrimage,” he said. tiations between Israel and the
“During that time, we were able improvement in the process “Among the major projects that Palestinian Authority.”
www.unitedchristiancommunities.org

to put our fingers on our wounds for obtaining religious visas, the Latin Patriarchate is trying But the patriarch continued:
and our fears, and at the same though he affirmed, “We still to accomplish, I would like to “This should not lead us to
time express our expectations have a long way to go.” He also mention: the new pediatric hos- despair. We continue to believe
and our hopes. The synod called praised the resumption of talks pital in Bethlehem which will be that on both sides, and in the
on Christians in the Middle East between the Holy See and the named after Pope Benedict, the international community, there
to live as true believers and good Palestinian Authority for the University of Madaba, which are men of good will who will
citizens, not distancing from application of the basic agree- will open in October next year, work and put their energies to-
public life, but involved in the ment signed in 2000. And he and the new Pilgrims’ Center in gether in their commitment for
development of our communi- decried the massacre of Chris- Jordan, on the site of the Baptism peace.” (Zenit)

Japan’s bishops want Neocatechumenal Way to leave for five years

VATICAN City, Dec. 16, 2010—Citing 30 years. But in recent years, relations Father Romero said that 21 men are difficulties, he explained. searching to establish guidelines for the
years of “trouble,” Japan’s Catholic between Way leaders and the country’s enrolled in the Japanese seminary pro- “They say they want to be obedient to Way’s presence in Japan, Archbishop
bishops have asked the Neocatechu- bishops have hit rough waters. gram; two have been ordained since the the bishop in whose diocese we work, Takami said.
menal Way to cease activities in the Archbishop Peter Takeo Okada of To- facility was moved. Both new priests, an but they don’t do it, not completely, He did not know what exactly was
country for the next five years. kyo first spoke to the Pope in December Italian and a Japanese, are now working anyway, not sufficiently or in the proper said in the meeting between the Pope
Archbishop Joseph Mitsuaki Takami 2007. He described the Way’s presence in Rome. way,” he said. and his brother bishops. He did say that
of Nagasaki told CNA on Dec. 15 that in Japan’s small Catholic community as In conjunction with the seminary’s Problems are related not only to au- “all bishops of Japan surely are very
the bishops’ proposal, made directly to “a serious problem.” closing, the Vatican also appointed a thority but also to the way the Mass is interested in this meeting.”
the Way’s founder, Kiko Arguello, has The “powerful sect-like activity of vicar to cooperate with the bishops in celebrated. Archbishop Takami emphasized that
so far not been accepted. Way members is divisive and confronta- determining the administration of the While Way priests use the vernacular the bishops were united in wishing to
Archbishop Takami was reached by tional,” and has caused “sharp, painful Way’s continued presence in Japan. At Japanese in the Mass, songs and chants obey the Pope’s decisions on the future
phone at his home in Nagasaki. Four division and strife within the Church,” the time, the Vatican expressed “confi- used in the celebrations are not. “They of the Way in Japan.
other Japanese bishops took part in a he told the Pope. dence” that the seminary would, in the use everything they have according to He explained the proposal that the
Dec. 13 closed door meeting in Rome Further talks between the bishops future, “continue to contribute to the the spirituality of Kiko, which is very, bishops had made to Way cofounder,
with Pope Benedict XVI. and the Pope led to closing of the Way’s evangelization of Japan in ways deemed very different from our culture and our Kiko Arguello.
The Pope had called the meeting in seminary in Takamatsu in March 2009. most appropriate to this objective.” mentality,” Archbishop Takami said. The Way would cease operations
order to discuss the bishops’ proposal. Following the seminary’s closing, But Archbishop Takami said the prob- In addition, he said, Way members for five years and use that time “to
Archbishop Takami indicated that the seminarians were sent to the Way’s lems are difficult to resolve. The Way, promote their celebrations as superior reflect on their activities in Japan,” he
Pope was not comfortable with the plan. Rome seminary, Redemptoris Mater. he said, “has made a lot of trouble in the to the “imperfect” way the Mass is cel- explained.
Neither the Vatican nor officials of the Bishop Takaaki Hirayama, retired bish- Takamatsu Diocese in many areas.” ebrated by ordinary diocesan priests. “At the end, after the five years,” said
Neocatechumenal Way have made any op of Oita, Japan became its rector. He said that following his own experi- This also creates division within par- Archbishop Takami, “we will be ready
public comment on the meeting or the Father Angel Luis Romero, vice rec- ences with one Way priest and hearing ishes. to discuss things with them. We don’t
proposal. tor at Rome’s Redemptoris Mater, told of similar problems from other bishops, There is also the question of finances. want them to leave and never come
The charismatic Catholic group was CNA that neither he nor Bishop Hi- he had decided not to permit their min- The Way keeps its finances apart from back. No, no. We want them to work
founded in Spain in the 1960s and is rayama thought it prudent to make any istry in his archdiocese. those of the parish, which makes re- in a way that we would like, for that
dedicated to the ongoing religious statement for the moment. They expect Way priests’ divided obedience — porting to the government difficult and they will have to learn the Japanese
formation of adult Catholics. It has an official statement to be issued by the to both to local bishops and to their makes parishes weaker. language and particularly Japanese
been operating in Japan for more than Way in the near future. superiors in Tokyo — makes for great Frustrated Japanese bishops are still culture.” (CNA)
 News Features
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 1
January 3 - 16, 2011
A3

Benedict XVI recalls

victims of war
Asks Mary to Obtain Gift of Peace for the World
VATICAN City, Jan. 1, 2011—On this year just begun,” acknowledging “the He underlined the need to pray for
World Day of Peace, Benedict XVI is tragic events that mark history” and “every person and all peoples, par-
promoting awareness of the victims of “the logic of war that unfortunately is ticularly those who are responsible for
war and their sufferings. not yet entirely overcome.” governing” so that they would “walk
The Pope stated this today in St. Pe- The Holy Father noted the tradition ever more determined on the path of
ter’s Basilica in his homily during Mass of the Church, spread throughout the peace.”
for the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of world, to spend this first day of the New “The Virgin Mary gives us her Son,
God. He recalled in particular today’s Year praying for peace. shows us the face of her Son, the Prince
celebration of the World Day of Peace. “It is good to start a new phase of the of Peace,” the Pope said. “May she help
The Pontiff said, “Today we want to journey getting decisively on the path us to remain in the light of this face.”
recall the cry of so many men, women, of peace,” he affirmed. The Pontiff concluded, “May the
children and elderly victims of war, Benedict XVI continued, “We pray Mother of God accompany us in this

www2.pictures.zimbio.com
which is the most horrific and violent today that this peace, which the angels new year; may she obtain for us and
face of history.” proclaimed to the shepherds on Christ- for the whole world the desired gift of
He asked the Lord to “bless the new mas night, can reach every place.” peace.” (Zenit)

Doctrine office says Pope’s words on

condoms and AIDS were ‘manipulated’
VATICAN City, Dec. 21, 2010— The statement acknowledged
More than a month later, Pope the role of prostitution in spread-
Benedict XVI’s remarks about ing AIDS and said those who
condom use and AIDS, made have AIDS and still engage in
in his latest book, continue to sexual activity “are consciously
provoke commentary and con- putting the lives of others at risk
troversy. through behavior which has re-
The Vatican’s doctrine office percussions on public health.”
says the Pope’s words were What the Pope said was only
widely “manipulated for ends that “anyone who uses a con-
and interests which are entirely dom in order to diminish the
foreign to the meaning of his risk posed to another person
words” — resulting in “confu- is intending to reduce the evil
sion” about the Church’s true connected with his or her im-
teaching on sexual morality. moral activity,” according to the
But in fact the Pope did not statement.
change anything in Catholic The Vatican also countered
moral teaching or pastoral prac- claims made widely in the media
tice, the Congregation for the that the Pope was teaching that
Doctrine of the Faith said in a note condom use would be the “lesser
issued Dec. 21. of two evils.”
The 1,100-word clarification “An action which is objec-
note, “On the Trivialization of tively evil, even if a lesser evil,
australianmarianacademy.blog.com

Sexuality,” addressed remarks can never be licitly willed,” ac-

the Pope made in his new book- cording to the statement.
length interview with German “The Church teaches that
journalist Peter Seewald, “Light prostitution is immoral and

www.dc-cdn.virtacore.com
of the World” (Ignatius Press, should be shunned. However,
$22). those involved in prostitution
In the book, the Pope was asked who are HIV positive and who
to revisit remarks he made during seek to diminish the risk of con-
his 2009 trip to Africa. He repeat- tagion by the use of a condom
ed that condoms are not a “real or may be taking the first step in
moral solution” to the AIDS pandemic The Vatican said that “anyone who respecting the life of another — even
on the continent. However, he sug- reads” the Pope’s words in context if the evil of prostitution remains in all
gested that condom use, although never could see that the Pope was not talk- its gravity. This understanding is in full
moral or justifiable, might be sign of ing about the use of condoms by mar- conformity with the moral theological
moral awakening in some people.
He cited the example of a male pros-
titute using a condom. The Pope said,
ried couples, as some commentators
argued.
“As is clear from an attentive read-
tradition of the Church.”
The Vatican concluded that the
Church’s role in the fight against AIDS
Pope calls religious leaders to
“this can be a first step in the direction
of a moralization, a first assumption
of responsibility, on the way toward
ing of the pages in question, the Holy
Father was talking neither about conju-
gal morality nor about the moral norm
continues to be one of caring for those
infected with the disease and encour-
aging all men and women to “live
renew commitment to peace
recovering an awareness that not ev- concerning contraception,” it said. abstinence before and fidelity within VATICAN City, Jan. 1, 2011—The Egypt killed 21 Coptic Christians
erything is allowed and that one cannot “The idea that anyone could deduce marriage.” Pope invited religious leaders leaving Mass on Jan. 1.
do whatever one wants.” from the words of Benedict XVI that Quoting from the “Light of the from around the world to Assisi, In addition to calling for the
Pope Benedict’s words were widely it is somehow legitimate, in certain World,” the Vatican added: “It is also Italy to renew their commitment October meeting, Benedict XVI
reported as breaking with the Church’s situations, to use condoms to avoid important to condemn any behavior to peace. asked Catholics to pray “for peace
long-standing prohibitions against the an unwanted pregnancy is completely which cheapens sexuality because, as Pope Benedict announced plans throughout the world.”
use of artificial means of birth control. arbitrary and is in no way justified the Pope says, such behavior is the for the peace summit in his words “I invite all of you to join in
Such interpretations were “errone- either by his words or in his thought,” reason why so many people no longer before the Angelus on Jan. 1. The heartfelt prayer to Christ the Prince
ous,” according to the new Vatican it added. see in sexuality an expression of their October gathering will commemo- of Peace for an end to violence and
statement: “The intention of the Holy The Pope’s words instead referred love: ‘This is why the fight against the rate the 25th anniversary of the conflict wherever they are found.”
Father is clear: to rediscover the beauty to “the completely different case of banalization of sexuality is also part of first World Day of Prayer for Peace, The Pontiff then prayed that those
of the divine gift of human sexuality prostitution, a type of behavior which the struggle to ensure that sexuality is reported Vatican Radio. gathered receive “God’s abundant
and, in this way, to avoid the cheap- Christian morality has always consid- treated as a positive value and to enable The Pope’s announcement came blessings” in 2011. (CNA/EWTN
ening of sexuality which is common ered gravely immoral,” according to the it to have a positive effect on the whole shortly after suicide bombers in News)
today.” new statement. of man’s being.’” (CNA/EWTN News)

Religious group denounces Church admits concern for youth wanting

human rights violations MANILA, Dec. 15, 2010— A
catholic prelate has admitted
that the youth have been sadly
humbly admit,” said Baylon.
Baylon, also bishop of Legazpi
diocese, noted today’s “sad
he reiterated that they are the
future of the country and of the
church.
The prelate also said the
celebration will be doubly
meaningful because the CBCP
MANILA, Dec. 12, 2010—The program “Oplan Bantay Laya” abandoned by institutions, in- truth” that many of the young “During this CBCP Year of commission on youth will
current dismal situation of hu- also worries the group because cluding the Church. people are exploited and treated the Truth, let us together work mark its 25th anniversary in
man rights in the country has of human rights violations as- CBCP’s Commission on Youth “unjustly.” to intensify awareness about July 2011.
made the Aquino government sociated with it. Chair Joel Baylon made the ad- A good number of them, he the youth and their importance “Let us pray that there may be
no different from the previous “There will be no justice, free- mission as the Catholic Bishops’ lamented, also live under “abject to the life and activity of the wider participation and greater
administration, a group of reli- dom and peace for our people Conference of the Philippines poverty; others fall victim to church,” Baylon said. dedication in youth ministry,
gious and clergy said. until the Government take the formally launched today 2011 as drug addiction, child labor and “By our witness let us help leading to a meaningful and
The convenors of Religious welfare of the people, especially the “Year of the Youth”. prostitution. the young in our midst—in our fruitful service that is under-
Discernment Group, in a state- [those] of the urban and rural poor “Many of them feel aban- The church official said it’s homes, schools, communities, taken with the fullest attention
ment released on Dec. 4, has instead of the interests of local doned by the institutions that are high time to give the neces- etc—to find God in their lives and highest priority in every
denounced the spate of human elites and large foreign corpora- supposed to take care of them— sary attention and care that and generously answer His call way by all in the Church,” he
rights violations in the country. tions, as the starting point for all the Church included, we must the young Filipinos deserve, as to service and love,” he added. said. (CBCPNews)
They expressed shock at the development policies,” they said.

Eco groups call for decisive action on human rights, climate justice
fact that the new administration “We ask the Government to
of President Benigno Aquino has abandon plans to implement
an average of “one extra judicial Oplan… but rather to resume
killing per week.” peace talks with the NDFP and MANILA, Dec. 11, 2010—Environmentalists we are trashing the earth that we have now? Sec. Ramon Paje to please uphold the rights
“The number of sectoral lead- MILF to ensure that the roots of called on President Benigno Aquino for deci- We call on PNoy, the DENR and concerned of our indigenous brothers and sisters—who
ers, particularly peasants, jailed injustice are stamped out,” the sive action on the issue of human rights and cli- offices, ACT NOW! ENVIRONMENTAL are greatly affected by the aggressive entry
on false charges has continued group further said. mate justice during the worldwide observance RIGHTS IS HUMAN RIGHTS!” he stressed. of large-scale mining operations and made
to increase,” they said. Signatories to the statement of Human Rights Day on December 10. Around 200 rallyists gathered outside the more vulnerable because of the climate
Illegally detained Morong were convenors Fr. Wilfredo Du- Green groups and climate justice activists Department of Energy and Natural Resourc- crisis. We also plead for justice for mining
43 who have been in jail since lay, MJ, Fr. Quirico Pedregosa, joined human rights organizations in de- es (DENR) Central office in Quezon City, heroes and martyrs!” he said.
February this year, were ordered Jr., OP, Fr. Gregorio Obejas, manding justice for victims of human rights reminding government to stop its harmful Garganera said he expects the president
released by Aquino on Decem- OSM, Fr. Tito Maratas, MSC, Fr. violations in mining areas. mining policies that kill people and displace and the DENR to take decisive action on the
ber 10. Joselito Sarabia, CM, Sr. Ailyn Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator communities. issue of human rights and climate justice.
The government’s failure to Binco, RGS, Sr. Pat Fox, NDS, of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), said environ- Garganera urged DENR Sec. Ramon Paje Human rights defenders kicked off their ob-
bring to justice the perpetrators Sr. Angelita Navarro, ICM and mental and human rights go together and to uphold the rights of indigenous peoples servance of Human Rights Day at the Quezon
of human abuses is an “indict- Sr. Rebecca Pacete, MMS. government should take crucial action to who are greatly affected by mining opera- Memorial Circle. The rallyists first trooped to
ment” of Aquino’s “and daan The group’s advent gather- protect the environment. tions. the Department of Agrarian Reform then pro-
matuwid” (righteous path) man- ing was held to discern their “All these issues of mining, human rights “We join the human rights groups in their ceeded to DENR. The march is part of the 10
date, the group said. prophetic role in promoting and and climate justice go hand in hand as this call to uphold human rights for everyone. Human Rights Violations (HRV) Stops call to
The continued implementa- defending human rights in the is our world we are talking about, our land Invoking our right to a sound ecology and President Aquino “Tigilan na ang pambobola!
tion of the counter-insurgency country. (CBCPNews) and our life. Where will we all be tomorrow if climate justice principles, we call on DENR PNoy, Aksyon na!” (CBCPNews)
 A4 Opinion CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 1
January 3 - 16, 2011

EDITORIAL

Intolerance

“A MAN who is convinced of the truth of his religion is indeed

never tolerant,” Albert Einstein was once quoted. But that is, of
course, a way of saying. What is pervasive is religious intolerance
that maybe regarded as an anthropological phenomenon that
has been around since day one.
At a Country Report on Human Rights a couple of years ago,
John Shattuck of the U.S. State Department for Democracy
wrote: “Ethnic and religious conflict remain the most intractable
and dangerous problems in the world today.”
This issue is again coming to the fore due to recent spate of
violence committed against Churches. On Christmas evening
80 people died in bomb attacks in villages around Jos, Nigeria
which included onslaught on Churches in the Nigerian city of
Maiduguri that left 6 dead. Here in Jolo, a bomb detonated
at a Catholic chapel while the mass was being celebrated on
Christmas day, injuring a priest and several churchgoers. About
30 minutes into the New Year, as the Eucharistic celebration
ended in a Church of the Coptic Christian tradition in Alexandria,
Egypt, a car bomb exploded, killing nearly 2 dozen faithful
and injuring about 80 others as they made their way out of the
church. Violence continued in Iraq during the Christmas season
as an Islamic extremist group made good its threat to kill more
Christians by planting bombs in their homes thereby forcing
them to leave.
There are more of these as the one in Baghdad last October 31,

Illustration by Bladimer Usi

2010 when Our Lady of Salvation Syrian Catholic Church was
attacked allegedly by Islamic terrorists during a Sunday evening
mass that left 63 dead including 2 priests and 120 wounded.
Of late these attacks and continued suppression of religious
freedom are commonplace mostly in some Asian countries so
that a news report quoted the pope as saying that Christians are
the most persecuted religious group due to their faith—although
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, speaking to participants of the U.S.
Conference for the World Council of Churches in 2000 thinks
further: “It was Christians, you know, not pagans, who were Fr. James H. Kroeger, MM
The work of Christmas
responsible for the Holocaust. It was Christians, not pagans,
who lynched people here in the South, who burned people at
the stake, frequently in the name of this Jesus Christ.”
Pope Benedict XVI’s Christmas and New Year’s messages were
loaded with calls for peace. In recent months he has spoken
Living Mission begins
of repeatedly on religious freedom which culminated with his
January 1 message for the 44th World Day of Peace: “Religious LAST year I received an attrac- Epiphany seriously means more manifestation to all humanity. The and did him homage” (Mt. 2:11);
freedom, the path to peace.” He said: “Whoever is making tive Christmas card containing than a series of celebrations, Christmas narrative in Luke’s then they returned to their own
his way toward God cannot fail to transmit peace, and whoever this beautiful reflection: “When the exchange of gifts, and the Gospel (2:1-20) portrays the country.
builds peace cannot fail to draw nearer to God.” the shepherds are back with enjoyment of special holiday revelation of Christ to the Jews Leaving Bethlehem. Note that
their flocks [and the magi have foods. We are to take our hu- (symbolized by the shepherds). no one remains in Bethlehem.
Indeed, peace and religious freedom is an equation. Contrary
to Einstein’s observation, the mark of a man who is deeply returned to their country], let the manity seriously, to embrace it, Matthew’s version (2:1-12) nar- The shepherds and wise men go
convinced of the truth of his religion is the pursuit of peace—and, work of Christmas begin: to find to respect and defend it. Why? rates the epiphany of Jesus to to testify as to what they have
therefore, tolerance. the lost, to heal the broken, to God has created us in his image the Gentiles (symbolized by seen and heard. Even the Holy
feed the hungry, to rebuild na- in the flesh, and the very Word the magi); the Messiah’s saving Family is forced to flee as refu-
tions, to bring peace among all of God became flesh. Christmas presence reaches beyond the gees into Egypt for safety from
peoples, to make music in the and Epiphany make clear that bounds of Israel. Both shepherds Herod’s murderous designs
heart.” In short, we are not to God’s love embraces all flesh, all and magi praise and worship (Mt. 2:13-15). Scripture exegetes
remain in Bethlehem; we are to humankind. the new-born savior. The shep- detect a clear note of mission in all
go out into the world and “in- The dual feasts of Christ- herds went home “glorifying these narratives. When Jesus the
Development, Justice and Peace carnate” the compassion of the mas and Epiphany do not only and praising God for all they savior is encountered, one joy-
Incarnate Word. emphasize the Lord’s birth; had heard and seen” (Lk. 2:20). fully spreads the good news to
Thus, taking Christmas and they proclaim his presence, his The magi “fell to their knees Living Mission / A5
BY development we mean the development of every person
and of the whole person, of all people, especially the poor by
reason of the evangelical option for the poor. (Cf. Luke 6:18) Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS
Several UN “Decades of Development” have come and gone,
and still we witness increasing poverty and widening of the gap
between rich and poor. Beware of Anti-Life
The causes can be analyzed to death. Often we hear the facile
attribution of our situation of poverty and underdevelopment to
strategies and tactics Love Life
the many natural disasters that we have suffered and continue to
suffer. They do have something to do with our poverty. But we THE term “anti-life” refers to the individu- human beings have infected even naive of the situation beyond their own
cannot ignore the part human responsibility plays. (Cf. Amos 1:6) als and organizations that have turned so the “Earth-God” very limited sphere of influence. Without a
The unrestrained polluting of air and water resources through far away from God that they feel free of all Animal-rights activists who insist that ani- wider vision, they cannot properly grasp the
power plants and factories and the abusive exploitation of our constraints. They have become primarily mals are morally equal to implication of the strategies employed by the
natural resources through, for instance, irresponsible mining and self-centered, and are willing to commit any human beings, or even superior to them. enemy. It is critically important to know how
logging, geothermal plants and dams, etc. continue unabated in act that will result in self-gratification. They “Peace and justice” groups that support the anti-life enemy operates if we hope to
many parts of our country, slowly destroying for the sake of short are literally “consumed with freedom”. In abortion and the win the battle. It is also important to know
term financial gains for the few and powerful elite the very life
extreme cases, of course, other human be- United States “contraceptive imperialism” how the individual members of the anti-life
system of our environment: We live under a social structure in
which graft and corruption have been deeply imbedded. ings may even kill to satisfy this urge. The movement think, so that we can protect
anti-philosophy views human life as less The above list may seem shocking, offen- our selves and the interest of our families in
Our impoverishment, we see, are due to many factors. But than sacred, or assumes that some classes sive or judgmental to some pro-lifers, but day-to-day life.
greed for power and wealth is today, more than ever it seems, of human life are more worthy of existence one should consider the millions of people, Anti-life strategies are very adept indeed
the greatest contributing factor. It has led to the worsened than others. from the unborn stage to the elderly, who at manipulating public opinion and action
deprivation of many, to the exodus of men and women in quest Using this definition, the following groups have been wiped out by these groups’ mili- that are all based primarily upon deception
of word abroad, to the gaining of easy money through criminality are among, those that would be classified as tant cry from their own type of freedom, to and half-truths. They appear to be harmless
and exploitive vice. “anti-life”: have the grasp of the enormity of the anti-life and lull the average person into thinking
Pro-abortion and pro-euthanasia activists united force. that he or she will not be adversely affected
More than ever, we are keenly aware that criminality and
development are antithetical, and so are poverty on the one Radical Neofeminists The anti-life movement are so consistent by the social agenda that the Neoliberals are
hand, and justice and peace on the other. There is an intimate Radical Homosexual-rights organizations in their methods because they all have a pushing. Not joining their demand for rights
linkage between the one and the other. The enduring solution to Pornographers single coherent and easily-deniable focus makes one feel narrow minded and unjust.
criminality and vice is thus not simply the imposition of quick Those who view other human beings as from “Freedom especially freedom from The Neoliberals gospel of freedom and toler-
justice, sadly lacking as it is, but more basically the genuine objects such as prostitution agents, responsibility.” That is why we call them the ance is much more appealing to man’s fallen
equitable development of every person in civil society. rapists, pedophiles. “neoliberals” to distinguish them from the nature than self-sacrifice and self- discipline.
Population control and birth control liberals who have and are genuinely fighting This is the primary reason that is why it is
The ultimate solution to poverty is not simply economic groups for the most oppressed human beings. so very easy for a nation to slide down from
development but even more basically, justice and peace—justice Atheist Marxists, Communists, and many On the other hand the goals of the Pro- contraception to abortion to euthanasia and
to address the inequitable structures of society which beget Socialists life movement are more varied and difficult all forms of immorality, and why it is so dif-
poverty; peace to provide the conditions under which we Radical Environmentalists who believe that to define. Many prolifers are unaware and Love life / A7
can work out our development. On justice and peace, then,
true human development is based. From justice and peace,
development is begotten.
Fr. Roy Cimagala
Development—The Fruit of Justice and Peace, 1996
Ad astra per aspera
Candidly Speaking
www.cbcpmonitor.com
cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net
THAT means “to the stars economies. when finally needed. It´s like an big and relatively young and
through difficulties or hard- We are witnessing these days addiction. To treat it, one has to productive population in Chi-
work,” more or less. It simply dramatic shifts of power and proceed with extreme caution na and India are driving their
reminds us that if we want nice reversals of fortunes in many but with unwavering determi- economies forward, while the
things in life like progress, devel- parts of the world. And I can’t nation. dwindling population in Europe
opment, wealth, health, etc., we help but note that behind these In the US, efforts to solve are giving them nightmares.
have to work hard for it. In short, painful changes is the wanton their grave economic problems They also mentioned that
avoid good, easy life. violation of the principle “ad through bailouts and stimulus what can save the US now is
Pedro C. Quitorio Kris P. Bayos I’m happy that many schools astra per aspera.” spending have so far failed to their relatively young and pro-
Features Editor have adopted this as a motto. I I have read that in France, for achieve the desired results. The ductive population profile as
Editor-in-Chief
just hope that they manage to in- example, the government deci- reasons are many, but all that compared that in many parts of
Pinky Barrientos, FSP Gloria Fernando culcate this very important value sion to extend the retirement age reflect a spoiled mentality of Europe.
Marketing Supervisor to the students. Through the from 60 to 62 as a fiscal measure entitlements and privileges. This should alert us of the
PUBLICATION LAYOUT BY KRIS BAYOS

Associate Editor
years, I’ve verified how students to mitigate their economic crisis, It’s feared that the US will not danger in our mindless effort
Melo M. Acuña Ernani M. Ramos who study and work hard really was met with stiff, violent pro- only suffer a single dip in reces- to approve the RH Bill. To all
Managing Editor Circulation Manager succeed, while those floating in tests from the people sion, but a double dip, a double intents and purposes, that bill
“good life” sink sooner or later. In England, where a veritable whammy. Remember that they will reconstitute our healthy at-
Roy Q. Lagarde Marcelita Dominguez This seems validated when we welfare state is ruling their edu- have been playing around the titude toward population. It will
News Editor Comptroller
consider the current world situa- cational system, similar protests financial markets for so long, put the contraceptive mentality
tion. Many so-called developed also erupted against the proposal creating a bubble and a fantasy in place, and will make us fear
countries that have been having to cut down on educational sub- world for a while until things babies and people. It will set us
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP Communica- a good time for decades are now sidies. There are worse examples cannot be put up anymore. up for a big fall in the future.
tions Development Foundation, Inc., with editorial and business offices in deep crisis, while many poor in many European countries. Meanwhile, some serious stud- We should learn precious
at 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila. P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO. countries accustomed to hard That´s because when people ies, reported in very respectable lessons from what is unfolding
Editorial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612.; ISSN 1908-2940
life are emerging to be potential get used to easy life, it is very media outlets like Bloomberg in many places these days. The
saviors of the floundering rich hard to break away from it and The Economist, claim that Candidly Speaking / A7
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 1
January 3 - 16, 2011
Opinion A5
Fr. Carmelo O. Diola, SSL Ambassador Henrietta T. de Villa

Rites of passage
Spaces of Hope Faith and Fire
The poor are our future
LIZA is a third-year college addictions; apart from chemical ***** their masters. Gangs test their
student taking up political sci- substances, many young people But where do we begin? new recruits.
ence in one of the universities in are addicted to the internet. A study reveals that for Asians,
Cebu. She is bright, articulate,
and exhibits good leadership
Physical exertion has given
way to a sedentary life with a
permeated by Confucian ethics,
the most basic need in Maslow’s
*****
The sacrament of initiation is
and the future is now
traits. This lands her in the resulting rise in obesity even as hierarchy of needs is not physio- actually a rite of passage. Sadly,
dean’s list. malnutrition continues. logical, rather the need to belong. this dimension is often over- MAY I share with you my talk delivered during the 150th an-
She recently joined a group Sadly, many support systems Once an individual belongs to a looked nowadays with baptism niversary of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Philippines at
of young people who have have broken down. The lack or group, the latter provides for his and confirmation viewed merely the Sta. Isabel College on December 9, 2010:
discovered the joys of an early- absence of parental figures, par- or her physiological, safety, and as legal or social requirements, Today marks the closing rites of our celebration of the Foun-
morning run. After one such ticularly father figures, affects other needs. A sense of family rather than entering the thresh- dation of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the Philippines
run, the group invites her to the psycho-emotional lives of the and community must first be old of new life. In the early 150 years ago. That is a long time. Any movement, associa-
partake of breakfast to which she young, including their sense of nurtured. Church, becoming a Christian tion, company, or society that can last for a century and a half
automatically declines. “I am not identity. Males seem to be most This need to belong manifests was a meaningful, often an emo- must have something extraordinary in it. SSVP has not just
hungry,” she said. vulnerable to this weak link. itself in many ways and often- tional, experience with clearly- one extraordinary thing, it has three. It has God. It has the
Her reaction is strange, as Furthermore, material poverty times it is the group that offers defined periods of separation, Poor. And it has YOU, the Filipino Vincentians. God, who is
she had just finished running 2 manifests itself in widening the a sense of family that manages transition, and incorporation. our salvation. The Poor, who are our way to God. And you,
kilometers non-stop. educational gap between the rich to increase its ranks and bring The unintended de-emphasis who must be the presence of God to the Poor. The Poor, since
I approach Liza to inquire and the poor. in the faithful. The youth are of Baptism, Confirmation, and they are our way to God, are therefore our Future.
about her strange behavior It is no surprise that the mid- especially vulnerable to this at- Eucharist as composing a rite If only this were a conference, it would be interesting to come
and soon my suspicions are life crisis of yesteryears have traction. of passage has implications for up with an in-depth exposition on their connectivity – God,
confirmed: she has developed given way to the so-called first- our identity as Christians. Might the Poor, and the Vincentian. Perhaps Mayleen, Buddy and
a routine of “memorizing” her quarter crisis of today’s genera- ***** this not be a factor in split-level Ed, our Trinitarian Vincentian servant-leaders, O, they have
breakfast and lunch since her tion. Closely connected to this need Christianity or in our struggle to been faithful, with the support of International Vincentian
daily allowance only covers In addition, it is also not easy to belong is the process of be- connect being a good Christian Superior General, dear Michael Thio, could organize one such
transportation. Liza used to live to connect one’s Christian faith coming part of a group. with being a good citizen and a colloquium in the near future. For certainly Vincentian Spiri-
with her grandparents until her with citizenship and leadership. According to anthropologists, good leader? tuality, as we scan the signs of the times, needs to be propelled
grandfather, whom she was very Even here the toxic fumes of people are not simply born but Perhaps the sad initiation by new methods, new expressions and new fervor.
close to, died. Now she lives with individualism, relativism, mate- they are made what they are of many youth leaders into a But tonight is a moment for the heart. I was thinking last
her uncle and aunt. rialism, and the lack of good role through rites of passage, how- corrupt political culture can be night ... an inspirational talk ... but only the Holy Spirit inspires.
I do not know how Liza does it models have seeped in the lives ever formal or informal these counteracted with youth move- And true enough, I felt the Spirit rushing me as I recalled my
and how long she would last. of the young. A generation ago, processes are. The latter always ments or activities that provide Vincentian years. If only my time and attention were not being
only grown-ups engaged in po- involves a separation, transition, a positive process initiating co-opted by the PPCRV, it would have been fantastic to gather
***** litical corruption; now even kids and incorporation. Separation the young with human and our poor friends of my Vincentian season ... our Maestranza
It is not easy to be a young per- are initiated into it early on. involves the suspension of or civic values as well as Christian squatter families—30 of them—for this foundation anniversary
son nowadays. There seems to be There is also the disturbing withdrawal from the ordinary virtues. celebration. They would have been authentic reasons for in-
more challenges and obstacles on pattern of rising membership or accustomed way of life of the Physical fitness would be spiration, for celebration.
their journey towards physical, in gangs and youth organiza- initiate. Transition is the period an entry point of the process. Since they are not here, I would like to share some stories
emotional, intellectual, psychic, tions that extol violence. A gen- marking the movement from an This recognizes the body as of our person-to-person contact with the poor in that extraor-
and spiritual integration. eration ago, kids settled quarrels accustomed way of life to a new the temple of the Holy Spirit. dinary space of being with them and for them.
The youth has many sources through fistfights; now many use role or identity. Incorporation is While the youth’s zest for life Maestranza was a 2000 square meter squatter colony in In-
of anxiety not faced by their guns to settle disputes. A genera- the intended end result of such and for healthy competition are tramuros populated by some three hundred families, with no
parents, like global warming and tion ago, even grown-ups were rites of passage. recognized, physical fitness must water system and sharing only 4 holes on the ground toilet fa-
other environmental concerns. reluctant to admit they were us- Researchers have even found ultimately be seen as a process of cilities then. It was awful. The first time I went there, the stench
There are many more sources ing condoms, now condoms are a positive correlation between making the Holy Spirit at home choked my throat, my stomach, my brain. The air could hardly
of distractions resulting from the easily accessible to practically all the degree to which persons in the temple of our bodies. squeeze through the barung-barongs that were the dwelling
convergence in modes of com- age groups. suffer for an experience and The said process would give places of some 1800 people. If the Poor are our Future, and
munication and a fast-paced, Yet, these disturbing develop- the value that they attach to a sense of family to the young with so many poor around us, then that Future is now.
instant, info-overloaded soci- ments are also golden opportu- the experience. This insight is who face many challenges. The A barung-barong I entered had this young mother who
ety, not to mention a rapidly- nities to reach out anew to the confirmed in actual practice. many “Lizas” out there certainly just gave birth 2 days ago and already she was washing the
shrinking, globalized world contemporary Filipino youth. Cadets go through their plebe deserve a fighting chance. tablecloths and napkins of a nearby restaurant for which she
where ideas and trends quickly There are spaces of hope among year. Seminarians are socialized (For comments, email Fr. Melo was paid 2 pesos per piece. What riveted my attention was
and indiscriminately spread. the youth waiting to be ignited into the clerical culture. Ap- at frmelodiola@gmail.com or visit her baby, 2 days old, lying on the floor on top of a stack of
There are many more sources of or are already being ignited. prentices learn the craft from www.dilaab.net) newspapers, old newspapers. I cannot forget how that night
I could not sleep, how I cried remembering that baby and her
crib of old newspapers. I was even questioning God. Where
Rev. Euly B. Belizar, SThD is your justice? God, where are you? And then I realized I
A new and happy year? was lying on my soft mattress with a soft comforter to keep
me warm in my airconditioned room. And my bedsheet and
pillow cases matched the paisley prints of my comforter. And
Be or stay pro-life By the Roadside I had six sets of such beddings in my closet. I felt ashamed
questioning God about his justice when it was I who was not
living the justice of God. And I remembered Jesus when he
was born had only a manger from which animals ate as his
FATHER William Bausch tells of a cartoon St. John’s gospel that we read on Christmas truth), my freedom suffers from slavery to crib. And I dared to ask God where are you. He is there. He
first published in the magazine The New Day (Jn 1:14). The Eternal conjoined himself false values. is here. He is the Poor. The Poor, our way to God.
York World in 1925 to celebrate the birthday with our mortal nature. Isn’t that enough Fourth step: Submit to, and work for, an Then I remembered Australia. Panasco—the Australian
of Abraham Lincoln. The cartoon has become indication of the direction of true transfor- education towards respect for life from its Vincentian Conference I attended for the first time with May-
a classic. In it two farmers from Kentucky are mation? That direction must, to read the origins, sexuality according to its objective leen. We were toured to different SSVP hostels where the poor
chatting over a fence. One says, “What’s mind of John Paul II, lead us to the “Gospel meaning fulfilled in the gift of self to another could find free food and shelter for the night. These hostels
new? Anything new happened lately?” The of Life”, Jesus Christ himself (Evangelium in marriage, chastity respecting the ‘espousal had pantries as big as those of our restaurants in Manila, with
other farmer answers, “Oh, nothing much. Vitae, 29). The Incarnation is our clue. He meaning of the body’ as well as responsible groceries that could feed an army. And they were all there for
Just a new baby born in Tom Lincoln’s place must also take flesh in our daily life. Only he parenthood founded on moral values (EV the poor for free. And the Australian poor in terms of mate-
last night. There’s really nothing new around promises Life and fulfills it too. “I came that 97). In a word, listen to the many ways the rial and physical measures can in no way be compared to our
here.” Then Fr. Bausch delivers the punch: they may have life and have it to the full”, gospel of Jesus Christ is being made flesh in Filipino poor. Side by side, the former would look rich. When
“I’m sure there were folks who said the says he (Jn 10:10). our life today. they asked me to share my impressions in an assembly during
same thing in Bethlehem on the night Jesus I believe that in re-reading Evangelium Fifth step: Promote a “new lifestyle” fol- that Conference, I couldn’t keep myself from crying when I
was born. I can picture them—can’t you?— Vitae we get ample guidance on how to live lowing the primacy of being over having, realized how very, very poor our Filipino poor were.
standing on the corner, just outside the inn. the Incarnation and have newer, happier of the person over things (EV 98). Am I or is But SSVP Australia had such a big heart. Rupe Hudson,
‘Anything new happened around here?’ ‘No, lives. my family/community more concerned with their National President then poured out funds to set up
just a baby down in the stable. Nothing much First step: Develop a “deep critical sense, being good human beings and Christians projects in the Philippines. They funded the community hall
ever happens around here.’” capable of discerning true values and au- rather having more money, earning, profits, in Maestranza. Through our Sipalay Negros Conference, they
In other words, we tend to miss the point thentic needs” (EV 95). His quote from St. possessions? Am I or is my family/com- gave the capital to purchase carabaos for the poor farmers
of Christmas or even, to a degree, New Year. Paul is extremely helpful: “Walk as children munity more into improving relationships there. They even funded two projects in Smokey Mountain,
Just as Americans in Lincoln’s time didn’t of light…and try to learn what is pleasing among ourselves and with other people then the garbage dumpsite of Metro Manila where legions of
realize his greatness when he was born, we to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful rather than into achieving the best financial our poor lived. These two projects were: 1) industrial-type
Christians in our time don’t realize the awe- works of darkness” (Eph 5:8, 10-11). Is this status or the most number of projects? sewing machines that helped Smokey Mountain Community
some significance of the birth of Jesus. We decision/action/object my family and I Sixth step: Reconcile people with life and bag a Giordano sub-contract for the manufacture of T-Shirts;
tend to notice the sensational and basically have chosen following the Gospel or pleas- give witness to the true meaning of love in and 2) soap-making livelihood project.
what pleases us. We miss the real LIGHT ing mostly to my friends at the office or my self-giving and in the joyful acceptance of Then I remembered Kiko, a 9-year old Smokey Mountain
and LIFE wrapped in the utter simplicity and political circle? others (EV 99), Do I see other human be- boy. Once when I went there to visit I saw him rummaging
poverty of the manger and the swaddling Second step: Unite your faith and your ings, even babies, as threats to my space through the garbage when suddenly his eyes lighted up. He
clothes of Baby Jesus. life, starting at home, in your own choices, and my share of the earth’s goods? Or do grabbed a half eaten sandwich and without hesitation gobbled
These first few days of 2011 we will be in your own family, in your community (EV I feel a genuine sense of brotherhood with it up. He scrounged through another pile of garbage, again his
greeting one another, as in every circum- 95). I remember a lady who works for a them because of my faith in Jesus Christ who eyes lighted up. He pulled out a dirty torn magazine. As he
stance years earlier, “Happy New Year!” Catholic institution and very proud of it. But dwells in every human being and to whom went through its pages, his eyes became bigger and bigger.
Maybe we should ask why we have such she is a firm advocate of the RH Bill. People I owe the gift of myself no less? I peered behind his shoulders to see what delighted him so.
a fetish for the new. New pieces of news, ask in whispers: “Hello, don’t you see your Again let me illustrate a bit. A boy of ten I saw him savoring a page with naked women in different
new clothes, new shoes, new ideas etc. I slip showing?” Why declare yourself Catho- went caroling with friends one December poses. What is the future for Kiko? He lives on garbage. He
believe it’s basically because we are seeking lic Christian but deny it by what you do? night in a far barangay. When he came home, eats garbage. He inhales garbage, His eyes feast on garbage.
the transformation that satisfies our inner Third step: Submit to conscience formation he didn’t have as much money or goodies What will Kiko be when grows up? Garbage. The Poor are
desires for goodness, beauty, truth, justice, that must include two important criteria: as other kids of other groups. But he was our Future. The Future is Kiko?
peace, all the absolutes in life. Since nothing (a) inseparability of life and freedom; and surprisingly happy. His mother asked him How bleak for a celebration, isn’t it? But then, we have God.
earthly really brings us contentment, we set- (b) inseparability of freedom and truth (EV why he seemed happier. He said, “Because Vincentians may have enormous problems coping with the
tle for the sensational and whatever catches 96). That is to say, whatever hurts life, hurts we gave more tonight than we received, works of charity you have to come up with. But we have God.
our attentions at the moment. Result? We freedom, and vice versa; whatever is not Nanay. Most of the houses we went to said, And God is love. And now Smokey Mountain has been lev-
miss the eternal and the lasting. based on objective truth does not lead to ‘Utang la anay’ [Waray for ‘Patawad’ (We eled and from the garbage heap low cost tenement buildings,
All the more reason then for us to hear true freedom. If I say that my shirt is white owe you)…” He realized he was giving when pretty much like condominiums, have risen as houses for the
the late John Paul II’s plea that we work for when it is black (objective truth), then I’m he sang carols receiving nothing in return. poor. The poor who must live as human beings, as sons and
a transformation of our culture and society, not free from having told a lie. If I say hap- Who says it’s impossible to understand daughters of God. There are no children of a lesser God. We
such that lasting values start to put on flesh. piness means good sex and material comfort the true meaning of Christmas and Happy have only one Father in heaven. And this gives us hope—the
“And the Word was made flesh”, so declares (lie) instead of union with God (objective New Year? breathing space to hope extravagantly.
But the misery of the Filipino poor continues. And bleak-
Living Mission / A4
ness has not disappeared. It will be bleak, very bleak, if our
others. Christmas and Epiphany in our common humanity, in times to assist a variety of people Artaban. Are we truly “wise” definition of Poor and of Future were detached from Jesus.
are antidotes to any temptation the flesh. Indeed, the work of who needed his charitable help. men searching for the messiah? The POOR we must see as JESUS, the Way, the Truth and the
to privatize or domesticate the Christmas, the task of “enflesh- Yet, Artaban did not give up; He is no longer in Bethlehem or Life. This must be so especially for Vincentians. The Future
good news of God’s transform- ing” our Christmas experience, he continued his journey, al- Jerusalem. He is present in our we must understand as the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of
ing love in the world. now begins in the world. ways helping people along the needy brothers and sisters. As Love, Justice and Peace. The Kingdom that Vincentians must
Indeed, the revelation of God’s Other Wise Men? There is way. He spent all his treasures we offer our gifts to the least see as JESUS.
Word in our world is not only for an interesting story told by the aiding the needy. Finally, after among us, we are truly giving Celebrating our 150 years of being and doing is tracing back
some selected, privileged few; it American pastor and poet Henry a life-long journey and now them to Christ. The message is the way we have lived, the way we have loved, the way we
is for every living creature—all van Dyke; in 1896 he penned the empty-handed, he found Jesus clear—whether we read it in the have served. Defining a Vincentian must be an evaluation if
people, without exception. Old lengthy short story The Fourth in Jerusalem—journeying to New Testament or whether it we have lived the way Jesus lived, if we have loved the way
and young, women and men, Wise Man. In this narrative, there Calvary. Jesus told him that all is communicated to us through Jesus loved, if we have served the way Jesus served. In short, to
sick and healthy, weak and was a fourth magi named Arta- his gifts had been received: “As a contemporary short story. paraphrase a theologian: a Vincentian must be a re-definition
strong, simple and wise—all ban. He arrived in Bethlehem long as you have done it to the Generous and self-giving faith of what it means to be human.
are both recipients as well as late, only to learn that the Holy least of my brethren, you did it enables us to see and encounter Let me end with a song that I learned from our Mother
proclaimers of Jesus’ presence. Family had already departed. to me” (Mt. 25:40). Christ in others—and freely offer Butler Guild seminar last month. It touched me so much
And, what is more, we cannot He was delayed in his journey, Friends, we all are on a life- our gifts to them, to Him. Let the Faith and Fire / A7
now meet him anywhere except because he had stopped several long journey like the fictional work of Christmas begin!
 Local News
CBCP Monitor
A6 Vol. 15 No. 1
January 3 - 16, 2011

Doctors seek ban on abortifacients Archbishop prays for

THE Philippines’ largest group
of doctors urged the Department
of Health to get rid of “abortifa-
may violate our solemn oath as
physicians to save and protect
human life particularly the un-
the implantation of the living fer-
tilized ovum in the uterus of the
mother is abortive,” Tinio said.
and so is the CBCP. We doctors
took an oath to save and protect
human life and that includes the
progress founded on ethics
cients” that may be present in born,” Tinio said. A fertilized ovum results from unborn child. The PMA and the STRESSING the importance happen if one has a right
inventories of the agency’s fam- The letter to Ona was an off- the union of the sperm and egg CBCP stands united on this,” of ethical practices in the pur- relationship with God and
ily planning program. shoot of last week’s consultative which both the CBCP and PMA Tinio said. suit of human and economic another.
The Philippine Medical As- meeting between the PMA and believe at this stage possesses life. Tinio said they are also willing development, Lingayen- “When our relationships
sociation (PMA), the umbrella the Catholic Bishops’ Confer- In order for this living ovum to share their scientific and medi- Dagupan Archbishop So- with God, with creation and
organization of medical prac- ence of the Philippines (CBCP) to survive it has to be implanted cal expertise to the DOH “to shed crates Villegas said he prays with one another are right,
titioners in the country, made wherein both parties agreed on in the uterus where it will be more light on the issue in order for a progressive 2011 but it we shall have true and last-
the appeal in a letter to DOH the premise that life begins dur- nourished and given the chance for us to champion even more the should be a progress that is ing peace,” he said.
Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona dated ing fertilization. to develop, the doctors said. sanctity of human life.” founded on ethics. Calling for unity, espe-
December 10. Abortifacients, the PMA said, “Contraceptives like intrauter- PMA has a national member- “In our pursuit of human cially for the people in his
PMA President Dr. Oscar may include any device, medicine, ine devices (IUDs) and certain ship of almost 70,000 medical and economic progress, we archdiocese, he urged his
Tinio reiterated that “life begins substance, practice which may hormones affect the environment practitioners. It also has 118 must not compromise our people to set aside differ-
at fertilization” and anything damage, injure interfere or reckless- of the uterus which ultimately will component societies geographi- immortal souls,” he said in a ences and go above partisan
that prevents the fertilized ovum ly endanger or cause the expulsion result in the failure of the living cally distributed nationwide, 8 New Year message. politics.
to be implanted in the uterus is or death of the unborn child. fertilized ovum to be implanted specialty divisions, 56 subspe- The prelate stressed the “May Pangasinan be truly
considered “abortive.” “If life begins at fertilization, and survive,” they added. cialty divisions, and 37 affiliate priority of putting more one! May we extend our
“And therefore, if prescribed, anything therefore that prevents “The PMA is against abortion societies. (CBCPNews) importance on the spiritual hands to our opponents with
well being of the person over forgiveness and tolerance,

Prelate calls for united efforts to transform nation the material things he can
acquire.
“Our years here on earth
respect and brotherhood!”
he said.
“May all of us be blessings
A CATHOLIC prelate called on both govern- government”, the former CBCP president are limited and finite. What for one another. In Pan-
ment and public to work together to initiate said. is important is invisible to gasinan, may everybody
change in the country. Lagdameo said the work of transforming the eye. The peso and dollar love everybody—that is the
Jaro Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo, the nation must not remain only a dream are not immortal. Our souls greatest blessing of all,” he
in a New Year message, said “the goal of but a reality. are. The peso and dollar are added.
national, local and neighborhood transfor- He urged everyone to respond to the chal- not all mighty. Only God “As we usher in the new
mation” should involve everyone. lenge and work together so that “the culture is almighty. In Pangasinan, year 2011, we hold hands
But national transformation can only hap- of death will be transformed into a culture of may we always place God in together in unity and prayer
pen if it begins with oneself, he said. life… that the culture of power, privileges, our politics and business and that this year may be a year
“It can only be done if we allow change in and prestige will give way to the culture of culture—indeed in all!” of abundant blessings, a year
our perspective, mindset and frame of refer- servant-leadership and stewardship… that Wishing also for a peace- of true progress, a year of
ence, from self to others,” Lagdameo said. the culture of injustice and dishonesty will be ful year, Villegas pointed real peace,” Villegas further
When one’s perspective is changed, then converted into the culture of integrity, trans- out that true peace can only said. (CBCPNews)
Archbishop Angel Lagdameo
it is possible to change even the “face of our parency and accountability.” (CBCPNews)

Criminals / A1 Pope / A1

Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Guti- and the killing of her mother future of stability and reconciliation,” the Nigeria killed at least 32 people and injured the Holy Father further stressed in his New
errez, for his part, called on the Estrellita and seven-year-old pope said. 72 others, according to news reports. Year’s message.
faithful to pray for both the sister Jennifer in their Parañaque The Special Assembly for the Middle In the Philippines, a Catholic chapel in Jolo Essential elements of this human dignity
victims and the court. house in June 1991. East of the Synod of Bishops held in Oc- exploded while a Mass was being celebrated are the right to life and the right to religious
“We need to pray for the Su- In a vote of 7-4, the High tober discussed the situation of unpeace on Christmas Day, injuring a priest and sev- freedom, the pope said.
preme Court,” he said. “I was Court cited the failure of the in the region, encouraging “the Catholic eral churchgoers. He noted not without pain that “in some
telling ordinary people here that prosecution to prove their guilt communities in Iraq and throughout the Denouncing the violent attacks in his Dec. areas of the world it is impossible to profess
is how our legal system works,” beyond reasonable doubt and Middle East to live in communion and to 26 Angelus message, the pope renewed his one’s religion freely except at the risk of life
he said. the unreliability of the testimony continue to offer a courageous witness of call for peace urging everyone “to abandon and personal liberty.”
“I remember what (Brazil’s) of the prosecution’s star witness faith in those lands.” the path of hatred in order to find peaceful The pontiff also decried religious extrem-
Archbishop (Oscar) Romero as the main reasons for junking solutions to conflicts and bring security and ism, saying that “fanaticism, fundamental-
said, that human justice is like a the case. ‘Most persecuted’ tranquility” to all. ism and practices contrary to human dignity
snake. It only bites those without The bishops, then, called on The pope said Christians are the most can never be justified, even less so in the
shoes. We need reforms because, the faithful to help Lauro Viz- persecuted religious group because of their Religious freedom name of religion.”
as they say, our justice system conde recover from the devastat- faith. Religious freedom, the pope said, is the Calling on people to become peacemak-
only affects the poor,” Arigo ing effects of the SC ruling. “Many Christians experience daily af- “synthesis and keystone” of all fundamental ers, especially the young, the pontiff urged
also said. They added that prayers will fronts and often live in fear because of their rights and freedoms. them to open their hearts to God to attain
The SC has acquitted Hubert be utterly welcomed as it would pursuit of truth, their faith in Jesus Christ Assuring persecuted Christians of his “authentic freedom.”
Webb and six other accused in give Vizconde the continued and their heartfelt plea for respect for reli- prayers, the pope called on government “Religious freedom is an authentic weapon
the rape and murder of then strength to pursue justice for his gious freedom,” he said. authorities to step in, citing the discrimina- of peace,” Pope Benedict said, and “it gives
19-year old Carmela Vizconde, family. (CBCPNews) In his Christmas message, the pope es- tion and religious intolerance being suffered hope for a future of justice and peace, even
pecially prayed for the faithful in China to by Christian communities in Asia, Africa, in the face of grave injustice and material and
remain steadfast in their faith despite restric- Middle East and Holy Land. moral poverty.”
tions “imposed on their freedom of religion The pope expressed hope for end in hos- Among other things, the pope’s lengthy
and conscience.” tilities, especially directed towards Chris- New Year’s message also touched on the
Reiterating the message of peace that tians who are being prejudiced because they interrelationship between religious freedom
Christmas brings, the Holy Father prayed chose to live their lives according to gospel and mutual respect; the family as the first
for countries who have suffered the most values. training ground for freedom and peace; re-
due to injustices, conflicts, natural disasters ligious freedom as a common patrimony for
and political instability. Rooted in human dignity all; the public dimension of religion; and the
On Christmas Eve, a series of bomb blasts “The right to religious freedom is rooted need for dialogue between civil and religious
targeting churches and a marketplace in Jos, in the very dignity of the human person,” institutions.

Jolo / A1

Bacolcol, a native of Mamba- boanga-Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-tawi demned,” the ulamas said. deed the accusations against
jao, Camiguin, and a graduate Chapter) has condemned the lat- They said being religious lead- the Jama’a Islamia and Abu
of Cagayan de Oro’s St. John est Church bombing in Jolo call- ers, the National Ulama Confer- Sayyaf are true, the general
Vianney Theological Seminary, ing it inhuman and barbaric. ence of the Philippines extends public should know the “brand
was ordained priest only on In a two-page statement is- their deepest sympathies to the of Islam” being espoused by
November 10 by Jolo Bishop sued on December 26, NUCP victims as they called on gov- the groups through their inter-
Angelito Lampon. said the forces of evil were once ernment authorities to “move national and local accomplices
Ledesma said Villanueva has again unleashed “to sow terror” heaven and earth to bring the “has no place in the purity of
been a long-time advocate for and “create discord” among culprits to the bar of justice.” Islamic teachings” because
justice and peace in the Sulu Christians and Moslems. The ulamas said suspicions they simply wanted to advance
archipelago. The bomb that ripped the have been cast on the so-called their personal political agenda
The message of peace an- roof of Sacred Heart Chapel in “Jama’a Islamia” or the Abu and use Islam to get support
nounced by the angel on Christ- Asturias Village on December Sayyaf but they hastened to add from innocent and desperate
mas Day, the prelate said, “was 25 has wounded at least 11 in- that “whoever did such horrific people.
given not only to the shepherds nocent civilians. The explosion acts, we say that they are inhu- The Ulamas challenged the
but also to the wise men and ev- was caused by an improvised man and that they are not serv- peace-loving Moslems to stand
eryone today working for a just explosive device. ing the All – Compassionate and up against the armed group as
and lasting peace in our land.” “The many kidnapping [and All—Loving God.” they called on people from other
bombing] incidents in the dif- “No doubt they are serving faith communities to help Mos-
Ulama condemnation ferent parts of Mindanao are Satan,” the religious leaders lems “fight squarely these forces
The National Ulama Confer- barbaric acts of violence, cruelty, added. of evil not to triumph.” (Melo
ence of the Philippines (Zam- and disrespect and must be con- They further said that if in- Acuña/CBCPNews)

Zambo / A1 Grand Knight / A1

People as Instrument and Hope build mutual understanding and Grand Knight of College Council nized and instituted as a new
for Dialogue and Peace.” solidarity to achieve a peaceful No. 13997 based at Sancta Maria council on February l7, 2006
Aminda Saño, president of Mindanao. Mater et Regina Seminarium with 32 members.
Silsilah Movement was grateful Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra, in Roxas City, was ordained to Since then most of the pio-
for the active participation of PIME, founder of Silsilah Move- the priesthood during a solemn neer members have graduated
the delegates, especially those ment, shared Edding’s thoughts, ceremony held at the Immacu- from the seminarium and are
who express their talents and saying: “It is our priority to late Conception Metropolitan assigned in various parishes in
Surigao/ A1 their aspirations for peace in give formation especially to our Cathedral. the archdiocese of Capiz.
the form of songs, dances and young people, to remain faithful Aguason was ordained deacon Aguason is now assigned at
specially, on the protection of “high reverence of the sanctity theatrical arts. with their religious traditions last July 28 also by Archbishop the archbishop’s residence in
the unborn,” part of the resolu- of life.” She said the youth’s activeness and beliefs and make use of Gordoncillo at the Seminarium Brgy. Lawa-an, Roxas City.
tion read. Surigao Bishop Antonieto in the vision and mission of the their energy to become a person Chapel. The new priest is the son of Fe-
“HB 13 seeks to address this Cabajog said he is elated by movement is vital in building of dialogue for personal trans- The newly ordained priest is lipe Aguason of Brgy. Dumolog,
gap by acknowledging the the action taken the provincial bridges despite the many vio- formation to make this change the first Grand Knight of this and Bebing Onayan of Sapian,
unborn child as a human being government and its commit- lence and misunderstanding be- ripple to the society as well.” college council which was orga- Capiz. (Bienvenido P. Cortes)
with human personality whose ment in protecting the life of tween Muslims and Christians. The whole day affair was not
basic right to life deserves the unborn. “Silsilah will always be here just an extravagant and fun-filled Poverty / A1
mantle of legal recognition and “I’m calling on other prov- to continue to support our youth activity but also, an occasion for
protection from the moment of inces to also come with such leg- who have the ideals and vigor recognizing young individuals groups, the fatalities of nefari- misery of Filipinos.”
conception,” it added. islation supporting the measure to make a positive change in who showed commitment and ous massacre in Cotabato, the He urged the people to say no
The resolution was also (HB 13),” Cabajog said. our society and as long as they passion to live and promote recent victims of blast in Jolo to dishonesty and reject corrupt
signed by Governor Sol Matu- On Monday, the country’s believe in the spirituality that the dialogue and peace in their own and the like,” said Odchimar. practices that plague every level
gas and Vice Governor Arturo biggest group of doctors, the movement is encouraging one to capacity by giving them the Har- He said the poor and miser- of society.
Carlos Egay, Jr. Philippine Medical Associa- enter, the spirituality to live life- mony Youth Award. able conditions of people, espe- “Let us then intensify and
This is the first time that a tion (PMA), has also thrown its in-dialogue in relating with God, At least six youth leaders were cially in the countryside, plays sustain this righteous effort of
provincial government openly support for the passage of the Self, others and whole of creation chosen to be this year’s recipient a role in provoking conflicts, eradicating graft and corrup-
supported the proposed al- HB 13. 24 hours a day,” she said. for the Harmony Youth Award “including armed ones”. tion,” the CBCP head said.
ternative to the controversial The PMA also shared its Meanwhile, Zamboanga City 2010. They were challenged to be The prelate lauded the efforts “As we embark for another
Reproductive Health (RH) bill view with the church about the Councilor Al-Jihan Edding, a role models of dialogue, young as of government and private sec- year of challenging journey, we
pending in Congress. beginning of life—“at the mo- member of Silsilah Movement they are, and to start responding tors in combating poverty. bring with us this memory of
The officials did not spe- ment of fertilization”—during during her youth, said she be- to the call of peace and making But even as he cited poverty God’s unfailing presence so that
cifically state whether they are a consultative meeting with the lieves in the capability of the one step ahead in making posi- as a factor in fomenting other we shall face the future with
against the RH bill but said they Catholic Bishops’ Conference of young to be future good leaders tive change for a future peaceful social ills, the bishop said cor- renewed strength and hopeful
will favor measures that have the Philippines. (CBCPNews) and an instrument for change to Mindanao. (Kris Bayos) ruption is the root cause “of the spirit,” he said. (CBCPNews)
 Diocesan News
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 1
January 3 - 16, 2011
A7
Film gives fresh take on popular
Marian devotion NAGA City— In commemo- Feleo and the special participa- cedures, the reasons for which
ration of the Tercentenary of tion of Eddie Garcia. are rooted in an attempted, but
the Devotion to Our Lady of The film’s premier showing failed, abortion which she suf-
Penafrancia, the Archdiocese was held Dec. 17 at the Universi- fered through many years ear-
of Caceres has produced a film dad de Santa Isabel’s auditorium lier and has since been troubled
that is expected to promote a at the heart of the city. about.
fresh perspective to appreci- The story revolves around a Vangie’s dysfunctional family
ate the popular devotion and young, contemporary, rebel- gravitates around Fr. Johnny,
the Roman Catholic Church’s lious woman Vangie, (Ina Feleo), and in their struggle to cope
teachings on faith, hope and whose family life and career with his illness, find themselves
love. as a video editor are disrupted drawn to Ina, begging for her
The movie is expected to when her only brother, a newly intercession. Their prayers are
bring the Blessed Mother and ordained priest, Fr. Johnny, answered, not so much by way
her Child Jesus closer into the (Marvin Agustin), is diagnosed of a miraculous cure for Fr.
consciousness of people of all of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Johnny, but by the grace of con-
faiths, here and abroad. (AML). version, of love, of forgiveness,

www.facebook.com
Directed by veteran filmmaker As a sibling, Vangie is called reconciliation, and hope.
Marilou Diaz-Abaya, the movie upon to be a donor for Fr. John- The film was produced with
titled “Ikaw ang Pag-Ibig” fea- ny’s bone marrow transplant. At the support of Naga archdio-
tures Jomari Yllana, Marvin first, Vangie is reluctant. She has cese’s benefactors and friends.
Agustin, Jaime Fabregas, Oma a clinical phobia for medical pro- (CBCPNews)

Mati diocese celebrates 26th year foundation anniversary

MATI, Davao Oriental—The Diocese by religious sisters and brothers of Kingdom of God through the Basic (Mt. 6:33), noting too that we are all ligious of the diocese had their share
of Mati celebrated its 26th year of consecrated life, and the lay faithful Ecclesial Communities (Gagmayng parts of the one Body of Christ, and of Christmas fun and gift-giving.
foundation on Dec. 14 with a con- representing various Christian com- Kristohanong Katilingban or GKK), like a chain, be as strong as its weak- The eve of the diocesan anniver-
celebrated Mass presided by Mati munities, apostolates and movements and I thank you all in the name of the est link; each member is as important sary was the clergy’s traditional
Bishop Patricio Alo with the diocesan in the local church. priests serving in all our parishes,” as the other and each one must help Christmas party dubbed Pasko En-
and religious clergy. In his homily, Bishop Alo acknowl- the bishop said, assuring that “All the other to keep the chain from cuentro 2010.
Also coinciding with the founda- edged the continuing presence and these good things, and anything of breaking. Mati diocese currently has a total
tion anniversary were the celebration charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit truth comes from the Holy Spirit, and The Cathedral parish hosted a of 16 religious congregations, 12 for
of Bishop Alo’s 26th year of service manifested in the active participation God will reward you for all the good lunch for all the clergy, religious, and the women, and 4 for the men serv-
in the diocese and the anniversary of of the faithful in the spiritual growth you have done.” lay guests present during the affair. ing the diocese in various capacities.
the recognition of the Church of San of the diocese. He encouraged everyone to “keep The diocesan anniversary was further It has 19 parishes are vigorously in
Nicolas de Tolentino parish in Mati “I thank the Lord for the many the Spirit alive” by ever putting God’s imbued with Christmas joy as the day service, 10 in the gulf town area, and
as a Cathedral. people helping in the Church’s work will above all, as expressed in his also turned out to be the Panaghiusa 9 in the east coast, “all working for
The thanksgiving Mass at the of evangelization that has strength- motto or coat of arms “Seek ye first sa Pasko of the Cathedral parish. the greater glory of God.” (Sr. Mari-
Mati Cathedral was also attended ened the Faith and the Spread of the the kingdom of God and his justice” On December 13, the clergy and re- etta Alo, OND)

Radio Maria expands Northern

Briefing Luzon operations
GRP optimistic of January talks with MILF
CAGAYAN DE ORO City— Despite the clear stand of the MILF TARLAC City— After eight 102.1 FM in Santiago City. These gurated earlier had it not been The Radio Maria-Philippines
that it will only return to the peace negotiating table once the issue years of airing Church-based two frequencies are part of the for the recent typhoons. is part of the World Family of
on facilitation has been resolved, the government’s chief negotiator programs in Tarlac and Nueva four frequencies approved by the With the support of the Archdio- Radio Maria, an international
with the Moro front is optimistic that the peace talks will resume Ecija provinces, Radio Maria- National Telecommunications cese of Tuguegarao under Arch- radio network. It is a non-profit,
in January 2011. “We still remain optimistic that talks with the Philippines has expanded its Commission since 2007. bishop Diosadado Talamayan and non-commercial radio station.
MILF will resume in January. We hope that the MILF can share coverage to Cagayan and Isabela The 101.5 FM Tuguegarao City the Diocese of Ilagan under Bishop The radio station broadcasts
that optimism,” said Dean Marvic Leonen. (Bong D. Fabe) provinces. was inaugurated on June 19, 2010 Joseph Nacua, OFM Cap., Radio religious programs and relies
The radio station has con- while 102.1 FM Santiago City is Maria-Philippines continues to on volunteer work. Fr. Jay M.
Lingayen ordains new deacon, priests structed repeater stations in up for operations since January broadcast Church-based programs Policarpio is the current program
DAGUPAN City— The Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan Tuguegarao City (101.5 FM) and 1, 2010. It could have been inau- in their respective areas. director. (Raymund Acuna)
celebrated the feast of its patron, St. John the Apostle on Dec. 27
with the ordination of Rev. Dexter Carino to the diaconate and
Rev. Jasper Roma Hebron and Rev. Allan Cayabyab Soriano to
the priesthood. Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas
presided the ordination rites at the newly-renovated Cathedral
CBCP-BEC exec backs PeriodiCoop
of St. John the Evangelist in Dagupan City, in the presence of
CAGAYAN DE ORO City— An official of fruits of our labor—in order to survive.
the ordinandi’s families and friends. (CBCPNews)
the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the “Since July 15, PNN workers’ salaries
Philippines (CBCP) gave its support to the started to come in trickles. We were not
Protect life, Bacolod bishop urged faithful sure where to get food for the next meal,
first and only cooperative newspaper in
BACOLOD City— Saying that human life is in danger of being worse, where to get money for the next
Mindanao, the Corridor Daily, published
violently assaulted due to a prevailing contraceptive mentality, day exams of people who depend on us
by the first news publishing cooperative
Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra called on the faithful of his for their education - our kids, brothers and
in Mindanao.
diocese to protect life and not to forget “the gift of human life sisters. More scornful is the fact that these
Msgr. Elmer S. Abacahin, executive
we have received from the Almighty Father.” In his Christmas happened while the owners of PNN bil-
secretary of the Office on Basic Ecclesial
Message, the 71-year old prelate said in Philippine society hu- leted themselves in posh hotels when they
Communities (BECs) of the CBCP, encour-
man life at the moment of conception is violently assailed by could have rented an apartment, and rented
aged the staff and workers of PeriodiCoop
the culture of death because of what he described as rampant luxury vans when they could have bought
to continue the fight to uphold the rights of
contraceptive and abortionist mentality. (CBCPNews) second hand cars for mobility.
abused media workers.
Abacahin, who said a Holy Mass with “What happened to PNN is a case of gross
Bishop calls on faithful to get converted in Christ the staff and workers of the newly-founded abuse on the part of its owners. Already de-
SORSOGON City— Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said his PeriodiCoop, compared the plight of the prived of their salaries, unsuspecting work-
Christmas wish for his flock was to get converted to Christ again former employees of the Periodico News ers were even used so they could get loans
and put Him in the center of their lives. He said it is only in follow- Network (PNN) to that of the friends of the from lending institutions on the pretext
ing Jesus faithfully that “we attain true salvation, which is freedom paralytic man of the Gospel according to St. that these were salary loans only to know
from our sins and weaknesses, the strength to live upright lives, Luke who were not deterred by hindrances Abacahin later that the proceeds were used for their
and the pledge of eternal glory and bliss.” (CBCPNews) and challenges and presented their sick personal whims,” the editorial added.
friend before the Healer, Jesus Christ. birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ The Board of Directors of PeriodiCoop
Army to work with LGUs, church, NGOs to sustain peace gains “What you have done is like bringing this month. acknowledged that they still have a lot
CAGAYAN DE ORO City—The Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry healing to the wounded and abused mem- But he cautioned the cooperative newspa- of learning to do in making a cooperative
“Diamond” Division vowed to pursue its partnership with bers of the press,” he said. Abacahin, an per’s staff and workers not to be sidetracked newspaper work and become a success.
local government units (LGUs), Local Government Agencies active mediaman-priest, is a director of the by the busyness of making a start-up coop- They also acknowledged the fact that
(LGAs), non-government organizations (NGOs) and the church Cagayan de Oro City Press Club (COPC). erative work from focusing on the end-goal, many small community publications all over
to sustain the gains of peace in its areas of responsibility. Major The PeriodiCoop, publisher of the Cor- of bringing timely, accurate and honest Northern Mindanao are now closely watch-
Eugenio Julio Osias IV, commander of the Civil-Military Opera- ridor Daily, emerged from the ashes of information to the general public. ing PeriodiCoop, which suddenly became a
tions (CMO) Battalion of the 4th ID, said that the 4th ID’s part- the PNN, publisher of the defunct Daily Freed from the clutches and abuses of a model and example for them to follow.
nership with LGUs, NGOs and the church is already a proven Corridor and Periodico Mindanaw news- capitalist and abusive publisher, the staff Even the whole media community in
strategy in “pacifying” a locality strategy against the inroads papers. and workers of PeriodiCoop vowed to this city and Mindanao are now closely
of the four-decade old Maoist insurgency. (Bong Fabe) Monday’s Eucharistic Celebration was make the cooperative newspapering busi- watching with bated breath how the coop-
said as a thanksgiving for the “birth” of ness work. erative newspaper business will turn out,
Ozamiz prelate urges Misamis legislators not to vote RH Bill the PeriodiCoop, the first and only news “Many have attempted the cooperative especially since many have attempted in
OZAMIZ City—Ozamiz Archbishop Jesus A. Dosado, CM has urged publishing cooperative in Mindanao, which formula in freeing media business from the past but failed.
lawmakers of first and second districts of Misamis Occidental not to marked its 6th day of operation today. The capitalist machinations. We do not claim These and others, the Board of Directors
vote the controversial Reproductive Health Bill in the Congress. In Corridor Daily first hit the newsstands on to have the best formula now, but we have acknowledged, as just challenges that will
an open letter, Dosado appealed to 1st district Congressman Jorge December 2. good reason to believe that we shall suc- impel them to make PeriodiCoop work.
Almonte, Sr. and 2nd district Congressman Loreto Leo Ocampos, It was also a very timely celebration as it ceed,” said Corridor Daily’s editors in their And with the blessing of the Church,
not to vote the controversial RH bill even as he encouraged them was the birthday of PeriodiCoop’s chairper- frontpage editorial for its maiden issue last with the support of the community, the
to support the House Bill filed by Representative Roilo Golez. If son, veteran journalist and environmental- Thursday. Cooperative Development Authority, coop-
the two solons continued to support the bill, they should have the ist Bencyrus Ellorin. “Like a dying offspring determined to eratives and the whole media community,
sensitivity to refrain from Communion until this matter will have a According to Abacahin, the birth of live, we decided to creep out of the decaying PeriodiCoop’s staff and workers vow to
salvific resolution, the prelate said. (Wendell Talibong) PeriodiCoop is very timely as the whole womb of Periodico News Network—whose make the newspaper cooperative a success.
Christian community is celebrating the owners have, day after day, sucked the (Bong Fabe)

Love life / A4 Candidly Speaking / A4 Faith and Fire / A5

ficult to struggle back up. most basic lesson is that we the contrary! Life will be rosier the real ones, not the ridiculous that everyday I sing it to Jesus with all of us—can marvel and
Pro-lifers must be pro-active. should always take care of our that way, mind you. This is the imitations. We have to be wary in the morning and again at be in awe, and say and feel: O
There is no time to waste, for the fundamental values and virtues. sure formula for true human of the hyped images and mes- night before I sleep. The refrain God, what am that you should
devil never sleeps. Volumes of We have to remain humble, success and development. sages transmitted in the media goes this way: As I sing my love me and hold me as your
books and manuals have been simple, pious and hardwired to Remember what Christ said. and public opinion, since they heart’s thanksgiving, and my dearest love of all.
written on pro-life strategies work and to serve, with no fear We need to enter by the narrow tend to be confusing if not down- eyes look heavenward; How The network of organized ac-
and these are available at the of effort and sacrifice. gate, because the big and wide right false. the stars you flung like jewels tive love embracing the world is
Pro-life Resource Center. Your Let´s bury our tendency for one leads to perdition. We have When appeals for goodness bid your welcome, shine your not only about material capital,
individual step will bring the self-pity and our fascination for to continually deny ourselves and development are not based light; As I marvel at your moon but primarily about presence ...
pro-life movement a thousand comfort, convenience, wealth, and carry the cross, because on God, when there seems to be rise I’m in awe, yet, I ask what the presence of love.
miles nearer to victory-God’s fame, power, etc. Just pray and our damaged DNA tends to get an allergy to include religion am I that you should love me; Then we can celebrate. We
victory. work, and if we get tired of it, spoiled with every blessing and in our earthly affairs, we have And hold me as your dearest can say with hearts full, Rejoice.
(source: writings of Dr. Brian then let´s work and pray. favor we receive. to be very suspicious. For cen- love of all. Again, we say Rejoice.
Clowes, Human Life International, This does not mean we will This lifestyle is also compat- turies, we´ve been had. Let´s If the poor after being with a The Poor are our Future. And
USA) have a poor and sad life here. On ible with dignity and elegance, wake up! Vincentian—with you, with me, the Future is now.
 A8 People, Facts & Places CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 1
January 3 - 16, 2011

Pope visits Vatican nativity scene

POPE Benedict XVI visited the was attended by ecclesiastical
Vatican Nativity scene at St. authorities of the Holy See and
Peter Square after presiding the civil authorities from the City
first vespers of the Solemnity and Province of Rome.
of Mary, Mother of God on De- His Eminence Giovanni Car-
cember 31. dinal Lajolo, President of the
The pope first knelt in silent Governorate of the Vatican City,
prayer before he toured the recognized the special contribu-
different nativity sections with tion of the Philippines. He also
Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo. noted the dynamic faith of Fili-
The Vatican explanatory note pino Catholics and underlined
described the design of this that the Philippines is the largest
year’s nativity scene with back- Christian country in Asia.
ground that portrays the border Tuason, together with Bantug,
walls of Bethlehem and is sur- led the Filipino community in
rounded by typical elements of Rome during the unveiling.
the Palestinian landscape. In her message, Tuason
On the left side of the scene are thanked the Governorate of the
nine Filipino figures designed by Vatican City State for giving the
Filipino sculptor, Kublai Ponce- Philippines a special place in the
Millan, in a festive celebration center of the Roman Catholic

© L’Osservatore Romano
of faith, music, food and family Church’s celebration of the birth
on the occasion of the birth of of Christ this year.
Jesus. Tuason added that allowing
The figures of Filipino fam- the Philippines to participate in
ily pulling a net full of fish also this event marked in a special
recall the story of the apostles way the 60th anniversary of
in the lakeshore of Galilee who diplomatic relations between the
were called by Jesus to become of baptism and the victory of tional nativity figures in Rome Tuason family members and The Holy Father imparted Republic of the Philippines and
fishers of men. light over darkness. with the Filipino figures brought other Filipino groups to witness his apostolic blessing to the big the Holy See”.
Portrayed on the right side are The larger than life statues of an “eccentric and surprising the special event. crowd gathered around the na- The Philippines is the first
peasants and shepherds going the Holy Family and other fig- result with important symbolic Rosanna Tuason Fores, who tivity scene which concluded the country outside Italy to be given
about their daily tasks when the ures around the crib were creat- meaning: the universality of the commissioned Filipino sculp- meaningful event. a major part in the Vatican na-
joyful news of the birth was an- ed in 1842 by St. Vincent Pallotti church”. tor, Kublai Ponce-Millan, and The nativity scene was un- tivity scene, since this tradition
nounced by angels. for the Basilica of Sant’Andrea Mercedes A. Tuason, Philip- supervised the completion of the veiled during a solemn evening was first begun in 1982 under
Also included in the nativity della Valle in Rome. pine Ambassador the Holy See, statues before they were shipped ceremony on Dec. 24. the pontificate of John Paul II.
scene are elements of water and The Vatican note added that Consul Lulu Tabamo and Jose- from Davao to Rome, also came The Governorate of the Vatican (Fr. Jose V.C. Quilongquilong,
fire to symbolize the sacrament “the combination of the tradi- phine Bantug led embassy staff, for the occasion. City organized the event which S.J.)

Ifugao community wants to build solar-powered chapel

POOR in material things, but rich pel amidst the Ifugao Rice Terraces” ture extension, and cultural heritage
in faith. has been put up in a bid to generate preservation.
Residents of a mountain village support for the project from generous The people promised to render
in Ifugao have no church, not even individuals worldwide. free labor in building their dream
a chapel to hold their Sunday Mass Consisting of 92 households with a chapel.
and services, but they never failed population of 437, Inwaloy was first In a letter of appeal posted in their
to attend. visited in 2008 by Fr. Romeo Benitez, facebook account, the community
The people of Inwaloy, in the SVD, who was then rector of the May- said that with the regular masses said
mountains of Ifugao have one big oyao Catholic Mission. by the priest, “baptized Catholics
dream as a community—to build The priest’s constant visit to the could now attend catholic services.”
a chapel where they can celebrate barrio led the people to go back to the But without a chapel, the commu-
Mass and hold bible services when practice of their Catholic faith and the nity holds their Sunday Mass and
the priest is not around. establishment of the basic ecclesial services in the house of a couple in
The basic ecclesial community is community, with particular empha- the barrio.
part of the Our Lady of the Assump- sis on youth, education, altar, social The nearest chapels to Inwaloy are
tion Mission Station in Mayoyao, Ifu- services and temporalities ministries St. Luke Chapel in Magulon which
gao under the jurisdiction of the SVD (BEC-YEAST). is a two-hour hike going up the
missionaries of Philippine Northern Supported by their current pastor, mountain, and St. Andrew chapel in
province. SVD priest Fr. Gil Rochar Dulay, the Guinihon, an hour and a half hike
Residents plan to build a chapel community decided to ask help from going down from Inwaloy.

www.facebook.com
powered by solar energy, according generous people so they can build Mayoyao is one of the mission
to a facebook account put up by the a chapel that can also be used as a stations of the SVD priests in the
SVD’s. multi-purpose center for outreach Northern province of the Philippines.
The facebook account titled “Help activities like medical missions, The place is part of the world-famous
Build a Solar-Powered, Catholic Cha- disaster response and relief, agricul- Ifugao Rice Terraces. (CBCPNews)

Filipinos celebrate Rizal day in Rome

Markings
APPOINTED. Manila Archbishop Gaudencio
PHILIPPINE Ambassador to
the Holy See, Mercedes A.
Tuason, led embassy staff in
commemorating the 114th an-
niversary of the martyrdom of
Museum and the church of
St. Mary Major, which is also
magnificent.”
After the mass, the group of-
fered flowers before the Rizal
Rizal next year.
Tuason announced to the
group that a new and bigger
monument of Jose Rizal will be
constructed in Rome, in time
for the 150th birth anniversary
Blumentritt: “I’m in Rome!
Everything I tread is the dust
of heroes.”
Themed “Rizal:Haligi ng
Bayan” (Rizal: Pillar of the
Cardinal Rosales has been appointed Apos- Philippine National Hero, Dr. monument at Piazzale Manila. Nation), the Rizal Day celebra-
tolic Administrator of the Diocese of Pasig by Jose Rizal. Ambassador Romeo Manalo of the national hero on June tion served as an occasion for
Pope Benedict XVI upon the resignation of Visiting family members and embassy staff from the 19, 2011. Filipinos in Rome to remember
Pasig Bishop Francisco San Diego. Cardinal
Rosales’ appointment, which was announced
of Tuason and Fores clan Philippine Embassy to Italy Josephine Bantug, a rela- not only Rizal’s heroic role in
on December 21 at 12:00 noon in Rome (7 with other friends from Ma- joined in the program. tive of Jose Rizal through the Philippine nation-building but
p.m. local time), is concurrent with his being nila also attended the simple In his message, Ambassador family line of Narcisa Rizal, is also his visit to Rome which he
Archbishop of Manila. The pope has accepted commemorative event which Manalo recalled stories about assisting Ambassador Tuason found deeply consoling.
the resignation of Bishop San Diego who began with a Holy Mass at the the martyrdom of Jose Rizal on the project. In the same letter to Blumen-
turned 75 on October 10, 2010. San Diego’s
resignation is in accordance with Canon. 401, Basilica of Saint Mary Major as narrated by his grandfather The program concluded tritt, Rizal expressed: “I should
paragraph 1 of the Code of Canon Law which in Rome. who witnessed the execution with the reading of Jose Rizal’s like to stay here until the last
requires bishops to tender their resignation Rizal mentioned this Mar- in Bagumbayan. last poem “Mi Ultimo Adios” moment. I will give up visiting
upon reaching the mandatory age of 75. The ian basilica in his letter to He also mentioned about by the participants. the other cities. If I had one
prelate has been bishop of Pasig for the past seven years. Ordained bishop on
August 10, 1983, San Diego served as Coadjutor Apostolic Vicar of Palawan Blumentritt during his visit to some activities being orga- Rizal’s four-day visit to more year, I would spend it all
from 1983 to 1987 and Apostolic Vicar from 1987 to 1995. Rome on 27 June 1887: “I have nized by the Philippine Em- Rome in 1887 was short but he here… Ancient Rome allures
also visited some churches and bassy to Italy to commemorate found the experience deeply me exceedingly…” (Fr. Jose
AWARDED. Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ, president of the museums, like the Capitoline the 150th birth anniversary of impressive as he wrote to Quilongquilong, S.J.)
Ateneo de Naga University was awarded by the
Insular Life Assurance Co., Ltd. and the Philippine
Jaycee Senate as one of The Outstanding Filipi-

Filipino priests, nuns in Rome hold

nos (TOFIL) for 2010 for his dedicated work in up-
lifting the situation of the poor. Tabora’s dedication
to help the poor began during his early days as a

Marian concert
parish priest in Payatas, a commitment he carried
on to his current post as head of Ateneo de Naga.
Tabora is known for supporting programs aimed
at helping the poor. As Ateneo de Naga president,
he has steered the university to become a modern
and technologically equipped institution in the Bicol
region. Tabora received his award together with
THE Association of Filipino Priests, and performed by Filipino priests, nuns, It aims to build inter-congregational
other awardees on December 9, according to the Religious, members of Societies of seminarians and lay faithful. exchange and sharing of charism, and
TOFIL website. The other TOFIL awardees include Dr. Esperanza I. Cabral, Dr. Apostolic Life and Seminarians in Italy It aimed to celebrate the role of Mama support to seek to establish programs
Ray L. Catague, Dr. Isagani R. Cruz, Ms. Shirley Halili-Cruz, and Dr. Anthony C. (AFPRS) held a musical concert in honor Mary in our life, in all of Filipinos. She that recognize and uphold integration
Leachon. A brainchild of the Philippine Jaycee Senate and supported by Insular of Our Lady on December 8, at 3 and 6 watches over us even in our darkest mo-
Life, the The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Award was institutionalize in 1988 to
with the local Italian Church and to
give recognition to men and women, 41 years of age and over, whose exemplary p.m. respectively. ment and gathers us to get close to her promote coordinated pastoral activities
contribution to society are worthy of emulation. The song and dance concert was Son Jesus. through the Filipino Chaplaincies and
centered on the story of the struggle in The AFPRS is a community of persons collaboration with the Embassies of the
LAUNCHED. The Media Office of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the faith-vocation of a priest who never lost who witness to God’s call and serve
Philippines has launched on December 16, 2010 retired Archbishop Oscar
Philippines to the Holy See and to Italy
Cruz’s personal website, www.archbishopcruz.com. The website, which is faith in Mama Mary. Christ’s body, the Church, in Italy in vari- and the Collegio Filipino in Rome. (Fr.
actually a “gift” for Cruz’s 76th birthday last Nov. 17, gives information about The event was planned, coordinated ous capacities and responsibilities. Garret Alfonso Ulanimo)
him and his statements on various church and social issues. The website also
contains a list of Cruz’s books, coin collections, and his sculptures and paint-
ings, and links to social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and clips from

Film seminar for religious educators slated

the video-sharing facility YouTube. The event also coincided with the launching
of “Paskong Pinoy sa Mundo” website, a project of the CBCPNews, the official
information agency of the CBCP, and the China Radio International (CRI) to
let Overseas Filipino Workers send greetings to their loved ones. Filipinos
overseas who wish to get in touch with their loved ones through cyberspace RELIGIOUS educators will showings and analysis, discus- of SIGNIS, the international each to cover materials and
may send their Christmas and New Year’s greetings on text, audio or video now have a means to make sion, workshops and spiritual Catholic body for film, ra- meals. CFA offers discounted
formats to the websites of CBCPNews and CRI-Filipino Section.
teaching sacraments more reflection. dio and television. He is rates for early and group regis-
LAUNCHED. Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas, SJ, Ateneo Law School dean emeritus interesting to students. International film critic Fr. an internationally known trations or for Signis members.
and newspaper columnist, launched his third book on Philippine presidents A seminar on Film and Sac- Peter Malone, MSC will be author and lecturer on film Interested participants may
on December 14, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas Center for raments which will explore the main lecturer. Fr. Stephen and media education. He contact CFA Training Depart-
Continuing Legal Education and Research, Ateneo Professional Schools at
Rockwell Center, Makati City. The book, first to be published for Fr. Bernas
the use of films for teaching Cuyos, MSC and Film Director is a regular member of the ment at: 713-2732, 713-2972,
by Jesuit Communications, is titled “A Living Constitution, Constitutional Is- the sacraments is being or- Clodualdo del Mundo, Jr., will Catholic Jury at Interna- or at 713-2981 loc 182 and
sues Arising during the Gloria Arroyo Presidency, Part II.” The first two books ganized by the Communica- showcase Filipino films on the tional Film Festivals such look for Melissa Cortez or
involving the Estrada Presidency and the first part of the Gloria Arroyo Presi- tion Foundation for Asia on third day. as Cannes, Venice, Berlin as Michelle Duzon. You can also
dency were published by Ateneo Press. Fr. Bernas was handpicked by the January 13-15, 2011 at the CFA Malone is a former mem-
late President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino to join the 50-man Constitutional well as in Asia, Africa, and email: training@cfamedia.org
Commission that framed the 1987 Constitution that eventually replaced the Lagerwey Hall from 9:00 a.m. ber of the Pontifical Council the Americas. or cfamedia_training@yahoo.
1973 Marcos and the Freedom Constitution of 1986. to 5:00 p.m. for Social Communications Participants will be charged com for reservations. (CBCP-
It will feature lectures, film and was the first President with a seminar fee of P2, 500 News)
 Pastoral Concerns
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 1
January 3 - 16, 2011
B1

Religious freedom,

www.annaarcosdiary.files.wordpress.com
the path to peace
Message of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI For the celebration of the World Day of Peace 1 January 2011
1. AT the beginning of the new year I it allows us to direct our personal and the person is an essential value of Judeo- which leads new generations to see observed.[7] The international order
offer good wishes to each and all for social life to God, in whose light the Christian wisdom, yet thanks to the use others as their brothers and sisters, thus recognizes that rights of a religious
serenity and prosperity, but especially identity, meaning and purpose of the of reason, it can be recognized by all. with whom they are called to journey nature have the same status as the right
for peace. Sadly, the year now ending person are fully understood. To deny This dignity, understood as a capacity and work together so that all will feel to life and to personal freedom, as proof
has again been marked by persecution, or arbitrarily restrict this freedom is to to transcend one’s own materiality and that they are living members of the one of the fact that they belong to the essential
discrimination, terrible acts of violence foster a reductive vision of the human to seek truth, must be acknowledged as human family, from which no one is to core of human rights, to those universal
and religious intolerance. person; to eclipse the public role of a universal good, indispensable for the be excluded. and natural rights which human law can
My thoughts turn in a special way religion is to create a society which building of a society directed to human The family founded on marriage, as never deny.
to the beloved country of Iraq, which is unjust, inasmuch as it fails to take fulfilment. Respect for essential elements the expression of the close union and Religious freedom is not the exclusive
continues to be a theatre of violence account of the true nature of the human of human dignity, such as the right to complementarity between a man and a patrimony of believers, but of the whole
and strife as it makes its way towards person; it is to stifle the growth of the life and the right to religious freedom, woman, finds its place here as the first family of the earth’s peoples. It is an essential
a future of stability and reconciliation. authentic and lasting peace of the whole is a condition for the moral legitimacy school for the social, cultural, moral element of a constitutional state; it cannot
I think of the recent sufferings of the human family. of every social and legal norm. and spiritual formation and growth be denied without at the same time
Christian community, and in particular For this reason, I implore all men of children, who should always be encroaching on all fundamental rights
the reprehensible attack on the Syro- and women of good will to renew their Religious freedom and mutual able to see in their father and mother and freedoms, since it is their synthesis
Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of commitment to building a world where respect the first witnesses of a life directed to and keystone. It is “the litmus test for the
Perpetual Help in Baghdad, where on all are free to profess their religion or 3. Religious freedom is at the origin of the pursuit of truth and the love of respect of all the other human rights”.
31 October two priests and over fifty faith, and to express their love of God moral freedom. Openness to truth and God. Parents must be always free to [8] While it favours the exercise of our
faithful were killed as they gathered with all their heart, with all their soul and perfect goodness, openness to God, transmit to their children, responsibly most specifically human faculties, it
for the celebration of Holy Mass. In the with all their mind (cf. Mt 22:37). This is is rooted in human nature; it confers and without constraints, their heritage creates the necessary premises for the
days that followed, other attacks ensued, the sentiment which inspires and directs full dignity on each individual and is of faith, values and culture. The attainment of an integral development
even on private homes, spreading fear this Message for the XLIV World Day of the guarantee of full mutual respect family, the first cell of human society, which concerns the whole of the person
within the Christian community and a Peace, devoted to the theme: Religious between persons. Religious freedom remains the primary training ground in every single dimension.[9]
desire on the part of many to emigrate Freedom, the Path to Peace. should be understood, then, not merely for harmonious relations at every level
in search of a better life. I assure them as immunity from coercion, but even of coexistence, human, national and The public dimension of religion
of my own closeness and that of the A sacred right to life and to a spiritual more fundamentally as an ability to international. Wisdom suggests that 6. Religious freedom, like every freedom,
entire Church, a closeness which life order one’s own choices in accordance this is the road to building a strong and proceeds from the personal sphere and is
found concrete expression in the recent 2. The right to religious freedom is rooted with truth. fraternal social fabric, in which young achieved in relationship with others. Freedom
Special Assembly for the Middle East in the very dignity of the human person,[2] Freedom and respect are inseparable; people can be prepared to assume their without relationship is not full freedom.
of the Synod of Bishops. The Synod whose transcendent nature must not indeed, “in exercising their rights, proper responsibilities in life, in a free Religious freedom is not limited to
encouraged the Catholic communities be ignored or overlooked. God created individuals and social groups are bound society, and in a spirit of understanding the individual dimension alone, but is
in Iraq and throughout the Middle East man and woman in his own image by the moral law to have regard for the and peace. attained within one’s community and
to live in communion and to continue and likeness (cf. Gen 1:27). For this rights of others, their own duties to others in society, in a way consistent with the
to offer a courageous witness of faith in reason each person is endowed with and the common good of all”.[5] A common patrimony relational being of the person and the
those lands. the sacred right to a full life, also from A freedom which is hostile or indifferent 5. It could be said that among the public nature of religion.
I offer heartfelt thanks to those a spiritual standpoint. Without the to God becomes self-negating and does fundamental rights and freedoms rooted in Relationship is a decisive component
Governments which are working to acknowledgement of his spiritual being, not guarantee full respect for others. the dignity of the person, religious freedom in religious freedom, which impels
alleviate the sufferings of these, our without openness to the transcendent, A will which believes itself radically enjoys a special status. When religious the community of believers to practise
brothers and sisters in the human family, the human person withdraws within incapable of seeking truth and goodness freedom is acknowledged, the dignity of solidarity for the common good. In this
and I ask all Catholics for their prayers himself, fails to find answers to the has no objective reasons or motives for the human person is respected at its root, communitarian dimension, each person
and support for their brethren in the heart’s deepest questions about life’s acting save those imposed by its fleeting and the ethos and institutions of peoples remains unique and unrepeatable, while
faith who are victims of violence and meaning, fails to appropriate lasting and contingent interests; it does not have are strengthened. On the other hand, at the same time finding completion and
intolerance. In this context, I have felt it ethical values and principles, and fails an “identity” to safeguard and build whenever religious freedom is denied, full realization.
particularly appropriate to share some even to experience authentic freedom up through truly free and conscious and attempts are made to hinder people The contribution of religious
reflections on religious freedom as the and to build a just society.[3] decisions. As a result, it cannot demand from professing their religion or faith communities to society is undeniable.
path to peace. It is painful to think that in Sacred Scripture, in harmony with our respect from other “wills”, which are and living accordingly, human dignity Numerous charitable and cultural
some areas of the world it is impossible own experience, reveals the profound themselves detached from their own is offended, with a resulting threat to institutions testify to the constructive
to profess one’s religion freely except value of human dignity: “When I look at deepest being and thus capable of justice and peace, which are grounded role played by believers in the life
at the risk of life and personal liberty. your heavens, the work of your fingers, imposing other “reasons” or, for that in that right social order established in of society. More important still is
In other areas we see more subtle and the moon and the stars which you have matter, no “reason” at all. The illusion the light of Supreme Truth and Supreme religion’s ethical contribution in the
sophisticated forms of prejudice and established, what is man that you are that moral relativism provides the key Goodness. political sphere. Religion should not be
hostility towards believers and religious mindful of him, and the son of man, that for peaceful coexistence is actually the Religious freedom is, in this sense, also an marginalized or prohibited, but seen
symbols. At present, Christians are the you care for him? Yet you have made origin of divisions and the denial of the achievement of a sound political and juridical as making an effective contribution to
religious group which suffers most from him little less than God, and crowned dignity of human beings. Hence we can culture. It is an essential good: each person the promotion of the common good. In
persecution on account of its faith. Many him with glory and honour. You have see the need for recognition of a twofold must be able freely to exercise the right this context mention should be made of
Christians experience daily affronts given him dominion over the works dimension within the unity of the human to profess and manifest, individually or the religious dimension of culture, built
and often live in fear because of their of your hands; you have put all things person: a religious dimension and a in community, his or her own religion up over centuries thanks to the social
pursuit of truth, their faith in Jesus under his feet” (Ps 8:3-6). social dimension. In this regard, “it is or faith, in public and in private, in and especially ethical contributions of
Christ and their heartfelt plea for respect Contemplating the sublime reality of inconceivable that believers should have teaching, in practice, in publications, religion. This dimension is in no way
for religious freedom. This situation human nature, we can experience the to suppress a part of themselves – their in worship and in ritual observances. discriminatory towards those who
is unacceptable, since it represents an same amazement felt by the Psalmist. faith – in order to be active citizens. It There should be no obstacles should do not share its beliefs, but instead
insult to God and to human dignity; Our nature appears as openness to the should never be necessary to deny God he or she eventually wish to belong to reinforces social cohesion, integration
furthermore, it is a threat to security Mystery, a capacity to ask deep questions in order to enjoy one’s rights”.[6] another religion or profess none at all. In and solidarity.
and peace, and an obstacle to the about ourselves and the origin of the this context, international law is a model
achievement of authentic and integral universe, and a profound echo of the The family, the school of freedom and and an essential point of reference for Religious freedom, a force for freedom
human development.[1] supreme Love of God, the beginning and peace states, insofar as it allows no derogation and civilization: dangers arising from
Religious freedom expresses what end of all things, of every person and 4. If religious freedom is the path to from religious freedom, as long as the its exploitation
is unique about the human person, for people.[4] The transcendent dignity of peace, religious education is the highway just requirements of public order are Freedom / B3
B2 Updates CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 1
January 3 - 16, 2011

The Juridic Protection of the Church

Teaching against Contraception (Part II)
By Fr. Jaime Blanco the Magisterium of the Church. in communion with the head and in Humanae vitae and again

Singing at the
Achacoso, J.C.D. members of the college, whether by John Paul II in Evangelium
1. Rights and Duties of the as individuals or gathered in vitae.
Faithful in relation to the conferences of bishops or in The proposal to delve into the
A RECENT column of Atty. Jose Magisterium particular councils, are authentic question of whether or not the

Elevation
Sison (A Law Each Day, The 1) Fundamental right to teachers and instructors of the prevention of implantation of
Philippine Star 8.XI.2010, p.15) receive an integral catechesis. faith for the faithful entrusted an embryo is an abortion only
caught my attention. Quoting The Christian faithful, since they to their care; the faithful must serves to muddle the issue and
an e-mail he received from a Jose are called by baptism to lead a life adhere to the authentic teaching take the discussion away from
Teodoro Sagalo, he focused on what in conformity with the teaching of their own bishops with a sense the more fundamental doctrine:
(Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina the latter qualified as “grave error of the Gospel, have the right to of religious respect (c.753). 1 the intrinsic evil of contraception.
Apostolorum university, answers the following query:) that the Loyola School of Theology a Christian education by which 3) Duty to refrain from dissent Put another way, engaging the
has posted in the Ateneo website they will be properly instructed in matters of faith and morals: All proponents of the RH Bill in a
Q: Our priest used to sing a verse from “Come Let Us Adore endorsed earlier by Fr. Nebres, so as to develop the maturity of the Christian faithful are obliged debate on the abortifaciant or
Him” during the elevation of the consecrated host. Most Ateneo President, for reflection, and a human person and at the same to observe the constitutions and non-abortifaciant character of
of the congregation would sing along with him and it was now endorsed by Roberto Rivera time come to know and live the decrees which the legitimate the contraceptives it proposes
beautiful. Then someone threatened him that they were going of the John Carroll Institute.” A mystery of salvation (c.217). This authority of the Church issues to promote is tantamount to
to report this to the bishop, so now he has stopped singing quick check of the primary source canon, situated under the title in order to propose doctrine and conceding that contraception is
this. Is there any reason why a priest could not sing during verified the presence of the offensive of Obligations and Rights of All proscribe erroneous opinions; not the issue but rather abortion.
the elevation and thus bring the message to the congregation proposals, in a paper issued jointly Christian Faithful, corresponds this is especially true of the Even from the point of view
more fully?—T.V., Canada by the Loyola School of Theology to the duty of the Church to constitutions and decrees issued of rhetoric or debate, that’s a
and the John J. Carroll Institute evangelize. by the Roman Pontiff or the concession that the Church is ill-
of Church and Social Issues and 2) Right-Duty to do apostolate: college of bishops (c.754). advised to make, since in fact the
authored by Fr. Eric O. Genilo, Aside from the Magisterium, we It is senseless to speak of a proponents of the RH Bill have
S.J., Fr, John J. Carroll, S.J., and Fr. must not forget that the whole right to dissent as an expression always affirmed their staunch
Joaquin Bernas, S.J. Church is the carrier of the true of a religious freedom within disapproval of abortion.
My questions are: (1) Does the meaning of human life; therefore, the Church. By definition, this This in fact is the problem
Catholic Church really teach─in the whole Church—not just the is a freedom that exists only in with some theologians from
an authentic, infallible, obligatory Hierarchy—has the right and civil society, and as an eminent the aforementioned theological
way─the instrinsic moral evil duty to inform the temporal canonist has poi nted out, what school: through the years, they
of contraception, or is this a structures with the Gospel exists in the Church is the have repeatedly defended the
matter of religious persuasion, message. Nevertheless, This duty “right of opinion and expression position that the official Catholic
therefore admitting of a variety of the faithful to do apostolate (cc.212; 218), a right which is not teaching on the intrinsic evil
of interpretations in a pluralistic has no public character—i.e., the absolute, but limited and one of of contraception—repeatedly
society like the Philippines? (2) If apostolate that they are bound to the limitations is the magisterium enunciated by the popes of the
the Church indeed officially teaches carry out has no public character of the Church. A member of the recent past, by Vatican Council II
the intrinsic evil of contraception, (personal apostolate), even if they faithful cannot dissent from what and at present by Pope Benedict
can a Catholic institution─like the are not barred from carrying out makes up the deposit of faith XVI—is just one more position, on
Loyola School of Theology─publicly a more public apostolate. without breaking ecclesiastical equal footing with the opposite
propose otherwise, and get away 3) Duty to give an assent of communion, since it amounts view of—what a Philippine
with it? In other words, is there no faith to Universal Magisterium: to ceasing to be a disciple of the Star Jesuit columnist calls—an
provision in Church Law against a All that is contained in the written Master.” 2 equally responsible Catholic
Catholic School of Theology teaching word of God or in tradition, i.e., in Thus, even if the Universal position that contraception is licit
something contrary to Catholic the one deposit of faith entrusted Magisterium and the Authentic in certain situations.
© Noli Yamsuan / RCAM

Doctrine? to the Church and also proposed Magisterium can be differentiated The question now is: Can
as divinely revealed either by in that an internal act of assent is these theologians, teaching in
These questions bring to a the solemn Magisterium of the required in the former while not a Catholic university, where
head something which I had Church or by its ordinary and in the latter, in both cases the young minds are supposedly

A: While the priest’s zeal in promoting faith in the Real Presence

is appreciable, I cannot agree with this particular mode of doing
so as it goes against sound liturgical principles. It may also
be true that the priest stopped acting this way not so much
out of fear of the bishop but rather that some parishioner
convinced him of his error. I am sure that a priest who shows
such veneration for the Real Presence would also desire to
show equal respect for liturgical law.
The overarching principle to be applied in this respect is
that of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, No. 24:
“Nevertheless, the priest must remember that he is the servant
of the Sacred Liturgy and that he himself is not permitted, on
his own initiative, to add, to remove, or to change anything
in the celebration of Mass.”
The motive behind this principle are well articulated in the
instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum:
“[11.] The Mystery of the Eucharist ‘is too great for anyone to
permit himself to treat it according to his own whim, so that its
sacredness and its universal ordering would be obscured.’ On
the contrary, anyone who acts thus by giving free reign to his
own inclinations, even if he is a Priest, injures the substantial
unity of the Roman Rite, which ought to be vigorously
www.3.bp.blogspot.com

preserved, and becomes responsible for actions that are in no

way consistent with the hunger and thirst for the living God
that is experienced by the people today. Nor do such actions
serve authentic pastoral care or proper liturgical renewal;
instead, they deprive Christ’s faithful of their patrimony and
their heritage. For arbitrary actions are not conducive to true
renewal, but are detrimental to the right of Christ’s faithful to been wanting to address in this universal Magisterium, must be faithful is duty-bound to refrain being formed in the Catholic
a liturgical celebration that is an expression of the Church’s forum for some time: the juridic believed with divine and catholic from active (external) dissent. faith, maintain such heterodox
life in accordance with her tradition and discipline. In the protection of the Word of God. faith.... therefore, all are bound positions with impunity? Can’t
end, they introduce elements of distortion and disharmony Put another way, indeed there to avoid any doctrines whatever 2. The Loyola House of Studies’ the Law of the Church even
into the very celebration of the Eucharist, which is oriented must be something in Church which are contrary to these truths “TalkingPoints”foraDiscussion protect the youngest of its own
in its own lofty way and by its very nature to signifying and Law that guarantees─with (c.750). on the RH Bill faithful against doctrinal error?
wondrously bringing about the communion of divine life coercive and punitive force─the The Code defines two situations The offending paper is actually Or put another way, if the
and the unity of the People of God. The result is uncertainty doctrinal soundness of Catholic contrary to this norm (c.751): too long to tackle in detail, but bishops are so concerned about
in matters of doctrine, perplexity and scandal on the part of institutions. Still put another a) Heresy - is the obstinate I would like to focus on what the environmental pollution
the People of God, and, almost as a necessary consequence, way, in much the same way that post-baptismal denial of some I think is the ethical principle brought about by irresponsible
vigorous opposition, all of which greatly confuse and sadden the Republic of the Philippines truth which must be believed which underpins the entire set mining, shouldn’t they be more
many of Christ’s faithful in this age of ours when Christian has the opportune departments with divine and catholic faith, of talking points, which to my concerned about the doctrinal
life is often particularly difficult on account of the inroads of to establish standards for what or an obstinate doubt concerning mind is not in sync with official pollution being brought about
‘secularization’ as well. are taught in the centers of the same. Catholic teaching as enunciated by irresponsible theologizing in
“[12.] On the contrary, it is the right of all of Christ’s elementary, intermediate and b) Apostasy - is the total in the ordinary, authentic and Catholic universities? After all,
faithful that the Liturgy, and in particular the celebration of higher education, the Church repudiation of the Christian faith. infallible magisterium of the environmental degradation is
Holy Mass, should truly be as the Church wishes, according must have the necessary means Furthermore, the Code typifies Roman Pontiffs. Quite early on, not as serious as the erosion of
to her stipulations as prescribed in the liturgical books and to guarantee that only sound the above situations as crimes, the paper reads: Catholic faith, which is at bottom,
in the other laws and norms. Likewise, the Catholic people Catholic doctrine is taught in the establishing that an apostate or “Contraceptives without is the reason for the increasing
have the right that the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass should be officially Catholic institutions a heretic incurs automatic (latae abortifacient effects are treated acceptance of the RH Bill among
celebrated for them in an integral manner, according to the of education. To illustrate: if sententiae) excommunication differently in church teaching. the Catholic faithful.
entire doctrine of the Church’s Magisterium. Finally, it is the a chemistry professor at the and if a cleric, he can also be They are forbidden for Catholics This question is masterfully
Catholic community’s right that the celebration of the Most University of the Philippines punished by additional expiatory but other religious traditions answered in a book by Rev.
Holy Eucharist should be carried out for it in such a manner (my department and alma mater penalties (cf. c.1336, §1, nn.1-3). allow them” (italics mine). It then Jesu Pudumai Doss, SDB,
that it truly stands out as a sacrament of unity, to the exclusion respectively) were to insist on 4) Duty to give religious goes on to make a proposal: titled Freedom of Enquiry and
of all blemishes and actions that might engender divisions and teaching his students theories respect of intellect and will to “Proposal: The State first has Expression in the Catholic
factions in the Church.” of alchemy that had already Authentic Magisterium. Such to make a clear position whether Church: A Canonico-Theological
And with specific mention of the Eucharistic Prayer: “[53.] been long disproven, and if the religious respect implies, aside it considers the prevention of Study, published by Kristu Jyoti
While the Priest proclaims the Eucharistic Prayer ‘there university authorities were to from an intellectual assent to the implantation of an embryo Publications, Bangalore (India)
should be no other prayers or singing, and the organ or other allow him to continue deforming doctrine, also an assent of the as an abortion. If the State in 2007. Based on the author’s
musical instruments should be silent’ except for the people’s his students in that way─with dire will as manifested by an external takes this position, there must doctoral dissertation in Canon
acclamations that have been duly approved ….” consequences in his chemistry actuation in accord with it. This be a careful and scientifically Law at the Salesian Pontifical
From another standpoint I think that introducing the phrase practice thereafter─the Republic is manifested at two levels: based evaluation of each of the University (Rome), the book
“Come let us adore him!” in fact unwittingly reduces the scope of the Philippines would have a) Universal Level. A religious medicines and devices provided bears a foreword of Angelo
of the Eucharistic mystery. By concentrating only on the Real grounds to call the university to respect of intellect and will, even by the Bill. Those contraceptive Amato, then Secretary of the
Presence, this expression leaves out the full reality of the Mass task, aside from of course flunking if not the assent of faith, is to be medicines and devices which are Congregation for the Doctrine
as a memorial making present the entire salvific mystery that its graduates in the professional paid to the teaching which the determined to have abortifacient of the Faith. I shall attempt to
is, in a way, the latest moment in salvation history. In fact, this board examinations. Supreme Pontiff or the college effects are to be banned even now summarize the pertinent sections
reality is better expressed by the usual acclamations after the In a previous issue of this paper, of bishops enunciate on faith or and regardless of whether the RH in the next issue of CBCP Monitor.
consecration which ties the Eucharistic mystery of faith to the I summarized a series of articles morals when they exercise the Bill is passed or not.” (To be concluded.)
Passion, Resurrection and Second Coming. I had written in this column in authentic magisterium, even if The implication here is that
I certainly have no objections to a priest singing in order to previous years regarding the they do not intend to proclaim there is one morality for Catholics NOTES
underline the importance of this moment of the celebration, Canonical Protection of the it with a definitive act. Therefore and another for people of other
1 Cf. John Paul II, Apost. Letter Aposto-
but this can be done without any undue additions. First of all, Church’s Magisterium. At this the Christian faithful are to take religious traditions. This is los suos (21.V.1998), n.11.
the rubrics already allow him to sing the entire consecration point, and before finally making care to avoid whatever is not clearly contrary to the notion
in harmony with that teaching of intrinsically evil acts—as 2 J. Hervada, Pensamientos (unpub-
itself. It is also highly recommendable that he also intones a canonical appraisal of the lished), Chap. VII, n.21. Paraphrased
the “Mystery of Faith” so that the faithful can also sing the question posed by our reader (c.752). taught by John Paul II in Veritatis in J.A. Arrieta, op.cit. See also J. A.
memorial acclamation. above, allow me to summarize b) Particular Level. Although splendor—and the qualification Fuentes, El derecho a recibir el mensaje
they do not enjoy infallible of contraception as an intrinsically evangélico, in Fidelium Iura, 3 (1993),
the corresponding rights and 442-446.
duties of the faithful in relation to teaching authority, the bishops evil act—as taught by Paul VI
 Features
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 1
January 3 - 16, 2011
B3

Philippine Agrarian Reform Situationer as of December 2010:

Challenges Confronting
CARPER Advocates

Photo courtesy of Gemma Rita Marin

By Sulong CARPER of coverage that should continue 2010), DAR will only be able 2) CARPER is also encountering to more radical actions post- agrarian reform stakeholders as
in spite of protest or application to distribute 140,000 – 160,000 anti-reform societal actors like CARPER. Some groups may even well as fully pursue inter-agency
for exemption/exclusion; (c) the hectares or about 105,000 a year. It landlords and armed movements be vulnerable to agitation for convergence and cohesion,
Background removal of the stock distribution will be difficult to maintain even that do not want CARPER to violent means to effect change, particularly with DILG, DND,
State-led agrarian reform and voluntary land transfer this level of accomplishment due succeed in order to create a as history has proven. PNP and AFP, to address policy
was given a new lease on modes of land, thus making to the budget cuts and the lack revolutionary situation. 3. In the coming years, an and operational concerns.
life when Republic Act 9700, Compulsory Acquisition as the of a clear signal from the Aquino In some areas these anti- aggressive government policy 2. Push for the maximum
more commonly known as main mode of acquisition and Administration that agrarian reform actors combine as strange and global investments on food allocation of budget especially
the Comprehensive Agrarian distribution; (d) indefeasibility of reform is a priority concern, as bedfellows in an effort to defeat and fuel will compete with for land redistribution. The
Reform Extension with Reforms CLOA and emancipation patents. exemplified by the following CARPER. redistributive land reform and CARPER should get an average
(CARPER) was passed July 1, There are major difficulties, high profile cases and issues: Hence, these armed movements will most likely marginalize pro- of P40 Billion a year starting
2009. The extension provided however, that make CARPER a. The failure of the President are anticipated to increase their poor land distribution of private 2012 if it hopes to compensate
reform-oriented peasant completion by 2014 a difficult, if to keep his election campaign activities which will result in and public lands. for the previous years’ shortfalls.
movements with a law that not impossible, target. promise to distribute the lands increased human rights abuses Anything less than the total
enables them to pursue land of Hacienda Luisita; in rural areas. 4. Injustice and non- mandated budget of P150B
distribution peacefully. Challenges to CARPER b. Delays in the distribution/ compliance with the law will be means that the government is
CARPER mandates the 1. Completing land installation of ARBs on the 2014 Scenarios rewarded. Those who resisted or not serious in completing land
completion of land distribution redistribution. CARPER is left Arroyo lands in Negros; 1. Land redistribution will circumvented the law through reform by 2014.
by 2014. Aside from land with an official balance of more c. The appointment by the not be completed. The most the years will still have their 3. Monitor land redistribution
redistribution, it also mandates or less one million hectares administration coalition of Rep. likely scenario given the lands. This is a very bad message accomplishment and the
agrarian justice delivery in its five-year (2009 – 2014) Pryce Teves as Chair of the House trend in land distribution’s in a democracy under the rule provision of required support
and program beneficiaries’ timeframe. The biggest and most Committee on Agrarian Reform yearly accomplishment is an of law. services based on transparent
development. To effectively contentious private landholdings despite a conflict of interest unfinished land distribution 5. Finally, if land distribution yearly targets especially in the
implement the law, a substantial comprise most of the balance. To situation from the continued under CARPER. At the rate is not completed by 2014, top 20-25 provinces, with a
funding of P150 Billion or P30 complete land redistribution, the resistance of the Teves family to things are going, it will be a another extension is unlikely, system that enables civil society
billion a year was allocated for its government needs to distribute the installation of farmers with miracle for DAR to achieve given a presidency that has not to actively and regularly interact
five-year implementation. Sixty an average of 200,000 hectares CLOAs to the land; even half of its distribution demonstrated any commitment with DAR in validating targets and
percent of the budget goes for a year. This is a gargantuan d. Substantial shortfalls of balance when it can only to agrarian reform. step-by-step accomplishments on
land acquisition while 40% goes challenge and if early trends 33%-50% in the appropriated accomplish 160,000 hectares in the ground.
for support services. will continue, the Department funds compared to the budget 1 ½ years . Hence, the problem What can be done by CARPER 4. Seek a dialogue between
CARPER includes reforms to of Agrarian Reform may not of P150 billion over 5 years with of landlessness and poverty Advocates President Noynoy Aquino and
make it more responsive to the even accomplish half of that serious consequences to the land should be expected to continue, 1. Push DAR to be more decisive the agrarian reform community
realities on the ground. Among target by end 2014. In 2010, the acquisition and distribution if not worsen, beyond 2014. in implementing agrarian reform to clarify his administration’s
the more substantive reforms are: CARPER budget was about P20B. targets and the provision of 2. Resurgence of armed in the remaining three and a half agenda on CARPER and to
a) the referral system which would In 2011, the Congress has only support services to beneficiaries. movement in areas with years, especially in the top 20 or agree on the way forward to the
expedites the decriminalization allocated P16.5B which would Thus, the high expectations unfinished land reform. Without 25 provinces with the biggest completion of land distribution
of agrarian reform-related render the targets impossible to on CARPER under a supposedly a state program on land rights, backlog. This means that DAR by 2014 and continued support
criminal cases filed against achieve. In the first 1 ½ years of reformist presidency are slowly peaceful landless peasants’ should engage and mobilize servicesuntilthefullemancipation
tenants; b) unhampered process CARPER (June 2009 – December dissipating. movements today may shift pro-CARPER NGOs and all of the farmers is attained.

Freedom / B1
7. The exploitation of religious freedom life deprives the latter of a dimension too, as an expression of the person and Dialogue between civil and religious a measure of agreement about truth and
to disguise hidden interests, such as the open to transcendence. Without this of all his or her constitutive dimensions, institutions goodness, and a moral consensus; both
subversion of the established order, the fundamental experience it becomes must live and organize itself in a way 9. The patrimony of principles and of these are fundamental to a just and
hoarding of resources or the grip on power difficult to guide societies towards that favors openness to transcendence. values expressed by an authentic peaceful coexistence. The leaders of the
of a single group, can cause enormous harm universal ethical principles and to Precisely for this reason, the laws and religiosity is a source of enrichment for great religions, thanks to their position,
to societies. Fanaticism, fundamentalism establish at the national and international institutions of a society cannot be peoples and their ethos. It speaks directly their influence and their authority in their
and practices contrary to human dignity level a legal order which fully recognizes shaped in such a way as to ignore the to the conscience and mind of men and respective communities, are the first ones
can never be justified, even less so in the and respects fundamental rights and religious dimension of its citizens or to women, it recalls the need for moral called to mutual respect and dialogue.
name of religion. The profession of a freedoms as these are set forth in prescind completely from it. Through the conversion, and it encourages the practice Christians, for their part, are spurred by
religion cannot be exploited or imposed the goals—sadly still disregarded or democratic activity of citizens conscious of the virtues and a loving approach to their faith in God, the Father of the Lord
by force. States and the various human contradicted—of the 1948 Universal of their lofty calling, those laws and others as brothers and sisters, as members Jesus Christ, to live as brothers and sisters
communities must never forget that Declaration of Human Rights. institutions must adequately reflect of the larger human family.[12] who encounter one another in the Church
religious freedom is the condition for the the authentic nature of the person and With due respect for the positive and work together in building a world where
pursuit of truth, and truth does not impose An issue of justice and civility: support its religious dimension. Since secularity of state institutions, the individuals and peoples “shall not hurt
itself by violence but “by the force of its fundamentalism and hostility to the latter is not a creation of the state, public dimension of religion must or destroy … for the earth shall be full of
own truth”.[10] In this sense, religion is believers compromise the positive it cannot be manipulated by the state, always be acknowledged. A healthy the knowledge of the Lord as the waters
a positive driving force for the building secularity of states but must rather be acknowledged and dialogue between civil and religious cover the sea” (Is 11:9).
of civil and political society. 8. The same determination that respected by it. institutions is fundamental for the
How can anyone deny the contribution condemns every form of fanaticism and Whenever the legal system at any integral development of the human Dialogue as a shared pursuit
of the world’s great religions to the religious fundamentalism must also level, national or international, allows person and social harmony. 11. For the Church, dialogue
development of civilization? The oppose every form of hostility to religion or tolerates religious or antireligious between the followers of the different
sincere search for God has led to greater that would restrict the public role of fanaticism, it fails in its mission, which Living in love and in truth religions represents an important
respect for human dignity. Christian believers in civil and political life. is to protect and promote justice and the 10. In a globalized world marked by means of cooperating with all religious
communities, with their patrimony of It should be clear that religious rights of all. These matters cannot be left increasingly multi-ethnic and multi- communities for the common good. The
values and principles, have contributed fundamentalism and secularism are alike to the discretion of the legislator or the religious societies, the great religions Church herself rejects nothing of what
much to making individuals and in that both represent extreme forms of a majority since, as Cicero once pointed can serve as an important factor of unity is true and holy in the various religions.
peoples aware of their identity and their rejection of legitimate pluralism and the out, justice is something more than a and peace for the human family. On the “She has a high regard for those ways of
dignity, the establishment of democratic principle of secularity. Both absolutize mere act which produces and applies basis of their religious convictions and life and conduct, precepts and doctrines
institutions and the recognition of a reductive and partial vision of the law. It entails acknowledging the dignity their reasoned pursuit of the common which, although differing in many ways
human rights and their corresponding human person, favoring in the one of each person [11] which, unless religious good, their followers are called to from her own teaching, nevertheless
duties. case forms of religious integralism and, freedom is guaranteed and lived in its give responsible expression to their often reflect a ray of that truth which
Today too, in an increasingly globalized in the other, of rationalism. A society essence, ends up being curtailed and commitment within a context of religious enlightens all men and women”.[13]
society, Christians are called, not only that would violently impose or, on the offended, exposed to the risk of falling freedom. Amid the variety of religious The path to take is not the way of relativism
through their responsible involvement contrary, reject religion is not only unjust under the sway of idols, of relative goods cultures, there is a need to value those or religious syncretism. The Church, in
in civic, economic and political life but to individuals and to God, but also to itself. which then become absolute. All this elements which foster civil coexistence, fact, “proclaims, and is in duty bound to
also through the witness of their charity God beckons humanity with a loving plan exposes society to the risk of forms of while rejecting whatever is contrary to proclaim without fail, Christ who is the way,
and faith, to offer a valuable contribution that, while engaging the whole person in political and ideological totalitarianism the dignity of men and women. the truth and the life (Jn 14:6); in Christ, in
to the laborious and stimulating pursuit his or her natural and spiritual dimensions, which emphasize public power while The public space which the international whom God reconciled all things to himself,
of justice, integral human development calls for a free and responsible answer demeaning and restricting freedom community makes available for the people find the fullness of the religious life”.
and the right ordering of human affairs. which engages the whole heart and being, of conscience, thought and religion as religions and their proposal of what [14] Yet this in no way excludes dialogue
The exclusion of religion from public individual and communitarian. Society potential competitors. constitutes a “good life” helps to create Freedom / B5
 Features
CBCP Monitor
B4 Vol. 15 No. 1
January 3 - 16, 2011

A Pastoral Letter of Bishop Gilbert A.

Garcera On the Four Diocesan Celebrations
in the Diocese of Daet for 2011
“Do this in Memory of Me” (Lk. 22:19) - Remembering the First Churches
GREETINGS of Peace! How beautiful the Second, I will begin my Pastoral Visit preparation for the 40th Anniversary of our
first reading today expresses that prayerful to thirty parishes in the Diocese this 2011. Diocese in 2015. The main objectives of this
longing: “May the Lord bless you and keep Required by Church Law, the pastoral visit Year of Prayer are the following: first, to
you. May the Lord let his face shine on you is one of the ways through which I, as your inculcate the value of prayer as a means of
and be gracious to you and may the Lord Bishop, can maintain personal contact with the drawing ever new strength from Christ that
uncover his face to you and bring you peace” clergy and the other members of the People we urgently need in the face of activism
(Nm 6:24-26). This is my prayer and my wish of God. It is an occasion to rejuvenate the and growing secularism (rf. Pope Benedict
to all my priests, the religious and the lay energies of those engaged in evangelization, XVI, Deus Caritas Est, nos. 36-38); second,
leaders and to all in Camarines Norte. to praise, encourage and reassure them. It is to create a culture of God’s presence; and
Today, January 1, we celebrate the also an opportunity to invite the faithful to a third, to initiate programs which will enable
Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. Her renewal of Christian life and to an ever more the Diocese to discern the movement of the
conception and birth of Jesus offered the intense apostolic activity. This pastoral visit Spirit, both in the personal and communal
family of humanity a fresh beginning, a new will help me to evaluate the effectiveness of the life. I urge every parish to encourage and
hope for true peace. The gift of every new structures and agencies designed for pastoral inspire the people to come to Jesus in the
year reminds us of that hope. And so with service, taking account of the circumstances Most Blessed Sacrament where He is really
renewed fervour and sense of commitment, and difficulties of the task of evangelization, so present as well as to intensify the Marian and
we move forward in our journey of faith that as to determine more accurately the priorities other devotions. As they face the realities of
has God for its origin, inspiration and goal. and the means required for overall pastoral daily life, may the members of every parish
May this lead to the continuing renewal and provision. find spiritual nourishment and inspiration
growth of the Church. Third, our Diocese launched the Year in and through prayer, especially the daily
The giftedness of the New Year 2011 is of the Youth last December 17, 2010 at the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. We also
accentuated by four significant celebrations Holy Trinity Cathedral in Daet. This national hope that every family find time to gather in
in our diocese this year. event sponsored by the Catholic Bishops’ prayer at home every day because “the family
The first is the Quadricentennial Celebration Conference of the Philippines aims to generate that prays together stays together.”
of the foundation of the first three parishes in efforts to promote the youth ministry and to As we start this Year on Prayer, I ask you,
Camarines Norte. We take a lead from Jesus’ deepen the awareness of our young people my dear People of God, to “pray without
words at the Last Supper: “Do this in memory that they have a great part to play in the ceasing” (1 Th 5:17). All the work ahead of
of me” (Lk 22:19b). We want to do what He life and mission of the Church today and in us is not so much our work as it is the Lord’s.
invited His disciples to do, that is, to remember the future. The young generation is drawn We are confident that as a people in love with
with gratitude what happened in the past, to towards technological addiction, materialism, Mary, we can always rely on her continued
bring its power and blessing to the present, consumerism and hedonism, unaware that guidance and protection. We can also count
and allow it to empower us to face the future underneath these beds of roses are filthy mud on the intercession of St. Joseph, the Patron
(rf. Pope John Paul II, Novo Millenio Inuente, and emptiness. Our Church needs to guide of our diocese.
no.1). We look back with gratitude at the and strengthen our young members to reject Happy New Year and may God bless you
foundation of the first parishes in Paracale, the culture of instant-pleasure and instead and your loved ones abundantly.
Daet and Vinzons in 1611 that was the fruit accept Jesus Christ, who is “the Way, the
of the pioneering efforts of the Franciscan Truth and the Life” (John 14:6).
missionaries to sow the seeds of the Gospel Lastly, we declare this year 2011 as the +GILBERT A. GARCERA, D.D.
beginning in 1581. We hope to build on and Year on Prayer. This is a response to the Bishop of Daet
continue their evangelizing effort so that it will Diocesan Pastoral Assembly that concluded Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God
bear more fruits acceptable to the Lord. four months ago. It is also our initial January 1, 2011

Church leaders reaffirm ‘Jesus of Nazareth Repeats to His Disciples:

commitment to protect
Do Not Be Afraid’
Mindanao environment to
promote peace
Dear Priests and Deacons,
At this time, when the Holy
Father has graciously named
me as the new Prefect, I would
like to take the opportunity to
By Bong D. Fabe dialogue and cooperation with the society at large,” they said. convey a cordial greeting to
civil society, government and The delegates said that each and every one of you.
the basic sectors for authentic “Mindanao is a beautiful land The Year for Priests, recently
HUNDREDS of Roman Catholic human Development and peace which we love so rich in natural brought to a conclusion,
church leaders all over the southern as well as to uphold the rule of resources the home of good and remains always before us,
Philippines recently reaffirmed law at all levels. beautiful people endowed with both in its content and in
their commitment to protect the The delegates, composed of rich and diversified cultures.” its model of sanctity, St.
integrity of creation in Mindanao archbishops, bishops, priests, “But it is also the land damaged John Mary Vianney. With
as a key issue in the promotion of religious men and women, and by violence, aggression and regard to its content, it is to
peace in the island. lay faithful from twenty-one selfishness,” they said, adding be fully assimilated into the
Two hundred and thirteen (21) Ecclesiastical Jurisdictions in that these all contribute to environment of the formation
delegates to the 14th Mindanao- Mindanao said they “have reflected situations of unpeace in some of the Clergy, both in the
Sulu Pastoral Conference held at on and rediscovered the importance localities in Mindanao. initial and ongoing stages,
the Holy Cross Academy in Digos of the Word of God in addressing “We know that the situations especially concerning to the
City, reaffirmed in a statement issues and concerns affecting the of unpeace are often land- central place it wished to
their seven-fold commitment to Environment and Peace.” based, and so geographically recognize of the Eucharist,
reverse the effect of the threats to “Moved by the goodness and localized. They are all related celebrated and adored; with
Life and Peace in Mindanao. Creative Power of the Word of to mal-distribution, usurpation, regard to the model of sanctity
These seven-fold commitment God we have seen the immensity monopoly, misuse and abuse that was offered, the heroic
are: (1) protect the integrity of the of our Mission as Local Churches of resources. The corruption of participation of the Curé of
Mother Earth, the Visible Sign of in Mindanao. We are challenged economic and political powers, Ars in the self-giving of Christ
Divine Order and Wisdom as well to follow the paths toward the the distortion of moral and for the life of men shines forth,
as the Life in the Mother’s Womb New Evangelization which spiritual values, the materialistic and that witness spurs us
which is the Sign Center and would transform our context,” culture of amassing wealth for continually to offer ourselves
Foundation of God’s Creation they said in the statement, which vested interests have very high to the Lord in the “fragrant
and to safeguard the Sacredness was signed by Bishop Guillermo environmental and social costs,” sacrifice”.
of marriage and Family Life; D. Afable, D.D., of the Diocese they added. Even in the face of the storm
(2) strengthen our dedication of Digos. Although the situation in of the “worldly sea,” Jesus
and formation of our families, The delegates also condemned Mindanao looks bleak, the of Nazareth repeats to his
communities, parishes and Local in the strongest terms (1) all delegates see many signs of disciples, “Do not be afraid!”
Churches based on the Word activities which threaten and hope—“a good number of To the temptation of activism
of God and the Christian Faith devastate Creation: The non- conscientious individuals, and of the fitful searching after
centered on the Holy Eucharist; (3) sustainable and irresponsible groups, and institutions are solutions that are human, and
pursue the formation of Christian mining activities particularly working untiringly for the all too human, He beckons us act with Christ” (Allocution falls to pieces of himself;
Environmental Conscience, open-pit mining, logging Protection of Creation as well gently, “Remain in my love” at the Pontifical Roman Major sometimes he does just so
Intergenerational Justice and activities which denude our as for the Promotion of Peace” (Jn 15: 9). Seminary, 12 February 2010). much as is beneficial, and then
the Promotion of the Culture of forests, toxic agricultural whose ranks are “increasing As the Holy Father Benedict Dear friends, it is precisely this is removed. Commonly the
Peace as well as to pursue the practices, destructive fishing, everyday. Many have dedicated XVI pointed out, “If we primacy of the ontological over Church has nothing more to
paths of the New Evangelization and all activities contributory their lives for the Call toward the continue to read this Gospel the ethical, of the “abiding” over do than to go on in her own
using solid catechesis for the care to climate change and global Culture of Peace and Christian passage attentively, we also the “doing” that is the guarantee, proper duties, in confidence
of the Earth and for the creation warming; (2) any and all forms Environmental Stewardship.” find a second imperative: and the only guarantee possible, and peace; to stand still and
of Peaceful Environment; (4) of aggression against the lives, The 14th MSPC, held last “abide”, and “observe my of the fruitfulness of our to see the salvation of God”
undertake concrete measures cultures and livelihood of the October 18-2, 2010 at the Holy commandments”. “Observe” apostolate! (Biglietto Speech, 12 May
like Environmental Education Indigenous Communities as well Cross Academy in Digos City, only comes second. “Abide” In the face of prevailing 1879).
and peace Campaigns in all as anomalous encroachments brought together clergy and comes first, at the ontological secularism and rampant With these sentiments of
Churches, BECs, Parish Groups, into their ancestral domains; (3) religious from the Mindanao level, namely that we are relativism, Blessed John Henry profound, radical fidelity to
Catholic Schools and Colleges, all activities of violence, hatred, region to share on their faith united with him, he has given Cardinal Newman reminds us the Lord in the Church and in
as well as conduct activities vengeance and bloodshed experiences in the light of the himself to us beforehand that, “Christianity has been too history, in the Lord of my and
such as tree planting, adopt-a- perpetrated by individuals, word of God. and has already given us often in what seemed deadly of your sacerdotal existence, I
forest program, setting up of groups and institutions even as a It was also aimed at reliving the his love, the fruit. It is not peril, that we should fear for ask a particular remembrance
nurseries in all Catholic Facilities means of correcting what maybe paths towards renewed essential we who must produce the it any new trial now. So far is in your prayers, while I assure
and on Church Lands wherever is wrong; and (4) everything evangelization to regain the abundant fruit; Christianity certain; on the other hand, what you of my pastoral concern,
possible; (5) conduct information and every act which harms, lawful dignity of human life in is not moralism, it is not we is uncertain, and in these great entrusting each one of you
and education campaigns to the endangers, destroys and kills the midst of God’s creation. who must do all that God contests commonly is uncertain, to the powerful protection of
faithful regarding the Alternative life; extra-judicial liquidations, With the theme “Word of expects of the world but we and what is commonly a great Her who, by virtue of a most
Mining Act (AMB), now filed terrorism, drug pushing; artificial God in Mindanao, Creation and must first of all enter this surprise, when it is witnessed, special title, is the Mother of
in Congress and is known contraception, sterilization and Peace,” the 14th MSPC was also ontological mystery: God is the particular mode by which, Priests: the Blessed Virgin
as National Management of abortion; thus everything and aimed at helping each arch/ gives himself. His being, in the event, Providence rescues Mary.
Resources and Stewardship every act which prevents the diocese, prelature and vicariate his loving, precedes our and saves His elect inheritance.
Bill, as alternative to the present conception and birth of human create and prepare plans of action and, in the context of Sometimes our enemy is turned CARDINAL MAURO
Philippine Mining Act of 1995; life. pastoral actions in harmony his Body, in the context of into a friend; sometimes he PIANCENZA
(6) strengthen the interfaith and “We, therefore, condemn in the with the collective efforts for the being in him, being identified is despoiled of that special Prefect, Congregation for
inter-religious dialogue for the strongest terms every sin which resolution of Mindanao problems with him and ennobled virulence of evil which was Clergy
cause of Integrity of Creation creates disorder, disrupts peace in agreement with the mission of with his Blood, we too can so threatening; sometimes he December 2010
and Peace; and (7) continue and harmony in individuals and the Church in Mindanao.
 Statements
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 1
January 3 - 16, 2011
B5

Peace and prosperity to one and all!

TODAY, we are at the very threshold of negative repercussions for peace when the yet it remains the case that in 1981, around
the year 2011, welcoming it with deep entire populations live in poverty. Poverty is 40% of the world’s population was below
gratitude as well as with much anticipation often a contributory factor or a compounding the threshold of absolute poverty, while
and jubilation. In our solemn retrospect element in conflicts, including armed ones. today that percentage has been reduced by
of the times past, may we be drawn to a In turn, these conflicts fuel further tragic as much as half, and whole peoples have
joyful thanksgiving for the many graces situations of poverty. escaped from poverty despite experiencing
God has so richly blest us. Let us keep in There have been measures led by the substantial demographic growth.” This
the memory of our hearts the goodness of government and by some other private implies that we can combat poverty even
the Lord, who sees us through in our joys institutions that fight poverty. The most without depopulation.
and pains, despite our human iniquities. As conspicuous among others is the campaign “See, I am doing something new! Now it
we embark for another year of challenging against corruption. I would like to agree that springs forth, do you not perceive it?... (Is.
journey, we bring with us this memory of corruption is the radical cause of the misery 43:19).” The word of the Lord spoken by the
God’s unfailing presence so that we shall of Filipinos. Therefore, it is but only proper prophet Isaiah opens us to the reality of God
face the future with renewed strength and to reject what is base and dishonorable! Let who initiates the work of transformation.
hopeful spirit. us then intensify and sustain this righteous God is doing something new—perhaps
We usually begin the New Year with well effort of eradicating graft and corruption. something better than what we see around.
wishes and a salvo of noble resolves. But, However, there are other measures that This boldly expresses God’s loving concern
before our illusions consume us, let us first apparently disagree to the very conscience with the plight of His people. Here, God
be awakened by this disturbing reality: of many Christian Filipinos. There are assures us that social transformation can
What awaits the majority of Filipinos in the those who believe that poverty is often happen. Peace and prosperity is within our
year ahead, much as we hope for the better, a consequence of demographic change. reach. And the certainty of its realization
perhaps are still the same dehumanizing For this reason, there are international lies in the fact that we are not alone in this
conditions of poverty, injustice, and unpeace. campaigns afoot to reduce birth-rates, task. God is with us!
This indubitable reality already manifests in sometimes using methods that often fail Hence, at the very outset of this new
different circumstances of various groups of to respect even the right to life. The Holy chapter of human history, we are invited,
people such as: the landless farmers, jobless Father Benedict XVI, in his address on the more than ever, to discern which work is
Filipinos, homeless urban poor, dislocated occasion of the World Day of Peace, wrote: God’s and eventually collaborate with Him.
tribal groups, the fatalities of nefarious “The extermination of millions of unborn A Blessed New Year to all!
massacre in Cotabato, the recent victims of children in the name of the fight against
blast in Jolo and the like. The late venerable poverty actually constitutes the destruction +NEREO P. ODCHIMAR, DD
Pope John Paul II once spoke that there are of the poorest of all human beings. And Bishop of Tandag, CBCP President

‘Justice for whom? Justice New Year’s Message

delayed, justice denied: ON behalf of the Commission on
Interreligious Dialogue of the
But, even as we condemn the
senseless bombings of innocent

The Vizconde Tragedy’ Catholic Bishops’ Conference of

the Philippines, I would like to
convey our message of concern
church-goers by some extrem-
ists, we wish to express our
message of peace and hope to
AFTER nineteen long years, justice continues to elude Estrellita, and solidarity with the victims all peoples of various cultures
Carmela and Jennifer Vizconde, victims of a heinous crime, of the Christmas Day bombing and religious traditions.
of rape and homicide. of a Catholic chapel in Jolo. The angelic message of Peace
It is difficult to understand how the Supreme Court could We condole in particular to all men and women of good
reverse the decisions of two lower courts who actually saw and with Fr. Romeo Villanueva, will was given not only to the
heard the witnesses and were convinced by the prosecutors OMI, the main celebrant of the shepherds but also to the wise
whom they also saw and listened to, beyond reasonable aborted Mass. Fr. Villanueva men and everyone today work-
doubt, that the accused were guilty. It prompts one to ask: has been a long-time advocate ing for a just and lasting peace
How reasonable was the doubt of the justices who voted for for justice and peace in the Sulu in our land.
acquittal? With the Supreme Court’s decision overturning the archipelago. May the Christmas blessings
rulings of the Regional Trial Court and the Court of Appeals, We also express our sympa- of Light, Love, and Life, espe-
we are back to square one—who killed the Vizcondes? thies with Fr. Ricky Bacolcol, cially for the lowly, be ours to
We share the grief and anguish of Lauro Vizconde who was his assistant, who was slightly share throughout the coming
treacherously robbed of a family and a peaceful life nineteen injured in the bombing. Fr. year.
years ago. The wounds have been opened up again and there Ricky comes from Mambajao,
seems to be no closure to his ordeal. Camiguin, and was ordained +ANTONIO J. LEDESMA, SJ
Time is running out for those determined to bring the only last November 10th in Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro
perpetrators to a court of law. Jolo by Bishop A. Lampon. He Chairman, Episcopal Com-
We implore the government to find and determine who the is a graduate of St. John Vian- mission on Interreligious
killers are and bring them before the bars of justice. This is made ney Theological Seminary in Dialogue
more urgent by the fact that no charges can be filed against Cagayan de Oro. 27 December 2010
them after the prescriptive period lapses (20 years according to
news reports). And this investigation should not exclude those
acquitted since even the spokesperson of the Supreme Court
said their acquittal does not mean they are not guilty. We ask
the Supreme Court to consider a motion of reconsideration by
May the New Year be a year of peace
the prosecutors especially if they can present new witnesses.
Those who have knowledge of what happened on that fateful AS we usher in the New Year mighty. Only God is almighty. In
night of June 30, 1991, should come out and tell the truth. Be 2011, we hold hands together Pangasinan, may we always place
not afraid for the Lord our God is with you. in unity and prayer that this God in our politics and business
We ask those whose hands are bloodied by these heinous year may be a year of abundant and culture—indeed in all!
crimes to confess and accept the consequences. Sooner or later, blessings, a year of true progress, Finally, may the New Year
you will face the Lord and be judged. a year of real peace. be a year of peace. Peace is
We pray for the victims—Estrellita, Carmela, Jennifer—that All blessings are from God. right relationships. When our
they may find peace in the bosom of our Lord. We must put God first. We must relationships with God, with
We pray too for Lauro Vizconde at this time of great stress put God in all, for we all know creation and with one another
and ask the Lord to give him strength and courage to once that only God will remain in the are right, we shall have true and
again go through this ordeal. We beg in all humility that our end. In all things, may God be lasting peace. Beyond partisan
just and loving Father give justice to Lauro and his family. glorified! But we realize too that politics, linguistic differences
blessings come to us through and varied social strata, the
Sr. Mary John M. Mananzan, OSB one another. May all of us be call for unity beckons. May
Fr. Quirico T. Pedregosa, OP blessings for one another. In Pangasinan be truly one! May
AMRSP Co-Chairpersons, December 20, 2010 Pangasinan, may everybody love we extend our hands to our
everybody—that is the greatest opponents with forgiveness
blessing of all. and tolerance, respect and

We Condemn the Jolo We pray for progress but

progresswithethics.Inourpursuit
of human and economic progress,
brotherhood!
Happy new year! Magayagan

Church Bombing
balon taon ed sikayon amin!
we must not compromise our From the Cathedral of Saint
immortal souls. Our years here John the Evangelist, Dagupan
on earth are limited and finite. City, December 31, 2010
THE forces of evil are again unleashed to sow terror and to What is important is invisible
create discord among peoples. The latest bombing in Jolo church to the eye. The peso and dollar +SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS
wounding many innocent civilians and the many kidnapping are not immortal. Our souls are. Archbishop of Lingayen
incidents in different parts of Mindanao are barbaric acts of The peso and dollar are not all Dagupan
violence, cruelty, and disrespect and must be condemned.
As religious leaders, we, the National Ulama Conference of
Freedom / B3
the Philippines extend our deepest sorrow to the victims. We
call on the authorities to move heaven and earth to bring the and the common pursuit of truth in different rights; it means fostering an unswerving find expression in a denial of history and the
culprits to the bar of justice. areas of life, since, as Saint Thomas Aquinas commitment to base positive law on the rejection of religious symbols which reflect
Again, suspicions have been cast on to the so called “Jama’a would say, “every truth, whoever utters it, principles of the natural law.[16] All this is the identity and the culture of the majority
Islamia” or the Abu Sayyaf. Whoever did such horrific acts, we comes from the Holy Spirit”.[15] necessary and consistent with the respect for of citizens. Often these forms of hostility
say that they are inhuman and that they are not serving the All- The year 2011 marks the twenty-fifth the dignity and worth of the human person also foster hatred and prejudice; they are
Compassionate and All-Loving God but no doubt they are serving anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for enshrined by the world’s peoples in the 1945 inconsistent with a serene and balanced vision
Satan. If it is true, then let it be known to all that the “brand of Islam” Peace convened in Assisi in 1986 by Pope Charter of the United Nations, which presents of pluralism and the secularity of institutions, to
being espoused by the so-called “Jama’a Islamia” and its international John Paul II. On that occasion the leaders universal values and moral principles as a say nothing of the fact that coming generations
and local accomplices has no place in the purity of Islamic teachings. of the great world religions testified to the point of reference for the norms, institutions risk losing contact with the priceless spiritual
Theirs is to advance their personal political agenda using Islam to fact that religion is a factor of union and and systems governing coexistence on the heritage of their countries.
get support from innocent and desperate people. peace, and not of division and conflict. The national and international levels. Religion is defended by defending the
We challenge the peace-loving Muslims to stand up against those memory of that experience gives reason to rights and freedoms of religious communities.
who use Islam for their self-serving interest. And we call on other hope for a future in which all believers will Beyond hatred and prejudice The leaders of the great world religions
faith communities to help us Muslims to face squarely these forces see themselves, and will actually be, agents 13. Despite the lessons of history and and the leaders of nations should therefore
of evil not to triumph, as the saying goes, “The only thing necessary of justice and peace. the efforts of states, international and renew their commitment to promoting and
for evil to triumph is for the good men to do nothing.” regional organizations, non-governmental protecting religious freedom, and in particular
Moral truth in politics and diplomacy organizations and the many men and women to defending religious minorities; these do not
National Ulama Conference of the Philippines 12. Politics and diplomacy should look to of good will who daily work to protect represent a threat to the identity of the majority
ZamBaSulTa Region, December 26, 2010 the moral and spiritual patrimony offered fundamental rights and freedoms, today’s but rather an opportunity for dialogue and
by the great religions of the world in order world also witnesses cases of persecution, mutual cultural enrichment. Defending them
DR. ABOULKHAIR S. TARASON to acknowledge and affirm universal truths, discrimination, acts of violence and intolerance is the ideal way to consolidate the spirit of
Vice-Chair, NUCP principles and values which cannot be denied based on religion. In a particular way, in Asia good will, openness and reciprocity which
without denying the dignity of the human and in Africa, the chief victims are the members can ensure the protection of fundamental
SHEIKH JAMAL S. MUNIB person. But what does it mean, in practical of religious minorities, who are prevented from rights and freedoms in all areas and regions
Chair, NUCP ZamBaSulTa terms, to promote moral truth in the world of freely professing or changing their religion of the world.
politics and diplomacy? It means acting in a by forms of intimidation and the violation
SHEIKH ABDULMUHMIN A. MUJAHID responsible way on the basis of an objective of their rights, basic freedoms and essential Religious freedom in the world
Exec Dir., NUCP ZamBaSulta and integral knowledge of the facts; it means goods, including the loss of personal freedom 14. Finally I wish to say a word to the
deconstructing political ideologies which end and life itself. Christian communities suffering from
PROF. ALIH S. AIYUB up supplanting truth and human dignity in There also exist—as I have said—more persecution, discrimination, violence and
Sec Gen, NUCP ZamBaSulTa, Exec Dir, Salam Foundation order to promote pseudo-values under the sophisticated forms of hostility to religion intolerance, particularly in Asia, in Africa,
pretext of peace, development and human which, in Western countries, occasionally Freedom / B7
 Ref lections
CBCP Monitor
B6 Vol. 15 No. 1
January 3 - 16, 2011

Must Christians Arm Themselves in Their Mission?

Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord (Matt 11:2-11) January 9, 2011
By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, Jesus: “I should be baptized by you, yet Messiah assumes the role of the Servant
SThD you come to me” (Matt 3:14). Secondly, of Yahweh; it is he of whom God said, “I
though superior to John, Jesus submitted have called you for the victory of justice”
himself to John’s baptism not because (Isa 46:6). For this reason, he receives
BY a newspaper account, kidnap gangs he needed repentance—which is what the Spirit of God (Isa 42:1b; Matt 12:18),
in Mindanao and Sulu, including the baptism of repentance implies—since takes up our infirmities and endures our
Abu Sayaf, have increasingly targeted he was sinless, but “in order to fulfill all sufferings (Isa 53:4; Matt 8:17), and gives
priests and sisters working in missionary righteousness” (Matt 3:15b). It may be his life as a ransom for all (Isa 53:6-12; Matt
areas since 1986. Killed among the priest- noted that in Matthew, “to fulfill” does 20:28). As such, he is the paradigm of a
captives were Rev. Roel Gallardo, Rev. not simply mean “to obey” or “to do”; it righteous sufferer, on account of which
Benjamin Inocencio, and Rev. Rufus usually means to fulfill a prophecy, and he accepts the good portion, the portion
Halley. Because of the kidnapping and while “righteousness” can mean moral of the chastised; he takes sides with the
abduction cases, the Catholic bishops conduct in keeping with God’s will (cf poor and the powerless, even as he is being
of Mindanao at one time were reported Matt 5:10), in the present context it seems delivered into the hands of the mighty and
to have “called on all priests, especially to mean the saving activity of God, as in the powerful. His mission is not only to
those assigned in areas of conflict, to resist Matthew 6:33 (“Seek first the kingdom of bring Israel to righteousness, but also the
any abduction attempts—at all costs. God and his righteousness, and all these deliver justice to the nations. This is what
Some priests have interpreted the call as things will be given you besides”). The it means to be God’s beloved Son (Isa 42:1;
tantamount to ordering them to arm and crucial text therefore means that Jesus Matt 3:17). For Matthew, it appears that
defend themselves from kidnappers.” allowed himself to be baptized by John the the baptism of Jesus by John is no less than
However, the same report said that the Baptist in order to fulfill the prophecies an epiphany—it proclaims the identity of
Vatican’s ambassador to the Philippines and thereby fulfill God’s work of salvation. Jesus as the Servant of Yahweh.
at that time, Abp. Antonio Franco, If Jesus came, in other words, it was to Since in Christian theology it is by
“frowned upon suggestions that priests fulfill God’s purpose in salvation history, baptism that we share in the mission of
assigned in areas of conflict in Mindanao and his baptism by John was part of God’s Jesus which the Father gave him, today’s
should be armed.” Ferdinand Zualosa, saving plan that Jesus had to do. But what message is a big challenge to all of us. In our
in his article “Arming of Priests Rejected” did God demand in the prophecies for the time, much has been said about changing
quoted the Nuncio as saying that “arming salvation of the human race? the world, about bringing justice and
our priests is a crazy idea.” Must priests, One of the prophets who spoke of the peace to it. In fact, many of us take up good
and any Christians for that matter, armed work of God’s anointed was Isaiah. In causes to make this world a better place to
themselves in their mission? the 1st Reading today (Isa 42:1-4.6-7), live in; we protest against suppression of
Today’s Gospel (Matt 3:13-17), which is he describes the Messiah’s person and human rights, environmental destruction,
about the baptism of Jesus, can help shed mission: “Here is my servant whom I dictatorial regimes, lopsided economy
light on this problem. Matthew’s account uphold, my chosen one with whom I am and many other issues. As the Second
of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit; Plenary Council of the Philippines puts
exhibits an editorial reworking of his he shall bring forth justice to the nations, it, we exercise our share in the kingly
Markan source principally in the insertion not crying out, not shouting, not making mission of Christ whenever “we make
of a dialogue between John and Jesus. It his voice heard in the street; a bruised reed the world a place more worthy of the
seems that by the time Matthew wrote his he shall not break, and a smoldering wick children of God, whenever by our work
Gospel, Christians were already wrestling he shall not quench, until he establishes we improve the world and permeate it
with a problem: If Jesus, who is God’s justice on the earth; the coastlands will with the values of Christ, whenever we
Son, is sinless, how come he submitted wait for his teaching” (Isa 42:1-4). It is are able to overcome sin in ourselves and
himself to John the Baptist’s baptism this Servant that Matthew has in mind in the environment and allow the grace
of repentance? Does his submission to when in his account of the baptism of of God to break through into the world.”
Jesus the heavenly voice confirms Jesus But often enough, we are scared of the

www.cenewsblog.com
John’s baptism imply an acknowledgment
of John’s superiority, as John’s disciples as the Son of God whom God delights toll, the cost of giving ourselves to these
seem to have claimed? By inserting the in (Matt 3:17; Isa 42:1). In other words, causes. Some of us do not want to suffer.
dialogue between these two characters, for Matthew this Isaianic prophecy finds We are afraid of ridicule, of dismissal for
Matthew makes two points. First, John fulfillment in Jesus. According to Isaiah, refusing to compromise higher values.
is made to recognize the superior of in fulfilling the mission God gave him, the Mission / B7

Bishop Pat Alo

The Humiliated God in the Image of Santo Niño
Feast of Santo Niño (Matt 18:1-5.10) January 16, 2011
ENCOUNTERS By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, General, who was staying at the gives a hoot about, and whose disciples were arguing “who was
SThD Place, gave Brother Juniper a death hardly anyone mourns. We the most important among them”
harsh and severe scolding in the recall this biographical incident (Mark 9:33-34). In Matthew’s
presence of the community of in the life of Brother Juniper Gospel, however, we are not told
IN a section on the life of Brother friars. Then he said: “Your fault because it goes against what of the setting; he simply relates
Juniper, one of the original is so great and serious that I don’t people in our “normal” society that the disciples came up to
companions of St Francis of know what penance I should give strive after—social status. To Jesus to ask the question: “Who
Assisi, the book The Little Flower you.” And the Brother replied: be candid about it, most people is of greatest importance in the
of St Francis relates that one “I’ll tell you Father, that I came probably want to be important Kingdom of God” (Matt 18:1).
day, when Brother Juniper saw here naked, so as penance I should before the eyes of society, and That such question is raised
go back naked along the same to feel important. They want merely indicates that the Christian

Sensitive but true

many pilgrims going to a solemn
celebration taking place in Assisi, road to the place from which I to be number one. That is why community has not been immune
the spirit of self-contempt came came to this festival.” some become sad when others, to this disease called striving after
over him. He stripped himself This anecdote enables us to for example, surpass their level prominence. That is why Matthew
THE Church’s stand versus the RH Bill has become a stark naked without his breeches, peer through the life of some of importance in the estimate preserved for us this episode in
sensitive issue causing some division among groups. and went through Spello and of the original companions of of society. No wonder the rich order to warn us of its dangers.
two other villages, and passed St Francis, a life characterized exploit the poor, the intelligent For one thing, when it has
But we should keep on the search for the truth. After all
through the center of Assisi and all by a blatant disregard for social take advantage of the simple, members who want to get ahead
it is the “truth that sets us free” (cf. Jn. 8:32). men lord it over women, the of the rest and be recognized
the crowd, and came to the friars’ status. Of course, only a fool,
First of all, the Church’s official position has been and or one who considers himself white oppress the black. It is as number one, the community
Place. Very much shocked and
is consistently opposed to artificial contraceptives and equal to one, would walk naked most likely that this culture has suffers and is divided, with the
scandalized, the friars rebuked
abortion. Why? Because it is pro life and follows God’s him, calling him a lunatic, a fool, through the city streets, and seeped in through Matthew’s result, for example, that there
original decree: “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and and a disgrace to the order of St fools, like the scum of the earth, community. In the Gospel of arises a stiff competition among
conquer it” (Gen. 1:22). The Church’s position and belief Francis, and declaring him to be are the expendables of society, Mark, we are told that upon them. Relationships are, of course,
are in favor of a disciplined family morality and openness put in chains as a madman. The whose presence hardly anyone returning to Capernaum, the Santo Niño / B7
to life in the sexual relations of man and woman united
in faithful monogamous marital union.
They talk of overpopulation but what will happen as Fr. Francis Ongkingco

WHATEVER
effect of undue population control? It will be a sort of
depopulation tending towards humanity’s extinction.
Observe the places where contraceptives are extensively
practiced. Sure there is such feeling of satisfaction and
being unrestrained in immoral practices in a great number
of places, but the people’s strength is being sapped when
there are no more younger people who would eventually
be the support of the older generation.
The empty envelope
It is ironical to observe the phenomenon of the more
progressive powerful nations insinuating through
monetary allurements and offers, plus some veiled THEIR pre-Christmas retreat was going to sincerely desire to help the others, and should optimistic. “These days close to Jesus are
coercion so as to make the poorer developing nations end in two days. Ralph and his classmates not see this as an occasion to get back at always going to be fruitful. You have learned
control their populations. Perhaps the latent motives entered a room adjacent to the school chapel. someone for something. What was important to know yourselves better, with the help of
They approached a row of bright and colorful was to discuss the results in one’s prayer God’s grace and the ‘graced stubs’ of your
may be to get hold of the natural resources of the
Christmas stockings. Each stocking had a with Jesus before the morning Mass. The peers. But what is important is not the good
underdeveloped countries and have political control
participant’s name assigned to it. participants then tried to arrive at concrete we do, but how we allow Jesus to do good
over them. Ralph pulled out an envelope from the resolutions or conversion points based on through us.”
Certainly the issues have somehow become divisive stocking with his name. He was reluctant what they learned. At the end of the Mass, the students then
and emotional. At least we must try to seek out the truth to open it. After a few hesitating seconds he The retreat was ending, and Ralph had not approached the crib and retrieved their
of the whole issue at hand. St. Padre Pío had mentioned peeked and was once again disappointed yet received a single stub. The topic of the envelopes. Once again, they spent the few
this: “Faith is not to be argued over, either you accept it with what he discovered: NOTHING! “I last day was humility. Ralph tried his best minutes of thanksgiving after Mass to talk
with your eyes closed, admitting the inadequacy of the knew it,” he whispered with resignation, to see how he could practice this virtue and to Jesus about what they realized during the
human mind to understand its mysteries, or you reject “this is who I really am.” perform his best during the group exercises. entire retreat.
it. There is no middle way. The choice is up to you” It was a tradition in their school for juniors “Jesus,” he said in quiet prayer, “I don’t know Ralph felt resigned about not getting any
(from the book Padre Pío the Stigmatist, written by Fr. and seniors to do an annual retreat. Everyone what else I can do. I guess I’m not just up to stub. He simply took his envelope and began
Charles Mortimar Carty, p. 104). Psalm 71:15 somehow looked forward to the part called “envelope becoming good yet.” reading some Eucharistic aspirations in a
expresses this inadequacy of man in front of Divine revealing sessions” that Sister Sharon –who Now the last evening’s session was rather compilation of thanksgiving prayers after
truth. It says: “I will tell of your goodness; all day long had already passed away some time ago– had special. Like the previous days, the students Holy Mass. He then placed the envelope on
I will speak of your salvation, though it is more than I taught the students. The students were open to also placed stubs for one last time. These the empty seat beside him.
can understand.” a very discrete means to growing spiritually. stubs now indicated how well they felt one As the envelop left his hand, Ralph noticed
Surely this issue is sensitive since some prominent This was a concrete spiritual exercise had done the entire retreat. The facilitators that something different with it. It seemed
legislators have been requesting to be exempted from to know how one was perceived by his would seal the envelopes and put them inside a little thicker and he noticed something
Church sanctions. But there’s nothing personal or classmates. Every day of the retreat focused the still empty crib of Jesus. These were to be protruding from its sealed edge. He was
emotional there. The Church speaks authoritatively on some virtue or theme. Before going to part of tomorrow’s offering in the Mass. curious and carefully examined envelope.
within her realm of faith and morals. Canon law gives bed, the participants would rate how their Sister Sharon used to explain that this Slowly, he opened it and to his surprise,
other classmates performed the day’s virtue was one’s offering to Jesus. “It’s not how he saw it filled with numerous fine strands
some sanctions. But deep in your heart you know you
or theme by either placing a stub or none into many stubs you have or don’t have. What is of hay.
cannot escape from God’s justice. “It is a dreadful thing
their classmate’s envelopes. important is to offer oneself to Him as one Ralph then understood what Sister Sharon
to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:31). It is This was done simultaneously and is, and allowing Him to do with what we had taught. Sometimes God empties us, so
for your own eternal well-being when the Church exhorts discretely as possible. In this way, no one are and have.” that He may then fill us with His love.
us to follow God’s eternal decrees. Man is destined, with would know who had placed the stubs or Ralph returned to his seat after placing a
God’s help and mercy, for an eternal bliss unless he loses not. The room was then locked and everyone stub into one of his classmates envelop. He felt ***
it through his own fault and pride if he dares abuse of went to bed. The following day, each one rather lost and sad. “I have nothing to offer “My Lord Jesus, grant that I may feel your
God’s goodness. Let’s not forget the hidden agenda of would go to their stocking and count how the Child except an empty envelop.” grace and second it in such a way that I empty
Satan who keeps on busily campaigning for more inmates many stubs one received. The next day, the students entered the my heart, so that you, my Friend, my Brother,
to the shady dungeons of Hell. The students were discouraged to share Chapel to attend Mass. The priest in his my King, my God, my Love|... may fill it!”
or compare the results. They each had to homily exhorted them to be generous and (St. Josemaría Escrivá, The Forge, no. 913)
 Social Concerns
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 1
January 3 - 16, 2011
B7

By Fr. Shay Cullen

The Point of No Return
violently at times. The most direct impact countries. Forest fires raged beyond human greed and overdevelopment. unchained greed and global ambition
this has is seen in the retreating ice glaciers control in Russia, Greece and Portugal. TheconferenceinCancunhaspersuaded for power and dominance can only
of the Arctic. Hundreds of thousands of hectares of the greatest emitters of greenhouse gases, lead people to self-harm, collapse of the
AS the representatives of 120 nations and The once gigantic mountains of ice and woodland has been destroyed, 18,000 China, India and the USA to cut back on economy and poverty.
thousands of climate change experts and snow are melting rapidly and the mirror hectares in Portugal alone. Such a loss emissions. If the ever rising temperature We can all do something to make it
campaigners work in Cancun, Mexico, effect they had in radiating the sun’s rays of green shade adds to the rise in global is not held below 2C, then we can expect a better and safer world. We can save
to try once again to avert the pending back into space is greatly diminished. warming. Moscow had temperatures the worst. That is the tipping point when electricity, drive less miles, buy locally
disaster that is coming to the world, I Scientists measure the retreating ice that were 20C higher than normal. That one event triggers another and the domino grown foods, eat organic natural food,
add my voice to those of hundreds of and warn that if the temperature of was a massive climate change. effect kicks in. The permafrost marshland start a small tree planting project on waste
thousands and if not millions crying out the planet increases above 2 degrees In China, Pakistan, and India, and bogs of Siberia and North Canada land wherever you live and support a
for the conference to succeed. centigrade, the Greenland mass of ice devastating floods resulted; millions are already releasing billions of tons of group campaigning for a clean and
It’s vitally urgent for humanity that will disappear. That will be a point of were and are still homeless living methane gas, it clogs the atmosphere. healthy environment. Preda/forest feast
progress be made in reducing world levels no return. The water unleashed by this on handouts. Perhaps the unusual Wildlife and plants that survive the fair-trade sales of dried mangos pay for
of carbon dioxide, methane emissions, catastrophic event will cause sea levels to heavy melting ice on the Himalayas cold will be greatly affected and become the planting and protection of 200 fruit
and deforestation. The greenhouse rise 7 meters. Millions of coastal villages was the cause and super powerful extinct. Drug resistant species of giant tree saplings 2 meters tall done with the
gasses emitted when we burn coal, oil, that rely on fishing will be wiped out typhoons caused by the warmer oceans mosquitoes will likely breed and swarm indigenous people for the past 6 years.
wood, garbage in power plants all over and driven inland. evaporating the sea and raining down south to human populations bringing So eating the right food does justice,
the world in ever increasing amounts With the ice diminished, the natural a billion tons more water. Everything malaria and dengue. plants trees, saves the soil, provides
are called that the gasses, especially co2, reflectors gone, the sunbeams can in this amazing and beautiful planet If humanity does not change from shade, cools the earth, conserves water,
rise into the earth’s stratosphere and penetrate the oceans and scorch the is connected and interacts. Living an addicted self-destructive consumer and prevents landslides. Everything is
form an insulation blanket that traps earth. This year alone, millions of people creatures are the most effected, that society to a responsible sustainable connected on this God-given planet, be a
the earth’s heat leading to an overheated have suffered the consequence of the means you and me and every plant and society, we will pay an awful price in part of something really good, let’s save
planet causing the climate to be affected, highest temperatures on record in many animal. We must protect them from human hardship. Nations driven to it. [email: Preda@ info.com.ph]

www.greenideastoday.com
Freedom / B5

in the Middle East and especially Father. We ourselves lay down peace inexhaustible force which can in every part of the earth, soon the Organization for Security and Coop-
eration in Europe (OSCE) (10 October
in the Holy Land, a place chosen the condition and the extent of 15. The world needs God. It give the world a new direction be able to experience religious 2003), 1: AAS 96 (2004), 111.
and blessed by God. I assure the mercy we ask for when we needs universal, shared ethical and spirit, and overcome the freedom, the path to peace!
[9] Cf. BENEDICT XVI, Encyclical Letter
them once more of my paternal say: ‘And forgive us our debts, and spiritual values, and religion mistakes of the past. In the words Caritas in Veritate, 11.
affection and prayers, and I ask all as we have forgiven those who can offer a precious contribution to of Pope Paul VI, to whose wisdom From the Vatican, 8 December 2010
those in authority to act promptly their pursuit, for the building of a BENEDICTUS PP XVI [10] Cf. SECOND VATICAN ECUMENI-
are in debt to us’ (Mt 6:12)”.[17] and farsightedness we owe the CAL COUNCIL, Declaration on Religious
to end every injustice against the Violence is not overcome by just and peaceful social order at the institution of the World Day of Freedom Dignitatis Humanae, 1.
Christians living in those lands. violence. May our cries of pain national and international levels. Peace: “It is necessary before all NOTES [11] Cf. CICERO, De Inventione, II, 160.
In the face of present difficulties, always be accompanied by faith, Peace is a gift of God and at the else to provide peace with other
[1] Cf. BENEDICT XVI, Encyclical Letter [12] Cf. BENEDICT XVI, Address to Rep-
may Christ’s followers not lose by hope and by the witness of same time a task which is never fully weapons – different from those Caritas in Veritate, 29, 55-57. resentatives of Other Religions in the
heart, for witnessing to the Gospel our love of God. I also express completed. A society reconciled destined to kill and exterminate United Kingdom (17 September 2010):
is, and always will be, a sign of my hope that in the West, and with God is closer to peace, mankind. What are needed above [2] Cf. SECOND VATICAN ECUMENICAL L’Osservatore Romano (18 September
COUNCIL, Declaration on Religious 2010), p. 12.
contradiction. especially in Europe, there will be which is not the mere absence all are moral weapons, those Freedom Dignitatis Humanae, 2.
Let us take to heart the words an end to hostility and prejudice of war or the result of military which give strength and prestige [13] Cf. SECOND VATICAN ECUMENICAL
[3] Cf. BENEDICT XVI, Encyclical Letter COUNCIL, Declaration on the Relation of
of the Lord Jesus: “Blessed are against Christians because they or economic supremacy, much to international law – the weapon, Caritas in Veritate, 78. the Church to Non-Christian Religions
those who mourn, for they shall are resolved to orient their lives in less deceptive ploys or clever in the first place, of the observance Nostra Aetate, 2.
[4] Cf. SECOND VATICAN ECUMENICAL
be comforted … Blessed are a way consistent with the values manipulation. Rather, peace of pacts”.[18] Religious freedom COUNCIL, Declaration on the Relation of [14] Ibid.
those who hunger and thirst for and principles expressed in the is the result of a process of is an authentic weapon of peace, the Church to Non-Christian Religions
righteousness, for they shall be Gospel. May Europe rather be purification and of cultural, moral with an historical and prophetic Nostra Aetate, 1. [15] Super Evangelium Joannis, I, 3.
satisfied … Blessed are you when reconciled to its own Christian and spiritual elevation involving mission. Peace brings to full [5] ID., Declaration on Religious Free- [16] Cf. BENEDICT XVI, Address to Civil
men revile you and persecute you roots, which are fundamental for each individual and people, a fruition the deepest qualities and dom Dignitatis Humanae, 7. Authorities and the Diplomatic Corps
in Cyprus (4 June 2010): L’Osservatore
and utter all kinds of evil against understanding its past, present process in which human dignity potentials of the human person, [6] BENEDICT XVI, Address to the Gen- Romano (6 June 2010), p. 8; INTERNA-
you falsely on my account. and future role in history; in this is fully respected. I invite all those the qualities which can change the eral Assembly of the United Nations (18 TIONAL THEOLOGICAL COMMISSION,
Rejoice and be glad, for your way it will come to experience who wish to be peacemakers, world and make it better. It gives April 2008): AAS 100 (2008), 337. The Search for Universal Ethics: A
New Look at Natural Law, Vatican City,
reward is great in heaven” (Mt justice, concord and peace by especially the young, to heed hope for a future of justice and [7] Cf. SECOND VATICAN ECUMENICAL 2009.
5:4-12). Then let us renew “the cultivating a sincere dialogue the voice speaking within their peace, even in the face of grave COUNCIL, Declaration on Religious
Freedom Dignitatis Humanae, 2. [17] PAUL VI, Message for the 1976 World
pledge we give to be forgiving with all peoples. hearts and thus to find in God injustice and material and moral Day of Peace: AAS 67 (1975), 671.
and to pardon when we invoke the stable point of reference for poverty. May all men and women, [8] JOHN PAUL II, Address to Partici-
pants in the Parliamentary Assembly of [18] Ibid., p. 668
God’s forgiveness in the Our Religious freedom, the path to attaining authentic freedom, the and societies at every level and

Santo Niño / B6

affected. Some would refuse to talk with he has no legal rights. His words do not of the future, it is because he envisages a 4:25b). Such being the case, one’s behavior himself and took the form of a slave,
those they compete with. Snobbery count. This implies that in the social reversal of outlook: “Unless you change always affects the whole community. If being born in the likeness of men. He
passes for virtue. The community in the order that Jesus anticipates, which is the and become like little children, you will the head, for instance, gets all the food, was known to be of human estate, and
end imitates people in the secular world Kingdom of God, one no longer thinks not enter the Kingdom of God” (Matt and some parts do not function, the whole it was thus that he humbled himself,
who are caught up in a social order that in terms of social hierarchy or status. 18:3). Changing and becoming little body will suffer. There are two important obediently accepting even death, death
values only the rich, the powerful, and the What matters is not one’s credentials children mean the same thing here: implications of this interconnectedness. on the cross!” (Phil 2:7-8). In Jesus we
prestigious. Because such a culture harms or what he has, but what he simply both refer to an abandonment of the First, because one must think not in terms see the humiliation of God, not so much
the Christian community, Jesus offers is—a child of God. St Paul puts it this standards and values of the secular of one’s individual concern but of the unlike Brother Juniper who received
an alternative social order where man is way: “There does not exist among you world and acceptance of God’s values. whole body, to be a child means to serve insults for walking naked!
respected not because of what he has— Jew or Greek, slave or freeman, male In other words, the saying involves a others, rather than one’s self: “Anyone Earlier, we noted that in the face of
prestige, money, power—but because or female” (Gal 3:28). What Vatican II change of values and a reversal in the among you who aspires to greatness our society that values being number
of what he is. His alternative, which is says is of relevance: “There remains a direction of our lives. This means, for must serve the rest, and whoever wants one, Jesus offers an alternative society.
God’s will for our society and community, true equality with regard to dignity and example, that greatness lies in one’s to ranks first among you must serve the In this community, there is equality of
is the Kingdom of God. Under the rule the activity which is common to all the being unimportant. And what the world needs of all” (Matt 20:26-27). It is through all the members, as they are all children
of God, a new set of values is provided. faithful in the building up of the Body of holds as valuable has no importance at serving one another that we express our of God, and there is unity, as they are
And Jesus does this by setting the child Christ” (Lumen gentium, 32). We know all before the judgment seat of God. equality, and our being children in one all members of one another. But what
as the greatest in the Kingdom: “Whoever of course that in the secular society, the In practical Christian living, this family of God. Second, since one ceases make this possible are the service of
makes himself lowly, becoming like a bond of the community suffers precisely means that instead of aspiring for to think of himself, to be a child means one another and the humiliation of each
child, is of greatest importance in that because members vie for the most one’s prominent place in the Christian self-effacement. One is able to assume the member. Since they go together, these
heavenly reign” (Matt 18:4). prominent place; others even destroy community, a Christian ought to think lowest rank before the eyes of the secular two are inseparable—there is no real
But why a child? The reason for this is each other just in order to be in that in terms of what he can contribute to it. society, and accept one’s nothingness. service without humiliation of self, and
that a child in the Jewish culture of Jesus’ place of prominence. Moreover, if Jesus As we saw, the community of believers is This is what Jesus precisely did: “Though humiliation is meaningless unless it is
time was a social nobody. In practice, chooses a child as model for the society one body, members of one another (Eph he was in the form of God… he emptied accompanied by service.

Mission / B6

Indeed, many of us do not want to “fools for Christ” volunteered

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 CBCP Monitor
B8 Entertainment Vol. 15 No. 1
January 3 - 16, 2011

TITLE: Father Jejemon

CAST: Dolphy, Cherie Gil, Moral Assessment Technical Assessment
Maja Salvador, Ejay Fal-
con, Roy Alvarez, Tony
Mabesa, Efren Reyes Jr.,  Abhorrent  Poor
Nash Aguas, Roadfill,  Disturbing  Below average

Moymoy Palaboy and  Acceptable  Average

Rhap Salazar  Wholesome  Above average
DIRECTOR: Frank Gray Jr.
 Exemplary  E
xcellent
WRITERS: Bibeth Orteza and
Rhandy Reyes PRODUC-
ER: RVQ Productions
Technical Assessment: Title: Tanging Ina Mo Rin (Last at sinuportahan niya ang pasya Muling ipinakita sa pelikulang
na ‘to) ng kaibigan. Kahit mabigat sa Tanging Ina mo rin (last na ‘to)
 Cast: Ai Ai delas Alas, Eugene loob ay sinamahan niya si Ina ang kadakilaan ng isang ina na
Moral Assessment: ½ Domingo, Marvin Agustin, sa mga paghahanda sa kanyang walang hinahangad kundi ang
CINEMA Rating: PG 13 (For Shaina Magdayao, Nikki, pagpanaw. Inayos niya ang malagay sa ayos ang mga anak.
viewers aged 13 and Carlo Aquino
below with parental guid- paghahati-hati ng ari-arian sa Sa mga panahon ng pagsubok
Musical Director: Jesse Los- bangko para mailipat sa mga anak ay nagpapakatatag ang isang
ance) eten
Editor: Maya Ignacio at walang pataw na magmahalan, ina at humuhugot ng lakas
Story and Screenplay: Mel Del magkaisa at magkasundo ang sa pananalangin sa Diyos, sa
MATANDA at nanghihina na Rosario magkakapatid. Isang kahilingan pagmamahal ng mga anak at
si Fr. Baby (Tony Mabesa), kura Director: Wenn Deramas ni Ina na bago siya pumanaw suporta ng matapat na kaibigan.
paroko ng parokya Parm Bil. Producer: Charo Concio and ay makapiling niya ang lahat ng Malinaw ang hatid na aral ng
Ang tanging kasama’t taga-alaga Malou Santos kanyang mga anak. pelikula lalo na sa mga anak na
sa kumbento ni Fr. Baby ay ang Distributor: Star Cinema Pagpapatuloy sa pagwawakas palaging magkasundo. Bagamat
kanyang kapatid na si Violeta Genre: Drama/Comedy ng unang dalawang kuwento natural ang pagkakaroon ng
(Cherie Gil) at ang anak nitong Location: Manila angTanging Ina mo rin (last alitan sa pagitan ng isa’t isa,
Running Time: 110 minutes
si Isabel (Maja Salvador). Bilang na ‘to). Uminog ito sa tema ng lalo na sa mga praktikal na
paghahanda sa kanyang pagyao, Technical Assessment:  pagkakaroon ng malubhang kadahilanan katulad ng pera o
hiling ni Fr. Baby na makatulong Moral Assessment:  karamdaman ng bida at ang utang at palitan ng masasakit
niya sa kaniyang parokya ang CINEMA Rating: PG 13 pagdadala nito bilang ina. na salita ay di marapat na
kanyang kababatang si Fr. Maganda ang naging takbo magkimkim ng galit at sama
Jejemon (Dolphy) pinaikling Masaya naman sana sa buhay at pagbibigay saysay sa ng loob para manatili ang
“Jeremiah Jerome Montes.” ang tanging ina na si Ina a.k.a. pagwawakas ng kwento ng kapayapaan at pagmamahalan
Tatanggihan ni Violeta (Cherie Madam (Ai Ai de las Alas) sa tanging Ina. Mahusay ang sa tahanan. Sa halip ay unawa
Gil) ang pagdating ni Fr. Jejemon kabila ng pangungulila sa ibang pagkakadirehe ng pelikula. at suporta ang dapat na pairalin
sa pangambang palalayasin anak na hindi na niya kapiling. Matagumpay na nailabas ang upang maging maayos ang
nito silang mag-ina kapag wala Subalit napuno siya ng agam- mga kinakailangan emosyon sa buhay. Para sa mga magulang,
na ni Fr. Baby. Tatangkaaing agam matapos ma-diagnose ang mga eksenang drama at patawa. may hatid na kasiyahan ang
buwisitin ni Violeta si Fr. Jejemon di-matiyak na karamdaman na Magaling ang mga nagsiganap makitang nagkakasundo ang
sa pag-asang lilisanin nito ang pinangangambahang malubha sa paghahatid ng mga karakter mga anak na may kani-kaniya
parokya pagkat hindi ito kawili- siyang tao at mahilig magbiro, mali ang paggamit ni Fr. Jejemon at maaring bilang na araw ng na kanilang ginampanan. Hindi ng buhay. Gayundin naman
wili, ngunit mahinahon lang pero kung dapat maging siryoso, sa Roman collar niya—nasa kanyang buhay. Sumailalim sa nabigo ang pelikula sa mga mas mainam ang pagiging
tatanggapin ng pari ito, pati siryoso siya, halimbawa’y kapag ilalim ng kuwelyo ng ordinayo iba’t ibang pagsusuri si Ina at datihan at baguhang artista. bukas sa bawat isa at huwag
na ang paninira sa kanya ng kinakausap niya nang masinsinan at makukulay na polo shirt. Ito habang hinihintay ang resulta Bawa’t isa ay may mga tampok maliitin ang kakayahan ng
asenderong si Mr. Perez o “Mr. P” si Fr. Baby o kapag nagsesermon ba’y kapabayaan ng direktor at ay namayani sa kanya ang na eksena at naging markadong mga anak na maunawaan ang
(Roy Alvarez). Bilang nagmamay- siya. At kahit napapaligiran costume designer, o tanda ng takot dahil sa tingin niya ay pagganap mapa-drama o mga seryosong kalagayan lalo
ari ng pataniman ng kape, si Mr. na siya ng “kakuwanan” ng pagiging kakaiba ni Fr. Jejemon, hindi siya handang iwan ang komedya. Maayos ang mga kuha na may kaugnayan sa buhay at
P ay popular sa mga tao sa Parm mga tao, kahit siya na mismo o sinasabi ba ng pelikula na ang kanyang mga anak. Ipinasya ni ng kamera. Hindi masyadong kalusugan sa pamilya.
Bil pagkat ugali nitong tumulong ang pinupuntirya nito, hindi mga tumatandang pari ay wala Ina na ilihim sa kanyang mga gumamit ng effects dahil di Sagana sa positibong mensahe
sa mga nangangailangan, ngunit ito nagiging dahilan para siya nang pakialam sa katumpakan anak ang kanyang kalagayan. naman kailangan. Maganda ang pelikula bagama’t nabahiran
“maaamoy” ni Fr. Jejemon ang ay mainis o magalit. “Dedma” ng pananamit nila? May kani-kaniyang masalimuot ang disenyo ng produksyon, ito ng salungat na parating:
tunay na layunin ni Mr. P at lang, hindi siya nagtatampo sa Kapuna-puna rin na sa na sitwasyon ang magkakapatid gayundin ang make-up. May sa kagustuhan marahil na
pagdududahan nito ang pagka- Diyos. pagkamalapit ng mga kabataan at ayaw niyang makadagdag pa konting sablay sa editing sa mga magpatawa ng pelikula, naging
malapit ng asendero sa alkalde kay Fr. Jejemon ay natural sa kanilang alalahanin. Dahil pagpapalit ng eksena pero halos paulit-ulit ang pamimintas at
at hepe ng pulisya ng Parm Saan nag-uugat ang lakas ni Fr. lamang na yakap-yakapin siya sa mga problema ay madalas di nahalata. Akma ang inilapat panlalait ng ina sa panlabas
Bil. Pagkat tama ang kutob ni Jejemon? ng mga ito. Ngunit kahit isang na namamagitan si Ina sa mga na musika lalo na sa mga sundot na anyo ng mapapangasawa
Fr. Jejemon, takot si Mr. P na Maaaring hindi ito marilag na dalaga (Salvador) pagtatalo sa loob ng bahay. Sa mga ng eksena ng pagtutog ng piyano ng kanyang magandang anak.
mabunyag ang katotohan tungkol sinasadyang isaad sa pelikula ang yumayapos at humihilig sa panahon ng ganitong ligalig ay at trumpeta ng kasambahay Binalewala ng pelikula ang
sa kanya, kaya’t kukuntsabahin ngunit maliwanag na makikita dibdib niya, kilos-pari pa din si di naman siya iniwan ng matalik sa pelikula. Sa kabuuan ay gintong kawikaan na di dapat
at susuhulan ni Mr. P ang ilang rito ang ugat ng pagiging Fr. Jejemon, “malinis ang hipo” niyan kaibigan na si Rowena maganda ang teknikal na aspeto husgahan ang tao sa panlabas na
mga ina sa parokya upang panatag ni Fr. Jejemon kahit ika nga, at walang malisyang (Eugene Domingo). Di sang- at makikitaan ang mga nasa likod anyo kundi sa nilalaman ng puso
palabasing isang “pedophile” o sa harap ng panganib: ang mababakas sa mukha, tunay na ayon si Rowena sa paglilihim ni nito ng pagsisikap na makagawa at sa pag-uugali nito. (Imelda
nang-aabuso ng mga bata si Fr. kanyang puso ay puso ng isang “tatay ng lahat.” Sa eksenang Ina sa mga anak pero iginalang ng makabuluhang panoorin. Benitez)
Jejemon. paslit—payak, mapagtiwala sa ito, agad naming naalala ang
Diyos, walang pagkukunwari. pagmamahal at debosyon ni Fr.
Pangunahing layunin: Nasasalamin ito sa paraan ng Jejemon sa kanyang yumaong ina MAC en COLET Ni Bladimer Usi
magpatawa kanyang pananalangin kung na tila buhay pa kung kausapin
Kapag nasa isang pelikula saan—habang nakaluhod sa niya. Maaaring ang inang ito
si Dolphy, tinaguriang “Hari harap ng imahen ng nakapakong ang kumakatawan sa Birheng
ng Komedya” sa industriya ng Kristo—mistula siyang isang Maria sa kanyang pagka-pari,
pelikula sa Pilipinas, umasa musmos na nakikipag-usap sa kaya’t napapatnubayan siya nito
kang hindi maaaring walang kanyang mapagmahal na Ama. laban sa tukso ng laman—sino
pagtawanan. Kuwela man o Ikinalulungkot niya na tila ang makapagsasabi? Maaaring
korni ang mga patawa, hinihingi hindi siya tanggap ng mga tao tinutugon din ng Diyos ang
man ito ng kuwento o hindi, hindi sa parokya; nangangako siya debosyon ng pari sa mahal
mawawala iyan pagkat iyan ang sa Panginoon na tatanggapin niyang ina, kung kaya’t hindi
pangunahing layunin ni Dolphy niya kahit saang parokya siya rin siya nayayanig nang siya ay
sa paggawa ng pelikula: ang ipadala, ngunit humihingi siya nililibak na ng mga parokyano
magpasaya ng manunood, kahit ng palatandaan, ng liwanag, bilang isang pedophile. Habang
siya na ang pagtawanan ng mga upang matiyak kung ano ang namamalatak na sa tuwa ang mga

Buhay Parokya
kalooban ng Diyos para sa utak ng paninira kay Fr. Jejemon, Look for the images of
kritiko. Tutal, biling-bili naman
kanya. hindi niya ipinagdiinan ang Archangel Gabriel, Holy
siya ng kanyang mga tagahanga
Kung paano siya makipag- kanyang pagka-malinis, bagkus Bible, and Pope Benedict XVI.
pagkat kuhang-kuha niya ang
usap sa kanyang Ama sa langit, ay naghahanda siyang lumisan (Illustration by Bladimer Usi)
kiliti ng masang aliw na aliw sa
slapstick at toilet humor. ganoon ding kapayak ang sa parokya na buo ang tiwala na
Sa Fr. Jejemon, makikita mong kanyang pakikipag-usap sa lulutang din ang katotohanan
marami ang patawang korni at kanyang inang nakabaon na sa pagdating ng panahon.
walang kinalaman sa istorya, lupa. Ang unang-unang hinango
na alam mong isinisingit pa rin ni Fr. Jejemon mula sa kanyang Katapatan at katapangan
para lang magpatawa. Meron maleta pagdating niya sa Ang katapatan ni Fr. Jejemon sa
ding patawang napapaloob sa kanyang bagong silid-tulugan ay kanyang sinumpaang tungkulin
istorya pero eksaherada naman isang aklat-dasalan, sinundan ng ay nababakas sa kanyang walang-
sa haba—tulad nung eksena ng isang naka-kuwadrong larawan luhong pamumuhay. Nang
tatlong matatandang hikain na ng kanyang yumaong ina na dumating siya sa Parokya Parm
bumubuo ng koro—sinasayang lagi niyang kinakau-kausap na Bil at inilagay siya ni Violeta sa
lang ang oras. May mga patawa animo’y buhay at kasama niya kuwartong mistulang bodega
din namang sadyang nakakatawa sa kuwarto. sa kalat at dumi, masaya niyang
dahil hindi pilit at nakabase pa sa tinanggap iyon. Masaya niyang
mga totoong pangyayari, kagaya Nagpapatawa lang ba talaga? ginagampanan ang kanyang
nung “tumikim” ng alak na Hinangad lang kaya ng tungkulin sa kabila ng pagiging
pang-misa yung tatlong batang pelikulang Fr. Jejemon na hamak ng kanilang parokya—
sakristan, kaya gumewang- magpatawa lamang, o tinangka wala silang magarang kumbento,
gewang ang lakad nila patungong din kaya nitong tawagin ang sariling man lamang sasakyan,
altar at nagkandatulog pa sa pansin ng mga nanunood sa o makabagong mga kagamitan
misa. ilang bagay tungkol sa ating na maaaring makatulong sa
pananampalataya, sa Simbahang kanilang Gawain. Para kay Fr.
Hindi maaaring pagtawanan Katoliko, at sa kalagayan ng Jejemon, ang yaman ng Parm Bil
Ang hindi mo pagtatawanan mga pari? Maaaring tulad ng ay ang mga parokyano—lalo na
ay ang pagganap ni Dolphy dati, gusto lang ng pelikula ang mga kabataang na inaasahan
bilang isang pari: dibdiban. Ang ni Dolphy na magbigay-aliw niyang magdulot ng pagbabago
papel ni Dolphy sa Fr. Jejemon habang nagbabahagi din ng sa parokyang malaon nang
ay katuparan ng isang pangarap ilang makabuluhang aral. pinaghaharian ng kasakiman at
para sa “King Of Comedy.” Ngunit sa mga manunood na sabwatan nila Mr. P, ng alkalde,
Sa ilang dekada niya bilang bukas ang “ikatlong mata” at at ng hepe ng pulisya.
artista, lumabas na si Dolphy sa may damdamin sa Simbahan, Kung katatawanan ang hanap
kung ano-anong papel maliban mayroong mga parating ang mo at ang titingnan mo lamang
lamang sa pari. Sa Fr. Jejemon Fr. Jejemon na makabubuting ay ang mga poster ng pelikula,
(na ayon kay Dolphy ay huli pagnilayan.pagkatapos ng mae-engganyo kang manood
na niyang pagsali sa Manila tawanan. ng Fr. Jejemon, at maaaring
Film Festival), nagampanan Isa na rito, bukod sa mga makita mo ang hanap mong
nang mahusay ni Dolphy ang nabanggit na, ay ang kalagayan aliw. Kung isa ka naman doon
ipinipinta ng kuwentong larawan ng mga paring matatanda na’y sa mga nangalisag ang balahibo
ng isang maka-Diyos at maka- wala pang makahalili sa parokya. at naglabas ng pangil dahil
taong pari na laging panatag Sino ang mangangalaga sa sa nakita mong kabastusan sa
ang kalooban sa anumang kapakanan nila upang sila trailer ng pelikula, at nag-aabang
kalagayan. Ang pagiging ulirang ay hindi mapagsamantalahan ka pa ng mga pambabastos
pari ni Fr. Jejemon ay hindi ng mga makapangyarihan at na lalo mo pang ikagagalit,
nakasalalay sa isang uri ng di- halang ang kaluluwa sa kanilang masisiphayo ka, pagkat ang pari
makabasag-pinggang panglabas parokya? Tama ba na ang dito ay isang tapat, matapang
na kabanalan, hindi sa pagiging mga kadugo ng pari ang mga at mahinahong kalaban ng
isang santo-santito, kundi sa kasama niya sa kumbento? May kasamaan. Sa kadulu-duluhan
pagiging isang tunay na taong nagmamalasakit ba sa kanilang ng pelikula, mauunawaan ng
tapat sa sarili at sa Diyos. kilos at pananamit upang masusing manunood na ang Fr.
Bagama’t pa-kuwela at tiyaking wasto ang kanilang bihis Jejemon ay isang butil ng ginto na
maunawain si Fr. Jejemon sa mga at kapita-pitagan ang kanilang nababalot sa mumurahing palara.
kabataan, hindi siya kunsintidor; anyo? Bagama’t mukhang Sana, dumami pa ang mga paring
marunong siyang manuheto malinis ang damit ng dalawang katulad ni Fr. Jejemon. (Teresa R.
kung kinakailangan. Masayahin pari sa pelikula, kapuna-punang Tunay OCDS)
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 1
January 3 - 16, 2011
C1

The News Supplement of

Couples for Christ

KFC: Changing the World

By Kirby Llaban examples and providing continuous
pastoral guidance. He also stressed
that sex education is a role that parents
THE CFC Kids for Christ 13th should never delegate to others, espe-
International Kids Village cially the school since the teachers, who
(IKV) was held in Singapore may not be well-grounded on Christian
values, may well be promoting anti-
at the Singapore Expo and life efforts and putting sex outside the
Camp Sarimbun on December context of marriage.
18-20, 2010. After the summit, the parents, the
Youth for Christ and Singles for Christ
It was participated in by Kids for serving in the Kids ministry had the
Christ members from 11 countries R.O.C.K. Global Summit. R.O.C.K.
namely Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, stands for Reach Out Christ to Kids
Qatar, United Kingdom, Canada, Sey- and through this activity, the ROCK
chelles, China, Australia, Singapore, volunteers had the chance to get to
and the Philippines. The event made know fellow servants from different
history because it was the first time parts of the world. The key message of
that the International Kids’ Village was the summit was to be strong in prayer,
conducted outside of the Philippines. love, and service. It concluded with a
The theme of the event was “World praisefest, empowering each other to
Changers,” anchored on Philippians serve God more through our young
4:13, “I can do all things through Christ brothers and sisters in KFC.
who strengthens me.” On the third day, the kids from Sey-
To become World Changers, the kids chelles led everyone in singing praise
were taught that they had to be able to action songs. The Kids Preach session
Envision, Enable, and Empower. They that followed saw four kids coming
were asked to “envision” a bright new showcased through dances and cre- The first day was capped with the included a wall climbing activity from Singapore, United Kingdom, and
world, to train hard so as to “enable” ative videos. presentation of awards to all the coun- and all sorts of obstacle courses that the Luzon and Mindanao regions of the
them to be young Christ-like leaders, The parade of delegations soon fol- tries and Philippine regions who par- brought out the leadership qualities Philippines giving talks about chang-
and to be “empowered” by the Holy lowed and featured a sharing from a ticipated in the Global Day of Service in the kids and a Global Christian ing the world. It was amazing how
Spirit to do God’s will. representative of each on how he/she (GDS) held simultaneously globally on Parenting Summit participated in by these kids, young as they are, were able
The first day was a formal event, ala can change the world. The kids then September 4, 2010. KFC Coordinators and the parents of to express their own convictions about
Oscar awards night. The kids wore had a good time watching the World Day 2 of the IKV was really exciting the delegates. God in front of hundreds of people.
their national costumes and walked Changers Stage Play, wherein a family for the kids as they went through the The summit talk was given by Melo The last session of the conference
through a red carpet to the venue. of super heroes showed the kids how World Changers Training Camp. There Villaroman, CFC Family Ministries Di- began with a powerful exhortation
The host country, Singapore, opened it is to change the world by bringing they experienced leadership activities rector. He emphasized that parents are given by Nic Escalona, the incoming
the conference by presenting an amaz- others to God, serving with the family, that taught them about courage, com- the primary formators of the children KFC International Coordinator. Nic, a
ing production number wherein the saving the environment, and helping munication, trust, initiative, servant- and thus it is essential that parents live former KFC himself way back in 1993,
different cultures in Singapore were the poor. hood and faith in God. The activities out Christ’s teachings by being good KFC / C3

A New
CFC Home Office held their Christmas party at the grounds of the new CFC home
in Cubao last December 17.

Year,
A New
By Zeny Gimenez haps the Lord was directing us
Home!
ingly perfect for our needs, 2010, the feast of St. Joseph the event. cheerful giver, He also loves
to channel that same generosity were snatched from right under Carpenter, the father of Jesus. CFC celebrated this momen- those who toil so that the giving
to building our permanent CFC our noses by those who had the In that one night alone, pledges tous occasion with a gather- may be smooth.
IF we were to count our home. The Araneta dome thun- ready cash to pay. and actual donations amounted ing at the Ultra called “Filled There are many stories of
blessings in 2010, as we are all dered with the loud acclama- to about P2.5 million, bringing with Thanksgiving…CFC Cel- sacrifice. There is the sister
wont to do at the end of every tions of approval from the more Reality Bites the total to almost P8 million. ebrates!” It seemed that the who donated P108,000, will-
year, the purchase of CFC’s than 18,000 leaders present. It seemed we needed to first theme of CFC for 2010 was ingly letting go of a dream to
new home in Quezon City A few short months later, achieve a certain level of fi- The Dream Becomes Reality indeed prophetic: “Fullness own a signature bag. There is
would be at the top of the list. when CFC was officially debt- nancial capability that would The fundraising campaign of Life in Christ,” from Colos- the laundrywoman who do-
The story of how we acquired free, Joe Yamamoto would allow us to go into any nego- continued. But discouragement sians 2:6-7: Since you have nated her coin bank, containing
it is the story of a dream come wonder out loud to the lead- tiating table. That meant we set in among the committee and accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, about P700 -- a small pittance
true, of wondrous miracles, of ers in Mindanao whether the needed to raise the money the Home Office. It seemed that live in union with him. Keep but a fortune in the eyes of the
sacrifices and tears and of joys campaign for a new CFC home FIRST! Building on a vacant things were going too slow. your roots deep in him, build laundrywoman who earns less
and triumphs. should be kicked off by a small lot would entail at least P200 Was God still listening? Was your lives on him and become than that in a day’s work. That
group of leaders in every region million. The committee felt that the dream of a CFC home just a stronger in your faith, as you she chose to give it towards the
First, the Dream to be called “Gideons,” pledg- was too steep a figure to present bubble about to be burst? Why were taught. And be filled with dream of a CFC home speaks
It all began in 2007 when, still ing P50,000 each. The leaders to the community, particularly weren’t CFC leaders sharing thanksgiving.” volumes about the culture of
reeling from the shock of the would respond immediately since 2009 was not such a good the vision? True to His promise, God had giving and loving that CFC
resignation of top leaders and and unexpectedly with actual financial year for most. Thus But then, seemingly from out brought us to fullness and had teaches and lives.
the subsequent crisis spawned donations and pledges. The it was agreed to set P60 mil- of the blue, an offer came. A given us reasons to be indeed There are also the many mem-
by those leaders’ decision to donations were acknowledged lion as the fundraising goal, on four-story building on a prime filled with thanksgiving. bers of the Coops for Christ
form their own group, we also and received but would lie dor- the premise that this amount location in Quezon City was for who borrowed P50,000 from
discovered that we had been left mant. After all, the actual cam- should be good enough to be sale, there were still no takers The Sacrifices and the the Coops just to be able to be
saddled with a huge debt. But paign was yet to be launched. either as down payment for the and best of all, the entire build- Miracles counted as Gideons, never mind
we were not about to wallow in It seemed that the time was not construction materials or for an ing was being sold for only P50 The tears and the discourage- that they would have to shell
self-pity. Instead we danced in yet ripe for the community to already existing building. The million! This was well within ment have been lifted. But we out the amortization to pay back
celebration of God’s goodness be called to rally behind such a prayer was that the Lord would the P60 million target! still remember, and honor, the the loan within a year or two.
during a festive gathering that campaign. show the way. He did. Things rapidly fell into place many sacrifices that were of- These sacrifices constitute
we called “A Time to Dance.” During the Philippine Mis- after that. Suddenly, because of fered so that we may be able to the little miracles of love. But
On that night, the campaign for The Search sion meeting in January 2010, in the Build My House campaign, achieve this dream. there is one miracle that stands
a debt-free CFC was launched But the dream would not die. a totally unscripted way, one of we had the initial funds and The Build My House com- out. Under the terms of the
– “One Time Big Time!” By A committee of “dreamers” was the leaders stood up to inquire we could negotiate. God must mittee, led by Penny de Leon purchase contract, CFC would
the January leaders conference formed to quietly but actively about the plans for a CFC home. have been at the negotiating ta- and George Campos, and ably have to complete at least 50% of
in Araneta only a month later, look into the possibilities, in- That simple inquiry led to one ble with us because everything assisted at the Home Office by the total price, or P25 million, by
then Executive Director Joe Tale cluding scouting around for leader pledging his donation, went smoothly, barring the the female triumvirate of Mel December 15. We were able to
was able to joyfully announce other promising sites, prefer- followed by another, and anoth- minor legal hitches and the time Laiz, Cristy Balilo and Linda generate the monthly amortiza-
that the global community had ably already existing buildings, er. By the time the last pledge spent for due diligence. Pangilinan, worked tirelessly, tion of P5 million for October
responded generously to the since building from scratch was made, or within the space Finally, on September 22, often at the expense of family and November, for a total of P20
campaign and that we had al- would involve a huge budget of 30 minutes, the pledges had 2010, the contract to purchase time and other commitments. million, but needed the P5 mil-
ready gathered half, or about that may be out of reach. amounted to P4.8 million! True was signed and CFC gave the They issued memos, ran after lion to complete the 50%.
P10 million, of the debts we The committee met almost to our prayer, God had shown first down payment of P10 mil- pledgors, tallied up deposits, By the first week of December,
needed to pay off! weekly, each week bringing the way. The campaign had its lion. The contract signing was cleared confusion in bank re- we had on hand only P800,000!
It was during that same con- fresh hope but also dashing soft launch. a joyous affair, with dozens of ports. Their work is not finished How would we be able to man-
ference that Joe Yamamoto was that same hope when potential The official launch would CFC leaders and staff from the but they continue to be cheerful, age raising the balance of P4.2
moved to prophesy that per- buildings, many of them seem- come much later, on March 19, Home Office witnessing the knowing that as God loves the Home / C3
 C2 Ugnayan CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 1
January 3 - 16, 2011

Joe Tale, CFC Chairman

The Road To Take

IT is once again a new year. Another attitude, with our outlook, with our ation, remain uneducated, unhealthy, The desert will rejoice, and the flowers and reeds will grow.
chance at life. A time of new beginnings. appreciation and our experience of the ignored, and thus unappreciated for will bloom in the wastelands,
For this, we thank the Lord, a God who loving hand of God in our lives. what they are deep inside and what they The desert will sing and shout for joy; it The prophet then describes the road
gives us new opportunities, a God of The difference that an attitude makes can be. “Kalu-oy”, indeed, if that is all will be as beautiful as the Lebanon we should take.
second, and third, and fourth and so became clear again to me in the past there is to it, if it remains that way, if our Mountains and as fertile as the fields of
on, chances. few weeks. attitude just says that’s the way it is and Carmel and Sharon. There will be a highway there, called “The
How does 2011 look to us? What new One tradition that my wife Babylou we cannot do anything about it. Everyone will see the Lord’s splendor, see Road of Holiness.”
things will it bring? How should we and I observe is to go home and be with his greatness and power. No sinner will ever travel that road; no
respond to yet another opportunity of our respective mothers during their fools will mislead those who follow it.
starting anew? Which road, out of many birthdays. I did so last November 28, In the Good News Bible version, No lions will be there; no fierce animals
highways and byways, do we take this my Mom’s 92nd birthday. Of course, Isaiah 35 is entitled “The Road of Holi- will pass that way,
new year? my Mom is old, is now hard of hearing, ness”, and it could very well be the road Those whom the Lord has rescued will
The poet Robert Frost wrote a haunt- has become more and more forgetful, to take in 2011, and even beyond. travel home by that road.
ing poem, The Road Not Taken, which has weak knees that make it difficult Let me share my personal reflec-
in the last stanza reads: for her to walk, but we praise God for tions on what the prophet wrote. After And when we faithfully take that
her overall good health, with no serious painting a vision of a world that will road, we are assured that we shall reach
I shall be telling this with a sigh ailment. And as in every visit I make, experience the Lord’s splendor, power our ultimate destination in the heavenly
Somewhere ages and ages hence: we play a game that, for me, is a good and greatness, that even the desert will Jerusalem.
Two roads diverge in a wood, way to keep her mind stimulated. My rejoice, the next verses tell us what our
and I – Mom used to be a teacher, is fond of response should be, what we should do They will reach Jerusalem with gladness,
I took the one less traveled by, And that poems and still memorizes a few to this to help make it happen: singing and shouting for joy,
has made all the difference. day. I would recite an opening line, and They will be happy forever, forever free
she would continue on and finish the Give strength to hands that are tired and from sorrow and grief.
Indeed, there are decisions to make, stanza, complete with feelings. to knees that tremble with weakness.
and we need to sincerely pray for the One of those she can still recite from Tell everyone who is discouraged, “Be There it is, the road to be taken, laid
Lord’s guidance as we make those de- memory is a portion of Elegy Written strong and don’t be afraid! out before us by a prophet of the Lord.
cisions, and be more confident that we in a Country Churchyard by Thomas God is coming to your rescue, coming to Indeed, while we thank our Lord of
take the right road without any regret Gray, a poignant stanza of which says: punish your enemies.” second chances for continuing to give
of the road not taken. us new opportunities, we know that
Of course, our loving God also guides Full many a gem of purest ray serene, the When we respond that way, when this is not a forever open-ended situa-
us into taking u-turns when we commit dark unfathom’d caves of ocean bear we extend our hands to the poor and tion that may lull us into inaction and
mistakes, when somehow we fail to see Full many a flower is born to blush Joe Tale exhorts the CFC Home Office personnel weak, when we share the good news of procrastination.
or, having seen, still fail to follow His unseen, and waste its sweetness in the during their rodeo-themed Christmas Party on God’s love and the salvation He brings, A new year should therefore spur us
December 17.
directions. Always, if we humble our- desert air. when we become channels of hope to into action, into a proactive responding,
selves and seek His will, He will direct those in despair, Isaiah pictures to us into a seizing the moment mindset, an-
us to the right path. After reciting the stanza, she would On the other hand, in Isaiah 35, one the miracles that will happen. chored on a hopeful attitude, that our God
Thus, prayer is the best starting point invariably say, “Kalu-oy no?” (mean- of the readings during Advent, an alto- of new beginnings will journey with us,
for a decision to be made. For prayer ing, “how pitiful”). She refers to people, gether different attitude is expressed, The blind will be able to see, and the deaf will guide us, will protect us, will bless us
itself is indicative of our attitude, an who because of their situations, are one vibrant with hope, one that points will hear. with miracle moments, and since he loves
attitude that recognizes that beyond hidden from the eyes of many and not to a new and exciting vision of renewal. The lame will leap and dance, and those us unconditionally, will never leave us.
ourselves, there is God who has the recognized for what they are and what With God, one does not remain in a who cannot speak will shout for joy. May we therefore confidently take
most wonderful plans for us (Jeremiah their full potential can bring. She could sorry state, but can actually experience Streams of water will flow through the the road of holiness that He is directing
29:11). Such attitude makes the whole very well refer to the poor, who are a rebirth and transformation. Its open- desert; the burning sand will become a lake, us to follow.
difference in everything we do. Rightly likewise created in the image and like- ing lines read: and dry land will be filled with springs. A Blessed New Year full of Joy and
so, the actions we take begin with our ness of God, but because of their situ- Where jackals used to live, marsh grass Peace to all!

Joe Yamamoto, CFC Director

Leaps of Faith
THE year 2010 started well for during that January event but debt-free status, after hurdling Spirit renewing the face of the Catholic Church. to live them out and express
Couples for Christ. Even as the the distinction of being the very our biggest financial burden. We earth”? God in His perfect time We will see CFC touching base them in the simplicity and
community struggled with the first Gideon (the term given to can label the turn of event any answered us through a series with all peoples from all walks even quietness of their day-
crisis of leadership, there were a group of CFC who pledged which way but clearly it was a of pastoral congresses. The of life, including migrants and to-day existence.
also burgeoning signs of sure at least P50,000 towards the leap of faith. congresses, and the exhaustive their families, and providing 5. Vision and Mission- Constant
footing. At the Leaders Confer- purchase of the CFC building) Leaps of Faith have a nice ring discussions with the clergy a prayerful support and com- repetitions and reinforcements
ence at the Araneta Coliseum, rightfully belongs to Chito Ga- to it for somehow it fittingly and with each other, affirmed munity life. In faith, we claim are key and vital elements of
the clarion call was to respond lay of North Cotabato. Other characterizes the journey of the that indeed, we are. To top it abundance of material and fi- the life and mission of CFC
dynamically as ‘One CFC, One Mindanao leaders followed suit- community we all love and cher- all, He gave us the courage to nancial resources to field more that starts with understanding
Mission, One Global Army.’ Luis Kong, James Solano, Boie ish so much. CFC is all of these declare that CFC is “...moved missionaries, not just individu- the vision and mission of the
This was the perfect rallying Sescon. The brothers took the things - a community, a Catholic by the Holy Spirit, one with the als, but couples and families. community.
pronouncement for a commu- bold jump way back in Febru- lay movement, a holistic orga- Catholic Church...” The vertical jumps are defi-
nity striving to faithfully live its ary 2008, during the Mindanao nization, a foundation, family Not all leaps of faith are ver- nitely more challenging because 6. The principle of Unity in the
particular mandate of evangeli- leaders gathering in Davao City. renewal, a ‘womb to tomb minis- tical plunges. Sometimes it can they have to defy the downward Community is expanded to
zation. It led to a series of con- They eagerly responded to the try’ and best of all, a way of life. take the form of a lateral leap. pull of gravity. Notwithstanding incorporate the elements of
nected and mutually reinforcing initial call for ‘Gideons’ when In all the steps and travels it has To my mind, letting go of our these considerations, there are – INTEGRATIVE, UNITIVE
conferences and activities that, the plan to have our very own taken to date and the journey it former work with the poor and important principles to keep AND SUBSIDIARITY.
taken as a whole, point to the in- home was just a distant dream has yet to take, CFC has its True embracing ANCOP is a bold in mind:
creasing vibrancy that animates and huge fundraising was not North set on Christ and con- lateral leap. It is in consonance • Unitive – The concept of
the rank and file of CFC. fashionable. Berto Ramos of tinually takes leaps of faith with and alignment with our two-fold 1. Christ is the center of our Unity and Oneness is simple
The Family Ministries con- CFC Italy generously gave his recurring regularity. Trust in the mission of Building the Church life and work. Keeping this and straightforward and yet
tinued to demonstrate record Gideon contribution in Febru- Lord begets the quiet confidence of the Home and Building the indelibly in our life and ever perplexingly challenging. The
attendance in their conferences, ary 2010 during the CFC Europe in Him: “Trust in the Lord with Church of the Poor. Contrary to before us, we are to proclaim only way a community can
highlighting the reality that leaders summit in Geneva. Thus all your heart and lean not on some unfounded allegations, we Christ in word and in action. move forward confidently and
members of the nuclear family he holds the distinction of be- your own understanding. In all did not give up our work with “The heart of the mission is strongly is when the rank and
find the community life crucial ing the first CFC international your ways acknowledge Him, the poor but rather provided a the heart of Jesus Christ.” file accept and recognize that
to their spiritual growth. CFC Gideon. and He shall direct your paths.” much more aligned and well- they are all parts of a whole
gatherings were also eagerly Considering that, in January (Proverbs 3:5-6) integrated expression of com- 2. CFC was raised by God to be and that for the whole to
anticipated and participated not 2010, CFC did not even have Our recent history brings to munity life in ANCOP. a community of evangeliz- work well, everyone must be
only in the country but more so a specific and concrete site nor mind the dark chapters of the As if in further affirmation of ers. We are a community of a stakeholder and contribute
abroad. even the substantive fund with community that is too painful this lateral leap, our launching of believers who, on account of to making the Oneness a real-
We can compare our journey which to negotiate a purchase, to relive. The resignation of ANCOP on December 8, 2009 at the imprint of the Holy Spirit ity.
to that of riding in a car or bus, we took a big leap of faith! top CFC leaders was unprec- the Mall of Asia coincided with by way of our Baptism and
getting in the driver’s seat, and What we had was the power edented and triggered events the Feast of the Immaculate Confirmation, must faithfully • Integrative – Because the com-
as driver, knowing that taking of a dream and the supreme that plunged the whole com- Conception of Mary- the Star of discharge the great commis- munity is one and whole, all
charge involves skills and com- confidence in the Lord who munity in so much uncertainties Evangelization and our Patron- sion we all received. We can aspects of its life and work
petence. The driver knows that consistently bestows abundant and threatened to nearly break ess for the Work with the Poor and must go out of our com- must fit well and be integrated
in moving the vehicle forward, grace. us apart. The resolution was (as Our Lady of Banneux). fort zones but at no given time into the bigger body. There
he also needs to look at the rear The leap of faith yielded im- not easy or quick. It came as a So what is in store for CFC in should we get out of our zone is no room for vertical silos,
view mirror as well as the side mediate results. By September series of purification and some the years to come? Of course, of strength, i.e the charism of parallel structures or dual/
mirrors regularly and habitually 2010, we signed the contract to even called it a ‘purging” within only the good Lord knows. evangelization. If our work is multiple leadership struc-
in order to ensure safety and purchase a building in Quezon the community. We survived However, we can venture some evangelization, then it stands tures. In CFC there is a need to
unhampered travel. City. By December, CFC was through the mercy and grace of enlightened reflections. to reason that all our actions, be vertically integrated to one
Our journey in the year that halfway through the payments God, whose plans are beyond By all indications, we will see a plans and activities must be pastoral organization and one
is about to pass took us to many and looking with fullness of human understanding and com- vibrant and dynamic community seen as expressions of our pastoral structure.
leaps of faith. And so we real- hope in the next few months prehension. that will fortify and strengthen evangelistic fervor.
ize, as we look at our rear view to fully pay off our debt. To We need to appreciate the its commitment to being “Fami- • Subsidiarity – In a nutshell,
mirror, that God loves and cares date, the global family of CFC reality that God wants us to lies in the Holy Spirit renewing 3. “One CFC, One Mission, One no part of CFC must be bigger
for the community enough to continues to respond admirably release our inner baggage that the face of the Earth,” doing its Global Army, One Commu- than the whole. At all levels
guide and guard us at all turns and generously to the rally for distracts us from the life and work of evangelization with nity.” These are key words of the work, the principle
in this difficult road that we are our home. As 2 Corinthians 9:7 mission that He cut out for us. much enthusiasm and passion. that broadly outline our desire of subsidiarity prescribes
traversing. With God, nothing proclaims: “so let each one give This painful event was the best We see it involving itself in the and commitment to belong to subordinating the part to the
happens by accident. Thus, as he purposes in his heart, not example of plunging in a leap affairs of society, not just in the one undivided community. To whole, the individual to the
navigating through dangerous grudgingly, or of necessity, for of faith that brought us a fresh parishes and dioceses, but truly keep it One, we must all strive collective.
and treacherous waters, we were God loves a cheerful giver.” wind of the Holy Spirit. “For I living out its appreciation of the to do our share of preserving,
able to get clear of the dangers Another thing to be thank- know the plans I have for you,” social doctrines of the Church. It protecting, nurturing and 7. CFC must remain a prayer-
and draw a sigh of thanksgiving ful for is that this is the fourth says the Lord.” They are plans will strive to spread the bless- defending that oneness. ful and Spiritually-rooted
and relief. straight year that CFC has not for good and not for disaster, ings of evangelization not only community. Prayer life and
CFC leaders who attended incurred a deficit. Three short plans to give you hope and a among Filipinos but to as many 4. Core Values – Pro-God, Pro- foundation of a life based
the annual conference at the years ago this month, a humble future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) peoples, nations and territories Life, Pro-Family and Pro- in the Word of God are sine
Marikina Convention Center appeal for a debt-free CFC was In taking that momentous the Lord may lead us, at all times Poor. These are core values qua non of our Christian life.
in January 2010 excitedly rel- called out during the “One leap, CFC was given the rare adapting to languages, cultures that must continually be cul- Important in our lifelong com-
ished the groundswell and call Time Big Time” campaign. In opportunity to look into itself and changing circumstances tivated and nurtured daily in mitment and responsibility is
to have a building that will be spite of the economic uncertain- and go into deep soul searching without compromising our our lives. Because they are to continuously don and “Put
our permanent home. Many ties of the time, CFC members to discover the answer to: Are core values, culture, teachings, core values, every CFC mem- on the Full Armor of God.”
leaders took the leap of faith responded and we achieved we still “families in the Holy identity, and oneness with the ber and his family must learn (Eph.6:11)
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 1
January 3 - 16, 2011
Ugnayan C3

A Corporate Executive’s
View of Servant Leadership
By Zeny Gimenez father at age 13. Still this did not Financial Services, Investor Rela- matters and I have to make sure Philippines. We have been with duct my business. Other people
prevent him from excelling aca- tions and Legal Division. that all our actions and decisions the Sta. Maria della Strada chapter may see it differently, but I feel ful-
demically, graduating as valedic- His roots remain important to are compliant with the law.” ever since.” filled. It all boils down to a choice.
MY assignment was to interview torian from high school at the St. him. He goes to Sariaya regularly, He cited as an example of this Ysme confessed to being a fre- This is my choice. Everything is
Ysmael Baysa, Vice-President for Joseph Academy in Sariaya. But and is teaching his children, to love culture the recent purchase of quent traveler, primarily because temporal so we just have to put
Corporate Finance of Jollibee Foods poverty precluded his going to their roots as well. He sees his Jollibee of the Mang Inasal chain his company has many businesses things on balance.”
Corporation and chapter head at Manila to study. Ysme says, “I was former classmates, some of whom of restaurants. Initially apprehen- abroad. Since he is in charge of How has being in CFC im-
the Sta. Maria Della Strada chapter heartbroken. I wanted to be either are farmers, OFWs and policemen, sive about their future, the Mang investor relations, he also has to pacted on his life? “Being in CFC
in Quezon City. He had recently a journalist or an architect and regularly. He is involved in Sar- Inasal workers were pleasantly launch various roadshows to meet is so different from the corporate
been named CFO of the Year by the dreamed of going to Manila but my iaya town activities and has been surprised (and relieved) to learn investors. So how does he find world. CFC turns the world up-
Financial Executives Association older siblings (I am the youngest) involved, since 1998, in improving that Jollibee was concerned about time for his CFC commitments? side down. What one values so
and the ING Group and we wanted sat me down and explained our and preserving the Sariaya Church their welfare and was not plan- “I try to keep things simple. Ac- much in the world is the opposite
to feature his story. circumstances. I ended up going to which is more than 300 years old. ning any mass layoffs. tually I don’t think about it. All of what CFC teaches. In the corpo-
I had originally proposed to Luzonian University in Lucena and He says, “I am so proud of the Ysme and his wife Emma have I know is that I need to give up rate world, power and authority
him a question and answer ap- getting a degree in BSBA, major in work we are doing in the church, been in CFC since 1992. “We had a lot of things. I actively chose a is the ideal. In CFC it is humility.
proach, via email, considering his Accounting.” It was 1976 and he especially when we see more and our CLP in St. Joseph Church way of life that does not include In the corporate world, you have
busy schedule and his stature. But was 20 years old. more people coming to church.” in Hongkong and our leader cocktails, golf, and lunch and staff who serve you and cater to
instead, to my very pleasant sur- By May of that year, he had So how was he chosen as CFO then was Chito Magsajo who, at dinner engagements. My friends you; in CFC we learn to serve. In
prise, he invited me to lunch. found work as chief accountant at of the year? Ysme cited several that time, was the head of PNB are in Sariaya, Quezon and in my work, I deal with fund manag-
During the lunch, another of my a small company in Quezon City. criteria used in determining the Hongkong. Our household was CFC; that means I have chosen to ers who handle billions of dollars;
expectations/misapprehensions Two years later, he would be hired award: financial performance composed of 6 couples, and there replace socialization with parish in CFC, I deal with people who
was debunked. I fully expected by Procter & Gamble Phils, doing of the company (focusing on were only two Filipino couples, and community activities.” have no money even for education
to be interviewing someone who, various work in finance and inter- consistency), the role played by, with the rest being of other na- Ysme further states: “Do I feel and basic health care. So you see,
flushed with the prestige that ac- nal audit. Within eight years from or the direct impact of, the CFO tionalities. I learned the value of that I am somehow missing out on CFC makes both worlds fresh. It is
companies any award, would talk this assignment, he would move in making the financial perform- commitment early on, ironically something by choosing to reject like night and day. I really believe
only about the award and why he swiftly up the ladder, being Senior ance consistent, and the personal from one of our members, a pilot, an active social life? No, I don’t. that CFC is a gift.”
was chosen. It turns out brother Financial Analyst, doing work for integrity of the candidate. who never missed a household I have no regrets. I enjoy my life. I came away from the brief
Ysme did not want to talk about P & G Ohio and P& G Asia, then According to Ysme, “the CFO meeting because he would sched- I choose to go straight home from lunch-interview with my own
the award, except as a platform for Associate Finance Director for P plays an important role in pre- ule his flights around the prayer work and have made it a point world turned upside down and
his views on servant-leadership, & G Asia Pacific Ltd, shifting his serving the integrity of the cor- meeting days. In 1993, we moved to be home for 7 PM dinner with my own view of CFC refreshed.
on loyalty to friends, on the impor- base from Singapore to Hongkong poration. He makes sure that the to Singapore and there was a Emma and our two children. Ysme spoke of the word ‘integrity’
tance of valuing one’s roots, and and to Manila. CEO is in line with the vision/ small CFC community there. I When I go on a trip, even if I can as meaning “to be whole.’ If the
on setting priorities straight. In 2001, he became Senior Vice- mission of the corporation. He was assigned as household head stay longer and sightsee, I choose basic criteria of the CFO of the
Ysme is not ashamed of his President of Union Bank and helps create the culture of good of an all-Filipino group, almost all to go straight home to my family. Year Award was integrity in this
roots. He grew up poor in Sariaya, finally in 2003, he joined Jollibee governance in the corporation. In of them engineers employed in I bring them, especially Emma, particular context, then clearly
Quezon, having been orphaned where aside from being CFO, he is my particular case, as head of the the construction industry there. sometimes so that Emma can see Ysme deserved to be adjudged
of his mother at age 4 and of his also Head of Corporate Planning, Legal Division, I also handle legal By 1996, we were back in the the sights and shop while I con- as such.

An Island Sojourn
As I started my first talk, “The Power More surprises and challenges were and refocusing on CFC and the mission for the simplicity. I learned that CFC
By Gani Rael
to See the Mission Clearly,” I saw the in store. The leader who was supposed being confessed. started in SI on Immaculate Conception
hundreds of unfamiliar faces looking to deliver Talk 3 –The Power to Heal, They shared how the split in CFC Day – Dec 8, 1998 - with initially 12 cou-
I recently went on mission to the back at me- KFCs, YFCs, SFCs, HOLDs did not show up so Bill Barile asked affected them. One leader shared that ples. Today there are about 200 couples,
Solomon Islands, upon the prodding and SOLDs with wide and attentive me to deliver it, with only 10 minutes he almost lost his trust in God and including some HOLD and SOLD mem-
of Dom Pangilinan and Denis Reyes, eyes. I felt humbled and honored to to prepare. It seemed that for this par- community because nobody seemed bers and 15,000 KFCs, YFCs and SFCs.
members of the CFC Australia National be delivering God’s message. I was in ticular talk, the CFC members would be to care about them. I shared my own Apparently there was a slow down and
Council. It was a short journey of three awe as well, because I knew that they separated from the Family Ministries. feelings about the split, including decline in the CFC numbers especially
days but it brought me a lifetime of had come from far distances, taking That was the plan but apparently God’s having zero resources, such that our after the split but the ministries are still
joyful, inspiring and loving memories. whatever means of transport, such as plan was to integrate the groups, so I mission fund was down to nothing. In going strong. In fact a bishop in one of
The venue for the weekend’s retreat the back of trucks, to get there. Some ended up delivering the talk to all. The the end they understood and affirmed the provinces is anxious for CFC and
was the Don Bosco School Gymnasium. even walked many kilometers. They separation of the groups came after the that their decision to once again align its ministries to go to his province and
Bill Barile, head and coordinator of brought their own tents because for two talk, when Bill decided that he and I with the International Council was the begin the work there.
Solomon Islands, and I arrived there nights, they and their families would be would recap and entertain questions right one. At the end of the weekend, as I was
at 7:30PM and the sight of the smiling sleeping on the floor inside the venue. regarding the last three talks from the That night, before we went to bed, preparing to go back to Australia, I
young Kristone, who would serve as I felt so humbled, knowing that in couples and Kristone, John and Kevin Kristone shared his own experiences realized that I had come to SI with so
my co-missionary, was a much welcome Australia, many would use the excuse would do the same for the family min- with the family ministries, particularly little to give but I was going away full
and joyful one. He had arrived earlier to of “distance” -- a 20-30 minute travel in istries. with the youth. He said it was really to the brim with the love and affirma-
do the groundwork, together with the the comfort of their cars – not to attend Our session with the couples be- providential that we chose not to sepa- tion from our brethren there. I looked
two fulltime local YFC workers, John a household meeting or assembly. came the highlight of the mission. Bill rate the participants during the Power to at John and Kevin and I felt humbled
and Kevin. He presented me with the Kristone informed me that majority recapped the first talk and then asked Heal talk because a number of the young by the extent of their commitment and
program schedule for the three-day of the participants did not have dinner me to take charge of the proceedings. I people told him how they were touched dedication to the work. Even during the
event. I felt that finally things were that Friday night because the SI$20 recapped the remaining two talks and by the talk and how some questions in civil unrest in 2000, they proved to be
starting to happen, in spite of our earlier conference fee that they paid did not shared some of my life’s experiences. I their minds were answered. brave evangelizers, going to dangerous
fears of low attendance and inadequate include dinner. Again, I remembered requested for volunteers to share and in Sunday, anniversary day, started with places, and proclaiming God’s Word
preparations. the abundance of food that oftentimes the beginning, no one wanted to stand a Mass officiated by a priest from Don with quiet courage. I see them carrying
The retreat opened with a very pow- ended up in the rubbish bins after every up. Finally one of the women did, shar- Bosco. It was the 4th Sunday of advent on the work even when Bill and the
erful worship session led by Bill Barile household meeting and assembly in ing that she was not even supposed to and the theme of the week was “God other leaders are gone. Truly CFC in
with the YFC music ministry. The music Australia. be there but she was so glad she came with Us, Emmanuel.” There was no Solomon Islands is thriving.
and the singing was so vibrant and loud On Saturday, Kristone and I arrived at because she had all sorts of work and doubt for everyone who was there at No amount of sharing can fully
but harmonious, that when the slow the venue at 8:30 AM. The participants personal issues at the moment and lis- the Mass that God was with us in those express the beauty of community, the
worship songs started, I just closed my must have slept very fitfully because it tening to the talks, she felt healed and three days full of Spirit filled, joyful and fulfillment, the empowerment and the
eyes and felt the Holy Spirit filling up rained during the night and I learned at peace. One by one, the participants inspiring moments. purest love that I experienced during
my whole being. I felt that I had “put that they kept moving their tents from stood up to share and I heard a lot of The anniversary program was very this mission trip. My prayer is that all
on the full armor of God” and ready to the perimeters of the gym until they healing happening, a lot of confusion simple. But the vibrancy of the worship of you are given the opportunity to
do His work. were all concentrated in the center. getting cleared, a lot of recommitment and the joy of the brethren made up experience it as well.

KFC / C1

We are CFC, We are from West C! told the kids present that, “the
greatest gift that my parents has
given me is Kids for Christ.” He
powerful praise and worship,
kids style!
The first and last day’s Masses
asked the kids to remember the were officiated by CFC Singa-
By Mike Santos The event started off with a everyone had to consider what was prepared to also celebrate letters W and C so that they can pore’s Spiritual Director, Fr.
contest ala “Amazing Race.” was important, come up with the sector’s Christmas party. be reminded of the statement, Stephen Yim, while the Mass on
Watches were synchronized and new ideas, add creativity and All came in wearing unique “With Christ, We Can be World the second day was celebrated
CFC West C of Metro Manila everyone set off for the venue, texture and yet not disregard hats as the night’s theme was Changers.” by Fr. Damian de Wind. Concel-
decided to gain a headstart Leticia’s Garden in Calumpit, Bu- the essence and objective of the “Hats Galore.” The kids responded by writ- ebrating at all the Masses were
for the year 2011 by conduct- lacan, with the aim of starting the exercise. The second and final day ing on a hand-shaped paper, Fr. Matthew Zhen, Fr. Bao Jing
ing a teambuilding activity activity on time. The sector was As the weather was coopera- started with a Eucharistic the five things they will do to po, Fr. Joseph Guo, Fr. Song
for the entire sector on the divided into several teams and tive, so were the attendees. All celebration. All were in high change the world for Jesus. Zhanping, all from China and
weekend of December 10 and each team was given a specific were eager to get involved. It spirits for the next activity. The session ended with a pray- Fr. Christian Benedict Guerra
11. Sector Head Steve and instruction. It was overwhelm- was a revelation to see the first The venue was again filled over session, exhorting God from Aklan, Philippines.
Minnie Maningat together ing to witness the Mission Core generation CFCs of the sector with noise and chaos as one to strengthen the family, and To change the world, where
with the governance and all tried to outdo to commission them as world there is war, global warming,
team composed of each other trying to changers, renewing the face of poverty, immorality and greed
Cesar and Sylvia finish the assigned the earth. may seem an impossible task.
Cruz, Joe and Letty task ahead of the oth- The closing ceremonies fea- But there is hope because the
Francia, Chito and ers. Joe Tale, CFC tured a surprise farewell video kids will be changing the world
Grace Dela Cruz Chairman and Metro and a song and dance number with and for Jesus. A generation
and Mike and Rea Manila Mission Direc- prepared by CFC Singapore. of World Changers will rise, fully
Santos, opted for tor, delivered the clos- The IKV ended with an award- convicted that with God, nothing
the teambuilding in ing remarks, inspiring ing of winners for the differ- is impossible. Yes, With Christ,
order to fulfill the and reminding every- ent talent competitions and a We Can be World Changers.
sector leadership’s one of their commit-
goal of seeing the ment to God and to
the community. Home / C1
sector more united,
more cohesive and At the end of the million in order to meet the that truly God was guiding our
more geared up for teambuilding activ- deadline? By faith we trusted every move, blessing every
the work ahead. ity, all were in agree- and in faith we moved. Calls decision, and confirming the
The teambuilding activ- taking part on each assignment actively sharing their wisdom, ment. The sector is ready went out to the leaders. Prayers dream.
ity was well attended by the and assembling ahead of time. experiences and sweating it out to Learn, Un-Learn and Re- were said in many household Within the first quarter of
Mission Core. It was great As a result of the teamwork ex- at the same time. The first day Learn. The first generation of prayer meetings everywhere. 2011, when we are called to “Put
to see the sector coming to- hibited in simply assembling all was not yet over but everyone felt CFC members and the young On the morning of December on the Full Armor of God,” and
gether -- the first generation of the teams, everyone was at the the intensity and renewed drive bloods were one in mind and 15, the miracle happened. The to gird ourselves for the mas-
CFC and the new generation venue at 7:40 am, way ahead of to be counted. purpose. We have chosen donation that would complete sive work that still lies ahead,
(coming from Family Minis- the scheduled start which was The evening of the first day this road… the road to holi- the P5 million came in, just in we will be doing so from the
tries) in communion with one worship at 8:00 AM. featured a Lord’s Day celebration ness. We will travel together time. That God engineered the confines of our very own home
another. The presence of the The entire sector got the idea that was solemn, in contrast with as one. miracle was obvious – the tim- – at our new CFC building on
young blood added vigor and right away – the learning had the day’s noisy and sometimes We are CFC! We are from ing was perfect and the amount 20th Avenue, Cubao, Quezon
vibrancy to the event. begun. During this first exercise, chaotic activity. Sumptuous food West C! was just right, no more, no less. City. What a marvelous God
This was the perfect affirmation we serve!
 C4 Ugnayan CBCP Monitor
Vol. 15 No. 1
January 3- 16, 2011

Indonesia is Filled with Christ

By Manny Mercado God and right there and then, declared having devotions and frequently avail- ment, when he became Secretary of the shared how he and the entire service
team cried after none of the participants
his commitment to serving God in Indo- ing of the sacraments. Department of Science and Technology.
nesia instead of accepting an offer from Jun Uriarte, CFC Regional Coordina- It was during his stint as department in a CLP that they faithfully served
WITH only 24 days to go before the a multinational company to come home tor for Southeast Asia and member of secretary that one of the most significant signed the covenant. But Bonnie was
scheduled conference, our household to the Philippines. Ten (10) years hence, the CFC Board of Elders, talked about and strategic CLP’s was conducted – it undeterred. Declaring that zero is not
accepted God’s calling to be the service the tangible blessings for everyone to “Journey in Faith.” He shared his story was attended by congressmen and sen- a negative result, he and his team con-
team of the Fullness in Christ Weekend witness were his five children: Gabby, of seeing an “ordinary” bank employee ior cabinet members of the Philippine ducted another CLP in Central Java and
Conference in Jakarta, Indonesia. We 21, Carissa, 20, Patricia, 18, Michael, travel every weekend from the province government! got over a hundred participants!
simply surrendered everything to Ricky Cuenca, President and CEO
of the CFC ANCOP Tekton Founda-
God and everything simply fell into
tion, gave the final talk on “Filled with
place. The unbelievable speed and
Thankgiving” as he enthusiastically
cohesiveness that followed during shared his numerous experiences in
the preparation -- from venue choice, opening up new countries in South
vocals and instruments for the music Africa, armed only with faith. He
ministry, availability of funds and recounted how every fruitful harvest
speakers and translators for non- from one CLP led to doors opening to
Bahasa Indonesia speakers to the sub- another country, and another, and an-
titling of the videos in Bahasa -- was other. He called Gunawan and Theresia,
proof to us of God’s providence. CFC Indonesia National Director, to
On the conference day itself, we model couple honoring and to lead the
gathered in prayer and asked God to whole community in singing a popular
renew us all in faith and service and Indonesian unity song: “Kemesraan” as
to allow this conference to touch all of each one hugged and gave thanksgiving
CFC Indonesia who were coming in for each other.
from the different provinces to attend The one-day activity was indeed a
the conference. Little did we know that fun, inspiring and spirit filled event.
with simple prayer, we would get more My wife and I may have been physi-
than we asked for! 16, and JC, 14, all willing to serve the to Manila to facilitate their CLP group Jun shared that his amazing journey cally tired, but we were both spiritually
The speakers were topnotch and Lord with him as well. The siblings discussions and how this sacrifice continues as he is bidding farewell to fulfilled.
Spirit-filled as they powerfully shared presented a creative dance during the melted the hearts of the participants, Indonesia for the third time because his The following day, Joe Tale, CFC
God’s message to all. conference. all of them executives and members of stint as Executive Director of the Asean Chairman, attended the planning ses-
Jojo Apolo gave the first talk on “Ac- Jimmy Santiago, Country Head of high society, who eventually became Foundation is ending. With faith Jun sion of CFC Indonesia. He spoke of
cepting the Call.” He shared an “Aha! CFC Indonesia, spoke of being “One attuned to God’s calling and spirit. declared: “We come back to the Philip- the strong message from the Lord of
experience” in 2000 when, while attend- and Rooted in Christ.” He reflected on This unselfish act of his facilitator led pines jobless, but with the knowledge “a new springtime of evangelization, a
ing a CFC Leaders Training in Manila, John 15:5 “ I am the vine and you are the to Jun’s completing the CLP and ac- that God has something new for our new beginning and bountiful harvest to
he was unexpectedly asked to share in branches ...” and admonished everyone cepting service in various countries and journey in faith!” come” and encouraged all the leaders to
front of 5,000 leaders. It was then he to be rooted in Christ by being faithful areas: Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Bonnie shared and wowed the crowd be joyful and continue to be rooted in
realized the great privilege of serving to prayer time and Bible reflection, by Myanmar, Laos and even in the govern- with his stories and journey in faith. He Christ. (with Jojo Apolo)

CFC Anniversaries
East B Sector Celebrate 25th Anniversary CFC North A Goes Silver
COUPLES for Christ East B Sector gathered in the homily was a simple reminder for the faithful to By North A
evening of Sunday, December 12, at the Marikina be wary of the hustle and bustle of the season,
Convention Center to celebrate 25 years of evan- and instead to take time to reflect on the coming IN 1985, the first CLP in
gelization in Metro Manila East, covering the areas of the Savior. Novaliches opened in Amparo
of Antipolo, Marikina, San Mateo, and Rodriguez The sector was entertained over dinner by guest Village, Caloocan City North
(Montalban). singers from the HOLD Ministry as well as by and graduated 37 couples. In
About a thousand-strong crowd of enthusiastic Marikina’s doctor vice-mayor, Fabian Cadiz. The November 2010, CFC North A
members coming from the sector’s seven clusters, program proper then kicked off with the evening’s marked its 25th anniversary with
composed of 27 chapters filled the venue for a Spir- hosts, Jun and Zeny Farcon, introducing song- the theme ─ From Silver to Gold:
it-filled night of celebration. International Council dance tableaus performed by the different clusters Our Journey of Faith Continues.
members Joe and Babylou Tale, Joe and Mila Ya- to chronicle the history of the sector’s CFC service It was a month-long celebra-
mamoto, and Manny and Ditas Garcia graced the during the past 25 years. tion as the sector lined up four
occasion and delivered inspiring messages. The final number was a very touching song major activities to celebrate this
The festivities started with the Eucharistic “Seasons of Love” that paid tribute to the deceased significant milestone – a bowling
celebration presided by Monsignor Rigoberto members who actively served in the sector during tournament on November 21, a
De Guzman of the Archdiocese of Antipolo. His their lifetime. showcase of musical talents on
November 28, a Silver Ball on
December 10 and a Family Day
on December 12. chant competition and variety all the activities and challenged
The Silver Ball (Gabi ng shows of the family ministries everybody to stay the course in
Parangal) was held at the social as well as special presentations the journey of faith.
hall of the Sugar Regulatory Ad- of the winners of the musical After the praise parade that
ministration, Quezon City. CFC competitions. featured the participants dressed
Chairman Joe and wife Babylou F. Abe Bermundo, SOLT, of in international costumes, it was
Tale and IC member Melo Vil- the Holy Cross Parish, celebrated time for the praisefest, raffle
laroman, with wife Nini, graced the Mass. In his homily, Fr. Abe draws, and the announcement of
the occasion. Melo and Nini articulated his own thoughts on winners of the Cheering Chant,
were among the night’s hono- CFC’s nature as being of Christ Best in Costume, Foodfest, and
rees, having finished their CLP in and for Christ. He commended Praise Parade competitions.
1989 in the Novaliches area. the community for having the The support and participation
The ultimate event of the an- patience and perseverance over of everyone in the sector in all
niversary celebrations was the a quarter of a century in continu- the activities together with the
Family Day at Bagumbong High ing its service. sponsors emboldened everyone
School. A motorcade of the dif- North A Sector Head Senen to proclaim that they are now
ferent clusters from their respec- Reyes thanked the sector mem- aiming for Gold in 2035, when
tive mission areas kicked off the bers for their overwhelming CFC North A will be vibrantly
day, followed by the cheering presence and untiring effort in alive, kicking, and serving!

Zambales Gives Sydney Bishop Lauds CFC

Thanks By Josie Pangilinan enumerated CFC’s Vatican Stat-
utes as approved in 2005 and
By Benedict Landicho THE Most Rev. Julian Porteous, noted the method of electing the
Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney, elders and leaders internation-
included Couples for Christ in ally, as well as the criteria for
COUPLES for Christ Zambales celebrated their 21st anniversary his new book, “A New Wine general membership. The recent
last December 4 at the SBECC convention hall. and Fresh Skins, Ecclesial challenges to CFC did not escape
The anniversary celebration began with Holy Mass officiated by Movements in Australia.” the bishop’s research. He notes:

MCG Toronto
Msgr. Crisostomo Cacho, VG who congratulated CFC Zambales for His research on CFC focused “More recently there has been a
another victorious year for the Lord. on how CFC originated in Ma- split in the leadership of the CFC,
The Youth for Christ kicked off the celebration with an energetic nila and evolved resulting in

Christmas Celebration
and colorful ati- atihan presentation followed by a musical play pre- as a major move- two sepa-
sented by the Servants of the Lord. The Kids for Christ sang carols ment, now ac- rate groups
and performed in a hilarious yet heartwarming skit. tive in about 124 b e i n g
The anniversary had for its theme the Philippine fiesta and so countries. On formed…
everyone was dressed in native costumes. In keeping with tradition, page 97 of his m o v e - By Rico Tingin
the “Karakol,” a parade in honor of patron saints was held. book, the bish- ments with
Romy Alfaro, Provincial Area Head, announced the new line up op wrote: “The these expe-
of CFC leaders from the Council to the Chapters. Nonong Ignacio Philippine-based riences in THE CFC-Toronto Mission Core Group (MCG) gathered in
Central Luzon Regional Head, gave an inspirational message and community, Cou- their past December for a simple yet memorable Christmas celebration.
exhorted the leaders to always be mission ready, saying: “We have a ples for Christ, have now What is different from this year’s celebration was the simplicity in
great challenge but we have great anointed leaders, who will always has a mission to developed everything that we did together. And yet, everybody went home
say, yes, Lord, I will be there for you.” married couples CFC Australia leaders Dom Pangilinan better sys- happy, satisfied and understood the real meaning of Christmas.
at its very heart. (left) and Denis Reyes visited Bishop t e m s o f A call was made prior to the celebration to do away with the tra-
Porteous and were given autographed
It sees its primary copies of his new book. govern- ditional gift-giving and, instead, channel the money into sponsoring
role as being in- ance.” children through our ANCOP CS program. The target was to simply
tended for the renewal and The author concluded that continue sponsoring the three children MCG managed to sponsor
strengthening of Christian lay communities “witness to the from the money raised in last year’s Christmas party. Jong Amante,
family life… CFC offers pro- beauty of the Christian life, are at the beginning of the celebration, challenged everybody to gener-
grammes for couples with the works of the Holy Spirit and are ously respond and to do the same in their respective families.
purpose of building up Chris- movements at the heart of the The MCG members responded to the challenge such that, by the
tian family life… Couples are Church… one of the ‘surprises’ end of the night, enough money had been raised to sponsor not
renewed and strengthened. of the Spirit and extraordinary three but four children!
Strong faithful couples make action of God in our time…” The MCG also gleefully feasted on a very simple meal this year
strong secure families, which Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, in response to our elders’ call to be one with the poor. Instead of
will make Spirit-filled parishes President of the Pontifical the different varieties and excessive leftovers from prior years, we
that will serve society.” Council for the Laity, wrote the just had pancit (noodles) and sandwiches.
Further down, the bishop introduction to the book. The celebration was capped by singing of Christmas carols from
the various sectors, ministries and regions.