A3

Mission work requires Gospel joy, living Gods love, Pope says

B1

Live Christ, Share Christ

C1

The News Supplement of Couples for Christ

Ugnayan

CBCP head calls for truthful SONA

A RANKING Catholic bishop called on President Benigno Aquino III to reveal the countrys real situation when he delivered his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 23. Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), made the appeal on Aquino, saying it is important for the Filipinos to know the truth. We only seek for the truth the real situation of the country. We aspire for the good
SONA / A6

CBCP reiterates Popes call for new evangelization

By Pinky Barrientos, FSP

July 16 - 29, 2012

Vol. 16 No. 15

Php 20.00

ECHOING the call of Pope Benedict XVI for a renewed evangelization, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines urged the faithful to live their Christian faith fervently as the universal Church opens the year of faith and the Philippine church looks forward to celebrating its 500th year of Christianity.
The pope, in a message to the Catholic bishops at the beginning of their midyear plenary assembly, has called on the hierarchy to promote new evangelization. The pontiff said he is hoping that various initiatives by the Philippine bishops to fulfill such Churchs mission will bear much fruit to lead all people to the faith, freedom and peace of Christ.
Sammy Navaja

topic each year leading to Jubilee year 2021: Integral Faith Formation (2013); the Laity (2014); the Poor (2015); the Eucharist and of the Family (2016); the Parish as a Communion of Communities (2017); the Clergy and Religious (2018); the Youth (2019); Ecumenism and Inter-Religious Dialogue (2020); and Mission ad Gentes (2021). The New Evangelization calls for the faithful to deepen their faith, to believe in the Gospel and go forth proclaim it. Its focus calls all Catholics to be evangelized and then go forth to evangelize. In a special way, the New Evangelization is focused on re-proposing the Gospel to those who have experienced a crisis of faith due to secularization. Synod of Bishops The New evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith will be the focus of the upcoming XIII General Assembly of the Ordinary Synod of Bishops at the Vatican from October 7 until 28 this year. Within that synod, on October 11, the Holy Father will launch the solemn celebration of the Year of Faith which also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. The synod will gather experts and participants from bishops all over the world who will discuss on the issue of how to reinvigorate the flame of the Christian faith in the life of the faithful who have strayed away from the
Evangelization / A7

Catholic Church officials led by retired Ricardo Cardinal Vidal and Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, bless the statue of Blessed Pedro Calungsod during a Mass launching the 100-day countdown for the canonization of soon to be second Filipino saint at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nio in Cebu City, 14 July 2012. In Metro Manila on the same day, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle and Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon of the CBCPs Episcopal Commission on Youth led another countdown during the 1st Catholic Social Media Summit in Marikina City.

Ex-senator urges govt to regulate sale of condoms

A FORMER legislator said there is a need for the government to strictly regulate the sale of contraceptives that are available over the counter. Former Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr., said that such measure is needed so as not to make them easily accessible to just anyone especially the youth. Convenience stores sell condoms left and right. If at all it should really be regulated to high risk patients who have to use condoms within the bounds of their matrimony, said Pimentel. It should not be allowed to be sold just anywhere because even children can have access to these things, he said. He cited a group of children that he saw along Edsa playing with condoms as if they were plastic balloons as an example. You see the danger of that permissive kind of policy that the government might be tolerating or turning a blind eye to? he said. Pimentel then called on the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Department of Health (DOH) to act on the matter immediately. These agencies are more directly concerned about these things. Even the selling of brand names of medical products that falls within the ambit of FDA thats why they must be a little more aware of what is happening and act accordingly, he said. Camillian Fr. Dan Cancino, regional coordinator of Southeast Asia HIV and AIDS Catholic Network, said the over-thecounter sale of condoms also exposes the youth to risky behavior. Convenience stores are ev-

Jubilee year Taking heed of the popes counsel, the CBCP has announced a nine-year spiritual journey towards the celebration of 500th jubilee of Christianization of the Philippines in 2021. In a pastoral letter on the Era of New Evangelization, the bishops have laid out itineraries for the revitalization of the Christian faith, focusing on specific

Bishops back alternative mining bill

MAJORITY of the countrys Catholic bishops are calling for the immediate passage of the proposed Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB) pending in Congress. In a press conference, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said 72 out of the 98 active members have already backed a signature campaign in support of the AMMB. This is a very big number considering that we are 98 bishops out of that, said Pabillo, chairman of the National Secretariat for Social Action Justice and Peace of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. The prelate said he is confident more bishops will sign the petition in their desire to promote responsible mining in the country. There could have been more signatures if the other bishops were present in the meeting, he said. The bishops ended on July 9 their biannual plenary assembly, which started last July 7 at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila. Asked how they are assessing their chances considering that many members of Congress are allies of Aquino, the bishops said they do not care. If bishops decide on matters like this, political winnability is not a consideration for us. Our consideration is whether it is right or wrong, moral or immoral, said Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, CBCP vice president. Its really up to the consciences of the people. Whether they accept our position or not, it does not matter to us because we would always stand by what is right and what is moral. So regardless of its political acceptability, he said. Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, CBCP president, also clarified that the Church is not against mining per se, but they are sympathetic to the plight of the people who are suffering because of mining. He emphasized that measures to safeguard the environment, and protect indigenous communities rights should be required. (RL/CBCPNews)

Catholic bishops call for the passage of an alternative mining bill that upholds the rights of people and protection of the environment.

Regulate / A6

Youth gear up for NCR Youth Day for Life

YOUNG people from 10 ecclesiastical territories of the National Capital Region (NCR) are all set to gather to celebrate the vibrance of the faith among the youth and to deepen their understanding of one of the hottest issues of this generation. NCR Youth Day for Life, a whole-day event which takes place on July 22, at the Cardinal Sin Auditorium of Paco Catholic School, aims to gather the leaders of the different parish youth ministries, campus ministries of private and public schools in the region, and transparochial organizations to reflect on the NCR youths position on the reproductive health (RH) bill and discuss in depth the consequences of the controversial measure on the lives of the youth. Themed Live. Love. Learn, the event is among the efforts being carried out to promote an authentic culture of life, with a focus on the RH bill, a proposed measure that includes a sixyear mandatory sexuality education program in all private and public schools in the country and easy access of children as young as 5th Graders to birth control supplies and services as part of their rights. The RH bill is just one aspect of the entire pro-life
Youth Day / A6

Pabillo said the signature drive is meant to encourage lawmakers to pass the measure even if President Benigno Aquino III just signed a new executive order on mining. He also reiterated the CBCPs position that the Mining Act of 1995 should be repealed, adding that they have witnessed how the faithful have struggled to defend their rights and the environment.

We saw that the AMMB has a better framework compared to the 1995 act which is more commercial interests, he said. The church officials, however, refused to comment on the Aquino administrations new mining policy, at least for now. We will not talk about the EO because we dont know what its contents are yet, said Pabillo.

I Like Pedro week campaign gains almost 1.7 million fans

ONE week after the launch of the I like Pedro week campaign spearheaded by the National Commission for Pedro Calungsods canonization on July 8, the social networks of the soon to be 2nd Filipino saint has gained almost 1.7 million fans, organizers announced. On July 16, the 98th day before the canonization, social networks of Pedro reached a total fan
Pedro / A6

Church seeks to win back lapsed Catholics

LAPSED Catholics and the unchurchedand how to win them back to the Church are the focus of the latest statement of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). The Live Christ, Share Christ pastoral letter was issued Monday with bishops renewing their commitment to new evangelization and reach out to non-churchgoers and those who have already drifted from the church. What we are being called to do by this task of New Evangelization in Asia is to consider anew the new methods and means for transmitting the Good news more effectively to our people, part of the statement, signed by CBCP president Archbishop Jose Palma, reads. In other words, he said, a new urgency because of

Illustration by Bladimer Usi

Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media

Lapsed / A6

A2

World News

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 15
July 16 - 29, 2012

Cardinal says illicit ordinations must end

HONG KONG, China, July 13, 2012A Hong Kong cardinal has criticized the Chinese governments involvement in ordinations, saying they are neither political nor economic matters, after officials reportedly launched an investigation into the Vatican-approved ordination of Auxiliary Bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin last week. Bishop Ma announced at the event that he would quit his posts at the state-sanctioned Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association (CCPA). Chinese officials reportedly have kept Bishop Ma from his episcopal ministry in response to his announcement. Dialogue between China and the Vatican is a must. It is very urgent now to resolve the dramatic case of Bishop Ma Daqin, Cardinal John Tong Hon said. Only with dialogue will a win-win result eventually be achieved. Cardinal Tong has headed the Hong Kong dioceses Holy Spirit Study Centre since it was founded in 1980. The center does research on the life of the Church in China. The Chinese government needs to respect human rights and religion for the sake of justice, human dignity and the welfare of the people. This is the only way of achieving social harmony and a good international image, he said. I appreciated Bishop Mas courage, Cardinal Tong told ucanews.com in his first remarks on the events. His ordination has brought the faithful of the official and unregistered Catholic communities closer together, which is positive for the China Church, he said. Also last week, Father Joseph YueFusheng, vice-chairperson of the (CCPA), was ordained bishop of Harbin without papal mandate. Illicit bishops have become isolated as Catholics are staying away from them. There is no point in proceeding with illicit ordinations, Cardinal Tong said. We also heard that in Chinese ordinations some participating bishops were rewarded

Cardinal John Tong Hon

with money and other goods. It seems to me that this amounts to cases of corruption. This is the second time in a week that two Hong Kong cardinals expressed their concern over the situation of the China Church. The Hong Kong dioceses Justice and Peace Commission, joined by Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, retired bishop of Hong Kong, demonstrated in front

of the central governments Liaison Office on Wednesday demanding freedom of movement for Bishop Ma and other clergy. The commission is mobilizing Catholics to recite the Rosary in front of the Liaison Office and a Mass to pray for religious freedom in China on Monday. Meanwhile, seven priests and two nuns in Bishop Mas Shanghai diocese have been summoned by municipal government officials, Church sources said today. They each face long interrogations, up to eight hours a day, said a source. They cannot eat and rest well. We worry about their mental and physical health. In one of these priests parishes, several times more Catholics than usual attended todays morning Mass. After the Mass, many parishioners stayed in the church courtyard, one said. But we could not meet our priest as someone else was already waiting for him. We could only say a silent prayer. (UCAN)

Cardinal Gracias pained and anguished by the unlawful ordination in Harbin

MUMBAI, India, July 13, 2012Cardinal Oswald Gracias, secretary general of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), is pained and anguished by the unlawful ordination of Fr. Fusheng as bishop of Harbin (China), i.e. done without papal approval. The Holy Father has never interfered in the internal affairs of the [Chinese] government. Through the appointment of bishops around the world, the Holy See only fulfils its pastoral duties, the prelate said in an interview with AsiaNews. The Chinese government should refrain from interfering in the pastoral and spiritual fields with its unlawful appointments of bishops. It should allow the Church to function independently and freely. The Church wants to serve the people of China and work for its spiritual growth. The FABC and the entire people of God are praying that the Holy See and the Chinese government solve the situation and that matters do not get worse, Msgr. Gracias said. Hopefully, Chinese authorities will return to a spirit of collaboration, cooperation and dialogue with the Holy See and bet-

www.ucanews.com

Cardinal Oswald Gracias

Young people flood Rio for launch of World Youth Day prayer
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 13, 2012On the evening of July 13, thousands of young people flocked to Rio de Janeiro for the release of the official World Youth Day prayer as preparations for next year's global youth event continue. The prayer was made so that, in a more intense and focused manner, people may pray for the intentions we have for this one-year countdown mark which is already drawing near, said Fr. Leandro Lnin, of the Pastoral Preparation Sector within the Local WYD Organization Committee in Rio. The committee is overseen by Archbishop OraniJooTempesta of Rio de Janeiro with the help of auxiliary bishops of Rio, priests and lay people of the Brazilian Archdiocese. As the one year countdown approaches, thousands of young people gathered downtown on Friday night for the Mass with Archbishop Tempesta and to say the prayer for the first time. After Mass, the youth went in procession with the Blessed Sacrament to the Perpetual Adoration Shrine of SantAnna, also located in Rio, where the traditional pre-WYD monthly overnight vigil is currently taking place. The prayerreleased in Portuguese, English and several other languagesasks God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit that driven by their experience of World Youth Day, young people may bring to the four corners of the world faith, hope and charity, becoming great builders of a culture of life and peace and catalysts of a new world. Recalling Rios major religious symbol, the Christ the Redeemer statue, the prayer says that the image of its open arms on the top of Corcovado Mountain reminds the world that Jesus welcomes all people. Fr. Leandro Lnin explained in an interview on the official WYD site that in preparing the text, the committee had to rely on the Holy Spirit in true moments of prayer, in which we tried to meditate and put together all the characteristic elements of a World Youth Day. The prayer is essentially Trinitarian, and above all, it invokes the Holy Spirit to favor the formation of the new disciple-missionaries who will go to out to evangelize in the four corners of the planet, he said. As we pray for WYD, we also want to pray for those who are donating their time in partnership with us. We pray for the volunteers, for all things about to happen on the path towards the event and most importantly, for the pilgrims who will be coming to Rio in July of 2013. According to Fr. Arnaldo Rodrigues, a young priest who was just ordained this year and runs the Pastoral Preparation Sector of WYD Rio 2013 along with Fr. Leandro, a World Youth Day cant be prepared without much prayer. This prayer will be known all over the world, he said, adding that it will favor the spiritual communion of all those who pray for the preparation of World Youth Day and especially for those who will be coming to the Youth gathering in Rio next year. Pope Benedict is slated to attend the global youth event next summer, which will take place from July 23-July 28. Below is the text for the official World Youth Day Rio 2013 prayer: Oh, Father, You sent Your Eternal Son to save the world and chose men and women, through Him, with Him and in Him, to proclaim the Good News to all nations. Grant us the graces necessary so that joy

ter understand the Church's mission. The marginalization of God nowadays is spreading in many countries. We can see its tragic consequences in every field as society's fundamental principles and ethical values in politics and economics are in crisis, the prelate said. The new evangelisation is the prophetic call made by the Holy Father to bring God from the periphery to the centre of life. Freedom of religion is "important in the whole world. It is fundamental for the full development of a country and its population. Stifling and suppressing religious freedom harms man's dignity and a nation's development and progress. (AsiaNews)

Vatican Briefing
Pope mourns Brazilian Cardinal

www.catholicnewsagency.com

Benedict XVI on July 10 sent a telegram to the archbishop of Rio de Janeiro expressing condolences at the death of his predecessor Cardinal Eugnio de Arajo Sales. The cardinal, who in Popes words, had a long life dedicated to the Church in Brazil, died at the age of 91. Born in 1920, Eugnio de Arajo Sales was ordained a priest in 1943 and a bishop in 1954. He participated in the four sessions of the Second Vatican Council. He was named a cardinal in 1969. In the text of his telegram Benedict XVI recalls the cardinals three decades as archbishop of Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro and his almost 70 years of priesthood, which were distinguished for showing to all the path of truth in charity and service. (Zenit)
Cardinal Sodano to represent Pope at Kazakhstan dedication

may shine in the faces of all young people, the joy of being, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the evangelists the Church needs in the Third Millennium. Oh Christ, Redeemer of humanity, the image of Your open arms on the top of Corcovado welcomes all people. In Your paschal offering, You brought us by the Holy Spirit to an encounter of sonship with the Father. Young people, who are fed by Eucharist, hear You in Your Word and meet You as their brother, need your infinite mercy to run the paths of the world missionary-disciples of the New Evangelization. Oh Holy Spirit, Love of the Father and the Son, with the splendor of Your Truth and the fire of Your Love, send Your Light to all young people so that, driven by their experience of World Youth Day, they may bring to the four corners of the world faith, hope and charity, becoming great builders of a culture of life and peace and catalysts of a new world. (CNA)

The Vatican announced July 9 that Benedict XVI appointed Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals, as the pontifical legate to the consecration of the cathedral of the Diocese of Karaganda, Kazakhstan. The cathedral will be consecrated Sept. 9. Karaganda was elevated to a diocese in 1999. It has some 40,000 Catholics, served by just over a dozen priests. Forty-seven-year-old Bishop Janusz Kaleta, a native of Poland, is the bishop of the diocese. (Zenit)
Pope visits missionaries of the Divine Word

Benedict XVI July 9 made a private visit to the Ad Gentes Centre of the Missionaries of the Divine Word, located in the village of Nemi, close to his summer residence of Castel Gandolfo. As the Vatican Information Service explained it was in that building, then called the International Centre of the Society of the Divine Word, that the Vatican Council II Commission on Missions met from 29 March to 3 April 1965. Among the participants was a young theologian and expert of the conciliar assembly, Joseph Ratzinger. Since January 2010 it has taken the name of the Ad Gentes Centre. (Zenit)
Vatican lauds ordination of Chinas missing bishop

Japan's bishops protest police intrusion, arrest in Catholic church

TOKYO, Japan, July 13, 2012 The Japanese bishops' conference sent a letter of protest to the government after police entered a Catholic church without notice or warrant to arrest a Filipino layman for not carrying a passport. According to LOsservatore Romano, the July 2 lettersent to the president of the National Public Safety Commission, Jin Matsubaraargues that police violated religious freedom rights. The bishops expressed outrage over the actions of six or seven officers who entered a church in the Diocese of Yokohama on May 27, the Solemnity of Pentecost. UCAnews reported that police arrested a Filipino man who had overstayed his visa in Japan. Church pastor Father Takashi Motoyanagi said police had no right to enter the property without a warrant or advanced notice. Witnesses also said the tactics they used during the arrest were excessive. The bishops' letterdelivered to government officials by conference president Archbishop Leo Jun Ikenagacalled for the police not to interfere in Church activities, illegally enter Church grounds and to refrain from conducting investigations against those visiting churches or near church grounds. Matsubara said the commission has not decided yet how to respond to the ordeal. I think the action violated common sense, he said. We will ensure that there is no repeat of such an incident. On June 5, Bishop Rafael Masahiro Umemura of Yokohama sent a message to police chief in Kawasaki expressing surprise and concern over the actions of the police officers. Without an order from the court, he said, these actions go against the exercise of religious freedom and represent a threat to society. The unanimous decision of the Japanese bishops to send the letter of protest to the government came during their annual meeting June 19-22. Japans population of 127 million includes some 500,000 Catholics. (CNA)

The Vatican has praised the approved ordination of a Chinese bishop, who is now missing after announcing his split from the state-controlled Catholic association during his ordination. The ordination of the Reverend Thaddeus Ma Daqin as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Shanghai on Saturday 7 July 2012 is encouraging and is to be welcomed, said a July 10 Vatican communique. During the ordination ceremony, Bishop Ma revealed that he was quitting his posts within the government-run Catholic Patriotic Association which refuses to acknowledge the authority of the Pope. After todays ordination, I would devote every effort to episcopal ministry. It is inconvenient for me to serve the CPA post anymore, he said, according to the Catholic UCANews agency which reports on the Church in Asia. (CNA)
Vatileaks committee to deliver findings to Pope next week

The special Commission of Cardinals established by Pope Benedict XVI to investigate the leak of confidential Vatican documents is on the verge of presenting its discoveries. It is expected the committee will meet with the Pope next week to present him with the results of their investigation, said Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi, adding that the Pope will then be able to draw his own conclusions. The three person committee has been looking into the so-called Vatileaks scandal since April when it was tasked by Pope Benedict with undertaking an authoritative investigation to throw light on these episodes. The investigating team is led by 82-year-old Spanish Cardinal Julian Herranz, the former president of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts. (CNA)
Majority of bishops conferences, except Africa, draft abuse policies

Thousands of Catholics greet Msgr. Girelli in Tan An

HANOI, Vietnam, July 13, 2012Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the non-resident representative of the Holy See to Vietnam, met and talked with more than 3,000 priests and parishioners during his visit to Tan An, a city in the Mekong Delta region. Government media quoted the prelate as saying that he was very happy to visit Long An province, home to 36,000 Catholics, and one of the country's most industrialized areas. In order to ensure a more balanced economic development, the local community must place its trust in God, be compassionate and love one another so as to build a better and more peaceful world. On this trip, the prelate also visited My Tho Diocese in Tien Giang province (southern Vietnam). His plans include other dioceses as well, starting with Dong Thap. (AsiaNews)

The majority of bishops conferences in the Americas, Europe and Asia have complied with a Vatican mandate to draw up anti-abuse guidelines, said the Vaticans top investigator of clerical sex abuse. Without counting Africa, more than half of the conferences responded by the May deadline, Msgr. Charles Scicluna of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith said in an interview with the Italian monthly Catholic magazine Jesus. All those who did not send in their proposed guidelines would be getting a letter of reminder, he added. (CNS)

www.asianews.it

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 15
July 16 - 29, 2012

Mission work requires Gospel joy, living God's love, pope says
VATICAN City, July 9, 2012Bringing God's word to mission lands is successful only when missionaries live the Gospel with joy and share the love and goodness they receive from God, Pope Benedict XVI said. What is good has the inherent need to be conveyed, to give itself; it cannot stay closed up in itself (because) something good and goodness itself are essentially communicatio, that is, sharing with others, he said during a brief visit to a center belonging to the missionaries of the Society of the Divine Word. The pope, who began his vacation July 3 at the papal summer villa of Castel Gandolfo, took a short trip July 9 to the center in the nearby village of Nemi, in the Alban hills southeast of Rome. He used his cane when entering the center's chapel and when walking the grounds. The pope said he had fond memories of the center where he spent a week in the spring of 1965 working with three dozen other prelates to draft the Second Vatican Council's Decree on the Church's Missionary Activity (Ad Gentes). Then-Father Joseph Ratzinger was a theological consultant during Vatican II and was appointed to an editorial commission, led by Verbite Father Johannes Schutte, to help prepare the draft document of the decree. Father Schutte's invitation to be part of the commission came as a surprise to 37-year-old Father Ratzinger, as I was a very young theologian of no great importance, the pope said during an informal talk to Verbite fathers attending their general chapter meeting. Being in the company of so many eminent theologians and charged with such an important and beautiful task to prepare a decree on mission represented spiritual enrichment and a great gift for me, the pope said, adding that it was perhaps the most memorable time he had during the whole council. Though there was a slight debate going on at the time, which I never really understood, as to whether the goal of mission was to implant the church or proclaim the Gospel, all sides came together in the need to bring the light of the Word of God, the light of God's love to the world and to give new joy to this message, he said. The pope said it is part of a Christian's duty to give to others the good that we have received. He praised the flourishing of vocations in the Society of the Divine Word, which has more than 6,000 members in 70 countries. Clearly missionary dynamism lives on and it lives only if there is Gospel joy and if we experience the good that comes from God that must and wants to be communicated. (CNS)

News Features

A3

A Filipino priest stationed in Guyana, Africa.

No peace without dialogue, sacrifice, patience, pope says

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, July 11, 2012Just as individual musicians in an orchestra turn dissonance into harmony through hard work, sacrifice and listening to one another, so, too, can the world's people turn conflict into peace, said Pope Benedict XVI. The pope made his Christian and Muslim participants observe a moment of prayer remarks following a in a Silsilah gathering. July 11 concert performed in his honor by young musicians ments are brought in tune, he said. But this doesn't happen magically from Israel, the Palestinian territories or automatically, he said, since it takes and other Arab countries. The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra is patience, time, sacrifice and dedication directed by the Israeli conductor Daniel to listen to others and avoiding grandBarenboim and was co-founded in 1999 standing. The great symphony of peace among by Barenboim and the late PalestinianAmerican scholar Edward Said. The people is never fully complete, the interfaith orchestra celebrated the feast of pope said, recalling how his generaSt. Benedict by treating the pope to two tion lived through the tragedies of the Beethoven symphonies Nos. 5 and 6. Holocaust and World War II. It takes work to achieve peace and The pope thanked the musicians for their performance, held in the courtyard requires leaving aside all violence and of the papal summer villa at Castel weapons, being committed to personal Gandolfo, and said that the orchestra's and communal conversion, with diaexistence reflected the conviction that logue and the patient search for possible music can bring people together in spite understandings, he said. The pope said he hoped the multifaith of all dividing forces. Music is a harmony of differences orchestra would continue to sow the as happens every time before a concert hope for peace in the world through the begins, when all the different instru- universal language of music. (CNS)
Photo courtesy of Silsilah Dialogue Movement

Vatican official says movies play role in evangelizing culture

VATICAN City, July 12, 2012At the recent International Catholic Film Festival's award ceremony in Rome, the head of the Vatican's council for culture said movies can aid the task of evangelizing modern society. At the July 5 awards events at the Vatican Museums Octagon Patio, Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, noted that films are especially important for telling the world about Catholicism. Catholics have a great tradition behind us that represents the Christian faith and the themes and symbols of the biblical narratives, he told CNA. And also because they are one of the new means of communication. In one sense, a movie can seem like a biblical passage, which is made up of images and narration, the cardinal said, adding that films capture in images what Scripture captures in symbols and narration. For this reason, there is a kind of solidarity between these means of communication which are distinct, with the written word on the one hand, and the image on the other. During the event, the film organization selected actor Andy Garcia to receive its Silver Fish award for his portrayal of General Enrique Gorostieta in the film For Greater Glory. The award for best director was given to Spanish director Inmaculada Hoces for her film Una Cancion. Antonio Cuadri, another Spanish director, was given the Capax Dei Foundation Award for his film, Hay mucha gente buena. The Best Picture award went to the French film Churchmen, directed by Rodolphe Tissot. Best Short Film went to the Israeli film, On the Road to Tel Aviv, and Best Documentary went to the film, Seeking the Seven Keys of Antonio Gaudi, by Italian director Massimiliano Manservigi. Last, the Lifetime Achievement award was given to French actor and director Robert Hossein. Organizers of the International Catholic Film Festival plan to hold events on evangelization through film in Rio de Janeiro, Los Angeles, and other cities in 2013. (CNA)

Sierra Madre Cross a strong symbol of hopearchbishop

MANILA, July 10, 2012Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle welcomed the pilgrim Sierra Madre Cross in the archdiocese stressing that its presence is a call to hope and a challenge for everyone to act towards the protection of nature and fellow man. We are challenged by the cross to restore peace that should prevail between nature and man, between man and his neighbor and between all of God's creation and creator, Tagle said in a message written in Filipino. The pilgrim Sierra Madre Cross which has been touring dioceses in Luzon provinces was welcomed in the Archdiocese of Manila on July 7 and has since visited several parishes within the archdiocese. A symbol of advocacy against environmental abuse, the Sierra Madre Cross is being brought in pilgrimage visiting various provinces that are being threatened by ecological destruction. Made of mulawin driftwood, the Cross was created through the help of some Ifugao natives. The Manila archbishop said that the Sierra Madre cross is also a representation of the groaning of the environmentan innocent victim of violence, greed and human arrogance. When destruction is inflicted on the environment, Tagle said, the same act of violence is also committed against

'Love based on feelings? Successful marriage unlikely'

MANILA, July 5, 2012Since feelings come and go and may change unpredictably like the weather, these are an unreliable gauge in decision-making on crucial matters, like marriage. We love the other person through deeds and we make the choice to make that love grow daily even when we dont feel like it. It cannot be only about feelings, because feelings fluctuate and are not reliable, said Rowena Mendoza de Guzman, a wife and a mother of six. Love is an act of the will, and when we got married, we made a commitment and vow to love the other person in sickness and in health, in richer and in poorer, till death do us part, she pointed out, adding that difficult days are bound to come up because every marriage goes through tough times. The US-based de Guzman talked of getting acquainted with a lady who recently marked her 50th wedding anniversary but who is grounded in the reality that no marriage can be perfect. The lady recalled wanting to give up on her own marriage at one time due to some difficulties she experienced with her in-laws. The lady decided to surrender it all to God and told him to help her out since he for sure wanted that marriage to work out. And so she was able to, through Gods grace, to get through those difficult times and now once again renewed her vows to her husband of 50 years that she will continue to love him through the best of times and through the worst of times, de Guzman said. This, I think, is the fidelity that society needs to witness right now, she added. Its possible that behind the breakdown of some marriages are wrong reasons for tying the knot, de Guzman mused, that when the choice to marry is not based on prudent decision-making, the conviction to persevere through tough times may wane. People need to realize that the love we initially felt for our husband or wife at the beginning will soon fade because feelings dont last. And after that, we must work on making that love continue to grow through our free will. Married for 12 years now, the wife and mother said she fully believes that Gods constant grace and guidance through the sacrament of matrimony is necessary for a marriage to be successful. God will provide what we need in order to get through the trials and difficulties we face in our marriages if we just surrender to him and let him be the center of our lives in the marriage, she enthused. Residing for over a decade now in a nation where divorce is an option for spouses who opt to get out of the commitment, de Guzman laments the notion of some Filipino lawmakers pursuing the legalization of divorce in the Philippines. Divorce laws are likely to keep people from understanding the essence and appreciating the beauty of marriage, the wife and mother pointed out. The result? The sanctity of marriage will be ignored and devalued. As seen in celebrities marriages these days, they just get married, divorced, married again, divorced again as often as they can just because they can afford to, she observed. Some people enter marriage without much thought because its so easy anyway to get out if it doesnt work out, she added. Success in marriage will more likely be achieved with a more realistic attitude about the need to work on the relationship as well as to rely constantly on the loving guidance and wisdom of God. [Its] a decision to love, a decision to do acts of love, deeds of love through selfless acts of service to show our love and concern for the other, de Guzman said. (CBCP for Life)

Parishioners venerate the Sierra Madre Cross during its overnight visit at the parish of St. John the Baptist, also known as the Quiapo Church, July 7 and 8.

persons, especially the indigenous people whose very existence has a deep connection with nature, and those who protect it. The Quiapo Church was the first stop of the pilgrim Cross after it was handed over by the Diocese of Kalookan to Manila archdiocese on July 7. After an overnight vigil of various groups, including students of Catholic schools in the vicariate and Manila youth Ministry, the Cross was transferred on July 8 to San Roque parish in Pasay City, and on July 9 to Makati

City, where it stayed at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe until 2:30 pm of July 10. On July 11, the pilgrim Cross was brought to EDSA Shrine in San Juan, and stayed there until July 12 before it left for the Diocese of Cubao. The Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance (SSMNA) is bringing the pilgrim Cross to different parishes in an effort to raise awareness on the abuses done on environment, especially mining and illegal logging along Sierra Madre. (CBCPNews)

Govt must act to lessen incidence of teen suicides priest

MANILA, July 12, 2012A Church official believed regular help from government must be made available in schools and campuses to address the needs of young people suffering from peer pressures, bullying and other forms of harassments that can lead to teen suicides. Fr. Conegundo Garganta, executive secretary of the Episcopal Commission on Youth of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said government can provide help in terms of training and seminars for counsellors especially those catering to elementary and secondary school students who are experiencing unstable emotions. The league of counsellors must be well supported by the government so that they too, who are in need of updated seminars and training will be of help to the students they are catering to, Garganta said. When asked about possible reasons why suicidal cases or tendencies appear to be common among the youth, the priest cited several contributing factors such as peer pressures, relationships, bullying and rejection. I believe that educational institutions must really provide services to these young people, they should be given special care. Those who are tasked to assess the psychological or emotional condition of these young people must be strengthened in terms of their capacity to help and attend to the needs of these young people, he added. The priest also suggested to do further studies on the percentage data of young people who have this problem and that the government must support this data gathering and study. Last May 30, the House Committee on Health in Congress has approved House Bill 4446, which seeks to address the alarming incidence of suicide among the youth, filed by Pangasinan representative Ma. Georgina P. De Venecia. The bill titled Providing for youth suicide intervention and prevention, mandates the Department of Health (DOH) to provide technical assistance to schools to train psychologists and implement best practices in the identification and treatment of youth at risk for committing suicide as well as to develop a suicide data collection system to provide reliable data about attempted suicide in the country. It also provides DOH and the Department of Education (DepEd) to tap doctors, health specialist, medical experts, hospitals and other medical institutions to conduct a nationwide campaign to help the youth and their parents, teachers, school personnel and the general public to become aware of youth suicide and suicidal behavior, to recognize common warning signs, learn how to respond, and know where and when to go for accurate assessments and professional help. De Venecias measure also calls for the establishment of health facilities and centers to provide family services, peer counseling and other related services. In a published report, De Venecia said that people are stakeholders in assisting and helping in valuing the gift of life. Suicide is not simply a personal tragedy; it is also a community tragedy. Our society must combat youth suicide by reducing risks involved and by enhancing resiliency among the youth, she added. (Jandel Posion)

www.quiapochurch.com

www.msp.org.ph

A4
EDITORIAL

Opinion
Social Media

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 15
July 16 - 29, 2012

THE recently held First Catholic Social Media Summit, which is pioneering in this part of the globe, presented a survey that showed that social networking activity by those who use the internet in the Philippines has increased from 51 percent in 2009 to 82 percent in 2011, catapulting social networking to the top of the list of monthly online activities. Those who are at the thick of, say, Facebook and the microblog Twitter, among others, will not dispute this; they have indeed changed not only the online surfing behavior but, more importantly, the bulk and the value of the content of social sharing. A relative study also show that there are currently more than 28 million Filipino accounts on Facebook with more than 70 percent of them listed as 18 years old and above. The regular Twitter users in the Philippines is estimated to be at 14 million, while the other major social networking sites, such as Youtube, Multiply, MySpace and blogger tag closely behind. The business community, especially in the United States, has been scampering to get a business pie out of social networking. Facebook, for instance, launched its initial public offering (IPO) in May this year and immediately reached a peak market capitalization of over $104 billion, the biggest so far in internet history regarded by media pundits as a cultural touchstone. In the same vein, the advertising community is now on its way to tilting towards social networking largely because of what they call momentum effect in advertising which is called by young people as the viral effect in social media. At the First Catholic Social Media Summit, the taunt was, if celebrities, the likes of Lady Gaga, could swing millions of likes to social networks and deliver massive impact to their followers, why not the Church? But of course the Church has been on this from day one. Manila Archbishop Antonio Luis Tagle, for instance, who was the keynote speaker at the media summit has a Facebook with almost a hundred thousand likes. And remarkably so is 100% Katolikong Pinoy with over a Hundred and Fifty Thousand following that get a daily dispatch of the gospel readings and saints of the day, among others. Not to mention the CBCP Media Offices Good Morning CBCP and CBCP News in both Facebook and Twitter that deliver daily dose of news and feature stories to thousands of its avid followers. A good example is the latest pastoral letter of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines on the Era of New Evangelization. Although it did not get the million trending of the First Catholic Social Media Summit and the I Like Pedro Calungsod, it reverberated far and wide in social media networks like no pastoral letter of the CBCP has ever been before. The social media is both an alarm and a challenge. But for those in the realm of the new evangelization, the social media is an opportunity that evangelizers the likes of St. Paul will dare even in the thick of a stiff-necked areopagus.
Illustration by Bladimer Usi

Oscar V. Cruz, DD

Views and Points

THERE are certain problems that either evade or refuse solutions. There are issues that for one reason or another remain unsettled and undefined. There are these and those disputes that elude settlement on account of this or that cause. Such a bitter and lamentable phenomenon receives different expressions, especially among simple yet intuitive people. A curse, a malediction, a plagueright or wrong, these are some of the terms used to point out such an insistently reigning and persisting misfortune. When such a distressing reality refuses to go away, to disappear, to die, it goes on without saying that it acquires its pursuant social notoriety and public disgust. There seems to be some evil spirit reigning behind ittrue or not. But one thing is certain: the continuous and certified victims of such a repulsive issue are precisely those who want it resolved once and for all. They are the ones who instead eventually disappearkilled,

Hacienda Luisita: Again and again and again

were already lost. Bitterness and discontent are still on deck. Accusations and counteraccusations abound. Not only ideological factors but also judicial plus executive angles have become immersed therein. And the end of bitter and even bloody drama is not in sight. The fact is that just a week ago or so, a good number of farmer-beneficiaries from exactly the same long and hotly contested hacienda, once more went to the streets, demanding their rightful share of the farm not to mention the so-called Mendiola Massacre plus the downright murder even of a socially committed Aglipayan Bishop in Tarlac. This is not even mentioning the recent killing of a Dutch social worker apparently involved in the problem farm. When will the bloody contest come to an end? When will the dangerous combat be over and done away with? Is it Hacienda Luisita: Again and again and again? How sad! How gross!

Peace and Active Non-Violence

AS Church we must show the way of justice and love, in solidarity with all but particularly the poor and the weak, in the building of peace. The kingdom to be proclaimed by Jesus is not a Kingdom to be imposed by the force of arms. It is a Kingdom to be built by love, the love of the suffering servant. Love bears peace by way of peace. Peace cannot be equated with the absence of war nor with a certain balance of power. It is a harmony in the human heart and in the social order brought about by justice, requiring respect for human dignity and human rights, the promotion of the common good by one and all, and the constant practice of solidarity. Peace is likewise the fruit of love which goes beyond what justice can provide. In the final analysis, the real peace we must seek is the Lords because he Himself is our peace. The context of our socio-economic and political situation today is partly once of violence and counter-violence, institutionalized or otherwise. In such a context it is easy to succumb to the temptation to use conflict as the means to liberation. But history teaches that there are sources of progress other than conflict namely love and right. This priority of love in history draws other Christians to prefer the way of non-violent action.Non-violence is a quality of the love of Jesus Christ. So radically new was his love that he obliged his followers: Love your enemies. The 1971 Synod of Bishops, therefore, urged the Church to foster a strategy of non-violence. Peaceful but persuasive rallies, assemblies, marches, demonstrations, strikes and acts of passive resistance to unjust laws can be very effective even if non-violent. A strategy of non-violence requires solidarity of spirit as well as of action. For this reason, we reemphasize the lesson of our recent historic liberating moment. The active non-violence of people power in 1986 begot freedom. The move towards a gunless society advocated by many concerned Filipinos is illustrative of the strategy and of the spirit of active non-violence. Recourse to armed violence as a method to bring about social transformation cannot be justified in the present situation. The road to total liberation is not the way of violence, class struggle or hate; it is the way of love, brotherhood and peaceful solidarity. To remove social ills, active non-violence is our moral countersign to the ideologist of today that espouse armed violence to change the status quo. It is likewise our moral countersign to the ideologies that institutionalize violence in order to preserve the status quo. We consider the peaceful alternative as a mandate of evangelical discipleship. (Acts of the Council, nos. 307-311) Acts and Decrees of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines, 1991

murdered, slaughteredone after another. Yet the gross problematic rarity remains a concrete and living actuality. Many things have been said many times about exactly the same seemingly eternal dispute in conjunction with a piece of land. Decades have passed since the rural trouble invaded the national conscience and consciousness. To this date of fast on-going globalization, remarkable advancement of information technology plus the marvels brought to fore by updated sciencenot to mention the possibility of a termo-nuclear warthe infamous agrarian problematic remains alive and well. Without the least intention of passing rush judgment on certain individuals, of deliberately offending any group of people, but merely premised on recently past and present history, the Hacienda Luisita is that problem dispute, phenomenon, that curse, malediction, plague. Not few human lives

A true daughter of the Church

THE name Dr. Zenaida Rotea is well known in the Catholic Church community, not only in the Archdiocese of Manila, but all over the Philippines. I suspect that she is even better known than many bishops since the bishops are known mainly within their diocese but Dr. Rotea is known wherever there are CWL members, having served as their president for several years and until now, remains to be active in the Catholic Womens League. And that is how I first got to know her more than twenty years ago, when I would be invited to give pro-life presentations to CWL circles, and later, when we were among those invited by Cardinal Sin to organize the CBCP Office on Women in order to represent Catholic Church in the Beijing World Congress for Women. From then on, we have become partners in many projects, especially in setting up Counselling Centers for Girls and Women in Crisis in several dioceses. That means travelling with her to hold seminars, conferences and launching or monitoring the Centers. This morning July 8, 2012, I was witness to another special Zeny event her receiving the Papal Award Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice held at Pius Center with over 80 bishops and two Cardinals present, and hundreds of her co-workers the CWL, the Office on Women, the PPCRV officers and members, her neighbors in Ayala Heights, QC, and of course, her beloved children and grandchildren who joined her in the processional entrance for the Eucharistic Celebration. What is the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice? I want to quote from the booklet that was given to us: This decoration is a medal awarded by the Holy Father in recognition of special service to the Church and Papacy. It originated with Pope Leo XIII. The gift of a Papal distinction is not an end, but rather an obligation to continued service

Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS

Love Life
as a member of the Papal Family. Pontifical awards are given to ecclesiastics and laity as a token of appreciation and/or recognition for service to the Church. It is intended to award Roman Catholic faithful who are actively involved in the life of the church, particularly as it is exemplified in the exercise of their professional duties and mastership of the different artsPapal awardees are to serve as role models to their communities and parishes and in this capacity encourage loyalty to the Local Ordinary and to the Holy Father. Indeed, Dr. Rotea has been serving and will surely continue to serve, in spite of having survived a brain surgery last February following a stroke while attending a conference in Club Filipino. She related to us the harrowing experience of sudden blacking out in the middle of the talk of Archbishop Palma. The next thing she knew, her children were all around her at the ICU in Cardinal Santos Hospital. Thank God, those in the conference were alert enough to have her transported and admitted to the hospital within 5 minutes from her attack, and the emergency procedures were begun immediately. In five days, she was declared out of danger. She said it was because of the prayer chain of the CWL and the San Carlos seminarians, many of them on scholarships through her solicitations. An important information she shared with us this morning: she started Church volunteer work only when she turned 60 years old, upon her retirement from the Department of Health, working as one of the health officers while maintaining her pro-life principles in spite of government policies on population control. To our dear Zeny, congratulations and may the Lord bless you with many more years of passion and strength to accomplish more for the Church that you love so much.

www.cbcpmonitor.com cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net

Fr. Roy Cimagala

Candidly Speaking
Pedro C. Quitorio
Editor-in-Chief

Feminism
The role of women in the world in general, just like the role of everybody else, just cannot be defined from purely social and experiential bases. These are no terra firma foundations. They are highly subjective and dependent on peoples changing moods and situations. Its precisely with this kind of approach that to me gave rise to a very disturbing claim from some feminists who say that the biological sex of a person, for example, is not part of that persons essence, and that the bodys physiology is caught up in processes of social construction. Wow! Its clear that when an issue is tackled away from its fundamental base of our core beliefs and our religion, and we allow only our reasoning and subjective observations
Candidly Speaking / A7

Ronalyn R. Regino
Layout Artist

Pinky Barrientos, FSP

Associate Editor

Gloria Fernando

Marketing Supervisor

Roy Q. Lagarde
News Editor

Ernani M. Ramos
Circulation Manager

Kris Bayos

Features Editor

Marcelita Dominguez
Comptroller

The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP Communications Development Foundation, Inc., with editorial and business offices at 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila. P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO. Editorial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612.; ISSN 1908-2940

A GROUP asked me recently to give them a talk about feminism. I frankly did not know why they asked me, since Im no expert in that issue, not having made any serious study of it. They said it was part of their continuing formation, and I felt I was their most convenient, definitely not the best, resource. Anyway, I just said, yes. I first summarized for them everything written about it in the Wikipedia. That already took care of half of the hour allotted for the talk. The literature there was already quite extensive and complex, allowing me to savor the crux and intricacy of the issue. Feminism is a collection of movements that broke out, like a burst of pent-up sentiments, first in Europe and in the US before it spread like wild fire to the rest of the world. Its like one of those springs of protests that seem to

be the vogue in many places today. It, of course, deals with women issues equal political, economic and social rights for women. Theres a lot of valid and legitimate reasons for their actions, thus feminism as a movement quickly gained support not only from women but also from men. It started with womens right to vote, a very valid issue, and then it continued to define, establish and defend many other rights considered not yet given and enjoyed by women. The one thing that I thought posed as a fundamental problem is that the feminist theory seems to tackle the nature of gender inequality (referring more to women) from the point of view of womens social roles and lived experiences. To me, thats framing it inadequately.

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 15
July 16 - 29, 2012

Opinion
The Internet: an ecclesiological perspective
nion between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit who live a single divine life. CP 8. Communication among the members is given priority in order to deepen ecclesial communion: The Church looks for ways of multiplying and strengthening the bonds of union between her members. For this reason, communication and dialogue among Catholics are indispensable. CP 114 Dialogue between lay faithful and their pastors is also an aspect of ecclesial communion: The normal flow of life and the smooth functioning of government within the Church require a steady two-way flow of information between the ecclesial authorities at all levels and the faithful as individuals and as organized groups. This applies to the whole world. CP 116 The document Novae Aetate (NA) reaffirms the right of the lay faithful to dialogue and information within the Church through the use of the media of social communication as a concrete means of realizing ecclesial communion: It is necessary to recall the importance of the fundamental right of dialogue and information within the Church, as described in Communio et Progressio and to continue to seek effective means, including a responsible use of media of social communications, for realizing and protecting this rightPartly, this is a matter of maintaining and enhancing the Churchs credibility and effectiveness. But more fundamentally, it is one of the ways of realizing in a concrete manner the Churchs character as communio, rooted in and mirroring the intimate communion of the Trinity. NA 10. The internet can therefore be a concrete means of communication that can enhance communion at various levels of the Church, especially at the diocesan, national and universal levels. This was pointed out by the Pontifical Council for Social Communication in its document on The Church and Internet. It has a remarkable capacity to overcome distance and isolation, bringing people into contact with like-minded persons of good will who join in virtual communities of faith to encourage and support one another. Thus, the internet therefore can provide the technological means for realizing the vision of the Church as communion. It is also through the internet that the members of the Church can actively participate in the mission of new evangelization and in social transformation that can bring about justice, peace and the integrity of creation. The challenge for the Church leaders and lay faithful is how to make use of the available social media technology and social networking to enhance ecclesial communion. This is what we have been trying to do in our efforts to promote the formation of Basic Ecclesial Communities. (Visit our website at www.cbcpbec.com and www. amadopicardal.blogspot.com)

A5
Fr. Carmelo O. Diola

Fr. Amado L. Picardal, CSsR, SThD

Along The Way

WE live in a period when it has become possible for people to communicate with one another instantly no matter the distance that separates them. People can exchange ideas and experiences, thoughts and feelings wherever they are. They can engage in dialogue and conversation with another even if they live in different parts of the country and of the world. People can initiate, sustain and deepen friendship even from a distance. They can even act together instantly to further a cause and effect social and political transformation. The internet has made this possible. Social networking like Facebook, Twitter, various internet fora and interactive websites abound. The 21st century means of social communication is changing patterns of relationship and praxis in society and the world. So how does this affect the life and mission of the Church? What are the opportunities and possibilities that this new technology present? A dominant ecclesiology promoted by Vatican II and PCP II is that of ecclesial communion. The Church is communion in a state of mission. Ecclesial communion is based on Trinitarian communionthe indivisible and loving union of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. The model of ecclesial communion is based on the Johannine image of the vine and the branches and the Pauline image of the One Body of Christ. It is above all based on the Lucan idealized portrait of the first Christian community that emerged after the Pentecost and recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. The Koinonia model is associated with the unity, fellowship, friendship, sharing and participation which characterized the relationship within each Christian community and between the Christian communities. Thus the early Church is understood primarily as a network of Christian communities, a communion of communions. This is what Vatican II and post-conciliar ecclesiology try to recapture. This ecclesial communion is to be experienced at various levels: in the home (the domestic church), in the neighborhood and Basic Ecclesial Communities, the parish, diocese, regional and national levels and at the universal levels. The Church can therefore be regarded as a web of relations a network of relationships. For ecclesial communion to grow and develop, communication is necessary. Interpersonal, social and dialogical communication among the members of the Church can lead to authentic communion. As early as 1971, the role of communication for fostering communion was recognized in the ecclesiastical document, Communio et Progressio: the unity and brotherhood of humanity are the chief aims of all communication and these find source and model in the central mystery of the eternal commu-

Spaces of Hope
New Evangelization
I RECENTLY met a good friend of mine, a police officer, who is assigned in Metro Manila. Prior to this stint, he was assigned in one of the provinces of the Ilocos Region. I had met him as we were preparing to launch Takbo Maharlika last 15 August 2011. My friend is a Protestant Christian and has a good sense of humor. When we met in Camp Crame, he blurted out: Father, lumiit ka ba? I hurriedly responded in the negative. Then he said, Kasi nung araw ganito ka katangkad, ngayon ganito ka na, as his words synchronized with a gesture he made with his left hand, first indicating a level taller than him then lowered to a level close to his heart. He then follows this by saying, Kasi malapit ka sa puso ko. This pick-up line elicited laughter from our other friends. I was moved by his joke since I knew that in the past he allegedly made some negative comments about the Church. Somehow my participation in the seven and a half month long run across the Maharlika Highway with policemen and other public servants had made a good impression on him. Now, at least we had made room for each other. Unity gives Christians a vital push towards new evangelization. Two sections of the Lineamenta (guidelines) of The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith seem to validate my engagement in evangelizing politics, in particular, and public service, in general. Section 7 points out that new evangelization calls us to engage in dialogue with these sectors, not remaining confined to our communities and our institutions, but accepting the challenge to take part in these phenomena so as to speak and bear witness in these sectors, from the inside... Earlier on in the said document we are told that new evangelization is the courage to forge new paths in responding to the changing circumstances and conditions facing the Church in her call to proclaim and live the Gospel today (sec. 5). We have the courage to do so because we believe in the power of Gods word. The challenges can be daunting. Forging new paths... from the insideif I be permitted to connect the two section aboveis no easy task. But with Gods grace nothing is impossible! *** Also recently this power was once more forcefully brought home to me during a taxi ride in Manila. By the time the driver opened his mouth to speak, I knew we had come from the same region. Taga diin man diay ka bay? I asked him. Taga Cebu ko, he answered. When I told him I too hail from the same province, he inquired: Kaila ka ni Soc Fernandez? I answered in the affirmative. This prompted him to ask how the man was. I told him what I knew and inquired how he knew him. Years ago, the taxi driver admitted, he was known by a nickname and had actually landed in a jail in Cebu for several crimes. At one point he claimed to have narrowly evaded being a victim of summary execution and that jail became his sanctuary. It was also there that he encountered Soc who was part of a Catholic Faith Defenders group that frequented the jail to visit the inmates and share Gods word to them. Although he first resisted listening to them, he eventually found himself drinking in their talks especially on the love of God. The assurance of Gods love for him provided the power to change. When at last he was released, he decided to go to Manila. For several days, according to him, he had no work and had very little to eat. Providence connected him to a ChineseFilipino who provided food. Although hard pressed, he resisted returning to his old ways. He was determined to turn a new leaf. Now my instant friend has a family and with one of his children graduating from college while one is still in college. His wife and her added income are a real blessing. He is experiencing Gods love. *** Consequently, the new evangelization is not a matter of redoing something which has been inadequately done or has not achieved its purpose, as if the new activity were an implicit judgment on the failure of the first evangelization. Nor is the new evangelization taking up the first evangelization again, or simply repeating the past (Lineamenta 5). While there is no perfect substitute for one-on-one personal encounter between the evangelist and the evangelized described by the taxi driver, contemporary Christians are called upon to engage in new evangelization; new in its ardor, methods and expression (Lineamenta 5). The new methods include digital social networking inspired by the ardor to reach outat least in the Philippine setting to OFWs and their families, call center agents, the youth whose lifestyle changes every three years and exposed to the wonders and hazards of globalization, men and women in uniform, the media, etc. New expressions include the language of modernity and post-modernity. The latter, in particular, can even be a hidden ally of evangelization. A friend of mine told me that she figured in a dialogue with another young person who is infected with the disease of relativism. She had expressed fear about doing something to which her friend replied: If you claim to believe in God, then why are you afraid? It is also open to political issues, to a new generation of Catholics working in politics. One such issue was raised by a policeman who sent me this text: I am not a politician father, but how I wish we can have better choices for our POLITICAL LEADERS. Next year is another election year, sana mas mahusay na mamili ang mga Pilipino. I circulated his text and this elicited more than 80 text comments. The comments ranged from calling for more effective voters education, enabling legislation regarding anti-dynasty law, anti-poverty measures, the PICOS machines, etc. Finally, the discussions hovered over what we as a faith community can do to help emerge good and credible candidates. Our competence as a religious community is that of forming consciences. A method for new evangelization, if you ask me, is a framework for prayerfully making up ones mind (i.e. discernment) with regards to a possible vocation in politics. This is the LASER (lifestyle, accomplishments, supporters, election conduct, and reputation) test for both voters and candidates. We have identified seven possible calls for Catholic Christians in politics. One is to be a voter who does not sell his votes. Another is to be involved in voters education and act as a neutral poll watcher. People can also join circles of discernment that help emerge good candidates in a non-partisan manner. Individuals can also run for office. Or join and support a political party. They can also do their constitutionally-mandated roles as peacekeepers or members of the COMELEC. Finally, priests and lay workers can provide pastoral accompaniment to Christians and other people of good will who are running for office. We start with simple questions for our journey of discernment. May I propose the following? Individually and as groups, can we approach those who may have the vocation to run and ask them to answer the following? This can open up spaces for dialogue, discernment, as well as hope. Questions for Discernment: 1) Am I considering running for an elected position? Why? What event - or chain of events - has inclined me to consider running (or continue to be in public office)? Do I see Gods

Making a difference in the realities of Women in Asia!

BANGKOK, Thailand. The Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences (FABC) held its Fifth Institute of the Lay Apostolate on Women 2012 (FABC-BILA V) at the St. Camillian Pastoral Care Centre, Latkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand from July 9 to 13, 2012. The theme of the conference is Making a Difference in the Realities of Women in Asia. BILA V has additional significance since the FABC is celebrating its 40 years of existence this year and a timely preparation for the Year of Faith as announced by Pope Benedict XVI. The FABC is headed by His Excellency, Most Rev. Rolando Tria Tirona, Bishop of Infanta (Quezon). The conference was ably organized by Ms. Wendy M. Louis of the Office of the Laity and Family (OLF) and Womens Desk of FABC. The participants in BILA V were His Excellencies, Most Rev. Bishop Tirona, Most Rev. Bishop Banchong Chaiyara of Thailand, Most Rev. Sebastian Tudu of Bangladesh, Rev. Fr. Nguyen Thao Ngoc of Vietnam, eight women religious and twenty-four lay women from the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Korea, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal with observers from Vietnam and Australia. The delegates reported on the status of women in their respective countries and they demonstrated a deep common bond in their commitment to women and their situations. The Philippine delegation was composed of Atty. Aurora A. Santiago (National President of Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas or Laiko), Dr. Ma. Julieta Wasan (Laikos Vice President for Ecclesiastical Province of Manila), Dr. Amelita Dayrit-Go (Laikos Vice President for Luzon) and Mrs. Fenny Tatad (Executive Secretary, Womens Desk of CBCP).

Atty. Aurora A. Santiago

Duc in Altum
crimination against women, human trafficking and forced migration. They recognized the value of working with small Christian communities or Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) in parishes and other social and interreligious organizations and movements. All these will lead to gathering better data and enforcement of laws and regulations. *** The Hope: The delegates sincerely hope that they need the courage and good discernment to work together with many various partners, and groups who may not share the same values, in order to address the problems concerning women. *** The Recommendations: The delegates concluded that guided by the Holy Spirit, we appeal to our people to become more aware and to act so that we can make a difference in the realities of women. They recommended the following: 1. Education of women and men be aimed at building equality. 2. Education of the young is particularly important for this purpose. 3. Form support groups to empower women specially those who are victims of abuse, violence or are in difficult situations. 4. Help parents understand the value of both girls and boys and give parenting education to raise awareness on the need for equality in raising children. 5. To educate seminarians so that future priests will be more aware of discrimination against women and will be more open to the participation of women in society and in the church. 6. To develop in every local church policy for better participation of women and a
Duc In Altum / A7

The women delegates issued a Final Statement where they stated the Realities of Women today, the delegates Responses, Hope and Recommendations, which are stated below so that all the countries in the world, as well as the Universal Church, may know, identify, and figure out how the problems may be addressed, diminished and resolved. *** The Realities: Over the years, there had been improvements in the situation of women in society and the church. Many more people are aware of violence against women. Due to poverty, millions of women are forced to migrate for work which gives negative impact on women and families; women are often mistreated and underpaid. Human trafficking of women and girls, a modern form of slavery, is increasing at a very alarming rate. Many groups are willing to help and organize themselves to work for women in need. More groups today have the capacity to give pastoral care and spiritual counselling. More and more governments are enacting policies and laws to protect the rights of women and to bring greater equality with men. However, the delegates admit that many problems hardly decreased. *** The Responses: The Statement affirms that The Catholic Church has been in the fore front of many social issues, protecting the stranger and the orphan; being a voice for the voiceless. The delegates realized the importance of networking with various groups and civil society since the participants have much to contribute from their wisdom, moral and ethical formation and in particular, the values enshrined in the social teachings of the church. There is a need to set up research, publishing and advocacy to eliminate dis-

Fr. Francis Ongkingco

Whatever
EDISON, Mozart, the Beatles, Steve Jobs, Nadal, Bill Gates, Michael Jackson, Warren Buffet, Kasparov As you read these names many other famous individuals randomly come to mind. We admire them, and perhaps, we wonder what made them become what we are not in our respective fields of interests. Naturally, we would conclude it was due to their God-given talents! Undoubtedly, talent and some luck are important to become successful. But does this mean we will have to resign ourselves to a mediocre role in life? Will life and success be dominated by some lucky fate, where a few will be up and the rest will be down? Isnt God a bit unfair in the manner he distributes his gifts to mankind? And whats the point of trying to be best, when it seems there will be others who will turn up better, and perhaps (ouch!), with less effort than we have to invest? Externally, it may look seem so. Malcolm Gladwell, in his book Outliers, observes that success is mostly owed to talent, luck and very positive circumstances (i.e. a pretty good head start in academic or athletic life, exclusive access to certain education tools and information, and a supportive family, etc.) But he says that this isnt all. Interestingly, he reveals that the success of many individuals, including most of those mentioned above, greatly depends on 10,000 hours. In this case 10,000 hours is just another way of saying practice makes perfect. Famous persons didnt only have luck and talent they also had the passion to dedicate many hours to a particular skill. Ten thousand

10,000 hours
isnt just a whimsical number. Gladwell calculates that mastering a particular skill required dedicating 10,000 hours, that is, some eight hours daily or a total of about TEN YEARS of constant practice. Doesnt this sound both so inspiring and challenging? Were not that bad after all, and maybe success is just down the road if we give our activities the right time and passion. But theres a catch: our famous artists and geniuses had already began dedicating themselves in what theyre good at now, at a young age. Lucky for them! Unlucky for us! With our present numerous family, social and professional obligations it would be almost next to impossible to find the same dedication in hours that cultural and academic icons achieved. But being left behind only holds true if we reduce success and fame to earthly, and worse, to mere material standards. The success man was made for is much higher and more fulfilling: man was made for Heaven. And the greatest failure that man can fall into is not getting there. The greatest success he can achieve is becoming a saint! And sanctity has no age limit but only has this life as its running timeframe. This is why our Lord had set such a high goal for his disciples (meaning you and me), that we should be perfect, as His Heavenly Father is perfect. This seems like an order too tall to achieve, and yet God would not settle for something less because He mysteriously loves us so much when it comes to mans true success. And how exactly does Jesus propose that we achieve this
Whatever / A7

Spaces of Hope / A7

A6
DURING the concluding Mass of the first Catholic Social Media Summit (CSMS) held on July 14 and 12 in Marikina, Clark Nebrao, who represents the various teams behind the summit organizers, announced that the two offices of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines agreed to the holding of the summit in 2013 and onwards. Nebrao was referring to Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon of the CBCP Commission on Youth and Msgr. Pedro Quitorio of the CBCP Media Office, who were both instrumental in organizing the event, which was considered to be the Catholic worlds first. The two-day summit has filled the Renaissance Convention Center in Riverbanks in Marikina with more than 400 delegates, some even flying from as far as Davao City and Surigao in Mindanao. The Renaissance Convention Center appeared a very small venue because of our number. So next year, lets aim for SMX, he said, referring to the SM Mall of Asia Convention Center in Pasay City, which can house up to 5,000 participants of any event. Nebrao encouraged the summit participants to attend next years CSMS and invite other members of their parishes, schools, organizations, and communities to join. For his part, Baylon reiterated the purpose of evangelizing the internet and the contents of social media before letting the delegates go home. The youth that the Church cannot reach is in the internet. The Church needs you to reach them, through your photos, videos and sharings in social media, the prelate said. Baylon said the standingroom-only ambiance during the 1st CSMS is proof of its resounding success, adding that the attendance was beyond the organizers expectations. I was very happy with the turn out. The attendance was beyond our expectations and the topics of the talks are fitting for the CSMS. This really calls for the second CSMS next year, he added. Baylon and Quitorio, however, have not yet disclosed details of the date and venue of the next CSMS, advising the delegates and other interested parties to just stay tuned to the Youth Pinoy website and summit organizers for updates. The 1st CSMS was organized by YouthPinoy in collaboration with +Big Movement, CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth, CBCP Media Office, CBCP Commission on Missions, Catholic Media Network, and Pontifical Mission Societies. (YouthPinoy)

Local News

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 15
July 16 - 29, 2012

Catholic Social Media summit to be held annually HLI campaign counters

THE worlds largest international pro-life organization has launched a campaign to defend the rights of women, in response to yet another massive effort by the British government and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) to carry out its depopulation agenda in developing nations. Human Life International (HLI) has launched its No Controversy? campaign through a video that exposes the serious and documented dangers that contraceptives pose on the health of women. Featured in the video are young women from Asia and Africa the focus of the BMGFs project to flood the developing world with birth control supplies, including what it has called lifesaving contraceptives. The No Controversy? title of the HLI campaign, the first part of which consists of a video zeroing in on the oftignored grave consequences of contraceptives on womens health, is a spin on Melinda Gates No Controversy initiative that promotes global access to contraception. Contraception is not controversial, she said, and asserted that population control, abortion, and forced sterilization have nothing to do with the international promotion of universal access to contraception. Known for their stance that contraception and sterilization are the solutions to poverty, with Bill Gates saying in an interview that human depopulation is the answer to global warming, analysts have for a long time dwelt on the eugenicist direction that the couples foundation is taking. Through www.FactsforMelindaGates.com/which also contains the HLI-produced videoit becomes clear that what Melinda Gates is persistently pushing as responsive to womens needs is actually not what women need if their health and overall welfare are considered of prime impor-

Gates Foundation's bid to depopulate Asia, Africa

tance. Miss Gates, did you know that many types of oral contraceptives are classified Group 1 carcinogens by the World Health Organization? How is this good for our health? How is this empowering? ask the young women in the video. Two young Filipino womenAnna Cosio and Nicole Bautista, both consistent prolife, pro-family advocatesgot their voices heard, appearing in the video and addressing Melinda Gates about her contraceptives are no controversial notion and about what women truly need. The British government with other nations and organizations plus the BMGF, have pledged some $4 billion to spread birth control in developing countries like the Philippines, with $1 billion being donated by the BMGF alone. An ongoing London Summit on Family Planning hosted primarily by the UK government, the BMGF and UNFPA is being held to get more nations on the bandwagon so as to generate additional funds to put 120 more poor women in developing countries on birth control. Life and family advocates in the Philippines have been continuously working to uphold women and childrens rights amid decades-long foreign pressure to carry out government-mandated programs for reproductive health care servicesthe latest of which is a controversial legislative measure that proposes a taxpayerfunded procurement, promotion and distribution of birth control drugs and devices. Included in the P13.7 billion- measure called the Reproductive Health (RH) bill is a six-year comprehensive sex education program for all schools, and mandatory provision or reproductive health care services for employers. The bill is pending in both chambers of Congress. (CBCP for Life)

Basking on the success of the First Catholic Social Media Summit, Episcopal Commission on Youth Chairman and Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon approved the holding of social media summit every year.

Website launch marks 100 days to Pedro Calungsods canonization

THE Philippine Church kicked off the official 100-day countdown to the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod through a website launching during the 1st Catholic Social Media Summit on July 14, 2012. Religious leaders, led by Manila Archbishop Antonio Tagle, and lay promoters of the life and work of the soon-to-be-saint joined the National Commission on the Canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod who graced the event, which was highlighted by the launching of the http://sanpedrocalungsod.com/ website. According to the Commission, the website
SONA / A1

was launched to create public awareness on the martyrdom of Calungsod and encourage the youth to follow his example. Sky Ortigas, who is part of the lay-initiated group +Big Movement urged summit participants to follow updates on Calungsods canonization by linking Calungsods official FaceBook page facebook.com/FilipinoSaintPedroCalungsod and following him on Twitter twitter.com/@SPCalungsod. During the summit, Tagle urged the Catholic faithful to follow Calungsods example and help others know about his life and works.
Regulate / A6

Blessed Pedro Calungsod, who is soon to be named a saint, has done his contribution to spread Christianity beyond the countrys borders. He did what we can now easily do through social media, he added, as he led the launching of The Big Move: 100 Days to the Canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod. Aside from the website launching and public appearance of the National Commission on the Canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod, the 100-day official countdown was also observed in Calungsods hometown in Cebu City. (YouthPinoy)

of the many, Palma said. Just one week before the event, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that speechwriters are still at work on the SONAs contents. She added that the only clear detail is that Paul Cabral shall be the one designing the chief executives barong tagalong for the occasion. Aside from being truthful,
Youth Day / A1

Palma said they are also hoping that the SONA would be the one that can unite and inspire the country. Marami pang problems at concerns but when we solicit the cooperation of many, who have the competence, and encourage people to collaborate and work together, makakapagbigay tayo ng solusyon sa karamihan ng ating problema, he said. (CBCPNews)

erywhere and they are accessible to the youth because these are near the schools. Thats why the role of family is very important particularly on how they will instill the values formation to the youth, Cancino said. With that values formation let us try to save people from having risky behaviors, he said. The issue on condom sale and use resurfaced after the health

department announced that the number of new HIV cases in the Philippines continues to rise. Cancino, however, reiterated the Catholic Churchs position that condom use is not the solution to HIV AIDS but rather behavioral change, abstinence and being mutually faithful. Condom is not the solution. Even the DOH says condom is not the solution to it, he said. (CBCPNews)

Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media

Mission leaders discuss programs to help poor churches be self-reliant

advocacy. The activities are not just about the RH issue, said Peter Eric Pardo, regional Youth Ministry coordinator for NCR, adding that the more wholistic approach to educating the youth about the culture of life is something the network is keen on pursuing. If you noticed, when we promoted the event at the Catholic Social Media Summit, the slogan was Ang kabataan ng NCR ay pro-life, Pardo pointed out. The whole-day gathering will involve the conduct of workshops in the afternoon that will facilitate better understanding of the RH bill issue and somehow challenge the youth to carry out their own efforts in their own areas, said Dani Villanueva, diocesan youth coordinator of the Antipolo diocese. The morning will be devoted to talks
Pedro / A1

titled RH bill, saan ka nanggaling? RH bill, ano ka ba talaga? and RH bill, bakit di kita ma-take? to be given by a stellar lineup of speakers, including Human Life International Pilipinas director Dr. Rene Josef Bullecer, and World Youth Alliance Asia Pacific Renelyn Tan. A concelebrated Mass is scheduled for 6 p.m., followed by fellowship which includes showcasing the talents from the different dioceses. Pardo said the event may be followed by a series of activities in the respective dioceses of the youth participants as venues to echo the fruits of this July 22 gathering, which is expected to draw hundreds. NCR Youth Day for Life is being organized by the 10 archdioceses, dioceses and apostolic vicariates of the region together with the officers and coordinators of these

ecclesiastical territories as its first major assembly of the year. NCR is composed of the Archdiocese of Manila, Dioceses of Paraaque, Pasig, Antipolo, Novaliches, Cubao, Kalookan, Imus and Apostolic Vicariates of Puerto Princesa and Taytay in Palawan. Villanueva pointed out that the event is an opportunity to take advantage of the fact that the youth from the NCR ecclesiastical territories are situated near the seat of government. This movement is actually a good move precisely because were located near the [national government offices], media networks, so although the message can be sent from and heard anywhere else, this is a good opportunity since were here near the seat of government, he explained. (CBCP for Life)

Mission leaders representing various episcopal conferences discuss programs that would promote self reliance among local churches.

base of 1,629,519 million in the cyber world and about 100,000 simultaneously talking and promoting Saint Pedro Calungsod online. All our media partners from television networks, radio and print has picked up all of our stories and continuous to do
Lapsed / A1

so until now, they said. The group also said that more than the number, they have been receiving stories of healing and interventions due to the intercession of Pedro Calungsod. The graces are still coming and the excitement is building

up. As we continue to move, we now prepare ourselves to Blessed Pedro Calungsods upcoming events in August until his canonization on October 21, they added. Organizers encouraged the Filipino people to continue

following the 2nd Filipino saint on his official sites at www.sanpedrocalungsod. com, on facebook, Saint Pedro Calungsod, and twitter @ SPCalungsod; together with www.cebuarchdiocese.org. (Jandel Posion)

cultural changes drastic impact, a new approach because they can no longer rely on an inheritance of sacramental-focused faith between generation and another, and creative ways of communication. We are challenged anew to foster in the Church in our country a renewed commitment and enthusiasm in living out the Gospel in all the diverse areas of our lives, in real-life practice, challenged anew to become more and more authentic witnesses of our faith, Palma said. The pastoral letter was the result of the three-day CBCP plenary assembly held at the Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila attended by around 95 active and retired bishops. 4 pillars The CBCP said new evangelization is part

of the initiatives in preparation for the fifth centenary of the coming of Christianity in the country on March 16, 2021. We shall therefore embark on a nine-year spiritual journey that will culminate with the great jubilee of 2021. It is a grace-filled event of blessings for the Church starting October 21, 2012 until March 16, 2021. What will this era of new evangelization for the Philippines consist of? The tasks, the CBCP said, stands on four pillars which include fostering and fulfilling the mission ad gentes; bringing Good News to the poor; reaching out to those whose faith-life has been eroded and even lost; and reawakening in faith, forming and animating in Christian life the youth. In the time before us, we will focus on these dimensions of faith, evangelization and discipleship, one by one, the statement

further reads. And it is most propitious that as we received the faith 500 years ago, so with the Year 2021 we envision to become a truly sending Church, it said. In a press conference, Palma admitted shortcomings in performing their ministry as reason why some Catholics are leaving the Church. Like what weve said, it is possible that we failed somewhere in the sense that if you are happy, why would you transfer to another sect, he said. We are willing to correct that. We are already doing many things like renewed enthusiasm in teachings and actions that could once more make people believe that the church cares for them and that we have programs for their spiritual growth, he added. (RL/ CBCPNews)

AT least 23 representatives from episcopal conferences and mission agencies discussed possible programs to undertake to help local churches in Africa and Asia become independent from the financial allocations granted by local donors and relief agencies abroad. The Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences (FABC), Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) and MISSIO Aachen, in a recent conference threshed out how local Churches can easily contribute to their own independence from relief aid by donor agencies. Organized by the Pontifical Mission Society of Aachen (Germany) also known as MISSIO Aachen, together with the General Secretariats of PMS in Rome, the conference on self-reliance focused on the changing economic situation of the local Churches in traditionally so-called donor countries that include Europe, North America and Australia. Mission leaders were challenged to initiate programs and projects that would help promote self-reliance for the Churches in Asia and Africa. Experts in the field of economics in Africa and Asia stressed that there are viable resources that can be utilized to help local Churches in the mentioned continents to achieve a certain

degree of self-reliance. Ms. Esther Nkatha from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Kenya discussed Economic Perspective for Churches in Africa while Dr. Amar KJR Nayak, a professor of Strategic Management at Xavier Institute of Management in Bhubaneswar, India talked about the Economic Perspective for Churches in Asia. They pointed out that it would be more difficult to achieve selfreliance in areas where Christianity is a minority. Other speakers during the conference include Msgr. Jan Dumon (Belgium/Italy) who spoke on Results of a survey conducted in Major Seminaries, Prof. Dr. Klaus Vellguth (Germany) on the Evaluation of Income-Generating Measures, and Frank Kraus (Germany) on the Professional Project Management: Feasibility Study Ernst & Young on the Real Estate Project Kigali, Rwanda. Mr. Gerhard Sieland from the Diocese of Madang in Papua New Guinea and Archbishop Buti Joseph Tlhagale of the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, South Africa presented the best practices of local Churches in trying to be self-reliant. The gathering was held at Casa La Salle in Rome, Italy last July 2 to 4. (Anthony Dameg/ Jandel Posion)

Photo courtesy of PMS

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 15
July 16 - 29, 2012

Diocesan News
Briefing
Bacolod launches Year of Faiths 100 -Day Countdown

A7

Interfaith leaders remain committed to peaceful dialogue despite violence

ZAMBOANGA City Despite the violence and arm struggles happening in some areas of Mindanao, the Muslim and Christian leaders in Jolo remain committed in their pursuit of peace through interreligious dialogue. The Silsilah Forum-Jolo, a group composed of committed Muslim and Christian core group members has organized activities to inculcate Dialogue as spirituality and to enable participants become agents of positive change for dialogue and peace. On July 10, a group called Interfaith Council of Leaders (IFCL) in Jolo was organized after a meeting of respected Muslim and Christian leaders. Among its goals, the IFCL will provide a venue for Muslims and Christians and other living faith leaders to reflect, express and share their views on certain issues that affect interfaith relationships. The Council of leaders will also work to identify relevant issues and problems and to become dialogue and peace movers who are able to influence the community through their life and action. The association will also provide a neutral ground for leaders of both religions to come together and discuss possible solutions and find opportunities to solve problems and conflicts. First begun in Zamboanga City in 2002, the IFCL is now reaching major areas in Mindanao, such as Ipil Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan, Cotabato, Bongao and now Jolo. The SilsiIn this file photo, Archbishop Romulo Valles confers with some Muslim religious leaders during a Priest-Ulama gathering held in lah Forum also Zamboanga City. gathered some 30 young professionals in Jolo on July 10 and 11 and Trauma Healing held last July 11 and 12. help them identified issues that chalFacilitated by a team from the Center lenge their roles as effective leaders in for Holistic Health Care of Silsilah Diatheir own field of work and create social logue Movement, the training seminar transformation. aimed to prepare more school nurses and Not only focusing on Muslim and Chris- guidance counsellors from Jolo and other tian dialogue, Silsilah Forum-Jolo also nearby municipalities to help people reached out to some 30 nurses and guid- with trauma regain their trust and selfance counsellors in a training seminar on worth in the society. (CBCPNews)
Photo courtesy of Silsilah Dialogue Movement

BACOLOD CityThe Diocese of Bacolod has launched a 100-Day Countdown to the worldwide celebration of the Year of Faith 2012 2013, aimed to raise awareness among the faithful on the significance of the event in the life of the Church. The Diocesan Year of the Faith 100-Day Countdown also seeks to enrich the faithfuls understanding of the faith amidst the threats of secularism. Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra presided over a Concelebrated Mass held in San Sebastian Cathedral on July 3 launching the 100-day countdown, coinciding with the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle. (ADSUM/CBCPNews)
Faithful urged to protect environment as pilgrim cross visits diocese

QUEZON City Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco called on the faithful to show care and respect to the environment as the diocese welcomed the pilgrim Krus ng Sierra Madre at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral recently. The Krus ng Sierra Madre is a sign of hope. It reminds us of Jesus, who loves not only us, human beings, but the whole of creation; who offered his life not only for us, human beings, but for the whole of creation. Let us love, respect and care for Mother Earth in whom our life is connected and dependent upon. said the bishop in his homily during the Eucharistic celebration. More than 500 faithful, comprising of students and residents welcomed the pilgrim cross with flaglets and cheers. (CBCPNews)
Priest doubts robbery angle of Geertmans killing

Eucharistic miracles conferences slated in Jaro, Cagayan de Oro

JARO, Iloilo CityA series of conferences on the scientific findings of the Eucharistic miracles will be held in the archdioceses of Jaro and Cagayan de Oro sometime this month. The conferences, titled Eucharistic Miracles, the triumph of faith over science, will be open to the clergy, religious, the laity and the general public. Main speaker for the conferences will be Dr. Ricardo Castaon Gomez, a Cognitive Neuropsychologist and a member of a pool of scientists that have examined various claimed mystical phenomena for the Church throughout the world. A doctor in abnormal psychology, with university studies in Germany and Italy who specializes in psychosomatic medicine, Gomez has also carried out psychotherapy specialty studies in London, pathologies in Lyons-France, toxico-dependencies in the University of Berkeley in California and applied psychology in Louvain, Belgium. Gomez is expected to come to the Philippines on July 21 until August 6, 2012 for the series of conferences. Jaro Archbishop Angel L. Lagdameo and Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma have both confirmed their willingness to host the conferences. Talks are scheduled on July 21 to 24 for Jaro archdiocese and July 27 to 29 for Cagayan de Oro. Gomez is the author of 14 books and more than 400 articles of science and disclosure. He has conducted conferences,
Evangelization / A1

among others, in the University of Georgetown in Washington, in the Pan-American Bank of Development, University Technical College of Madrid, University of Valladolid, University of Augustine Texas, Saint Joseph College of Sydney-Australia and with the same motive has visited New Zealand, Korea, Egypt, Israel, US, Europe and the Americas carrying out to the present more than 1700 conferences. In July 2008, he was invited by the Vatican and Australian organizations to present the results of his investigations in Sydney, Australia in a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI during the World Youth Day. At present, he is the president and investigator of the International Group for the Peace, with headquarters in 14 nations. Because of personally experiencing the scientifically inexplicable results of various Eucharistic Miracles, Gomez not only converted from atheism, but has dedicated his life to spreading the triumph of faith over science. The series of conferences on the scientific findings on Eucharistic miracles is part of the Eucharistic Miracles of the World Exhibit. The first ever exhibition in the Philippines was hosted by the Immaculate Conception Parish in Tanza, Iloilo City from November 7 until December 3, 2011. Immaculate Conception Parish priest Fr. Norberto Taccadao, said at the time that through the project they hope to help reverse the current trend of indif-

ference to the Real Presence and ignite the love for the Holy Eucharist. Taccadao said that the Eucharistic Miracles of the World Exhibit was Immaculate Conception Parishs little candle to offer light in a world darkened by indifference to the Real Presence of Our Eucharistic Lord. More than 12,000 visitors flocked the exhibit held at the parishs Pacita Laguda Sia Community Center from November 7 to December 3, 2011. Visitors first watched a documentary video on Eucharistic Miracles as an introduction to the exhibit. After the video presentation, the visitors were provided with MP3 audio devices to guide them through the panels depicting the multitudinous Eucharistic miracles that were documented from all over the world. Lorena C. Martirez, a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Parish who obtained a copyright from the Vatican to bring the exhibit to the Philippines, shared how moved she was to hear remarks from guests saying that thanks to what they have seen, they finally realized that Jesus Christ is truly present in the Holy Eucharist. Those who would like to make further inquiries or make arrangements for the conferences on the scientific findings on Eucharistic miracles may contact Lorena C. Martirez, through email lorena_martirez@yahoo.com or telephone numbers (033) 321-3096, +63908-891-1677. (Fr. Mickey Cardenas)

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga Fr. Edu Gariguez of the National Secretariat for Social Action Justice and Peace raised doubts against claims by authorities that a robbery claimed the life of Dutch national and land reform activist Willem Geertman. He said the authorities should consider angles and conduct a deeper investigation into the killing of Geertman, also a vocal critic against mining and human rights defender of the indigenous peoples. Police investigators said the killing of 67-year-old Geertman last July 3 in front of his non-government organizations office in San Fernando, Pampanga was an apparent robbery attempt. Initial investigations also revealed that gunmen fled with the victims bag, which is believed to have contained about P1.2 million the Dutch national had withdrawn after closing a bank account. (CBCPNews)

2 priests escape ambush on convoy

ISABELA, BasilanA group of armed men ambushed the convoy of two Catholic priests in Basilan province on July 15. Fathers Elmer Cantular and Julius Boado were unharmed in the attack, which occurred at the outskirt of Sumisip towns Tumahubong village. Isabela Bishop Martin Jumoad said the priests were on their way to Isabela town when the attack on their security escort, mostly from the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) leading them, happened. The Cafgus conducting road security were like a kilometer away from the priests vehicle when they were attacked, Jumoad said. And so thats why the priests and another group of military escorts have to go back to Tumahubong immediately, he said. They are safe and remained there until now. The priests were just five kilometers away from Tumahubong when
Candidly Speaking / A4

the attack occurred. From Isabela, they will go to Zamboanga to attend a renewal of vows for seminarians. The incident was alarming so they did not push through, he said. Immediately after the incident, the bishop immediately met with police, military, and government officials of Basilan province. Jumoad said that as far as he knows, no members of paramilitary were hurt in the ambush. We agreed to visit the priests tomorrow to also show our moral support to them, he said. Basilan, one of the islands in the southern Mindanao region, is where the bandit Abu Sayyaf Group was established in the late 1980s. The media has dubbed it the wild west of the Philippines after witnessing rampant abductions and killings of priests, nuns, tourists and residents in the area. (RL/CBCPNews)

Catholic faith. Participating bishops from the Philippines are CBCP president, Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu, Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen and Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao, who were elected official delegates by the CBCP during the plenary assembly last January. Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ of Cagayan de Oro was elected as alternate delegate. Pedro Calungsod Among the many grace-filled events marking the Church calendar this year is the canonization of the second Filipino saint, Pedro Calungsod, a teen-age catechist martyred in Guam in 1672. The canonization, slated on October 21 this year, will happen under the brilliant light of the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, the 20th year of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the declaration of the Year of Faith
Spaces of Hope / A5

from October 11, 2012 to November 24, 2013. On July 14, Catholic leaders led by Archbishops Jose Palma of Cebu and Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila simultaneously launched a countdown leading to the canonization date of Pedro Calungsod, both in Cebu and Manila. A massive education and information campaign are ongoing to deepen awareness on the saint and to encourage the faithful, especially the youth to learn from his values. People are encouraged to know more about the saint and all activities leading to his canonization by logging on his official sites at www.sanpedrocalungsod.com; on facebook, Saint Pedro Calungsod; and twitter @SPCalungsod; together with www.cebuarchdiocese. org. Mission Year As the Philippine celebration of the Year of Pontifical Mission Societies will be reaching its climax towards the

end of the year, the universal Church will begin its celebration of the Year of Faith. The CBCP has declared 2012 as Year of Mission to commemorate the 80th year anniversary of the Pontifical Mission Societies. In a pastoral exhortation, it noted that a profound relationship exists between these two year-long activities: faith and missionary evangelization are always interwoven. In launching the Year of PMS, the hierarchy also wanted to rekindle among Filipinos a dynamic commitment to the effective preaching of the Good News of Jesus Christeven to the ends of the earth (cf. Acts 1:8; 13:47). The PMS are the Popes Mission Societies having the leading role in mission promotion of the Catholic Church. The mission societies have been generously serving the local Church in the Philippines since their establishment here in 1932.

to make their own conclusions, we can end up with funny views that can be immediately repudiated by direct evidence. So now to be a boy or a girl does not depend anymore on what genitals one has. It now depends on how one considers oneself to be, what they call sexual orientation which to my mind is actually just ones subjective preferences. One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman, says one well-known feminist. I wonder how you call a person before that person declares oneself a man or a woman. In short, a person can be a he, a she or a bi or even anything else that can come to the mind of a person. He can be a complete neuter. This is not only going too far. This is simply wrong. Im afraid that while the feminist movements started with something good, they now appear to enter into dangerous territoriesreproductive rights, this funny distinction between sex and gender, prostitution rights, gay rights. This could be the reason the feminist movement is losing steam lately. Its facing a deadend. Theres always a need to frame the
Whatever / A5

discussion of any issue within the scope of our core beliefs and religion. We just cannot frame it on the basis of economics, politics and social observations and experiences. These are shifty, unreliable bases. They can shed some light, but definitely they cannot give the over-all and ultimate picture. However you look at a person, he or she is much more than his/her economic, political and social conditions. As a person, he/she is spiritual, not only material. As spiritual, he/she is generated and has to live with the original spirit, which definitely is not ourselves. Our Christian faith offers the fundamental truths about man and woman. If only we bother to review the pertinent doctrine of our faith, which is not man-made but is revealed, then we can see and distinguish things more clearly. By the way, the second half of my talk centered more on my observations, based on my priestly experience, about the general differences between how men and women think and behave. This actually drew more interest from the group.

hand in this? Have I already made up my mind about running for office? If so, am I still open to the leading of the Spirit? 2) Is there anything in my present lifestyle that I need to change to prepare for a dedicated life of an elected official? 3) What accomplishments do I have to show that I could
Duc In Altum / A5

be a good elected official? Will running for office lead to a greater good than what I am already contributing to society? Why? 4) Where will campaign funds come from? Are the funds clean, i.e. does not come from illegal sources? Would using them make me free or would it hinder me from serving the common

good? 5) What does my immediate family think about my running? Are there realities in my family that would facilitate or hinder my being a good elected official? 6) Am I ready to campaign on a positive note and not give in to negative campaigning? What is my platform? What do I hope

to achieve as an elected official? Am I ready to renounce vote buying? Am I ready for the physical, emotional, and spiritual rigors of campaigning and governing, if elected? 7) What if I win, am I ready to handle access to resource and power so that I remain a person of integrity? How will I support my family?

policy to deal with sexual abuse. 7. To network with greater effectiveness to share information and best practices to support women. 8. To cooperate with state and NGOs that share common interests and values in order to raise a stronger collective voice. 9. To collaborate more effectively with government, NGOs and international institutions in addressing the moral, social and economic needs of women. *** The Conclusion: We appeal to all women and men in Church to look around (you) more carefully to become more aware of the discrimi-

nation that is present all around us. We pray through Mary our Mother to show us the way to work with the power of the Holy Spirit. We take Mary who clung to her faith as she stood at the foot of the Cross as our Model and Mentor and continue with confidence and hope. We take inspiration from the great women in our church through the ages and we do not allow the enormity of our difficulties to overwhelm us. *** Those who are interested in the Laiko 10 days Pilgrimage on the Occasion of the Canonization of Blessed Pedro

Calungsod from October 18 to 27, 2012, land arrangement are also available. You may get pilgrimage flyers from Laiko office or please contact Joseph S. Jesalva/Catherine Buenconsejo, LAIKO Building, 372 Cabildo Street, Intramuros, Manila; Telephone No. 527-5388; Fax No. 527-3124; Mobile No. 0919-863-4218, email laiko_phils@ yahoo.com.ph. *** Happy Birthday to my niece, Mary Gretchen Rosales-Castro, His Excellency Bishop Rolando Tria Tirona, and Bro. Jhun Manapat of San Ildefonso de Navotas.

success? Certainly, 10,000 hours is an infinitely small figure against the gift of eternal union and bliss with God. Following our Lords teachings and examples, we realize that getting there isnt a matter of time but matter of love. How can we not cease to marvel before the thief who stole Heaven in only a few hours and words united with our Lord on the Cross? Surely, in this conversion that never ceases to move us, it is sufficient to learn that God is really only asking us for so little in exchange for something as much as eternity with Him. Im fond of illustrating the abysmal difference between Gods grace and our correspondence in the following way: imagine our Lord wants to give you a million dollars, but in exchange He asks for only a dollar. This example sounds like amusing and exaggerated, but we will give it a more serious treatment when we ponder on who we really are and realize that we have not even a dollar to give in exchange for Gods million. If we have one dollar, it had come from God in the first place. Here what really counts isnt what we give, but why we give.

In our Lords edifying and attractive life, we see many occasions when a persons small act of faith or service was transformed into something eternally valuable. St. Josemara Escriva says: a smile, a word, a gesture, a little bit of love is enough for him to pour out his grace bountifully. (The Way of the Cross, Station V). Thus, for example, the praise of Jesus for widows last two mites, the woman who washed His feet with her tears, the woman who touched the fringe of His clothes, Marys choosing the better part over Marthas activism and so on. In the end, it isnt so much what and how much we do but the one thing necessary or in other words what we allow Him to do through and in us. And the 10,000 hours? We may not even have that much time. We can only be sure to live today and now. Thus, we see the importance of a our smile for a neighbor, the effort to finish work down to the last detail, the sacrifice of not complaining or comparing ourselves with othersand many more that only hearts eternally in love can offer.

A8

People, Facts & Places

THE World Community for Christian Meditation here in the Philippines has organized a meditation event for fellow practitioners, communities, priests, religious congregations and seminarians on July 11 and 12 at the De La Salle University-Taft in Manila. Dubbed as The Power of Stillness & Silence the meditation event had three conferences with topics on the other half of prayer for men and women in the ministry, the Townsville experience for educators, and into the depths for practitioners. Speakers for the conferences were Fr. Laurence Freeman, OSB, Dr. Cathy Day and Mr. Ernie Christie who are officers of the Catholic Education Office of the Diocese of Townsville in Australia. According to Msgr. Manuel Gabriel, National Coordinator of WCCM Philippines, the two Australians shared their experience of introducing the practice of Christian Meditation among all parochial schools in their diocese while Fr. Freeman conducted a recollection conference for men and women in the ministry both Catholic and

CBCP Monitor

Vol. 16 No. 15

July 16 - 29, 2012

Official song for 500 years of Christianity in PHL released

THE Catholic hierarchy has released the official hymn for the New Evangelization as the Church embarked on a nine-year spiritual journey that culminates with the great jubilee on 2021. The song titled Live Christ, Share the Eucharist, was introduced to the members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines during their recent plenary meeting in Manila last June 7. Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, CBCP vice president, wrote the songs lyrics while master musician Ryan Cayabyab composed the music. The countrys 86 dioceses and archdioceses have adopted the hymn, which will be the marching song for the celebration of the 500th

Christian Meditation community holds conferences in Manila

other Christian denominations and deepening conferences for all Christian Meditation practitioners. A Benedictine monk, Fr. Freeman is author of books on centering prayer and director of the World Community for Christian Mediation, while Dr. Day currently serves as the director of Townsville Catholic Education Office. Under her leadership, she has created and implemented world-first Christian Meditation program for all Catholic Schools in the Australian diocese. Mr. Christie for his part, taught for 28 years and has developed and implemented a systematic practice of Christian Meditation in all Catholic Schools in Townsville. De La Salle University-Taft was main organizer of the conferences through the support of Br. Bernard S. Oca FSC (Vice Chancellor for Lasallian Mission & Alumni Relations), Br. Michael J. Broughton FSC (Associate Vice Chancellor for Lasallian Mission), and the La Sallian Pastoral Office Ministry ably led by Mr. Andylyn M. Simeon (Director) and James Laxa (Coordinator). (Jandel Posion)

Archbishop Socrates Villegas

year of Christianity in the Philippines on March 16, 2021. Archbishop Villegas has previously written songs about the Our Lady of EDSA and about the late Jaime Cardinal Sin. The CBCP has earlier released its new pastoral letter on the new evangelization, which is also titled Live Christ, Share the Eucharist. In the statement, the bishops committed themselves to evangelize the country again to win back Filipinos who have broken away and joined other churches. They said that the journey toward 2021 is an opportunity for the Church and its clergy to reflect on their failures and how they could draw back people to the Catholic fold. (RL/ CBCPNews)

Youth encouraged to use social media in proclaiming the Word

A CATHOLIC priest encouraged young people to get fully involved in the digital world and use social media effectively in proclaiming the word of God in todays generation. Fr. Hans Magdurulang, speaker of the 48th series of Ka-Talk forum organized by the Archdiocesan Commission on Youth of Manila (ACYM) urged the youth participants to be online missionaries even as he advised them to be role models in their proclamation of the word. He told young people to be cautious in uttering statements and be role models not just in action but also in words, for words are very powerful. Themed Silence & Word (Path of Evangelization), the 48th series focused on evangelization through discernment and proclamation of the word. Three of the youth participants also shared about their thoughts and experiences in proclaiming the word of God through the digital world. Fr. Jade Licuanan, ACYM youth commissioner challenged young people to be more involved in various types of social media. As we continue to evolve in our theme MEDIA IN MISSION: Making good use of the youths presence in the digital world, we again challenge our young people to really be involved in various types of websites, applications and social networks which can help young people today to find time for reflection and authentic questioning, as well as making space for silence and occasions for prayer, meditation or sharing of the Word of God he said. Licuanan dared attendees to use the media as a path for evangelization by posting positive words and messages in their social networking sites and keeping silent if they have nothing good to say for the betterment of everyone. Meanwhile, organizers announced submission of entries for the documentary, MTV and film making contests that can be participated by media buffs with the concept focusing on evangelizing people through the use of mass media, is on September 2012. The forum was held at St. Scholastica College-Manila last July 7. (Emily Lingat/Jandel Posion)

Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media

Markings
ELECTED. An SVD missionary in the Philippines has been elected new superior general of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) during the congregations 17th General Chapter held in Rome, July 2. Fr. Heinz Kuluke was provincial superior of the Southern Province of the SVD in the Philippines and professor of Philosophy at the University of San Carlos, Cebu prior to his election as the congregations top official. He will take over the post from Fr. Antonio Pernia, a Boholano native who served as the congregations Superior General for two terms. A native of Spelle, Germany, Kuluke was assigned to the SVD mission in the countrys Southern province after his ordination to the priesthood in 1986. Since then, he has made the Philippines his home, first in Agusan del Sur and later in Cebu, where he has lived since 1994. He served as vice-president for Academic Affairs of USC from 1997 to 1999 and Rector of the SVD community at the University of San Carlos from 1996 to 2005. Kuluke was elected provincial superior of the Southern province in 2005; was re-elected in 2008 and again in 2011, for a third term. Despite his academic assignment, the SVD missionary found time to go out of the university walls to visit the children living in dumpsites, prostitutes and homeless within the city. He helped establish the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation-Integrated Development Centre, Inc. (JPIC-IDC), a non-government organization that implements developmental projects in various areas of Cebu and Mindanao. In January this year, Kuluke was conferred a Federal Cross of Merit Award by the Federal government of Germany in recognition for his meritorious work among the poor and marginalized of Cebu. The SVD has at present some 6,102 members worldwide, more than 500 of whom are Filipinos. Around 140 Filipino SVDs are assigned in missionary posts abroad. In the Philippines, the SVD has three ecclesiastical provinces: The Philippine North (PHN) that comprises mission from Pangasinan to Aparri, the Philippine Central (PHC) that covers Tarlac, Manila, Mindoro, Bicol and Palawan, and the Philippine South (PHS) which is present in the Visayas and Mindanao islands. INSTALLED. Rev. Fr. Emeterio Digal Buao, OAR as 15th President of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos in a solemn installation after the Mass of the Holy Spirit held June 22, 2012 at the UNO-R Gymnasium. The turn-over ceremonies followed after the mass. Fr. Dionisio Cachero, OAR, University President (2009-2012) read his relinquishment message and turned over the University Mace to Rev. Fr. Constantino Real, OAR, who then presented a Plaque of Appreciation to Fr. Cachero. REAP President Rev. Fr. Julius Marcos, OAR read Fr. Buaos letter of appointment from the Fr. Provincial. Fr. Buao then professed his faith before his brothers and the university community. The new president donned the Academic gown presented by Rev. Fr. Jorge Peligro, OAR and assisted by Dr. Nieves Pepito and Dr. John Clifford Salugsugan. The Presidential Medallion was imposed by Rev. Fr. Rouel Sia, OAR assisted by Dean Jasmin Parreo and Dean Christopher Taclobos. Fr. Louie Gabinete, OAR presented the University Mace to Fr. Buao, assisted by Dr. Carmenda Leonoras and Dr. Carlos Legaspi, Jr. while the Vision-Mission was presented by Rev. Fr. Cornelio Moral, OAR assisted by Dr. Ofelia Posecion and Dr. Elmer Haro. Rev. Fr. Walthrode Conde, OAR read the Roles and Functions of the University President and was assisted by Ms. Nilda Jamili, MBA, Mr. Lino Sumbillo, MAEd and Fr. Abraham Latoza, OAR as Dean Sheila Arnibal, MAN and Dr. Roy de la Torre presented the Bible. LAUNCHED. Bukas Puso (Open Heart), a special program of Silsilah Dialogue Movement for the children where Muslims and Christians live together in a community, June 30, 2012. Unveiled at the Paniran Resettlement Area at Sta. Catalina, Zamboanga City, the program includes a meal for a cause for the children and also a session to teach good personal hygiene and right conduct. On the same day, a new building was also inaugurated to serve as a health center and a formation center for the women, youth and leaders of the community. The aim is to help recognize and develop their own potentials and enhance their quality of life through education, health and community development facilities. The vision of Silsilah is to build a community that is based on the real values of life and to ensure that the disadvantage will be empowered with equal opportunities for a better life in the mainstream of society. DIED. Retired Dominican Monsignor Mario de Leon Baltazar, prelate emeritus of Batanes-Babuyanes died at the age of 85. He passed away July 9, 2012 due to cardiac arrest at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) hospital. Msgr. Baltazar received the Dominican Habit on September 14, 1944, and was ordained priest on March 8, 1952 at Rosary Hill, Hong Kong. After several years of service as a priest, Pope Paul VI appointed him as prelate of Batanes-Babuyanes on November 18, 1966 where he served for 28 years until his resignation in 1995. Among his legacies is the book series Treasures Old and New, a three-volume collection of Sunday and Weekday homilies, for which he received the Catholic Authors Award in 2002 from the Asian Catholic Publishers Inc., and the ECBA Award in 2004 from the CBCP Episcopal Commission on the Biblical Apostolate. Msgr. Baltazar was interred at Santuario del Santo Cristo in San Juan, after the funeral mass at the Santo Domingo Church on July 13 at 2pm.

Filipina gets papal award

POPE Benedict XVI has awarded a Filipina working for womens spirituality, dignity and rights. In a ceremony held July 8, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines conferred the papal award of the Cross ProEcclesia et Pontifice medal to Dr. Zenaida Rotea. CBCP president Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu and Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez of Marbel led the awarding ceremony in a Mass held at the Santa Maria Goretti Parish in Manila. The medal is bestowed to lay people and clergy who have given zealous and outstanding service to the Church. Rotea has worked for many years as a volunteer and leader on women empowerment and a former executive secretary of the CBCPs Office on Women which is at the forefront of the churchs campaign against the exploitation of women. Much of her social awakening can also be credited to her long-time service in the Catholic Womens League (CWL) of the Philippines where she served as an active member for 28 years and president from 1996 to 2000. During her term, the CWL adopted a national action program in which one of the important components is the Womens Desk. A series of seminars and meetings were also organized, under her leadership, on subjects focusing on legal literacy, family code, illegal recruitment, poverty alleviation, skills training, and cooperatives. Rotea was also instrumental for the establishment of womens desks in different dioceses for counseling victims of violence, rape, incest and sexual harassment. In 2000, she led the formation of the Catholic Initiative for Enlightened Movie Appreciation (CINEMA) that promoted discerning appreciation of film according to Christian values and traditions. Leading a team composed mostly of volunteers, CINEMA conducted film reviews and distributed these reviews to the media, schools, churches and communities. (RL/CBCPNews)

Dr. Zenaida Rotea, former executive secretary of the CBCP Office on Women is being congratulated by CBCP president Archbishop Jose Palma after being conferred with the papal award, Cross Pro-Ecclesia et Pontifice, July 8, 2012.

Organizers release Calungsods liturgical celebrations in Rome

ORGANIZERS in charge of the promotion of Pedro Calungsods canonization this coming October 21 have already released the dates of the liturgical celebrations slated before and after the canonization. A Triduum of Masses will be celebrated from October 18 to 20 at the Basilica of St. Agustine, Piazza di SantAgostino 80 at 4 pm; Church of Gesu, Via degli Astalli 16 also at 4:00 oclock in the afternoon; and Basilica of St. Mary Major, Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore at 10 am, all located in Rome. A Vigil and Penitential Service is set on October 20 from 8:30 to 10 pm at the Chiesa di Santa Pudenziana Via Urbana 160. The canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod together with six others is set on October 21, Sunday morning, at St. Peters Square in Rome. Vespers together with a Procession of the 2nd Filipino saints icon will be brought around the vicinity of Chiesa di Santa Pudenziana in the evening. A thanksgiving mass will be celebrated on October 22, the day after the canonization at 8:00 oclock in the morning, at the apse of St. Peters Basilica. (Jandel Posion)

Civil society to deliver SSONA address at peoples congress

MEMBERS of civil society are set to gather for a congress of the faithful aimed at giving the people a true picture of the countrys current condition. Dubbed as State of the Soul of the Nation Address (SSONA), the event will assemble representatives of societys urban poor, farmers, fisherfolks, prisoners, media and education sector who will speak about their dreams and aspirations as well as their frustrations and expectations from the present government. We hope that this event will give our nation a true idea of the countrys true state coming from the citizens themselves, and that this program will act as the voice of the poor and the marginalized, organizers said. Speakers are expected to provide a a no-holds barred assessment of their present situation and offer viable solutions to the government on how to address their problems. The SSONA will be held on July 23 at the Bulwagang Diego Cera, San Sebastian CollegeRecoletos in Manila from 8:30 am to 12 noon, the same day President Benigno Aquino will deliver his SONA in Congress. The peoples congress will begin with a Holy Mass to be concelebrated by several bishops and priests. First held last year, the peoples congress has become a venue for representatives from various sectors of society to paint a picture of the countrys condition based on their present situation. (CBCPNews)

Most Rev. Rolando Tria Tirona of Infanta, Quezon, chairman of the Office of Laity and Family of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences is flanked by (L) Bishop Banchong Chairaya of Thailand and (R) Bishop Sebastian Tudu of Bangladesh, and other participants to BILA 5 on Women conference held July 9 to 13 at the Camillian Pastoral Care Center, Ltkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand.

Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 15
July 16 - 29, 2012

Pastoral Concerns

B1

CBCP Pastoral Letter on the Era of New Evangelization

Looking Forward to Our Five Hundredth Go and make disciples... (Mt. 28:19)
What will this era of New Evangelization for the Philippines consist of? The task stands on four pillars: First, fostering and fulfilling the missio ad gentes, as a special vocation of the Church in our country, effectively involving our laypeople, our Christifideles brothers and sisters; our priests and seminarians; men and women in consecrated life. Secondly, bringing Good News to the poor. Again and again, Filipino Catholics coming together to discern priorities, have seen that the Church here must become genuinely a Church for and with the poor. Thirdly, reaching out to those among us whose faith-life has been largely eroded and even lost due to the surrounding confusion, moral relativism, doubt, agnosticism; reaching out to those who have drifted from the Faith and the Church, and have joined other religious sects. L a s t l y, a w a k e n i n g o r reawakening in faith, forming and animating in Christian life our young people and youth sector groups, in both urban and rural settings; A nine-year journey for the New Evangelization has already been charted climaxing with the Jubilee Year 2021: Integral Faith Formation (2013); the Laity (2014); the Poor (2015); the Eucharist and of the Family (2016); the Parish as a Communion of Communities (2017); the Clergy and Religious (2018); the Youth (2019); Ecumenism and InterReligious Dialogue (2020); Missio ad gentes (2021). These are the

Live Christ, Share Christ

11, 2012 until November 24, 2013 by the Holy Father. The XIII Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops with the theme The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith will take place in Rome from October 7 to 28 this year. Faith and evangelization All these events happening this year are bound together by the themes of faith and evangelization. Evangelization indicates proclamation, transmission and witnessing to the Gospel given to humanity by our Lord Jesus Christ and the opening up of peoples lives, society, culture and history to the Person of Jesus Christ and to His living community, the Church. This New Evangelization is primarily addressed to those who have drifted from the Faith and from the Church in traditionally Catholic countries, especially in the West. What we are being called to do by this task of New Evangelization in Asia is to consider anew the new methods and means for transmitting the Good News more effectively to our people. We are challenged anew to foster in the Church in our country a renewed commitment and enthusiasm in living out the Gospel in all the diverse areas of our lives, in real-life practice, challenged anew to become more and more authentic witnesses of our faith, especially to our Asian neighbors as a fruit of our intensified intimacy with the Lord.

nine pastoral priorities of the Church in the Philippines. In the time before us, we will focus on these dimensions of faith, evangelization and discipleship, one by one. And it is most propitious that as we received the faith 500 years ago, so with the Year 2021we envision to become a truly sending Church. In the face of a secularism which in some parts of our present world has itself become a kind of a dominant religion, in the face of the reality of billions who live in our time and who have not truly encountered Jesus Christ nor heard of His Gospel, how challenged we are, how challenged we must be, to enter into the endeavor of the New Evangelization! We for whom Jesus has been and is truly the Way, the Truth and the Life--how can we not want and long and

share Him with brothers and sisters around us who are yet to know and love Him, who are yet to receive the fullness of Life for which we have all been created, and without which their hearts will be ever restless--until they find Jesus and His heart which awaits them? May our Lady, Mary Mother of Our Lord, lead us all in our longing and labors to bring her son Jesus Christ into our time and our world, our Emmanuel--our God who remains with us now and yet whose coming again in glory we await. Maranatha, AMEN. For the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines: + JOSE S. PALMA, D.D. Archbishop of Cebu President July 9, 2012

(A talk delivered by Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo at the National Marian Conference and Pilgrimage of the Clergy held at St. James Parish Church, June 19-20, 2012)
POPE Benedict XVI in recent times has started to shift from simply talking about evangelization to talking about New Evangelization. He even has decided to dedicate the XIII Synod of Bishops to the following theme: Nova Evangelizatio ad Christianam [idem] tradendam The New Evangelization for the transmission of the Christian Faith (Lineamenta 2011 p. 1) The pilgrim church is missionary by her very nature, we are told by Vatican II (Ad Gentes, #2). The Church is the fruit of her own evangelizing activity, because she is certain that the entire process is not in her hands but in the hands of God, whose spirit guides her in the course of history (Lineamenta f~3). How does Mary enter the picture or process of New Evangelization? As in the primary or first evangelization, Mary is present likewise in the New Evangelization by continuing to be a model of discernment, which Mary could be looked up to, moments of listening or observation, moments of understanding and interpretation, as we know has happened at the Visitation to Elizabeth and at the Wedding at Cana ... It was said Mary treasured all these things in her heart (Lk. 2/19). The contemplative mood. The reflective stance before action. New evangelization we are told in the Lineamenta for the forthcoming XIII Synod of Bishops, is the Churchs response to the new challenges which the present Church is facing, putting accepted practices in question and, are weakening customary, well-established ways of doing things. Now discernment requires distinguishing the subjects and themes listening and common discussion (Lineamenta). Pope Benedict XVI is merely picking up the inspiration from his predecessor, Blessed Pope John Paul II who used the term new evangelization: to reawaken and elicit new efforts in a new missionary and evangelizing undertaking in Latin America. He said: There is a need for a commitment not of re-evangelization, but rather of a new evangelization; new in its ardour, methods and expression. (CELAM March 9, 1983. Lineamenta, no. 5.) New evangelization is not a matter of redoing something which has been inadequately done or has not achieved its purpose, as if the new activity were on implicit judgment on the failure of the first evangelization. Nor, is the new evangelization taking up the first evangelization again or simply repeating the past. Instead, it is the courage to forge new paths in responding to the changing circumstances and conditions facing the Church in her call to proclaim and live the Gospel today. In the past, the Latin American continent was facing new challenges (the spread of a communist ideology, the appearance of the sects). The new evangelization emerged after process of discernment undertaken by the Church in Latin America to consider and evaluate the overall situation. (Lineamenta p. 9-10). The new evangelization is primarily a spiritual activity, synonymous with renewed spiritual efforts in the life of faith within the local churches. It will involve rereading the memory of faith and undertaking new responsibilities and generating new energies to joyously and convincingly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is what Blessed John Paul II had kept saying in his Apostolic Exhortations addressed to Africa, America, Asia and Oceania. With revitalized spiritual efforts, the Holy Spirit of Pentecost is calling now the church, to announce and proclaim the Gospel in new ways which can speak in todays cultural sector, social, economic, civic and political sectors, as well as to the media and digital culture and the scientific and technological sector: A new evangelization means to hove the boldness to raise the question of God in the context of the sectors. (p. 19, Lineamenta) New Evangelization requires finding new approaches to evangelization so as to be Church in todays ever changing social and cultural situation. It means a, deliberative process of devising new models of being church which avoids the dangers of sectarianism and a civic religion. The local churches, in the light of the present situation, are called, to make renewed efforts and again to put their trust in the Spirit who guides them, so that the local churches might once again undertake, joyously and vigorously, the fundamental mission which Jesus entrusts to his disciples: to preach the Gospel (cf. Mark 16/15) and to preach the Kingdom (cf. Mk. 3/15). [Lineamenta, p. 38]. Now what is the role of Mary in the New Evangelization? Her role is a continuation of her role in the first evangelization. As our Mother, given to us no less by her Son, Mary brings us together, gathers us around her Son, and sends us to announce and promote the Kingdom. She sends us into the mission of Jesus, her Son. There is an intimate link between Mary and evangelization. And we find this link at Calvary and Pentecost, where she becomes a powerful model of evangelization and new evangelization. At Calvary, Mary stands with the beloved disciple for the future Church. There at the foot of the Cross, she conceives again her son, but this time no longer in her heart and body only, but she passes Him on to the community of believers, to the Church. At Pentecost, Mary becomes a magnet and beacon for the future pilgrim-church. Mary becomes a co-worker and witness together with the first disciples. At Pentecost, Mary becomes a sign of the fulfillment of the Church. What Mary started to be at Calvary, where she becomes the Mother of the Church, and at Pentecost, where she becomes the model of evangelization, that she continues to be in our time ... moving us and the church further and further into new evangelization.
Mary / B2

Mary and the New Evangelization

www.jacobimages.com

www.donteverlookback.com

WE look forward with gratitude and joy to March 16, 2021, the fifth centenary of the coming of Christianity to our beloved land. We remember with thanksgiving the first Mass celebrated in Limasawa Island on Easter Sunday March 31 that same blessed year. We remember the baptism of Rajah Humabon who was given his Christian name Carlos and his wife Hara Amihan who was baptized Juana in 1521. Our eyes gaze on the Santo Nio de Cebu, the oldest religious icon in the Philippines, gift of Ferdinand Magellan to the first Filipino Catholics that same year. Indeed the year 2021 will be a year of great jubilee for the Church in the Philippines. We shall therefore embark on a nine-year spiritual journey that will culminate with the great jubilee of 2021. It is a grace-filled event of blessings for the Church starting October 21, 2012 until March 16, 2021. How opportune indeed that on October 21 this year, the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI will add another Filipino to the canon of saints of the Church, our very own Visayan proto-martyr Pedro Calungsod who gave his life for the faith on the morning of April 2, 1672 in Guam. The canonization of Pedro Calungsod will take place under the brilliant light of the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, the twentieth year of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the declaration of the Year of Faith from October

B2 Vestment Colors at a Concelebration

(Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university, answers the following query:) Q: Are priests who concelebrate a Mass obliged to wear the same color vestment as the main celebrant? Three examples that I have seen lead me to pose this question. In all cases the concelebrants were wearing stoles without chasubles. The first example occurred at a funeral Mass: The main celebrant wore black vestments, the concelebrants wore white stoles, and the pall was also white. The second example also occurred at a funeral Mass: The main celebrant and two concelebrants wore white vestments; the third concelebrant wore a violet stole. The third example occurred on Gaudete Sunday: The main celebrant wore rose vestments; the concelebrant wore a violet stole. What is preferred? What is permitted? --T.N., Arlington, Virginia A: This theme is covered in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and in the instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum. The GIRM states: 209. In the vesting room or other suitable place, the concelebrants put on the sacred vestments they customarily wear when celebrating Mass individually. Should, however, a good reason arise, (e.g., a large number of concelebrants or a lack of vestments), concelebrants other than the principal celebrant may omit the chasuble and simply wear the stole over the alb. This law is further refined in Redemptionis Sacramentum: 124. A faculty is given in the Roman Missal for the Priest concelebrants at Mass other than the principal concelebrant (who should always put on a chasuble of the prescribed color), for a just reason such as a large number of concelebrants or a lack of vestments, to omit the chasuble, using the stole over the alb. Where a need of this kind can be foreseen, however, provision should be made for it insofar as possible. Out of necessity the concelebrants other than the principal celebrant may even put on white chasubles. For the rest, the norms of the liturgical books are to be observed. This would indicate that it is preferable for all concelebrating priests to wear a chasuble, even if it is white and not the color of the day. If sufficient white chasubles are not available, then I would say that the next preference would be for the concelebrants to wear stoles corresponding to the color of the day. If even this is not possible, then white stoles may also be used. Although the norms mention only the principal celebrant having to wear the color of the day, I believe that a wellordered combination of legitimate colors by several concelebrants falls within the law. For example, I participated in a recent ordination in St. Peter s Basilica in which red was the color of the day. Given that there were more than 120 concelebrants, even the sacristy of the venerable papal basilica found it hard to rise to the occasion. In the end, a mere 80 of us wore red chasubles while the rest wore red stoles. In order to maintain decorum the fully vested priests were distributed nearest the altar while the others were arranged in another suitable place. This basic arrangement could also be applied on a smaller scale. For example, if a parish has only four or five matching vestments besides the chasuble of the principal celebrant, these could be used by those priests who will be closest to the altar during the Eucharistic Prayer. The use of matching vestments for concelebrants, and not just vestments of the same color, is not a strict requirement of law but is clearly preferable for the general order and decorum of the celebration. If concelebrants are to wear stoles, then I think it best to use a single color. The second example offered by our reader of a funeral where the main celebrant wore white while one concelebrant wore a violet stole would illustrate this case of an unnecessary clash of colors. It would have been more appropriate for all to wear white. The other examples of the use of a single black or rose vestment with the other concelebrants vested in appropriate stoles are in accord with liturgical norms. Finally, it might be of use to recall the overarching rules for the use of liturgical colors as expressed by the GIRM: 345. Diversity of color in the sacred vestments has as its purpose to give more effective expression even outwardly whether to the specific character of the mysteries of faith to be celebrated or to a sense of Christian lifes passage through the course of the liturgical year. 346. As regards the color of sacred vestments, traditional usage should be observed, namely: a) The color white is used in the Offices and Masses during Easter Time and Christmas Time; on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity; and furthermore on celebrations of the Lord other than of his Passion, celebrations of the Blessed Virgin Mary, of the Holy Angels, and of Saints who were not Martyrs; on the Solemnities of All Saints (November 1) and of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (June24 ); and on the Feasts of St. John the Evangelist (December 27), of the Chair of St. Peter (February 22), and of the Conversion of St. Paul (January 25). b) The color red is used on Palm Sunday of the Lords Passion and on Friday of Holy Week (Good Friday), on Pentecost Sunday, on celebrations of the Lords Passion, on the birthday feast days of Apostles and Evangelists, and on celebrations of Martyr Saints. c) The color green is used in the Offices and Masses of Ordinary Time. d) The color violet or purple is used in Advent and Lent. It may also be worn in Offices and Masses for the Dead.
Vestments / B7

Updates

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 15
July 16 - 29, 2012

Repairing a Canonically Defective Church Marriage

By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso, J.C.D.
I am writing to find a solution to a problem that has been haunting me for a time. A parishioner of mine confided to me that when he married his wife 20 years ago in another country of Protestant majority she was a Christian but not a Catholic. He was not aware of having had to secure any special dispensation. After their return to the Philippines, his wifewith whom he has four wonderful teen-aged children had subsequently been received in the Catholic Church. I am aware that their marriage 20 years ago suffers an invalidating defect due to the presence then of a diriment impediment of disparity of cult. My problem is that now they are happily married and I do not know how to break the news to them. What can be done? Review of the Canonical Doctrine on Marriage Invalidity B e f o re p ro c e e d i n g a n y further, it would be good to briefly review the canonical doctrine on marriage. Three elements are necessary for the validity of a canonical marriage: 1) The juridical capacity to prejudice to a dispensation from such form in special cases (c.1127, 2). The Simple Convalidation of Marriage Simple convalidation consists in the renewal of the marriage consent by one or both parties, after the reason for nullity either a diriment impediment or a defect of consenthas ceased, without the need to observe again the canonical form ad validitatem. There are two possible scenarios: 1 If the reason for nullity was a diriment impediment, there are two requisites for convalidation (c.1156, 1): 1) Cessation of the impedime n t, eit her by dispensation or by facts that make it disappear (e.g., reaching the legal age, death of a previous spouse). 2) Renewal of consent by either or both parties, whoever is or are aware of the nullity. A new act of the will is required, consenting to a marriage, which the renewing party knows or thinks was invalid from the beginning. Thus perseverance of the original consent is not sufficient (c.1157). There are two possible scenarios: by the competent authority, without renewal of consent by the parties, granted by the competent authority, involving the dispensation from any impediment and from the canonical form if this had not been observed, as well as a referral of the canonical effects of marriage back to the past. The elements of the concept are the following: a) A valid consent, since the retroactive convalidation is nothing else but an act of authority, recognizing the existence of a bond arising from an act of the spouses contracting such bond. Thus, the following possibilities can be considered: 1) If consent is lacking from the beginning in either or both of the parties, retroactive convalidation cannot be granted (c.1162, 1). 2) If consent was lacking f ro m t h e b e g i n n i n g , b u t was subsequently given, a retroactive validation can be granted, effective from the moment the consent was given (c.1162, 2). 3) If the consent was present at the beginning but was subsequently revoked, a retroactive validation cannot be granted (c.1162, 1). As a c) Retroactivity of the effects. In this regard, one must distinguish between: 1) The matrimonial bondwhich begins to exist at the moment of the validation (c.1161, 2). It would be absurd to speak of a retroactive existence of the bond, since precisely the marriage was null from the beginning. 2) The juridical relations ensuing from the marriage e.g., filiation, financial regime, the right of inheritancewhich could be referred back to the moment the marriage was celebrated, unless it is otherwise expressly provided (c.1162, 2). Thus, for example, children conceived or born before the retroactive validation are considered legitimate (c.1137); in contrast those conceived o r b o r n b e f o re a s i m p l e validation are considered illegitimate before that simple validation but legitimated by it (c.1139). Nevertheless, as far as canonical effects are concerned, legitimated children are equivalent to legitimate children in all respects, unless it is otherwise expressly provided by law (c.1140). d) Possibility of granting it without knowledge of either

marry: In principle all faithful have the ius connubi, unless the Law denies it due to a personal condition, typified in the socalled diriment impediments. 2) Matrimonial consent: A human act that can be undermined by factors affecting the intellect or the will of the contractant. 3) Canonical form: A purely canonical convention, which in principle should not be defective since the marriage is contracted before a qualified witness (bishop, priest or deacon) who precisely is tasked to make sure that this form is observed. The nullity of a marriage usually stems from a defect, in either of the first two elements above, at the time of its celebration. The Code of Canon Law provides two methods for making good synonymously called validation or convalidationmarriages that are null due to a defect in capacity or a defect in consent. On the other hand, a marriage that is null due to defect of form cannot be a case for simple convalidation. Consequently, the code provides for a new celebration of marriagei.e., it must be contracted anew in the canonical form (c.1160), without

a) If the impediment was public, consent must be renewed by both parties in the canonical form, without prejudice to what is laid down about dispensation of form by legitimate authority (c.1158, 1 and 1127, 2). b) If the impediment cannot be proven (i.e., not a public fact), consent may be carried out in private and without witnesses by the party or parties who know of it (cc.1158,2 and 1159,2). 2 If the invalidity is brought about by a defect in consent, it is convalidated if the party who did not consent now does consent, provided the consent given by the other party persists (c.1159, 1). Again there are two scenarios: 1) If the defect of consent can be proven, the new consent must be given in the canonical form (c.1159, 3). 2) If the defect of consent cannot be proven, it is sufficient that the party who did not consent gives consent privately and in secret (c.1159, 2). The Retroactive Convalidation of Marriage: Sanatio in radice Retroactive Convalidation (Sanatio in radice) consists in the recognition of the marriage

corollary, the Code stipulates that a retroactive validation is should not be granted unless it is probable that the parties intend to persevere in conjugal life (c.1161, 3). b) A relaxation of the law in the specific casei.e. a dispensationfrom either an impediment present at the moment of celebration or the canonical form which had not been observed. This is implied in the very act of recognition itselfi.e., there is no distinct act of dispensation previous to the recognition. Consequently, the ecclesiastical authority competent to grant the retroactive validation is only that which has competence to dispense from the particular impediment, which are: 1) The Apostolic See (c.1165, 1)for all cases, including those involving an impediment of natural or divine positive law but only when this has ceased (c.1163, 2). 2) The Diocesan Bishop for particular cases, except in cases of impediments whose dispensation is reserved to the Apostolic See, or if there is a question of an impediment of natural law or divine positive law which has ceased (c.1165, 2).

or both of the partiessince it is an act pertaining to the ecclesiastical authority and is therefore an act not subject to the intention of those to whom it is given. However, a norm of prudence and good administration prescribes that the interested parties should be aware of the validation that is to be granted, except for a grave reason (c.1164). Conclusion The aforementioned marriage was invalid due to the impediment of disparity of cult. Nevertheless, considering that the couple are happy with each other and with their children, there seems to be sufficient cause to ask the Bishop to grant a sanatio without previous notification of the parties, in accordance with c.1164. It would also be good for their parish priest to talk to the spouses about their marriage in order to strengthen it. He can tell them that since they were married before God and the Church, they count on all the divine help in order to surmount all difficulties, and that all these depend on them: their prayer, their dedication to each other and to their children.

Mary / B1

She fulfils her various roles as sender or evangelizer, as the co-worker and companion of every witness and apostle. Mary shall be our companion in our journey through the year of Faith from October 11 this year to November 24, 2013. In this Year of Faith let us ask Mary, our Mother to accompany us as she had done in the first evangelization. We look at Mary and see how her faith had been expressed: a) She listened with her heart; b) The Word of God constantly challenged and changed the

habits of her heart; and c) Her faith made her the Mother and disciple of Christ called to bring his work to completion. [Evangelization with Mary, Rev. Johann G. Roten] As in the first evangelization, so Mary accompanies us in our task of New Evangelization. She continues to be our model of living out the Evangelium itself. We may even say that Mary is a compendium of evangelization, a living catechesis, a vibrant example of how to live the Gospel.

Mary is, in the words of Pope Paul VI, the star of evangelization ever renewed within the Church (Evangelii Nuntiandi, no. 82). Because of the inseparable bond between evangelization and catecheses, Mary is equally the Star, the powerful guide in the catechetical mission of the Church. Mary is the model and Mother of the entire Church and of each individual in our catechetical endeavor. [cf. John Joseph Cardinal Canberry, Synod of Bishops 1977].

We therefore approach the new evangelization with a sense of enthusiasm. We will learn the sweet and comforting joy of evangelizing, even at times when proclamation might seem like a seed sown among tears (cf. Ps. 126:6). May it mean for usas it did for John the Baptist, for Peter and Paul, for the other apostles and for a multitude of splendid evangelizers all through the Churchs history - an interior enthusiasm that nobody and nothing can quench. May it be the great joy of our consecrated lives. And may the

world of our time, which is searching, sometimes with anguish, sometimes with hope, be enabled to receive the Good News not from evangelizers who are dejected, discouraged, impatient or anxious, but from ministers of the Gospel whose lives glow with fervor, who have first received the joy of Christ, and who are willing to risk their lives so that the Kingdom may be proclaimed and the Church established in the midst of the world. (Lineamenta, # 25 p. 63; Evangelii Nuntiandi, 80).

FILE PHOTO

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 15
July 16 - 29, 2012

Features

B3

Mary and the Spirituality of Total Consecration

WHAT a beautiful opportunity to share with you some thoughts as I join you in this year of faith ushered by Pope Benedict XVI. As our Sister Brenda Padilla wrote in her beautiful letter of invitation to me: We humbly believe that this true devotion consecration revealed to St. Louis Grignon de Montfort will bring them (us priests) to a depth rarely found these days and that this new Evangelization would renew our society that must be led by a strong, revitalized clergy empowered by the Lord through the mother He gave us resulting in a powerful defense of Life, family and personal and social morality. And what would be a better way to prepare for the 500th anniversary of Christianity in our country this coming 2021? We dont have to wait that long. 2012 na muna. 2021many of us including myself may not be here anymore. Kakantahan na kami ng: Hindi Kita Malilimutan! I am supposed to introduce to you the spirituality of a man who not only created waves but which produced Saints and Blesseds like Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Spiritual commercial ito para kay St. Louis Grignon de Montfort. He advocated a Totus Tuus spirituality that is short, easy, secure and perfect which we can all easily subscribe to. What is this Totus Tuus - Marian Spirituality? Archbishop Arguelles provided me some notes on St. Louis de Montfort and I am sharing with you copies of them. That lessens my task. But what is it really? You know - its all about love and on love. God is love, God loves Mary, Mary loves God perfectly and we want to love God perfectly also and we take Marys dispositions and follow her example perfectly. Its as simple as that. Inadapt yan ni St. Louis de Montfort at ginawa niya at pina- propagate niya! To be more specific: St. Louis Grignon de Montfort loved God tremendously and he wanted to be totally faithful in his love for God but he was very aware of his weaknesses and frailties. He knew that alone he could not do it. He needed someone to guide him. That someone was Mary. We can easily identify with St. Louis de Montfort. We are full of good intentions all the time but we struggle a lot also. We also know and accept that every day we wrestle with our weaknesses. We wrestle with our passions (and dont believe that they cool down, much less, die down when you reach 60); we wrestle with our choices of good and evilI mean we can so easily compromise. We wrestle with our principles very easy to enunciate moral principles but very hard to keep them! Ang dali nating magalit sa iba kung nag le-left turn sa asawa o nag dedetour kung minsan sa iba not loving one another but loving another one. Pero kung kaibigan o kamag-anakiba ang trato natin. We are very compassionate, very understandingand almost compromising! Our Christian values give way to cultural considerations. We become soft. We become less absolute and tend to be relativistic. So we also need Mama Mary. We remember: Woman, Behold your Son. We need her to be firm, we need her for her wisdom, we need her prayers and above all, we need her guidance. Si Mama Marywalang paligoy-ligoy pero full of love. Walang compromise but full of understanding and true compassion. Compassion is truly the willing and praying for the good of another. Sabi nga ni Fr. Enrico Gonzales, O.P.: ang pag-ibig ay walang sobra, walang kulang. Tama o mali lang. So, we turn to Mary and we surrender to her and tell her: Show us the way. We will follow youparang alipinas a slave so we wont make mistakes and we wont take shortcuts in loving God and in really doing His will, not ours. Yung gusto at plano ng Dios, hindi yung atin! Ito na nga: We love and follow Mary so we can love and follow Jesus more! Yun ang layunin. This is called total consecration to Mary which St. Louis Grignon de Montfort adapted for himself. Parang sinasabi natin: Lord, make me a perfect instrument of Your love, peace and goodness to others and to changing this imperfect world and world full of evils. But I give myself totally to You by loving Mary and following her way of loving You. I love her so much that I trust her that she will show me the way to You the best way. We remember again: Do whatever He tells you! Following the example of Mary, we learn patience in moments of conflict and violence;

(A talk delivered by Bishop Camilo D. Gregorio at the National Marian Conference and Pilgrimage of the Clergy held at St. James Parish Church, June 19-20, 2012)
will ask, why Mary? Bakit sa pamamagitan ni Mary pa? Hindi ba maaaring dumerecho? Maaari pero ynn ang gusto ng Anak niya! God wants it so. Bahagi yan ng misterio ng kaligtasan. God want to give gifts, blessings and favors through her mediation. Period. No questions asked. We dont ask questions from a supergenerous Amo and a wise God! Sabi nga ng isang spiritual Author: The trouble with us is that we claim and grasp the gifts and blessings of God on our own which were intended to be given to us as gifts and blessings! Let us make our Total Consecration to MaryTotus Tuusnot only as individuals but also as families and communities. God wants to use us for His purpose, plan and missionin the way of Mary and we can say in no other way than Marys so that He can fulfill His message: I have come that you may have life and have it in abundance! In this way, in Marys way as her slaves we can hope for any change and transformation in this world. Sigurado! Walang mintis! Lets go for Christ Power and let our battle cry be: Victory for Jesus through total consecration to Mary! In conclusion, Let us now pray the Act of Consecration of St. Louis Grignon de Montfort: Hail Mary, daughter of God the Father! Hail Mary, mother of God the Son! Hail Mary, spouse of the Holy Ghost! Hail Mary, temple of the Most Holy Trinity! Hail Mary, my mistress, my wealth, my mystic rose, Queen of my heart, my Mother, my life, my sweetness and my dearest hope! I am all yours, and all that I have is yours, 0 Virgin blessed above all things. May your soul be in me to magnify the Lord; may your spirit be in me to rejoice in God. Place yourself, O faithful Virgin, as a seal upon my heart, that in you and through you I may be found faithful to God. Grant, most gracious Virgin, that I may be numbered among those whom you are pleased to love, to teach and to guide, to favor and to protect as your children. Grant that with the help of your love I may despise all earthly consolation and cling to heavenly things, till through the Holy Spirit, your faithful Spouse, and through you, His faithful Spouse, Jesus Christ your Son be formed within me the glory of the Father. Amen

forbearance in moments of anger and disappointment; prudence in moments of injustice and unfairness, acceptance in the things that we cannot change but only the Lord can change; compassion when we are deeply hurt or betrayed; etc. etc. And we say to the Lord, and through herand with her as a faithful follower

or slave, let your grace flow freely and lovingly to hardened hearts. Let your grace flow gently and fully through her and through us, towards sinners and on those on the wrong path of destruction. We do all these because she is the Mediatrix of All Grace, siya ang piniling katangi-tanging katiwala ng Grasya. You

Pedro Calungsod: A mission for a Vertueux Catechiste

The Chamorros The Mariana natives were of lighter shade than the Filipinos, larger in stature, more corpulent and robust than Europeans. The men wore only a topknot about the length of a finger on an otherwise shaved head. They are called Chamorros which is perhaps an adaptation of the term chamorri by which the islanders called the members of their high caste. It may have also originated from the old Spanish term Chamorro, meaning bald or shorn, apparently a description of the Chamorro men. Padre Diego and companions praised the good traits of the natives which made their mission much easier. They wrote: This poor people are free from any of the principal roots of vices and obstacles against our holy Faith which have been found in the natives of other nations. They are also free of impurities, incests and adulteries. In these, our Marianos (the Chamorros), in spite of their nakedness, are more alien than others who are well clothed. The women especially are outstanding in their modesty, for all of them, even the smallest creatures, use what they call tifis with which they cover themselves more than the men. Such is the nakedness of this people because they have no clothing in their land. They yearn and eagerly beg for it (the clothes). We have enough experience of it, so that [] we are not disturbed in our Evangelical Ministry anymore than if we ministered to much clothed people. However, in deference to right decency and good Christian manners () we are awaiting for the clothing that could be sent to us, especially that which can be useful such as chemises or light tunics of any color which can be worn by this poor people or, better said, by our Lord Jesus Christ who is extremely naked in them. The nature and disposition of the Chamorro were simple and bare of deceit. They were generous and hospitable. Nevertheless, after the missionaries had experienced more of this, they know them to be deceitful and traitorous. They will cover with pleasant words and appearances any feeling of injury for perhaps two years until they find an opportunity for vengeance. They are barbarous warriors, quick to anger and easily calmed, laggards in fighting, quick to flee. [] Their arms are stones and lances with points of human bones in place of metal. These are made of three or four sharp tines which, puncturing the flesh, break off, causing, certain death. No remedy for this has been found although it was tried in Mexico by a group of doctors. They do not use bow and arrow, nor sword. They have only a kind of cutlass (catana) and some knives obtained from ships in exchange for fruits. Bringing Christ to the Chamorros The first residence and church of the missionaries were built in the town of Agadna which Padre Diego named the town of San Ignacio [de Loyola]. It was perhaps in that residence of San Ignacio that Pedro Calungsod continued to grow in the Christian life and to be formed into a good witness of Christ. And in order that Agadna should be forged in which the new missionaries in the islands might be tempered well, there was established in this main residence such religious perfection, with a finished observance, as might be found in a Jesuit college in Europe, harmonizing the exercises on the inside with the ministry of the outside; the care for their own well-being with solicitude for the salvation of others. Although there were just a few missionaries for thousands of natives, one must not think that the missionaries made haphazard conversions. No. Upon hearing the preachings of the missionaries, the natives all begged for baptism, with shouts and tears, in order to enter heaven and free themselves from hell, which they seemed to see in front of them, its mouth open to swallow them. The nobles alleged their nobility as reason to demand first attention. But the Venerable Padre [Diego] warned them that it was necessary first to know the Christian Doctrine and told to hasten to learn it, stimulating with this hope their desire to hasten to the catechism. Here he declared to them the obligations of Christianity and the Ten Commandments which he called ten steps to heaven. Nor must one think that the try hard to convince the chiefs not to deny the desire of the common people for baptism. Before baptizing adults, the missionaries banished from the hearts of these all superstitions and idolatrous thoughts, not without effort. They made the natives bury the skulls and bones of their ancestors which they kept in their houses out of superstition, and they burned would then remind him for the Sacrament of Penance. Thus, the natives became accustomed to Confession and it was necessary for at least one Pedro always to be in church for they came in great numbers to be relieved of the weight of their sins. Before entering the church, they went first to one of the assisting boys of the Mission group and begged him to give them a rigorous discipline with a cord that they wore about their necks, in order that their sins might be forgiven. And if the boys tried to excuse themselves from administering such punishment by explaining that confession would bring about the desired pardon, the natives still refused to go away until they were whipped, saying they preferred to take a punishment in this life and not in the next. Thus it was that within a short time of the establishment of Christianity among these people, they appeared to be very fervent Christians. One may not wonder that the Jesuits in the Marianas made such a great harvest, for many of their secular companions performed work worthy of ministers, being as they were, co-workers with the Padres in the Apostolic Ministry. And in order thats their own lives might assist and not hinder the work of conversion, Padre Diego insisted that all of them live in a truly Christian manner so that their works may not be contrary to the word they preached. With the grace of God, Pedro Calungsod faithfully kept this rule, so much so that he was remembered by his companions as vertueux catechiste. An all-round assistant It was in that Mariana Mission were Pedro Calungsod applied all that he learned at the Jesuits boarding school for boys or perhaps at a Jesuit missionary house in the Visayas. He must have helped build and embellish churches with the available materials they had. He must have also prepared visual aids for the catechism classes. To be able to communicate the Christian Doctrine to the natives, he must

(Lifted from the book of Fr. Ildebrando Jesus Alio Leyson titled Pedro Calonsor Bissaya: Prospects of a Teenage Filipino)
have mastered the Chamorro Grammar and Catechism prepared by Pedro Diego. The medium used by Pedro Diego in that Grammar and Catechism was Latin, which means that Pedro Calungsod must have had sufficient knowledge of that language to be able to understand the instructions. In order to gather the children and the rest of the people for catechism, upon entering a village, the missionaries would start singing the Act of Contrition and the explanation of the Christian Doctrine in chamorro. That was the signal for the people to gather. Other added attractions were some giveaways or gifts for good students. Padre Diego commented, Because in their eagerness to get the biscuits and bits of jewelry, they came very early in the morning in crowds, men and women, children and old people, to say the prayers and learn the mysteries of the Faith. If for any reason there was nothing to be given away, or when the natives were negligent in attending the catechism, other means were used to attract them like singing, dancing and buffoonery which the natives were very fond of. For example, the missionariesafter the example of Padre Diego would get the natives in a circle and begin to dance about while clapping their hands, and sing, Alegria, alegria, alegria! Buena, Buena, Jesus y Maria. Nuestra alegria, Jesus y Maria! Amen, amen Maria y Joseph! When the natives were already in good humor, the missionaries would then seize the opportunity to give them the religious instruction. The catechism classes were done by chanting the truths of the Christian doctrine, for in this way it was easy for the children to remember and master them. Teaching the children the Christian Doctrine in song may not have been a difficult task for Pedro Calungsod, thanks to his probable musical training at the formation house for missionary catechist in the Visayas. It is very possible that he helped train
Pedro / B7

missionaries made irresponsible mass baptisms by converting first the chiefs of the villages so that the rest would automatically get baptized. No. When the chiefs heard so much praise of the Sacrament of Baptism, they did not wish to permit the plebeians to be baptized nor even to hear the Christian Doctrine, saying that so noble a Sacrament should be reserved only for nobles, and that a law so fine as the Christian Law was not for common people. The missionaries had to

the images which the natives had made of wood and had even carved on trees. With the grace of Holy Baptism and the words of the missionaries, the new Christians in the Marianas acquired a real horror for sin. And if one, through weakness, broke a Commandment of the Law of God, he would go to the missionaries, greatly afflicted saying, I have sinned. What remedy can I take to redeem myself, for you say we cannot be baptizedagain?Themissionaries

www.sanpedrocalungsod.org

FILE PHOTO

B4

Features

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 15
July 16 - 29, 2012

By Fr. Edwin A. Gariguez

Poverty, Debt Trap and the Challenge for the Church of the Poor

A. Social Action Ministry for Social Justice and Transformation In a set of data presented before National Poverty Summit co-convened by the National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA) of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, it was affirmed that the poverty level of our country, as evidenced by gross inequality of income, has not changed even for the last 25 years after EDSA Power Revolution. The challenge for the Church in the Philippines to be a Church of the Poor remains as valid as before. The Second Plenary Council calls us to boldness in the defense of the poor: Pastors and members of the Church will courageously defend and vindicate the rights of the poor and the oppressed, even when doing so will mean alienation of persecution from the rich and the powerful. As a Church network, we are convinced that justice ministry through the practice of Christian love and prophetic proclamation is one of the many important contributions of the Church in the process of social transformation. Clearly, this is our way of being faithful to our duty as preachers of the Gospel of love and solidarity. The needed approach in doing fully-engaged social apostolate was wonderfully captured by the late Bishop Claver (in his book The Making of A Local Church) in his forceful admonition that the church is for the world, not the world for the Church, and the church is for others, not for itself. Similarly, Blessed John Paul II also explicitly reminds us: On the one hand, religion must not be restricted to the purely private sphere, on the other, the Christian message must not be relegated to a purely other-worldly salvation incapable of shedding light on our earthly existence (CSD 71, citing Pope John Paul II, Centesimus Annus [CA], no. 5). We in NASSA, as t h e development and advocacy arm of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, continually strives to coordinate efforts to campaign for justice and peace, to take the side of the marginalized, to seek to alleviate poverty, to protect the fragile eco-systems, and to contribute to the reform political and economic systems that oppress the poor. Thejusticeadvocacycomponent of NASSAprograms is significantly emphasized. We believe that pursuing the development agenda should also include in its purview the issue of equity and just distribution of resources. Injustice and social unrest, or abject poverty in its concrete manifestation, are experienced primarily because of unequal distribution of wealth, power and opportunities. Advocating for integral transformation is necessary. Service ministry that excludes social engagement is bound to be lame if not at all ineffective. In the absence of a strong campaign for justice and social reforms, the Churchs social action will be reduced to developmental interventions that are only reactive but do not confront head-on the structural source of the problem. This type of

social action has every risk of falling into charity works that merely offer palliative solutions. In this context, structural causes of poverty must be addressed the way economic and political power are concentrated in the hands of the most powerful, and the accumulation of wealth made possible for the rich at the expense of the poor. It is to this end that development strategies must necessarily address the issue of transformation of social, political and economic relations, at the local and even at the global level. In addressing the structural causes of poverty inequality and underdevelopment, we need to analyze and evaluate the crucial nexus between poverty and immoral debt. This frame of analysis is important in terms of understanding poverty from the global policy context of economic subjugation made possible by international financial institutions manipulating the global trade and capital flow. To address the problem of poverty and to promote social justice and transformation, we need to see the debilitating economic and political structures that sap the resources of a nation resulting to lopsided budget allocation to the detriment of the poor. This is precisely the reason why debt problem is to be discussed as a moral and ethical issue because of its far-reaching consequences in impacting global poverty. The debt problem is a moral issue because it is very much related to the effort of bringing about justice and equal dignity to the poor. US Catholic Bishops emphasized this point in their pastoral letter, Economic Justice for All: The [debt] crisis, however, goes beyond the system; it affects people. It afflicts and oppresses large numbers of people who are already severely disadvantaged. That is the scandal: it is the poorest people who suffer most . . . Our commitment to the preferential option for the poor does not permit us to remain silent in these

circumstances. B. Debt Problem and its Impacts to Social Services for the Poor In May 11, 2012, in a report from the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), it was claimed that as of the year-end of 2011, the countrys foreign and domestic borrowing was P4.912 trillion, which means that every Filipino owed P51,675P29,989 in domestic debt and P21,686 in foreign debt. Foreign debt, which made up 44.3 percent of the countrys total borrowings, amounted to P2.085 trillion, while domestic debt stood at P2.826 trillion.i In a situationer provided to NASSA by Freedom of Debt Coalition (FDC), partner of the Faith-based Congress Against Immoral Debts (FCAID), disturbing facts on the problem of indebtedness and its impact to reduced budget for social services were presented:ii 30% of the national government budget automatically goes to interest payments of foreign and domestic debts while principal payment, an off-budget item, is also paid. Summing it all up, a total of 40% of government funds and revenues go to debt service. With the approved P1.816 Trillion 2012 National Government budget, only 60% of that, around P785 Billion, shall be left for other government expenses operational, social services and infrastructures. Debt service for interest payments alone for 1986-2012 and for 2001-2012 averaged around 23.47% and 22.04%, respectively, of the total national government (NG) budget. Compare this to the meager education-to-NG budget average of 15.03% and 2.52%, and health-to-NG budget average of 2.52% and 1.88% for the same time spans. As noted in the FDCs paper for NASSA, the obvious impact of prioritizing debt service over essential services (economic and

social services needed by the people) is the governments underspending for the improvement and the delivery of these services to the people. Almost all throughout postEDSA era, 1986-1995 and 19992012, total debt service exceeded spending for both economic services and social services. Supposed additional funds for economic services to spur growth and for investment in the countrys human capital in the form of social services are instead used for debt payment, some of which for questionable loans. In an interview with Manjette Lopez, FDC vice president on March 7, 2012, she specifically pointed out that past and present administrations have prioritized debt servicing over the provision of social services, particularly health, education and housing. Research data attest to the fact that from 1986 to 2011, the average annual spending for health is P15.01 billion; education, P102.87 billion; and, housing, P7.32 billion. However, the average annual debt service, both interest and principal payments, reaches P321.84 billion for the same period. Clearly, compulsory of debt servicing significantly reduced the budget for basic services for the poor: The stark difference in allocations have resulted in high maternal mortality, children not completing education, increasing number of street dwellers, and a wide gap between rich and poor. The policy of automatic debt servicing is indeed highly questionable and should be rectified. In making debt servicing its preferred priority, the government abdicates its moral obligation to provide basic and sufficient services for the welfare and vital needs of its constituencies. This is because its valuable budget is primary allocated for the interest payment to the rich countries. This experience of injustice at a global scale exacerbates poverty and eventually plunges the borrowercountries to grim economic

catastrophe. Aside from depriving the poor of the rightful share for the budget allocation, debt burden is immoral because it condemns people to perpetual dependency and outright mendicancy for loans that becomes necessary bloodlines for survival. Loans are also loaded with conditionalities, like abolition of price control, reduction of tariff, devaluation, tightening of credit and other prescribed adjustments unfavorable to the creditor country. The case of the Philippines was extensively discussed by David Wurfel in his book, Filipino Politics: Development and Decay. C. Immoral Debt and Pastoral Challenge for the Church The biblico-theological foundation of the debt problem had already been extensively discussed, including the moral and ethical perspective by our prominent resource persons. However, what we intend to do in this forum is also to come up with specific recommendations and action agenda for the Church, for us to be able to move forward with a degree of consensus and clearer direction in our advocacy. After all, my Jesuit mentors in LST trained me to always try to relate elements of our Christian faith to the concrete realities of the times. All our theologizing should be geared to actual engagement in life. With Karl Rahner, I believe that ... all theologia mentis cannot be more than an assistance to the theologia cordis et vitae. In trying to address the debt problem, no less than our beloved Pope, Blessed John Paul II,came up with pastoral recommendation. In his apostolic letter, Tertio Millennio Adveniente (no. 51), he tackled the debt issue and proposed a solution: Thus, in the spirit of the Book of Leviticus (25:8-12), Christians will have to raise their voice on behalf of all the poor in the world, proposing the Jubilee as an appropriate time to give thought, among other things, to reducing substantially, if not cancelling

outright, the international debt which seriously threaten the future of many nations. The same admonition was also reiterated in his apostolic exhortation, Ecclesia in Asia, on the same theme: The approach of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 is an opportune time for the Episcopal Conferences of the world, especially of the wealthier nations, to encourage international monetary agencies and banks to explore ways of easing the international debt situation. Among the more obvious are the renegotiation of debts, with either substantial reduction or outright cancellation, as also business ventures and investments to assist the economies of the poorer countries. The Holy Father clearly recommended the reduction if not outright cancellation of debts from the wealthier nations. The rationale for such recommendation is articulated in his encyclical letter, Centesimus annus (no. 35): The principle that debts must be paid is certainly just. However, it is not right to demand or expect payment when the effect would be the imposition of political choices leading to hunger and despair for entire peoples. It cannot be expected that the debts which have been contracted should be paid at the price of unbearable sacrifices; in such cases it is necessary to findas in fact is partly happeningways to lighten, defer or even cancel the debt, compatible with the fundamental right of peoples to subsistence and progress. From the foregoing statements from the Pope, the call of Jubilee 2000 Coalition, to cancel and reduce the debt of many of the developing countries in world, is still timely and appropriate. Moreover, in the Philippine context, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) had already made its position as early as 1990 and underlined the urgency of the problem: We must consider our debt crisis within the context of the ethics of survival. Our countrys economy is in a critical state... We face an emergency situation that demands urgent measures and immediate solution... Our external debt was generated not only by global mechanisms seemingly beyond our control, but also by internal decisions and activities for which persons in our country are responsible.(CBCP Statement on the Foreign Debt Problem, September 19, 1990) Only recently, the newly organized K99 or People Reform Movement joined in the clamor to address debt problem by prioritizing basic public services instead of debt servicing. They also recommended that a comprehensive debt audit be conducted to weed out illegitimate and immoral debts. Further, to concretely make our specific action agenda, we reiterate the call of Church Unity Congress, the faith-based communities had declared in the name of God that: all illegitimate debts are immoral, they must be repudiated, and those responsible must be held accountable. Based on this declaration, as stewards of Gods creation and
Poverty / B7

May They Be One

Help Put a Bible in Every Filipino Home
Members of the MTBO Advisory Committee: Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo DD, Fr. Oscar A. Alunday, Mr. Rod G. Cornejo, Mr. Rene E. Cristobal Sr., Dr. Philip C. Flores, Mr. Dante M. Lanorio, Fr. Antonio B. Navarrete, Fr. Art B. Orense and Mr. Albert S. Tanlimco. Pray that more parishes and schools will join the Handwritten Unity Bible project under MTBO and that the Lord will use this to inspire them to love and regularly read the Word of God. To learn more about how you can be part of the Campaign and make significant change, call us at PBS 526-7777, ECBA 527-9386 or visit www.bible.org.ph and www.ecba-cbcp.com. Donations can be made by making a deposit at any BPI branch to the following bank accounts: PBS-MTBO Account #393-0649-34 (BPI Sta. Mesa Branch). Fax deposit slip to 521-5803 or ECBA-CBCP Account #0251-021376 (BPI-Tayuman Branch) Fax deposit slip to 527-9386. For credit card payments go to PBS website (www.bible.org.ph)

Unchanging Word changed her life

FOR Teresa Bongtiwor, a volunteer Catechist in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines Independence Day of 2012 will always be a memorable day because it was when she received her very own May They Be One (MTBO) Bible. On that day, MTBO Bibles were distributed to participants who attended the Verbum Domini conducted by Auxiliary Bishop of Manila Most Rev. Bishop Broderick Pabillo D.D. and Episcopal Commission for Biblical Apostolate (ECBA) Executive Secretary Dr. Natividad Pagadut. Teresa shares that since receiving her own copy of the Bible, her daily reading of the Word of God has brought positive changes in her character as a wife, mother and volunteer. Teresa adds that her reading of the MTBO Bible has helped strengthen her relationship with the Jesus Christ and cultivated in her the virtues of obedience, respect for elders and honesty. Bible reading and studying have also caused Teresas love to grow not only for her family but also other people. Your Word, O Lord, will last forever; it is eternal in heaven. Happy are those who follow His commands, who obey Him with all their heart. They never do wrong; they walk in the Lords ways. (Psalm 119:89, 2, 3) Teresa is a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Mission Parish led by Rev. Fr. Bento Tamang.
No. of Dioceses participating in the Bible Campaign: 85 out of 86 Dioceses Bibles Distributed (Jan 1, 2012 - July 10, 2012): 120,581 copies Bibles Distributed by Languages - Bicol (1,896 cps.) Cebuano (28,218 cps.) English (15,177 cps.), Hiligaynon (5,349 cps.), Ilocano (5,087 cps.), Pampango (725 cps.), Pangasinan (2,187cps.), Samarenyo (2,814 cps.), Tagalog (59,128 cps.) Parishes/Communities served in 2012: 50 Total Bible Distribution: (Jan 2009 - July 10, 2012): 654,439 cps Target No. of Bibles for Distribution for 2012: 400,000 cps. Total Funds Needed for Printing and Transport of Bibles in 2012: P45M

Bible Campaign

FILE PHOTO

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 15
July 16 - 29, 2012

Statements

B5

Holy See Statement on Episcopal Ordinations in China

(The communique released by the Holy See on July 10, 2012 regarding the episcopal ordination of the Reverend Joseph Yue Fusheng in Harbin and the Reverend Thaddeus Ma Daqin as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Shanghai.)
WITH regard to the episcopal ordination of the Reverend Joseph Yue Fusheng, which took place in Harbin (Province of Heilongjiang) on Friday 6 July 2012, the following is stated: 1) The Reverend Joseph Yue Fusheng, ordained without pontifical mandate and hence illicitly, has automatically incurred the sanctions laid down by canon 1382 of the Code of Canon Law. Consequently, the Holy See does not recognize him as Bishop of the Apostolic Administration of Harbin, and he lacks the authority to govern the priests and the Catholic community in the Province of Heilongjiang. The Reverend Yue Fusheng had been informed some time ago that he could not be approved by the Holy See as an episcopal candidate, and on several occasions he had been asked not to accept episcopal ordination without the pontifical mandate. 2) The Bishops who took part in the illicit episcopal ordination and have exposed themselves to the sanctions laid down by the law of the Church, must give an account to the Holy See of their participation in that religious ceremony. 3) Appreciation is due to those priests, consecrated persons and lay faithful who prayed and fasted for a change of heart in the Reverend Yue Fusheng, for the holiness of the Bishops and for the unity of the Church in China, particularly in the Apostolic Administration of Harbin. 4) All Catholics in China, pastors, priests, consecrated persons, and lay faithful, are called to defend and safeguard that which pertains to the doctrine and tradition of the Church. Even amid the present difficulties, they look to the future with faith, comforted by the certainty that the Church is founded on the rock of Peter and his Successors. 5) The Apostolic See, trusting in the concrete willingness of the Government Authorities of China to dialogue with the Holy See, hopes that the said authorities will not encourage gestures contrary to such dialogue. Chinese Catholics also wish to see practical steps taken in this direction, the first among which is the avoidance of illicit celebrations and episcopal ordinations without pontifical mandate that cause division and bring suffering to the Catholic communities in China and the universal Church. The ordination of the Reverend Thaddeus Ma Daqin as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Shanghai on Saturday 7 July 2012 is encouraging and is to be welcomed. The presence of a bishop who is not in communion with the Holy Father was inappropriate and shows a lack of consideration for a lawful episcopal ordination.

Auxiliary Bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin

Press Statement

Disappeared Fr. Rudy Romano is Found among the People of God who Work for Justice and Peace
(TFUC-AMRSP Statement on the 27th year of Fr. Rudy Romanos abduction on July 11, 1985)
WE, priests, women and men religious, seminarians and laity of the Task Force on Urban Conscientization, Mission Partner of the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (TFUC-AMRSP Cebu), remember Fr. Rudy Romanos unfading example of selflessness and sacrifice, through the commitment to continue his work of love, justice and peace. F r. R u d y R o m a n o , C S s R , o b e y e d t h e g re a t e s t commandments of loving God and loving the least of our brothers and sisters. He lived the exhortation of the Vatican II, The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties especially of those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ. Tw e n t y - s e v e n y e a r s s i n c e F r. R u d y R o m a n o s disappearance, we have witnessed a renewed vigor in the local Church of the Archdiocese of Cebu, led by the Cebu Archbishop Most Rev. Jose S. Palma, in journeying with the poor, to be with them in their hopes, dreams, griefs and anxieties. Last February 14, 2012, Archbishop Palma formed the Archdiocesan Discernment Group (ADG) composed of priests, religious, seminarians and laity to help him address the cry for help from the marginalized sectors such as the urban poor, fisherfolks, farmers, labor and others. Nearly 3 decades ago, Fr. Rudy linked arms with the urban poor to stop the demolition of urban poor homes in Barangay Luz; and today, we witness the Cebu church people, praying and discerning with all sectors concerned to seek for a humane resolution to the dispute of land acquisition affecting more than 30 households in Sitios Lubi, Nangka and Mabuhay in Barrio Luz, Cebu City. F r. R u d y h e l p e d o r g a n i z e t h e f a r m e r s a n d fi s herfo l k s; an d to d a y, pr i e s t s , n u n s a n d l a y pe op l e journey wi th al l sec t o r s t o a d d re s s t h e i s s u e of the Cord o v a Rec l ama t i o n P ro j e c t wh i c h a ff e c t s t h e livelihood o f fi sh erfol ks . Fr. Rudy was with the workers in the efforts to form genuine labor unions; and a year ago, we have seen how Cebu church people overwhelmingly participated in the conference of church people and workers seeking to reclaim the dignity of human work. Fr. Rudys sacrifice was not in vain. As martyred Archbishop Oscar Romero said, prophets plant the seeds that one day will grow... Today, we find the disappeared Fr. Rudy, in the people of God who collectively work and sacrifice so that Gods Kingdom of love, justice, and peace will be realized. In Christ the Redeemer, FR. CRIS MOSTAJO, CSSR Cebu Chair TASK FORCE ON URBAN CONSCIENTIZATION A Mission Partner of the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (TFUC-AMRSP Cebu) July 9, 2012

A call for the passage of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB)

MINING or extractive industry, more often than not, as experienced in the Philippines, can be destructive to communities and the environment. The scale of mining operation normally involves large tracks of land, mostly located in the environmentally f r a g i l e f o re s t - e c o s y s t e m s . With the governments policy direction of liberalizing the mining industry, applications of the transnational corporations came pouring in, targeting m i n e r a l r i ch a re a m os t l y located in the mountainous part of the country inhabited by the indigenous communities. Even the agricultural, tourism, biodiversity, and watershed areas are not spared. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines took the position that the promised economic benefits of mining by these transnational corporations are outweighed by the dislocation of communities especially among our indigenous brothers and sisters, the risks to health and livelihood and massive environmental damage. (CBCP, A Statement on Mining Issues and Concerns, January 29, 2006). The country faces more and more environmental problems because of the governments liberal policies on extractive operationsThe government m i n i n g p ol i cy i s off e r i n g our lands to foreigners with liberal conditions while our people continue to grow in

poverty. We stated that the adverse social impact on the a ff e c t e d c o m m u n i t i e s f a r outweigh the gains promised by mining Trans-National Corporations (TNCs) (CBCP, A Statement on Mining Issues and Concerns, January 29, 2006). The Mining Act of 1995, which lays down the policy for the governments nearfanatical campaign to attract foreign investors to invest in mining distorts the goal of genuine development. By single-mindedly pursuing the entry of foreign investments, it failed to weigh the greater consideration in the equation - the human and ecosystems well-being, the human rights of the indigenous peoples and the local communities, food security, local autonomy and the ecological integrity of our country. Together with experts and other civil society organizations, the Church recognized that the flaw is in the government policy framework which regards the natural resources as something to be exploited unlimitedly rather than a crucial reserve to be sustained and protected in order to sustain the ecological balance and sustainability for all. As in its previous pastoral statement, we appeal to change the governments mining policy and we reiterate the call for the repeal of Mining Act of 1995 on the premise that: the Mining

Act destroys life. The right to life of people is inseparable from their right to sources of food and livelihood. Allowing the interests of big mining corporations to prevail over peoples right to these sources amounts to violating their right to life. Furthermore, mining threatens peoples health and environmental safety through the wanton dumping of waste and tailings in rivers and seas (CBCP, A Statement on Mining Issues and Concerns, January 29, 2006). The Church, together with the civil society advocates and mining affected communities, call for the repeal of the Mining Act of 1995 and the enactment of an alternative law on mining and environment protection. We see the need to go beyond the micro-policy initiatives and to recommend for a promulgation of national law that prioritizes ecological protection and promotes environmental justice, principles of stewardship and of the common good. The Church supports the call for the passage of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB), which offers a far more sustainable approach to utilization and protection of our countrys natural resources. Recognizing, however, the long duration of legislative procedures, the Church joins the local communities and the civil society in calling for a mining moratorium to put a stop to the destructive plunder of our

natural resources by the mining corporations. The large-scale mining operations, under the guise of development promise to bring the much needed foreign investment to the detriment of the environment and the welfare of our people. We believe that environment should never be sacrificed that an economy respectful of the environment will not have the maximization of profit as its only objective, because e n v i ro n m e n t a l p ro t e c t i o n cannot be assured solely on the basis of financial calculations . . . The environment is one of those goods that cannot be adequately safeguarded or promoted by market forces.(John Paul II, Encyclical Letter CentesimusAnnus, 40: AAS 83 (1991), 843). We pursue our advocacy for a sustainable ecology because it is part of our Christian responsibility. With the late Pope John Paul II, we believe that Christians, in particular, realize that their responsibility within creation and their duty towards nature and the Creator are an essential part of their faith (The Ecological Crisis No. 15, Message of His Holiness Pope John Paul II for the celebration of the World Day of Peace). SIgNED By BISHOP BRODERICk PABIllO AND 71 OTHER BISHOPS July 9, 2012

FILE PHOTO

www.asianews.it

B6

Ref lections

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 15
July 16 - 29, 2012

Failures in shepherding and true leadership

An exegetical reflection on the Gospel of the 16th Sunday of Year B (Mark 6:30-34) July 22, 2012
be almost certain that, among others, it comes from shepherds who separated themselves from God, and who, for that very reason, failed in the task of leading and guiding the people. Thus, King Zedekiah separated himself from God by not governing the people with wisdom and (economic and political) justice; so they were scattered and exiled to Babylon (Jer 23:2). This recalls Gods word to Ezekiel in the parable of the shepherd: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who have been pasturing themselves! You have fed off their milk, worn their wool, and slaughtered the fatlings, but the sheep you have not pastured You did not bring back the strayed nor seek the lost, but you lorded it over them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and became food for all the wild beasts (Ezek 34:3-6). In separating themselves from God, leaders then make a god out of themselves, and become attached to whatever pertain to their selvesgreed, power, aggrandizement, privileges. All their manifestations of love for people are merely for show; their obverse is
Failures / B7

By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD

SOON after the Second World War, we saw the emergence of various forms of division. The partition of Berlin into East and West was a microcosm of the political division between Socialism and Capitalism. The fantastic wealth of the First World countries is morally difficult to reconcile with the poverty of the Third World, and the economic gulf between them is wider than ever. In the Bible, sin is described in various ways, and one of the common descriptions is that it is a separation of man from God and of man from his fellowmen. But if men have become divided, it is because they separated themselves from God. The story of the Tower of Babel demonstrates how the sin of pride can result in the almost infinite divisions of men and women and the scattering of humanity (Gen 11:9) What causes the division and scattering of women and men? Various are the factors, but even to date, one who looks at the problem theologically can

At the service of all, in loves name

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time; July 22, 2012
the hungry hearts. The Good Shepherd promised by God through the prophet Jeremiah had finally arrived! (See todays First Reading.) Jesus response to the crowds who had been looking for him was an eloquent lesson for his apostles. In time, they, too, would often be confronted with similar situations, and would be challenged to respond as Jesus did. It is an eloquent lesson also for all the shepherds of the Church in all times and places. They have been ordained to serve the flock of Christ and minister to the needs of all. It is an example for all of us, too, no matter what position we hold in the Church: whether we are leaders or plain Christians. The thirst for Gods Word in these days is so great in so many millions of people that no believer can afford to think: This is not my responsibility! Church leaders may be tempted to think and say: I have already done enough! Now I have the right to rest! Taking rest and food are surely fundamental needs. Satisfying them is a necessity and a condition for us to remain alert and efficient in our apostolic commitment. Yet, Jesus example

By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB

JESUS and the handful of his group of special disciples were on the brink of exhaustion. They had been on the go for weeks, trying to cope with an ever increasing demand from the people: preaching, healing diseases of every kind, casting out demons . . . (See Mk 6:12f.) They couldnt even eat in peace! (See Mk 6:31.) They needed a break badly. And Jesus decided to take it together with his newly graduated apostles. Crossing over to the other

shore of the lake seemed the most natural solution. Mooring in an unfrequented spot would have given them some breathing spell. But the crowds can be quite merciless, sometimes, even without meaning it. Jesus had not yet reached the supposedly deserted place, and hundreds (possibly thousands) were already there, anxiously waiting for him, like a flock without a shepherd. (See Mk 6:34.) The exhausted Jesus had no hesitation: he cancelled the break (at least for himself), and immediately resumed dispensing the Word of God to

reminds us that these should never be seen as inviolable rights which we defend at all costs and against anybody. Real love knows only one right: to spend all its energies for the sake of others. It is not just a matter of spending ones time in preaching or in other classical forms of apostolate. Rather, it is a matter of making oneself totally available to respond to the needs of others. Parents who spend a sleepless night watching anxiously over their sick child . . . a doctor who moves tirelessly from one patient to another, heeding the call of duty and choosing to disregard

the call of his watch . . . the priest who, on a late Sunday night, falls on his hard bed almost in exhaustion, after fourteen hours of unremitting apostolic activity . . . these are all splendid examples of dedication to the service of others, dedication to the call of love. Such a behavior will seldom get Press or TV coverage. And yet, this is what keeps the world alive. God delights in it. All these acts of selflessness (and similar ones) are reminders and actualizations of the example of the merciful Christ who did not please himself (Rom 15:3), but gave his life for us all.

The challenge to care and share

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time; July 22, 2012
By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB
IT was springtime around the Lake of Gennesareth and in the hearts of the people who followed Jesus. His presence, his words, the miracles he had been performing had aroused in them a joyful expectation never experienced before. But the vast crowds that kept following Jesus because of the signs he had been performing (see Jn 6:2) could become a heavy burden if, by meal time, there was no food at hand, nor money to buy it. The suggestion of the Twelve to dismiss them (see Mt 14:15.) is not particularly impressive, thoughunder the circumstances it could also be seen as prudent and rational. But Jesus plan was different. His perception of the whole situation was different. And in a short while, the disciples found themselves involved in a prodigal distribution of food which left everybody astonished and filled with enthusiasm. The similar miracle performed by Elisha (see First Reading) is a far cry from what these five thousand men not counting the women and children (see Mt 14:21) experienced by the shore of the Lake of Gennesareth! One of the decisive factors which made that miracle possible was the generosity of the boy who offered the five barley loaves and the two fish his baon for the day. Of course, Jesus did not need such help. Yet, he did accept that simple gift and made it the starting point for an unprecedented miracle. Those five loaves of bread and two fish, generously placed at the disposal of Jesus, made all the difference that day. Mankind has been and is periodically tormented by want and famine. Today, the undernourished and the starving have become a huge multitude of hundreds of millions of human beings! It is a figure that defies all contingency plans and demands immediate solution. The root of this tragedy is not scarcity of resources, but lack of wisdom and generosity, coupled with the greed and callousness of a clique of super rich sharks. It is not so much a problem of production, as a problem of distribution and solidarity. It is especially a problem of moral sensitivity. More than a problem of multiplication, it is a problem of divisionthe problem of being unwilling to share. Too many affluent nations, which spend huge amounts in weapons, give the crumbs, rather than the full loaves to famished people. What the world needs today is to remember that the fruits of Gods blessings are for all. We Christians have a special responsibility in reminding mankind about this truth, and especially in putting it into practice. We are to consider ourselves the descendants of the selfless boy who put his baon at the disposal of Jesus. We are challenged to imitate him. If we do imitate him, then miracles will happen everywhere, every day. Human life will become a perennial miracle of brotherly generosity, with Jesus in the center, multiplying to infinity the wonderful riches of hearts open to sharing.

Bo Sanchez

Soulfood

www.discipulados.com

Bishop Pat Alo

Are you a friend of sinners?

I REMEMBER Anna telling me this story. Anna said that the moment she joined Light of Jesus (my community), she stopped having lunch with her regular lunch-mates, because they werent spiritually renewed. She ate instead with another officemate who was a member of Couples for Christ. Anna said she lost interest in her usual lunch-mates because their discussion was worldly. But with her new spiritual friend, they only talked about God. They spoke the same language. They quoted the same verses. They shared the same stories. But after one year, she felt like God hit her on the head. She heard God tell her, Go back to your former friends. Love them. Anna realized she made a mistake. So she went with her former lunch-mates again. And they told her, We felt hurt that you suddenly left us. That we were not holy enough for you. She asked for forgiveness. And they welcomed her back. Today, Anna is able to bring Gods Love to her friends. And some of them are now attending the Feast, our weekly gathering. Annoyance or Acceptance? Let me tell you a sad fact: According to surveys, the longer a person attends church, the more he isolates himself from the unchurched. Christians like Anna stop attending civic organization. She stops hanging out with her officemates. She stops joining the homeowners meetings. She stops attending PTA meetings. Instead, she meets only p e o p l e f ro m h e r c h u rc h . Because she gets annoyed at non-Christian behavior. ( Examples? I dont like their green jokes. I cant stand their cursing. They believe in New Age stuff. My old friends smoke. I cant stand secondhand smoke. Daniel and his three friends were thrown in a burning furnace because of their faith, and were afraid of secondhand smoke?) S u d d e n l y, t h e p r o o f of spiritual growth is annoyance. How annoyed a re y o u a t n o n - C h r i s t i a n behavior? The more annoyed you are, the more spiritual you must be. But this is nuts. Jesus ate with prostitutes, tax-collectors, and drunkards. You can be sure there was a lot more than cursing and green jokes when they gathered. But Jesus made them his friends. Thats why religious people called him a friend of sinners (Luke 7:34). He ate in the house of Zaccheus, the chief tax collector. He allowed a prostitute to wash and anoint his feet. The proof that youre s p i r i t u a l l y g ro w i n g i s n t annoyance but acceptance. Heres the real proof that youre spiritually growing: If you accept sinners. If youre non-judgmental to sinners. If youre friends of sinners. Just like Jesus. My Wonderful Friends Today Today, I enjoy friends who are unchurched. Today, I regularly meet with people who would never enter a Church. I have a woman friend whos never been to Sunday Mass for decades. Two of my friends are lesbians. One friend is in an adulterous relationship. And then theres a New Ager whos into the occult. I love them. And I enjoy being with them. I dont condemn them. Because I know that Jesus doesnt condemn them. Guess what: Slowly, because of our friendship, theyre coming closer to God. Oh, its exciting to see that happen! Warning: Obviously, there are situations when you need to be careful. It may not be wise for a recovering alcoholic to spend time with his drinking buddies while theyre drinking. Or a recovering sex addict spending time with prostitutes. Be prudent.

ENCOUNTERS

The powers of hell

IF you go to Rome you can see atop the inside walls of St. Peters Basilica which was constructed by the famous Italian painter-architect-sculptor-poet Michelangelo (1475-1564) the words from Scripture Mt. 16:10 written in Latin: Et Portae Inferi non pravelebunt adversus eam [translated: And the powers (gates) of Hell shall never prevail against my Church]. Throughout history, since the very first century when the Church was founded and even in the years following till our very own times, such words of Jesus have been proven true. In fact even if there have been hundreds of martyrs who were sacrificed and died for the faith, those words of Jesus have proven true. I tell you most solemnly, unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest (Jn. 12:24). That was the experience and surprise of those who wanted the harm and downfall of the Catholic Church, the greater their numbers multiplied. So came another Latin adage: Sanguis martyrum semen est Christianitatis [translated: The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christianity]. This would likewise include the tireless efforts and sacrifices of the followers of Jesus to proclaim and live His teachings of goodness, love, honesty, and justice. God knows all those deepest secrets and motions of our heart and actions. He will reward each one according to his works (Mt. 16:27). The Lord hath said: Vengeance is mine; I will repay (Rom. 12:19; Dt. 32:35).

www.blogdelcatequista.com.ar

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 15
July 16 - 29, 2012

Social Concerns

B7

The brave non-violence of the Subaanen people

By Fr. Shay Cullen
SOME thousands of indigenous people all over the Philippines, especially in Mindanao, particularly the Subaanen people on the Zamboanga Peninsula have struggled for years to stop mining corporations from moving in to explore and mine the mountains and hills. They are victims of corrupt government officials and even judges who are captivated by the vested interests of the mining industry. Some Indigenous people are sadly being forced to turn to armed resistance as the mining corporations move into their lands. The Subaanen people have remained steadfastly nonviolent and turned to the rule of law and trust in the constitution to protect them and their rights. But is it enough? Hundreds of thousands of hectares of ancestral land has been threatened by the illegal and corrupt acts of some officials of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Allegedly some of these officials are not on the side of the people in Mindanao but are for the rich and powerful mining interests and the banks that fund them. They allegedly enrich themselves by giving mining
Vestments / B2

permits to companies over ancestral lands which is forbidden by law. It is at this level in the provinces where the anti-corruption campaign of President Aquino is weakest. He has deposed a former president and a chief Justice but not yet the corrupt officials in Mindanao. While the president is dedicated and honestly trying to clean up the stinking garbage of corruption he cannot seemingly oust these entrenched officials, the henchmen and women of powerful political families. They do not have allegiance to their department cabinet secretary or the president. In fact they are the ones who defy the president and are the hardest to get rid off. The presidents political allies could be behind the corrupt practices that is opening the way for the illegal logging and issuance of mining permits. They are pushing the president to override the provincial governments bans on open pit mining. He must resist this pressure. Mining companies that get a permit to explore and mine also get a logging permit for the cutting the trees in the area alloted to them for mining. This is totally destructive and is a way around the presidential ban on logging which goes on unabated. Just drive through Mindanao
Pedro / B3

and you will pass 20 or 30 huge trucks hauling cut logs. I have seen them myself. For many years the Subaanen people and their supporters have stood peacefully for their rights courageously and bravely to stop the local dynastic families and their cronies in the

international mining industry from mining their ancestral lands. The Subaanen have been non-violent and trusted the democratic rule of law to save them. Their breakthrough came in August 2011 when the Supreme Court of the Philippines granted

a Writ of Kalikasan (A protection of nature) to the people to protect the environment of the whole of the Zamboanga Peninsula. A Writ of Kalikasan is a powerful legal remedy under Philippine law which provides for the protection of ones right to a balanced and healthful ecology

in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature, as provided for in Section 16, Article II of the Philippine Constitution. It protects ones right for a healthy environment against damage of such magnitude that it threatens life, health, or property of inhabitants in two or more cities or provinces. But the government officials are ignoring the Supreme Court order. Bishop Zacharias Jimenez and three other bishops and an archbishop signed a letter sent to the London based shareholders of the mining company RTZCRA trying to get the officials to stop the mining and logging. In part, the letter said, Since the company has the right to expatriate all the profits, you, the shareholders, will probably earn some money. However, many of our people who own the lands where all the minerals are will become paupers. Our rivers and seas will become polluted, our mountains will become deserts and our ricelands poisoned. Our forest birds and animals will become extinct. The very existence of the Subaanen, a gentle and beautiful people will be put at very high risk. This must not happen, we must do all we can to see the rule of law prevails and justice is done and corrupt officials are ousted and permits cancelled.

e) Besides the color violet, the colors white or black may be used at funeral services and at other Offices and Masses for the Dead in the Dioceses of the United States of America. f) The color rose may be used, where it is the practice, on Gaudete Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent) and on Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent). g) On more solemn days, festive, t h a t i s , m o re p re c i o u s , s a c re d vestments may be used even if not of the color of the day. h) The colors gold or silver may be worn on more solemn occasions in the Dioceses of the United States of America. 347. Ritual Masses are celebrated in their proper color, in white, or in a festive color; Masses for Various Needs, on the other hand, are celebrated in the color proper to the day or the time of year or in violet if they have a penitential character, for example, nos. 31, 33, or 38; Votive Masses are celebrated in the color suited to the Mass itself or even in the color proper to the day or the time of the year. Redemptionis Sacramentum, No. 127, offers an official interpretation of GIRM 346g: 127. A special faculty is given in the liturgical books for using sacred vestments that are festive or more noble on more solemn occasions, even if they are not of the colour of the day. However, this faculty, which is specifically intended in reference to vestments made many years ago, with a view to preserving the Churchs patrimony, is improperly extended to innovations by which forms and colors are adopted according to the inclination of private individuals, with disregard for traditional practice, while the real sense of this norm is lost to the detriment of the tradition. On the occasion of a feastday, sacred vestments of a gold or silver color can be substituted as appropriate for others of various colors, but not for purple or black.

the Mariana boys choir for the sacred liturgical celebrations in the Mission. The secular assistants were well instructed in order that they might baptize in case of necessity. And so, Pedro Calungsod, like the rest of the lay assistants of the Mariana Mission, may have usually carried on his belt a small gourd full of water in order to baptize babies on the road or who might be found where there was no water. It may have also been the task of Pedro Calungsod to assist the dying and to care for the church of the place where he was assigned. That was not all. Pedro Calungsod mainly had to act as a companion or personal assistant to the Jesuit missionaries, and in particular, to Padre Diego. It is very probable that, due to his exceptional qualities as a helper and as a catechist, Pedro Calungsod was a most trusted assistant of Padre Diego because, as the documents would put it, he was an antiguo companero of the holy priest; that ayudaba [el Padre
Failures / B6

Diego] en su predicacion an that he was Padre Dieogs buen hijo. As an assistant, he had to carry the necessary things for the apostolate: materials for the catechism, biscuits or some bright stones or some other presents to attract the children to the catechism sessions or with which to reward then, a gourd of water for baptism, Holy Oils, a small bottle of ink, pen and some paper for baptismal certificates, and the things for the celebration of the Holy Mass. Besides serving the Holy Mass, he also had to lead the people in assisting the celebration properly. Many of the lay assistants may have vied to be personal companion of such a holy person as Padre Diego. But accompanying Padre Diego was not an easy task. Padre Diego was very near sighted, and as the roads were for most part rough and tortuous, in order not to get lost, but to remain on the trails used by the Padres, he tied a cord to his belt and had one of his companions go ahead, leading him by the cord. And if he had to

climb a steep hill, which often happens in the Marianas, the companion would go up first and Padre Diego would follow, being guided by the knotted cord, very often in grave danger of falling off a cliff or even into the sea. Visiting the islands with Padre Diego was also difficult. One time, he and his companion arrived late at night on a proa and were unable to go ashore because of the dangerous reefs and high sea, and were thus compelled to pass an unpleasant and dangerous night at sea. The dangers of the sea were no less formidable than those of the land especially when it was not the best season for navigation in those islands, the sea being rough, the roughest in all the south [of Guam], and hard sailing even for the large vessels as the galleon Concepcion had learned when it paid for its temerity by being wrecked. The proas of the islanders, even for a smooth sea, are dangerous and look more like things cast up from a shipwreck than any kind of craft in

which to sail. They are made of one or two boards, tied together with cords, with no shelter from rain or sun, in which the poor sailor goes as if he were clinging to a log, says companion of Padre Diego, and one cannot move from one place to another, but must sit, soaked continually by sea water and often also by rain, which at this season is frequent or continuous. The greatest happiness that one may dare to hope for, not being a fish, like these natives, is to escape with his life, for death is always before him, the imminence of it not permitting him to eat or sleep, and when dire necessity makes him take some sustenance, the fare is nothing more that a few roots, which together with seasickness, serve more to alter the condition of the stomach than to succor his needs. In this type of boat, with continuous risk, or in other words, risking death, Padre Diego sailed, with only two companions, who felt safe when they were in his company. (To be continued)

the Kings greed. But Gods will is not division; rather, it is atonementthat is to say, at-onement: to bring people in union with Gold and with men. Thus the prophecy of Jer 23:4: myself will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands to which I have driven them and bring them back to the meadow; there they shall increase and multiply. I will appoint shepherds for them who will shepherd them so that they need no longer fear and tremble, and none shall be missing. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus. In the gospel today, Jesus took pity on the people and, unlike Zedekiah, took the role of a shepherd. How is it fulfilled? In the gospel, Jesus feed them with the word. According to the 2nd Reading, he removed the barrier of hostility (the Law) that kept people apart, and reconciled them into one body through the cross, his death (Eph 2:15-16). In other words, Jesus not only took care of his people, but he also died for them so that they could become one people

of God. Today, there is still much division; indeed, it has even multiplied. The political division between Capitalism and Socialism continues, despite the fall of the Russian Empire and the death of Mao Tse-Tung. The economic gulf between the Wealthy and Powerful Countries and the Poor and Weakbut euphemistically described as DevelopingCountries remains unbridgeable. The cultural rift between the Colored and the White continues to baffle us, despite the recognition that all are equal, since others still feel they are more equal than others. And quarrels of religions have not stopped, for all the inter-religious dialogue and ecumenism. These aside, we have to add the division in our own country, in our homes, and among friends. Even so, as followers of Christ, we are called to assume the role of shepherds. By our word and life, and more so by our death, we have the vocation to do our human part in the reconciliation of man with

God, which is the reconciliation between individuals, families, and countries. God has called us to be instruments of reconciliation. The will of God, as already noted, is unity. As shepherds, it is incumbent upon us to abolish what keep us apart. This exhortation is specially addressed to Christian leaders. There is always much temptation for leaders to give priority to their own position and power rather than to service. Both position and power corrupt them. And the higher the position and the enormous the power, the bigger the opportunities to be corrupt. Sometimes, they become blind to the needs of the people and to the truth; greed, aggrandizement, power and privileges make them blind. Not surprisingly, some are interested in giving rewards to flatterers, sycophants, and admirers, and they knock down those who disagree with themthat is to say, those who tell the truth. They are tempted to give importance to their own pockets, rather than the welfare of
Poverty / B4

the people. And so, the consequences are clearly recognizable: we do not progress as much as we have to, we are back to square one, and remain a divided country. But Christian leaders have to make a difference. They can set examples of shepherding and even offer themselves for crucifixion. Indeed, Christian leaders embrace death, if not literally, surely figuratively - death to power, greed, self-aggrandizement, corruption, and lying to and fooling people; in other words, selfishness. Without this death, people will remain divided, and cannot be saved from their sordid lot. Christ left us that example. Though he was rich, because his is the universe, yet he came to us as a poor shepherd. He rejected power, and made it clear that greed is the root of evil; he owned nothing, not even a house, and freed himself from anything that corrupts the mind and soul. He told the truth, and was so selfless that he even accepted death so we can all have life in him.

www.preda.org

CBCPMonitor
SUBSCRIPTION RATES

Name _________________________________________________
(Family Name) (Given Name)

(Middle Name)

The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP Media Office, with editorial and business offices at 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila. PO Box 3601, 1076 MCPO Domestic 1 Year Php 500.00 2 Years Php 900.00 Foreign: Asia 1 Year US$ 55.00 All Other US$ 80.00

Mailing Address _______________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Phone No.: ________ Fax No.: ________ E-mail: ___________ Mode of Payment Check/PMO enclosed Cash Payment
(Payable to: CBCP Communications Development Foundation Inc.)

_____________________________ Signature
PLEASE SEND TO: CBCP Monitor, P.O. Box 3601, Manila, Philippines 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, Philippines | Tel (632) 404-2182 Telefax (632) 404-1612 Or e-mail this at cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.com

disciples of Jesus, we Christians must walk our faith and free ourselves and our nation from debt burden by supporting the following: All debt cases and loan-financed projects found to be illegitimate (fraudulent, behest, onerous) must be re-negotiated or repudiated, with appropriate sanctions to be applied against erring parties, whether government or private entities. Create a Congressional Debt Audit Commission, which will regularly: a) Investigate all public sector debts and contingent liabilities; and b) Review and rationalize all laws pertaining and/or concerning public debt, borrowings, payments and contingent liabilities with the end view of restoring the Congressional power of the purse, and promoting transparency and accountability. And through Congress, repeal the Automatic Appropriations on

Debt Servicing, contained in the Sec. 31 (B) of Presidential Decree 1177 in Sec. 26 (B), Book 6 of the Revised Admin Code of 1987. If Yahweh your God blesses you as He has promised, you will be creditors to many nations but debtors to none; you will rule over many nations, and be ruled by none. (Deuteronomy 15:6) (The author is the executive secretary of the CBCP-NASSA. He presented this paper at the Biblico-Theological Forum on Debt held at Loyola House of Theology on July 10, 2012.)
Footnotes:
i http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/ news/top-stories/22631-p49t-nationaldebt-each-pinoy-owes-p51675 ii NASSA, Alay Kapwa Lenten Reflection Guide, April 2011

http://fdc.ph/index.php?option=com_ content&view=article&id=589:gro up-marches-to-mendiola-urges-aquino-to-honor-governments-socialdebt-to-women&catid=34:debtcampaign&Itemid=88

B8
Moral Assessment

Entertainment
Technical Assessment

CBCP Monitor

Vol. 16 No. 15
July 16 - 29, 2012

Abhorrent Disturbing Acceptable Wholesome Exemplary

Poor Below average Average Above average Excellent

Buhay Parokya

PETER Parker (Andrew G a r f i e l d ) i s a n a w k w a rd ostracized student at Midtown Science High School who still feels the pain of being abandoned by his parents when he was a little boy. Constantly bullied and ignored, he finds solace in the attempts of friendship by his classmate Gwen Stacey (Emma Stone) and the loving care of his surrogate parents Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field). He attempts to find the truth about his past when he discovers a briefcase his father left behind. The search leads him to Oscorp Industries where his father used to work with Dr. Curtis Connors (Ryan Ifans). As he tries to piece together clues he found with the present work of Dr. Connors, he is accidentally bitten by a spider which instantly gives him strength, reflexes and agility. Peter frequents Dr. Connors to learn more about his transformation and his father. Unfortunately, his obsession coupled with hormones, identity crisis and teenage angst constantly leaves him at odds with Uncle Ben. In one of their arguments, Uncle Ben is shot by a mugger who Peter has allowed to escape. In his guilt, he uses his superpowers to hunt down the killer and take it upon himself to rid New York of criminals as a mask vigilante called Spiderman. Capt. Stacey sees otherwise and gives a standing order to the NYPD to arrest him. But when Dr. Connors transforms into a rampaging giant Lizard, Spiderman learns the true meaning of doing good and Capt. Stacey understands what Spiderman really stands for. The Amazing Spiderman is not another version of the original Raime-Macguire trilogy but a movie version with more maturity, deeper humanity and bigger beating heart that brought the film a certain reality lacking in previous versions. The casting and their corresponding performances are exceptional.

Garfields take on Parker s coming of age awkwardness and angst is vivid and genuine. The chemistry between Peter and Gwen is engaging, to say the least. As a narrative, there are a few loopholes that could have been tighter but these came so few and far between that audience can easily ignore for the power of the intimate non-Hollywood moments director Marc Webb chose. Another element that could not be ignored is the precise and inspired scoring of James Horner which punct uates the drama and action of the film. These, together with the astonishing CGIs and 3D effects, make for a spectacular movie. It was not a surprise that on opening day the theatre resounded with a p p ro v i n g a p p l a u s e f ro m satisfied and moved viewers as the end credits rolled. As the original Spider films immortalized words with great power comes great responsibility stuck to our minds, this version tells us two more things. That everyone has the moral responsibilitynot choice to do what is good. This need not be a bloody heroism or an exploit witnessed by many but just everyday acts of kindness including remembering to do a simple chore for someone in need. Ones moral obligation to do good means not consenting to or keeping quiet in the face of a crime. It will have its repercussions later on. Peter ignored the mugger when he easily could have stopped or helped the store owner. In the end, the mugger killed his Uncle. Although Peter/ Spiderman tried to make up by being a vigilante, it did him and the people around him no good until his reasons for helping came from a desire to do what is right instead of trying to give a bad person what he deserves. This brings us to the second lesson. Revenge is different from justice and helping a person in need. When Peter humiliated Flash although we would all agree he had

Title: Amazing Spiderman Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Sally Field, Martin Sheen, Denis Leary Direction: Marc Webb Story: James Vanderbilt Based on Stan Lee and Steve Ditco Screenplay: James Vanderbuilt, Alvin Sargent, Steve Kloves Cinematography: JohnSchwartzman Editing: Allan Edward Bell, Pietro Scalia Music: James Horner Producers: Avi Arad, Laura Zisin, Matt Tolmach Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Drama Running Time: 136 minutes Location: New York, USA Distributor: Columbia Pictures Technical Assessment:

Moral Assessment: CINEMA Rating: V14 (For viewers aged 14 and above)

it coming, Uncle Ben was quick to point out that Peter s actions did not really make him feel a better man. Capt. Stacey reiterated that a man who wears a mask and lurks in the shadows is not the same as a man who wears a badge and keeps law and order. Overall, The Amazing Spiderman is great movie, one that viewers will remember and talk about and use as reference in the next years. However, violence and destruction and some themes make it unsuitable for the very young audiences.

MAC en COLET

Ni Bladimer Usi

look for the image of Blessed Pedro Calungsod, Holy water font and Chalice. (Illustration by Bladimer Usi)

Title: Ice Age: Continental Drift

AS he has been known to do before, the manic saber-toothed squirrel Scrat (voice of Chris Wedge) steals the show in Ice Age: Continental Drift (Fox). Other comic elements in this modestly entertaining 3-D animated sequel, co-directed by Steve Martino and Michael Thurmeier, are beginning to feel worn. But lessons in loyal friendship and family solidarity are more durable. And the only red flags for parents are raised by plot developments that might frighten the most sensitive and some fleeting potty humor. When Scrats obsessive pursuit of his ever-elusive acorn accidentally causes the natural phenomenon of the title, setting the once-united continents asunder, Earths newfound divisions separate good-hearted mammoth Manny (voice of Ray Romano) from his levelheaded wife, Ellie (voice of Queen Latifah), and their teenage daughter, Peaches (voiced by Keke Palmer). This forced family breakup comes at a bad time: Overprotective Manny and headstrong Peaches have been quarreling over her aspirations to hang out with the local in-crowd led by mammoth heartthrob Ethan (voice of rapper Drake), whom shes trying to woo. Peaches membership in Ethans clique also spells trouble for her longstanding friendship with mole hog Louis (voiced by Josh Gad) since her snobbish new pals regard him as insufficiently cool. Determined to reunite his clan, Manny is aided by his two closest amigos, sloth Sid (voice of John Leguizamo) and tiger Diego (voice of Denis Leary). But his efforts are temporarily stymied when the trio is taken prisoner by a band of pirates led by bellicose orangutan Captain Gutt (voice of Peter Dinklage). Accompanying them into captivity is Sids eccentric Granny (voiced by Wanda Sykes), whose other relatives have dumped her in Sids keeping -- much as they previously abandoned Sid himself. Happily for her companions, though, Granny is not quite as dotty as she first seems. The shortcomings of this pleasant but uninspired fourth installment of the popular franchise are only emphasized by its being shown in conjunction with The Longest Daycare, a brilliant short featuring characters from televisions longrunning comedy, The Simpsons. Looking at the upside, though, the single sight gag of Marge Simpson dropping her little daughter Maggie off at the Ayn Rand School for Tots is probably worth the whole price of admission. The film contains mild menace and a bit of scatological humor. The Catholic News Service classification is A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. (John Mulderig /CNS)

Vol. 16 No. 15
July 16 - 29, 2012

CBCP Monitor

C1

The News Supplement of Couples for Christ

CFC Ablaze at 31!

Strengthening the Foundation: Work with the Poor Congress

By CFC Docu Team
and, we shall pursue Total Christian Liberation through social justice, respect for life, and work with the poor. SO goes the last part of the Mission of Couples for Christ, and an apt rallying statement during the Church of the Poor Congress held last June 28, 2012 at One Esplanade, Pasay City. Melo Villaroman Jr., CFC Director of the Church of the Poor, emphasized this in the first session titled CFCs Mission: Church of the Poor - Path to Holiness, Evangelization and Social Action. In the second talk, Joe Tale spoke about how building the Church of the Poor must be aligned with the social teachings of the Catholic Church. Tale cited 10 principles that the community must adhere to so that CFCs work might be aligned with the Churchs mission and social doctrine: the dignity of the

By the CFC Docu Team

Couples for Christs 31st anniversary theme was Ablaze! And indeed the celebration was exactly that. The sea of people who trooped to the Quirino Grandstand on June 30 seemed to be on fire, with their red anniversary T-shirts dominating the vast venue. The red T-shirts symbolize the passion that each and every CFC member has for the mission that God has entrusted to them. The crowd started to arrive as early as 10 AM, eager to participate in the games and other activities happening at the venue, including a demonstration on CPR. The grand extravaganza at the Quirino Grandstand, the scene of many anniversary celebrations in the past years, capped the week-long celebration of 31 years of evangelization, mission and bountiful graces. The Family Ministries Congress on the

morning of June 26 started off the week while the International Mission Congress was held on the night of the same day. On June 27, the Elders Assembly held a recollection, prior to the election of three International Council members who joined the six incumbent IC members. The Work with the Poor Congress was held on June 28, followed by the CFC Global Leaders Conference on the morning of the following day. The Anniversary Fellowship Night was held in the evening of June 29, a fitting end to the conferences, discussions, and workshops of the week. (See related stories on the conferences.) Prior to the grand parade at the Grandstand, the crowd was treated to performances by CFC talents and guests, including musician RJ Jimenez and Miss Earth Philippines 2011 Athena Imperial, a proud supporter of ANCOP Global Walk. The grand parade started at 4 PM, with

the members of the different Metro Manila sectors, provinces and countries proudly marching past the main stage. Mob dancers from the MM sectors who, in the weeks prior to the anniversary, had performed to surprised crowds at the metropolis malls and public places, as a gateway evangelization strategy, performed as their sectors passed the stage, in sync with the video of their mall performances. The climax of the celebration was the Holy Eucharist, presided by Bishop Jesse Mercado of the diocese of Paranaque, Muntinlupa and Las Pinas. He was joined in the celebration by Bishop Julian Porteous of Sydney, Australia, some priests from China and a dozen other priests from the provinces. Despite the pouring rain, the people stayed, creating a sea of umbrellas. This truly proved that even after 31 years, CFC is still on fire for the mission.

An evening of Baroque and Romantic Music for Cornerstone

By Alma M. Alvarez
PIANIST extraordinaire Abelardo Galang II, Ph.D., entertained guests on the evening of July 14, 2012 in a night of baroque and romantic music at the Singson Hall of the Ateneo de Manila University. The concert was staged for the benefit of Cornerstone, one of the programs under Couples for Christ's thrust of building the Church of the Poor. Dr. Galang, a soloist, chamber artist and Lied accompanist who is based in Germany, shares the vision of Cornerstone and agreed to the pro bono performance in order to help raise funds for the benefit of the program. Prior to the show in Manila, Gr. Galang performed in September 2002, during the soft launching of ANCOP Deutschland at the St. Hedwigs Cathedral in Berlin, Germany. On April 26, 2003, he performed at the formal launching of ANCOP Deutschland, in Bad Homburg, Germany with the theme A Time to BuildZeit zu Bauen. On Octo-

ber 10, 2008, Dr. Galang was once again invited by CFC Japan for Japans Build Program in Tokyo, Japan with the theme The Poetry of Chopin and Liszt. The Cornerstone program is a partnership among the following institutions: Couples for Christ, CFC ANCOP-Tekton Foundation Inc., Ateneo de Manila-ACED, and the Department of Education. It aims to provide poor children the opportunities to pursue their dreams via scholarships, tutorial sessions, values formation, leadership skills enhancement, and other interventions. The benefit concert was made possible through the generosity of Yupangco Music Corporation, Inc.-Yupangco Electronic Corporations, Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines, Alfredos Steakhouse, Bayview Hotel, Ilustrado Restaurant, Bellevue Hotel, LJC Group of Concessionaires/Cafe Bistro, Manila Pavilion, Bacolod Inasal, Serye Filipino Cafe and Grills and Sizzles Steakhouse.

human person, association, subsidiarity, participation, common good, universal destination of goods, solidarity, dignity of human work, dignity of creation, and promotion of peace. On the other hand, ANCOP Chairman Joe Yamamoto shared the directions by which the principles may be concretized in his talk titled CFCs On Going Social Action: Our Practical & Compassionate Response. Before the close of the morning session, ANCOP President Eric delos Reyes moderated the question and answer portion and synthesized the highlights of the morning talks. In the afternoon, the participants came back for the Lets Talk About It Infotainment segment where guest broadcasters from DZMM Ahwel Paz, Nina Corpuz and Jasmine Romero hosted three panel discussions on education, livelihood, community development and health. At the end of the Congress, CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca exhorted the participants to actively respond to the call to Holiness, Evangelization and Social Action. The Congress was capped by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, officiated by the Most Reverend Roderick Pabillo, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Manila and head of the CBCP-National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace. In his homily, Bishop Pabillo challenged the participants: As Christians, we are not only concerned. We do things to straighten things out, to get involved, to be good citizens and engage in society according to important principles like human dignity, human rights, the common good, solidarity, subsidiarity, and care for creation. We also need to be vigilant and aggressive in fighting the forces that destroy the family and society.

Three new IC Members elected

CFC Thanks BMH Donors

By BMH Team
BUILD My House was launched in 2010 to raise funds for the acquisition of CFCs new building in Cubao. It raised more than P46 million which enabled CFC to pay for the bulk of the building cost and to make improvements on the building to suit CFCs needs. Build My House Part 2 was launched in May of this year in order to raise funds to fully pay for the building and hopefully to instill in the members the desire to be full partners in the global evangelization work. As part of the campaign, and in gratitude for the generosity of the members, CFC is giving away free trips for two to the Holy Land in November of this year as well as various electronic gadgets. The first draw was held during the anniversary celebration at the Luneta where 10 donors won cellphones and one donor won an Apple iPad. There will be two more thank you draws one in August 30 for one Holy Land pilgrimage and 3 iPads for Household Heads who are eligible for the Draw if all their household members are Brick donors (giving the minimum donation of P100) and another draw in September 15 for the second Holy Land pilgrimage and 5 iPads for Household Heads. Those who wish to contribute to the BMH fund and participate in the thank you draws may get in touch with the Build My House group at bmhcfc@yahoo.com

The IC for 2012-2013 (from left): Melo Villaroman, Jr., Manny Garcia, Joe Tale, Jun Uriarte, Arnel Santos, Mannix Ocampo, Joe Yamamoto, Ricky Cuenca and Nonoy Dalman

Waling Catapang, HOLD MM East A, winner of the Apple iPad, with IC member & Home Office Director Nonoy Dalman

IN keeping with amendments to the CFC bylaws, a new set of three new IC members was elected during the regular annual meeting of the Elders Assembly on June 27 at the One Esplanade in Pasay City. The election was preceded by a recollection given by Fr. Gerry Tapiador. During the Elders Assembly meeting, CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca reported on the accomplishments of the previous year while Finance Director Nonoy Dalman presented a

report on the financial status of CFC. The elected officers will serve for three years, or up to June 30, 2015. They are reelectionists Filemon (Jun) Uriarte and Alromanof (Mannix) Ocampo and new member Arnel Santos. They join the six incumbent IC members, namely: Ricardo (Ricky) Cuenca, Ermelo (Melo) Villaroman, Jr., Jose (Joe) Tale, Emmanuel (Manny) Garcia, Emmanuel (Nonoy) Dalman and Jose (Joe) Yamamoto.

C2
By Ricky Cuenca, CFC Chairman

Ugnayan

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 15
July 16 - 29, 2012

Chairmans Report
A year ago today, we, the members of the CFC International Council accepted our anointing and committed to lead this community forward. During our very first meeting as a council of nine, I was elected Chair and Melo Villaroman was elected Executive Director. Together with IC members Joe Tale, Joe Yamamoto, Rouquel Ponte, Nonoy Dalman, Mannix Ocampo, Manny Garcia and Jun Uriarte, the past year of service has been a team effort and a community engagement. Throughout our oneyear journey, we experienced the Holy Spirit igniting our hearts for ON FIRE evangelization. This Chairmans report is the ICs collective report of our time, talent and treasure given with love for Christ inspired by the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Our experience of CFC leadership is affirmed in Matthew 4 Verse 11: When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness. Together as one body in Christ, we set our three priority thrusts as: 1)Building the church of the HomeOn Fire Evangelization 2) Growing in Holiness - Purposeful Pastoral Care and Formation and 3)Building the Church of the Poor. We added a fourth priority during a meeting with the Board of Elders in July, 2011: 4) Effective Governance and Stewardship, defined as policy development of financial systems, human resource development, communications plan, travel policies and the framing of the CFC ROADMAP. Building the Church of the Home - On Fire Evangelization We have renewed and increased efforts to evangelize in the Philippines and globally in our missions abroad. We refined and redefined our training programs and leadership modules. We intensified our spiritual programs defining our community as Marian and reiterating our oneness with the Catholic Church. We introduced Contemplative Prayer and the Great Adventure Bible studies to our members here and globally. Our evangelization work has taken a new meaning with our Guiding Post as ON Fire! an acronym for: ONE with Christ in our personal holiness and ONE with the Catholic church; NEW generation of leaders FULLNESS of Evangelization, going beyond personal holiness to embrace Family and our work with the poor; INTERNATIONAL, our global calling to renew the face of the earth RELEVANT, reinforcing spiritual formation, evangelization and contributions to major issues and concerns in the Philippines and the world; EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE and STEWARDSHIP by streamlining our administrative and financial processes. Our evangelization work was raised to a higher and expanded level, with multiplier effect on a global stage: We have 4 regional heads in various regions in China supporting burgeoning demands for missionaries. We trained the first batch of 24 Chinese missionaries, Couples, Singles and Youth. This will be followed by 2nd and 3rd batch of missionaries by fall. We conducted the first batch of our Christian Life Program in South Korea. We will strengthen our first batch of 28 members and conduct more CLPs in Seoul and Inchon. Mission teams are now being sent to conduct Pastoral Formation Programs in the Greater Mekong area of Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. In Africa, we are seeing the growth of all-African units led by Africans themselves. We have 15 Filipino fulltime missionaries coming from our mission centers in Canada, the United States, the Middle East and 1 Kenya national living and serving in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. In North America, Canada and the USA we are beginning to experience the growth of Caucasian leaders as in Wheeling, Virginia with 60 Caucasian couples. Our work with the poor is largely funded by North America. In Central and South America, we have re-established our presence in Belize, Columbia and Puerto Rico with ongoing CLPs in 2012. We started a CLP in Ecuador with the recognition of CFC by Bishop Jaramillo of Ecuador. We are reviving India, opened up Mauritius and will start a CLP in Liberia in September. Growing in Holiness - Purposeful Pastoral Care and Formation We have strengthened our Family Ministries and intensified training for the youth. We have begun the first of 200 young mission teams to Philippine provinces and abroad. Senior couple members of our Family Ministries are servicing not just the regular ministry members but also domestic helpers, OFW migrant workers. CFC conducted pre-departure orientation/spiritual values for 77,200 OFWs with DOLE and POEA. We have strengthened our formation and training for couple leaders in the Philippines and abroad. We established Transition Programs for the Family Ministries. As a result, our Family Ministries are ON FIRE. Work with the Poor Our ANCOP work is gaining ground in the education and sponsorship of needy children, families and communities. We have formed ANCOP Livelihood Covenanted Enterprises practicing the values of generosity and Christian business ethics in livelihood and enterprise development honing the poor in Christian entrepreneurship, small business pursuits and access to capital, technology and marketing. The ANCOP GLOBAL Walk has become an effective annual fund raising and rally of givers not only in CFC but non-CFC communities and individuals in the Philippines and abroad. CORNERSTONE - SFC, YFC and CFC Coordinators render catechetical instruction and values formation in selected 400 private schools in partnership with Ateneo. We have strengthened our work with prisons, men in uniform and the environment. We intensified efforts to bring CLPs to targeted prisoners, military and police and socially displaced communities due to environmental disasters, dislocation and displacements. We are beginning a program for the training academies of the various arms of the military beginning with plebes until they graduate so that values are ingrained with the love for Christ. The TEACH conference and Mindanao One efforts are sending a solid message of compassionate love of neighbor and steward leadership. Effective and Efficient Governance and Stewardship During the year we produced a policy manual on a financial system of operation and control which includes Travel Policy Guidelines. We also designed policy guidelines for recruitment, selection and administration of personnel and staff. We instituted a centralized One Global Data Base system that will help track our knowledge information, sound management decisions, financial management, performance management and organizational development using scientific standardized and systematic data collection. We instituted a budget planning process that will ensure and maximize resources and minimize unnecessary expenses. The four priority thrusts address the following nine issues discussed in June 2011 with the Philippine Mission leaders: 1.Ensure spiritual deepening of CFC leaders and members through the prayer guide and the provincial implementation of the Great Adventure Bible Study. 2.Review and update pastoral formation tracks through the teachings and implementation of 3-year pastoral formation, Quarterly Young Couples and Senior Couples teaching and the PFO passport monitoring. 3.Strengthen the relational culture of CFC by ensuring personal and service monitoring through one-on-one guidelines and fellowship activities 4.Develop leadership capability through the review and update of the Leaders Manuals; the establishment of the CFC Leadership Development Institute and additional teachings for Cluster Heads in the Leadership Formation Program. 5.Ensure the development of new leaders by creating and implementing a policy on terms of office and rotation of assignment of leaders in all areas. We started with the country coordinators and regional heads with 2-year terms. 6.Institutionalize an annual integrated plan (process, schedules, and activities) for CFC and all Ministries (Family, ANCOP and Social Ministries) in international, national and local areas. 7.Implement the separation of policymaking duties from executive duties of the members of the International Council to ensure pastoral focus and effective sound management of the organization. 8.CFC parish based chapters to work with their parish priest and to be present in various church activities. 9.Bring CFC and all its ministries into the Work with the Poor. The Golden Years Ahead We are looking forward to our not so distant golden anniversary, with full trust and confidence that the Lord will bless us a hundredfold and expand our global mission to critical countries needing evangelization. We trust that the Lord will protect and guide us with the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Our Global Leaders Summit 2012 agenda tackled the New Evangelization direction of the Church and the Role of Spiritual Directors. We are planning for the World Youth Day in 2013 in Brazil. We are continuing to hold Clergy/ Lay Congresses in the Philippines and other countries as an effective mechanism in developing close relationships with the Church. We are responding to poverty alleviation, disaster relief, environmental protection, OFWs, domestic helpers and migrant workers, formation and training of armed forces, youth catechetical and spiritual formation in challenged communities, ANCOP health, education, livelihood and housing for the poor. We have, by force of circumstance, found ourselves advocating and responding to emergency relief and rehabilitation and critical socio-economic conditions, sensitive and holistic in our Christian approach through faith in action. We have a clear ROAD MAP defining our Vision of Families in the Holy Spirit Renewing the Face of the Earth, and our Mission of Building the Church of the Home and the Church of the Poor. These are all programs and activities achieved in the year. But there is something more than action, something beyond human deeds. I have come to realize that it is not us who lead CFC; it is the Spirit leading us. I felt this Spirit energy in my trips to Europe and North America with CFC leaders soaring with dedicated passion for service, with conferences overflowing and membership multiplying. We are empty vessels allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us. And that is why we experience leadership as joyful, light, grateful and passionate. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are at work, alive in CFC leadership from household leaders, to unit, chapter, area, sector, region, national and global leaders across Family Ministries, Work with the Poor and Social Ministries and from top to bottom from the IC Council, to the Board of Elders and all the way down to the household level. It has been a great year for CFC, a blessing from our almighty God who continues to send His Holy Spirit to guide our every thought, word and deed. What an awesome GIFT bestowed on our community!

By Joe Yamamoto

ONE night, a long time ago, under the cover of darkness to ensure anonymity, a prominent Pharisee named Nicodemus sought out Jesus. He posed profound questions that were probably bothering him. Jesus answers would have lasting impact and consequences on Nicodemus. Nicodemus reverentially called Jesus, Rabbi or Teacher. This is one of the most memorable encounters between God and man, the latter seeking to understand the greatness of the mystery of God's love. The words spoken by Jesus to Nicodemus

The Heart of a Teacher

left such a profound impact on the secret disciple that he came out boldly in defense of Christ in the Sanhedrin and, together with Joseph of Arimethea, asked for the body of Jesus after the Crucixion. In this exchange, Jesus as Redeemer and Teacher showed his very effective way of reaching out to would-be disciples - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that all those who believe in him might not perish but might have eternal life." (John 3:16). Jesus left a lesson for teachers: and learners alike..."whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God." (John 3:21) Jesus as model for teaching is most appropriate because the lessons he taught and the examples he used build on foundational truths. After calling his first disciples, Jesus started ministering. "He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people." (Matt.4:23). To understand Jesus' model and method of teaching, one should really look into the gospels and the rest of the Bible. Nicodemus, a Jewish leader, conceded that Jesus of Nazareth was a teacher from God, as documented by the signs and wonders he performed (John 3:2). A wealthy young man came to the Lord asking, Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life? (Matthew 19:16). Even Jesus enemies addressed him as Teacher (Matthew 22:16, 24), though their use of the expression was always condescending. The Lord is addressed as Teacher twenty-nine times in the Gospels. The title Teacher in reference to Jesus and the many instances when he taught, whether to his small crowd of disciples or big assemblies, are mentioned ninety times! Christs method of teaching was unique and truly informative. The calming of the storm at sea is illustrative of the power of Jesus over nature- "Why are you terrified, O you of little faith? Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. The men were amazed and said, "What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and sea obey?" (Matt. 8:26-27). In the process of teaching the lesson of faith in God, Jesus showed firsthand his authority even over the forces of nature. Calming the fear of the disciples and the tempestuous sea and wind addressed the fundamental question - Can I trust Jesus? The process by which Jesus recruited, trained, mentored and taught the disciples was consistently 'up close and personal'. There was always a person to person connection, never presumptuous or intrusive but always hitting the mark, i.e. the very core of the heart and soul of the disciples. His public ministry is a continuum of transformation, learning and empowerment for his followers. The disciples were progressively prepared for their mission of continuing and enlarging the work of Jesus even after he is gone. Two of the favorite words of Jesus pervade the work of discipleship- COME and GO. The invitation to develop a personal relationship with Christ and therefore, discipleship, is a divine initiative. It starts with the active verb COME. To the question of Andrew of where Jesus would be staying at the start of his Galilean ministry, the answer was 'Come and you will see' (John 1:39 ).The same spirit of openness marked the declaration of the gentle mastery of Christ- ' Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest...' ( Matt. 11:28) Only after he had formed and equipped them did he commission them to GO. Due to their importance in Jesus call on the disciples, the words follow, and follower are of interest. In the Gospel, following Jesus the Messiah was an explicit command: Come after me , and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19). Following Jesus required one to enter into intimate relationship with Him and to share not only His kingdom work but also eternal reward in heaven,(Luke 18:30). Jesus demonstrated mentoring at its best. His unique approach incorporated: (1) communicating a powerful vision in life, and (2) teaching through verbal instruction and experiential learning through a mutually committed relationship; (3) intimate relationships with the disciples which allowed them to discover eternal truths under his guidance and; (4) enduring life-long friendship and discipleship. In communicating His vision, Jesus made clear that He expected a commitment that went beyond a personal relationship with Him. It could only be demonstrated through His disciples caring for the lost as much as He did: "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them" (John 13:15-17). In the case of the first disciples, Jesus transformed their outlook by making them understand, appreciate and live out the Beatitudes and the Good News through a specific teaching and

The News Supplement of Couples for Christ

Volume 16, No. 13

www.couplesforchristglobal.org cfcmultimedia@gmail.com

Melo Villaroman, Jr.

Executive Director

Zenaida Gimenez
Editor-in-Chief

Marivie Dalman
Managing Editor

Alma Alvarez
Associate Editor

Lawrence Fernandez
Writer/Lay-out Artist

Vangie Mecedilla
Circulation Staff
The Ugnayan News Supplement is published by the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Incorporated with editorial offices at 156 20th Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City. Editorial trunk line: (063)709-4868 loc. 23; Direct line : (063)709-4856

mentoring process. The effectiveness of their training started with changing them inside out, by working on their attitudes and perspectives. It is worth appreciating the sequence by which the disciples were prepared. His recruitment process was progressive and deliberate starting with the inner group of four, then with the twelve apostles. The next circle of empowerment was the call and equipping of the seventytwo who were exuberant and joyful when they reported back to Him on the success of their mission. The incremental success of their teaching and training paved the next course of their growth. The simplicity and elegance of the strategy of Jesus is impressive. He gave due attention to the task at hand by inspiring and mentoring the first band of disciples. Majority of His time was spent with the Twelve, seeking to understand their strengths and weaknesses and harnessing their new-found passion and vibrancy. Within a generation, the disciples evolved from unprepared and unsure laborers to bold spiritual leaders who carried the Gospel as commissioned. The key step used in preparing the evangelizers was and is the time tested process of MENTORING. This process required that Jesus spent the most time and energy with less people and in effect magnified their effectiveness and impact. The critical four-step strategy established by Jesus is as follows: SIMPLIFY- He did not seek to confuse and clutter the minds of His followers, considering their background and lack of preparation. By furnishing simple truths, the disciples were able to grasp them easily, practice what they had learned and then pass on the

experience to others. PROVIDE MAPS- By showing them the big picture message, the disciples attained clarity of the vision and the mission. Jesus was able to show the disciples where they were and where He wanted them to be. In a similar breadth, He likewise alerted them to pitfalls and dangers they must avoid. ENABLING- Jesus did not only walk the talk but He went far beyond by showing and teaching them the way and allowing them to perform the work and miracles they had witnessed. He gave them a powerful message to live by:I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.(John 14:6). The important part of the enabling was that Jesus walked the path with his disciples.He accompanied them all the way. Until the time of the Ascension, Jesus was with His disciples showing the way. GIVING ROOTS AND WINGS- The parable of the Sower (Luke 8) gave the disciples a handle on how and why it was important to be rooted deeply in Christ. In the all-important Vine and the Branches discourse (John 15), Jesus emphasized that if they abide and remain in Him, not only will they be fruitful and be called his true disciples but that they will also merit all that God had promised. To emphasize that commitment, Jesus used the word Abide (Remain) ten times!. Once the apostles had become deeply anchored on Him, He allowed them to have the confidence to soar by performing the very works that He showed them. (Next issue: Teachers and Mentors Making a Difference)

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 16 No. 15
July 16 - 29, 2012

Ugnayan
By Noli Arzadon
HISTORY was made in Port Talbot on May 5th 2012, with an event quite unique in the history of the Catholic Church in Wales. The 6th annual Conference of Couples for Christ in the UK (CFC-UK) came to the principality for the first time, hosted by members of CFC-Wales from Swansea, Port Talbot and Bridgend. It is impossible to find a single phrase which summarises this annual get-together. Prayerful celebration? Worship event? Eurovision Song Contest? Food festival? Eisteddfod? Gathering of an extended family? All of them apply, but none of them do justice to what transpired during the conference. Once a year, members from England, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man converge on a chosen venue and in 2012, for the first time, Wales was the appointed destination. The conference was held at St Joseph's Catholic School in Port Talbot, which generously made its main hall and other facilities available. Mr Eugene Scourfield, the Headteacher of St Josephs, warmly welcomed the almost 600 participants from all over the UK. The 2012 theme was "On Fire." Bishop Tom Burns SM opened the conference with the celebration of Mass at 9.00 AM, assisted by four priests: Fr Teyrnon Williams of St Benedicts, Clydach and chaplain of CFC-Wales; Fr Ceirion Gilbert,Menevias Diocesan Youth Coordinator; Canon Joseph Cefai of the local parish (St Josephs, Port Talbot); and Fr Gareth Leyshon from the Archdiocese of Cardiff. The two key speakers, Chris Mautsi and Noli Arzadon, urged

C3

By Rico Tingin

CFC Canada Holds 13th Conference Wales Hosts CFC UK National Conference

THE Magnificat weekend for CFC Canada leaders on the second weekend of July came to a close with the leaders ablaze in Proclaiming the Greatness of God. It was truly a great celebration of Gods anointing of Couples for Christ as more than 1,200 delegates from across Canada gathered for a weekend of empowerment and spiritual nourishment. Greg Parillas, CFC Canada National Director, in his opening remarks, announced that the number of attendees is the biggest so far in the history of CFC Canadian conferences. It was a clear sign indeed that CFC Canada remains strong and continues to grow in number. With the addition of Nunavut and P.E.I. earlier this year, CFC is now present in 10 provinces and territories in Canada with only 3 provinces remaining i.e., Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland - Labrador. The whole conference was centered on CFCs theme for this year, My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit finds joy in God my Saviour (Luke 1:42). In singing this Magnificat together with Mother Mary, CFC is signifying its gratitude to God for His abiding presence in the 31 years of CFCs existence. The personal testimonies that accompanied each talk were all inspiring and appropriate, a true witness to Gods grace, providence and blessing in our evangelization,

Mission Accomplished in Homonhon

of Homonhon Island. He offered to say Mass at 10:00 oclock Saturday, June 9 at Brgy. Culasi, the venue of the mission, much to the teams delight because the mass was scheduled just after the Healing our Marriages session of MER 1. The team then experienced first hand why travel to Homonhon is considered difficult. After the parish church, we boarded a truck for the 30-minute ride to Culasi, located on the other side of the island where we landed. It was 30 minutes of bouncing over rough unpaved road, standing up because the truck only had a few seats. But the trip was well worth it. From the time we arrived up to the last day of the mission, it was a joy to experience the Holy Spirit working in all the participants, and particularly in the team as we conducted: 1) the 4 talks of Covenant Orientation, 2) Financial Stewardship, 3) the Marriage Enrichment Retreat for couples, and 4) the Enrichment Retreat for HOLD. On the last day, Fr. Janno came to say Mass as promised. During his homily, he emphasized the importance of family in society and in the Church and shared his joy that the mission team had come to his parish. To complete the mission work, the team gave Talks 7 & 8 of the Household Leaders Training upon arrival back in Guiuan on Sunday, June 10. The mission trip was truly blessed by God from start to finish. No real concerns were encountered and a good number of brothers and sisters were served: 39 couples, 47 HOLD sisters and 3 men without their wives. There are more islands yet to be served in Eastern Samar. More mission trips are being planned in the very near future.

mission and personal life. In his opening exhortation, Msgr. Allen Aganon, CFC Spiritual Director, who came all the way from Manila, called on CFC members to imitate Mary by having a heart of adoration, trust and gratitude to God simply because we have all experienced His grace in our life. Mass was celebrated each day of the conference, as a fitting worship to God. Equally inspiring were the homilies of Mass celebrants Rev. John Van Hees, pastor of Mary Mother of God Parish in Oakville and Fr. Ben Ebcas, parish priest of Our Lady of Assumption in Toronto. On Saturday night, CFC members from each area showcased their talents during the CFC Got Talent presentation. This was followed by a surprise theatrical presentation of The Prince of Egypt from Torontos Brampton chapter that proved

truly magnificent and earned a standing ovation. The climax of the conference was the consecration of CFC families. Each head of the family took turns in going on stage and pinning their family pictures on a giant canvas. Msgr. Allen blessed and consecrated the families to Jesus through the intercession of Mama Mary. The brown scapular of Mt. Carmel was imposed on each member signifying our filial relationship to the Blessed Virgin Mary and her enduring protection. The KFC Kids Village was held simultaneous with the CFC conference at the same venue. At the close of the conference, Greg Parillas announced the venues of the 2013 conferences. New Jersey, USA and Vancouver were selected as hosts of the 14th North American East Regional and West Regional Conferences respectively.

the participants to have "hearts on fire" with zeal for God and "hands on fire" with service to others. Eight members of the community offered personal testimonies of how God was working in their lives. The children had their own workshops during the day, which prepared them to present a dance and movement routine as part of the afternoon worship. The periods of praise and worship were led by the Music Ministry of CFC in Frimley, Surrey and the programme for the day ran smoothly under the direction of members of SFC in London. CFC-UK is strongly rooted in the Filipino community in Britain, but is not an exclusively Filipino movement - the UK national leaders Chris and Chipo Mautsi, are originally from Zimbabwe. Florence Gwatisara, also from Zimbabwe, in her testimony, encouraged participants to reach out and become more involved in their local church communities, and to network with other organisations. Noli and Beth Arzadon from Canada represented the international leadership of CFC. The conference featured com-

petitions between the regional groups on the "Praise Parade" and the "Food Festival." Each local area was given the same 5-minute clip of Christian music and asked to present their own interpretation with music, mime and artistic props. In theory, no other music was permitted, but the Scottish group got away with a moment of bagpipes, and the Welsh entry was accompanied by some exceptionally large scenery props (home advantage!). Each UK area also presented its own local cuisine. The interpretation of "local" varied by region - haggis from Scotland, cockles and laverbread from Wales, "Yorkshire Tea" from the Leeds group, and a chocolate fountain and Pimms from Surrey. The day was formally closed with blessings from Fr Gareth (in English) and Fr Teyrnon (in Welsh). So for one day, in Port Talbot, the school was filled with a vision of what Catholic family life could be vibrant, colorful, sometimes chaotic, but mindful that whatever we do, we do for Christ and under Christ. The London organisers for 2013 will have a hard act to follow!

By Mau Mariano

SFC NorCal Conducts 1st SER

By Jorge Asensi
THE recent mission trip to Homonhon Island, Eastern Samar, was suggested by Bishop Crispin Vasquez of the diocese to Borongan as early as September 2011 during the 17th year Anniversary celebration of CFC Eastern Samar. The bishop was concerned that follow-up teachings after the Christian Life Program were not made available to the brethren there because of the distance and the difficult sea voyage. He particularly made mention of Homonhon Island, the historical place where Magellan landed on March 16, 1521. It has eight (8) barangays and each barangay has CFC members. The mission trip was planned immediately and mission volunteers were gathered. June 6 to June 12 were designated as mission date proper The team from Metro Manila composed of Dandy and Susan Calvez; Jun and Connie Saturay; and Jess Zacate, all of West C Sector, and Jorge and Virgie Asensi of Central A Sector were met at the Tacloban City DZR Airport on the morning of June 6 by Eastern Samar AGT member Jun Derion. Then we were off

on a 3-hour land trip to Guiuan, Eastern Samar. The next team, from Borongan, led by PAD Roger Chua arrived later that afternoon met by PAH Tom Serafica who came all the way from Ormoc City to oversee the mission work. The municipality of Guiuan is the jump-off point to Homonhon. While waiting for the next trip to Homonhon, the mission team conducted the second module of the Household Leaders Training the Character of a Servant, for the local leaders. Three sets of missionaries were present: The team from Metro Manila was headed by Jorge Asensi. The team from Borongan was headed by PAD Roger Chua but designated team leader for the mission was Atty. Jun Derion. The team from Guiuan was headed by Dr. Bebot Lajara. At 7 AM the following day, we proceeded via motor launch to Homonhon, joined by the team from Guiuan. We anchored at Homonhon Island three hours later. We immediately proceeded to the parish church to meet Fr. Janno Baquilod, the very young parish priest of all 8 barangays

ON June 23, 2012 the 1st CFCSFC Singles Engagement Retreat was held in Mountain House, California. Hosted by Mau & Josie Mariano (SFC-PFO Coordinator), the three-day retreat was conducted in a home setting and modified to a one-day retreat. Based on the enthusiasm and positive response of the retreatants, the course did not lose its content and effectiveness and fulfilled its goal of addressing the urgent needs of the young men and men before they commit to the Sacred Sacrament of Matrimony. Five engaged couples accepted the invitation to the retreat - Ryan Paul Talusan and Abi Hernandez, Brian Chadwick and Stephanie Caveteno, Dwight Arenos and Iris Avena, Jae Calanog and Grace Espiritu, John Borders and Kristine Pardilla. The sixth couple were

newly married SFC members John Patrick and Jacque Paraiso. Jacque is the eldest daughter of CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca and wife Irma. It was a long but enriching 11-hour day filled with fun and Gods Word and wisdom. The Spirit-filled speakers were Wilfred Narvasa (CFC-Y PC), Elmer Estimo (SFC UH), Cynthia Paras

(SFC CL), Rolly Fajilan (Family Min Head) and Pepot Calanog (SFC Sector Head). The day ended with a sharing from the engaged couples, a movie clip from JP and Jacque Paraisos wedding, the renewal of engagement vows and prayover. The next SFC-SER will be on June 15, 2013.

The Fire Blazes: Ablaze Communications Launch

ANCOP USA Has New President

A VERY special transition ceremony amongst Answering the Cry of the Poor USA (ANCOP USA) board members and some Couples for Christ (CFC) leaders from USA and the Philippines was tendered on July 1 at Marquis Marriot Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, to honor a person who has put in his committed and dedicated service in CFC ANCOP. The appreciation lunch was given in honor of Tony Ventura of North Carolina who served as ANCOP USA president from 2009-2012. Tony expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and privilege given to them. He and Veron have signified their continued support for ANCOP USA. In an email dated June 4, 2012 addressed to CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca and ANCOP USA George Campos, Ventura expressed his inspiration to pass on the leadership of ANCOP

Tony Ventura (third from left) is flanked by Eric Villanueva, Country Coodinator George Campos, IC member Rouquel Ponte, Glen Santayana and Roger Santos.

USA as part of the continuing growth of the organization. I believe it is time for a new leadership to take over, especially as Veron & I intend to now allow more time to enjoy our retirement, said Ventura in his mail. Ventura presided over the organization of ANCOP USA for almost 3 years since 2009 and he was responsible for launching the groups Child Sponsorship Program and Community Development Program in the US.

To fill Venturas position as ANCOP USA president is CFC USA National Director Eric Villanueva from Southern California. Villanueva has not only extended his deep appreciation to the commendable leader ship of the former ANCOP president but also willingly accepted the challenge posed by ANCOP USA Chairman George Campos to lead the program into deeper seas as the organization continues to go full blast in its work in helping the poor.

THE new Social Communications arm of CFC was introduced to top CFC leaders who attended the Fellowship Night last June 29, 2012. The launch of the ministry, renamed Ablaze Communications (formerly Flame Ministries, Inc.) was colourful and entertaining. It feautred musical renditions from 29AD, contemporary dance numbers from the SFC Dance Ministry, revolutionary Praise in Fashion segments, and messages from CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca, CFC Executive Director and Ablaze Chairman Melo Villaroman, Jr., and Ablaze President Rommel Ancheta. Prior to introducing Ablaze Communications, Ricky Cuenca spoke of how abundantly blessed CFC has been in the past years and how the community is being called to proclaim Gods greatness even more as a response to the greater mission. He referred to Marys Magnificat (Lk. 1:46) as a model for our response to Gods call.

The Praise in Fashion segment featured new, world-class clothing from Ablaze modelled by community members of all ages (including 7-month old Chaz de Perio). The clothing styles ranged from casual to missionready, sporty and corporate. After the fashion segment, Melo Villaroman, Jr., Ablaze Chairman addressed the community and affirmed that CFC is being called to bring more people to God. He stressed that social communications could be a potentially effective tool for the mission and that CFC must use every tool available to glorify the Lord. Ablaze President Rommel Ancheta explained that it was no coincidence that the new Social Communications arm shared the same title as this years CFC Anniversary. He revealed that it had already been sensed as early as last year that the Lord was leading Flame Ministries to something bigger. As CFC is

being called to greater heights, it also requires an entity that encompasses this greater mission and that will enable the community to fulfill its social communication needs. According to Rommel, The Mandate of ABLAZE is to proclaim, enrich, and empower. We are to proclaim Gods words through the culture of CFC. We are to help our community enrich their faith and spirituality. We are to empower our members to be ready, available, and equipped to set the world on fire. Ablaze personnel got the chance to shine by modelling the exclusive A World on Fire T-shirt, that they later distributed to all those present, along with the 20-page blez magazine. The launch ended in happy chaos as the attendees excitedly received their shirts and magazines. Ordinary things, it might seem, to ordinary people, but for Ablaze Communications, these are tools which can be used to set hearts on fire with the love of God.

C4
By Aiza Garnica
COUPLES for Christ has always subscribed to the truth that strong families lead to strong neighborhoods, strong communities and a strong nation. Thus CFC sees the need to strengthen the familys role in Gods mission. This was strongly emphasized during the Family Ministries Conference held on June 26, 2012 at One Esplanade, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. The proceedings started with a Eucharistic celebration by Fr. Melvin Castro, Executive Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines - Episcopal Commission on Family and Life. During his homily, Fr. Castro shared that the family is the first institution that God created and the evil one will do anything to destroy it. This is evident in our modern times when the family is under attack by the culture of death as represented by abortion, divorce, mercy killing and mis-education about sex. Fr. Melvin shared that the family can be an instrument to spread the salvation of God; but it needs to be aware of its evangelical function. However, he also said that families can only evangelize if they receive constant evangelization as well. With this in mind, he reminded everyone about Pope Benedict XVIs call for new evangelization in order to guard, reveal and communicate love. The Holy Mass was followed by the first session entitled

Ugnayan
number performed by YFC fulltime workers. The tune was old (Que Sera Sera) but it was enlivened by changes in the lyrics that represented every Family Ministry. The serenade was followed by the second session entitled The Family and the New Evangelization delivered by Gift of Life coordinator and CFC Vietnam country coordinator Aldy Katigbak. He pointed out that the family is called to bring heaven on earth. When that is accomplished, the family gains an eternal union with God as we exude His image and likeness. This union is best expressed through the conception of Jesus and the marriage of Jesus and the Church. Marriage on earth is a semblance of marriage in heaven. Through this union, we

CBCP Monitor

Vol. 16 No. 15

July 16 - 29, 2012

Renew the Face of the Earth

Family Ministries coordinators are prayed over by Fr. Melvin.

Family and Faith: the Holy Family, conducted by CFC International Council member and CFC Africa continent overseer Manny Garcia. Manny is considered the pioneer of CFC because he was among the first 16 couples that started CFC in 1981. He shared that 31 years ago, Couples for Christ envisioned itself to be limited to married couples only. However, the mission has evolved such that the entire family, including the children and the members of the extended family, are being called to take part in the mission of evangelization. Manny referred to the Holy Family as the perfect model for evangelization because the Holy Family acted out their faith by reaching out to others. In fact, Christ was born in a family because He wants to be one with us.

Sharer Ger Manapsal attested to this fact by saying that nothing beats the satisfaction brought by an entire family serving God. He added that a woman is a woman of faith if she has immeasurable and sacrificial love for her children and for everyone that she meets. This statement was seconded by Mannys wife, Ditas, who shared that the sacrifices that they have endured through their 31 years of service in community have borne much fruit. Charm Poblete, daughter of South A AGT member Sammy and Myrna de la Cruz and daughter-in-law of South A leaders Robert and Nini Poblete, contributed her inputs on the first session. She highlighted the importance of family in spreading unconditional love by putting God first and sharing ones blessings with others. She added that children will emulate the

example that parents portray. After the first session, members of the CFC Family Ministries who were present were consecrated, followed by a song

Aldy and Joy Katigbak

learn to accept what God loves to do most: spreading love by preaching the Good News to non-believers, especially in a world of secularism, relativism and consumerism. Even modern technology and economic woes can pull us away from Gods presence. To combat these emerging ills, the family is called to contribute to New Evangelization. The Good News that has to be proclaimed has not changed but the medium by which it is shared has shifted. Through the means at our disposal, we are called to give catechesis a new image and template. The message of salvation must be disseminated through the most effective modes at present in order to have a wider scope of influence. Families must be mindful that they are the flesh of the Good News. Preachings will not have a profound effect if not practiced. Therefore, New Evangelization gives the family more avenues to spread the Good News in tangible form. As flesh of the Good News, families must live out the values that protect its essence and they must participate actively in the life and mission of the Church. Representing the new breed of evangelizers, Edg Lara, Nica Katigbak and Lance Katigbak shared ways by which God can be proclaimed through modernday tools. They also pointed out that media is an ally when put to good use.

Global Mission Core On Fire For God

By Lance Fernandez
THE regular monthly Mission Core Gathering of Metro Manila CFC took on an international flavor on the evening of June 26, with delegates who came all the way from different countries to attend the 31st anniversary of CFC joining the Metro Manila brethren in an evening of Spiritfilled testimonies. After the opening worship, Chairman Ricky Cuenca reiterated during his opening remarks that CFC is on fire for God's mission. Indeed CFC is on fire, judging from the testimonies of those who serve God in various parts of the world. Couples for Christ members from outside the Philippines were given the opportunity to share their inspiring experiences on how God called them for service. The first sharer was Joseph from China who said that CFC became the tool for him to practice his faith. He also added that after seven years of misfortune, God reversed the downward spiral of his life. Now, he actively serves the ministry even though he has two professions. He proclaimed to the assembly that he entirely bring peace despite the on-going tension between the two nations. Susan of Zimbabwe, who has been a full-time worker since April 2011, spoke of CFC Zimbabwe's history and of her country's past economic crisis and now, resurgence. She shared that she was first offered fulltime work for CFC in 2005 but she pursued other options. It was only when her canteen business failed that she committed herself to God's call. With God as her provider, she vowed to visit the Philippines yearly especially during anniversary week. The final sharer for the International Mission Core Gathering was Pravim Ronald de Sousa of Vietnam who revealed that he and his wife had marriage issues before joining the community. Now with their marriage revitalized and renewed, Pravim is grateful to CFC for teaching him how to be grateful to God. He also made a commitment that he will continually contribute to the advancement of the mission until everyone will know who the true God is. The gathering ended with Chairman Cuenca summarizing the sharings during the night before leading the closing worship.

One World for Christ

CFC delegates from China, on fire for service

Bishop Julian Porteous of Sydney joined in worship.

Ablaze for Service, Ablaze for Fun

entrusts his life and that of his family to God. The second sharer was CFC South Africa Country Coordinator, CFC Abu Dhabi Area Director and full-time worker Bads Ellica and his wife Agnes. Bads narrated how he refused a lucrative job to work full-time for the Lord. He also shared his moments of discomfort while on mission and how they became manifestations of God's presence. Agnes revealed that she did not approve of her husband's decision to serve full time at first. However, she soon realized that service is her form of gratitude for God's goodness and abiding presence in their lives. She also

reflected on their recent mission trip to Bangladesh where, despite uncomfortable conditions and great physical sacrifice, they saw that God will indeed guide them in winning more souls for Him. Philip from China, who has been a member of the community for five years, shared his conversion story from being a nonpracticing Catholic into someone who is passionate for God's commission. He also made a promise that he will commit to the growth of the community in their country for it is only by serving God that he found peace in his life. Philip's sharing was followed by a priest from China who proclaimed that he came to the Philippines to

By Aiza Garnica
FOR the past 31 years, Couples for Christ stayed true to its vision of renewing the face of the earth, reaping the fruits of transformed lives, passionate servanthood and a growing global community committed to truly winning the world for Christ. Aggressive evangelization has been the key to these changes. But with the secular world challenging the divinity of God, more evangelical platforms must be used to let the Lord be known and praised by all. Nothing will be fixed for the formula is not broken. Rather, evangelization will have to be refined to give it an upgrade; it will have to be NEW. During the CFC Global Leaders Conference last June 29, 2012, the leaders present learned about this calling and about New Evangelization as proclaimed by our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. The leaders learned that evangelization can be done through the technological means that are given to us for free. Being creative in spreading the word of God is vital to entice more people to offer their lives to God. Monsignor Gerry Tapiador gave more meaning to the term New Evangelization during his talk, emphasizing that the best people who can tell who Jesus is are the ones who have experienced His presence. This means that effective evangelization is experiencing and proclaiming God. In effect, it leads to fellowship with our brothers and sisters and ultimately, a fellowship with God. According to Msgr. Tapiador, before putting New Evangelization into use, four aspects must

By Lance Fernandez
THE sign on the stage said it all: ABLAZE! Somehow, during the 31st anniversary fellowship night of CFC, the word seemed to reflect the state of heart of the Couples for Christ community. Throughout the anniversary week, the conferences spoke of hearts and minds being on fire ablaze! for God and for the mission at hand. The fellowship was the penultimate activity of the anniversary, with everyone eager to have a good time before joining the expected throng of brothers and sisters at the Quirino Grandstand the following day. The night was an on fire celebration of songs, dancing and good vibes as CFC leaders from all over the world filled the One Esplanade venue. One of the highlights of the

night was the honoring of all those who paved the way and contributed immensely to bringing the community to where it is today. CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca called all of the couples who have been serving the community for at least 20 years and who are at least 60 years of age to be recognized and to be thanked for their commitment. Ricky

extolled the seniors for continuing to serve in spite of their advancing age. He also led the congregation in praying over the pioneers of Couples for Christ and in beseeching Gods grace of material blessings, continued good health and more fruitful years of service to come. As a fitting climax to the fellowship night, home-grown

CFC talents showcased their musical abilities. Rene Henson, one of the seniors honored, sang Frank Sinatra classics, followed by Central C sector Head Bong Arjonillo who performed Louis Armstrongs What a Wonderful World on trumpet, accompanied by Gabby Ocampo on saxophone. A group of YFC members from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines delivered a fantastic a capella performance of Janelle Monae's "We Are Young." A surprise number was a dance exhibition by the members of the International Council and their wives, much to the delight of all present. The fellowship went on to party mode, dancing to the music of the 29AD Musicionaries. It was indeed a night to remember, truly a night of fellowship and camaraderie.

be satisfied: The first aspect is the experiential encounter with God which is the most important of the four. Here, we enter into a dialogue with God so that we can get His message for us. The second aspect is ecclesial edification wherein the message received must be converted into blessings for the common good. Then, evangelization must undergo exegetical understanding or the objective learning of the Word through context, supporting evidences and related manuscripts. According to Msgr. Tapiador, it is through this aspect that Luke was able to write his gospel and this is evident in the specific time given to the events that are included in his book. The last aspect of evangelization is through electronic media wherein the first three aspects must be applied. Aside from radio and television, the Internet is an effective tool for disseminating the Word of God because it is a cost-friendly medium that can immediately cover a wide audience. Blogging, social media posting, video production and podcasting are some of the new ways that the world can be brought together for Christ. However, even with these four aspects, Msgr. Tapiador cautioned that none of it will work magnificently if it is not done under the influence of the Holy Spirit. It is trhough the Spirit that man does things beyond his perceived limits. Noting that Jesus conducted His ministry from ages 30 to 33, Msgr. Tapiador told the CFC leaders present that CFC has just started the task of building a Christ-centered society.

More photos from the 31st CFC Anniversary Celebration

The Go Green Dancers taught us how to take care of the environment in entertaining fashion.

Despite the distance, some of our brothers and sisters from Africa were present.

A CFC brother teaches how to conduct CPR on a patient.