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Corruption is worse than sin because heart hardens to God, pope says
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CBCP Pastoral Exhortation on the Celebration of the National Consecration of Our People
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Ugnayan
Vol. 17 No. 09
Php 20.00
ALARMED over the lack of security features of the automated elections, a Catholic bishop suggested a manual count of all votes cast for senator, congressman, governor and other local positions.
Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said that conducting a manual count is the only way that the result of the May 13 polls can be validated beyond the shadow of any doubt. To restore the credibility of our electoral procedure with all the above limitations and shortcomings, we call for a parallel manual count to be done in all precincts, Pabillo said. Joined by around a dozen poll watchdog groups, the bishop challenged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to institute manual count if it has nothing to hide. This manual count will check whether what have been transmitted is the same result as those found in the precincts, Pabillo said. Doing so, according to him, will prove that the automated system using the Precinct Count Optical Machines (PCOS) and its present software are reliable. Let not the Comelec say that there is no time for this, or that logistics have not been prepared.
Manual / A6
Demonstrators in red shirts wave streamers and shout slogans during a rally against the Reproductive Health (RH) law in Bacolod City, April 27, 2013. Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra (inset) joined the thousands of protesters and pledged the dioceses support for senatorial candidates who opposed the controversial contraceptive law in Congress and the rejection of its supporters in the May 13 elections.
Kalibo Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc discusses perceptions about the modern Filipino priest and how these influence vocations.
GATHERING vocation directors from dioceses all over the Philippines, the Diocesan Vocation Directors Conference trained the spotlight on key issues that shape the modern prospects for vocations in the diocesan setting. The conference, attended by some 40 diocesan vocation directors, featured discussions and topics on the modern perception of the Filipino clergy, the state of vocations to the diocesan priesthood, as well as how the calling to the priestly life can be promoted in the digital age.
Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. talks with Bishop Broderick Pabillo after discussing the automated election system with the members of the CBCP during January 28, 2013 plenary assembly at the Pius XII Center, Manila.
Jennifer Orillaza
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NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., April 25, 2013The Holy Sees apostolic nuncio to the United Nations has called for more action to prevent heinous acts of sexual violence in war and other forms of conflict. This violent domination of a human being constitutes an egregious form of degradation of their dignity, but also of the aggressor, who, in so doing, disfigures himself as a human person, Archbishop Francis A. Chullikatt said in New York City April 17. Such heinous crimes are yet an other consequence of the destructive power of war and thus all states and the international community must do their utmost to stop these barbarous acts that have been properly labeled as an outrage to the conscience of mankind. The archbishop spoke during the U.N. Security Councils open debate on women, peace and security. He said it is frustrating and saddening to read the U.N. SecretaryGenerals report on sexual violence in conflict. The archbishop denounced
World News
rape, forced sterilization, sex-related abduction and sexual slavery as egregious acts of violence against women, acknowledging that men and boys are also sometimes victims. While acknowledging there are many underlying reasons for sexual violence, Archbishop Chullikatt called it disappointing that the report did not highlight attacks on victims based on their religious beliefs, saying such attacks are persistent in nearly every region of the world. Resolving crises through peaceful means would help prevent sexual violence in times of conflict, he suggested, adding that greater discipline among armed forces and awareness campaigns respectful of women would also help in prevention efforts. The archbishop urged the adoption and implementation of plans and legislation to protect sexual violence victims and to hold perpetrators accountable. Stressing that it is essential for victims to be afforded every assistance, he lamented that victims of sexual assault are sometimes ostracized or forced to live with their aggressors as wives, a practice he called particularly disturbing. Archbishop Chullikatt also criticized the U.N.s endorsement of abortion for pregnant rape victims, promoted in a recent report as access to safe pregnancy termination services. Here, concealed by a veil of words, lies the stark reality of the suppression of human life, the death of the innocent unborn childwhich only visits further violence on a woman already in difficulty, he said. Instead, he explained, women who are pregnant as a result of rape should be offered care, support, education and assistance to meet their material, social and spiritual needs before and after the pregnancy, including adoption assistance. The archbishop affirmed that women have an important role to play in preventing violence. He commended the international communitys efforts to increase womens roles in making decisions about
CBCP Monitor
April 29 - May 12, 2013
Vol. 17 No. 08
conflict prevention and resolution. The Holy Sees delegation to the U.N. believes there is ample room for greater involvement of women in preventing war and in post-war reconcili-
ation and reconstruction, Archbishop Chullikatt said. Women can and should play greater roles as allies of peace, he emphasized. (CNA/EWTN News)
South Korean bishops: New Martyrs and the fight against pedophilia, priorities for 2013
SEOUL, April 26, 2013New Martyrs, the fight against pedophilia and reconciliation with North: these were the main issues under discussion at the recent General Assembly of the Korean Bishops Con ference. Among the priorities established for the coming year is greater attention to the situation in North Korea, with the decision to submit to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints a cause of beatification for the bishop of Pyongyang and his companions, the other is the implementation of the guidelines against pedophilia presented by the Doctrine of the Faith to the Bishops of the whole world. In the final document, the bishops drew up a road map for the Churchs activities for the current year. After discussing itthe text readsthe bishops decided to ask the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, to open a cause for the beatification for Bishop Francis Borgia Hong Yong-ho and his 80 companions. He was the bishop of Pyongyang, indeed he is still listed as the titular bishop of the diocese in the Papal Yearbook although referred to as disappeared. It is the second request for a beatification cause to be sent to Rome for Catholics in the North after that of the Abbot Boniface Sauer and his 36 companions. The bishops also chose to start a cause for the beatification of John the Baptist Byeok Yi and his 132 companions following their martyrdom in 800 for their witness to the Gospel. However, ample space was given during the discussion to reconciliation between the two Koreas. The bishops have in fact reviewed and approved the official plan for the Month of Prayer for the reconciliation and unity of the Korean people, organized by the Episcopal Commission for Korean Reconciliation presided over by Msgr. Peter Lee Ki-heon, which aims to change the rigid perception of the people of North Korea. The attempt to organize a Joint Congress (North-South) of the Religions for Peace was also approved. Finally, the Bishops Conference has approved the decision to prepare the guidelines inside the country against clerical child sex abuse. It is a response to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith request that at the behest of Pope Benedict XVI was sent to the bishops around the world to drew up policies that combat abuses on minors while calling for it to be implemented on a national level and put it into practice. The General Secretariat of the CBCK was commissioned to prepare the text to be sent to Rome for final approval. (AsiaNews)
Archbishop Thomas Wenski preaches the homily at the annual Red Mass for the Miami Catholic Lawyers Guild.
is in no way unjust to homosexual couples any more than it is unjust to heterosexual couples who cohabitate without the legal benefits and protections of a civil marriage. The state justly favors stable heterosexual relationships because they serve the common good, he said, just as only businesses which create more jobs in an area receive tax breaks, and military veterans receive benefits that others do not. Government recognition of marriages exists to encourage and support the optimal conditions for the raising of future generations of its citizens, he explained. Archbishop Wenski said the legalization of gay marriage will fundamentally change this, opening a Pandoras Box of unforeseen, and to be sure, unintended consequences. He noted that the adoption of no-fault divorce 40 years ago has similarly had unintended but devastating consequences on society. Rather than see the institution of marriage as expressive of the complementarity of sexual difference between a man and a woman, ordered for the raising of children,
Vatican Briefing
Gloria Estefan says Christ's teachings are key to peace
Visiting the Vatican to participate in the recent TEDx conference on religious freedom, Cuban singer Gloria Estefan said that the teachings of Jesus Christ are central to ensuring peace in the world. In an interview with CNA, Estefan said she believes it is important that the basic teachings of Jesus Christ be passed on to young people. Its about treating other human beings like you want to be treated, and if we did that, there would be no conflicts or difficulties in life, she said. (CNA)
Former NBA player visits Swiss Guard basketball team
The former Los Angeles Lakers player Vlade Divac was thrilled to meet with the Swiss Guard to discuss sports and learn about their work at the Vatican. I was very excited to be here, and they have a basketball team here with very tall people, the 7-foot, 1-inch Divac joked in the Swiss Guard's barracks. I also told them that if they need a coach, I can help them out, he told CNA April 18. It was the first time the world-famous player met with members of the Pope's protective force. He came with his wife, Ana, and a small group of participants from the TEDx Conference on Religious Freedom, which is what brought him to town. (CNA)
Pope urges Christians to remember final judgment
Christians should not be frightened of the final judgment but should let it affect how they live, Pope Francis told the 100,000 pilgrims who filled St. Peters Square. "Human history begins with the creation of man and woman in the image and likeness of God and concludes with the final judgment of Christ. We often forget these two poles of history, and above all faith in the return of Christ and the final judgment is sometimes not so clear and strong in the hearts of Christians, Pope Francis said April 24. The crowd that turned out for the Wednesday audience was one of the largest yet, with the attendance reportedly surpassing expectations by about 25,000 people. (CNA)
Pope's plans for encyclical, travel disclosed
Pope Francis could issue his first encyclical this year and so far is only planning one international trip in 2013, according to Vatican press office director Father Federico Lombardi. Fr. Lombardi said that he "would not exclude" the possibility of Pope Francis issuing his first encyclical "within this year," Vatican Radio reported April 25. The Vatican spokesman explained that Benedict XVI had already laid the groundwork for an encyclical on the virtue of faith in late 2012 and that Pope Francis could easily revise it and add his own insights to the text. The encyclical was planned for release in early 2013 but the resignation of Benedict XVI caused the timeline to be adjusted. (CNA)
UN Photo / JC McIlwaine
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 09
April 29 - May 12, 2013
News Features
giveness, he said. From there, the power of God can come in. People who are corrupt, on the other hand, have become blind to the transcendent, replacing God with their own powers and abilities, he said. A sinner expects forgiveness. The corrupt, on the contrary, dont because they dont feel they have sinned. They have prevailed, he said. One who is corrupt is so holed up in the satisfaction of his own self-sufficiency that his bloated self-esteem refuses to face the reality of his fraudulent and opportunistic behavior, he said. He has the face of someone trying to say, It wasnt me! or as my grandmother would say, The face of a darling little angel, he said. The ability of the corrupt to disguise their true self should qualify them for an honorary degree in social cosmetology, he said. They hide their thirst for power by making their ambitions seem frivolous and socially acceptable. With shameless priggishness, they adhere to severe rules of a Victorian tint, he wrote. Its a cult of good manners that cover up bad habits, he said. get caught up in and accustomed to without realizing it. Priests and religious are not immune to corruption, he said; in fact, Corruptio optimi, pessima (The corruption of the best is the worst of all.) The path to corruption for them may begin with a painful situation, which always demoralizes. Experiencing defeat leads the human heart to get used to it, he said. People get used to the status quo and feel they shouldnt be surprised or continue to suffer in the face of further defeat. The heart doesnt want any problems, and religious men and women might become afraid that God is going to send us off on a voyage that we cant control. The subtle process of cor ruption in a religious man or woman produces a spirituality that becomes either mediocre or lukewarm. A corrupted consecrated life may be used as a vehicle to find satisfaction in the products offered by the supermarket of religious consumerism, such as satisfaction in professional skills, in the outcome of their projects or in the esteem associated with
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their position. Others may try to fill the emptiness in their lives with an intense social life: They love going out, vacationing with friends, huge meals and celebrations, and make sure they get invited to every occasion. Women and men who have become corrupt in their religious life are afflicted with spiritual worldliness, he said, which is like paganism in ecclesiastical clothing. In confession, they ask forgiveness for other sins and never show the Lord the state of their souls discouragement. Its a slow, but definitive sclerosis of the heart. However, God never tires of calling us: Be not afraid, the future pope said, Do not fear hope and the hope that does not disappoint. He said the booklet was meant to help people understand the the danger of personal and social collapse that nests inside corruption, which doesnt happen overnight, but is a long slippery slide that takes a long time to take root. He called for our constant vigilance because a condition of daily complicity with sin can lead us to corruption. (CNS)
Corruption is worse than sin because heart hardens to God, pope says
VATICAN City, April 26, 2013 Corruption is worse than any sin because it hardens the heart against feeling shame or guilt and hearing Gods call for conversion, Pope Francis said. Situations of sin and the state of corruption are two distinct realities, even if they are intimately linked to one another, he said when he was Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The future popes comments come from a small booklet that was originally published in 2005. Titled Corruption and Sin: Reflections on the Theme of Corruption, the booklet was based on an article he wrote in 1991 in the wake of a scandal in which local authorities in Argentina tried to whitewash the death of a teenage girl because the murderers fathers were linked to local politicians and the governor. In the booklets introduction, the future pope said he wanted to republish the article because the problem of corruption had become so widespread a decade later that people began to almost expect it as a normal part of life. While many sins can lead to corruption, sinners recognize their own weakness and are aware of the possibility of for-
The future pope referred to many biblical passages to offer concrete examples. Most notably, the corrupt, like the scribes and the Pharisees who criticized Jesus for healing on the Sabbath, launch a reign of terror to discredit, attack or eliminate anyone who tries to criticize, question or contradict them. Theyre afraid of the light because their souls have taken on the attributes of an earthworm: in the shadows and underground. Corruption, however, can
never remain hidden forever; evidence of it eventually oozes or bursts forth like all things that are forced to stay closed in or wrapped up too tightly within themselves, he said. But the corrupt dont notice the stench; Its like bad breath. Rarely the person with bad breath realizes it. Its others who notice it and they have to point it out for him. But the amount of built-up resistance is enormous. Corruption isnt an instance of one singular act but represents a state of being, a culture that an individual or whole society can
This is the magnanimity that Christians should have. A timid, or pusillanimous Christian, he added, is incomprehensible: this magnanimity is part of the Christian vocation: always more and more, more and more, more and more, always onwards. Preaching the gospel, said the pontiff, requires humility, service, charity, brotherly love. To approach evangelization with an imperialism, or attitude of conquering doesnt work. Rather,
Christians evangelize by their witness. The Christian must not be like soldiers who when they win the battle make a clean sweep of everything. Pope Francis addressed the tension between magnanimity, or greatness of spirit, and humility in which Christians are called to live. When we go forth with this magnanimity and humility, when we are not scared by the great things, by the horizon, but also take on board the little things humility, daily charity the Lord confirms the Word. This is divine it is like a tension between the great and the small, he said, noting that Christian missionary activity proceeds along this path. During his remarks, the Pope also discussed the tension between suffering and Christian triumph. The triumph of the Church is the Resurrection of Jesus, but there is first the Cross. (CNA/ EWTN News)
Separating Church from the State Responding to criticism that the Church has been intervening too much in state affairs, Macalintal said this was simply a normal reaction for people who could not accept the fact that contraception, same-sex marriage, pre-marital sex, and abortion are unacceptable to the teachings of the Church. Maraming mga tao ngayon ang tutol sa pagpapalaganap ng Simbahan sa kanyang posisyon. Iyong iba ay nagagalit sa pagtutol na ito at sinasabing masyado daw ang pakikialam ng Simbahan, na sobra ang kautusan ng Simbahan. Sa madaling salita, hindi nila matanggap na ang mga nais nilang gawin ay hindi katanggap-tanggap sa mata ng Diyos, he explained. He added that this is the truth every individual is bound to face, especially in a world where threats of secularization are looming. Hindi natin maaaring talikdan ang katotohanang ito dahil anuman ang ating mga balakid sa buhay, nasa atin ang Panginoon. Ang pag-asa ng lahat ay kaya nating balikatin hanggat nariyan ang Panginoon na ating patnubay, he said. (Jennifer M. Orillaza)
Movement does not impose, but encourages voters to elect pro-life candidates
MANILA, April 18, 2013Despite its open endorsement of candidates in the coming May elections, the White Vote movement said it does not impose on Filipino voters, but encourages them to follow its lead. The White Vote movement, a coalition of various lay organizations in the Catholic Church, is endorsing senatorial candidates who are pro-life, pro family and uphold the sacredness of marriage, and encourages Filipino voters to do the same. Atty. Aurora Santiago, president of Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas and convenor of the movement, clarified during a forum that the endorsement is not a mandate and should not be considered as a bloc voting. This is just an endorsement and a guide for voters, we are not imposing. We respect the freedom of our fellow Filipino voters and their freedom of conscience, Santiago, who also serves as executive secretary of the Episcopal Commission on the Laity, added. Santiago pointed out that young people are also part of the movement such as the Family Rosary Crusade Youth and the CFC-Youth for Family and Life. Currently, our facebook page is being managed by the youth. And our endorsed senatorial candidates can also be candidates of our youth voters. We are telling them to review the track record of a certain candidate and they must vote for those who are for life, family and sacredness of marriage, she added What we are avoiding now are the so called death bills which are divorce, euthanasia, abortion, population control and same sex, Santiago furthered. The endorsed candidates signed a covenant stating that they will not support the passing of any death bills. Aside from senatorial candidates, the movement is also eyeing for partylists
www.intermirifica.net
El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde leads various lay Catholic leaders during the launching of the White Vote movement which seeks to tap millions of their followers to vote for pro-life and pro-family candidates in the May 13 elections.
Fr. Quirico Pedregosa, OP, rector of the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Central Seminary gives his opening remarks during the Church Workers Forum, April 19.
bring current wage levels closer to the living wage. For years, the prices of basic goods and services have soared while wages were given major adjustments. Wages must be made to catch up with soaring prices. This will help in having a stable income, he explained. With an end in contractualization, it will help workers to feel safe because their tenure is secure. Workers need to
who voted against the Reproductive Health (RH) bill before it was enacted as a law. Meanwhile, Novaliches bishopemeritus Teodoro Bacani is pleased that there is a white vote movement. The establishment of this kind of movement is putting the decree of the 2nd Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP II) into life which is [about] lay men and women involvement in politics; lay people should actively participate in political affairs. It is through the lay that the Church is involved, Bacani said. Bacani stressed that lay people can promote those candidates that are responsible, who are God-fearing, prolife, family and sacredness of marriage. Coming together, praying together, discuss reason together and act to gether, thats what people in the white vote movement are doing. They are not limited in endorsing candidates but they can also propose, and proposing is not imposing. I think lay people should [not] limit themselves in announcing because they have a right to propose, Bacani furthered. (Jandel Posion/John Florence Granado)
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EDITORIAL
Opinion
Appalling value system
CBCP Monitor
April 29 - May 12, 2013
Vol. 17 No. 08
IT was evident and distinct that the country needed the Magna Carta for the Poor considering the persisting poverty among millions of Filipinos, notwithstanding all loud claims to the oppositecourtesy of Malacaang plus repeated social surveys supposedly saying in the country about 81% of poor Filipinos are satisfied with their poverty! Such a claim is not simply suspect but markedly incredible. This is precisely why the matter of health needs, the requirement of education, the issue of housing, the increasing rate of joblessnessall these are pervasive, distinct, and evident needs of the huge number of poor people in the Philippines. Both Houses of Congress decidedly looked into the worsening poverty among the Filipinos and had their pursuant deliberations thereon until they both approved the Magna Carta for the Poor as something that is not only obvious but also imperative in the materially and ethically poor country. All dutifully, the Bill was sent to Malacaang for the much expected approval of the President who repeatedly and gleefully expresses his predilection and preoccupation for the poor who are his proclaimed Boss. The Bill, of course, was seen by Malacaang as preposterous basically due to its big funding requirementsomething however that is only simply justified but actually imperative on account of the long standing enormous and pervasive needs of the poor in the country. The Bill was even perceived as a threat to the legal standing of the Malacaang occupant in the event that it would not be brought to total realityor something the like. So it was that the Bill was vetoed by no one else but someone holding the highest public office in the land, supposedly for the highest public service to the people. In more common language, the bill was considered garbage and to the garbage can it was nonchalantly thrown in. Unlike the infamous RH Bill that was certified as urgent, that was approved after much lobbying and much accompanying funding as welland that was even signed in the silence of the night. But why the veto? Because there is no money available. Because the annual budget cannot accommodate the expenses. Because another Bill can be easily drawn, considered and passed by the Legislative Department. But then, why is it that the huge amount of money required in the implementation of the expensive Population Control Legislation is readily available? Why is it that there is always much money disposable for presidential trips here and there? Why is there money always available for the building and promoting of casinos? At first blush this may all seem to be an appalling value system by those in the corridors of power. But is it really? Because if it were, how does one add up matuwid na daan? Or could it be something tactical? The slip accidentally manifested when Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan released the statistics from the National Statistics Coordination Board (NSCB) that proved that poverty statistics had remained virtually the same from 2006 to the first half of 2012that nothing has improved! The government data furthered showed that in the first two years of the Aquino administration there was hardly any dent in poverty28 out of every 100 Filipinos still lived below the poverty line, with the 10% in extreme poverty. This is not to say, really, that the battery of SWS surveys hailing this administration to high heavens is part of the spin. And neither are its obvious but subtle attacks against the Catholic Church and its church-goers. So too is the persistent campaigning of the President of the Republic for his beloved senatorial candidates that denudes his being a statesman if only to be reduced to a gutter politician. But would the victory of the Presidents party redefine the matuwid na daan spin despite the obvious realities?
Illustration by Bladimer Usi
I am a believer!
CHRISTIAN faith needs both creeds (concise summaries of truths and beliefs) and deeds (Christ-like acts of service) to express its full meaning. A true story from an African missionary shows how generous service communicates faith. As I narrate the experience, try to imagine the African scene, as the missioner rides down the dusty provincial road in his old pick-up truck. So, the faithstory begins. A woman, probably 30 or so, flagged me down for a ride as I was returning home from one of my rounds of visiting the mission outstations. I didnt recognize her, but, she told me that she was one of our catechumens preparing for baptism. I am a believer, Padre! she said after we drove quietly for a while. What started you as a believer? I asked. This is her story. My brother was a teacher. He was baptized a Catholic at Teachers Training School. There are no other Christians in our fam-
Living Mission
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Candidly Speaking
it is active and dynamic. We can only be faithful if we work for it consciously, keeping the right priorities that should be set out by the objective laws that govern us as persons, members of the community in all aspectssocial, economic, political, cultural, etc.and ultimately as children of God. Our main problem is that we often take this duty to know who we really are and the laws that properly govern us for granted. We often allow ourselves to be led mainly by the unreliable swings of our emotions and passions, the social and ideological trends, and the changing economic and political weathers, etc. These are never absolute guides. At best,
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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
THE title may refer more immediately to married couples who are committed to their spouses for a lifetime of love. But it can actually be applied to all of us also, single or married, young or old, healthy or not, etc. Thats because in the end we all have to be faithful to something or someone who, if I have to say things bluntly, is none other than God, our Creator and Father. Some people may choose to be faithful only to their own selves, but thats another story that we can take up some other time. We cannot help but live some degree of fidelity because by nature we are a relational being. We are always connected to someone and there is always some kind of hierarchy in this network of relations in which we live. And one task we have to do is to find the
place that properly belongs to us. This is the context of fidelity. We need to be more aware of our duty to be faithful, especially in our present times when forms of promiscuity are increasing and often in a most subtle way. We need to know what is involved in this duty to be faithful. We also need to know how to distinguish promiscuity from the legitimate attitude that respects and even fosters tolerance of an increasingly diversified world, or more, even taking advantage of such diversity. We are in tricky times. And so we have to be discerning as we pursue the real and ultimate goals of our life, and everything in it. Here lies the seed of the secret of fidelity. Its never a passive, laid-back virtue. Rather,
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 09
April 29 - May 12, 2013
Opinion
Our sacred right to vote
senatorial candidates for the May 13 electionCompetence, Conscience and Commitment . Competenceservant leader ship, experience or track record, aptitude. Consciencepersonal integrity, transparency and accountability, respect for human rights, especially the funda mental right to life and security, freedom of speech, the press, assembly and religion, etc. as recognized by the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Commitment to act on a Catholic vision on: family and life, environment, justice, peace and order (illegal drugs and gambling), authentic human development (poverty alleviation), education. Like the first 6 endorsees, they signed the Covenant with the White Vote Movement wherein they promised to reject and oppose all D.E.A.T.H. bills (Divorce, Euthanasia or mercy killing, Abortion, Total population control, Homosexual or same sex union), anti-family, anti-life, anti-Church and anti-Religion bills which had been filed and may be filed in Congress. *** Cebu Archbishop and CBCP President Jose Palma announced that the International Eucharistic Congress (IEU) will be held on May 23 to 29, 2016 in the Archdiocese of Cebu. With the theme Christ in You: Our Hope of Glory, it is expected that thousands of delegates from different countries will attend the event. Archbishop Palma invited Pope Francis to come to Cebu City for the Congress. If Pope Francis would come to the Philippines, he will be the third pope to visit the country after Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1981 and 1995. The International Eucharistic Congress is held every four years. The last time the Philippines hosted the IEC was in 1937 in Manila during the time of Pope Pius XI. The Congress aims to promote awareness of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Church, to improve under standing and celebration of the liturgy, and to draw to the social dimension of the Eucharist. *** Congratulations to my niece Ria Edeliza S. Imperial who graduated from my Alma Mater the University of the Philip pines, Diliman, Quezon City with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Biology, Magna Cum Laude . Graduation in college happens only once, but graduating as Magna Cum Laude happens to only a few gifted persons. She also passed the entrance exam and the panel interview at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine in Padre Faura, Manila and hopes to become a Doctor of Medicine. Congratulations also to Batch 2013 graduates. May all of you be successful in your journey in the new chapter of your life. Happy Birthday to my brother-in-law Bobbie Imperial, the proud Daddy of Ria and the husband of my sister Flordeliza Santiago. Happy Birthday also to Fr. Jun Bartolome of the Diocese of Kalookan.
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Fr. Carmelo O. Diola
Duc in Altum
THE CBCP, through its Pastoral Exhortation, announced June 8, 2013 as a day of a nation-wide National Consecration by our Catholic Faithful and our country to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The CBCP has directed and urged all our dioceses and parishes, schools and other institutions, even all our families, of course,to offer solemnly a joint public act of entrustment to the Blessed Mother, Mother of our people and our country. Pueblo Amante de Maria: Isang Bayang Sumisinta Kay Maria. There will be a simultaneous National Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, at 10:00 in the morning in all Cathedrals, Parish Churches, Shrines and Chapels led by the Bishops in their respective Arch/Dioceses, Prelatures and Apostolic Vicariates, all over the country. The entrustment and consecration is part of the Year of Faith observance and the nine-year (novena) preparation for the 2021 celebration of the coming of the Christian Faith to the country in 1521 500 hundred years ago. The CBCP recommended the adjoint practices of (1) the Mass and Communion of Reparation on the First Saturday of each month, and (2) Prayer and Penance, in our daily lives offered also by us, in union with Our Ladys Immaculate Heart. It also encouraged the faithful to pray the Rosary daily. *** The May 13 election is almost two weeks away. Let us exercise our sacred right to vote. Let us all go out and vote. Let us not sell our vote. Let us elect and put into office only those who vow to protect life from womb to its natural end. Let us vote only those who preserve the Filipino Family. Let the culture of life, not the culture of death, prevail in the May 13 election. In the process, let us be diligent to make sure that our sacred vote is counted. Let us see to it that the PCOS machine will really and actually register and tally our votes. Watch out for notorious persons who are out to thwart the will of the people. Let us remember, the voice of the people is the voice of God. *** As earlier reported in this column, the White Vote Movement, a coalition of 41 national lay organizations and archdiocesan/diocesan councils of the laity, endorsed the first 6 senatoriables who stood firm in the faith by rejecting the passage of Reproductive Health Bill (RH Bill). Endorsing them is an act to show them our gratitude when they stood by us when we needed them most. They are Mitos Magsaysay, JV EjercitoEstrada, Gregorio Honasan, Coco Pimentel, Sonny Trillanes and Cynthia Villar. Again, last weekend, the White Vote Movement en dorsed 3 senatoriables who are committed to protect and preserve the Filipino Family and Life. They are Nancy Binay, Dick Gordon and Migs Zubiri. All of them passed the CBCP criteria (during the 2004 election) which the White Vote Movement adopted in endorsing the
Whatever
become as rare as piano tuners. Their numbers are not so many, not because there are few trained priests and lay faithfulalthough the Lord is the one who decides how many are needed to care for His Vineyard, but because their function as directors or spiritual mentor-coaches is no longer fully appreciated at present. In a world that is deeply immersed and dependent on techno-material things, people become less sensitive to spiritual and moral realities. Although there is an apparent search for some inner soul fulfillment, these are still materially infected, most seeking that which will make one feel good and abstractly inspired. Moreover, people who have become so materially dependent no longer feel the need to be guided in life. They believe they can do pretty well with little or no aid at all. So why should they even bother asking anyone or someone regarding a reality that has little or no relevance to their life and possessions? Thus, spiritual directors are becoming a rare breed of people today. Even though there seems to be a growing belief that one ought not to place too much premium on ones personal spiritual growth, it cannot be denied that the spiritual
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the instrument. Once in a while he abruptly stopped to further fine tune a string or two, lit another cigarette and continued pedaling his way from the base to the higher notes. Satisfied, he then asked mom to try out the piano for herself. By this stage we lamented that piano lessons would soon resume. *** Mom was always grateful for the tuners perfectionist touch on her two pianos. She would always comment that tuners were getting harder to come by every year. The more people resorted to electronic keyboards, plus the general lack of interest in music as children fiddled with the then primitive gizmos of the 80s, announced the impending doom for the guild of piano tuners in our country. I was told, however, that in some countries like Korea, the growing interest for music was good seeding ground for want-to-be tuners. In fact, they didnt only go from house to house. Within the piano factorys assembly line, there was a section for numerous tuners to work on pianos. Even though their skills were not as fine-tuned as moms tuner, in time most of them would acquire the art. *** In a similar way, spiritual directors have
By the Roadside
IN the Philippines politics attracts and casts a spell on so many diverse types of people perhaps because it is a bit of many things. It is an aphrodisiac to the already moneyed but do not have much in looks (or sex appeal, says my kibitzing sacristan). It is a source of popularity and prestige to successful lawyers, businessmen, professionals or celebrities who want to make either a name or more name for themselves after having made money through their career or craft. It is a way to some form of royal identity among elite families with immense amounts of money, influence, land, property or the gift of what I call people smarts (translation: the ability to organize loyal following and goons through gold and guns without seeming too obvious) in a particular region, province, city, town or barangay. Hence, our many political dynasties. But, naturally, the most unassailable draw to our politics is its being a way to wealth and more wealth as political power increases, greater political power being the key to more wealth and to all that money can buy, votes included. This last explains the cynicism among ordinary Filipinos who take their countrys plight seriously though not the abuse in our politics of true representative democracy. A case in point was an answer by a farmer to a priests icebreaking question: Kumusta ka, Mano Gorio? May ka na mga kandidato nga napili? (How are you, Mano Gorio? Have you made up your mind on your candidates?) Said the farmer: Padre, basta di la nira pagbutan it pagsirang hit adlaw ngan pagturo hit uran, diri ko hira seseryosohon yana (Father, as long as they do not control the rising of the sun and the falling of the rain, I wont really take them seriously for now). For now is a phrase that indicates things may change come election day when money to buy votes abound like unholy manna. A rather sad commentary on the effect of political power on ordinary people. Political power is the obsession of politicians while that of ordinary Filipinos is daily survival or how to make life better for themselves and their families, however little. When politicians seem to be of help to this simple goal, then they assume a larger than life status in peoples eyes. Otherwise, political power is just
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BARELY few weeks before the 2013 midterm polls, the Davao Association of Catholic School, Inc. (DACS) launched the Operation e-CHAMP in response to the call of Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles to put up a citizen arm group that will involve young people in the coming elections. Aimed at achieving a Clean, Honest, Accurate, Meaningful and Peaceful eldctions in the local level, the launch was held on April 20 at the Dacs center in collaboration with the Commission on Election (Comelec), Davao City Police Office, Department of Education, the
Local News
National Movement for Free Election (Namfrel), the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Davao Chapter. According to Fr. Archimedes Lachica, project coordinator of e-Champ, the project was realized because of the urgency to help and assist the people in educating voters. The program is a new strategy taken by DACSs wherein parishes will be responsible for educating the voters while young people from Catholic schools will be doing the voting, sighting part. Lachica also said that parishes under the archdiocese through its Social Action Ministry would give education to voters while the e-Champ or the Catholic schools would lead in poll watching. The program involves poll watching, giving assistance to voters especially the first time voters, the elderly and the people with disabilities (PWDs), and collecting the election returns. There are 1,162 clustered precincts and 261 voting centers where the expected 2,900 volunteers will be deployed. Volunteers will be stationed as precincts poll watchers, roving poll watchers, food brigade, mobile volunteers and the like for the coming May 13 election. They will be given kits which would contain the checklist of the things to do, t-shirts, and identification cards. Lachica stressed that the program is not just created for the 2013 election but also for elections in the near future such as the 2016 national elections. Young people interested in volunteering for e-Champ can register at the DACS office or at the Holy Cross of Davao College for District 1, Assump-
CBCP Monitor
April 29 - May 12, 2013
Vol. 17 No. 08
not, other people are affected by what you do), said Santos, explaining the gist of the second module, which seeks to show young people how each individuals choices have ripple effects on society and political life. Vote Ko to The last module titled Vote Ko To asks the youth to explore what they believe an ideal society should be and what kind of people should be in public office to achieve this kind of society. According to Santos, the third module tries to simulate election day by having a chart posted, one which lists actual candi dates stands on key issues like RH, mining, FOI (freedom of information) bill, among others. Young people are then asked to cast their votes as they would come May 13. For groups or schools interested to have Kabataang Bayani facilitated in your area, emailecynsya@gmail.com (Nirvaana Ella Delacruz)
Photo courtesy of Nirvana Dela Cruz
The first run of Kabataang Bayani was for the DSWD-NCR Youth last year.
feels regret and disappointment because of the disappointing performance of government officials he has elected, this regret should not remain a feeling, but should be translated into a more vigilant and more carefully discerned choice of candidates in the coming May elections.
Kung ano man ang nang yayari sa lipunan, affected ka doon kasi bahagi ka ng society. Aware ka man o hindi, naaapektuhan ng ginagawa mo yung ibang tao (Whatever happens in society, you are affected by it because you are part of society. Whether you are aware or
senting us the Church: As you know, the so-called rulers of the nations lord it over them and their great men make their importance felt. It cannot be like that among you. Whoever would be great among you must be your servant. And whoever would be first among you shall make himself slave of all (Mk 10:42-44). Then Jesus delivers the punch-line we all recall when we seek leadership but seldom remember when we lead: For the Son of Man has not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for the many (Mk 10:45). Politicians, especially those who still consider themselves Catholic, do best to see the Lordship of Jesus as partly Gods statement on how to use power. Despite the infinite imMining / A6
mensity of his power, the way of Jesus is not the way of self-glorification, self-promotion and aggrandizement. It is the way of sacrifice, of humble, self-giving service, not by way of political sloganeering but by genuine personal witness. After all, He is the Son of Man who truly came to truly serve, giving himself as our ransom from sin and death. I also find the gospel of Luke worth looking into for no other reason than that it takes pains to portray further the flip side of this Lordship of Jesus. In his Passion account read last Palm Sunday for Year C Luke portrays this Lordship not only in the sweeping manner of a cosmocrator (universal ruler) but in a very personal, intimate way. To the weeping women he offers very personal words of comfort and warning: Women of Jerusalem, weep not for me. Weep
rather for yourselves and your children (Lk 23:28). To the crowd, many of whom wanted his crucifixion, he offered personally his forgiving prayer: Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do (Lk 23:34). But the most dramatic is his very personal assurance to the Good Thief who undergoes conversion and humbly prays, Remember me when you enter into your reign (Lk 23:42). Jesus replies with the absolute confidence of an absolutely powerful King: I assure you, this day you will be with me in Paradise (Lk 23:43). We, politicians and voters, must take our cue from the Good Thief and be converted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, bringing him to our politics so we could anticipate in our islands a view of his Paradise.
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The PCOS results should be validated by a parallel manual count in all precincts, Pabillo said. The stakes are too great for Comelec not to do all in its power to prove the reliability and trustworthiness of the present automated system, he added. Pabillo chairs the National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace (Nassa) of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). RMA is enough The poll body, however, was quick to reject the bishops call that would require teachers and election inspectors at the precinct level to manually count all votes. Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the random manual audit (RMA), the only legally sanctioned mechanism for validating PCOS count, is enough to determine the accuracy of the voting machines. We think what will be done in the Random Manual Audit is
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enough for that purpose. RMA is effective anyway. We dont need the 100 percent parallel count. It will just cause confusion, Jimenez said. Violations Pabillo said the credibility of the automated polls has suffered because the Comelec removed many of the safeguards that were initially set in place: digital signature, ultra violet scanner, voter verification and source code review. If the Comelec continues with the elections in this situation, it would violate the automated election law, he said. The bishop also said they did not wish to taint the elections, but they wanted to help prove its ability to deliver credible elections by having the manual count. We have been doing that all these years and it will not take much time of counting. That would somehow give us as surance that the tally is right, Pabillo said.
of two sections of the Mining Act of 1995, Monsod explained he and the other petitioners did not come to argue that mining should be banned, not only because that position finds to traction in the Constitution that allows it but also because the value of our mineral wealth is huge at $ 840 billion or about P 40 trillion. He added that although mining has never been a driver of our development, not even during the mining boom of the seventies, we cannot discount its potential and must try to find ways to realize that potential. Monsod said the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement and the Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement have not been in favor of the Philippine government and its people. He said a number of countries have began to reconsider existing laws as UNCTADs World
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Investment Report of 2012 underscored the need for a new generation of policies according to its findings that investment agreements, specifically on extractive industries, have been found wanting in two major aspects. He went on to describe these as the failure to take into account requirements to make sustainable development and inclusive growth a reality. He said governments are at a disadvantage due to an imbalance in the benefits and costs shouldered by the government and investors. Monsod said the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016 described inclusive growth as growth that creates jobs, draws majority into the economic and social mainstream and continuously reduces mass poverty. He underscored the inequitable distribution of environmental, social and economic costs because mining is carried
out in rural and mountainous areas affecting farmlands, rivers and shorelines where the poorest of the poor are engaged in livelihood activities. He cited reports which re vealed taxes, fees and royalties collected from mining was 7.3% relative to the total value of mineral production from 1997-2011 though the average was up to 10.5% from 2005-2011. Theres a need to create an additional of four million jobs until 2016 to alleviate poverty through tourism, business process outsourcing, agribusiness and manufacturing. While it requires P 200,000 to create a single job, mining is an industry where investment to job ratio is high as exemplified by its biggest proposed investment in Tampacan, Mindanao the investment-job-to is P120,000,000 per job. He added the average contribution to GDP from 2000 to 2010
was pegged at 0.945% with an average share to total employment was 0.387%. Mining has the highest poverty incidence (48.7%) of any sector of the country and it is the only sector where poverty incidence increased between 19882009, he further said. He particularly cited the case of Bataraza in Palawan where Rio Tuba is located for the past 30 years with a poverty inci dence double of the national rate (53% vs. 26%) These date do not establish causality but they do show an association between mining and poverty that at least raises questions on the claim of mining that is substantially improves life in their communities, Monsod said. Monsod called on the Court to look into explicit provisions on what to do with the revenues from mining. (MA/CBCPNews)
ingredient in mans existence is something undeniably indispensable. Religion and its tenets are not only a mental patch for the unanswerable queries of life (i.e. its origins, purpose, suffering and death), but mans restless soul is only naturally fulfilled by this dimension. A piano, as any stringed instrument, left on its own will eventually start to go off tune. No matter how one may try to widow the proper pitch of each string, it will eventually lose its original note. Logically, one will resort to someone who possesses the expertise and the tools to make the instrument sound as it should.
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St. Augustine using the analogy of the lyre says: Whosoever wants to be My disciple, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Let him not set down his psaltery, let him not set down his timbrel, let him stretch himself out on the wood, and be dried from the lust of the flesh. (St. Augustine, Commentary on Psalm 149) Our life is stretched into the proper spiritual tone when it submits itself to the discipline of prayer, sacrifice and also with the proper guide and demands placed by a prudent director. This instrument of God will tune the chords of our virtues, refine the melody of our prayer and tighten our resolutions in our personal
examination. Augustine continues, The more the strings are stretched, the more sharply do they sound. The Apostle Paul then, in order that his psaltery might sound sharply, what said he? Stretching forth unto those things which are before, etc. He stretched himself: Christ touched him; and the sweetness of truth sounded. (Ibid.) When we dispose our souls to the guidance of a spiritual tuner, he then sets us in the presence of the Lord who will bring out a beautiful daily harmony from the virtues of faith, hope and love and thus allow us to constantly give glory to God, the Church and all souls.
sus Christs ascension to heaven. Tagle said that the ascension, which occurs every 40 days after Christs resurrection, is the manifestation of the Lords undying presence on earth and the actualization of human salvation. The ascension of Jesus is not a separation from us. It is not the end or termination of His mission. Sa kanyang pag-akyat sa langit sa piling ng Ama, lalo siyang naging present sa atin, he said. Sa piling ng kanyang Ama, tuloy ang kanyang mi syon, tuloy ang kanyang pagmamahal sa atin. He added that the period of ascension signifies the descending of evangelizers to the world, further reminding the faithful of their responsibility to act as missionaries of Christ. Yung pagkakasakatuparan ng ating pagiging misyonero ay
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ang patuloy na pananahan sa atin ni Hesus. Through us and in the power of the spirit, Jesus will continue preaching the word of Gods love, the prelate said. According to him, physical separation does not affect the connection between humans and the Divine as closeness with the Lord transcends all earthly boundaries. Kapag ikaw ay nasa piling ng Diyos, hindi ka malalayo sa piling ng kapwa. He who is present with God is fully present and is most present in the world and in history, Tagle said. The prelate added that the mystery of the life of Christ cleansed the sinfulness of humanity by giving hope towards possessing a renewed life. Tayong mga makasalanan ay kailangang isumpa. Salamat na lamang sa muling pagkabuhay ni Hesus at may pag-asa tayo, he said. (Jennifer Orillaza)
d) Election Conduct (covers Conscience & Commitment to a Catholic vision): 26. Does not use Guns, Goons, Gold (excessive money) during campaign 27. Does not use or engage in Vote-buying 28. Does not resort to lies, black propaganda, manipulation? 29. Follow election laws 30. Treat opposing candidates fairly and with respect 31. Does not use government properties during campaign e) Reputation (Competence, Conscience & Commitment to a
Catholic vision): 32. Has Education & Talent for the position 33. Has Training or Experience for the position 34. Has good track record of service 35. No criminal cases 36. No unexplained wealth 37. No major personal, family controversies 38. Has no association with dark, questionable personalities within/outside of politics 39. Has not done anything against the interests of a community or the Filipino people 40. Always pursues the common good over his personal
interests 41. A person of word of honor 42. Known to be honest / not corrupt 43. Known to fight for the Truth & what is Right; and 44. General public perception is that he/she is a Good Filipino. The challenge, of course, is securing good and verifiable information for the circles to base their judgment. Sources of information include media, advocacy groups, church network, etc. Circles of discernment need to assess the veracity of reports and allega-
tions. This requires the capacity to suspend judgment and raise further questions. Participants must learn to disagree agreeably. This is a tedious process of conscience formation in the context of shared discernment. Consensus building is not easy. But there is no other way in a democracy. For the sake of the country and church, let us come together to change ourselves and the Philippines one step at a time. (For more info on SV pls. visit (www. solidarityvote.com).
certification to the poll body amid the formers continued legal dispute with Smartmatic International. This had prompted Brillantes to initiate tripartite negotiations with Smartmatic and Dominion to resolve the problem. The source code is defined as the human readable instructions that define what the computer equipment will do. Dizon blames no other but Comelec since it insisted the use of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines anew like in 2010.
The problem with the source code review could have been avoided had the Comelec disallowed private and foreign corporations to run the Philippine elections, he said. The group, then, renewed its call on the public to remain vigilant in the wake of the incapability of the Comelec to ensure the credibility of the elections. Kontra Daya also said the public must continue pressuring the Comelec to ensure that the minimum safeguards to protect the integrity of the automated elections. (CBCPNews)
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 09
April 29 - May 12, 2013
Diocesan News
and back to the grandstand, where the awarding will be held, he told YouthPinoy in an interview. Whatever will be raised from the runway benefit run will be used to fund the participation cost of the three delegates from the parish here in Fernando Air Base, he added. As per ECY-Philippines delegation secretariat, each WYD delegate have to shell out $465 as registration cost and participation cost for the Missionary Week and the WYD week, which will be held from July 17 to 28 in Brazil. This is apart from the cost to travel from Manila to Rio de Jainero, which is estimated to cost $2,300 to $3,000 each pilgrim. We are confident that the proceeds of our activity will be able to cover our participation cost but not the fare. We will have to organize other fundraising activity such as merchandising and solicitations for the transportation cost, Garcia added. Apart from the runway benefit run, the MOP subgroup also started selling t-shirts, mugs and religious articles at parishes in military camps to help raise funds for its members pilgrimage. In Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Jonathan Florino launched Pondo for Youth, a fundraising project that entails the merchandising of mugs worth P150 and t-shirts priced at P280 each. Florino leads a group of seven delegates from the MOP who will go to the WYD in July under the ECY-Philippines delegation. Their sub-group consists of a priest, four young people from the Lipa Air Base in Batangas and two from Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. Merchandising was actually my idea. Selling those items is one of our options (to raise funds for our pilgrimage), he said. Our diocese will not be able to support us finan cially so we need to raise the amount required (by ourselves), he added. Florino shared that he initially planned on selling the mugs and t-shirts to different military camps in Metro Manila but was constrained due to limited manpower. I started merchandising at the Shrine of St. Therese in Villamor where I am based. I started last Holy Thursday and Good Friday. The sale is surprisingly ok, he said. Florino advised other WYD pilgrims to try merchandising and other cre ative ways to raise funds for their pilgrimage. Time really flies so fast and its only three months to go before the WYD. We need to work double time in raising our funds so we should seriously study possible fundraising means, he added. He also encouraged pil grims whose spirits are dampened because of unsuccessful fundraising projects to continue their effort. It is normal to feel discouraged because of unsuccessful efforts. I also feel that sometimes but I cling to prayers and my faith in God, knowing that He will always provide what we need in His time, he said. If your fundraising doesnt succeed, there will be a reason for it. At least we have tried and did what we could do, Florino added. As of press time, only 16 groups or 211 individual pilgrims expressed intention to join the WYD under the ECY-Philippines delegation. Being the official country delegation, ECY-Philippines delegation is considered to be the biggest Filipino contingent based on pilgrim numbers during the past WYDs. (YouthPinoy)
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Briefing
San Carlos diocese holds regional youth day
Parish lay leaders running for May election need not resign, Laguna Bishop says
SAN PABLO City Laguna Bishop Buenaventura Famadico told parish priests, religious and members of the Laguna Clergy to allow their parish lay leaders to run for elective positions this coming May 13 elections without asking them to file their courtesy resignations. Speaking before the Clergy during their monthly assembly last April 15 in this city, Famadico said the domain of partisan politics rightly belongs to the laity hence there is nothing wrong if they run for office even if they are actively holding positions in the Church. He told about 200 priests and religious that the Church as an institution encourages Catholics who have leadership potentials to run for office in government but he warns them not to campaign while performing their Church functions inside the Church premises. The bishop, however, cautions those Catholics running for office and campaigning for the coming elections not to join the Church-backed Parish Pastoral Council For Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and NAMFREL (National
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Movement for Free Election), to protect the impartiality and objectivity of the organization. There are more than 80 parishes in the Diocese of San Pablo Laguna and more than 2.6 million Catholic constituencies, according to the latest Catholic Directory of the Philippines. The prelate also warned parish priests and religious to avoid being partisan. Their role during the elections is to provide moral guidance to voter church-goers, to for worthy candidates using their consciences with freedom from coercion. Famadico told priests to refrain from openly naming names to endorse candidates as this constitutes partisanship and this is not good for the Church, which is an institution that symbolizes unity in society. Meanwhile, the bishop in a pastoral letter read on April 21 (Good Shepherd Sunday) in all Churches all over Laguna has formulated GUIDELINES to electorates in choosing candidates during the elections. He coined the word BAYANI as an acronym for steps in selecting candidates:
B- means Bumoto ayon sa dikta ng konsensiya na hinubog ayon sa turo ng Diyos at Simbahan (Vote according to the dictates of conscience based on the teachings of God and the Church); A- means Alamin at Kilatisin ang kandidatong dapat ihalal ayon sa kakayahan, paninindigan at pananampalataya (know and scrutinize candidates according to their capabilities, moral stand and religion); Y- means Yakapin ang mga kandidatong naninindigan para sa buhay, kasal, pamilya at kalikasan (prefer candidates who commits to protect life, Sacrament of Marriage, family and environment); A- means Alagaan ang kabanalan ng iyong boto (protect the sanctity of your own vote); N- means Nawa ay ipanalangin natin ang isang malinis, mapayapa at maayos na eleksyon (pray for the clean, peaceful and orderly elections); and finally I- means Ikaw at ako ang BAGONG BAYANI na magtataguyod na mga ito (You and me are the new heroes who will fulfill all these). (Fr. Romy Ponte)
SAN CARLOS City San Carlos diocese played host to the regional youth day held from April 15 to 18, which was attended by participants from dioceses in Western Visayas and Romblon. Themed Youth: People of Hope, One in Faith Serving in Love, through the Eucharist, the event aimed to deepen the participants understanding on the virtues of hope, faith and love and in appreciating the essence of the Eucharist as the central sacrament of the Catholic Church and the core of its public worship. The occasion also served as an occasion to gather the youth as one body united in a journey towards intimacy with Christ and the churchs response to sustain the needs of the youth, to foster solidarity and collaboration among them and the youth and ministers within the region. (Adsum Bacolod)
21st CLSP National Convention held in Bacolod
BACOLOD CityThe 21st National Convention for the Canon Law Society of the Philippines (CLSP) was held at the Planta Centro Bacolod Hotel and Restaurant, Bacolod City from April 8 to 11. Around 80 Canon Lawyers and representatives from all over the Philippines attended the convention centered on the theme Keeping the faith in the Year of Faith. CLSP is an association of Canon lawyers, mostly priests but not exclusively. Its membership admits those who have knowledge, practice and interest in canon law and may be classified as principal, associate or honorary members. (Adsum Bacolod)
Youth empowerment camp focuses on Faith
heartswhistleblowers. So much needs to be done. Let not our hope be shattered and our dreams turned into nightmares, the AMRSP said. We are now in the third year of Aquinos term and it is time we ask ourselves so many questions: Akin to the question, Which way Lord?, we ask those in authority: Where is this government leading us? it said. It is so far the strongest statement of the AMRSP, which has been at the forefront in all the political upheavals in the country since the Martial Law years, against the Aquino administration. The only positive remark the organization had for the government is the effort of some agencies in fighting corruption, like the departments of Public Works and Highways, Education, Justice, and others. [But] we were saddened with the news of continuing corruption and abuse on the use of public funds by some congressmen and senators, the statement further read. We hold him to his promise of change. While it is true that there has been headway in the fight against corruption, much more remains to be done.
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No big fish has been convicted since 2010 and with the way the tentacles of the corrupt have stymied the judicial process, PNoys term might be over and the cases will still languish at the courts, it added. While Malacaang flaunts a supposed robust economy, the AMRSP also scored the grinding poverty, agrarian unrest, assaults of integrity of creation, the trafficking of our women and children. They reminded the government that governance is not only a fight against corruption but also the delivery of basic services especially to the poor. Violence, impunity The religious noted that while they are thankful that some laws on human rights have been passed, they are saddened by the continuing of violence and impunity. According to them, day by day in so many places, unabated killings take place as if it were the most normal thing to happen in a civilized and Christian country like ours. We raise our voices with the victims of extrajudicial killings whose numbers are on the rise each day, the AMRSP said. What do these killings
mean? Is there still a rule of law? Are we back to the former days of anarchy when the law of guns, influence and money ruled? Is this what Daang Matuwid means? Where is this government leading us? Where are we going? it also said. DAR leadership revamp Denouncing the slow implementation of the Com prehensive Agrarian Reform Program, the AMRSP called on the government to re vamp the leadership of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). More than 80 bishops earlier appealed to Aquino to replace DAR Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes for his alleged dismal performance to implement CARP. Together with the farmers, we doubt the effectiveness of the leadership in the Department of Agrarian Reform, they said. We enjoin, therefore, the Administration to listen to the plea of the farmers and the CBCP that the DAR leadership be replaced to ensure effective implementation of the most important social justice program of governance, which is agrarian reform and land distribution. If daang matuwid is sincere in fulfilling its promise;
then, the PNoy government must give out the lands now, including his familys very own Hacienda Luisita, they stressed. Aquinos indifference The AMRSP is known for providing sanctuary to whistleblowers like Rodolfo Jun Lozada, star witness in the aborted $329-million national broadband network deal with Chinas ZTE Corp. Lozada is currently facing graft charges for allegedly granting leasehold rights over public lands to his brother and to a private firm with connections to him and his wife when he was head of the Philippine Forest Corp. in 2007. We are saddened, by the way the PNoy administration is treating the case of Jun Lozada. It is unthinkable to imagine that Juns heroic act that has put him and his family, not only in danger, but in a state of continuous dislocation would be in vain, according to the AMRSP. We cannot go back to business as usual simply because higher-up officials want to get back at Jun. We cannot understand the indifference that the PNoy government is showing about Jun Lozada, they lamented. (RL/CBCPNews)
SAN PABLO CityStill in line with the celebration of the Year of Faith, the commission on youth of San Pablo diocese in Laguna will hold its 10th edition of the Youth Empowerment Summer (YES) camp aimed at helping young people of the diocese to deepen their appreciation and understanding of the Catholic faith on May 2 to 5. Themed FIDES: One God, One Faith, One Diocese, the camp will apply the module of FIDES the Latin word for faith and stands for Fidelity of Christ, Integrity of Christ, Divinity of Christ, Ecclesiology of Christ and Soteriology of Christ. The module comprises sessions, talks and activities that would help participants re-affirm their Catholic beliefs. Hosted by the district 4 youth commission, the event will be held at the St. Peter of Alcantara Parish in Pakil, Laguna with Liceo de Pakil as its main Catechetical site. (Jandel Posion)
Pasig organizes cycling activity for CHAMP elections
PASIG CityTo ensure a Clean, Honest, Accountable, Meaningful and Peaceful (CHAMP) midterm poll, the diocese of Pasig initiated a diocesan event to remind the faithful to vote wisely in the forthcoming election. Titled Bike for CHAMP 2013 Election, the May 1 event was also part of their voters education campaign on the road carrying the slogan I Choose God, I Vote Good! The cycling event started at 5am in front of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Pasig en route to Pasig, Pateros and Taguig and ended at the Pasig Catholic College with a Mass led by Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara. (Jandel Posion)
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1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1981 and 1995. Like the Olympic Games, the International Eucharistic Congress is only held every four years. The Congress aims to promote awareness of the Eucharist in the life
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and mission of the Church, to improve understanding and celebration of the liturgy, and to draw to the social dimension of the Eucharist. The last time the Philippines hosted the IEC was in 1937 in Manila during the time of Pope Pius XI. (CBCPNews)
cerns in the area of vocation promotion in the country. The Holy Mass on the first day, April 8, was celebrated by Kalibo Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc, who talked about The Image of the Filipino Diocesan Clergy Today. Antique Bishop Jose Romeo Lazo, on the other hand, explained The Relevance of the Year of Faith to the Philippine Catholic Church.
To wrap the conference up, the last homily on April 10 fittingly featured the Conclusions and Rec ommendations of the Conference and the Call of the Year of Faith to Arch/Diocesan Vocation Directors, given by new Imus Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista. The participants were also given time to discuss the challenges they have personally encountered in their
respective arch/dioceses in a small group workshop facilitated by Directors of Vocations in the Philippines (DVP) National Coordinator Fr. Rochester Charles Resuello and DVP National Secretary for Religious Men, Fr. Alfredo Maglangit, Jr. The conference was held from April 811 in Casa Pilar Beach Re sort, Malay, Aklan. (Nirvaana Ella Delacruz)
they give some light and impulse, and they can condition and exert some influence on the different aspects of our life, but they are in need to be rooted on an absolute, permanent groundthe terra firma who is God. Fidelity requires of us nothing less than the genuine impulse of love, the love that ultimately comes from God, the author, pattern and end of love. It requires an intimate relation with God. When a couples love refuses to conform itself to this love, and prefers to linger on the bodily aspects of love, or some other considerations only, fidelity may survive more of an accident than by intention. Same with those engaged in other fields of human endeavorsbusiness, politics, academics, culture, philosophy, theology, etc. If their main inspiration is not God, but something or someone else, they will go wayward sooner or later. This love of God is something we can always have, if we are open to it in the first place, and then work hard to keep it. There will be difficulties, of course, but none that could not be overcome if
we just keep our faith and love for God. This love of God is expressed first when springing from our faith in God we obey his commandments, even if such commandments may give us temporary difficulties. It is developed by having recourse to God in the sacraments themselves and in abiding prayer. This matter about prayer should be understood well, because many misconceptions distort its real character. Prayer is simply keeping our mind and heart in Gods presence, allowing them to act and interact with God according the circumstances of the moment. This is how we can keep ourselves vitally strong and dynamic, giving us a good vision of things and the capacity to discern what God really wants of us, especially when we are faced with many so-called legitimate but competing choices, tempting us to be promiscuous. This is how can be truly faithful, enjoying a sense of meaning and direction in our life, a sense of confidence and security amid the many vagaries of life. We need to cultivate and spread this lifestyle and culture.
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THE art of listening is essential for ones faith to deepen and grow, a bishop told thousands of young people gathered for a pilgrimage last April 18-20. Faith grows if only you listen attentively without judgment, Cabanatuan bishop Sofronio Bancud said during his homily at the opening of the 7th Central Luzon Youth Pilgrimage (CLYP). Almost 2,000 young people from the archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga and the dioceses of Balanga in Bataan, Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija, Iba in Zambales, Malolos in Bulacan, San Jose in Nueva Ecija, and Tarlac, attended the youth pilgrimage which was held at the Nueva Ecija Col leges Gymnasium and College of Immaculate ConceptionCabanatuan (CIC). Bancud reminded young people to listen to each others stories and refrain from passing any judgment on one another. If we only learn to listen at-
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Young people praise and worship God during a pilgrimage hosted by the Diocese of Cabanatuan last April 18-20.
also held followed by the cultural night. The cultural night titled Gabi ng Gitnang Luzon at the CIC Magnificat Center showcased the participants cultural and festival presentations of their respective provinces/ dioceses.
Culmination mass The event culminated with a mass celebrated by San Jose, Nueva Ecija bishop Roberto Mallari who urged pilgrims to accept the Holy Spirit. If the Holy Spirit is with each one of us, we can be united with our differences, Mallari said.
The Dominican Network youth group comprising 29 Dominican schools in the country held their annual summer camp in Iloilo last April 3-7.
Meanwhile, this years leadership training was facilitated with the help of the Catalyst, the outreach, advocacy, and leadership organization of the University of Asia and the Pacific. The DomNet Youth Group was established in 1995, soon after Dominican schools in the country started cooperation in the same year to facilitate in the sharing of resources and expertise in the different fields of endeavors.
Since the formation of the youth group, an annual national gathering has been held in different locations in the country to plan activities and to train leaders in accordance to the groups vision-mission, which is focused on the passion for truth, compassion for humanity, and devotion to the Word of God and to the Blessed Virgin Mary through the Rosary. (CBCPNews)
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Pastoral Concerns
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CBCP Pastoral Exhortation on the Celebration of the National Consecration of our People and our Beloved Land as Isang Bayang Sumisinta kay Maria on June 8, 2013, Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Beloved People of God in the Philippines: A few months ago, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) with the Pastoral Message, Live Christ, Share Christ!, Looking Forward to our Fifth Century of the Coming of Christianity, set in motion our observance of the Year of Faith (YF) in the Church in our country, as well as fostering of The New Evangelization (NE) proclaimed by the Holy See. Our past months have been marked by the joyous canonization (21 October 2012) of San Pedro Calungsod; by the October 2012 Bishops Synod held in Rome on the New Evangelization (NE), andjust nowthe recent election of Pope Francis to succeed Pope Benedict XVI whoout of his loving and noble concern for the greater good of the Church resigned for reasons of age and failing health. Tied up with this succession of remarkable events, we have noted a notable increase in interest and even enthusiasm regarding whats new in the life of the Church among our Catholic people. We take all this as also a sign of the Holy Spirits inspiring of our communities, and it adds greatly to our sense of Easter joy. As a notable event in our own Year of Faith, we have already announced that the CBCP has marked 8 June 2013 as a day of a nationwide National Consecration by our Catholic Faithful of our people and our country to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The CBCP has directed and urged all our dioceses and parishes, schools and other institutions, even all our families, of course, to offer solemnly a joint public act of entrustment to the Blessed Mother, Mother of our people and our country. We wish to do this as truly one people, from Aparri to Jolo: formally re-affirming that our country is indeed pueblo amante de Maria bayang sumisinta kay Maria: a people truly loving Mary the Mother of Jesus the Lord, a people in a true sense made one by this love and devotion which we bear, by Gods great gift, to the Mother of God. This solemn act of entrustment and consecration, we have said, is part of our Year of Faith observance, and part of the nineyear (novena) preparation for the 2021 celebration of the coming of the Christian Faith to our land in 1521 five hundred years ago. But we hold in our minds and hearts even deeper grounds for this significant forthcoming event. Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary We have before us the acts of entrustment of the world, of all its peoples and nations, by Popes of our time, from Pope Pius XII in 1942, to Blessed Pope John Paul II, who five times during his long pontificate made and renewed this placing of all of humankind under the mantle of the Blessed Mother, consecrating the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This entrustment was inspired by Our blessed Ladys words to the children of Fatima and the enduring message of Our Lady, still truly relevant for our time. (Pope Benedict XVI). Our Lady promised that this consecration, freely and firmly offered, would bring grace for conversion from sin and of sinners, protection from the menace of evil and war; from sins against life and the dignity of Gods children; from every kind of injustice and trampling of Gods commandments; from the sin of the world, sin in all its manifestations ... (John Paul IIs prayer, 1984) Memorably for us, our Philippine Bishops, representing all of us Catholics in our landall joined Pope John Paul IIwho in Rome, before an image of Our Lady of Fatimaand with him all the Catholic Bishops of the world in their own dioceses, offered the world-wide Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on 25 March 1984. D u r i n g an entire Bimillennium Marian Year, beginning 8 December 1984 and culminating on same date in 1985, we begged our Blessed Mothers intercession to bring us true freedom and peace, at a time when our people were undergoing great stress and suffering and near-hopelessness under the dictatorship. The peaceful People Power Revolution of February 1986 came as Gods answer to our prayers and longingsso we are convinced through the intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Memorably again, on 3 December 1987, as an act of joyous thanksgiving, we renewed our Consecration to the Two Hearts, the Sacred Heart of Jesus and his Mothers Immaculate Heart, led in our name by Cardinals Jaime Sin and Ricardo Vidal. More recently, our Bishops, responding to our Filipino lay Catholics initiative, opened (on 19 June 2009) a Year of Renewal, of Consecration and Commitment offered to the Two Hearts, and ended it solemnly with an Act of Consecration to the Heart of Jesus and also to the Heart of Mary, 11 June 2010. We are certain much protection from harm, distress and evil were given to us through the graciousness of the Two Hearts. Peaceful elections were held in May 2010, and a new administration installed, with peaceful and orderly transition. Looking at our Present Context As the Year of Faith moves forward, we know that there are several situations of trouble and conflict in our part of the world. It suffices to name some areas: the two Koreas, Sabah, and the West Philippine Sea. Within our nation, we know also that there are positive gains: the widely recognized present economic upturn under our present governments policies and programs; equally recognized improvements and progress in governance, in health care, in anti-poverty and proeducation endeavors; sincere efforts at diminishing corruption, and more. We are told by surveys also that genuine hopes for a better future have recently risen among our people. Yes, there is new hope. Yet, just as truly, there remain not a few dark and shadow areas too, like the ongoing violence and conflicts in Mindanao; also the ongoing decades-old Communist-led revolutionary movement; the persistent joblessness that daily sends hundreds, even thousands, of our countrymen abroad in search of employment, the unabated wanton destruction of remaining natural resources. There are also the recent bitter controversies regarding legislation on reproductive health; the threat of more bills in Congress to legalize practices which our Catholic moral doctrine holds as contrary to divine law; the manifestations of a spreading relativistic mindset in some sectors of our society (the dictatorship of relativism reaching even us) and its effects in our own changing lifestyles. And of course, next May, we will have the coming national and local elections. We all know that amongst us, election-periods
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Social Networks: portals of truth and faith; new spaces for evangelization.
(Papal Message for the 47th World Communications Day, May 12, 2013)
DEAR Brothers and Sisters, As the 2013 World Communications Day draws near, I would like to offer you some reflections on an increasingly important reality regarding the way in which people today communicate among themselves. I wish to consider the development of digital social networks which are helping to create a new agora, an open public square in which people share ideas, information and opinions, and in which new relationships and forms of community can come into being. These spaces, when engaged in a wise and balanced way, help to foster forms of dialogue and debate which, if conducted respectfully and with concern for privacy, responsibility and truthfulness, can reinforce the bonds of unity between individuals and effectively promote the harmony of the human family. The exchange of information can become true communication, links ripen into friendships, and connections facilitate communion. If the networks are called to realize this great potential, the people involved in them must make an effort to be authentic since, in these spaces, it is not only ideas and information that are shared, but ultimately our very selves. The development of social networks calls for commitment: people are engaged in building relationships and making friends, in looking for answers to their questions and being entertained, but also in finding intellectual stimulation and sharing knowledge and know-how. The networks are increasingly becoming part of the very fabric of society, inasmuch as they bring people together on the basis of these fundamental needs. Social networks are thus nourished by aspirations rooted in the human heart.
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By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso, J.C.D.
I HAVE observed that there seems to be no standard posture and gesture for the congregation and concelebrants during the praying or singing of the Our Father at Mass. I am particularly disturbed by the practice of holding hands, especially when I am forced to do so due to unfriendly stares when I refuse. When I asked our parish priest about this, he told me that there has been a clarification from the Commission on Liturgy of the CBCP that there has been no directive from the bishops that bans this practice among priests and lay people during the celebration of the Mass. Can you clarify this matter please? At the outset, we have to make it clear that neither the Episcopal Conference nor the individual bishop is the final arbiter as regards the Liturgy, especially as regards the Sacraments and more especially the most august sacrament of the Eucharist. For that, the Supreme Authority of the Vicar of Christ is the final word, and that Supreme Authority had already pronounced on this matter in the General Instruction on the Roman Missal and more recentlyby way of reminder to the bishops to implement what had previously been laid down in the Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum. On the other hand, it stands to reason that the CBCP cannot possibly ban all illicit or indecorous behavior in the liturgy, especially if such matters have already been regulated by the universal law of the Church i.e., by the norms emanating from the Holy See. Nevertheless, from the previous article, quoting the relevant numbers of Redemptionis Sacramentum, we see that the Instruction did not touch the question of the proper posture for the recitation or singing of the Our Father. It would seem like the practice of holding handsor any other deviation from the traditional postureis not sufficiently widespread as to make it necessary to include it
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Updates
in an Instruction directed to the Universal Church. Nevertheless, it is not a totally unregulated matter. Postures and Gestures established by Liturgical Law The most comprehensive source of norms for the celebration of the Holy Mass is the latest (3rd) edition of the Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani (I.G.M.R.) promulgated in 2000whose Roman Rite and to what serves the common spiritual good of the People of God, rather than private inclination or arbitrary choice. A common posture, to be observed by all participants, is a sign of the unity of the members of the Christian community gathered for the Sacred Liturgy: it both expresses and fosters the intention and spiritual attitude of the participants. Offertory is taking place; and, as circumstances allow, they may sit or kneel while the period of sacred silence after Communion is observed. Those who do not kneel ought to make a profound bow when the priest genuflects after the consecration. The faithful kneel after the Agnus Dei unless the Diocesan Bishop determines otherwise. With a view to a uniformity the acclamation Quia tuum est regnum (For yours is the kingdom). 154. Then the priest, with hands extended, says aloud the prayer, Domine Iesu Christe, qui dixisti (Lord Jesus Christ, you said). After this prayer is concluded, extending and then joining his hands, he gives the greeting of peace while facing the people and saying, Pax Domini sit simper vobiscum (The peace of the Lord be with you always). The people answer, Et cum spiritu tuo (And with your spirit). Afterwards, when appropriate, the priest adds, Offerte vobis pacem (Let us offer each other the sign of peace). [Authority to Introduce Variations of Postures and Gestures] 390. It is up to the Conferences of Bishops to decide on the adaptations indicated in this General Instruction and in the Order of Mass and, once their decisions have been accorded the recognitio of the Apostolic See, to introduce them into the Missal itself. These adaptations include The gestures and posture of the faithful (cf. no. 43 above); The gestures of veneration toward the altar and the Book of the Gospels (cf. no. 273above); The form of the gesture of peace (cf. no. 82 above); Conclusions From the foregoing norms, we can make the following conclusions as regards the proper posture and gesture for the Our Father. 1) For the congregation, the G.I.R.M. only stipulates a standing posture, without saying anything about gestures. Thus, following the general principle of not introducing things in the liturgy without due authorizationin this case from the Bishops Conference and with posterior recognitio from the Holy Seeit would seem like holding hands which has no tradition in the Church whatsoever may not be the most appropriate thing. Nevertheless, were it to occur spontaneously in a congregation, with due decorum and without detriment to the sensibilities of
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English translation, General Instruction of the Roman Missal (G.I.R.M.), was published in 2002. The relevant norms are as follows: [General Principles.] 42. The gestures and posture of the priest, the deacon, and the ministers, as well as those of the people, ought to contribute to making the entire celebration resplendent with beauty and noble simplicity, so that the true and full meaning of the different parts of the celebration is evident and that the participation of all is fostered. Therefore, attention should be paid to what is determined by this General Instruction and the traditional practice of the
[When to Kneel, Stand and Sit.] 43. The faithful should stand from the beginning of the Entrance chant, or while the priest approaches the altar, until the end of the Collect; for the Alleluia chant before the Gospel; while the Gospel itself is proclaimed; during the Profession of Faith and the Prayer of the Faithful; from the invitation, Orate, fraters (Pray, brethren), before the prayer over the offerings until the end of Mass, except at the places indicated below. They should, however, sit while the readings before the Gospel and the responsorial Psalm are proclaimed and for the homily and while the Preparation of the Gifts at the
in gestures and postures during one and the same celebration, the faithful should follow the directions which the deacon, lay minister, or priest gives according to whatever is indicated in the Missal. [Posture and Gesture during the Our Father.] 152. After the Eucharistic Prayer is concluded, the priest, with hands joined, says the introduction to the Lords Prayer. With hands extended, he then says this prayer together with the people. 153. After the Lords Prayer is concluded, the priest alone, with hands extended, says the embolism Libera nos (Deliver us). At the end, the people make
are so often trouble periodsand even crisis-timeswith guns, goons and gold pursuing their destructive doings. Deeper than all the foregoing, a genuine return to God and turning truly to the Gospel and the more authentic living of our faith, these call us and challenge us, in pursuing our vocation to be truly Gods People, to be Christs Body in our land. A practical atheism (as emeritus Pope Benedict so-often refers to it), secularism and forgetfulness of God and of the Gospel spread more and more in our de facto culture; the wrong elements of so-called post-modernism and globalization increasingly affect our minds and mindsets, our moral conduct and our lives, above all the lives of our young people. On Ash Wednesday we are told, Repent and be converted to the Gospel!: The Year of Faith reminds us of this mandate, renews its summons to true Christian fidelity. What We Resolve To Do Without developing further the issues we must face, the tasks we must undertake as the demanding labors of the New Evangelization for us, the Church in our country, we see why our leaders, ordained and lay, our Bishops
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first of all, are urging us to renew once againmore earnestly, more deeply, with greater preparationour Consecration and Entrustment to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, as well asnecessarily accompanying itour renewal of consecration to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. As part of our Consecration to the Immaculate Heart, there are also the adjoint practices of (1) the Mass and Communion of Reparation on the First Saturday of each month, and (2) Prayer and Penance, in our daily lives offered also by us, in union with Our Ladys Immaculate Heart. As much as possible, the daily recitation of the Rosary will be the ongoing-practice of prayer asked of us. We are reminded that the Fatima message teaches the immense power of the Rosary for faith-life in the world of grace. With this Pastoral Exhortation we send out to you a booklet prepared for us, which sets down (1) the specific pastoral activities and programs which can be followed and activated in each diocese, parish, local school or other institutions and which (2) develops briefly and clearly, we hope, some theological reflection on the Consecration to the Immaculate Heart and accompanying practices of spirituality and devotion.
We are also sending out the poster visually representing and fostering the program of these events, an image of the Madonna and her motherly mantle (the Schutzmantel Madonna), an icon of Mary known and loved in Europe from long ago, but locally inculturated for us. Fr. Armand Tangi, SSP, the wellknown Pauline priest and religious artist has created this image for us, from his heart and hand, as a labor of love. Mary of the Immaculate Heart, Mother of Christ and our Mother, here holds our Filipino people under and within her loving and caring mantleall of us, men, women and children, of every region of our land; of every age, gender, color of skin and sector of society; Christians and people of other religions, churches and faith communities, all Filipinos of good willall of us who make one people, one nation, one. Our Ladys love and care, received by us, have brought and can bring us together and make us one. We repeat as we end this message: we will hold a simultaneous National Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, at 10:00 in the morning in all Cathedrals, Parish Churches, Shrines and Chapels led by the Bishops in their respective Arch/Dioceses, Prelatures and Apostolic Vicariates, all over the country.
Pueblo Amante de Maria: Isang Bayang Sumisinta Kay Maria This is the purpose of our Act of Consecration to her Immaculate Heart, that she the Mother of us all really help us to become more truly one. Bayang sumisinta kay Maria, isang bayan, isang bansa. In our past history, in times of trouble and need, of darkness and loss of hope, whenever we prayed to her, she always came to be with us and raise us up. Ina of Peafrancia in Bikol Region, Nuestra Seora de Guia of Ermita (Manila), Virgen de la Paz y Buenviaje in Antipolo, Virgen del Santissimo Rosario of La Naval in Manila and Manaoag, Mother of Perpetual Help in Baclaran, Our Lady of Piat in Cagayan, Our Lady of Caysasay in Taal (Batangas), Virgin of Miraculous Medal of Sucat, Paraaque and San Marcelino in Ermita (Manila), Nuestra Seora de Guadalupe of Makati and Cebu, Our Lady of Lourdes of Santa Mesa Heights (Quezon City), Nuestra Seora de Candelaria of Jaro (Iloilo), Nuestra Seora del Pilar of Zamboanga this is just the beginning of a litany, a much longer litany, wherein almost every corner of our land will finally add its name. As the late Jaime Cardinal Sin wrote of our people during our Marian Year of
1988: When our land was not yet one land, and our people not yet a nation, ... it was she, the Mother of Jesus the Incarnate Son, who became our first bonding tongue, the first common language of our hearts, the symbol of a new race to whom oneness and peace would come in time, as a gift of the Father in heaven, but as a gift which would reach us through her loving hands. We change his last lines a little. This Year of Faith, of our Consecration to her Immaculate Heart, will be a firm renewal of our unshakeable trust in her, of our filial love for hershe who is now, as ever in our past, our Queen and our Mother of mercyvita, dulcedo et spes nostra: yes, of all our people, our life, our sweetness and our hope. Let the bells ring throughout the land, singing our peoples hymn to Mary. They shall be bells which celebrate our hope. Amen. For the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, + JOSE S. PALMA, D.D. Archbishop of Cebu President, CBCP April 15, 2013
The culture of social networks and the changes in the means and styles of communication pose demanding challenges to those who want to speak about truth and values. Often, as is also the case with other means of social communication, the significance and effectiveness of the various forms of expression appear to be determined more by their popularity than by their intrinsic importance and value. Popularity, for its part, is often linked to celebrity or to strategies of persuasion rather than to the logic of argumentation. At times the gentle voice of reason can be overwhelmed by the din of excessive information and it fails to attract attention which is given instead to those who express themselves in a more persuasive manner. The social media thus need the commitment of all who are conscious of the value of dialogue, reasoned debate and logical argumentation; of people who strive to cultivate forms of discourse and expression which appeal to the noblest aspirations of those engaged in the communication process.
Dialogue and debate can also flourish and grow when we converse with and take seriously people whose ideas are different from our own. Given the reality of cultural diversity, people need not only to accept the existence of the culture of others, but also to aspire to be enriched by it and to offer to it whatever they possess that is good, true and beautiful (Address at the Meeting with the World of Culture, Blem, Lisbon, 12 May 2010). The challenge facing social networks is how to be truly inclusive: thus they will benefit from the full participation of believers who desire to share the message of Jesus and the values of human dignity which his teaching promotes. Believers are increasingly aware that, unless the Good News is made known also in the digital world, it may be absent in the experience of many people for whom this existential space is important. The digital environment is not a parallel or purely virtual world, but is part of the daily experience of many people, especially the young. Social networks are the
result of human interaction, but for their part they also reshape the dynamics of communication which builds relationships: a considered understanding of this environment is therefore the prerequisite for a significant presence there. The ability to employ the new languages is required, not just to keep up with the times, but precisely in order to enable the infinite richness of the Gospel to find forms of expression capable of reaching the minds and hearts of all. In the digital environment the written word is often accompanied by images and sounds. Effective communication, as in the parables of Jesus, must involve the imagination and the affectivity of those we wish to invite to an encounter with the mystery of Gods love. Besides, we know that Christian tradition has always been rich in signs and symbols: I think for example of the Cross, icons, images of the Virgin Mary, Christmas cribs, stained-glass windows and pictures in our churches. A significant part of mankinds artistic heritage has been created
by artists and musicians who sought to express the truths of the faith. In social networks, believers show their authenticity by sharing the profound source of their hope and joy: faith in the merciful and loving God revealed in Christ Jesus. This sharing consists not only in the explicit expression of their faith, but also in their witness, in the way in which they communicate choices, preferences and judgments that are fully consistent with the Gospel, even when it is not spoken of specifically (Message for the 2011 World Communications Day). A particularly significant way of offering such witness will be through a willingness to give oneself to others by patiently and respectfully engaging their questions and their doubts as they advance in their search for the truth and the meaning of human existence. The growing dialogue in social networks about faith and belief confirms the importance and relevance of religion in public debate and in the life of society. For those who have accepted
the gift of faith with an open heart, the most radical response to mankinds questions about love, truth and the meaning of lifequestions certainly not absent from social networks are found in the person of Jesus Christ. It is natural for those who have faith to desire to share it, respectfully and tactfully, with those they meet in the digital forum. Ultimately, however, if our efforts to share the Gospel bring forth good fruit, it is always because of the power of the word of God itself to touch hearts, prior to any of our own efforts. Trust in the power of Gods work must always be greater than any confidence we place in human means. In the digital environment, too, where it is easy for heated and divisive voices to be raised and where sensationalism can at times prevail, we are called to attentive discernment. Let us recall in this regard that Elijah recognized the voice of God not in the great and strong wind, not in the earthquake or the fire, but in a still, small voice (1 Kg19:11-12). We need to trust
in the fact that the basic human desire to love and to be loved, and to find meaning and trutha desire which God himself has placed in the heart of every man and womankeeps our contemporaries ever open to what Blessed Cardinal Newman called the kindly light of faith. Social networks, as well as being a means of evangelization, can also be a factor in human development. As an example, in some geographical and cultural contexts where Christians feel isolated, social networks can reinforce their sense of real unity with the worldwide community of believers. The networks facilitate the sharing of spiritual and liturgical resources, helping people to pray with a greater sense of closeness to those who share the same faith. An authentic and interactive engagement with the questions and the doubts of those who are distant from the faith should make us feel the need to nourish, by prayer and reflection, our faith in the presence of God as well as our practical charity: If I speak in
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authority to govern it. It is necessary for the common good and the unity of the State. It is required by the moral order and comes from God. When legitimately constituted authority is exercised within the limits of its competence and in accord with the moral law, it must be respected and obeyed (PEPP, p. 37). This is why the Scriptures enjoin obedience to political authority. Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment (Rom. 13:1-2; cf. Pt. 2: 13-17). What does the church expect of politics in view of integral development? For the integral development of the human person and of all persons, the Church expects politics to create structures of participation and shared responsibility (CA, 46), where the basic freedoms and aspirations of individuals are given full scope to develop and grow. For example, the Church would expect the political community to remove or at least reduce excessive socio-economic inequalities among its citizens. The Church would also expect that electoral processes be truly democratic and fair. Politics must, therefore, not be a tool for the advancement of only a privileged few. What are the roles of Clergy, Religious and laity with regard to partisan politics? Traditional wisdom and general common sense, with support from Canon Law (or the Law of the Church), assign specific roles for different members of the Church. PCP-II pointed out these roles. The Churchs competence in passing moral judgments even in matters political has been traditionally interpreted as pertaining to the clergy. Negatively put, the clergy can teach moral doctrines covering politics but cannot actively
parliament. What is the specific mission of the laity in politics? The mission of the laity is the same as that of the entire Church, which is to renew the political order according to Gospel principles and values. But such renewal by the laity is through active and partisan political involvement, a role generally not allowed to priests and religious men and women. This is the reason that PCP-II urges the lay faithful not to be passive regarding political involvement but to take a leading role. In fact, PCP-II states: In the Philippines today, given the general perception that politics has become an obstacle to integral development, the urgent necessity is for the lay faithful to participate more actively, with singular competence and integrity, in political affairs (PCP-II, 348). Moreover, the laity must help form the civic conscience of the voting population and work to explicitly promote the election of leaders of true integrity to public office (PCP-II, Art. 8, #1). What truths should guide the laitys political involvement? PCP-II underlined the following principles to guide political participation of Catholics: That the basic standard for participation be the pursuit of the common good; That participation be characterized by a defence and promotion of justice; That participation be inspired and guided by the spirit of service; That it be imbued with a love of preference for the poor; and That empowering people be carried out both as a process and as a goal of political activity. (PCP-II, 351). But more than just political involvement is the primary importance of the lay faithful being witnesses to the Gospel. John Paul II said: The lay faithful must bear witness to those human and Gospel
malevolent intentions behind political promises. In this case the Church may authoritatively demand the faithful, even under pain of sin, to vote against this particular candidate. But such situations are understandably very rare. How does the Church fulfill its mission on renewing or evangelizing politics? by catechesis or Christian education in politics in order to evangelize our political culture which is characterized by a separation between faith and politics; by issuing guidelines on properly choosing political officials, so that the people may have a properly formed conscience in their electoral choices; by helping keep elections honest, clean, peaceful, and orderly through various church organizations, cooperating with non-government organizations; by pushing for structural changes as a goal of pastoral action in the political field, such as urging for reforms in the electoral processes in order to avoid delays and ensure integrity throughout the entire electoral process from voting, to counting, to reporting, and finally to proclaiming the winners; by political advocacy such as lobbying for legislation that promote the common good and against bills that promote the vested interests of the few; by getting involved in a movement of civil society (civic organizations, peoples organizations, non-government organizations, associations of lay people and religious, school associations, etc.) to change politics for the better; by organizing her own network of parishes and organizations, pastoral and social centers, etc., such as NASSA VOTECARE and PPC-RV, to help keep elections clean, honest, peaceful and orderly. by the living witness of all the Catholic faithful to Christ and to the values of the Gospel. This is the most important contribution of the Church to the evangelization of politics.
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Principled Partisan Politics: Three Ways of Involvement
Pastoral Letter addressed To the People of God in the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro
ELECTIONS are a time for choice and decision-making. Voters are expected to follow their conscience in choosing public officials that will serve the common good, and help in the development of their community. On election day itself, every voter becomes partisanin the sense that he or she takes sides and chooses the candidates deemed most qualified for public office. And yet, to be partisan in Philippine politics does not necessarily mean to side with one party only even as political parties are beginning to articulate their principles and party platforms. Personalities, with their qualifications, are still crucial in determining principles and platforms. Thus, as we scrutinize the qualifications of various candidates, the Catholic bishops have encouraged Christian citizens to engage in principled partisan politics. But how do we engage in principled partisan politics? Three modes come to mind. The first way, paradoxically, is to be non-partisan in favoring this or that candidate. On the other hand, it means to be partisan or to take sides for the democratic process itself to prevail. This is the role of watchdog citizens arms like the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and the National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL). As in past elections, we encourage our parishioners, particularly the youth and religious lay organizations, to volunteer their services in these activities to ensure Clean, Honest, Accountable, Meaningful, and Peaceful (CHAMP) elections. Our archdiocesan social action team can help coordinate both PPCRV and NAMFREL activities at the local levels to ensure complementarity of roles. We also commend the initiative of the Xavier University High School alumni in organizing Crusaders for Honest, Orderly, and Peaceful Elections (HOPE) in the 62 polling precincts of Cagayan de Oro City. During this period before election day, Voters Education will require much effortnot only in the proper utilization of the PCOS machines, but more so in choosing worthwhile candidates. It is in this context that voters can become Transpartisani.e., in choosing the most qualified candidates across political parties. In their Pastoral Statement of Jan. 2013, the Catholic bishops commend and support lay initiatives to form circles of discernment to choose worthy candidates . . . in order to bring values of Gods kingdom in the public discourse. As in previous elections, I have recommended that voters choose candidates with the five Cs that they be men and women of Character, Conscience, Competence, Compassion, and Commitment. Other characteristics have been suggested: that candidates be maka-Diyos, maka-Tao, maka-Buhay, maka-Bayan, and maka-Kalikasan. The Circles of Discernment for Elections (CIDE) seminar organized by the Dilaab Team in the Archdiocese of Cebu has further refined this selection process through its LASER test. Informal groups of voters are asked to evaluate candidates according to Lifestyle, Action/Accomplishments, Supporters, Election Conduct, and Reputation. I would highly encourage our Basic Ecclesial Communities as well as multi-sectoral and inter-faith groups to adopt this discernment process in order to arrive at a collective choice of worthwhile candidates. Dilaab has also introduced a third mode of partisanship. This is called Pan-Partisanship (i.e., reaching out to all political affiliations). Prior to the formal campaign period, candidates from all political parties as well as those individuals still discerning whether to run for public office or not were invited to a discernment integrity recollection. This focused on what Pope Benedict XVI calls evangelical formation and pastoral accompaniment of a new generation of Catholics working in politics. Prospective candidates were invited to pray over their own understanding and motivations for entering the sphere of public service. They were also asked to answer the LASER questions for themselves as candidates. In addition to this inclusive invitation to all candidates to develop a form of spirituality in public office, I would include three issues of concern of pan- or supra-partisan significance (which all political parties should espouse). In the archdiocese, we have launched a campaign: Our Votes are Not for Sale. It is a direct call to all traditional politicians (trapos) against the practice of rampant vote-buying (which is considered a criminal offense.) More profoundly, vote-buying as well as vote-selling are offenses against the dignity of the voter himself who exchanges his reasoning and freedom for a fleeting sum of money. A second issue of concern has been brought up by the CBCP Pastoral Statement: the widening practice of political dynasties. Along with other dioceses and organizations, we have launched in the archdiocese the Movement Against Dynasties (MAD). Recent studies by research centers have pointed out the correlation of political dynasties with corruption, poverty, and violence in various provinces throughout the country. The provision against political dynasties has already been inscribed in the Philippine Constitution of 1987. The CBCP statement adds: As monopolies in business, monopolies in politics limit the entry that can bring in new ideas and better services. Political dynasties breed corruption and ineptitude. A related advocacy is the campaign against pork barrel allocations which impels political dynasties to expand to control the largesse of public funds. A third issue of concern, especially for us in Cagayan de Oro, is the care and conservation of the environment. Typhoon Sendong has taught us the bitter lessons from the wanton degradation of our watershed areas surrounding Cagayan de Oro River and other tributaries. The continued bleeding of Iponan River from hydraulic flush mining also has to be stopped. The rehabilitation and protection of our environment should be a pan-partisan concern of all candidates for public office. This then is the challenge of Responsible Citizenship as we approach election day. While church leaders themselves have to remain non-partisan in electoral contests for the sake of transcendent Gospel values that they uphold, it is good to keep in mind the three calls of CBCP for all Christian citizens: 1) To form circles of discernment; 2) For the laity to exercise their right and duty to support candidates who are qualified and public service minded; and 3) To engage in principled partisan politics. +ANTONIO J. LEDESMA, S.J. Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro 16 April 2013
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CBCP Monitor
April 29 - May 12, 2013
Vol. 17 No. 9
TO the People of God in the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao: In union with the priests of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao I address you as your Pastor particularly on matters pertaining to the May 2013 Election. The Church is the Conscience of society and therefore with St. Paul we proclaim the word with persistence whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching ( ). Elections are essential to the common good. Leaders are thereby selected to provide the conditions that allow each person to fulfill his or her vocation. Whether or not a society is just depends in considerable measure on its leaders, and so justice and the common good are at stake in these elections. That is why the Church has the competence to speak, and must speak, or else be remiss in her duties to God and Country.
Politics in Cagayan Sad to say, politics in Cagayan is UGLY and DIRTY. It reflects what the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said in 1997 that Philippine Politicsthe way it is practiced has been most hurtful to our people. It is possibly the biggest BANE to our life as a nation and the most pernicious obstacle to our full development (Pastoral Exhortation on Philippine Politics). 1. Patronage Politics is alive and all-pervading. Political leaders have their patrons so that the result of the elections depends often not so much on the capability of the candidate but on his patron. Employment in government, as in the police force, department of education and other officesthe entire machinery of government, in fact, depends on patronage. 2. Political Dynasties have all but cornered public offices in Cagayan for some time now,
illegal gambling especially jueteng, and from trafficking of dangerous drugs. Reject those engaged in smuggling, in the sex trade, and those known to be harboring weapons arsenals and private armies. 4. We encourage our lay people, including lay ministers, to run for public office. However, if it is found out that a certain lay minister resorts to the immoral methods of Traditional Politics to win votes, that particular lay minister should immediately resign, or if he doesnt, he should be relieved of his church responsibilities. 5. L a y p e o p l e a n d l a y organizations may engage in partisan politics, and may even draw up a list of candidates whom they may campaign vig or ou sly for , a nd ma y campaign aggressively against those candidates mentioned in items 2 and 3 above. When they engage in partisan politics, however, they are not to speak either in the name of the parish or of the Archdiocese. As Clergy, we do not endorse any party or any candidate. But as disciples of Christ and as your Pastors, must respond to His call in all we do, and so our participation in the elections is part of our service in the Kingdom of God. Like Jesus, the Good Shepherd we declare these to the people entrusted to our care so that they might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10, 10). Given this 21st day of April 2013, Good Shepherd Sunday, at the Archdiocesan Chancery, Arzobispado na Tuguegarao, Tuguegarao City. +SERGIO L. UTLEG Archbishop of Tuguegarao Attested: Fr. DANILO ULEP President, Priests Assembly
Hence, we support our lay leaders decision to seek the election of those candidates who are closest to the Catholic and Christian ideals of leadership. We hope the public declaration of our lay leaders choices will result in more votes cast this coming election, will stand of God, for life and for family and environment. This movement can act as an enabling facility to judge candidates based on objective Christian criteria, not on the often- abused criteria of friendship and relationship with candidates by virtue of blood and affection. This movement likewise provides the concrete opportunity to communally examine each incumbent candidates record of accomplishments and performance history.
Needless to say, this movement provides a concrete way of examining who, among those running for office have and will truly serve the people. Let us always respect each others freedom to vote. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit does not cease to enlighten our conscience. Let us strive to hold an election that is clean, orderly and peaceful. Truly Yours in Christ Jesus, MOST REV. ROMULO T. DELA CRUZ, D.D. Bishop of Kidapawan May 5. 2013
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 9
April 29 - May 12, 2013
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agriculture and in big agri-business enterprises as well as on their long-term effects on health, soil, water, and air; 5. We urge the concerned government agencies to design and implement master plans on the rehabilitation and development of river basins in Mindanao with short term and long term solutions to the problems of soil erosion, the degradation of our waterways, flooding, the destruction of lives and properties; 6. We call upon all government leaders and agencies, as political stewards of the environment, to review and revise, if necessary, all laws and regulations that are not in accord with moral and
social principles, and rigidly strict in their implementation; 7. Aware that doing small things have cumulative and significant results, we commit ourselves to do our own share in caring for the integrity of Gods creation through doable means available to us, such as proper waste management, responsible use of water resources, energy conservation, tree planting, and raising the consciousness of parishioners regarding the environment. May our appeal be heard and our actions blessed by the Lord of all creation through the intercession of Mary our Mother.
Signed: MOST REV. GUILLERMO V. AFABLE, DD, Bishop of Digos MOST REV. JOSE COLIN M. BAGAFORO, DD, Auxiliary Bishop, Cotabato MOST REV. ROMULO T. DE LA CRUZ, DD, Bishop of Kidapawan MOST REV. DINUALDO D. GUTIERREZ, DD, Bishop of Marbel MOST REV. ORLANDO B. QUEVEDO, OMI, DD, Archbishop of Cotabato 15 April 2013 City of Digos, Davao del Sur
What is happening to our beautiful land? Where Does Daang Matuwid Lead Our People?
(AMRSPs Reflection on the Current Situation of the Philippines under the PNoy Regime)
humane life for those who have the least. It is the realization of Hope, it is a dream turned into reality. And yet today we still witness grinding poverty, agrarian unrest, violations of human rights, assaults on the integrity of creation, the trafficking of our women and children. So much needs to be done. Let not our Hope be shattered and our dreams turned into nightmares. We are now in the third year of PNoys term and it is time we ask ourselves and tremendously.Fisher folks are complaining that their fish catches are shrinking in the wake of the extensive destruction of coral reefs and mangrove forests.The emerging picture is bleak.The attack on the natural resources of the country, which benefit very few Filipinos, is rapidly whittling away at the very base of our natural world, leaving a gloomy and dark prospect to future generations. As we reflect on what is happening with our beautiful employs for it says it will control and regulate mining and logging operations on the one hand, then it issues permits on the other, a policy that benefits only the few, the powerful and the elite while neglecting the interest of the tribal communities and the poor; at the same time, destroying the integrity of creation. We have seen enough deaths caused by the devastation of nature. This has to stop! We need more action on the side of the government to ensure rotating brownouts due to power shortage. Until when would they suffer? We are simply asking. We are simply wondering. Daang Matuwidis this the way that truly leads to a better future of the people? Or is it simply the old scheme with a new popular name? Human rights While we are thankful that some laws on human rights have been passed, we are saddened by the continuing culture of violence and impunity. We raise our voices with the victims of extrajudicial killings whose numbers are on the rise each day. We are indignant at the massacre of the family members of a Blaan tribe leader who opposed the entry of Sagittarius Mines Incorporated (SMI) in their ancestral domain area. These innocent people were killed during a raid conducted by the military at their farm house. Three (3) members of the Capion family died while the youngest daughter was wounded. We mourn for the many cases of unresolved killings, including that of our own, Fr. Tentorio, and the many nameless leaders of peoples organizations. Day by day in so many places, unabated killings take place as if it were the most normal thing to happen in a civilized and Christian country like ours. We cannot simply be silent with this show of impunity for aside from the fact that the victims were defenseless; their only sin was to stand for what they believed is truthful and just! What do these killings mean? Is there still a rule of law? Are we back to the former days of anarchywhen the law of guns, influence and money ruled? Is this what Daang Matuwid means? Where is this government leading us? Where are we going? We are saddened by the fact that the labor policy in this country continues to favor capital over labor rights. The many unresolved labor disputes show that injustice is still prevalent. We denounce continuing labor lock-out and union busting that Introduction In the past years we have experienced political instability brought about by massive corruption, economic turmoil, escalating social unrest and distrust under the Arroyo regime.Every day the broadcast and the print media would highlight one of these problems. Until one day hope suddenly glimmered when the people put their trust in a man who embodied righteousness and advocated anti-corruption through his sloganMatuwid na Daan (Kung Walang Corrupt, Walang Mahirap). The rise to the presidency of Noynoy Aquino brought so much hope. He made us believe that change is possible, that corruption could be curtailed, and that public service is, indeed, a public trust. In the first months of his reign, he relentlessly pursued those who were perceived to be guilty of corruption, and we were all aware of the drama that unfolded on national television when the former first family was stopped from running away from the wheels of justice. Days, months, three years have passed. We hold him to his promise of change. While it is true that there has been headway in the fight against corruption much more remains to be done. NO big fish has been convicted since 2010 and with the way the tentacles of the corrupt have stymied the judicial process, PNoys term might be over and the cases will still languish at the courts. While we acknowledged the effort of some government institutions in carving out corruption, like the DPWH, DepED, DOJ and others, we were saddened with the news of continuing corruption and abuse on the use of public funds by some congressmen and Senators (the much controversial MOOE fund distribution). These showed that still much needs to be done. We believe that Governance is not only a fight against corruption; it is the delivery of a better and far more leads to arrests and killings of labor leaders in the frontlines of struggle. We are anxious about the continuing departure of so many Filipinos to find a greener pasture in other foreign lands simply because our country cant offer them anything better. We watch with grief the separation of families and of loved ones who have to battle the pains of loneliness, neglect and abuse in other countries just to ensure that they can feed their families at home. Obviously, this continues to be what Daang Matuwid means to many Filipinos working abroad. Almost on a daily basis, we hear in the news and receive frantic calls from so many poor communities about demolitions that are sometimes accompanied by violence. The continuing struggle of the urban poor is too much to bear. We have witnessed how people are driven out of their homes and shelters, how helpless and powerless they are, like dogs and pigs. While we understand that they have to be relocated to a safer ground, the government must also ensure that their rights will be protected and not harmed; their jobs have to be ensured. We recall with pain the brutal demolition that the government effected in the communities of Corazon de Jesus in San Juan, Silverio compound in Paraaque, San Roque and BIR Road in Quezon City. We watched with horror the use of excessive force on helpless civilians. Moreover, we are very troubled thinking about what would happen to the hundreds of thousands of homes that will soon be demolished in the Coastal area leading to Cavite. We used to believe in Daang Matuwid; yet, with what we have seen and experienced, we are raising our voices with tens of thousands of informal settlers. Where are we going? Where is this government bringing us? Agrarian Reform The farmers, whom we believe
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so many questions: Akin to the question, Which way Lord?, we ask those in authority: Where is this government leading us? On the state of Philippine ecology When a series of typhoons (Sendong, Pablo, etc.) hit us the past years, bringing devastation beyond our imagination, we need not be an expert to see what is happening and to be profoundly troubled by it.Brown, bare and eroded hills have replaced luxuriant forests in almost all parts of the country.The unabated logging and mining operations made hell out of our mountains, dried up river beds, and poisoned our fields, causing the yield from the croplands to fall substantially
land, we are convinced that this assault on creation is also an assault on our faith.God intended this land for us, His special creatures, not for us to destroy and turn it into a wasteland, butfor us to care for it, protect its fruitfulness and prevent it from being devastated (Ge. 1:28, 9:12). He appointed us as stewards of His creation yet we allow such blatant disregard of the sanctity of creation by not conscientiously doing enough to stop illegal logging and mining operations perpetrated by the few and influential elite. The granting of the environmental clearance certificate to Sagittarius Mines in Tampakan showed the insincerity and the double standard scheme that the Aquino Administration
that our mountains, seas, rivers and plains or what is left of them will be protected and preserved. Otherwise, we will begin to wonder about what really is the agenda of the Aquino administration pertaining to the environment. Does the government really care for its preservation? Why is it bent on allowing big mining industries to continue with their operations? Why is it allowing the APECO project? Is it really for the good of all or is the same old system of corruption at work, for clearly the ones who are the beneficiaries are those close to people in power? Look at Mindanao, the impact of ecological devastation affected the source of energy so much so that people there had to suffer
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Ref lections
CBCP Monitor
April 29 - May 12, 2013
Vol. 17 No. 9
ENCOUNTERS
www.intermirifica.net
the Samaritans did not welcome, resolutely determined to journey to the city, where the ultimate rejection awaited him. Here in the farewell scene, that journey is completed, as Jesus blesses his disciples. At the same time, this sets the end of Lukes account of the story of Jesus, for just as it began in Jerusalem, with Zechariah unable to bless the people gathered in the temple (Luke 1:21-22), so it ends in Jerusalem, with the disciples praising God in the temple, after Jesus blessed them (Luke 24:52). The ascension, therefore, marks the end of Jesus earthly ministry. In ascending, Jesus
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Bo Sanchez
SOULFOOD
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 9
April 29 - May 12, 2013
Social Concerns
three months after, proof of the magnitude of its impact on the economy of the province. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the PhilippinesNASSA/Caritas Philippines, compelled by the love of God
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and in response to this need, developed and spearheaded a rehabilitation project to restore their faith in God and give hope for a new beginning to the survivors. Caritas Philippines aims to build at least 800 Caritas
By NASSA Staff
BISHOP Patricio H. Alo of the Diocese of Mati, Davao Oriental, led three groundbreaking ceremonies in the municipalities of Cateel and Boston for the construction of transitional shelters on April 12 and 13, 2013. Around 128 families will benefit from Caritas Shelter units in Barangay Aragon, 65 in Barangay Poblacion and 50 in Barangay Sibajay, Boston which were among the most devastated areas by Typhoon Pablo last December 2012. The said events, organized by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the PhilippinesNational Secretariat for Social Action (CBCP-NASSA)/ Caritas Philippines, and the diocesan program staff, were wellattended by representatives of the local government units (LGUs), the military and members of the communities. They also witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) between the Diocese of Mati and the landowners for the free use of their land for a new settlement and the donation of fallen coconut trees as material for the construction. In the same event, Fr. Dan Fuentes, the Diocesan Social Action Center Director, encouraged the communities to adopt sustainable agriculture as alternative livelihood to protect the environment and to minimize the adverse impacts of disasters like this on the communities. Josephine Ignacio and Harvey Luistro of Caritas Philippines, explained the rationale of the projectto bring back hope to those whose lives were devastated by the typhoon and give them
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a fresh start for the future. The efforts of the community organizers under the able supervision of Cesaria Hugue, the Diocesan Program Coordinator, were also given recognition in the same event. CBCP-NASSA/Caritas Philippines had demonstrated Catholic charity. Historically, the Philippines is visited by more than twenty typhoons each year; some bringing strong wind, others heavy rains and still others both wind and rain, but all bring destruction and devastation. Pablo, one of the most destructive typhoons in 2012, ravaged Davao Oriental last December, killing over a thousand people and leaving some 800,000 homeless. Destruction was not confined to their residences but also affected their livelihood. Coconut trees fell and still littered the landscape present regime. The land distribution promised to them remains just thata promise; as always, a broken promise. Together with the farmers, we doubt the effectiveness of the leadership in the Department of Agrarian Reform. We enjoin, therefore, the Administration to listen to the plea of the farmers and the Catholic Bishops Conference that the DAR leadership be replaced to ensure effective implementation of the most important social justice program of governance, which is Agrarian reform and land distribution. If Daang Matuwid is sincere in fulfilling its promise; then, the PNoy government must give out the lands now, including his familys very own Hacienda Luisita! Truth-tellers and whistle blowers We thank God for having been given the rare privilege of taking an active part in the triumph of truth over lies in a culture of fear and moral bankruptcy. Jun Lozada, Heidi Mendoza, George Rabusa, Lorena Baylon, Nagamura Moner, etc. were, for us, true prophetic voices who wanted to challenge the thundering sounds of the Goliaths in this mountain of lies known as the government. As they upheld the truth, we began to realize with growing horror and increasing indignation the extent of corruption that is systemic in our government bureaucracy then and even now. We see its toll on our suffering people who could actually live in abundance if the resources of the country were truly used for their good. We are saddened by the way the PNoy administration is treating the case of Jun Lozada. It is unthinkable to imagine that Juns heroic act that has put him and his family, not only in danger, but in a state of continuous dislocation would be in vain. We cannot go back to business as usual simply because higher-up officials want to get back at Jun. We cannot understand the indifference that the PNoy government is showing about Jun Lozada. Jun Lozada experienced his own kairos which led him to become a truthteller. Under the Arroyo government he lived the life of a fugitive tormented and hunted by those he angered with his expose. Is it too much to ask that we allow him to live a normal life free from harassment as gratitude for his heroic acts? We are fully aware that the law is blind and spares no one but the God we know is a compassionate God, the God we worship is a God of justice and love. Let Jun Lozada and all truth tellers be given the chance to live in peace and rebuild their lives. So many questions, so few answers Almost three years under PNoy, we ask so many questions: for ourselves, for our people, for our leaders. We ask these
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Shelter units in the whole diocese. With funds from the government of New Zealand, Caritas New ZealandandCaritasInternationalis, the Caritas Philippines adopted the design of the model shelter unit being used by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in their own rehabilitation programs. These transitional shelters were designed to be typhoon resilient and are made of coco-lumber. It may be noted that the primary product of the province is coconut and that the typhoon destroyed a large area of the coconut plantation leaving behind broken trees that must be cleared fast to prevent a rhino beetle outbreakthatmayinfectanddestroy healthy trees that survived the disaster. Somehow, it is a blessing in disguise that these fallen coconut trees are now found to be productive as raw material for the construction of transitional houses.
are the backbone of this country, are the biggest victims and losers of the development agenda of PNoys Daang Matuwid. In the countryside, they are threatened by the continuing development aggressions perpetrated by the powerful landlords. Looking back, we witnessed the courageous stand of the Anti-Apeco tribal and farmers leaders who marched from Aurora to Manila to denounce what they perceived to be a threat to their lives and livelihood; yet, their cries fell on deaf ears. The President pretended to listen to them; but it seems it was only meant to have good media photo-ops and not really to respond to the needs and anguish of the farmers. This same thing happened to the Hacienda Luisita farmers and the farmers belonging to the Task Force Mapalad. A hope-filled promise was given to them; however, its fulfillment is yet to be seen. The farmers are now restless and angry for they feel they are being taken for a ride by the
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questions that we may be constantly reminded of our purpose: to serve God and His people. For ourselves: what else we must do to effect change in Church and society? For our people: until when should we close our eyes to the reality that too little had changed in our society, and what else we should do to effect true change? For our leaders: are you happy living in illusion that the lives of our people improved while in truth nothing significant happened to them? We have so many questions in our minds, questions that we want to be answered, questions that perhaps cannot be answered. But one thing is certain. We cannot be stopped from our obligation to be the voice of the voiceless and be in solidarity with the poor, the neglected, and the abandoned. For Reference: Fr. Marlon Lacal, O.Carm Executive Secretary
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entered into Gods presence. This is the essential meaning of going up or ascending far above all heavens (Eph 4:10). This, of course, is only one side of the coin. The other is that it signifies the beginning of Jesus exaltation: God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every other name (Phil 2:9). God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior (Acts 5:30a). It also indicates the start of his glorification and his enthronement at Gods right hand: Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory? (Luke 24:26); Jesus Christ who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him (1 Pet 3:21c-22). As a high priest, he passed through the heavens (Heb 4:14) and entered the heavenly sanctuary (9:24). These images and meanings are, of course, related to Jesus coming into Gods presence. But what about his relationship to us? Since Jesus is now an exalted and glorified Lord, the mode of his presence changed. Jesus entered into a new form of presence with his disciples, with us, and in the world. He is present to his disciples on earth in a spiritual way. With us, he is especially present in his signsin his word, in his minister, in the assembly, in the Eucharist and the sacraments, and among others, among the poor. But his presence among us and in the world is the beginning of the parousia. This has been initiated into the world, but in a hidden form. For this reason, ascension serves as a principle of hope, an anticipation of glory for those who proclaim his death and resurrection in their lives. His invisible presence in his signs will be disclosed definitively
in his return in glory. The preface proper to the feast puts it this way: Mediator between God and man, judge of the world and Lord of hosts, he ascended, not to distance himself from our lowly state, but that we, his members, might be confident of following where he, our Head and Founder, has gone before. What does this mean in simple language? That Jesus must ascendthis brought sorrow to his disciples. But they were assured of his presence of another kind. Of course, life is a series of arrivals and departures. After graduating from high school, one goes to college. One says good-bye to bachelorhood when he enters into marriage. But the transition from one term to another is never easy. Some individuals get married, but their mentality remains that of a bachelor. Yet, one cannot appreciate the stage of life one enters unless there is a change in mind-set. Some parents find it difficult to realize that their sons and daughters are no longer children: they simply cannot let go. The same may be said of faith. That Jesus is seated at the right hand and no longer present to us in the way he was physically present to his disciples during the public ministrythis is not necessary a disadvantage for us. On the contrary, we must ever rejoice because of it, even as the disciples were filled with joy as they witnessed the ascension. Today, his presence to us who believe in his power is no less real than his presence to his disciples. And that experience of his presence is the beginning of the parousia. If we have an intimate relationship with him, we are assured of the final revelation of that participation when he returns in glory. The final transition will occur, and what Jesus is, we will experience and share.
contemporary life. When the early Church, as related in the 1st Reading (Acts 7:55-60), faced the problem of circumcision vis--vis the admission of the Gentiles to the community, the resolution reached by the disputing parties at the Council of Jerusalem reflects the workings of the Holy Spirit: It is the decision of the Holy Spirit, and ours, too, not to lay on you any burden beyond that which is strictly necessary (Acts 15:28). As a great Johannine commentator, Hoskyns, puts it, the Spirits work is more than a reminiscence of the ipsissima verba of the Son of God; it is a living representation of all that he had spoken to his disciples, a creative exploitation of the gospel. By fulfilling his teaching
function, the Holy Spirit bears witness to Jesus: When the Paraclete comes he will bear witness on my behalf (John 15:26). He ensures, in other words, that, even if conditions and circumstances change, the identity and continuity of the truth that Jesus revealed to the first community is assured. What Jesus said, the Holy Spirit recreates and perpetuates. Hence, when the Church speaks on such issues as militarization, globalization, migration, etc. from ethical and doctrinal perspectives, one is assured that it is the same truth the disciples had heard that is being preached today. Through the Holy Spirit, the Church is guaranteed with the continuity of Jesus words and works, even without his physical presence.
the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal (1 Cor13:1). In the digital world there are social networks which offer our contemporaries opportunities for prayer, meditation and sharing the word of God. But these networks can also open the door to other dimensions of faith. Many people are actually discovering, precisely thanks to a contact initially made online, the importance of direct encounters, experiences of community and even pilgrimage, elements which are always important in the journey of faith. In our effort to make the Gospel present in the digital world, we can invite people to come together for prayer or liturgical celebrations in specific places such as churches
and chapels. There should be no lack of coherence or unity in the expression of our faith and witness to the Gospel in whatever reality we are called to live, whether physical or digital. When we are present to others, in any way at all, we are called to make known the love of God to the furthest ends of the earth. I pray that Gods Spirit will accompany you and enlighten you always, and I cordially impart my blessing to all of you, that you may be true heralds and witnesses of the Gospel. Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation (Mk16:15). From the Vatican, 24 January 2013, Feast of Saint Francis de Sales. BENEDICTUS XVI
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The Ten Commandments for Responsible Voting
By PPCRV
1. Vote according to the dictates of your conscience. 2. Respect the decision of others in choosing their candidates. 3. Seek to know the moral integrity, capabilities, and other personal qualities of the candidates you will vote for. 4. Strive to understand the issues, platform, and programs of candidates and parties campaigning for your vote. 5. Do not sell your vote. 6. Do not vote for candidates using guns, goons, gold, and glitter. 7. Do not vote for candidates tainted with graft and corruption. 8. Do not vote for candidates simply because of utang na loob, popularity, good looks, or pakikisama. 9. Do not vote for candidates living an immoral life. 10. Always put the welfare of the country as top priority in choosing the candidate you will vote for.
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 9
Moral Assessment
Technical Assessment
It is Year 2077. Sixty years ago, evil invaders called Scavengers destroyed the moon and attempted to capture Earth. Mankind fought off the aggressors but Earth was left uninhabitable due to the moons fragmentation and worldwide combat. Now humans are still being evacuated to Titan, one of Saturns moons, and they await their turn to depart while on board a spacecraft that hovers just above Earths atmosphere. Trained technician Jack (Tom Cruise) and a navigator, Victoria (Andrea Riseborough) have been dispatched to supervise the operations of the machines that continue to harvest what is left of Earths natural resources, particularly the water from its oceans, for use of the people living on Titan. Jack and Victoria are professionally and romantically linked, but Jack is disturbed by the image of a beautiful woman recurring in his dreams. The couples idyllic partnership is given an unexpected twist when the beautiful woman in Jacks dreams turns up to be a real person, Julia (Olga Kurylenko), whom Jack finds in a hypersleep chamber crash-landing from an unknown spaceship. Sweeping vistas of outer
Title: Spiders Lead cast: William Hope, Christa Campbell, Patrick Muldoon, Sydney Sweeney Direction: Tibor Takas Screenplay: Joseph Farragia, Tibor Takas, Boaz Davidson Running Time: 89 minutes Location: New York Genre: Sci-fi/thriller Technical Assessment: Moral Assessment: CINEMA Rating: V14 MTRCB Rating: PG13
space, fabulous machines and dwellings that could only exist in ones fantasies seem to be the strongest attractions of Oblivion. Through this impeccably created eye candy the viewers mind is teased into suspending disbelief to get carried away by the plot. But, alas, the plot lacks the viscosity to sustain the viewers interest, much less to mesmerize him into embracing Oblivion as a probability in the not-so-distant Oblivions ambitious future. storytelling, evocative of Cloud Atlas though not as grand, is supported by the strong presence of Morgan Freeman as Beech, the chief of the guerilla freedom fighters. Freeman, as usual, delivers, and Cruise seems to sincerely believe in his character; thats just about the nicest thing to be said about the acting. Other technical aspects are as okay as okay goes. Oblivion attempts to delve into the question of identity (the relationship between physical and spiritual identities in particular) but abandons the question to pose some moremuch like a toddler who, growing impatient with a toy, distracts himself with other toys. Pursuing this analogy, Oblivion strikes the viewer as something
Title: Oblivion Cast: Tom Cruise, Olga Kurylenko, Andrea Riseborough, Morgan Freeman, Nikolaj CosterWaldau, Melissa Leo Director: Joseph Kosinski Screenplay: Joseph Kosinski and Karl Gajdusek and Michael Arndt Distributor: Universal Pictures Genre: Science fiction/action Running Length: 126 minutes Technical Assessment: Moral Assessment: CINEMA rating: V 18 MTRCB rating: PG 13
like building a spaceship with Lego blocks. Good sci-fi is coherent and logical despite a bold hypothesis; it connects its elements until they all click into place, revealing the creation, albeit a Lego spaceship, as a masterpiece. Oblivion does not click. The film offers enough to appeal to teenagers but because CINEMA believes movies are not just supposed to be eye candy or dubious entertainment, Oblivion is given a V 18 rating. Due to the nature of the movies theme, mature viewers may still winnow something worth a thought from the loosely glued elements.
In a usual busy day in New York, a piece of Russian spacecraft crashes into the subway tunnel putting into halt the rush hour operations. Transit supervisor Jason Cole (Patrick Muldoon) and his team work to put the train back on track until one of the transit employees mysteriously dies supposedly of electrocution. As Cole investigates further, the government teams up with a Russian scientist to recover the queen spider egg that came with the spacecraft. Apparently, the Russians developed a military weapon by cultivating mutant indestructible spiders that grow up to 60 feet long. Overnight, the spiders mutate and become giant creatures destroying the city while the US military unleash
a deadly virus story to cover up their intentions of gaining control of the queen spider. While all of these are happening Jason and his estranged wife Rachel (Christa Campbell) fight their way to rescue their 12 year old daughter and rekindle their love for each other. There are many things wrong with this movie. First, it starts off interestingly until the real plot unfolds and everything falls apart because audiences discover the very thin plot jammed between very poor performances. The storyline is too clich and predictable. The protagonists are irritating with Muldoons cardboard acting and Campbells constant wailing. While the improved and modern effects give the movie a sense of realism and the surprisingly well-crafted scoring make viewers believe the film is engrossing, it still falls short of being entertaining after the first 10 minutes. Sadly, it tries to add drama and empathy to the father-daughter and husband-wife relationships but these are delivered too poorly to be appreciated.
The biggest saving grace of Spiders is its efforts to show how the worst of situations bring out the best in people. Jason and Rachels love for their daughter and of each other taught them to set aside their professional and personal conflicts and work together to survive. There is a very subtle hint of keeping the marriage intact and valuing the family above everything. If only the movie was better presented then these messages could have had the desired impact. However, several scenes that are too violent, gory and unsuitable for very young children will be better remembered than the underlying message. Hence, CINEMA thinks Spiders is for older bored young adults.
Title: Vamps Lead Cast: Alicia Silverstone, Krysten Ritter, Sigourney Weaver, Dan Stevens, Wallace Screenwriter: Amy Heckerling Genre: Comedy, Romance, Horror Running Time: 92 minutes Distributor: Anchor Bay Films Technical Assessment: Moral Assessment: CINEMA rating: V14 MTRCB rating: R 13
rodents. The BFFs are addicted to the night life, clubbing, and always looking for the next thrill, all the while keeping their big secret. But even with lifetimes of dating experience behind them, the duo realizes they still have a lot to learn about love. Stacy falls in love with Joey (Dan Stevens), the son of a vampire hunter, Dr. Van Helsing (Wallace Shawn), and Goody runs into the man of her dreams, Danny (Richard Lewis), from the 60s. With their destinies at stake, the girls are faced with a difficult choice; give up their eternal youth for a chance at love, or continue to live their uncomplicated fabulously single lives forever. Vamps reunites Alicia Silverstone with director Amy Heckerling both of
The success of Twilight and other vampire films reveals our fascination with the undead and there is no sign of it stopping. The latest is simply called Vamps starring Alicia Silverstone (Goody) and Krysten Ritter (Stacy) as modern-day vampires in New York City. Goody and Stacy prefer to call themselves ELFs (Eternal Life Form) instead of vampires and have sworn off human blood with their ELF help group Sanguines Anonymous who survive on the blood of animals, particularly
Clueless fame and boasts of a finely assembled cast. You realize from the outset that this is not your usual vampire story of horror and drama. Neither is it just a chick flick or rom com movie. While most vampire movies main focus is on humans, Heckerling succeeds in presenting vampires as creatures who have supernatural powers and yet need to face the challenges of the 21st century. There are funny and charming moments, and the film explores current issues like aging, keeping up with the times and trends, loneliness and dependence on technology. Through Goody, she chides us for using Facebook, Twitter, SMS and texting instead of talking to each other, but says it in a tone that shows the film is out of touch as the 19th century vampire. Though vampires remain eternally young, Vamps succumbs to the cult of youth and beauty. Goody hides her real age to Stacy to keep their friendship, and she also wants to appear young and attractive forever, revealing womans fear of old age. Heckerling tries to make it Vamps in the City (cute and charming) but doesnt quite succeed, despite the lead actors and supporting cast. It sometimes appears as a TV sitcom with cheap sets and uninspired lines. In trying to appeal both to teenagers and Chers contemporaries in Clueless, Heckerlings recent opus ends up an adequate but forgettable movie. The violence here is mostly comical and there are some sexual references and strong language, plus some intimate scenes. Hence CINEMA gives this movie a V14 rating.
Vol. 17 No. 9
CBCP Monitor
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heart-shaped pendants were given to the participants. Session 5 ended with a festive celebration of the Lord of love, with praising and dancing while showers of balloons and confetti rained on an ocean of pink-clad Handmaids. To cap the conference, Bernie Cuevas led the praisefest. The Handmaids laughed and cried all throughout the conference. There was much hugging and smiling and saying, God loves you, I love you, God has healed you! And once again, God had manifested His love to His beloved Handmaids.
By Alma Alvarez
April 26 to 28 may have been an ordinary, hot summer weekend for many, but for almost 6,000 women from CFC Handmaids of the Lord, the weekend was something they had been looking forward to, as it was the weekend of the 20th HOLD International Conference. Dubbed All for Love, the HOLD ICon opened Friday with the celebration of the Holy Mass. Bishop Gabriel Reyes, DD of the Diocese of Antipolo, together with Msgr. Allen Aganon and Rev. Fr. Joselito Santos, concelebrated the Mass. After dinner, everyone got ready for Emerald Night, an evening of celebrating HOLD@20, where the ladies worshipped God, danced, sang and had fun while reconnecting with sisters and meeting new friends from the various provinces and countries. The Saturday gathering started with the celebration of the Mass, followed by Session 1, Upon this Rock, given by Marite Tanjangco. In the talk, HOLD was reminded about the 12 apostles of Jesustheir being chosen despite their weaknesses, and how they were able to share the Word rapidly, covering vast territories and witnessing to their love for Christ.
In Session 2, Signs of the Times, Grace Buntag walked the participants through Church History and how, despite the apostles warnings against the sins of the flesh, early Christians failed to obey God and love one another, thus putting the Church in a precarious situation. Heresies, persecution, controversies, abuses, corruption and conflicts beset the Church at that time, but it was at this time that God raised up good men and women to stand up for the Church, some of them becoming saints. After the afternoon worship, Jo Dano of HOLD Davao delivered the third talk titled Church Alive, where she discussed Vatican II and how it became the Churchs instrument to bring in reforms and open the Church to the modern world. It was a new SPRINGTIME for the Catholic Churcha renewal that brought the Church closer to the people through the translation of the Eucharistic celebration in various languages, the sharing of the clergy and laity in priestly and prophetic functions, promotion of unity among all Christians, inspiration of the youth, the fight against moral degradation, witness of saints, deeper devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, integration of the social teachings of the Church,
Handmaids from the Philippines and abroad, worshipping and proudly showing off their love pendantsthe symbol of Gods perfect love.
By Euan Tabuena
Sydney, Australia was the host of the CFC Kids for Christ 16th International Kids Village (IKV) last April 19-21, 2013. The conference was held in Merroo, an hours drive from Sydney. There were more than 550 delegates from 6 countries around the world (New Zealand, Malaysia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United States, Philippines and Australia) as well as delegates from major cities: Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Canberra. The theme for the weekend was Follow Jesus, in keeping with Couples for Christ theme for 2013, Obey and Witness, both anchored on John 2:5, Do whatever He tells you. The Kids for Christ were taught the importance of prayer and reading the Bible, their Power Book, to listen and understand Gods will, and to be inspired to follow Jesus through understanding the significant events in the life of Jesus. The first day of IKV was a fun-filled event, starting off with praise and worship, kids style, full of joyous songs and dances led by Kids for Christ program head for Sydney Australia and R.O.C.K. facilitator, Justin Ocsan, and with the singing of the Australian National Anthem performed by the Kids for Christ
Sydney. The delegations were welcomed by Nonoy Albano, Head of Event in Sydney, after which the conference was formally opened by Nic Escalona, International Coordinator for CFC KFC. The first day featured awesome production numbers showcasing the culture and sounds of Australia, performances from the different CFC family ministries, the Praise Parade, the Power Play, a short play depicting how a family discovers the Power Book and learns powerful lessons from the stories found in the book. The first day was capped with another exuberant Kids Praise, this time led by Chino Santos,
fulltime pastoral worker from the Philippines. He revealed that the Power book is actually the Holy Bible, important to all because it contains Gods Word. The second day of the IKV was filled with adventure and excitement from the kids, beginning with the four workshops in the morning. In the first workshop, the kids were taught the significant events in the life of Jesus through a race challenge that highlighted the four Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. The second workshop emphasized the importance of reading the Bible, through five Bible stories depicting Jesus miracle of generosity, obedience, faith, forgiveness
and love. The third workshop created awareness on how the kids can further mirror their faith through their actions. The key elements in this workshop were simple acts of love and random acts of kindness. The last workshop of the morning introduced the kids to seven exemplary saints who followed Jesus in their own way at a young age. In the afternoon, the kids engaged in the Sports competitions and the Family Creative competitions including singing, dancing, acoustic band, preach, artwork and writing competitions. While the kids were enjoying their activities and workshops, the parents had their own work-
shops, highlighting the role of mothers as the light of the family and the role of fathers as provider, protector and pastor. The night concluded with a powerful Kids praise, exhorting the kids to obey and follow Jesus, followed by the Champions Night where some of the winners of the family competitions performed. The third day featured another vibrant Kids Praise, the last session of the Power play about kids becoming good examples to others and a powerful exhortation from Nic Escalona. He encouraged the kids to know Jesus more and to follow Him and to be inspired by Mama
Marys love for God. The final mass of the conference was celebrated by the Most Rev Julian Porteous, Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney. In his homily on that Good Shepherd Sunday, he spoke about the different characteristics of the Good Shepherd and the reasons the sheep follow His voice. He pointed out that to follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, the children need to learn to listen to Gods voice through prayer and the Holy Bible. The conference ended with the kids along with their parents and the other delegates praising and worshiping God through songs and dances they had learned throughout the weekend.
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Joe Yamamoto
Ugnayan
CBCP Monitor
April 29 - May 12, 2014
Vol. 17 No. 9
Last April 7, China Bank donated a significant cash donation to CFC ANCOP to aid Mindanao typhoon victims. This was formalized during the Mission Core Group Assembly, held in the Ateneo High School Gym. The donation will support the CFC ANCOP calamity program for typhoon Pablo victims. Chinabank was represented by First Vice President II Alex Escucha and Malabon Branch Manager Nenette Baradi. Receiving the donation were CFC ANCOP Chairman Joe Yamamoto & wife Mila, President Eric de los Reyes and Marketing Director Chito dela Cruz.
ANCOP Scholars greet the Mission Core Members during the launch
ANCOP Marketing revealed that 80,000 walkers participated in the 2012 walk. This year, the event aims to gather 150,000. He encouraged the Mission Core Group to promote the event to the clergy, parishes, schools and students as well as the corporations. The 2013 ANCOP Global Walk will be on August 25, 2013 at the Quirino Grandstand. Festivities will start with
a dawn Mass at 4:30 AM. The registration fee is Php 280 for those who will be registering on or before the 32nd CFC Anniversary celebration on June 22. As a promotional tie-up, registrants have a chance to win a three-day accommodation at Alta Vista de Boracay. For those who will be registering after the Anniversary in June, registration fee will be Php 300.
CFC ANCOP recently gained a new partner in Federal Land, with the signing of a MOA between the two parties. In compliance with the Board of Investments provision on socialized housing, Federal Land donated a significant amount for the construction of ten initial houses in the CFC ANCOP Federal Land community in Caloocan City. Handing over the donation on behalf of Federal Land is Atty. Michael Luciano P. Aranas, Assistant Manager of the companys Legal Department. On the other hand, receiving in behalf of CFC ANCOP are President Eric de los Reyes and Operations Director Rizal Ting. Federal Land is a real estate firm under the Metrobank Group of Com-
panies. Originally known as Federal Homes, it now manages properties such as the GT Tower International, Bayview International Towers, Bay Garden Club and Residences and the Oriental Garden Makati. In 2007, the company won the Developer of the Year award from the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Association (CREBA). CFC Ancop (Answering the Cry of the Poor) is the institutional foundation for the work with the poor of Couples for Christ. CFC Ancop programs include Education, Health & Community Development (i.e. Shelter & Livelihood) which aims to holistically transform the lives of the poor, both materially and spiritually.
By Bella Panlilio
The annual weekend retreat of CFC Central Luzon was held at Baguio Convention Center, Baguio City on March 9-10, 2013 with the theme Do whatever He tells you, an echo of the conference, dubbed Cana Weekend held at the same venue in the first week of January for the CFC leaders of Metro Manila. The venue was filled with approximately 1,200 delegates representing the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales. The activity was hosted by the service team of Pampanga province headed by Ten Limson. The first day started with the celebration of the Holy Mass officiated by Msgr. Allen Aganon followed by the morning worship led by Lito Saturnino, AGT member of Nueva Ecija, accompanied by the CFC Pampanga Band. The first talk entitled The Wedding Feast in Cana was delivered by Lito Tayag, PAH (Davao), who explained both the spiritual and traditional secular views on marriage.
The second talk Do Whatever He tells You by Jun Uriarte, member of the International Council (IC), tackled the following lessons from the verses of John 2:3-5: a) Mary teaches us how to pray; b) Jesus prepares the way for the revelation of Marys new mission; and c) Mary tells us to obey Jesus unconditionally. The third talk Empty Jars, Filled to the Brim was lifted from the gospel of John 2:6-7. The speaker, Joe Tale, IC member, based his reflections on the events when Jesus acted upon the intercession of His mother.
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 17 No. 9
April 29 - May 12, 2014
Ugnayan
whole-day TOB seminar for CFC, SFC, and HOLD leaders consisting of five talks covering the eight cycles of the TOB. This was held in North Cathedral. Before the first session began, we met Fr. Joels translator, Martha, who was a friend of an SFC member who was majoring in English at the university. Martha, we learned that day, had just finished translating to Chinese two English reference materials on love, sexuality, and marriage which were intended for the youth. As we browsed through their English versions, we realized that these included the Theology of the Body! Thus, Martha, in translating these materials, was unknowingly already preparing herself for the translation work she would do for CFC during this mission trip. We also met Jenny again at this TOB seminar and we later learned from her that the TOB material in Chinese which she had shown me in the Philippines was now a published book available in Hong Kong! This meant the participants could order a copy to use as their reference material for further study after the seminar. Thus it was clear: God had been preparing everything for His message to reach His people. He had chosen and prepared the best translator for us (after all, this was a crucial ingredient), made sure there would be available material for further study, and most of all, he had prepared the hearts of His people. It was evident from the way everyone eagerly listened, took notes, asked questions, and later shared their reactions, that the seeds were being planted. The same held true for the succeeding sessions: a two-hour talk to CFC, SFC, and HOLD members at the South Cathedral, an intimate one-hour session with English Mass servants (a small multi-racial group consisting of one American, one Chinese, one Colombian, and a few Filipinos), and lastly, a session with 40 seminarians from Beijing Seminary. Wherever it is brought, the Theology of the Body never fails to stir and capture peoples hearts regardless of their race, language, and background. Bring TOB to China? Yes, by Gods grace TOB is officially in China. We pray that the Lord water and nurture the seeds that have been planted in His own perfect way, in His own unmistakably perfect time. (Aldy and Joy Katigbak are the Couple Coordinator for CFC Gift of Life.)
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DZMM GPSI in Hawaii concludes with two Singing Idols
Fr. Joel Jason (left) giving tha Thelogy of the Body course.
By Joy B. Katigbak
It all started with a prompting. It came unexpected, brief and direct to the point: Bring TOB (Theology of the Body) to China. TOB is Theology of the Body, a series of teachings by Blessed John Paul II on what it means to be human, on why God created us male and female, His design for sex and marriage, and what all these have to do with our destiny. It was difficult to imagine how we could bring this very dense body of teaching to China given the language barrier, and the strict control of the government on religion and on families. But when God commands, we follow, for we know He will always have great things in store. In March 2012, I was asked to give a talk on the Theology of the Body to the Chinese trainees who were in the Philippines for a month to undergo the Chinese Leadership Acceleration Program (CLAP). This was a program that would immerse and train our Chinese CFC and Family Ministry leaders on CFCs culture and programs so that they could implement these in China. It was there that I met Jenny, an SFC trainee, who translated for me during my talk. After the session, Jenny shared with me how she had come across the
TOB in China through a foreign nun who was serving in a center for women in pregnancy crisis. Jenny had gone there to bring a friend who was contemplating abortion and the nun had given her a paperbound photocopy of a material entitled Theology of the Body by Christopher West written in Chinese! She had read it and her interest was aroused and so when she heard there would be a talk on TOB during their training, she volunteered to translate. It was then that I realized that TOB was already slowly inching its way to China. The date for the mission trip was finally set last April 1823, 2013. Fr. Joel Jason, our main TOB teacher in CFC, would be traveling to Beijing to conduct the teaching. Fr. Joel has been patiently conducting Theology of the Body courses for us in CFC since 2011 and has been our spiritual guide in asking the Lord for this work to grow. My husband Aldy and I were to accompany him to share about how TOB has affected us as individuals and as a couple, and to see how we could proceed in the future. The first official activity of the mission trip was a
CFC leaders Jack Macalalad, Eric Villanueva, with winners Jona Peralta and Katrina Lopez, and ANCOP USA President Roger Santos
AT least 174 members of CFC-UAE Mission Core Group attended the retreat on Deepening our Prayer Life held at Carlton Hotel, Sharjah, UAE last March 15. The whole day event was led by CFC Church Integration Office Head Rouquel Ponte and his wife, Nina. They came to equip the MCG members to have a deeper connection with God through prayers and in the process know themselves better. The Pontes drew their theme from St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross who had the same message: One who takes prayer seriously becomes a better, more mature person, who is more empowered to face reality of lifes tempest by doing Gods will. Ramuel Garcia, National Director of CFC-UAE said the Spiritual Deepening Retreat helped to strengthen the faith of the leaders. We really cannot give what we do not have. So we continue to pray deeply, reading and knowing the scriptures more deeply, learning how to pray to God in a way that it will be heard by Him always, Ramuel explained. He added that the retreat is an important CFC activity which can guide and empower the leaders to do greater things. Youth for Christ-Dubai Area Coordinator, Roger Bogs Garcia, described his retreat experience as feeling closer to God. He further shared that it was very nurturing spiritually and that it prepared the participants to be still in the midst of so many problems, knowing God is with them. Elvie Maliorca, wife of one of Sharjahs CFC chapter heads, on the other hand, looks forward to share with her members what she
has learned. At the end of the deeper prayer workshop, participants committed to be true and devoted Apostles of Prayer by every day praying, reading and praying the Scriptures, reflecting/meditating on the Scriptures frequently, doing contemplative prayer for at least 15 minutes regularly and maintaining a journal on Scriptural readings.
CFC participates in the 1st CBCP National Social Communication and Media Summit
the church in their different areas of service. The activity started with an inspiring opening remark by Fr Francis Lucas, of the CBCP Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media, which was then followed by a video message from His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle. The first session was delivered by Edwin Lopez, the International Marketing Manager for Asia-Pacific, Australia and New-Zealand of EWTN. His talk on the Realities in Todays Communication reminded everyone how crucial faith is in the realm of Catholic media, wherein the key message should be the language of the cross. In the second session, Living Ones Faith in Todays Media, GMA 7s Mike Enriquez, gave a talk on the challenges of remaining true to the Catholic faith and principles in media. He further inspired everyone with the message that living ones faith is a deliberate undertaking. It may be difficult but one should always strive for honesty, credibility and being true to ones core values. In the next session, Dr. Riza Bondal of the University of Asia and the Pacific explained clearly the essence of the Catholic Vote a church advocacy for Catholics to vote as Catholicstaking into account their knowledge of doctrines and morals. Finally, in the last session, Atty. Rene Sarmiento talked about Politics and Moral Law, wherein he discussed what the Bible said about these two interrelated and indivisible principles, quoting scripture from Deuteronomy 17:14-20, 1 Samuel 12:1-4, Daniel 1:21, 10:1, 2:14-23, Nehemaiah 5:14-18, Micah 6:8, and Acts 20:32-37. Attendees were then divided into three workshop groups. The breakout sessions were facilitated by Mariz Umali-Tima of GMA, Jasmine Romero of ABS-CBN and Justine Marasigan. The workshop allowed the participants to share their personal challenges and ideas on how each one can support one another in the shared goals and effort of promoting our Catholic faith in media. After the reporting per group, Dr. Jose Maria Mariano, President of UA&P, delivered the closing remarks.
CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca (seated, 4th from left), together with top CFC leaders from the Philippines, recently went on mission to Seychelles. They met with the CFC Clergy at Domus (priest house), Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Victoria Mahe last April 15. The Mission Team also paid a courtesy call to His Eminence Bishop Denis Wiehe C.S.Sp. (seated, 5th from left), last April 11.
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El Gamma Penumbra and was followed by a very charismatic Fr. Dave Concepcion who gave his talk entitled More than Enough. Fr. Dave indicated that personal emptiness can only be filled with humility, obedience and service. Session 3 entitled Turning Water into Wine incorporated a skit about a boy named Tommy who must face different dilemmas in his life. Gelo Saludo, a full-time pastoral worker assigned in Canada, was the speaker for this session. He emphasized that people are made for something greater than themselves and it involves living for others. Session 3 ended with the participants asked to make their own personal vow to the Lord. Dillon Naicker from South Africa, currently training to become a full-time pastoral worker, shared his own personal vow and how he decided to give up the life of being a local celebrity for missionary work . He then led one of the most passionate Praisefest ever in the history of the YFC. The entire Marikina Sports Park was illuminated as each participant held on to their own candle to signify the light of Christ within themselves. The last day of the ILC began with a Holy Mass. Julius Comia, full-time pastoral worker assigned in Eastern Visayas, delivered the last session entitled Livin It Up. This talk highlighted how YFCs are called to witness Christ to others and how this creates a ripple effect so that more people can be touched by Jesus. The reflection activity for this session required the participants to write their own Jesus Exposition story on a piece of paper which they then folded into a paper airplane. About 9000 paper airplanes exploded into the sky as the YFCs released their Jesus Expo stories. Kevin Muico, another full-time pasto-
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ral worker in training, took to the stage for the final Praisefest before the end of the ILC. The delegates were definitely empowered to continue the YFC mission to bring Christ wherever they are. The International Leaders Conference was not only a celebration of the YFCs longevity in enduring 20 strong years but it was also a hallmark of the victories that are yet to be won.
YFC week-long event highlights, clockwise from far left: visiting the Manila Boys Town; the Marikina Sports Complex teeming with young people despite the summer heat; a YFC highschool-based program leader pepping up the crowd; Goi Villegas leading the powerful worship;Msgr. Allen Aganon blessing YFC leaders and coordinators during the Mass.
Good Governance was also held on that same day. The third day featured the Gproject, conducted in coordination with ABS-CBN Inc. In this activity, YFCs were brought to Estero de Pandacan, a tributary of the Pasig River, where they faced the arduous yet rewarding task of cleaning the river. The fourth and last day of the pre-ILC activities consisted of the four program conferences: High school-based; Campusbased; ROCK, TORCH and Community-based integrated into one and the YCOM conference. The Ultimate Reunion was held on the night of the fourth day. This reunion party welcomed YFC alumni and introduced them to the newer generations of YFC. The fifth day of the ILC, which marked the start of the conference proper, was greeted by waves of participants coming in from all across the globe. Different creative and sports competitions were held on this day along with the Church Integration Congress. However, the most awaited part of that day was the Liveloud concert held in the evening. The Liveloud concert introduced four new songs written by YFCs own mission volunteers and full time pastoral workers. It also stood as the first session of the ILC. The second to the last day of
the ILC was the most pastorallynourishing day of the ILC conference. It consisted of whole day workshops for the youth and one for the couple coordinators as well. In the evening, session 2 began with a performance from
CFC HOLD Global Leaders Meet for the Foreign Missions Summit
By Alma Alvarez
Prior to the CFC HOLD ICon, the 205 delegates from Africa, Asia, The Americas, the Middle East, and Oceania gathered for the 2013 HOLD Foreign Missions Summit held in the morning of April 26, 2013 at the First Pacific Leadership Academy in Antipolo City. After the opening worship led by Yvonne Lim of Singapore, Couples for Christ Chairman Ricky Cuenca welcomed the foreign delegates, reminding all the participants how special CFC HOLD is, being the heart of the CFC Family Ministries, and how the ministry has become an inspiration because of its vibrancy and rapid growth in the different parts of the world. Cuenca likewise encouraged HOLD to live out this years ICon theme, All for Love, by sharing Gods love to those who have not experienced the love of Christ. A brief honoring of Sis Julia of HOLD Singapore, who had recently succumbed to cancer, was given, a fitting tribute to a sister who continued to serve the Lord through HOLD despite her failing health. The sharing of best practices and experiences on the conduct of various HOLD pastoral and BCOP programs such as the Handmaids Enrichment Retreat 4 on Contemplative Prayer, HOLD Adopt-A-Scholar Program, ANCOP fund-raising strategies, Moral Values Re-orientation and the Migrants Retreat, as well as the formation of the HOLD Core in each country and evangelization updates on each region became the highlight of the summit. Mannix Ocampo, CFC Director for Family Ministries, likewise spoke to
By Bobbee Mella
Magandang Gen San po! These words reverberated within this city beyond the sea last March 22-24 as almost 400 men and women joined the 12th CFC SOLD Mens International Conference held at London Beach Resort in General Santos City. The Home of the Champions became home and host to true men and women championing the cause and mission of God for three scorching days inspired by the theme for this year, Go F.I.S.H. Faithful In Serving Him. Undaunted by the heat wave as well as the recurring Mindanao blackouts, the annual conference opened Friday night with a blazing worship led by Ricky Rico, member of the SOLD NCG, immediately after an afternoon mass and a sumptuous luau/dinner/tuna festival courtesy of the hosts. A spectacular program showcasing the native cultural dances of the region ensued followed by the welcome of the petite but energetic mayor of the City by the Bay, Ms. Darlene Antonino. The first session then followed, with Manny Garcia, IC member and SOLD NCG member, reminding the pack about the Lessons From the Master. The breaking of dawn by the sea was the fitting backdrop for the Iron Man Doubles Competition (swimming, running and kayaking) ushering in the much awaited Saturday morning events. Another mass was celebrated after this dawn activity, then the next session, aptly called Survivor Gensan followed which saw team competitions that enabled brothers and sisters to unite their wits and will in hurdling the various challenges, yet finishing the races with determination and grit as true men and women of God! After another lavish lunch, the next session started, Ready to do Your Will where the participants were divided into two separate workshops: one for a forum
the HOLD global leaders, acknowledging HOLD as an effective instrument in responding to migration, answering the cry of the poor, new evangelization, and pastoral formation. Ocampo inspired the HOLD foreign leaders to commit themselves in doing random acts of kindness, which could become triggers to evangelization, and to contemplate on Psalm 23 as their guide to planning in their respective areas by looking at themselves as coshepherd of the Good Shepherd. He likewise urged the sisters to reflect on Luke 2, pondering on the family life of Jesus, their personal holiness, their own family life and their service in HOLD. As we bring God closer to the people and vice versa, via what we do, in our connectivity, let us not forget to strengthen our foundation, Ocampo added. Hyacinta Wong of HOLD Sarawak closed the mornings summit with a prayer before the participants prepared for the HOLD ICon that afternoon.