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and the personnel involved have not been satisfac- let us be involved in the coming automated elections.
maintained, more so that the ques- torily answered,” the two-page statement read. Let us vote wisely that we may have God-fearing and
tions on the readiness to conduct the But the people, the CBCP said, must make sure honest people as our leaders,” they added.
automated election keeps hounding that there are “prepared fall back positions” that
priests to
can be quickly adopted when there will be some Discernment
the Commission on Elections. glitches in the system and in logistics. The statement is the product of the two-day
In a pastoral statement, the Catholic Bishops’ “We have to be vigilant and be involved. One Vigilance / A6
Bible Week “Seek good and not evil that you may live.” (Amos 5,14)
may be able to fulfill their mission in the church
and in modern world.
In a letter to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference
BELOVED People of God: order—how imperative this we remind once again the of the Philippines (CBCP), the pontiff said that
God is calling us to par- task is today! The election fever Catholic laity that it is their bishops have a major role to play on how priests
ticipate in transforming our is on us! Campaign advertise- right and duty to support would exercise their pastoral functions.
society, to “seek good and not ments, presidential debates, candidates that are qualified He said a bishop’s role is to sanctify, and in
evil” (Amos 5,14). This is part and sadly, political killings, fill and have a record of striving order to do this one must first tend to his own
of our mission as People of our media. Outrageous politi- for the common good. They holiness of life.
God (cf. Justice in the World, cal violence has awakened us should not hesitate to engage “By preaching the Word, offering Eucharistic
1971). In 1991 the Second Ple- to the reality that if we do not in principled partisan politics. sacrifice, and administering the sacraments to
nary Council of the Philippines keep watch together as a nation We are asked to first articulate God’s people, the clergy in your respective dioces-
(PCP II) called the lay people our electoral processes can drag the key values and principles es ...may grow in holiness,” Benedict XVI said.
to fulfill their responsibility in us down. The existence of pri- by which we can evaluate in- The letter was read by CBCP President Bishop
renewing the political order. vate armies, the proliferation dividual candidates across po- Nereo Odchimar during the bishops’ 100th plenary
In 2001 the National Pastoral of loose fire arms, and political litical parties. This is the kind assembly at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in
Consultation on Church Re- dynasties are obstacles to the of politics in which Gospel Manila.
newal (NPCCR) made this task growth of a genuine democratic values form the bases of our
one of the nine major pastoral system. choice of candidates and not Apostolic blessing
© PBS
priorities of the Church. The party or family loyalties. The pope’s message was relayed by Cardinal
same call is echoed by the pas- II. Calls Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican’s Secretary of State, to
President Emeritus of PBS Board and Sorsogon Bishop toral letter last year on the Year A. Discernment B. On Automated Elections the CBCP.
Arturo Bastes, SVD, leads the enthronement of the Bible of the Two Hearts for Peace In this situation we urge once We have always hoped for a Bertone said the pope is urging Filipino prel-
together with Bp. Reniel Nebab (CAMACOP) and PBS Gen. Building and Lay Participation more all Filipinos to form circles modernized, better, and faster
Sec. Mrs. Nora Lucero during the launch of I-Proclaim!
ates to continue acting their role as the chief
in Social Change. of discernment so that they can form of voting and counting, catechists of their respective pastoral jurisdic-
AIMING to bring the Good News closer to Fili- see, judge, and act together on imbued with transparency and tions.
pinos and to encourage Christians to explore the I. Our Situation issues of public concern accord- integrity. Automated election This means, he said, that bishops must be willing
treasures of God’s word, a bible reading campaign To transform our political ing to moral values. Moreover, Involvement / A6 Holiness / A6
dubbed as “i-Proclaim” will be the heightened this
We as people of God will be putting God’s Word Mahal Ko” evokes the general sentiment and spirit of life among Filipinos. Mechanics of the contests can
in the center of our national life and that we sub- of the Foundation, which speaks about two of the be browsed online at www.prolife.org.ph.
mit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ through this most valuable things on Earth—love and life. The awarding ceremonies will be the culminating
campaign,” she said adding: An opening salvo for the month-long celebration activity of the Pro-life Month, which will be held after
“We are hoping and praying that people, groups, will be hosted by the Archdiocesan Shrine of the a 5 p.m. Mass on Feb. 28 at the Shrine of Our Lady
i-Proclaim! / A7 Our Lady of Guadalupe in Makati City on Sunday, of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo. No less than
“Read Impact, the Asian magazine for human transformation.” Visit, www.impactmagazine.net
World News
CBCP Monitor
A2 Vol. 14 No. 3
February 1 - 14, 2010
© www.benediktxvi.ru
us not to forget that those before us are always people marked by problems and suffering." that the "examina-
And, in the cases of annulment, "whenever there seems to be hope of a successful outcome," said the tion of the conjugal
Pope, they must make every effort to reunite the spouses. bond in existential,
Another important issue regarding justice in annulments, added the Holy Father, involves the avoid- personalist and re-
ance of "pseudo-pastoral demands which place the issue on a merely horizontal plain." lational terms must
These cases, he said, are typified by the attitude that the importance lies in "satisfying subjective never be undertaken at the expense of indissolubility, an essential property which in Christian marriage
requests in order to achieve a declaration of nullity at any cost, with the aim of overcoming, among has, with unity, a special firmness by virtue of the Sacrament."
other things, the obstacles to receiving the Sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist." "Marriage enjoys the favor of the law," concluded Benedict XVI, "Therefore, whenever there is doubt,
This, explained Pope Benedict, "would, however, be a false advantage to ease the way towards re- a marriage must be held to be valid until the contrary is proven, otherwise we run the serious risk of
ceiving the Sacraments, at the risk of causing people to live in objective contrast with the truth of their remaining without an objective point of reference for pronouncements of nullity, transforming all con-
own individual state." jugal difficulties into a symptom of a failed union whose essential nucleus of justice—the indissoluble
"Both justice and charity require love for truth... (and) without truth, charity slides into sentimentalism. bond—is thus effectively denied." (CNA)
1939 - 1958. War II and will shed light on the internal Vatican There is "no more money, no more job, tens of thousands with-
Bishop Pagano explained that there is a com- activities during that time. In particular, Jewish out shelter, no water, no food, no electricity," Richard said.
plete absence of "political" motives for the lack leaders and other researchers are interested in
of access to the documents, and that the files are discovering the extent of Pope Pius XII's in- Panic
currently unavailable for "technical" reasons. The volvement in helping shelter Jews from the Nazi He continued: "A major panic has set in because the number of
problems derive from the difficulty involved in persecution. (CNA) police has diminished and many prisoners have escaped.
"Every night cases of robberies, rapes, shootings and so on
Spokesman: In an iPad world, fascination can distract communities and many more places are in ruins.
"Now we have to build again to be able to live together."
Bishop Dumas encouraged rebuilding in a way that excludes
VATICAN CITY, Jan. 31, 2010—Is it possible to liever who ventures with enthusiasm and desire for the absolute and enduring truths. "prejudice and discrimination" and "in a way that engenders
meet God in the tangled maze of cyberspace? with courage into the world of social com- He concluded with an invitation to bring trust," a "way that gives rise to solidarity and an open spirit."
To this question a Vatican spokesman answers: munications ─ boiling over every day with God's love also to the world of technology: He affirmed that this disaster "gives us the possibility to re-
Yes, of course, but it also depends on us. extraordinary technological novelties, from "Let us enter the digital continent, then, with build our country in another way and understand the bond that
Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director the iPod to the iPhone to the iPad—must enthusiasm and creativity, courage and pru- binds us together."
of the Vatican press office, reflected on the know well the goal that guides him so that dence, to discover and know how to indicate The prelate continued, "That doesn't mean rebuilding things
conditions for evangelization on the Web he is not taken captive by fascination for the here, too, the signs of the presence of God, as they were before; instead we have a chance to build a better
during the most recent edition of Vatican means and thus loses his way." of his love for all." (Zenit) Haiti in which people are at the heart of everything." (Zenit)
Television's “Octava Dies.” "And the goal," the spokesman recalled,
© www.flickr.com/photos/xelor
their reception of the sacraments," the pope said
Pope Benedict told members of the Roman Rota that those who work on church marriage tribunals
must cultivate the virtues of prudence and justice, but especially the virtue of fortitude, especially
"when the unjust way appears easier to follow because it means condescending to the desires and
hopes of the couple."
"Both justice and charity require love for the truth and essentially lead to a search for the truth," he
said. (CNS)
their families and She also found- than 5,000. Additionally, of his plans to release a sepa-
friends.” e d a n d c o o r d i - he reported, the decrease in rate document reinforcing
SIGNIS, World nated the Pastoral brothers is greater even in mixed congregations of the "absolute necessity" of prayer for the religious
Catholic Associa- of Elderly People. priests and brothers. "So, there is a problem and life, which is made difficult by the "busy" world
tion for Commu- From 1994 to 1996, we need to do something." we live in today.
nication based in she was a member Cardinal Rodé explained that the congregation It's possible, he added, that the document could in-
Brussels, Belgium o f t h e B r a z i l i a n believes the drop is due to a "lack of attention" from clude a section written by Prefect of the Congregation
in its email message N a t i o n a l C o u n - the Church for the figure of the consecrated lay for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacra-
to all Signis mem- cil of Children’s brother. "Neither Vatican II, nor the post-conciliar ments, Antonio Cañizares Llovera addressing the im-
bers worldwide re- and Adolescent’s documents have reaffirmed the importance of this portance of liturgical formation of young religious and
ported that ‘The tragic earthquake in Haiti has Rights (Conanda). vocation," he pointed out, adding that only allu- its correspondence to the will of the Church. (CNA)
claimed the life of Dr. Zilda Arns Neumann, the As the result of her com-
EDITORIAL
SOS receiver now Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS count of creation and transformed it into a cosmos, the well-ordered
universe as we know it. Fr. Cantalamessa underscored what I’ve
SOS giver
always felt to be a neglected role of the Spirit both in the universe
Love Life outside us and the universe within us. He transforms whatever
chaos our humanity puts us in and turns it into a cosmos. That for
me leads to another insight: Without the Spirit of God our inner
A FEW weeks ago, I attended a meeting or- and above all a mother who takes care and Aircraft Maintenance Technology. I further and outer worlds return to the primeval abyss. In priests’ personal
ganized by DSWD for non-government agen- love us even though I know that she is not took up more Flying Courses at the Philip- and ministerial lives that can easily be proved. Any priest could
cies involved in shelters for abandoned boys our real mother. Oh yes, I missed our father, pine Airlines Flying School. That year, my attest to how his mere efforts alone could reap from even the well-
and girls, victims of child abuse and street but with the presence of the Village Direc- dream became a reality as I became a Second planned and systematized pastoral program a letdown instead of
children. I was impressed with the story of tor, “Papa Noel,” who hugged, talked to and Pilot Officer of Philippine Airlines, of an a success. For instance, even the seemingly well-oiled and tested
the Director of SOS Children’s Village, Mr. encouraged us, somehow the longing that I International Flight, Manila-San Francisco, B.E.C. program a priest continually struggles to launch, keep alive
Vicente Tejada so I asked him if I could relate felt for my father turned into joy, thinking California route. “I feel so blessed now! With or rekindle often becomes an exercise in frustration when it does
his story in my Love Life column. I hope you that I had two fathers. the help of my SOS family, I have finally not give any real justice to the Spirit’s role. The B.E.C. could well
will also find inspiration in reading the life of Our house was sponsored by SwissAir, reached my dream to soar up in the sky. be simply a product of hierarchical effort instead of being a fruit of
Arris Magallanes as he fulfilled his dream in and one day, a visitor came to our house. Not only that, I am now starting to have a the Spirit that it should be. That, I believe, is why in many places
spite of so many odds against him. She was a former flight attendant of the said family of my own. Together with my beloved the B.E.C. sputters and pants for air rather than ablaze with spiri-
“We used to have a happy family despite airline and her husband was a pilot. Mrs. wife, Misty, we will be building our own tual fire. Simply put, our B.E.C. programs should be truly placed
my parents’ disability—both of them are Messmer approached and asked me what I family with dedication and unconditional under the auspices of the Spirit, the real principle of evangelization.
blind—until one day they decided to sepa- wanted to be when I grow up. I smiled that love. “Memories… memories we have lots of I’m not saying it is not so right now. I’m saying that insofar as the
rate for some reason. My sister Shelo and I she had probably expected me to reply A chef them in SOS our home, I will never forget Spirit’s role is concerned there is plenty to be desired in the present
decided to be with our father and our young- or Own a restaurant, seeing me preparing the people who mold our characters, and the reality of BEC-building in our dioceses.
est with our mother. Home for us was the food for my family. But imagine her delighted benefactors who are continuously provid- Because the Holy Spirit is ‘Love in Person’, priests who move in
Quirino Grandstand, where we were also surprise when I replied, “A pilot!” ing us with the much-needed financial and his light live and move in love. Of all realities a priest deals with in
selling cigarettes as our means of living. Now, most young boys of around ten personal support.” his life, love is probably the one most taken for granted. It is a sine-
The NAYON NG KABATAAN, a govern- usually changed their ambitions from day According to Mr. Tejada, Arris, in his pi- qua-non in his vocabulary when preaching, teaching or counseling.
ment agency, referred us to SOS Children’s to day, but not Arris. According to him, his lot’s uniform, visits SOS Village many times But, if I may be allowed to put it differently, love is scarcely a reality
Village Manila. SOS accepted us and showed determination to become a pilot was instilled a year to bring snacks, school supplies, and positively and expressly acknowledged behaviorally by priests. In
us how to live a decent way of life. I was in him during an educational tour in Philip- household items. Above all, he talks to the the priests’ sub-culture love is better done than talked about espe-
ten years old when I was admitted at SOS pine Air Lines. children to encourage them to persevere so cially in ordinary conversations or in the humdrum of everyday life
Children’s Village Manila in October 1989, “At the age of 20, I graduated in col- that they will someday reach their dreams and ministry. Love sounds like a corny joke when uttered by a priest
while my sister Shelo was 12 years old. lege with a degree of Bachelor of Science in just as he has achieved his. who hardly attends priests’ assemblies and gatherings, constantly
House four or the “House of Understand- Aircraft Maintenance. After I graduated, I Indeed, our services to the least of our whines about anything, habitually gossips and backbites against
ing” became our home. Nothing compares worked in a well-known burger shop, until brothers and sisters, no matter how insig- fellow priests or cares little about his poor parishioners’ inability
to my new home, I thought to myself. I have Swiss Air sponsored my flying school ex- nificant it might seem at the moment, will to cope with his ever increasing fees for services. Another insight
a bed of my own, my sister has too, food on penses in order for me to obtain a license never be unrewarded. I am sure you also that struck some priests from my diocese was the challenge to as-
the table every meal that would not require to become a commercial pilot. Finally in have your own stories of children whose sess our diocesan structures as to whether or not they incorporate
us to sell cigarettes, brothers and sisters, 1998, I finished my bachelor’s degree in dreams you have helped attain. love. In contrast to ‘structures of sin’ should be ‘structured love’
made real in diocesan programs, policies etc. I remember a priest
asking rather soulfully if our policy of financial centralization is
Nicolo F. Bernardo driven by love or the need to implement a program.
Sublime thoughts during talks and shared reflections; near chaos
The true hero afterwards or during the in-betweens. One of the ironies of priestly
Lifeguard life is how, while we try to proclaim and reflect the Christ-life, we
could end up imitating the world and the local culture instead. The
just-concluded priests’ congress provided ample samples. Please
don’t get me wrong. I am not saying we priests are incapable of
FROM tales of the Greek gods to the modern-day Avatars, human culture, language, and the geist of both the Jewish and the pagan
discipline. We are, there’s no doubt about it, thanks to years of semi-
beings have always been into myth-making. Interestingly, there is world contributed to the narratives that wrapped this figure of Jesus,
nary formation. But all those years often easily fall by the wayside
a pattern in these stories, in the common expectations of the stuff the superhero par excellence everyone can recognize.
when, during meals, we try to line up for food and beverage or
that makes a hero.
when, during group meetings, there are donations or gifts to share.
Christian authors C.S. Lewis, creator of the Chronicles of Narnia, Hero for real
Then and there we abandon years of seminary discipline behind
and his friend J.R.R. Tolkien, author of the Lord of the Rings, had Unlike the gods of old, over 80 writings have been made on the
us and reflect the local culture—that is, engage in organized chaos
this point in mind. In crafting myths and legends, they believed that story of Jesus—including the apocryphal gospels—with a common
to be able to get ahead of the rest of the pack. It is so easy to switch
they were drawing up a familiar human drama of good over evil, message that a real Jesus walked on earth.
from community to crowd in big priests’ gatherings.
with a hero to save the day. Which of these stories should we hear then? A logical standard is
Host families: blessings and ‘blessferings’ (if you know what I
By appealing to recurrent themes and paradigms of a hero, Lewis that the closer a text was written during the lifetime of a man and his
mean). We are eternally grateful and indebted to our lay host fami-
and Tolkien hoped their readers would find fiction paving way to eyewitness, the more accurate. For this reason, the Synoptic gospels,
lies. We appreciate their sacrifices and often unbounded hospital-
truth: the truth of a universal longing for a savior. And not just any especially of Mark and Mathew, are likely persuasive.
ity and generosity. (For instance, there was this family man who
savior, but a savior who defeats death. For instance, in the documentary Eyewitness to Jesus, Discovery
bought the priest he was hosting, together with a troop of other
Maybe it is human nature to long for such a “superman,” what Channel features the Aramaic fragment/version of Matthew. Based
priests lining up, tickets to the ‘Avatar’ at the Mall of Asia’s IMAX
Friedrich Nietzsche calls the “ubermench.” In fact, Nature itself on its writing style and papyrus material, the fragment is dated
theatre. Each ticket amounted to 400 pesos. This author deeply
seems to suggest what this hero should be. Leon McKenzie calls well into 40 AD—just 10 years after Christ’s death. Papyrologist
regretted he had already bought a ticket before he met the very
these great expectations “the seven resurrection themes,” and they Carsten Peter Thiede, in Jesus, Man or Myth?, explains that the
generous host.) On the other hand, I can’t help feeling for some of
are everywhere. text is compelling if the disciple Mathew is indeed the source. As a
us who had to travel for three hours in the morning daily to reach
In vegetation, seeds are “buried” in the soil but later grow into levi-tax collector, Matthew would have been used to using ancient
the venue of the congress because host families live somewhere far
living plants. In the heavens, the sun “dies” every evening but “rises” shorthand stenography to accurately keep records.
in the metropolis. There was a priest who had to share the same
every morning. In sleep, we are somehow put to death, later to wake Mark’s gospel has also been dated in 40 AD. This was confirmed
bed with a companion priest (he confessed it was the first time he
up fresh and anew. In the seasons, the death and resurrection of when fragments akin to Mark have been found in Cave Seven of the
‘slept with another man’, a pillow in between them like the Great
crops follow climactic cycles. Meanwhile, life itself is a circle of joy, Essenes at Qumran, composition of which could not be later than 50
Wall) because the host family’s only boy would not give up his bed
sorrow (death), and gloriousness. AD. Other Essene writings are also being supposed to refer to Jesus,
for the other priest. (I don’t agree either that the boy should have
This common motif in nature is also expressed in the myths of such as the Crucified Messiah Scroll only released in 1991, describ-
been deprived of his own bed even for a priest). That’s what I call
dying and rising gods. Osiris of Egypt, Attis of Asia Minor, Aion of ing a Messiah who was from “the Branch of David” “pierced” and
‘blessfering’ (from ‘blessing’ and ‘suffering’ as one). The priests
Alexandria, Antiochus of Babylonia, Dionysius of Greece, Adonis “wounded,” a “leader of a community” who was “put to death.”
took all this good-naturedly (who says priests can’t be gracious
of Syria, Bacchus of Italy, Khrishna of India, and Mithras of Persia. Even unbelievers within the “eyewitness period” (up to 100 AD)
guests too?) as extensions of their “seminary immersion days”.
Remarkably, these gods were also said to be born of a woman and took note of our Jesus, particularly Emperor Vespasian’s official
But one did wonder loudly, “I thought I was here for a retreat,
a creator, performed miracles, raised followers, instituted sacrificial historian to the Jews: the priest-Pharisee Josephus Flavius. The
not immersion”. If I may suggest to the organizers of the congress
meals, slain and rose up, and so on—so much for Dan Brown to ac- philosopher Arnold Toynbee rates him among the five greatest Hel-
(this is shared even by some priests of the host dioceses): How
cuse Christianity of being a “copycat.” lenic historians. In his Antiquities of the Jews, completed around
about religious houses, rectories, seminaries or hotels owned by
So what if Christ just “one of the boys,” just one of those superhero 93 AD, Josephus wrote:
sympathetic lay brethren to accommodate participants in future
figures we would like to set in our rooms? “About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man, if indeed one
priests’ congresses? That is, aside from the lay host families who
Before his conversion from atheism to Christianity, Lewis thought ought to call him a man. For he was one who wrought surprising
reside not too far from the congress’ venue. Another suggestion:
just that. The Jesus story is just an echo of the hero with a thousand feats and was a teacher of such people as accept the truth gladly.
Could the activities in host families’ homes be sliced down a bit
faces. But reviewing the evidence of history and archaeology, Lewis He won over many Jews and many of the Greeks. He was the
so priests don’t have to go through other ‘mini-retreats’ or ‘retreat
was convinced that it was Jesus who put flesh and reality to myth. Messiah. When Pilate, upon hearing him accused by men of the
extensions’ on top of the ‘congress retreat’ itself? To our organizers
The myths are hint that not only the Jews, but the rest of the pagan highest standard among us, had condemned him to be crucified,
and hosts: CONGRATS and A MILLION THANKS!
world, were prepared to recognize the universal Christ. Nature, Lifeguard / A6
Local News
CBCP Monitor
A6 Vol. 14 No. 3
February 1 - 14, 2010
June 30 this year. has a huge role to play on the issue. President shall not be eligible for any reelection. No person who
The prohibition, According to Drilon, the law empowers the JBC to submit its has succeeded as President and has served as such for more
said Bernas, one of nominees to the President but only on or after May 17. than four years shall be qualified for election to the same office
the writers of the cur- He said it would up now to Mrs. Arroyo’s successor to decide on at any time”.
Fr. Joaquin Bernas, SJ rent Constitution, the list. (CBCPNews) But Bacani has welcomed the Comelec ruling, adding that it
is a good decision on the part of
Vigilance / A1 the poll body to leave the matter
CBCP 100th Plenary Assembly held at the the statement furthered. must “present their platforms and convic- to the people.
Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila. tions rather than attack others”. He admitted that even the 1987
Considered as the highest decision-mak- Reject surveys Constitution, wherein he was one of
ing body of the CBCP, the plenary assembly Election surveys should also not be used as Political violence the framers, unwittingly left a “gap”
meets in regular session twice a year, in Janu- a criterion for voting, the bishops said. The bishops’ collegial body said that “out- that would allow Estrada to gun for
ary and in July. The CBCP has 130 member- What the people should do instead, the rageous political violence” must awaken the Malacañang post again.
bishops, 32 of whom are retired. CBCP stressed, is to follow their conscience, the people to the reality that “if we do not “Although, I believe that the
In the statement, the prelates called on vot- not the results of pre-election surveys, in keep watch together as a nation our electoral Convention was really intent on
ers to form “circles of discernment” so they deciding who to vote for. process can drag us down.” barring all who have held the post
can effectively act together on issues of pub- “Do not be swayed by survey results or The existence of private armies, the pro- of president from running again,
lic concern according to moral principles. political advertisements. Follow the dictates liferation of loose fire arms, and political there is still a small opening that
In view of the upcoming 2010 presidential of your conscience after a prayerful and dynasties are obstacles to the growth of allows Erap to run again,” said
elections, the bishops said it is the right of collective period of discernment,” read the a genuine democratic system, the CBCP Bacani, who was a member of
the people to support qualified candidates CBCP statement. said. the Constitutional Convention.
and have good track record. “Winnability is not at all a criterion for Thus, the CBCP is calling on the men in Bishop Teodoro Bacani (CBCPNews)
“We are asked to first articulate the key voting,” it said. uniform to exercise extra-vigilance so as to
values and principles by which we can evalu- The CBCP also called on the candidates bring about peaceful elections. Compassion / A1
ate individual candidates across political to already start serving the public by being “They should not allow themselves to be the Archdiocese of Manila.
parties,” it said. “honest and sincere” in educating the people used by politicians or ideological groups. In a circular addressed to the clergy and religious in the archdio-
“This is the kind of politics in which Gos- on the real situation of the country in their Rather, they should be vigorous in disarm- cese, Solomon said the occasion is an opportunity for everyone to
pel values form the bases of our choice of campaign. ing illegally-armed elements,” the bishops show to the sick their care and concern.
candidates and not party or family loyalties,” According to the bishops, the candidates said. “Let us show to our sick brothers and sisters that we truly care for
them by inviting them to come over especially those who can attend
Involvement / A1 the mass,” the priest urged.
has been in use for some time in many countries. For the first time depend on our wise choice of candidates. Do not be swayed by “Let us show our solidarity with them by also making ourselves
in our history we are adopting one example of poll automation survey results or political advertisements. Follow the dictates of present in this celebration,” he added.
called Automated Election System (AES). But at this late hour there your conscience after a prayerful and collective period of discern- Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales will lead the
are still many questions regarding the AES that revolve around the ment. “Winnability” is not at all a criterion for voting! The vote you Eucharistic Mass for the Sick at 9 a.m. The Mass is organized in co-
readiness of personnel and equipment as well as the readiness of cast will be a vote for the good of your country and your children’s ordination with the Philippine Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
the electorate in the use of the system. Even more important, many future. Serve the common good with your precious vote! The World Day of the Sick was instituted by the late Pope John
serious questions about the reliability and integrity of the equipment Paul II on May 13, 1992. Since then, the occasion has been celebrated
and the personnel involved have not been satisfactorily answered. III. Signs of Hope every February 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. (Pinky Bar-
To be sure those who are responsible for the AES are striving to In spite of the grim scenario that some may paint that every rientos, FSP)
make the system work. election is just the same, we feel winds of change for the better.
But we must make sure that there are prepared fall back positions Many of our faithful are now heeding the call of their pastors to Cases / A1
that can be quickly adopted when there are some glitches in the be actively engaged in politics. Many are running for public office common ailments.
system and in the logistics. We have to be vigilant and be involved. issuing from the call of faith and service so that people should A medical team in charge of looking after the physical well-being
One example would be to help in educating voters regarding the no longer vote simply for the lesser evil among the candidates. of the delegates had a makeshift clinic at the WTC complete with
AES and in using the equipment. There are now many civil society groups that are concerned and medical facilities and doctors from participating hospitals.
are actively moving to ensure that this election of 2010 will be an The team reported that on the first day, the clinic had 105 patients,
C. To Candidates honest and credible one. We especially note with encouragement and 233 each both on second and third day of congress.
We ask the candidates, already at this point, to start serving many young people who go out of their way to offer their services Dr. Ricardo Ledesma, head of NCC II medical committee said
the nation by being honest and sincere in educating the people for the good of our nation. These signs are fruits of the efforts of majority of the cases attended to involved headaches, dizziness,
on the situation of our country in their campaign. They should many in the past years to educate our people to develop their social physical exhaustion, weakness, hypertension, infection and some
not campaign to manipulate the perceptions of the people but conscience and to make their faith the motivation of their political other minor ailments.
to help them to make good choices for the sake of the country. actions. Pope Benedict XVI teaches us: “Worship pleasing to God Most of the patients were in their 60’s, he reported.
They are to present their platforms and convictions rather than can never be a purely private matter, without consequences for our According to Ledesma, the excitement generated by the congress
attack others. relationship with others: it demands a public witness of our faith” could have also added to the surge of cases of hypertension among
(Sacrosanctum Concilium #83) some of the delegates.
D. To Peace-keepers Let us be ever vigilant for our country. Together let us be involved “The prevailing atmosphere at the venue starting the first day
We call on our soldiers and the police to be extra-vigilant so as to in the coming automated elections. Let us vote wisely that we may could explain the percentage of hypertension, dizziness and head-
bring about peaceful elections. They should not allow themselves have God-fearing and honest people as our leaders. ache,” said the doctor.
to be used by politicians or ideological groups. Rather, they should May our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Peace, be our guide and “I noticed the atmosphere of tears of joy from the priests com-
be vigorous in disarming illegally armed elements. teacher in our hope for a better tomorrow. May our Good Lord re- pounded by seriousness to meet their commitment of integral
ceive our offerings of prayers, good intentions and selfless service renewal to their priesthood,” Ledesma observed.
E. To Voters for the good of our people! To Him be the glory forever. Amen. Ledesma said his team is very happy to become part of the eccle-
We appeal directly to you, our fellow countrymen and women, sial event. He is also grateful to various hospitals who have lent the
as well as to all members of our Basic Ecclesial Communities and +NEREO P. ODCHIMAR, DD services of their doctors and nurses to assist the delegates.
religious lay organizations to exercise your right to vote wisely Bishop of Tandag Hospitals who offered the free services of their medical staff
i.e. following the criteria indicated several times in our previous President include San Juan de Dios Hospital, UST Hospital, Philippine Heart
pastoral letters. Automated elections will not give us good public Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Center, Department of Health, East Avenue Medical Center, and
officials. Ultimately the leaders that our country shall have will January 24, 2010 Quirino Memorial Medical Center.
Various pharmaceutical companies also gave free medicines to
Lifeguard / A5 the clinic.
those who had in the first place come to Jesus was the illegitimate son of a Roman is so universal, eternal, and cosmic. He was Ledesma said services to the delegates include consultations
love him did not give up their affection for soldier named Pandera—a play of words and is still, as Tolkien put it, “the eucatastro- and referrals to specialty consultants such as cardiologists, endo-
him. On the third day he appeared to them on the claim that he was son of a virgin phe (joyful happening) of man’s history.” Or crinologists, pulmonologists, gastro-enterologists and ambulance
restored to life, for the prophets of God (“parthenos”). as better said in the Christmas carol When services.
had prophesied these and countless other A Child Is Born: Jesus was the man “the The group has also provided marshalls during the procession of
marvelous things about him. And the tribe Proof not just in paper world is waiting,” the “solid dream which delegates from World Trade Center to Cuneta Astrodome on January
of Christians, so called after him, has to this Anyone who has been to Holy Land can has come true.” 29, last day of the congress. (Pinky Barrientos, FSP)
day not disappeared.” confirm that there are archaeological evi-
Some critics say that this quote was a dence too on the life and times of Jesus. In Laiko / A5 Holiness / A1
Christian forgery, since Josephus as a Jew the 1950s for example, over 100 ossuaries in selecting the candidates that they will vote for. The always and everywhere to stand up and teach those in
could not have flatly stated that Jesus is the (stone coffins) dating from the first century Principled Partisan Politics system must therefore be need of instruction and for them to “manifest ever more
Messiah. Yet all versions of the Antiquities were unearthed outside Jerusalem during done by individual lay Catholics. It is best that they clearly the spirit of God at work in the world.”
contain the disputed text; and to maintain the reconstruction of a Franciscan chapel, learn the CiDE process but should not rest there. Long In parting, Cardinal Bertone assured the bishops of the
its spuriousness, all copies must have been in what has been called Dominus Flevit before the election the list of candidates of the different pontiff’s “apostolic blessing” while commending their
in the hands of Christians and altered in the (the ‘Lord Wept’) catacombs. The sign of parties for national as well as for local positions must works for the Catholic Church.
same way. the cross was inscribed in numerous cof- already be available to the voter. All those with records Around 90 bishops were in attendance at the plenary
The clincher, Thiede explains, is that fins, including familiar New Testament of corruption and has accumulated unexplainable wealth meeting which ended January 24.
Josephus called Jesus “was,” not “is,” the names such as Eleazar (Lazarus), Martha, will have to be stricken off the list. The educational at- The CBCP has a total of 130 prelates, 32 of them are
Messiah. It is evident that the text must have Mary, Jairus, Jonathan, Joseph, Philo the tainment as well as the record of performance, specially retired.
been written by a non-Christian since a true Cyrene, Judah, Matthew, Menahem, Sa- if the candidate is a reelectionist, must be studied in ad- The Plenary Assembly is the CBCP’s highest decision-
Christian could not have referred to Jesus as lome, Simon, and Zachariah. There are vance. Selection of a candidate due to his/her popularity making body which meets in regular session twice a
a past Messiah. But Josephus would have, inscriptions such as “Jesus, remember (actors/actresses; singers, etc.) unless he/she has other year—in January and July.
since he believed that Vespasian is the true me in the resurrection” and “Jesus, have additional good qualifications is definitely discouraged.
anointed. To further corroborate its genu- mercy.” The educated lay person should find time to influence Clergy Congress
ineness, Thiede points to another Josephus Perhaps the question is not really what oc- the unchurched and the “masa” or the voters who take The pope’s message to the clergy also came in time
writing on the high priest Ananias, who curred in the past, but whether we now find orders from their employers/hacenderos. This is a per- for the 2nd National Congress of the Clergy which
executed “James, the brother of Jesus the Jesus as significant as his believers found son to person approach of educating voters, the C,D,E was held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on
so-called Christ.” him. In my opinion, Jesus is as relevant as economic class, which compose more than 50% of the Jan. 25-29.
But that is not all. A more adverse Jewish he was. Looking into our contemporary su- voting population. PPCRV and NAMFREL’s education Over 5,000 priests attended the gathering with the
oral tradition, dating back to the first century perhero icons, in the cartoons, movies, and of voters is different from the new direction towards theme “Faithfulness of Christ, Faithfulness of Priests,”
but only later compiled as The Talmud, real-life stories, you will see intimations of principled partisan politics. It is now the laity’s turn to which the pope has chosen as the official slogan for the
made reference to “Jesus the Nazarene” the Christ and his mysteries all along. Per- form themselves into groups independent from the lay celebration of the “Year for Priests” (2009-2010).
(Jeschua Hanotsri), “the Carpenter son of haps we can collectively call them “heroes” organizations they are currently associated with and The CBCP through its Commission on the Clergy has
the Carpenter” (Naggar bar nagger), “The because we recognize the archetype of the proceed using CiDE techniques and equivalent evalua- organized the retreat-style national congress which was
One Who Was Hanged” (Talui), and “Son of savior popularized by Jesus. In them, we tion processes to vote across party lines—the choice we facilitated by Preacher to the Papal Household, Capuchin
Pandera “(Bar Pandera). These Jews believe again encounter this Christ, whose promise now call principled partisan politics. Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa. (CBCPNews)
Diocesan News
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 3
February 1 - 14, 2010
A7
Briefing
Bacolod Bishop appeals for Haiti victims
Prelate lays down principles
for evangelizing electorates
BACOLOD CITY— Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra called on
the Negrenses to help the earthquake victims of Haiti. He urged
his folks to share “whatever aid they can give to the stricken
country” but suggests donation in cash for practical reasons.
"We are called to answer a Christian challenge posed by the
latest devastation in Haiti." he said. (Kate Laceda)
Center for dialogue and peace launched in Davao DAVAO CITY— Archbishop Fernando Capalla has laid down three added Capalla.
DAVAO CITY—The Silsilah Forum Davao inaugurated its cen- important guiding principles for evangelizing the electorate in the Capalla continued, “we have elected leaders who with some of
ter here in a simple but meaningful rites led by Fr. Sebastiano upcoming May 2010 national elections. us brought personal woundedness into the socio-economic political
D’Ambra, PIME on Jan. 20. The inauguration program opened Capalla also delegated the management and systems which have become corrupt and prone
with prayers led by Imam Eldio Gulisan and Sr. Helen Gaudicos direction of the diocesan-wide evangelization to abuse and wrongdoing.”
of the Teresian Daughters of Mary. The Center of Silsilah Forum of the electorate to the Archdiocesan Social Ac- “This widespread malaise negatively affected, and
Davao is located in Room 301 at the 3rd Floor of the Caritas Bldg. tion Center, Justice and Peace under Fr. Rico P. still is affecting, our sincere efforts at development,
along Claro M. Recto Ave. in Davao City. (CBCPNews) Enriquez. progress, peace and national unity,” he said.
The three guiding principles are Spiritual For the creative organization, the archbishop
Discernment, Creative Organization and Active explained that “it includes good selection of per-
Archdiocesan school offers two new doctoral programs
Witnessing. sonnel collaborators as well as good management
DAVAO CITY—The Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC), an
In his pastoral letter, Capalla explained that of material resources. “Sourcing of funds shall
archdiocesan academic institution was granted a government
spiritual discernment includes an adequate analy- be the responsibility of the Archbishop and the
permit to open two new doctoral programs for the school year
sis of the local electorate and its underpinning Archdiocesan Finance Officer,” he said.
2009 -2010. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
values that cause wounds of the spirit. Capalla also emphasized on “active witness-
granted a government permit to HCDC to conduct and operate
He said that people in the city are still nurs- ing” which according to him includes voters’
the Doctor of Philosophy major in Educational Management
ing the wounds in their souls and spirit. “These education on study and choice of candidates,
Program and Doctor of Education major in Educational Man-
wounds of our hearts are expressed in many voting procedures, and use of automated ma-
agement Program. (Mark S. Ventura)
forms of animosities and conflicts within and chines, poll-watching, canvassing, post-election
among ourselves, our families, our workplaces, evaluation, monitoring of campaign promise of
Migrants’ group wants OWWA policy scrapped our communities and our country in general,” Archbishop Fernando Capalla winning candidates. (Mark S. Ventura)
ANTIPOLO CITY—Migrante International urges the govern-
© emmanlouem.multiply.com
of Northern Mindanao as it will force local municipality of “We just want
For Bro. Eddie, the more candidates, the better producers and those in the wood-based in- Claveria, Misamis to ensure that
QUEZON CITY—A religious leader running for President had dustry here to import logs and woods from Oriental, environ- this review team
no problem against a Comelec ruling allowing former President other countries. mentalists, non- will be impartial
Joseph Estrada to run for president. Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Ban- But environmentalists, non-government government or- and stay true to
gon Pilipinas Party standard bearer for the May 2010 elections, organizations, Church-based groups and ganizations and its responsibil-
said that unlike other politicians, he has no plan of posing a the affected Higaonon people in Southwood Church-based ity,” he said.
legal challenge against Estrada’s candidacy. For Villanueva, the Timber Corporation’s (STC) concession area groups have alleged that STC has cut old- Hernandez also praised Quinto for “acting
more candidates running means more platforms of governance are vehemently lobbying for the immediate growth trees from identified protection swiftly in behalf of my brethren in Gingoog
for the people to choose from. (CBCPNews) passage of Vice Governor Norris Babiera’s forests inside its concession area covering and Claveria.”
proposed resolution imposing a total log ban 11,476 hectares in gross violation of its lease AMIN’s Hernandez, who hails from
Nursing topnotcher credits mother for success in Misamis Oriental. contract. Gingoog City, was referring to the 25,000
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The Iliganon lass who top last The group also welcomed Quinto’s move Government policy says that trees in areas signatures urging the immediate cancella-
November’s Nursing Board Exam credited her mother, a doctor, of forming an independent team of experts to at 1,000 meters above sea level are automati- tion of STC’s IFMA filed before the DENR
for her success. Twenty-eight year old Claire Morales Bontol, review STC’s Integrated Forest Management cally part of protection forests and should Central Office in Manila last January 12.
the only child of Dr. Delia Bontol and a graduate from the Iligan Agreement (IFMA) covering 11,476 hectares not be cut. Cutting of trees in watershed (Bong D. Fabe)
Medical Center College, Inc. topped all 37,527 passers in the
November 2009 Nursing Licensure Examination with an aver-
age of 87.80 percent. (Bong D. Fabe)
Academic community holds ‘record-breaking’ bible reading
Hope / A4 URDANETA CITY— The aca- the non-stop reading. reading was inaugurated at the reading activity was spearhead-
race, despite all the odds. demic community of Divine The Episcopal Commission Bonifacio Shrine on January 25 with ed by Philippine Bible Society
This is the endpoint that began with the decision to run the race. Word College (DWC) of Ur- on Biblical Apostolate has ear- the participation of national and (PBS) in coordination with ECBA
The end begins with this end in view. It starts with the decision to daneta, Pangasinan has accom- lier urged the diocesan biblical local officials, the PBS board mem- and other Christian Churches.
religiously follow a training schedule, a diet, a sleeping schedule and plished a ‘record-breaking’ bible commissions to organize in their bers and staff, partner churches, The public reading of the bible
a mind setting or praying schedule which must end in an anchoring activity—reading the entire bible respective areas continuous bible representatives from government aimed to bring Filipinos to a
that will provide the necessary focus to stick with the resolve to run in one hour. reading activity to celebrate Na- offices, schools, business organiza- greater awareness and relevance
and finish the race. In line with the celebration of the tional Bible Week. tions and other sectors of society. of the Scriptures in their every-
The 42.195 grueling kilometers, cramps, blisters, the ever present National Bible Week, the school In Manila, a continuous bible Dubbed i-proclaim, the bible day lives. (CBCPNews)
temptation to just stop running or just quit, the lingering questions recently held a modified Bible
reading activity that would involve i-Proclaim! / A1
“what for”, “why go through such hardship”—all these are defeated
by focus and the desire to finish and arrive at the destination, the the entire community reading the churches and organizations will follow suit and do Commission for the Biblical Apostolate (ECBA)
blissful and peaceful taste of victory and the eternal reward of finally whole bible in one setting. their own public Bible readings all throughout the also held simultaneous bible reading in all the 87
having the indelible mark of a “marathoner” finally resolves it all. Parts of the Bible, from Gen- year, not just during National Bible Week.” dioceses nationwide on January 30, 2010.
Running the race is definitely worth everything because such is the esis to Revelation, were divided The public Bible reading was done at the Boni- According to Fr. Oscar Alunday, executive
essence of one’s being. To finish the race is to be called to life with among the DCWU’s 964 stu- facio Shrine in Manila on January 25, 2010, the 1st secretary of ECBA, the commission intended to
and for GOD and ending at the destination which is a PEACEFUL, dents, faculty members and non- day of the week-long celebration of the National have the whole bible read simultaneously all over
blissful eternal fellowship with GOD. academic personnel, who read Bible Week. the country.
the assigned bible texts together Among the readers were national and local “Each diocese/parish will be assigned a portion to
in silence for one hour. officials, PBS Board members and staff, partner read orally. These will be done simultaneously and in
The school adjusted the pro- churches, representatives from government of- about 15-30 minutes, the bible will be read completely
gram since it is not possible for fices, schools, business organizations and other from Genesis to Revelations all over the Philippines.
students and personnel to stay sectors of society. We will have a wonderful covering of God’s Word
in the campus for 24 hours to do In a related development, the CBCP’s Episcopal all throughout the land,” Alunday said.
© picasaweb.google.fr/taizemanila
ated with long moments of silence.
“We think young people today are looking also for interiority, for spirit of adoration in prayer,” said
Bro. Alois.
“Prayer should lead us to inspire ourselves, enjoy but also to listen with our hearts when God speaks,
and that’s why we will have long moments of silence with thousands of people together,” he added.
On the fourth day of pilgrimage, the young pilgrims will meet by provinces, regions and countries to
reflect and share together on how their experience of the meeting can continue in their life when they
go back to their respective communities. Young people join the daily morning prayers of the Taize Brothers in Manila.
spiritually for the pilgrimage.
Witnesses of peace and reconciliation Volunteers and representatives of parish welcome centers were given orientations to make them
The Pilgrimage of Trust on earth was started by Bro. Roger, founder of Taize community 30 years ready for the arrival of pilgrims.
ago, to encourage young people to become witnesses of peace and reconciliation in their local com- The youth pilgrims were housed by host families in the parish. According to Bro. Andreas, 100 par-
munities, and churches. ishes in the Manila area have agreed to become welcome centers that took charge of looking for host
The Taize brothers go to different countries and cities to hold prayers meetings with young people families to take in pilgrims.
to let them experience the universality of the Church. Like a pilgrim in the true sense of the word, the youth can expect to sleep on the floor since many of
“It’s a pilgrimage of reconciliation,” Bro. Alois said. “We try to bring people together from different the host families are poor and may not have an extra room for guests.
backgrounds to listen to each other and to share.” “Simplicity is the key word,” Bro. Andreas said. This means the host family will only provide the
Attracted by the witness of unity and life of prayer, young people from all over the world come to pilgrim with breakfast and a space to lay down his/her head in the evening.
Taize, and stay with the community for few months. “The pilgrims will go to the venue by public transport. When they come on February 3, by public
“In Taize we welcome young people from all over the world every day. And each year, there are also young bus or by plane, they will have contact with the host parish already, and should know how to go there
people from the Philippines coming and staying with us [for] two or three months,” said Bro. Alois. from the airport and bus terminals,” said the Taize brother.
The five-day pilgrimage will conclude on February 7 with a Eucharistic celebration to be led by the
Increased preparations Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.
Since last year, the Taize brothers in coordination with the Episcopal Commission on Youth have “After the five-day meeting, the pilgrims go home, but the pilgrimage continues because it is some-
started laying the groundwork by organizing retreats for youth leaders and volunteers to prepare them thing that is for life. Our life is a journey,” Bro. Andreas said. (Pinky Barrientos, FSP)
Foundation for Asia (CFA) and Clergy participants who are Diego de Alcala Cathedral in Gumaca,
CBCPNews respectively. station managers of diocesan Quezon. Bishop Emilio Marquez, who
was installed as first bishop of Gumaca,
NCC II Congress Media radio stations anchored a pro- delivered the homily. Various religious
coordinator Msgr. Pedro Qui- gram every 6 p.m. at the World congregations and lay people who have
torio said the original plan of Trade Center, reporting on the contributed a lot in the growth of the dio-
organizers was to keep the proceedings of the congress. cese were awarded for their meritorious service to the diocese. Gumaca’s
current bishop, Most Rev. Buenaventura Famadico was appointed second
retreat proceedings to retreat CMN also gave a daily news bishop of Gumaca on June 11, 2003.
participants alone. Powered by CBCPWorld, the Catholic media led by CBCPNews were able to transmit update on the congress every
However, he said it would the proceedings of NCC II during the five-day congress via video and audio streaming morning at 6 a.m. AWARDED. Fr. Ewald Dinter, SVD, for his exemplary mis-
and podcasting. sion work among the Mangyan people, January 29, 2010.
be to the participants’ advan- Meanwhile, Radio Veritas
Dinter, who spent more than 40 years of his life serving
tage if the laity would be able to follow the proceedings closely and aired interviews of congress’ participants during its daily morning the Mangyan communities of Oriental Mindoro was given
understand what is going on at the congress so they can pray for the program. the Saint Joseph Freinademtz Award for epitomizing “pro-
success of the Second National Congress of the Clergy. Catholic faithful can also hear and download podcasts of inter- phetic dialogue and inculturation on his mission contribu-
CBCPWorld provided CMN, CFA and CBCP Media with internet views of bishops and priests and other congress’ officials by accessing tion, following the charism of the SVD and its founding
connectivity through VSat system and IP Radio systems at the venue. cbcpnews.com/podcast. (Melo M. Acuña) generations.” The awarding was held at the Fr. Peter
Yang Hall, St. Jude Catholic School, Manila capping
(PICC) on January 24. A Focolarina since 1963, Voce worked in Is- 180 countries and counts with more than 2 million
She had a media conference on the same day tanbul, Turkey for 10 years involving herself in supporters.
where she talked on the Economy of Communion ecumenical and interreligious dialogue with the Focolare centers which, now has 140,000 in total
(EoC), which many economists think to be the Orthodox Church and the Muslim world. membership are found in 88 countries worldwide.
solution to poverty in the Philippines, and the Maria “Emmaus” Voce Voce, who is a lawyer by profession, had worked (CBCPNews)
Church holds scholarship fundraising concert Thomasian priests gather for alumni homecoming
A BENEFIT concert named “Aming Handog,” was Cuison, Fernan Estrada, Manuel de los Santos, Jim THOMASIAN priests and bishops gathered for their homecoming at the University of Sto. Tomas (UST)
held recently at the Jimmy Fernandez Stadium in Cerezo, and Eric Galivo. on January 29 right after the conclusion of their five-day retreat-congress at World Trade Center.
Dagupan City. The Calasiao Children’s Choir also had a special The Thomasian clergy homecoming focused on the theme “Faithfulness of Christ, faithfulness of
Organized by the Archdiocese of Lingayen- participation in the concert. priests”, following the theme of the clergy congress and the Year for Priests.
Dagupan, it was an event aimed at raising money “Aming Handog” was hosted by actors Jomari The assembly also included discussion of planned activities that will involve Thomasian priests for
to provide scholarship for the archdiocese’s poor Yllana and his brother Ryan. Dingdong Dantes the forthcoming quadricentennial anniversary of UST in 2011. UST Rector Magnificus Fr. Rolando
students. also performed during the show. de la Rosa, OP led the discussion of the preparations for the upcoming jubilee celebration.
“We need to sponsor more students to pursue The concert’s proceeds, according to Villegas, Priests celebrating their jubilees were feted with a program to mark the milestone in their priest-
their college education and contribute to nation will also be used to sustain the various other pas- hood. Among the jubilarians were Manila Auxiliary Bishop-Emeritus Teodoro Buhain, who will
building,” said Archbishop Socrates Villegas. toral programs of the archdiocese for the youth. celebrate his golden jubilee, and Fr. Isidro Abano, OP., his silver jubilee.
The concert, held last Jan. 15 featured the “We need to upgrade the formation programs of The priests were ferried by buses from the congress’ venue to UST Central seminary. The homecom-
“Fathers,” a group of eight singing priests of the our catechists teaching religion in our public schools ing kicked off with a dinner-program at 7:30 p.m. followed with the oath-taking of newly-ordained
archdiocese. and sustain our charitable and developmental Thomasians at the Central Seminary Garden.
The group is composed of Fathers Jerry Cera, programs for the economically poor brothers and Host of this year’s alumni gathering was Batch 1985. (CBCPNews)
Antonio Quintans, Edilberto Calderon, Julius sisters,” he said. (Kate Laceda)
CBCP Monitor SPECIAL ISSUE
Vol. 14 No. 3
February 1 - 14 , 2010 2nd National Congress of the Clergy B1
5,542 priests and bishops attend clergy congress
MANILA, Jan. 29, 2010─The 2nd daily liturgy so they distributed priests, Cantalamessa was heard De Villa said the From the Vatican, 14 January 2010
national congress of the clergy risographed copies to those who to have remarked: “Only in the number of participants
(NCC II) which ended today had none. Philippines can these things remained intact un-til
drew some 5,542 priests and “The priests are so very nice. They happen, so many priests in one Wednesday evening based on
His Eminence
bishops representing 87 arch/ understood, nobody complained gathering.” the food stubs they collected at Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales
dioceses nationwide and few that one has not what the other According to De Villa NCC II meal time. Archbishop of Manila
priests abroad. got. I guess that’s also a gift of the surpassed the international gathering “On Thursday some of them 121 Arzobispo Street
Organizers said the surge in spirit,” De Villa said. of priests in Ars, France held August started to leave because there was Manila
the number of participants was The retreat-congress which last year in terms of number of an ongoing celebration in Lucena
unexpected that they ran out of started Monday had Fr. Raniero participants. That international for the 25th anniversary [of the
kits and other materials. Cantalamessa as preacher, a retreat assembled only about 1,500 Episcopal ordination] of Bishop
Former Ambassador Henrietta Capuchin priest and preacher to priests worldwide, she said. Emilio Marquez. The Diocese of Your Eminence,
de Villa, chairperson of the NCC II Papal household. Cantalamessa also addressed Gumaca is celebrating its silver
Central Coordinating Committee Cantalamessa spoke on the the laity last January 28 on jubilee also,” De Villa explained. The Holy Father was pleased to learn of the
said they had only 5,300 prepared need for interior renewal and led the topics “The Relationship But according to De Villa
kits for participants. the priests into meditation on the between the Clergy and Laity” and some of the bishops who went
Second National Congress of the Clergy in the
“We added another hundred, for three important elements in the “Marriage and Family according to join the celebration in Lucena Philippines, and he has asked me to convey to you
the rest we just gave plastic folders life of the clergy—the Eucharist, to the Bible.” and Gumaca also came back and to all those taking part in this conference an
with handles,” she said. the sacrament of reconciliation He also addressed the Franciscan the following day to join the assurance of his spiritual closeness.
De Villa said they also ran out and celibacy. family on January 29 after the closing Eucharistic celebration. In this Year for Priests, His Holiness asks
of liturgy booklets used in the Seeing such a big assembly of clergy congress. (CBCPNews) the clergy to embrace ever more fervently the
three evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity
and obedience (cf. Letter Proclaiming a Year for
Pope’s preacher to RP clergy: Priests, 16 June 2009). On the occasion of the first
centenary of the death of Saint John Vianney, Pope
John XXIII set these evangelical counsels before
His Eminence
Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales
Archbishop of Manila
121 Arzobispo St.
Intramuros, Manila
Your Eminence,
Visit www.clergycongress2.org for podcasts, photos, video clips, and other updates on the Second National Congress of the Clergy
B2 Special Issue CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 3
February 1 - 14, 2010
Interior
change, a
gift of being
chosen
podcasts, photos, video clips, and other updates on the Second National Congress of the Clergy
Special Issue
CBCP Monitor
B6 Vol. 14 No. 3
February 1 - 14, 2010
Christ stands in front of God as the but also to be ready to take on their Hour. It is an hour we set aside each
zon, SDB one and only true priest. suffering. “I rejoice in my sufferings day to keep alive in our awareness
I THINK it is a Christ
Our priesthood is a participation for your sake, and in my flesh I am the Lord’s personal and unique love experience what we are having
in the one priesthood of Christ. Our filling up what is lacking in the afflic- for us. It is nothing else than entering now at the moment. With this
IN our work of vocation promotion, the
question we usually ask our young primary task and commitment then is tions of Christ on behalf of his Body, into his presence and basking in his encounter with the clergy and
applicants is, “Why do you wish to to configure ourselves to Christ, the which is the Church.” (Col 1:24) It is love. As our good preacher told us reflecting upon our role as
enter the seminary?” To which their whole Christ, Priest and Victim. By said that the Cure of Ars would give on the first day of our retreat, what priests of Christ; and also for
usual reply is, “To become a priest.” our ordination we are called to offer light penances to his penitents while happens in the Eucharistic adoration me, it has given me once again
We would then press them with a the sacrifice with Christ as priest, as he would take on himself the heavier is the meeting of two glances, ours the chance for renewal to serve
follow-up question, “Why do you want well as to offer ourselves with him burden of atoning for their sins. and the Lord’s. What is important is God better in the priesthood.
to become a priest?” And their answer as victim. Like Jesus, we are called to be ready that we allow the glance of the Lord to
In the priesthood we live accord-
The biggest challenge for us
would be something like, “To offer my to redeem our people that they may penetrate us, that look of love which
ing to the mold of Christ? Or is it live. We may not have the opportunity is far more far tender and intense priests, I guess, is to care for
life to God…to serve Him…to serve each other as priests, to be in
the Church…” or some other expres- still according to the mold of the Old to literally offer ourselves as ransom than our own.
Testament or of some other type? for them, like St. Raymond Nonnatus Love is basically a relationship. communion with each other.
sions to the same effect.
I used to smile at the naivete of Contrary to other types of priesthood, and the Mercedarians in the days of The one necessary investment for ─Tabuk Bishop Prudencio Andaya, CICM
such answers. Often, I couldn’t help Christ’s priesthood is not about po- the crusade. But each day offers count- any relationship to develop is time.
but wonder if these young applicants sition, power or prestige. “His state less occasions to suffer for our people. To be tamed, the fox asked the little
really knew the full implication of was divine, yet he did not cling to his To attend their pastoral needs often Prince to meet him each day at a IT’S an invitation for the priests to be really faithful to their
what they aspired for. But for all their equality with God but emptied himself requires of us to forget ourselves and definite place and specific hour. In vocation especially in their pastoral ministry, showing the
to assume the condition of a slave, to die to our comfort and convenience. the end, it was the heart of the little
simplicity and innocence, I knew that Lord’s compassion and to reflect on the love of God for all of
many of them were sincere. and became as men are; and being As one of our old missionaries used to Prince that was tamed, and from that
as all men are, he was humbler yet, say, “Much to suffer, much to offer; little experience, he learned the great se-
us instead of just demanding duties or obligations from the
When I was tasked to give the parishioners. I think the bigger challenge for priests today is
homily for this Mass, the organizers even to accepting death, death on to suffer, little to offer; nothing to suffer, cret that only in being ready to waste
cross.” (Phil 2:6-8). nothing to offer.” time with the beloved can we grow to really be able to reflect on gospel values of love and sharing
of the Congress asked me to focus
In the Old Testament, the priest was Indeed, the call to be a priest-victim in relationship. for each other. In a world that has become secularized and
our reflection on the theme of the day,
which is OBLATION, “our personal a man of great power and influence. is daunting! It is already difficult to pay We are priests for the Eucharist. materialistic we need spiritual values.
offering of self, as well as of the The high priest in the time of the Mac- the wages for our own sins, how much “Do this in memory of me.”(1Cor ─Cagayan De Oro Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ
corporate body of priests to God, cabees exercised both religious and more to take on those of our people! 11:24) But we are also the victim in
the Father, in accordance with his political authority. In Christ’s own time, How can we have the courage to live the Eucharist we offer. To celebrate the
holy will.” The scenario I mentioned the priests and religious leaders were such a vocation? rite of the Eucharist is the easy part of THIS gathering of around
earlier could well be our own story. key players in the social and political I remember the days following my our priesthood. All twelve apostles,
arena. We have similar picture in other
5,500 priests is really a miracle.
We too gave similar answers when appointment as Bishop of Kabanka- except one, were present in the first
religions. Through the caste system, lan. Totally disoriented, I decided to Eucharist at the Lord’s Supper. To live Seeing thousands of priests
we applied for the seminary. We were in a spirit of solidarity and
then young and idealistic, ready to the priestly class succeeded in en- take an Ignatian retreat at the Jesuit the Eucharist is the more difficult part.
trenching themselves above the social Retreat House in Banawa, Cebu, if All twelve apostles, except one, were brotherhood, singing and
give our life in total service to God.
Indeed, that was one shining moment ladder. Today we witness the repudia- only to regain my bearings. One of absent at the offering of the Supreme praying really uplift the spirit.
in our life—a moment of pure and tion of theocracy in some Islamic states the meditations my director gave me Sacrifice on the Cross. We are called This is my second time to
generous oblation. as sheer clerical dominance. was on the Good Shepherd. When I not only to perform the rite of the attend the priests’ congress. In
What happened since then? In his book “Jesus of Nazareth.” came to the verse where Jesus said, Eucharist but also to fulfill it in our this congress I am seated with
How come that through the years, Pope Benedict XVI tells us that the “I lay down my life for my sheep,” I own life. How did the Lord pass from the Capuchins and Pangasinan
temptations of Jesus in the desert was deeply disturbed. I wrestled and celebrating the Eucharist at the Upper
we gradually took back the gift of clergy. My former professor in
self we had liberally offered in the were actually three forms of but one agonized with the words. Deep in my Room to accomplishing in on Calvary?
single temptation—the temptation heart, I knew I could not own them. I
Philosophy is also seated with
beginning? How did our young and The gospel tells us that after supper
to power. At every instance, Jesus have been called to shepherd God’s Jesus spent the night in prayer before us in the same table. I wanted
generous heart turn into a hesitant to go to him for confession but
and calculating compromiser? Could vehemently rejected the temptation, flock in Kabankalan, and like the Good submitting himself into the hands of
for he believed that his mission can Shepherd I too should be ready and his captors. In that hour of prayer he the line of those confessing to him was long. A priest confessed
it be that we really did not understand
what we were entering into when we be accomplished only by the greater willing to lay down my life for my sheep. clearly saw the full implication of the to me and I also confessed to him. It is really an encounter with
joined the seminary? That we did power of love, his humble and self- But in all sincerity I knew I was neither Passover meal he had partaken. The the priests and with the Lord.
not know the full implication of our sacrificing love. The devil left Jesus ready nor willing to do so. It was my bread that he broke with his disciples ─Fr. Oscar Alunday, Executive Secretary, CBCP’s
vocational response? in the desert only to return again. saddest realization. I have always was to be realized in the breaking of Episcopal Commission on Biblical Apostolate
In the Philippine society, the figure Since then he has kept on returning been afraid of pain, even more so, his own body. He shuddered in fear at
of the priest is both important and and tempting the Church. We know of death. Hence, I could not honestly the prospect to the point of sweating
attractive. He is seen as one who from history that time and again the tell the Lord, “I lay down my life for my blood. He pleaded and bargained with
Church had succumbed to the temp- sheep.” Since it was a Friday, I made his Father. In the end, he surrendered
The talk is a spirit-filled
represents the people in front of God. talk. The Holy Spirit is really
He stands above the people and a tation. And we also know that when the Way of the Cross at the park behind completely to the will of his whose
the Church was most powerful, she the retreat house that afternoon. As love was the only certainty that served working through the speaker
little below God. Thus people readily
lavish him with respect and favor. was most vulnerable. I walked from one station to another as light in his darkest hour. Christ’s and as a result of this, even
Moreover, in our culture, the priest’s In our country the temptation is and retraced the steps of Jesus to definitive act of oblation was made though the crowd is big, the talk
ascendancy over the people is more present and real. There is a general Calvary, it slowly dawned on me that in that hour of prayer. The journey penetrates our hearts and keeps
pervasive and goes beyond his reli- perception that the Church in the Jesus went through every pain and that led him to the sacrifice of Calvary us to reflect on our experiences
gious function. Rightly or wrongly, he Philippines is powerful. As the days suffering for me, to save me. Then I was merely the unfolding of the total in our priesthood.
of the election are approaching, po- began to realize how much I am loved. surrender he had made in the garden
represents his people not only in front ─Msgr. Jaime Villanueva,
of God but also in front of men. Thus litical candidates seek the blessing I had never felt so much loved, so infi- of Gethsemane.
or anointing from the bishops and nitely loved. By the time I reached the
Archdiocese of Palo
the priesthood is a position of privilege Finally, it is important for us to note
and power. In public gatherings, the priests. While we easily condemn twelfth station, I could hardly see the that the holy hour is the one personal
priest stands side by side with the the brand of patronage in Philippine crucified Lord; my eyes were welling request Jesus makes to those whom
politics, we can also run our parish with tears. I told Jesus hanging on the he considers his closest friends. “Wait This is my first time to attend and it is really an inspiring
mayor and the local officials (as we
can also find the bishop side by side like a personal fiefdom; and we can cross, “Lord, now I’m ready to die for here and stay awake with me…” (Mt experience. The spirit really leads me to experience this. The
with the national officials, or even with be despotic, too. It is not uncommon you.” After a few seconds, I seemed 26:38) Sadly, his first invitation was not topic that is being shared really helps me in renewing my
the President). This is the side of our to hear our own people referring to to hear from the depths of my heart heeded. “So you had not the strength commitment in the Lord and in following Christ.
priesthood that we are familiar with, us more as hari, than pari. The let- the Lord answering, “No, don’t die for to stay awake with me for an hour?” ─Fr. Romulo Maypa
and feel comfortable with. ter to the Hebrews teaches us that me. Live for my people.” (Mt 26; 40) May we not disappoint
There is however another dimen- our priesthood is not about power “Do you love me? Feed my lambs, the Lord as he offers to us the same
sion of our priesthood which we often or prestige but humility and divine feed my sheep.” We shall have the invitation and privilege.
intimacy—in a word, holiness. generosity and the joy of feeding the Our mass today is offered in honor
UNANG una, sa pag-
forget. Christ, the Priest, is also Christ, organize palang nito feel ko
the Victim. Our call to configure to The other dimension of Christ’s Lord’s flock, even with our own body of Mary, the first and perfect Disciple.
priesthood is his victimhood. Our vo- and blood as He did, if we love him. “Do whatever he tells you,” is her talaga yung concern ng ating
Christ is a call to identify with the
whole Christ—Priest and Victim. “But cation calls us to conform ourselves But we can only love to the point of message to us, priests gathered in simbahan at ating mga obispo
when Christ came as High Priest of to Christ the victim, “the lamb of God giving up our life if we personally this congress. Let us ask her to teach sa mga pari. Naiintindihan ko
the good things that have come to who takes away the sins of the world.” experience Christ’s own victimal love us the ways of her Son so that the kung paanu nila gustong ayusin
be, passing through the greater and Typified by the escape goat of the Old for us. This was the clear realization I greater miracle may be realized in yung buhay ng mga pari. Hindi
more perfect tabernacle not made Testament, Jesus takes upon himself had on the hills of Banawa that Friday us, a miracle greater than the trans- lang pagka-pari kundi pati
the sin of humanity. He is the redeemer afternoon. “This is love: not that we formation of water into wine – our own
by hands, that is, not belonging to
transformation and configuration to
buhay ng paglilingkod. Na-feel
this creation, he entered once and who bought us back with his own blood, loved God, but that he loved us and
who ransomed us with his own life. To sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice Christ, the High Priest-Victim. ko yun kaya I made it a point
for all into the sanctuary, not with the to attend this convention.
explain the mystery of our salvation to for our sins.” (1Jn 4:10) O Mary, Mother of Priests, pray
blood of goats and calves, but with ─Msgr. Bobby Olaguer,
ordinary people, I would simply ask I always believe that for us humans for us. Amen.
his own blood, thus obtaining eternal
them to look at the crucifix and say to love can only be a response. I can love Diocese of Parañaque
salvation.” (Hb 9:11-12)
themselves, “They got the wrong man. only if I have experienced being loved. (This is the full text of the homily
Thus, Christ not only perfected
He shouldn’t be there. He is innocent. And my capacity to love is proportional delivered by Most Rev. Patricio Bu- IT is a beautiful event. It’s marvelous to see the gathering
the priesthood of the Old Testament,
The cross is for the sinner and the to the intensity of that experience. Dear zon, SDB, Bishop of Kabankalan, on of the 5,500 priests and fresh, young, enthusiastic-looking
but also rendered all other types of
damned. I should be there. I am the one brother priests, allow me to end with the third day of the 2nd National Con- priests. My impression of the people and the Church in the
priesthood ineffective. Being God
who sinned and merit condemnation. a fraternal invitation. “Remain in my gress of the Clergy held January 25-
and man, he is the perfect priest who Philippines is that there’s a lot of life, there’s a lot of promise
But Jesus, knowing I cannot bear the love.” (Jn 15:9) the Lord tells us. Let us 29, 2010 at the World Trade Center,
alone can worthily represent man
Pasay City. Due to space limitations, and hope in the congress.
before the Father and intercede for sentence, took my place.” heed his call and remain in his love by
Our victimhood is call to compas- keeping ever afresh in our heart and other homilies could not be accom- ─Fr. Francis Donnelley, Companions of the Cross
him. Submitting himself as victim, he
sion. We are called not only to be mind his self-giving love. This is made modated, to our regrets—eds)
offers the perfect sacrifice of himself
Vianney / B2 Retreat / B2
ng Pinoy, be offered to the Local Churches just concluded Second NCC. Thank you close at hand. Repent, and believe the may question. So what? There is always ceaseless invocation to the Heart of
in the Philippines. Rather than be accused for encouraging and praying for us. Gospel” (Mark 1:15). Our vocation is an opening in the Kingdom of the Father Jesus to keep us from the terrible risk
of doing the littlest or less, let us, in the Let us together ask Mary Mother of basically to conversion—to constantly if only we are impressionable enough to of harming those whom we are bound
name of love of God, consistently do our Jesus, Queen of Families and Mother of change, to turn again and again to grace, Jesus assures us. There is always a to save…”
littlest for the poor. Let us remember the the Priests to teach us only one way, the God—that we may become generous door for the answers that are generous, Dear Brothers, let us cultivate this
prayer that “there is nothing little, if done one that leads to her Son, Jesus. Mary, and faithful companions of Jesus in the hesitant, for the maybes and even same emotion in order to carry out
for the love of God.” teach us simplicity of life learned by Jesus the ministry of evangelization. St. Paul for the downright No’s. But in all of our ministry with generosity and
The Spirit is the paraclitus! The retreat of Nazareth. Teach us to make simple writing to the Ephesians underlined the these and other possible responses, dedication, or to preserve in our souls
prayer said that we, bishops and pastors, wishes and humble desires. Encourage need to change this way, “You were to any response to a call demands a a true ‘fear of God’ : the fear of being
are paracletes, the ones who console us that the littlest thing we can do out of put aside your old self, which belongs conversion. able to deprive of so much good,
and defend. It was said that those who love for God is greatest when we awake to your old way of life and is corrupted Have we forgotten the story of Jesus through our negligence or fault, those
approached the Curé d’ Ars coming from in eternity with Jesus your Son. by following illusory desires. Your when he narrated that two sons were souls entrusted to us, or God forbid,
near and far and from across the seas And to all who participated in this mind was to be renewed in spirit so asked by their father to go out to their of harming them. The Church needs
were not only helped to regain grace grace-filled Second National Congress of that you could put on the New Man that farm and help the farm work, and the holy priests; ministers who can help
and forgiven. They left the confessional the Clergy—the Bishops, the Clergy both has been created on God’s principles, boy who said that he did not like and the faithful to experience the merciful
joyful, peaceful and consoled. Fr. John religious and Diocesan—Maraming in the uprightness and holiness of the he would not go was the one who love of the Lord and who are his
Mary Vianney even took the greater part Salamat Po. I have a feeling that you truth” (Ephesians 4:22-24). Part of the changed his mind (heart) and went convinced witnesses. In the Eucharistic
of the penance and left the little portion will come again for the Third National spirituality of the priest is to continually out to help. Put all your imagination Adoration, let us ask the Lord to set the
to the penitent. Congress for Priests. change that he may constantly put on into the answer “NO” of boy. Stretch heart of every priest on fire with that
The soul of this saintly man who The Sisters of Consecrated Life, the the mind and the ways of Jesus Christ the imagination a little further when ‘pastoral charity’ which can enable him
was tenderly cared for, sensitive to the Contemplatives who prayed and made with whom he is a brother, friend and the boy, saying nothing, went out and to assimilate his persona “I” into that
point of being impressed by anything sacrifices for us. To all Friends and disciple, but nonetheless still a faithful worked in the farm? No! then he went. Jesus the High Priest, so that he may
and even simply by the suggestion, or benefactors of the priests in this Second servant of the Word. What happened? be able to imitate Jesus in the most
simplest/littlest hint of good. His was NCC. Maraming Salamat Po. There can be no vocation unless there Put yourselves into the boy’s life complete self-giving. May Mary the
the conscience of a true Christian, able To the host families and all you lay is conversion. In the priestly life and (these five days) …and you will be Virgin Mother obtain this grace for
to feel the weakest hint of good, able to people who represent those who prayed ministry we priests cannot proceed, ready to listen to Father Raniero us. May She accompany us during the
pursue what is good and true for himself for and encourage the renewal of your unless to Jesus Christ, we concede! But Cantalamessa. Year for Priests so that we are able to
and others, his home, his church and his priests—Salamat Po. again the manner of response differs It is our prayer that our retreat be sound and enlightened guides for
troubled country that had turned violent And to our commanding general, from person to person. Simon Peter’s director, Father Raniero Cantalamessa, the faithful whom the Lord entrusts to
after the French Revolution. Ambassador Henrietta T. de Villa and ultimate “Yes, you know that I love you” will lead us in prayer and reflection our personal care. Amen!
There were still some who said that John her most efficient but hidden army was different from Paul’s “who are you, towards a renewed priestly ministry Thank you and God bless
Vianney was not a saint, then, there should of hundreds of unseen volunteers— Lord.” Francis of Assisi’s rejection of and life. everyone!
be none. As a young boy he would not Lubhang Naparaming Salamat sa wealth and luxury to embrace Poverty I end by repeating the words of His
even lead their donkey for pasture without Inyong Lahat. was different from John Mary Vianney’s Holiness Pope Benedict XVI when (This exhortation was delivered by His
falling on his knees and say a prayer. He march to leave the army and tilling the he concluded his homily on the day Eminence Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales
started saintly as a young lad and closed (Homily delivered by His Eminence farm to join the seminary. Dramatic he opened the Year for Priests at the in the afternoon of the first day of the
his life as St. John Mary Vianney. Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales, Archbishop changes in people’s lives show us how Basilica of St. Peter. Congress, January 25, 2010. Rosales is
Dear Brothers and Sisters, religious of Manila, during the Closing Mass of the different were the calls, for example, “Dear Priests, the call to conversion the Archbishop of Manila and former chair
and the laity present with us today. Your Second National Congress of the Clergy in Augustine, Ignatius and Blessed and recourse to the Divine Mercy also of the Episcopal Commission on Clergy of
Bishops and priests have just completed on January 29, 2010, Cuneta Astrodome, Charles de Foucauld. applies to us, and we must likewise the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the
their retreat reflection and prayers in the Pasay City.) But these examples are saints, one humbly address a heartfelt and Philippines)
2nd National Congress of the Clergy
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 3
February 1 - 14, 2010
B7
Spirit to perform this marvelous activity in us, and people started coming to him (as usual) uttered in the last supper, the priest ought to
transforming our cares into a cosmos, into for healing and to get relief from suffering. be able to say, from the depths of his being
a new harmony “which consists precisely in And he would greet them with “My joy, that the Eucharist is his body, too.
our conformity with the image of God, the Christ is risen!” It is Jesus Christ using his voice, his hands,
image God has of us, in fulfilling the will of Using this anecdote, Fr. Cantalamessa his movements. “You must be Eucharist!” he
God for us.” exhorted the priests to say to the person next exclaimed. The priest offers his body during
In short, he said, the church needs her to him, CHRIST IS RISEN! He added that the Consecration, and the body, in the Bible,
perennial Pentecost. “The Church needs fire “We can not always proclaim it with words, is not simply “this body” made up of different
in her heart, words on her lips, prophecy in body parts, but the whole of the person, his
her outlook. The church needs to rediscover “Convert, convert and believe in the gospel!” time, his gifts, his will, etc. When he says
the eagerness, the taste and certainty of This does not mean, however, that duties “This is my body”, he offers his whole being
truth that is hers.” and ethics may be neglected—but only put to be “given up” just as Jesus’ body was.
Fr. Cantalamessa said that by using the in the right place. Nowadays, he said, we The priest, with all reverence, should let
word “priesthood” in place of “Church”, we live in a culture where authority doesn’t work the words sink into himself so that he may
discover the greatest need of the priesthood anymore. Priests, therefore, must give a realize he is not simply repeating what Jesus
nowadays. As the Church needs, so does stronger reason to attract people instead Christ said—he is not merely “celebrating
priesthood—a perennial Pentecost. “A re- of presenting a God that is always giving Mass”, he is offering himself.
treat like this is a Pentecost or it is almost precepts and threatening punishments. Similarly, when he says “This is my blood”,
nothing,” he said. He spoke of his vision As a note of inspiration, Fr. Cantalamessa he is offering his life as well. In the Bible,
which is a form of promise: that the venue said that priests must show people a thirst for Fr. Cantalamessa explained, “blood” is not
of the congress, the World Trade Center, life, for love and for infinity. “Show him God, simply an organ or a part of the body; blood
is becoming a cenacle which people enter and you will see this person follow you,” he is life itself. “When you shed blood, you
with exultant faith although confused and said, “Who is pushing him? Nobody. He offer your life,” he continued. When the
disoriented, and from which they emerge is attracted. Christianity, our faith, must be priest offers the body and blood of Christ
renewed and empowered with enthusiasm proclaimed and lived by attraction because he offers his own body and blood, his whole
and authority. of love.” They will come because the reason being, his own life.
Being “filled with the Holy Spirit” means is deep: Come because God loves you, and Elaborating on the body, Fr. Cantalamessa
being filled with the love of God. When the you need love! asked what the body means among young
Apostles, at the moment they were filled people. What are young people told about
with the Holy Spirit, appeared to be differ- January 26, 2010, PM their body? For such things as advertise-
ent men, completely changed, filled with the FATHER Cantalamessa’s second talk, ments, he said, the body is a merchandise.
love of God. He stressed the importance of delivered in the afternoon on January 26, The priest with the new consciousness of
this retreat becoming a new Pentecost for 2010, was preceded by a group singing “This is my body” can expand as well the
the clergy—experienced love of God. “We of Veni Creator. He explained that in the consciousness of the young to be able to
priests, we need, we need badly to make second verse of Veni Creator, the action of look at their bodies not just as “merchandise”
such experience, because our main contribu- the Holy Spirit is expressed through some but as their whole person, their life, energy,
tion to the people of God as priests is not just titles, each of which contains a whole rev- dreams, enthusiasm, purity and dignity.
to provide the sacraments or good teach- elation on the Holy Spirit: Paraclete, Gift When the priest is convinced of Christ’s
ing, although they are very important, but of God, which is almost synonymous with Presence in the Eucharist, and his very own
when the people of God approach a priest, sanctifying grace… Living Water, fire, love presence along with it, whatever he does
what they are secretly looking for is to get and spiritual anointing. after Mass—whether it’s teaching, visiting
in touch with the love of God the Father, to “I’m convinced that the anointing of the the sick, hearing confessions—he brings this
have an experience of God’s love… God spirit is almost everything. The anointing Presence to whoever he meets.
has created us precisely for that purpose, to we receive at ordination can become ac- After leading the priests in the singing of
share His life and love with us... and unless tive,” he said. Limiting himself to the title yet another verse from “Here I am, Lord,”
we priests have made such experience or “Paraclete”, which is not neutral and which Fr. Cantalamessa spoke about Communion.
are strongly convinced of being loved by alludes to the personality of the Holy Spirit, “When we receive Communion,” he said, we
God, we cannot lead people to this liberating Fr. Cantalamessa said, “Paraclete is a per- receive not only Jesus but the Holy Trinity”.
experience—God’s love. son, a consoler, defender, someone who Because we invite Jesus to our soul, we
© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media
Fr. Cantalamessa, emphasizing the value can speak, testify, even suffer.” are able to enter the mystery of the Trinity.
of the word “love” said that even if all the In the New Testament, it is a title that Communion with Christ is also communion
pages of the bible were to be destroyed or means a personal relationship, he ex- with one another; the “body” in Communion
damaged so that only one page is left, and plained—it is “not a title to simply study or is also the Body of Christ, the Church. And
that only one line could be read, this line understand, but a title we must imitate and communion with the Body of Christ is espe-
would be the “God is love.” All the bible realize. We priests, pastors, bishops—we cially communion with the poor, particularly
would still be saved because its whole is must be paracletes. Priests are consolers, the oppressed and the marginalized.
contained in “God is love.” He then led the encouragers and defenders. It is what God Fr. Cantalamessa added that when Je-
priests to proclaim loudly: GOD IS LOVE! is asking from us all the time in the Bible GLORY OF CHRIST. AMEN.” but we can always do so with our life, our sus Christ comes to us in Communion, He
WE HAVE A LOVING GOD! without us realizing it. He said that the first apostolic preaching expression, our smile!” Fr. Cantalamessa experiences everything in us, sickness, op-
The preacher then led the priests to points “God says to the prophets, ‘Console, my is the model of every apostolic teaching. himself is a very smiley person, with an pression, joy, etc. “Because He died young,
for reflection—Do we priests believe in the people.’ In order that we might be able to The first and most important action of the open, bright face, so it was not difficult the human Jesus did not know what it was to
love of God for us? Do I believe that I am console those who are in any kind of tribula- Spirit is to make Jesus alive; gospel should for him to infect the priests with his light be old, but when old people receive Him, He
unique for Jesus as any child is unique for tion, we should console them in the same lead us to Jesus. disposition. The hall thus resounded with experiences what it is to be old.” Likewise,
her mother? Does the love of God pass from consolation we receive from God, not mere Fr. Cantalamessa shared a personal CHRIST IS RISEN! he said, because the human Jesus was
me to the other? The love of God flows like human consolation. The Holy Spirit needs experience: “When the Lord allowed me a Fr. Cantalamessa began to conclude his male, he did not know what it was like to be
a river, he said—if one stops it and keeps our hands and our hearts. Priests receive new experience of Jesus, I knew Jesus as a talk with a note of encouragement: “Let me a woman, but in Communion He is able to
it for oneself, one loses it. “We must start this title as a mission, as a task,” he said. living person. I used to know Jesus through give you a new title—FRIEND. Jesus said, ‘I know. It is because in Communion, we are
loving each other, loving our fellow priests, Fr. Cantalamessa read from scripture dogma, heresies, but not Jesus. I was struck call you friend.’ Jesus wants to be our friend, one. Thus, Communion is the prolongation
our people especially people we don’t re- about the Paraclete, and the reaction of men reading this: I have left everything in order an incredible friend! If this retreat will lead of Jesus’ humanity, but humanity lived in us,
ally love… not just the sympathetic people to gifts. “Anytime there is a great manifesta- that I may know Him. He said “him.” For you to discover a new friend in Jesus, if the in those who receive Him.
but any one. tion of God, the reaction is marvel, perplexity. Paul, Jesus is a living person–Him, Him. And priests can go home with a new presence in
Quoting from St. Paul’s letter to the It is the same as the reaction of Moses when I understood. My brother priests I consider their heart, oh, the Church in the Philippines (As of press time, the transcripts of
Romans, Fr. Cantalamessa enjoined the he saw God on Mt. Sinai”, he said. it a privilege to infect you with my desire to will have a new life! Jesus is so respectful, the talks of Fr. Cantalamessa are not yet
priests “to proclaim sometimes to the people, The day of Pentectost is a marvelous mo- have more people have this encounter with so delicate, He doesn’t come when he is available—hence, these notes, which of
THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION FOR ment in the Bible, he said; despite the many the living Jesus.” not invited.” He then rallied the priests to course is a poor substitute. For lack of space
THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST JESUS!! languages spoken at Pentecost, they could Fr. Cantalamessa said the danger in say (and repeat after him) tonight: “JESUS, notes of his other conferences could not be
FOR THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT WHICH understand. Apostles proclaimed the great Year of the Priest is to multiply the virtues, TAKE THE REINS OF MY LIFE, I INVITE accommodated --eds.)
B8 Special Issue CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 3
February 1 - 14 , 2010
Buhay Parokya
Look for the
images of the Holy
Finance
• Coordinator – Msgr. Rolando de la Cruz
Coordinating Clusters/Committees
Program
• Chair – His Eminence Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales
• Coordinator – Msgr. Jose Bernardo
• Program/Plenary Sessions & Journal Writing – Fr. Francis Gustilo, SDB
• Program Floor Direction – Msgr. Gerardo Santos
• Speakers & Bishops’ Participation – Msgr. Juanito Figura
• Documentation Services – Msgr. Hernando Coronel
• Liturgy – Msgr. Andres S. Valera/Fr. Genaro O. Diwa
• Cultural Night/Interaction with Youth – Fr. Francis Gustilo, SDB
External Services
• Chair – Msgr. Vicente Bauzon
• External Services – Hilario Dimagiba
• Catechesis , Promotion & Interaction with Host Families – Msgr. Esteban Lo
• Arrival & Departure – Vicky Borres
• Housing – Mr. H. Dimagiba
Manila – Fr. Jerome Secillano
Makati – Fr. Vic Apacible
Cubao – Fr. Jose Tupino III
Kalookan – Fr. Alex Amandy
Paranaque – Fr. Rolando Agustin
Pasig – Fr. Mariano Baranda
• Transportation – Fr. Antonio Navarette/LTO Contingent
• Security & Traffic Management – Msgr. Clem Ignacio/Alberto Laurel/Paul Hinlo
• Medical Services – Dr. Ricardo Ledesma
Media
• Chair – Marixi Prieto
• Coordinator – Msgr. Pedro Quitorio III
• Co-Coordinator – Fr. Antonio Cecilio T. Pascual
Radio – Fr. Francis Lucas
Print – Peachy Yamsuan
TV – Fr. Lito Jopson
Internet – Sr. Pinky B. Barrientos, FSP
Internal Services
• Chair – Henrietta T. de Villa
• Internal Services – Elizabeth dela Fuente
• Registration – Epi Joaquin/Batch Joaquin/Yda Rodolfo
• Food & Beverage Services – Zeny Mendoza/Zeny Rotea
• Pope Pius XII (Accom. for Bishops) M. Campana
• Pre-event Office Pope Pius XII – Alice Saguid
• Program Outreach at Araneta – Noli Yamsuan/Maribel Descallar
• Photo Documentation & Miscellaneous Services – Noli Yamsuan
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 3
February 1 - 14, 2010
C1
CFC Kicks Off 2010 With Assemblies in the words of many, one of the best
they have attended. The talks centered
stepping up of evangelization and mis-
sion work, as evidenced by recorded
on the elements of the Bible verse: increases in membership in 2009. As
“Accepting the Call,” “One in Christ,” Executive Director Joe Yamamoto not-
“Rooted in Christ,” “Journey in Faith,” ed, these are remarkable in view of the
and “Filled with Thanksgiving.” “storms” that the community has been
As is usual in CFC activities, the cel- confronting -- the creation by a break-
ebration of the Holy Eucharist was the away group of another community in
highlight of the event. On the last day 2007 and the confusion and dissension
of the retreat, Bishop Pablo Virgilio S. being sowed by another group as a
David, DD, auxiliary bishop of San Fer- result of the CFC’s decision in 2009 to
nando, Pampanga, celebrated the Mass, let go of the governance and structure
assisted by Fr. Paul Uwemedimo. of Gawad Kalinga.
In his homily, the bishop stated that The year of fullness in Christ has be-
we can only achieve “Fullness of Life” gun. All over the world, CFC members Joey Arguelles: “Our interior growth
if we learn to love in the same uncon- are now gearing up for the work that is a life-long journey of faith.”
ditional manner as Christ did. Fullness lies ahead, for the demands of love and
of life is not something that comes from service inherent in the desire to be truly
outside us but is nurtured in our hearts filled in and by Christ.
through our commitment to love, not in
the human way of “eros” (or physical Visit couplesforchristglobal.org,
love), or of “filia,” (romantic love), but the CFC official
of “agape,” or love that radiates from website, to view
the love of Christ himself. the video of Bishop
Araneta Leaders Conference He also exhorted the CFC members David’s homily, as
By Zeny Gimenez present to be “Today” people, as dif- well as more stories
ferentiated from “Yesterday” people or about the recent
those who dwell in the mistakes of the CFC assemblies.
COUPLES for Christ got off to a rousing start in 2010 with past and wallow in self-pity because of
a series of hugely-attended assemblies, beginning with the these and from “Tomorrow” people or
traditional Leaders Conference at the Araneta Coliseum on those who anchor their lives on what is
Saturday, January 9. More than 12,000 leaders of Couples for yet to be. The bishop said, “Jesus is a Lito Tayag: “Choosing to accept God’s
Today person. He challenges us to live call allows us to enter the door to spiri-
Christ from all over the Philippines and the world gathered in the here and now.” tual freedom and a more renewed life
to hear their marching orders for the year, anchored on the He further stated, “The seed of our in Christ.”
theme “Fullness of Life in Christ,” taken from Colossians humanity is love but it must grow. Je-
sus wants us to keep struggling to grow
2:6-7: “Since you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in in love. If you live only in yourself, you
union with him. Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives will keep falling back into eros and filia.
on him, and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. To love in Christ is to eventually grow
And be filled with thanksgiving.” into fullness of life in Christ.”
The huge assemblies are indicative
This was followed by the Global is protected and is enabled to indeed of what Chairman Joe Tale has referred
Mission Congress on January 10 at the move forward in our mission. It was to as the “fresh springtime” of CFC
Marikina Convention Center which also during the Congress that future -- the increased sense of belonging and
had as its theme “Building our CFC plans for the community, in support solidarity among the members and the
Global Community Life on Christ.” of our mission, were revealed. These
The choice of theme was affirmed by include the establishment of a Pastoral
the Mass celebrant, Bishop Francisco Institute and a Leadership Institute,
de Leon, Auxiliary Bishop of Antipolo. designed to build upon the founda-
He said it was providential that CFC tion that CFC is anchored upon. The Manny Garcia: “Living with a grate-
chose to use “Christ” instead of Jesus announcement that CFC has plans to ful heart is an attitude of the heart
because Christ means “the Anointed,” build its very own home by its 30th an- and a condition of the soul.”
the “suffering one.” This implies that niversary in June of 2011, was met with
the community life we all choose to live loud roars of approval and delight. (See
is appropriately anchored on suffering related story on page 3.)
and service, rather than on prestige The next activity, the annual weekend
and glory. The Congress was again an retreat that is also anchored on the 2010
overflow activity. Only a maximum theme, celebrated a number of firsts.
of 500 were expected to attend but the Traditionally, the weekend retreat
projections were way off – more than would be exclusively for the Metro
670 leaders came to discover what the Manila sectors and foreign guests; this The sharers, clockwise from top right: Tess
year has in store for them as partners time, the retreat was opened up for Arguelles, Aileen Serrano, Jimmy Santiago,
Nina Ponte, Teisha Uyquiengco, Biboy
in mission with each other, with the leaders of Luzon. Again, normally the IC member Melo Villaroman, Jr. leads the Arguelles, Ditas Garcia,Bong Arjonillo and
Church and with Christ. retreat would be at the Baguio conven- assembly in a vibrant praisefest. Bong Bernardo.
At the Mission Congress, the partici- tion center; this time the retreat was held
pants were reminded that as we face the at the Subic Exhibition and Convention Rouquel Ponte: “The key to being
threat of disunity and discord, there Center to accommodate the more than one in Christ is to follow His com-
is a need for everyone to defend the 4,000 leaders who motored from as far mand to ‘Love one another.’”
community with the armor of truth, to north as Apayao and from as far south
be counted as part of the global army as Bicol.
that would ensure that the community The “Fullness in Christ” retreat was,
Fullness is as great a challenge as it is a gift – Christ invites us to be part of His continuing mission (3) Nurture our CFC culture
so that more families around the world, and more poor around us, will experience the fullness of
life in Him. Our full-packed Araneta Leaders Conference and Global Summit Congress defined for Let us deliver our mission in a way that nurtures God’s gift of culture to CFC. The culture that flows
CFC our mission for 2010. These major events made it very clear that the Lord wants each one of us to out of our CFC Vision, Mission, and Core Values is a gift the Lord gives us so that we can be one with
do more. CLPs and entry camps across CFC and Family Ministries are intensifying as we find strategic the mission of His big Church. CFC culture is also His way to enable us to pass on His beautiful life and
and creative ways to reach out to couples and families engulfed in the noise and needs of the world. purposeful mission to our children, and our children’s children. The best way to protect and nurture
Our ANCOP work with the poor is poised to grow exponentially. As we deepen work in CFC-managed our CFC culture is to live it out by example, even if others sometimes fail, and to firmly but lovingly
GK sites and continue to volunteer in GK-managed sites, we will expand holistic work in new sites, in correct those who deviate from it. Therefore, rather than ask, “what is happening to our culture?”
Prisons, with Migrant Families, and our own needy CFC brethren. the better question to ask and act on is, “How am I contributing to the culture that God wants for
Couples for Christ?” The channels of authority in CFC have been established precisely to allow each
While we engage in the mission of the present, we also set our sights on the future the Lord wants and everyone to have access to avenues by which questions, doubts and, yes, grievances, can be ad-
us to pass on as a legacy – our children, and our children’s children basking in the fullness of CFC life dressed in a loving and caring way. Open letters and critical comments are vexations to the spirit, as
and mission, flowing from the humble work He has started and nurtured in our hands. And we wait are temptations to leave the very community that has fostered and nurtured our faith. The greatest
with expectant hope for the reality of seeing our very own CFC home established. At the January 10 challenge to our CFC unity are moves to form communities within CFC which, rather than unite, tend
Global Mission Congress, in a totally unexpected and unscripted way, brethren from all over the world to divide and to foster even greater resentments. Even with our best human intentions, these actions,
pledged to commit personal funds for the construction of a CFC building. In a matter of minutes, a which are incongruent with our CFC culture, provide room for the evil one to drag down the commu-
total of P5.28 million was raised as seed money. We see this as another affirmation of the faithfulness nity’s work, erode oneness, and distract the Community from its Christ-centered mission. We, your
of God’s plan for CFC; an assurance from our God that He will indeed provide for our every need. We co-servants in the International Council, have already taken concrete steps to dialogue and to address
dream of inaugurating, by June 2011, CFC’s permanent home. the specific issues that have been raised.
We, your co-servants in the CFC International Council, are excited and hopeful in the Lord as, together The history of CFC is not just an account of a faithful people serving God, but a story of our God
with you, we embark on our Mission adventure this 2010. We shall tread the path of blessing and trials, who loves us so much. Despite our imperfections, He calls and blesses each one of us to be part of
but more importantly, we will savor the promise of an adventure with and for Christ. We shall abide the joy and victory of His fullness. We have celebrated and thanked God through many wonders and
in the Lord’s promise that He will guide and protect us through all storms and trials. blessings. We have weathered and overcome many trials, only because He, the God of our Mission,
has been with us in the middle of our deepest storms. Blessed to be part of His chosen people, we
In the midst of this current challenge, let us continue to support one another and persevere in protect- look forward, hopeful, excited, and strong, because we desire only to love and serve our God, our
ing and preserving our CFC way of life. We ask that, as one community, we commit to: Fullness. And in our moments of human trembling, He will be in front of us, proclaiming in His
voice of love and power, “Fear not, stand your ground, and watch the victory the Lord will win for
(1) Pray deeply and fast. you today!” (Exodus 14:13)
The purest, simplest, and most powerful message the Lord has for all of us, in our 2010 theme is Be mightily blessed with God’s fullness!
this – “Keep your roots deep in Me!” Let us be rooted in Christ primarily through more dedicated
prayer, where we commit time to listen to Him, to pray for our families, our leaders, and people who THE CFC INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL
need healing from sicknesses and hurts. Let us commit to fast, at least one day a week to reinforce our
prayers. Let us seek our Blessed Mother’s intercession for our individual and community’s mission, (The CFC International Council issued this letter to all CFC brethren last January 20, 2010.)
Rooted in Christ
“SINCE you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in union with life in Christ is to lead a life of holiness and righteousness that can
him. Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and be shared graciously with everyone.
become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled 2. We become strong and resilient. – To be rooted in Christ is to
with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7 be able to sink deeply into a life of faith that has such a sure founda-
tion that no matter what storm or challenges come our way, we not
CFC’s theme for 2010 is taken from the above passage, a most af- only survive but thrive! Natural calamities such as typhoons leave
firming verse because it speaks of what we, as CFC members, have an aftermath of wide swaths of destroyed and uprooted trees. Of
been striving for, what we have been trying to live out for the past these, only those with strong trunks and even stronger and deep
28 years of our existence. It speaks of a process that one undergoes roots survive. Men and women who are fully aligned and rooted in
before he or she can become “filled.” It evokes the promise of a life the Lord survive whatever trials they have to endure. They are not
that is so embedded in unity with Christ that there is nowhere else exempted and immune from the hardships and tests in the world
to go but to be “stronger” in our faith. but they are likely to get through because of their strong Christian
When the Lord wants His beloved to enjoy the fullness of life, He foundations.
does not accomplish this through a random experience but rather 3. We become a blessing to others. - Just like a verdant and strong
through this process. He allows His people to intentionally grow by tree, a renewed and deeply rooted Christian can provide spiritual
starting an intimate and nurtured relationship with Him. Through shade to others and share the bountiful fruits of transformation.
our openness to the call, the Lord works out the process of trans- Because they confidently and joyfully share and proclaim Christ
formation within us. He starts by planting a seed, and allowing it to consistently in words and in action, they truly are powerful and
grow so that, rooted in Him, we may bear much fruit in our lives. Vic Gutierrez of the Ligaya ng Panginoon (third from left) recently met with Joe eloquent witnesses to lives enjoyed in the fullness in Christ.
and Mila Yamamoto and Nonoy and Marivie Dalman. He was accompanied by 4. We become people of God. - When Christ lives in and through
Ernie Santiago of CFC New Jersey (third from right).
The Lord as the Sower us, the truth of being a people of God cannot be denied. The proof is
Our evangelization process began when the Lord sowed His in community to a tree that has many branches where each forms in our becoming living witnesses and examples to the transforming
Word through the Christian Life Program. Most of us experienced a vital part of the whole. As a community, we should honor and power of the love and grace of God.
a spiritual high and we embraced our new life with zeal and enthu- respect one another and be obedient to the shepherds that have 5. We abide in God. - To abide is to remain, to stay closely con-
siasm. But our life in the Lord remains imperfect for we continue to been assigned over us. nected, to settle in for the long term. When Jesus invites us: “Remain
cling to our bad habits and human weaknesses. Like the different It is not enough to be faithful. We are likewise called to be FRUIT- in me as I remain in you.” (John 15:4), He asks us to settle into a deep
types of people that Jesus mentioned in the Parable of the Sower, FUL. Jesus declared “it was not you who chose me, but I who chose and personal relation with him as a personal Savior. He wants us
we have had different responses to God’s call. There are varying you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain…” (John to settle for the long term and the long haul. He promises that we
degrees in which God’s Word has taken root in our lives, such as 15:16). The only way to be fruitful is to be always connected to Christ will not only be useful but fruitful as well. He guarantees that if we
the following: and to live a life in communion with Him: “I am the vine, you are remain in him, his promise that “… ask for whatever you want and
the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much it will be done for you.” (John 15:7) rings true and is fulfilled. It is
1. The devil comes and takes away the Word. (Luke 8:12) The evil fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) truly amazing that Jesus reiterates the word “abide” (or remain), ten
one plants doubt and unbelief in our hearts and we easily give in. Being fruitful is our special way of giving glory to God: “By this times in this particular chapter to serve as powerful reminder to the
2. We receive the Word with joy but because we are not rooted in is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my solemnity and veracity of his promise.
Christ, we fall away when trials come. (Luke 8:13) disciples.” (John 15:8)
3. We hear the Word and for a while we seem well on the way to A story goes that in the German Rhine Valley, some very old
spiritual growth, but anxieties, riches and pleasures choke the Word The Joy of Fruitfulness and yet fruitful and verdant grape vines have continued to remain
and we fail to produce mature fruit. (Luke 8:14) Jesus taught his disciples how to be firmly rooted in him, through productive for so many generations. How can those vines survive in
4. We embrace the Word with a generous and good heart and we the Word of God, and through his deep loving and self-sacrificing that inhospitable environment? The answer was simple -- the roots of
bear much fruit through our perseverance and by the abundance of love for them. Jesus demonstrated to his people that to be fruitful the ancient plants were deep and long and were traced to the distant
God’s grace.(Luke 8:15). When the Word of God falls on good soil, is also to be joyful (John 15:11). Jesus is the vine, and by being con- river. Two truths become evident in this story – the value of deep
He ensures the bearing of much fruit, foremost among which are nected to him we are expected to bear fruit, especially that which roots and the connection to the source of nutrients and life.
the fruits of the Spirit (Gal.5:22) will remain. The lowly bamboo provides another parallelism. The root system
We need to possess the following characteristics that ensure that of the bamboo is intertwined and interconnected such that the trees
Establishing Strong Roots we remain so rooted: are able to withstand storms and landslides. A single bamboo is
A tree produces much fruit when the roots are deep and strong. hardy but a thicket of bamboos is truly resilient and interrelated.
What starts as a fragile plant becomes a productive and fruitful tree 1. CARE -- The Father cares for us just as a loving vine dresser The bamboo is also known for being versatile. CFC can be like the
through patient and attentive care and the provision of abundant would. Not only has He created us, and therefore owns us, but He bamboo thicket. By being deeply rooted in Christ, we can continue
‘spiritual’ water and nutrients. cares for us with an eternal love. to remain strong and faithful.
Matthew 7 tells of a wise man who built his house on solid rock 2. PRUNING -- Anything that is a hindrance in our growth and
foundation; like the wise man, we need to build our life on the solid strengthening of our roots is subject to God’s pruning. What is so Meaningful Relationships
foundation of embracing God’s Word, obeying it and living it to the great about this is that at the same time that He prunes us, He also Our spiritual journey began by building a relationship first with
full. More emphatically, our Lord reminds us we will not be able to fills our weaknesses. God and from there to others, beginning with our nuclear family.
enter the kingdom of heaven even if we profess and call Him Lord 3. PARTNERSHIP -- God does not force us to be fruitful; rather Like ripples that progressively move from the center, renewed
but only when we do the will of the Father in heaven. it is by being connected to the Vine that we are rendered full of individuals inspire because they make manifest God’s presence in
If obedience and following the will of God is our way to fullness potential for usefulness. their lives.
of life, then we need to realize that this also means practicing active 4. PROMISE -- During our prayers, we implore God to answer us To be rooted in Christ is to dwell deeply in our foundations in
submission to His Church, and to our anointed leaders, including but it is only when we abide in Him that we can trust and in faith, Him. But our horizontal relationships are also very important and
our civil and community leaders. await the fullness of His response. we need to make every effort to make the bond more strong and
LAYOUT BY LAURENCE JOHN R. MORALES
5. PURPOSE -- By bearing much fruit, we are able to truly glorify meaningful, especially in the context of community life. This begins
Called to Faithfulness and Fruitfulness our Lord. with our spouse and children. It includes our pastoral and service
Once we respond to the personal call of God for renewal and 6. OBEDIENCE -- What is the only precondition to all these? That relationships. Then it needs to extend to those who are in need of
transformation, we can rest in the knowledge that He will continue we obey God. We are to remain in Him, receive from Him, and be our care and love. This completes the cycle, for when we begin to
the work of molding and shaping us according to His great design. fruitful for Him. love God with our whole being and when we love the Christ who
We are God’s work in progress, a work that will show great results is present in our neighbor in need, we have Christ’s presence all
only if we cooperate and allow Him to work through us and in us. A Life Transformed around us. He is above us, beneath us, in front of us, at our back
Our faithfulness to Him is key; our claim that Jesus is in us will only If I am rooted in Christ, what are the effects? and most of all, He is within us.
be genuine through our unwavering faithfulness to Him. It is only when we are deeply ROOTED IN CHRIST that we will be
Our faithfulness extends to those who walk the same road, who 1. We become full of life. – Once rooted in God who is the giver of able to follow the command of the Lord to LOVE, even at the most
share the same vision with us. Our Lord himself has likened being life, physical and spiritual growth becomes a reality. To be full of difficult of times and the most difficult of persons.
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 14 No. 3
February 1 - 14, 2010
Ugnayan C3
Most Rev. John F. Du, Bishop of Dumaguete sharing light moments with CFC Provincial Area Head Hermie and Remy Vargas and some of the cast and production team members after the play.
Siquijor, including the Most Rev. John F. Du, D.D, TV/stage actor and director in Visayas and Min- The event was a CFC fund-raising activity to
Bishop of the Diocese of Dumaguete and spiritual danao . Fermin, along with his brother Jun,who generate start-up funds for CFC ANCOP in the
director of CFC Negros Oriental, also watched is also a professional radio/TV/stage soap actor, province. “More than a fund-raising event,” CFC
the play. Bishop Du was so impressed that he gladly consented to serve as director for free, say- Provincial Area Director Bobby Mercado said, “the
even went on stage after the play to congratulate ing, “Para sa Ginoo ni,” (This is for the Lord). play was a way for us as an entire community of
the cast and production team for an excellent Fermin and Jun are members of the Oasis of Love, CFC in the province to come together to honor
presentation. a Cebu-based Catholic renewal community. and glorify the Lord Jesus.” Provincial Area Head
The play, with a cast of 95 members and a pro- The play touched not just the hearts of the audi- Hermie Vargas called it “God’s miracle” that the
duction team of more than 100 volunteers, re-lived ence but most especially the cast and crew. At the play was staged so successfully and involved the
the Biblical story about the birth of Jesus and the Empowerment Workshop with cast and service entire provincial community.
chain of events that became part of the Christmas teams held in October 2009, Fermin shared how The play was a brainchild of the Provincial
story. the Lord has put his life in order after years of Special Events team led by Vic Jurlano, who also
Joseph and Mary, (SFC members Dondon Floren and Jeceli The fine performances of CFC talents were due sinful living, and how he sees his participation wrote the script, based on the 2006 movie “The
Nobleza), comforted by Mary’s parents Joaquim and Anna largely to the guidance and direction of Fermin in the play as God’s promise of showing him Nativity Story” directed by Catherine Hadwicke
(Al and Lyn Villahermosa). Collantes Gomez, a professional Cebuano radio/ the way. and written by Mike Rich.
Msgr. Aganon, seated center, with the IC and some of the council wives.
THE International Council welcomed and Bishop Honesto Ch. Pacana, SJ,
their new spiritual adviser, Monsignor DD, of the diocese of Malaybalay, for
Allen Aganon, when he recently visited Mindanao.
the CFC Home Office. Fr. Aganon was During the Mass that he concelebrat-
designated the spiritual director for the ed with Fr. Paul Uwemedimo at the CFC
IC by Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales dur- Home Office on January 20, Fr. Aganon
ing a meeting that the cardinal called confessed his surprise at his appoint-
in mid-January. He joins the other ment. However, he also welcomed it,
spiritual advisers of CFC, namely: stating that he hopes to be able to really
Bishop Ramon B, Villena, DD, of the get to know CFC, and the IC, better in
diocese of Bayombong, for Luzon, the future.
Photo shows the members of the IC and the ANCOP officials: (From left, seated) Ricky Cuenca, Temy Pangilinan, Joe Yamamoto, CFC Executive
Director, Joe Tale, CFC Chairman. (Standing, from left: Rudy Lubis, Nick Borja, IC members Melo Villaroman, Lito Tayag, Rouquel Ponte, Manny
Bishop Leonardo Y. Medroso, DD, of Fr. Aganon recently arrived from a
Garcia and Joey Arguelles, Mannix Ocampo, ANCOP coordinator and Ethel Balenton. the diocese of Tagbilaran, for Visayas five-year mission stint in Peru.
CFC clusters in California were active in conducting Christian Life Programs during 2009. Photo shows
the CLP participants who completed the CLP conducted by the Antioch-Pittsburg-Concord Chapter (North
California) in late October 2009. From left: Ero and Julia Ouiya from Nigeria; Rose Necor, facilitator;
participants Rey and Lita Calumpong; Willie and Linda Ilas; Robert and Kelley Todd, originally from
Russia; Rey and Nellia Palma; Allan and Lucybel Alvarez. Seated are Dan and Lucy Francisco, Chapter
Head of Antioch-Pittsburg-Concord Chapter.
Cambodia conducted a Marriage Enrichment Retreat I and II for couples. Shown in the photo are the
participants to the retreats held in Phnom Penh, and the service team, composed of Singles for Christ
members. Also in the photo are the speakers from Manila, including: George and Cynthia Campos,
Cesar and Sylvia Cruz, Clarke Nebrao and Bong Arjonillo.