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Monitor

CBCP

AUGUST 6 - 19, 2018, VOL 22, NO. 16 CBCPMONITOR@AREOPAGUSCOMMUNICATIONS.COM


PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE

THE CROSS A3: NEWS A6: LOCAL NEWS B1: PASTORAL CONCERNS
A SUPPLEMENT PUBLICATION Depression, isolation haunt aging priests Senator Pacquiao accused of ‘misleading’ the public Address of Pope Francis to the participants
OF KCFAPI AND THE ORDER OF of the International Conference marking the
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
3rd anniversary of the encyclical Laudato Si’

Papal nuncio Archbishop Gabriele Caccia poses for a group photo with other bishops and priests at the end of the 3rd Bicol Priests’ Congress held at the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Seminary in Sorsogon City, August 2, 2018. PHOTO FROM BCP3

Bishops oppose Church inaugurates


solar setup to
P18 billion Quezon power facilities

dam project
By Roy Lagarde disappointment to church Fault will be a ‘sword hanging Freedom of Information.
people, local residents and over the head’ of 100,000 “This project which is
indigenous peoples in the people living downstream the connected with the Laiban
CONSTRUCTION of area who have been lobbying Kaliwa River,” he said. dam has been in the pipeline
a nearly P19 billion against the project. In 2004, a flash flood for 30 years, yet until now
dam project that will Bishop Bernardino Cortez claimed more than a it does not even have the
(what) rainforest of Infanta dismissed project thousand lives and over a necessary Environment
proponents’ claims, saying it million worth of properties. Compliance Certificate
area and displace will only bring more problems (ECC),” said Cortez.
tribespeople was giv- than benefits to villagers. Environment permit The statement was
en the green light by “It will inundate the In a statement issued on supported by more than Caritas Philippines and the Diocese of Sorsogon inaugurated on July 31 the solar PV
the government. ancestral domain of the July 26, the bishop questioned 50 other prelates led by systems in three pilot sites – Home for the Clergy, Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, and
Dumagat-Remontados, the lack of transparency of Archbishop Romulo Valles Our Lady of Peñafrancia Minor Seminary, in Sorsogon City.
The Kaliwa Dam project
uprooting them from the the process in approving the of Davao and president of the
is among the 75 flagship CARITAS Philippines common home, as articulated
Sierra Madre where their project. Catholic Bishops’ Conference
infrastructure projects of has inaugurated the solar in the encyclical, Laudato
ancestors lived for centuries,” He claimed that the of the Philippines.
the Duterte administration photovoltaic (PV) systems, Si, and to the Philippine’s
Cortez said. government has kept the Among the church leaders
that would cost P18.7 billion which will supply electricity Renewable Energy Act of
“Kaliwa dam to be data on Kaliwa dam “secret” who signed the statement
to build in Quezon province. to major facilities in the 2008” Archbishop Rolando
constructed over the Infanta despite the much publicized Dam / A6
This caused major Diocese of Sorsogon. Tria Tirona, National Director
The PV facility will cover of Caritas Philippines.
CBCP officials welcome shift of church teaching on death penalty electricity consumption in at The ceremonial switch-
least three pilot sites — Home on was witnessed by more
AN official of the Catholic Bishops’ archdiocese-run Radio Veritas on towards the people, especially to for the Clergy, Saints Peter than 500 priests and the
Conference of the Philippines has August 7. the weak, is really unconditional,” and Paul Cathedral, and Our religious from all over Bicol
welcomed the change made to the The CBCP’s Episcopal Commission Diamante said. Lady of Peñafrancia Minor region attending the 3rd
Church’s Catechism declaring death on Prison Pastoral Care also welcomed The Vatican earlier announced that Seminary. Bicol Priests Congress on
penalty as “inadmissible” and echoed Pope Francis’ decision to revise the Pope Francis has declared that the death “This historic event is our July 31.
the call to stop the revival of the capital Catechism and its explanation of penalty is never admissible, calling it “an concrete response to Pope “This is a clear message to
punishment in the country. the Church’s teaching on the capital attack on the inviolability and dignity of Francis’ call to care for our Solar / A6
Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick punishment. the person”.
Pabillo, chairman of the CBCP’s Mr. Rodolfo Diamante, Executive The revised Catechism also advocates
Commission on the Laity, stressed Secretary of ECPPC, said they have long abolishment of the abolition of capital Bishop urges Church media to work
that “the purpose of punishment is
rehabilitation and not vengeance”.
been pushing for such revision.
“It should never be said, especially in
punishment worldwide.
The House of Representatives had
together to spread God’s truth
“Death is totally unacceptable because the teachings of the Church, that death already approved the death penalty bill A CATHOLIC bishop
there are now means to rehabilitate those penalty is justifiable,” he said. early last year but a similar measure encouraged a wide variety of
who commit crime while protecting the “If you will be faithful of reading has remained pending at the Senate. church media organizations
community,” Pabillo said over Manila the Scriptures, God’s compassion (CBCPNews) to work together to combat
“fake news” and spread the
“truth of Christ”.
Speaking at the end of the
Letter to the Bishops regarding the new revision of number 2267 of the Catechism of the Catholic 4th National Catholic Media
Church on the death penalty, from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 02 August 2018 Convention in Davao City
Aug. 9, Bishop Mylo Hubert
1. The Holy Father Pope the development of the guarantee this.” acceptable means for the Vergara of Pasig said the
Francis, in his Discourse doctrine on this point that 2. It is in the same protection of the common time is calling “to strengthen
on the occasion of the has taken place in recent light that one should good, today the increasing out social communications
twenty-fifth anniversary times. This development understand the attitude understanding that the ministry”.
of the publication of the centers principally on the towards the death dignity of a person is not “Let us use our resources Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, chairman
Apostolic Constitution clearer awareness of the penalty that is expressed lost even after committing and our circle of influence of the CBCP’s Commission on Social
Communications.
Fidei depositum, by which Church for the respect ever more widely in the the most serious crimes, the to proclaim the truth, to be
John Paul II promulgated due to every human life. teaching of pastors and deepened understanding bringers of Good News,” proclaiming the truth of
the Catechism of the Along this line, John in the sensibility of the of the significance of said Vergara, chairman of Christ and making that stand
Catholic Church, asked that Paul II affirmed: “Not people of God. If, in fact, penal sanctions applied the bishops’ Commission on out amidst fake news, given
the teaching on the death even a murderer loses the political and social by the State, and the Social Communications. all the lies that we hear,” he
penalty be reformulated his personal dignity, and situation of the past made development of more “And when we work said.
so as to better reflect God himself pledges to the death penalty an Letter / A7 together we can be one He particularly emphasized
moral and spiritual voice Media / A6
A2 WORLD NEWS August 6 - 19, 2018, Vol 22, No. 16 CBCP Monitor

Vatican Briefing Knights of Columbus pledge


Idolatry of wealth, beauty demands a costly
sacrifice, pope says
support for persecuted Christians
BALTIMORE, Md.— Knights
Idolatry is a human inclination that spares neither of Columbus Supreme Knight
believers nor atheists and deprives people of life and Carl Anderson pledged the
love in exchange for slavery to unfulfilled dreams, fraternal organization’s
Pope Francis said. Although wealth, fame, beauty continued efforts to aid and
and power differ from the idols of ancient times, they rebuild persecuted Christian
all require “a human sacrifice,” the pope said Aug. 1 communities in the Middle
during his weekly general audience. “For a career, East, during his Aug. 7
children are sacrificed (by) neglecting them or simply address at the 2018 Knights
not having them,” he said. “Beauty demands human of Columbus convention in
sacrifice. How many hours are spent in front of the Baltimore, Maryland.
mirror?” “Idols demand blood,” Pope Francis said. Anderson also unveiled
After a month’s summer break and as temperatures in a new pilgrim icon, “Our
the Eternal City reached nearly 95 degrees, the pope Lady Help of Persecuted
resumed his audiences inside the air-conditioned Christians,” created for the
Paul VI audience hall. (Junno Arocho Esteves/ Knights by Italian artist
CNS) Fabrizio Diomedi. The icon
will travel from parish-to-
The path to holiness isn’t for the lazy, pope parish across the country
tells altar servers to raise awareness, show
Christ’s commandment to love God and neighbor is solidarity, and inspire
a path trodden by those who have the desire to become support for persecuted
saints, Pope Francis told thousands of altar servers Christians.
from around the world. “Yes, it does take effort to In his opening remarks
keep doing good and to become saints,” the pope told at the convention, taking
the young people July 31. “You know that the path Icon of Our Lady Help of Persecuted Christians, presented at the Knight of Columbus convention. CNA
place August 7-9, Anderson
to holiness isn’t for the lazy, it requires effort.” The said that he hopes that this Knights are working with the year’s challenge of raising $2 hurricanes hit Puerto Rico,
pope presided over an evening meeting and prayer “pilgrim icon program” will vice president to ensure that million for the rebuilding of Texas, and Florida.
service with some 60,000 altar servers making an “focus the eyes of our Church these minority communnties the Iraqi town of Karamles, The Knights of Columbus’
international pilgrimage to Rome. The majority of on the sacrifice of so many of are included in U.S. and U.N. which he said had been “a total charitable contributions
young men and women came from Germany, but our brothers and sisters in assistance in Iraq. Christian town for centuries last year exceeded $185
there also were pilgrims from Italy, France, Austria, Christ.” “When the conflict before ISIS overran it, drove million dollars with its
the United States and other countries. (Junno Anderson’s remarks between Kurdistan and out its inhabitants, destroyed members providing 75.6
Arocho Esteves/CNS) highlighted the pivotal the Government of Iraq their homes, and desecrated million volunteer hours.
role that the Knights of threatened an ancient their churches.” Internationally, Anderson
Pope prays Blessed Paul VI will intercede for Columbus have played in Christian town that had just One Knights of Columbus also announced that the
‘church he loved so much’ supporting Christians in been rebuilt, we alerted the council in Nebraska, St. Knights of Columbus is
On the 40th anniversary of the death of Blessed the Middle East, where they State Department and the John the Baptist Council expanding, with its newest
Paul VI, Pope Francis went into the grotto under St. have committed more than White House. We worked 10-305, raised $163,000 for territory in now in South
Peter’s Basilica to pray at his predecessor’s simple $20 million since 2014 to with them to help de-escalate the families of Karamles at a Korea and a new State
tomb. Reciting the Angelus prayer Aug. 5 with visitors provide “food, shelter, and tensions and avoid a bloody dinner and auction.The funds Council designation for
in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis reminded them clothing to our neighbors conflict that could have will be used to rebuild more Ukraine. He also noted that
of the anniversary and of the fact that he plans to who lost everything in Iraq ended the Christian presence than 80 homes of Christians the Knights have experienced
canonize his predecessor Oct. 14. “From heaven may and Syria because they in Iraq,” said Anderson. in Iraq. a considerable growth in
he intercede for the church he loved so much and refused to give up their love The Supreme Knight also “If we value only self- membership both in France
for peace in the world,” Pope Francis said. He called of Christ.” thanked Archbishop Jean- interest, we will get discord and the Philippines.
asked the people in the square to join him in a round “It is clear that without Clement Jeanbart of Aleppo, and division. But if we value This year, membership
of applause for “this great pope of modernity.” (CNS) the support of the Knights Syria, who was in attendance charity—if we value unity totaled 1,967,585—a new
of Columbus, Christianity at the Baltimore convention, and fraternity—we will build high, according to Anderson.
Pope tells young Jesuits to be courageous, might have died in Iraq,” said for his courageous leadership. a society where the common Addressing attendees in
prayerful, creative Archbishop Bashar Warda of Anderson said that he is good is protected,” said the Baltimore Convention
The courage, prayer and creativity that should Erbil, Iraq, in a video shown challenging the Knights of Anderson. Center, Anderson quoted a
characterize every Jesuit’s ministry must be during Anderson’s speech. Columbus to raise $1 million He highlighted the many speech delivered by Saint
especially present when ministering to young people The Chaldean archbishop’s this year to finish a project other charitable initiatives Pope John Paul II at the
who are unemployed and feel hopeless, Pope Francis community was driven from to provide housing for the Knights have funded Baltimore Orioles Park at
said. The pope met Aug. 1 with about two dozen their historic home in the both Syriac and Chaldean throughout the world, Camden Yards next to the
European Jesuits currently involved in the order’s Nineveh Plains by repeated Christian families. The 140- including providing for 950 center:
formation process. They had been talking about attacks from the Islamic State unit apartment building ultrasound machines, 7,649 “Catholics of America,”
communication and one asked Pope Francis how they starting in 2014. will be called the McGivney new wheelchairs, 105,000 St. John Paul II proclaimed,
can meaningfully communicate with unemployed Vice President Mike Pence House, in honor of Father new coats for children, and a “Always be guided by the
young people when, as Jesuits, they will never know also thanked the Knights of Michael McGivney, the pilgrimage that brought over truth—by the truth about God
what it means to be without a job. “This may be one Columbus for their support Connecticut priest who 200 wounded veterans and who created and redeemed
of the most acute and painful problems for young of minorities in the Middle founded the Knights of military personnel to Lourdes, us, and by the truth about the
people because it directly touches the heart of the East in a video message Columbus in 1882. France. Last year, the Knights human person, made in the
person,” Pope Francis responded. People without shown at the convention. Anderson commended also contributed $4.2 million image and likeness of God.”
work often feel they have no dignity; they probably Anderson said that the the Knights for meeting last dollars for disaster relief after (CNA)
can get food from a charity, but that is not the same

Chinese Catholic Church demolition is latest


thing as being able to earn a living and bring home
food. (Cindy Wooden/CNS)

in series of church bulldozings


Share Jesus before material things, pope says
It is not wrong to be concerned with the daily
necessities of life, but strengthening one’s relationship
with Jesus is of far greater importance, Pope Francis
said in his Sunday Angelus address. “The Lord JINAN, China— A Catholic church
invites us not to forget that if we need to worry in Jinan province, China, has been
about material bread, it is even more important to demolished by government agents, the
cultivate our relationship with him, to strengthen latest in a series of church demolitions
our faith in him, who is the ‘bread of life,’ come to in China.
satisfy our hunger for truth, our hunger for justice, About 40 police and government
our hunger for love,” the pope said Aug. 5. (Hannah workers entered Liangwang Catholic
Brockhaus/CNA) Church on the morning of July 17,
ejecting three women who had been
Pope accepts resignation of Australian acting as caretakers. Gao Rongli, Zhang
archbishop convicted of not reporting abuse Siling and Li Xiangmei were thrown out
Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of of the building, searched, and had their
Archbishop Philip Wilson following calls for the cellular phones taken from them and
prelate’s removal as head of the Archdiocese of smashed, Asia News reported.
Adelaide. Wilson was convicted in May of failing to Later in the day, a further 30 men
report allegations of child sexual abuse disclosed to arrived later, along with bulldozers,
him in the 1970s. A July 30 announcement from the and proceeded to knock down the
Vatican stated that Archbishop Wilson had submitted building, destroying the altar and church
his “resignation of the pastoral government of furnishings along with the church.
the archdiocese” and that it had been accepted by The action is reportedly linked to
Pope Francis. The resignation followed cries from a local development plan for a new
political and Church leaders in Australia for Wilson residential area and railway station.
to either resign or to be removed by Pope Francis, Discussions with the local Religious
including from prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, Affairs Office for the relocation of the
who asked the pope to dismiss the archbishop July church had been taking place, but there
19. (Hannah Brockhaus/CNA) was no prior warning that the demolition Liangwang Catholic Church in Jinan before demolition. UCAN
would take place, nor has any agreement
Pope: Faith is measured by one’s treatment been reached on a new site for a church. as part of that city’s urban renewal plan. preventing minors from entering.
of the poor The church, which was in the village In June, the government also In March, Bishop Vincent Guo
The love with which individuals and communities of Liangwang, had been originally built destroyed a Way of the Cross in Henan Xijin, who ministers to the so-called
treat the poor, the weak, and the hungry, is the best during the 1920’s and designated as province. The site had been a place of underground Church, loyal to Rome
measure of faith, Pope Francis said in his Angelus a “private house” during the cultural pilgrimage for thousands of Chinese and not the state, was detained for
address Sunday. “Faced with the cry of hunger—all revolution. More recently, it had been Catholics. Earlier this year, there was refusing to concelebrate a Chrism Mass
sorts of ‘hunger’—of so many brothers and sisters in granted a government permit to operate a widespread crackdown on church with an illicitly consecrated, state-
every part of the world, we cannot remain detached legally, according to UCANews. buildings by the government, with many backed bishop. He was then released
and calm spectators,” the pope said July 29. “The While there have reportedly been buildings being destroyed, and other but forbidden from celebrating his own
proclamation of Christ, bread of eternal life, requires promises of compensation for the having their crosses pulled down. Chrism Mass.
a generous commitment of solidarity for the poor, destroyed church, no formal offer has The demolitions follow reforms by the China and the Holy See are involved
the weak, the least important, the defenseless. yet been put forward.. Chinese government earlier this year, in ongoing negotiations aimed at
This action of proximity and charity is the best Local Catholics and other Christians part of which included placing the state- regularizing the status of the Church
verification of the quality of our faith, both on a returned to the site of the ruined church recognized Chinese Patriotic Catholic in China and ending the split between
personal level and on a community level.” (Hannah on July 23 to pray and to protest against Association under the direct supervision the state-sponsored Chinese Patriotic
Brockhaus/CNA) the demolition. Local reports indicate of the Chinese Communist Party. New Catholic Association, whose leaders
that another church in Wangcun, regulations have included a requirement include illicitly-consecrated bishops,
Huashan, is also slated for demolition that signs be posted outside churches and the underground Church. (CNA)
CBCP Monitor August 6 - 19, 2018, Vol 22, No. 16 NEWS FEATURES A3

Depression, isolation haunt aging priests


THERE is an emotional toll of being retired Catholic priests are troubled
a retired Catholic priest after all. by mood disorders caused by
A worker of the Ephesus Ministry, depression.
a Church-based group that caters “It’s normal not just with the
for elderly and sick diocesan priests, priests but even to those with
revealed that clergymen who enter families. If you leave them, they
retirement suffer from mental get depressed. So we should still
depression. visit and talk with them,” Pabillo
Recalling his experiences during said.
visitations to different retirement Pabillo then encouraged the
homes for priests across the lay people to visit aging priests in
country, Rai Jaramilla said retired retirement homes. “So that priests
priests often face the burden of will not feel that they are isolated,
mental illnesses. that they are useless already,” he
“Their depression may be said.
connected with their unresolved “The laity can also support them
issues [in the past], during their by providing them with their
term as Catholic officials,” said material needs such as medicine,”
Jaramilla, who also serves as he added.
secretary of the organization.
“They may also be in denial that Common area
they have financial mismanagement, Clinical Pastoral Counselor, Dr.
and they are no longer in the Myrna Joyce Sanchez, stressed the
limelight of their parishes.” need of having a “common area” in a
“When they retired, they lost Bahay Pari in order to ward retirees
the attention (of the people) to away from isolation.
the young priests. So there’s this “There should be a community
resentment, which is part of life,” living [in retirement homes].
he said. Aging priests in the Philippines are increasingly falling victim to depression and isolation. ROY LAGARDE Retirees can’t be completely
Data from the ministry showed independent from each other. It is
that for every 5,000 clergymen begin with their seminarian days. there’s mobile phone, and there’s a happened to him when he was still important to build common areas
across the Philippines, 300 of whom “When you enter the seminary, weekly visit,” he said. a seminarian until he became a for them to be together,” Sanchez,
are retired. you’ll stay there for 10 years. priest,” he said. who experienced priest visitations
Founded in 1992 by Msgr. Sabino Their orientation, based on my ‘Sense of isolation’ Jaramilla said the ministry’s herself, said.
Vengco, the Ephesus Ministry observation, is they treat their Jaramilla said aging priests, goal is to bring retirees “out from These common areas, she said,
and its subsidiary, Kadiwa Para family and relatives as ‘dead’ to fight especially bedridden ones, are isolation.” may be in a form of a dining hall or
sa Pagkapari Foundation Inc., loneliness,” he said. confronted with what he calls the To improve their belongingness in visitors area.
organizes priest visitations “They just go out when there’s “sense of isolation.” the community, the group conducts Sanchez also underscored the
in various dioceses, as well as ordination or when someone dies,” He said that some elderly priests different approaches during retreats grave consequences of lack of
spiritual retreats for elderly priests he added. are feeling that way because of the and visitations. communication and relationship
throughout the year. Compared to the old setup of absence of deep conversation and “We also involve the parishioners between senior priests and their
seminaries before, Rai said divinity emotional connection. so they will know the needs of the family, relatives, and friends.
Detached schools today are more lenient with This is where the Ephesus old priests,” he said. “They will feel isolated. They will
Rai said retirees are “totally restrictions. Ministry comes in, he said. feel abandoned. The retirees still
detached” from their family and “Unlike in the past, seminarians “That’s why we conduct visitation Visit, communicate want to connect with them… They
relatives in their senior living, can go out already. Their parents of priests… and to also refresh [their Manila Auxiliary Bishop want to be visited,” she said. (Joel
saying that these implications may can visit them to get their laundry, memory], for us to know what Broderick Pabillo admitted that Cristobal/CBCPNews)

How family structure affects the Is family planning just about limiting number of kids?
likelihood of child abuse BEFORE it came to mean Exploitation of Children:
WASHINGTON D.C.— 2011 showed that children something else, the term “Welcoming Them for My
Amid a renewed public living with their biological “responsible parenthood” Sake” (Mt. 18:5) in the same
conversation about what can mother and her boyfriend was first notably used by exhortation, said it is part of
be done to keep children safe were 11 times more likely Blessed Paul VI’s in Humanae Filipino culture to welcome
from abuse, studies show that to be sexually, physically Vitae half a century ago to life, particularly children.
unstable family structure is a or emotionally abused and stress that parents indeed
major risk factor for abuse. six times more likely to be have a God-given privilege Embracing life
When looking at overall neglected than children who to raise and educate their “It is natural for married
trends in child abuse, Dr. W. lived with their married children responsibly. Filipino couples to
Bradford Wilcox, director of biological parents. On the golden anniversary wholeheartedly embrace
the University of Virginia’s “In other words, one of of the landmark encyclical each child, who is a fruit
National Marriage Project, the most dangerous places of then Pope Paul VI which of their love for each
told CNA that studies for a child in America to find would definitively reaffirm other. Despite the fear and
show children who come himself in is a home that Catholic teaching on criticism that arise from
from unstable homes with includes an unrelated male contraception and abortion, having big families, we still
unmarried parents are most boyfriend - especially when Catholic Bishops’ Conference rejoice at the coming of a
likely to be abused, especially that boyfriend is left to care of the Philippines president Thousands of couples listened to sessions on parenting, the Biblical meaning of child,” he said.
by someone close to them. for a child by himself,” Wilcox Davao Archbishop Romulo marriage, and the foundations of marriage, at the “Family is a Gift” conference held The prelate noted how
“Family drama and family wrote at the time the study Valles clarified that being at the SMX Convention Center, June 16, 2018. NIRVA DELACRUZ a Filipino mother when
chaos are breeding grounds was released. responsible parents is not criticized for having five
for abuse,” Wilcox told CNA. The study also showed about limiting the number of released a CBCP pastoral the avoidance of pregnancy, children instead of will ask:
“Kids who are exposed to that even if children were offspring. exhortation in time for should we be puzzled when “Who among my children
instability are more likely living with their biological “Every family plans for the 50th anniversary of some children feel that should have not been born?
to be exposed to unrelated parents, they were four times their future: when they are Humanae Vitae on July 25. they are fruits of ‘unwanted What will you do with my
adults, especially unrelated more likely to be abused and ready to have children or pregnancies’? Won’t they ‘excess’ children?”
adult males.” three times more likely to be when to add more, how ‘Contraceptive mentality’ feel that their parents love Written in 1968, Humanae
Kids in chaotic family neglected if those parents they will be raised, where According to Valles, the them simply because they Vitae expounds on Catholic
situations are also more likely were cohabiting rather than they will be sent to school, faithful need to expand their have no choice? This is the teaching on love between
to be emotionally distraught, married. how to teach them to pray, concept of family planning effect of what we call the spouses, responsible
a vulnerability that adult This information was where they could go for beyond the “avoidance of ‘contraceptive mentality,’” parenthood, and the
abusers are likely to prey on, reported in the Fourth vacations, how will they pregnancy.” Valles, who also marked rejection of artificial birth
Wilcox said. National Incidence Study of manage their finances, etc.,” He added: “If family the 20th year of the CBCP’s control. (Nirva’ana Ella
A federal study released in Abuse / A6 explained the prelate, who planning is simply reduced to Pastoral Letter on the Delacruz/CBCPNews)

Are the Rohingya returning to Burma? All is not as it seems


NAYPYITAW, Burma— The “The men at one of the country’s had lived a few houses down. the New York Times journalists an
Rohingya, a long-suffering Muslim three repatriation centers shook ‘The Rakhine burned their houses official death count, broken down
minority in Burma, are allegedly their heads when asked if they had down,’ she said, referring to by ethnicity, from the surges of
peacefully returning to their peacefully come back to Myanmar civilians from the Buddhist ethnic violence last year.
country from Bangladesh, where from Bangladesh,” Beech wrote. group that gives Rakhine State its In a 2017 trip to Bangladesh,
thousands fled last year after a surge “They said they had not been name. ‘My friend is gone forever,’” Pope Francis met with a group of
of violence against them last year repatriated at all. In fact, they Beech reported. Rohingya and offered them his
that the United Nations said might said, they had never even left this “A man corrected her quickly. prayers and condolences for what
qualify as genocide. waterlogged stretch of marsh and ‘You’re supposed to say the reverse,’ they had endured.
At least, that is the story that the mountain in Myanmar, and had he admonished. ‘You should say “In the name of all who have
Burmese government would like the been swept up in the government’s they burned their own houses persecuted you and persecute you,
world to believe. broad repression of the Rohingya down.’” that have done you harm, above all,
But a recent government- minority.” Another boy confirmed to the the world’s indifference, I ask for
sponsored trip to Burma by New “One day, last year, three of the Times journalists that he had forgiveness. Forgiveness,” the Pope
York Times journalist Hannah men said, soldiers had arrested them seen government forces burning said in a Dec. 1, 2017 meeting with
Beech and photographer Adam in their village in northern Rakhine Rohingya villages. Rohingya.
Dean revealed numerous holes in State. Five and a half months later, “Who would burn down their After greeting them individually
Rohingya refugees take a bath at the makeshift
the official narrative of the Burmese they were released and charged own houses?” the boy told the Katupalong refugee camp in Bangladesh on Dec. and hearing brief explanations of
government. with illegal immigration,” Beech journalists. ‘That’s stupid.” 4, 2017. JOE TORRES/UCAN their stories, Pope Francis told
Burma is also known as Myanmar, reported. Despite widespread use them that “we are very close to
a name which the U.S. government Until they were driven out by of the word Rohingya in the reached levels that led the United you.”
and many democracy activists violence and the burning of their international community, the term Nations to declare the crisis Although there’s “little we can do
oppose, because they say it was villages, the Rohingya had mostly is controversial within Burma. The “a textbook example of ethnic because your tragedy is very hard
illegally imposed on the country by occupied Burma’s Rakhine state. Burmese government refuses to use cleansing.” and great,” he told them “we give
its military dictatorship. Conversations with locals in the the term, and considers them illegal More than 600,000 Rohingya you space in the heart.”
While the Burmese government area revealed more cracks in the immigrants from Bangladesh. have fled across the border to He explained that according
told journalists on the trip that government’s storyline, which They have been denied citizenship Bangladesh, and are living in to the Judeo-Christian tradition,
the groups of people they were maintains that the Rohingya are and numerous other rights since a refugee camps, many of which are God created man in his image and
seeing were Rohingya peacefully terrorists who burned their own controversial law was enacted in located in a swampy sort of “buffer likeness.
returning to Burma after their villages to create a ruse. 1982. zone” along the border between the “All of us are in this image, also
exodus, hushed conversations “...a girl, who would be in danger Last year the Rohingya faced a two countries. these brothers and sisters, they too
with locals revealed that that was if her name were revealed, said sharp increase in state-sponsored When asked, government are in the image of God,” he said.
not the case. she missed a Muslim friend who violence in their homeland, which officials were not able to provide (CNA/EWTN News)
A4 OPINION August 6 - 19, 2018, Vol 22, No. 16 CBCP Monitor

EDITORIAL

Inadmissible
DEATH PENALTY is now inadmissible under any
circumstances. Pope Francis has approved the new revision
of number 2267 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church on
death penalty saying that “The death penalty is inadmissible
because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the
person.”
In his letter to the bishops released August 2, 2018,
the prefect of the Congregation for Doctrine of the Faith,
Cardinal Luis Ladaria, explains that Pope Francis, on the
occasion of the 25th anniversary of the promulgation of the
Catechism, had asked that the teaching on the death penalty
be reformulated to “better reflect the development of the
doctrine.” This new formulation of the Catechism, according
to Ladaria, expresses “an authentic development of doctrine

ILLUSTRATION BY BLADIMER USI


that is not in contradiction with the prior teachings of the
Magisterium.”
In Evangelium vitae, John Paul II pointed out the signs of
hope for a new culture of life, including “a growing public
opposition to the death penalty, even when such a penalty is
seen as a kind of ‘legitimate defense’ on the part of society,
adding that criminals should not be “definitively” denied the
change to reform. This development was upheld by Pope
emeritus Benedict XVI who recalled “the attention of society’s
leaders to the need to make every effort to eliminate the death
penalty.”
Consecrated life: Living Mission
Capital punishment, according to Pope Francis “heavily
wounds human dignity” and is an “inhuman measure.”
a precious gift Fr. James H. Kroeger, MM
Besides, “It is, in itself, contrary to the Gospel, because a
decision is voluntarily made to suppress human life, which is
always sacred in the eyes of the Creator and of whom, in the IN this year (2018), which the Philippine Living God’s gift today. Pope saw the crowds who were like sheep
last analysis, only God can be the true judge and guarantor.” Church dedicates to “Clergy and Francis invites all clergy and religious without a shepherd. Like Jesus, who
It will take time for public discourse and policy to sink Consecrated Persons,” we are enriched “to live the present with passion.” We compassionately spoke his gracious
deep and finally embrace the inadmissibility of death penalty.
by reflecting on “Consecrated Life” as need to “listen attentively to what the word, healed the sick, gave bread to
What is good for now is “Roma locuta est.” Rome has finally
we employ the insights of Pope Francis Holy Spirit is saying to the Church the hungry, and offered his own life
made it definitive.
in his 2014 letter to all consecrated today, to implement ever more fully in sacrifice,” various religious leaders
Valuing life persons. Religious themselves should the essential aspects of our consecrated “sought in different ways to be at the
appreciate their unique charism in life.” service of all those to whom the Spirit
NOW that Pope Francis has made it a Church doctrine that the Church with deep and profound The Pope asserts that for the various sent them.”
the death penalty is inadmissible, we have to review the basis gratitude. religious founders “the Gospel was the How did they live out their call
for the true value of human life. “Together let us thank the Father, absolute rule … [and] every other rule and mission? “They did so by
We cannot exaggerate the value of human life, since it is a who called us to follow Jesus by fully was meant merely to be an expression their prayers of intercession, their
life meant to have an eternal relation with God, its creator. embracing the Gospel and serving the of the Gospel and means of living the preaching of the Gospel, their works
Even if that life is deformed physically and morally, God will Church, and poured into our hearts the Gospel to the full. For them, the ideal of catechesis, education, their service
always love it and will do everything to save it. That is why Holy Spirit, the source of our joy and our was Christ; they sought to be interiorly to the poor and the infirm. The
abortion and euthanasia or mercy killing are wrong. They go witness to God’s love and mercy before united to him and thus be able to say creativity of charity is boundless; it
against the fifth commandment: Thou shalt not kill. the world.” with Saint Paul: ‘For to me to live is is able to find countless new ways of
And capital punishment, while approved or at least We “look to the past with gratitude.” Christ’ (Phil 1:21). Their vows were bringing the newness of the Gospel
tolerated in the past, is also wrong, because no matter how All religious institutes or congregations intended as a concrete expression of this to every culture and every corner of
bad or criminal a person is, his life can still be saved by the realize that “at their origins we see the passionate love.” society.”
infinite mercy of God. From the Book of Ezekiel, we read: “As hand of God.” The Spirit calls “certain “The question we have to ask During this Philippine “Year of the
I live, said the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of individuals to follow Christ more closely, ourselves during this special year is Clergy and Consecrated Persons” we
the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.” to translate the Gospel into a particular if and how we too are open to being are challenged to “examine our fidelity
(33,11) The reason behind its approval or tolerance in the way of life [charism], to read the signs challenged by the Gospel; whether the to the mission entrusted to us…. Do we
past is the protection of the common good. But this reason of the times with the eyes of faith, and Gospel is truly the ‘manual’ for our have the same passion for our people,
does not hold water anymore since there are many other ways to respond creatively to the needs of the daily living and the decisions we are are we close to them to the point of
the common good can be protected today without resorting Church.” called to make…. Is Jesus really our sharing their joys and sorrows, thus
to the death penalty. Undoubtedly, in genuine gratitude, first and only love…? If he is, we will truly understanding their needs and
Besides, given the many imperfections of our legal systems, religious communities of women and be empowered to love.” helping to respond to them?” Indeed,
we cannot risk the loss of life just because of a guilty sentence men appreciate how their unique Imitating Jesus’ compassion. Pope Francis captures the essence
of the judicial process. The abolition of the death penalty charism, their call and mission, has been The founders and foundresses of of mission in a succinct expression:
would, of course, challenge us to be more determined in creatively lived over the years. Religious religious communities of men and “Mission is at once a passion for Jesus
reforming the offender. This may be the area where many of life in the Church clearly manifests the women, as Pope Francis notes, “shared and a passion for his people” (Evangelii
us are still hesitant to tackle. living breath of God’s Spirit! in Jesus’ own compassion when he Gaudium 268).
Human life is, of course, not just any other life here in the
world. Plants and animals also have life but they do not have
a spiritual soul as their principle of life. Theirs is a soul that
is simply a product of a combination of earthly elements that And That’s The Truth Duterte to found
would enable them to grow, move, act in some manner. But
it is a soul that disappears with their death. Human life has Teresa R. Tunay, OCDS a new religion
a spiritual soul as its principle, and as such, it can survive
death. It is immortal and is, in fact, meant for eternal life.
It is a soul that comes directly from God and is forever in a
relation with God. It is not a soul that is transmitted by human DAVAO CITY, August 7, of the Episcopal Commission The first question, from was: “Would your founding
reproduction. 2018— What had been mere on Social Communications Edwin Lopez of EWTN, was a new religion mean total
In some passages of the Bible, there is a reference to a speculation weeks ago is now Mylo Hubert Vergara, was “Why are you starting a new war against the Catholic
distinction between soul and spirit. This is mentioned for a reality: President Rodrigo attending a meeting with religion?” to which Duterte Church? You are always
example in 1 Thessalonians 5,23: “May your whole spirit and Duterte is determined to Davao Archbishop Romulo replied, “There is a need attacking the priests…”
soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord found a new religion. Making Valles at the latter’s residence for one. I am not satisfied Duterte replied, “Eh sinong
Jesus Christ.” a surprise appearance today when Duterte popped up with the existing religions— gusto mong tirahin ko, mga
My take in this distinction between the spirit and the soul at the ongoing 4th National at the Mergrande Ocean they are all useless. None of Mormons? Suminga lang
is that the spirit refers to our spiritual soul that needs to be Catholic Media Convention Resort where the annual them can help the suffering ako, patay na sila! Siyempre
nourished by its union with God, while the soul refers to those in Davao where his daughter, convention is being held. To of our people. Puro sila mas malaking challenge na
aspects of our soul that are akin to the soul of the plants and Davao City mayor Sarah the surprise and delight of seremonya, kanta-kanta, tirahin yang mga Katoliko—
the animals with whom we also share characteristics. To be Duterte-Carpio failed to the media people present, bibliya-bibliya! Makain mo may kato na, baliko pa! They
sure, we only have one soul, and it is spiritual, though that show up to give the Welcome President Duterte held a bang bibliya, putang-ina! The are the powerful ones, and
soul may be affected and conditioned by the similarities it Remarks at the Opening Mass no-holds-barred impromptu only religious service worth being powerful they can be
shares with the plant and animal soul. It is this spiritual soul on August 6, the president press conference, and said, watching is Quiboloy’s— oppressive toward the people,
of ours that makes for the basis of the real value of human life. announced to the 141 Catholic “You are in Davao, you are ang gaganda ng mga babae sa totoo lang! Look, all the
Having said that, we can also say that out of love for God media practitioners from all all my guests, so I will be don, nakakalaway! Dapat Catholic nations have poverty
and for all men, human life can be sacrificed as what happens over the country that he is, generous. So fire away! Ask yang mga pari, mag-switch as a major problem! Huwag
in the cases of martyrdom and in the crucifixion of Christ indeed, bent on founding a me anything and I’ll give you na ke Quiboloy, stop being kayong tatanga-tanga, mag-
himself. As Christ said, this is the greatest proof of love.
new religion. scoops I will not give to the hypocrites!” research kayo! In countries
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for
Bishop of Pasig and chair stupid Manila media!” A follow up question And That’s the Truth / A7
one’s friends.” (Jn 15,13) In fact, we have to look forward to
our own death and somehow give our life up little by little by
denying ourselves and carrying the cross to follow Christ daily.
Devotion and obsession Candidly Speaking

Monitor
CBCP Fr. Roy Cimagala

PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE WE need to be able to distinguish makes one holy, and helps him grow in hardly cares for Church doctrine and
between the two. They notoriously look humility and all the other virtues. approved practices. It often is showy and
Pedro Quitorio alike, but one is genuine while the other A pious, or better said, a pietistic likes to flaunt its religiosity.
Editor-in-Chief is fake. obsession is a weed that can impersonate It is important that we develop our life
One can truly help in our relation with as a devotion and is sown, if not by man of piety to the point of devotion, because
Nirva’ana E. Delacruz Ron Ramos God and others, while the other tends himself, then by the devil. (cfr Mt 13,36- that would only show that we are giving
Associate Editor Design Artist to harden our self-centeredness. One 40) It makes one proud and vain. Its everything to God and to everyone else
is usually accompanied by peace and motive is mundane, not sacred. It can because of our love of God
Roy Lagarde Mercedita Juanite joy despite trials and difficulties, while even be tinged with malice, A good devotion properly involves the
News Editor Circulation Manager
the other would make us restless and meant to deceive others. Hypocrisy emotions and passions in its expression.
Christine Paguirigan Marcelita Dominguez agitated despite the apparent reigns supreme in it. It makes us think of God and others
Managing Editor Comptroller pleasures it can give. True devotion is always respectful of constantly, ever ready to do things for
Devotion is a good seed or the wheat Church doctrine even as it assimilates them, to serve them despite difficulties
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the sown by God himself in a soul. It is God the traditions and customs of the and sacrifices. When the devotion is
CBCP - Media Office with editorial and business offices
at 3rd Floor, CBCP Compound, 470 General Luna who takes the initiative. One simply tries place and time. It observes the proper true and strong nothing can impede it,
Street, Intramuros, Manila. Email Address: cbcpmonitor@ to correspond to that divine initiative as decorum and has a good sense of whatever may be the cost. In fact, there
areopaguscommunications.com, Business: (632) 404 - 1612.
ISSN 1908-2940. fully and as best as possible. It expresses priorities. The pietistic obsession is is a sense of joy and satisfaction in the
itself sincerely from the heart. It truly usually swamped with superstitions and Candidly Speaking / A6
CBCP Monitor August 6 - 19, 2018, Vol 22, No. 16 OPINION A5

Panaghoy Concern for all


Bp. Broderick Pabillo
Commentary
Michael Cook

Abortion activists unveil


WHY is the church meddling in politics?
We often hear this question, with a tone
the best so that they govern well, and I
have to do my best by participating in
Benedict unequivocally wrote: “It is the
primary task of the lay faithful, formed
their strategy for attacking
of reproach in it. We need to clarify some
basic understanding in this question.
politics according to my ability. Politics,
according to the Social Doctrine of the
in the school of the Gospel, to be directly
involved in political and social activity.
conscientious objection
What is and who is the church? What Church, is one of the highest forms of Hence they need suitable formation in AN “expert group” of abortion activists has launched a strong
is politics? charity, because it serves the common the principles of the Church’s social attack on the concept and practice of conscientious objection
The church is the people of God, not good. I cannot wash my hands, eh? We teaching.” (Verbum Domini 100) (CO) in healthcare. “The practice of refusing to provide legal
only the bishops, priests and religious. all have to give something!” This does not mean, however, that the and essential health care due to a doctor’s personal or religious
In fact, the vast majority of the church Politics is not bad. In fact it is a clergy can no longer talk about politics. beliefs is a violation of medical ethics and of patients’ right to
is the lay faithful. All the baptized are vocation, a call from God. Again Pope In fact they are the ones to form the health care,” says the International Women’s Health Coalition
mandated to continue the mission Francis wrote in the encyclical Evangelii faithful on the Catholic Social Teaching. (IWHC) in conjunction with Mujer y Salud en Uruguay.
of Christ, which is to save the world. Gaudium: “Politics, though often How can they teach the faithful if they A 46-page report, Unconscionable: When Providers Deny
The world that needs to be saved denigrated, remains a lofty vocation do not talk about it? Besides, the priests, Abortion Care, argues that “the practice of refusing to provide
includes such institutions as politics and one of the highest forms of charity, the religious and bishops do not cease legal and essential health care due to a doctor’s personal or
and economics. Pope Francis wrote: “No inasmuch as it seeks the common good. to be citizens, with responsibility to religious beliefs is a violation of medical ethics and of patients’
one can demand that religion should We need to be convinced that charity participate in politics themselves, just right to health care”. The conclusions of the report are based
be relegated to the inner sanctum of is the principle not only of micro- because they belong to the hierarchy! on a meeting held in Montevideo, Uruguay, last year which
personal life, without influence on relationships (with friends, with family Besides, Pope Francis also gave this brought together 45 participants from 22 countries, including
societal and national life, without members or within small groups) but direction: “The Church’s pastors, taking the leading theorist of the attack on CO, bioethicist Udo
concern for the soundness of civil also of macro-relationships (social, into account the contributions of the Schuklenk, of Queen’s University, in Canada.
institutions, without a right to offer an economic and political ones).” (205) different sciences, have the right to offer The IWHC is one of the best-resourced feminist NGOs,
opinion on events affecting society.” The Church, especially through the opinions on all that affects people’s lives, with links to other large NGOs and US$12 million in revenue
(Evangelii Gaudium 183) lay faithful, should be directly involved since the task of evangelization implies in 2017. On its 24-member board sit a powerful group of
In the homily that Pope Francis gave in in politics to bring it to the service and demands the integral promotion of philanthropists, merchant bankers and lawyers. It is active
Domus Sanctae Marthae on September of the common good for the benefit each human being.” (Evangelii Gaudium in lobbying in the United Nations and Capitol Hill. So the
16, 213, as he was reflecting on those in of all. On receiving the bishops of 182) recommendations of its conference on CO are bound to
authority, the Holy Father remarked Paraguay in September 2008, Pope Let me conclude: Religion has a role resonate throughout the world of abortion activism, but
that some say: ‘A good Catholic doesn’t Benedict XVI said, “A big part of the in political debate, not in providing especially in Europe, the United States and Latin America.
meddle in politics.’ He said, “That’s not vocation of Christian laypeople is their concrete political solutions, which lies The IWHC view is that people who invoke their consciences
true. That is not a good path. A good participation in politics in order to bring outside the competence of religion, but are usually playing a power game and trying to impose their
Catholic meddles in politics, offering justice, honesty and defense of true to recall to society the objective moral own morality on the desperate and vulnerable women who are
the best of himself, so that those who and authentic values, and to contribute norms as the basis of justice and the seeking abortions. But the delegates to its conference could
govern can govern well.” He even gave to the real human and spiritual good just society. This is the service of the not quantify what it describes as “a worrisome and growing
these very clear words: “None of us can of society. The role of the laity in Church to the state. So she must always global trend”.
say, ‘I have nothing to do with this, how the temporal order, and especially in proclaim what is true, what is right and The report cites a 2013 white paper on CO which states
they govern.’ ... No, no, I am responsible politics, is key for the evangelization what is just! Her concern is universal— that “Estimates of prevalence are difficult to obtain, as there
for their governance, and I have to do of society.” In the same vein, Pope the salvation of all! is no consensus about criteria for refuser status and no
standardized definition of the practice, and the studies have
Much ado about a video? sampling and other methodologic limitations”. So we’re not

By the Roadside even sure if a serious “problem” exists.


What is certain, though, is that the IWHC is determined to
Fr. Eutiquio ‘Euly’ Belizar, Jr. SThD wipe out CO in the medical profession. Or at least to shunt
all doctors for whom unrestricted abortion is not an article
of faith into dermatology.
To counter-attack against the growth of CO, the report
FOR a rather longer than admitting incompetence. I am and power-driven ends and stating whether or not such recommends three avenues:
the usual time period the saying this as objectively and purposes. For politicians a leave be made permanent. Reframe and rename. Reframe the debate to clarify and
Assistant Secretary to the as respectfully as the growing therefore to complain about I believe that by taking such emphasize that “conscientious objection” is a misnomer that
Presidential Communications number of such instances on the video’s crassness and a risk of exposure to a possible subverts the ethics, obligations, and standards of the health
Office once more made the record allow me. That she vulgarity sounds like the job dismissal in standing up care profession.
headlines on the heels of continues to enjoy the trust kettle calling the pot black. against a high government Reclaim the concept of conscience. Do not cede the term
another controversy. She and of the highest powers of the This is not to say that the official so close to the chief “conscience” to those who prioritize individual beliefs over
a colleague produced a video archipelago may, in turn, video and all the efforts executive, PIA director professional conduct and the right to access or provide health
meant to promote federalism test many people’s patience; that went with producing general shows the better side care. Shine a light on the harmful health consequences of
using colloquial references to and yet this is also another and airing it nationwide of the Filipino. He expressed, conscience claims in the context of abortion care. Emphasize
female body parts. I think I instance of those regrettable are worthy of the nation’s in fact, a criticism of the video the “conscientious commitment” and professional conduct of
need not mention her name. consequences people can backing or adulation, as presentation in a way rooted health care providers who prioritize patients’ rights.
What is more important is ultimately only attribute to the Assistant Secretary’s in a Christian mindset: Quantify the costs incurred by health systems due to claims
what this whole issue says themselves and their own supporters extend her. On “This is not only a seeming of “conscientious objection” to abortion. Managing conscience
about us as a people and as a past election choices. They the contrary, we need to join insult to our profession in claims can be costly and can create inefficiencies in the allocation
purportedly Christian nation. picked up the cake; now the voices of true protest. communication and public of scarce health care resources. Quantifying the costs would fill
For one, if the video they must eat it too, together But far from seeing only its office but also degrading to a gap in our understanding of the consequences of refusal to
was meant to get people’s with its improperly cooked vulgarity, tastelessness and the women and mothers in provide abortion care due to conscience claims.
attention drawn towards ingredients. incompetence, its real harm our communities.” He further Orwellian Newspeak is an important part of the activists’
federalism, to my mind the A friend of mine, reacting to lies in the implied legitimizing elaborated himself: “My stand campaign. Instead of “conscientious objection”, they suggest
results were a mixed bag. It this controversy unfolding on of the degradation of human on this issue defends the that it be called “refusal to provide services,” “denial of
truly generated more than national television, remarked dignity, particularly of integrity and intelligence of services,” or even “dishonorable disobedience”.
plenty of attention but not that by now Filipinos should women. In this we share the all government information The most bizarre aspect of the report is that it never defines
really for federalism as a know better things to do view of the director general officers, volunteers and what a conscience is or asks why some people might think that
better alternative form of than protesting too much. of the Philippine Information partners—many of whom are it is an important dimension of an authentic human existence.
government for this our “After all,” he added, “politics Agency Harold Clavite. women and mothers—across Conscience is a key element in the “medical ethics” that
benighted republic. The and pornography have very Ignoring his own security of the nation.” the report purports to defend. How can the IWHC possibly
attention unfortunately thin demarcation lines.” tenure, he strongly declared Integrity and intelligence make the extraordinary claim that CO violates medical ethics
shifted to the seemingly He may have a point there. that “a public apology from are qualities that can only without appealing to reason and evidence? Its argument, if it
growing body of evidence For instance, both politics the PCOO official (i.e., the point to every person’s is an argument, is absurd.
showing the Assistant and pornography often said Assistant Secretary) dignity. Perhaps it is about But only one thing matters for the IWHC: unrestricted
Secretary’s penchant “use” people, sometimes is paramount”. He also time we acknowledged, and abortion rights. And it will fight to steamroller any health
for testing the limits of trampling their dignity and suggested that she take “a not be ashamed of, the real professional who objects.
free speech and for an humanity underfoot, for leave of absence to reflect source of this sense of rightful
unapologetic resistance to often unacknowledged selfish on these matters” without By the Roadside / A6 (Michael Cook is editor of MercatorNet.)

The View from the Mountain The challenges the Church in the Philippines faces
Fr. Amado L. Picardal, CSsR, STD
(Part III)

THE family remains a cause for formation of conscience. is to be transformed. So far, by Vatican II and PCP II must be to accept suffering and martyrdom
concern. How to develop truly The participation of young the models of leadership have imbibed—leadership motivated if required. Without this kind of
Christian families is a challenge people in liturgical celebrations been inadequate and so is the by humble and loving service leadership, the vision of a renewed
for the Church when the family as and youth activities at the parish leadership-formation for clergy, (servant-leadership), being a Church of Vatican II and PCP II
an institution has been weakened and diocesan levels remain high. seminarians, religious and lay compassionate good shepherd will remain an empty dream—
due to migration, reduced size, But we cannot be complacent people. Many of the clergy who with the smell of the sheep. forgotten beautiful documents
and the influence of a globalized as the globalized secular and are ordained are not prepared to This leadership style is more relegated to the archives.
culture and technology. Family materialistic culture continue exercise leadership roles in the participative, consultative, We should not expect that we
evangelization programs need to to influence young people. parish and diocese although they collegial or collaborative and can fully achieve the vision of
be developed as well as marriage- Formation/Evangelization may have adequate theological, inspired by vision (the vision a renewed Church in our own
enrichment programs for couples. programs for young people spiritual and liturgical formation. of a Church renewed)—hence, lifetime. It is a continuing effort,
Pre-marriage/pre-Cana seminars that will include formation of Many continue to associate visionary leadership. This type of an ongoing journey. The Church,
needs to be updated. conscience and involvement in the leadership primarily with power, leadership demands scrutinizing after all, is constantly reforming
In promoting communion prophetic and servant mission of privilege and status—influenced the signs of the times— and renewing herself – ecclesia
and carrying out her mission the Church should be emphasized. by the prevailing dominant viewing reality from a broader semper reformanda. Like the
– especially the prophetic The Church should not forget cultural models. Thus, they turn perspective—looking at the big Kingdom of God, it is an “already-
evangelizing mission, the Church to address young people’s need out to be incompetent figureheads, picture and the long view. This type not-yet” reality. Hence, we must
must make use of technology – for meaning and direction as or petty tyrants, or bureaucrats, of leadership is more concerned always be patient and do what we
whether in mass media and social well as appropriate spirituality. or administrators operating in with building up the Church as a can. After all this is the work of the
media. The cyberspace or the Hopefully, from among them a maintenance mode. Worst of living community rather than in Spirit and we should rely on the
internet is helpful in developing will come the future priests and all, some become involved in building expensive churches or guidance and the dynamism of the
communion – connecting the religious, as well as lay leaders. sexual misconduct and corruption, cathedrals. To avoid maintenance Holy Spirit. Vatican II was seen
members of the Church with one Finally, the Church must address lacking in conscience, failing to mode, this requires planning as a new Pentecost. It was just a
another and with their pastors the issue of leadership in the exercise with integrity ethical and strict implementation yet new start. Those who started have
no matter how distant they are Church which is a reflection of leadership. characterized by flexibility. already gone before us and it is our
physically. The Church needs to the crisis of leadership in society. This is the kind of leadership This kind of leadership requires duty and obligation to continue
avail of technology to not just The quality of leadership is very that will weaken the Church and courage—the courage to speak what they started just as we hope
in imparting the teachings and important if the Church is to block Church’s renewal. Thus, out, to confront the wolves that the next generation will continue
doctrines of the Church but in the survive and thrive and if society the model of leadership promoted threaten or wound the flock and to do so. There is no turning back.
A6 LOCAL NEWS August 6 - 19, 2018, Vol 22, No. 16 CBCP Monitor

Senator Pacquiao accused of Manila archdiocese leaves


Carlos Celdran’s fate to gov’t
‘misleading’ the public THE fate of tour guide and artist
Carlos Celdran is now the hands
The Supreme Court recently
upheld a Manila court’s decision
SENATOR Manny Pacquiao has
been accused of misleading the of the government authorities, that found Celdran guilty of
public over his firm stand for reviving an official of the Roman Catholic “offending religious feelings” after
the death penalty in the country. Archdiocese of Manila (RCAM) he disrupted an ecumenical service
Mr. Rodolfo Diamante, said. inside the Manila Cathedral when
Executive Secretary of the bishops’ Fr. Roy Bellen, head of RCAM’s he pulled off his “Damaso” stunt
Commission on Prison Pastoral Office of Communications, said that in 2010.
Care, said it’s just “unfortunate” in the first place, the archdiocese Padre Damaso refers to the
that the senator “has wrong has nothing to do with the case of antagonist Spanish friar in Jose
interpretation of the Bible”. Celdran. Rizal’s novel, “Noli Me Tangere”.
“He is actually misleading the He said that although there was Celdran barged inside the
public on his own understanding of an initial complaint made to make cathedral and protested the Catholic
the scriptural passage. This is what authorities aware of the incident Church’s opposition against the
is dangerous,” he said. and help prevent such situation passage of the controversial
The lay church official was reacting from happening again, “there was “reproductive health” bill, now
after Pacquiao refuted Pope Francis not any legal move from the part of passed into law.
on capital punishment. the archdiocese”. He earlier sought for a reversal
The pontiff has earlier declared “We leave to the government of the Court of Appeals decision
that the death penalty is never the tasks that are properly theirs, in 2015 which affirmed a lower
admissible and the Church will especially in implementing the law, court decision convicting him for
Senator Manny Pacquiao. FILE PHOTO so as long as the rights and dignity violating Article 133 of the Revised
work “with determination” towards
its abolition around the world. of a person is respected,” Bellen Penal Code.
commit crimes. “Furthermore, he was elected by
But Pacquiao claimed that the said. In 2013, the Manila Metropolitan
Diamante said that the senator the people to protect and improve
Bible allows an authority, in this “We do not say that the Trial Court (MeTC) Branch 4
should ask first his staff “to do some the quality of life of people and
case, the government, to impose the archdiocese is pleased simply found Celdran guilty and has been
solid research before sharing his not to extinguish it,” he said.
capital punishment on people who because a person has been sentenced to a minimum of two
thoughts on any issue”. (CBCPNews)
convicted. The Church has always months and a maximum of one
Murder raps vs 4 ex-solons reminiscent of martial rule, says priest desired the good of persons and
institutions,” he said.
year and one month jail time.
(CBCPNews)
A CATHOLIC priest said it may be just another tyranny and harassment connection with a multiple
Abuse / A3
the revival of 12-year move to silence the of progressive groups,” murder case filed in 2006.
old charges against four opposition. he said. The four were accused Child Abuse and Neglect (NIS-4) and I think the kinds of people who
former leftist lawmakers “Arrest warrants issued A Nueva Ecija court of conspiring to kill two Report to Congress, and examined are abusive can kind of intuit those
and government officials based from trumped up has earlier issued people in 2003 and 2004, cases of child abuse between the kids who need that extra emotional
is reminiscent of charges for activists and warrant of arrests of respectively. years of 2004-2009. The data attention, which kids are kind of
“deplorable tactics” used militants are common former congressmen The Philippine National corroborated information from vulnerable” and target them, he
by the government during strategy of the military Satur Ocampo, Teddy Police (PNP) has since previous studies, several of which added.
the martial law. and the government to Casiño (Bayan Muna), ordered the manhunt for have shown that children living Since the 2011 study, instances of
Fr. Edwin Gariguez of harass and to silence National Anti-Poverty the four militant leaders. with unmarried adults were more cohabitation have increased, while
the church’s National opposition,” Gariguez Commission Secretary Malacañang has also likely to experience abuse and nationwide instances of child abuse
Secretariat for Social said. Liza Maza (Gabriela), urged Maza to surrender, neglect, including a 2002 study have actually declined, Wilcox said.
Action (Nassa) raised “We support the causes and former Agrarian face the charges against which found that more than “I think we are as a society more
suspicion over the revival of Ka Paeng (Mariano) Reform Secretary Rafael her and prove her 15 percent of children living in sensitive to [abuse], and people are
of the case and said that et al. We demand to stop Mariano (Anakpawis) in innocence. (CBCPNews) cohabitating homes experienced more likely to raise red flags when
serious emotional problems they are concerned about it.”
Dam / A1 such as depression, compared to However, Wilcox said, the relative
just 3.5 percent who lived with risk for child abuse within non-
were Archbishops Socrates Villegas sources of water such as the consumption significantly. This their biological married parents. marriage family arrangements
of Lingayen-Dagupan, Archbishop rehabilitation of Pasig-Laguna could be bad news for business but Another 2005 study found that “remains high.”
Jose Palma of Cebu and Archbishop River Basin which would only cost best for the environment,” Cortez children living with their mother’s According to a 2018 report
Rolando Tria Tirona, head of Caritas P13 billion. added. boyfriends were 45 times more from the Crimes Against Children
Philippines. The government, according “And most importantly, protect likely to be killed than children Research Center at the University
to them, may also adopt the and expand our dwindling living with their biological married of New Hampshire, instances of
Alternatives Singapore New Water technology forests that serves as our largest parents. physical and sexual abuse against
According to them, Angay and which treats wastewater to become watershed and these would refill The data shows that marriage is children has steadily declined since
Ipo dams supply Metro Manila potable. our underground aquifers which are often a safe and stabilizing force the ‘90s, when instances of both
with 4,000 mld of water but a big The bishops also called on the now over extracted.” in children’s lives, and it may help were reported at a rate of about 70
percentage of this is lost due to government to launch a massive “We encourage all to “rethink insulate them from other problems, per 10,000 children.
leaks. education campaign to convince the how to use water” in terms of the Wilcox said. Currently, instances of physical
With the hefty budget for the 13 million Metro Manila residents demand-side and consumption “We know that kids are more abuse are reported at rates of about
project, they urged the government to learn “water management”. and protect our environment,” he likely to thrive in a stable routine 30 per 10,000, while instances of
to instead look for alternative “This would reduce water also said. with stable caregivers, and we know sexual abuse are reported at rates of
too that kids who are experiencing about 25 or less per 10,000.
Solar / A1 a lot of family instability are more This is hopeful data, Wilcox
everyone that the Church power systems, battery energy marked by energy private energy providers likely to fall prey to adults who are said, because it shows that strides
is serious in its energy energy storage facilities, democratization, and monopolizing trade targeting them for abuse,” he said. have been made in terms of being
campaign, amidst the and software with no so to realize our shared and supply, we now let For children who live in unstable, aware of, reporting, and preventing
failings of the government cash-out requirement, to vision of eradication of communities claim their unmarried parent households, instances of sexual abuse.
to fully implement the churches, church facilities energy poverty towards prophetic power to light up “they don’t have two people who “I would say that even though the
renewable energy law,” and buildings, schools and social transformation. ” their houses from a common are really looking out for them, who overall trends are moving in the
said Bishop Arturo Bastes off-grid communities. Caritas Philippines, also source that is renewable and are monitoring their environment, right direction, it still is the case
of Sorsogon. With the partnership, known as the National clean,” he said. who are attuned to the signals” that that kids who are exposed to more
Data from the Energy at least 43 out of 85 Secretariat for Social Caritas Philippines/ something might be wrong, he said. family instability and family chaos
department showed dioceses are now in the Action (Nassa), has been at Nassa is the humanitarian, “And then there’s also an emotional are more likely to be subjected to
that the Philippines is process of installing the forefront in promoting development and advocacy vulnerability, a desire for attention, abuse.” (Mary Rezac/CNA)
yet to realize its goal of and fully utilizing solar resistance to coal mines arm of the Catholic
Candidly Speaking / A4
doubling the installed PV systems to augment and the construction of Bishops’ Conference of
renewable energy and later minimize coal-fired power plants in the Philippines. act of self-giving. not mere obsessions.
capacity of the country dependence from the country. It also serves as A pietistic obsession only feeds We cannot deny that there are
ten years after the private electric power Fr. Edwin A. Gariguez, secretariat to the 85 on one’s self-satisfaction. It plays widespread anomalies insofar as our
enactment of the law. distributors. Executive Secretary of diocesan social action the game of pride and vanity. religious practices are concerned.
Caritas initiated Sarge Sarmiento, Caritas Philippines, said centers in the country Whatever marks of sanctity it On one side, we can have people
the signing of the WeGen CEO, said that they will always consider and represents the can have are only apparent and who are so intellectual and cerebral
Memorandum of that are “humbled to coal as energy source to Philippine Church to cannot cope with life’s real trials in their approach to God and others
Agreement with WeGen be an instrument and be “dirty and destructive”. the global confederation and challenges. Whatever zeal that their relation becomes cold
Distributed Energy Phils., partner of the Church in “Now we have a better of Catholic charities – it has in terms of apostolate and rigid.
Inc. in March 2018 to accelerating our country’s alternative which in a way Caritas Internationalis. and helping others is often On the other side, there those who
install and operate solar transition to renewable balances power. From (CBCPNews) characterized by bitterness and get so emotional and passionate in
rigidity. The compassion it seems their religious practices without
Media / A1 to show is precisely that—it is regard to whether they still are
the need for the church to take more to realize the foundation of any listen, people who make the effort only for show. It thrives only on on the right path or are already
effective steps into social media social communications ministry— to engage in sincere dialogue so fair weather. indulging in superstitions.
which, when used properly, can help God’s compassionate love for us,” truth can emerge, people who are Purifying our devotion of any A continuing process of catechesis
Catholics communicate and build he said. attracted by goodness and take signs of obsession should be a and formation is truly a great need.
community. He also reminded them that responsibility for how they use lifelong concern for all of us. We This should start in the family with
According to him, church media Catholic journalists become bearers language. cannot deny that there are many the bigger entities like the parishes
must “motivate each other” to of Good News when “they profess “If responsibility is the answer things in this world today that can and schools providing subsidiary
see “how we can work together the truth of God” and when “they to fight fake news, then those who easily turn our devotion into an support. Hopefully, the formation
given this digital age” even amidst participate in the sacrifice of Christ”. provide information, journalists obsession. We need to constantly would start with the little children,
difficulties. “This is what we are called to hold who are protectors of news must examine ourselves personally and so that they can grow up with clear
“As we move forward the Lord on to and I hope we continue our see their work not as a job but as a collectively to see if our religious ideas and correct practices already
wants us to reach out to more people. work (to evangelize),” Vergara said. mission,” Valles said. practices are genuine devotions and in place.
The digital age is an opportunity to The archbishop added that “a By the Roadside / A5
really preach Christ,” Vergara said. Fake news social communication ministry
In his keynote address on Aug. must give prime attention to indignation. For how many times do “You shall love the Lord your God
Foundation 7, CBCP president Archbishop communicators themselves, and to we prefer to ignore the Scripture’s with all your heart, with all your
More than 140 participants Romulo Valles of Davao reminded the heart and mind of the ministers words: “So God created the human soul, with all your mind and with
composed of priests, religious the participants that the reality of themselves—communicators being in his image; in the image all your strength. This is the first
sisters and lay people from different their mission is the “grace of our who are inspired and given the of God he created him. Male and commandment. The second is like
dioceses gathered for the three- office, not the budget, because we are opportunity to be close to the one female he created them” (Gen 1:27). it: You shall love your neighbor as
day convention aimed at fostering participating in the proclamation of who said ‘I am the Truth.’’” Reducing the human person, God’s yourself” (Mk 12:30-31).
collaboration among the Catholic the kingdom”. “It is very important that we image and likeness, whether female This administration, from the
media. On fake news, he quoted Pope come to him with heart and or male, to his or her body parts and outset, always has had a problem
In his homily at the convention’s Francis’ message for the 2018 mind and in mysterious ways making fun at their expense betrays with recognizing the human dignity
closing Mass, Vergara encouraged World Communications Day that be touched by the person who gross disrespect. of all Filipinos, real or alleged
the church media to always work in “the best antidotes to falsehoods is the truth,” he said. (With No love exists without the element lawbreakers included. In refusing to
the spirit of compassion. are not strategies but people, people reports from Teresa Tunay/ of respect. No Christian exists change its course, it casts aspersion
“I think this is how where we have who are not greedy but are ready to CBCPNews) without love of God and neighbor. on no one but itself.
CBCP Monitor August 6 - 19, 2018, Vol 22, No. 16 DIOCESAN NEWS A7

Mindanao on full alert after deadly bomb blast Letter / A1

efficacious detention systems that guarantee the due


COTABATO— Security forces have Moro rebels aimed at ending almost five protection of citizens have given rise to a new awareness
been placed on full alert in the southern decades of war in the region. that recognizes the inadmissibility of the death penalty
Philippine region of Mindanao following Terrorism expert Rommel Banlaoi and, therefore, calling for its abolition.
a deadly suicide bomb blast in Basilan of the Philippine Institute for Peace, 3. In this development, the teaching of the Encyclical
province that killed ten people on July Violence and Terrorism Research, said Letter Evangelium vitæ of John Paul II is of great
31. the peace deal was not a “magic pill that importance. The Holy Father enumerated among the
Catholic Church leaders in the can give a panacea to the multifaceted signs of hope for a new culture of life “a growing public
region warned the attack—blamed on problems of armed conflicts.” opposition to the death penalty, even when such a penalty
the Abu Sayyaf terror group—could He said challenges will come from is seen as a kind of ‘legitimate defense’ on the part of
heighten tensions between Muslims and local politicians and armed groups society. Modern society in fact has the means of effectively
Christians in the region. opposed to the new Bangsamoro law. suppressing crime by rendering criminals harmless without
“There can never be peace if we Banlaoi warned that the new law could definitively denying them the chance to reform.” The
continue this kind of attitude of be used as leverage by the so-called teaching of Evangelium vitæ was then included in the editio
fomenting fear among our people,” Islamic State to attract foreign fighters typica of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In it, the
Archbishop Martin Jumoad of Ozamiz to come to Mindanao to oppose the death penalty is not presented as a proportionate penalty
said. “cooptation of the infidels.” Soldiers man a checkpoint in Basilan province in the for the gravity of the crime, but it can be justified if it is “the
southern Philippines. JOE TORRES only practicable way to defend the lives of human beings
The prelate, who served as bishop Archbishop Jumoad said peace in
of Basilan for 14 years, said the attack Mindanao could only be achieved if he was inviting the group for talks in effectively against the aggressor,” even if in reality “cases
makes the achievement of peace on the Muslims and Christians achieve unity. line with his efforts to bring peace and of absolute necessity for suppression of the offender today
island elusive. Bishop Edwin dela Pena of the stability to Mindanao. are very rare, if not practically non-existent” (n. 2267).
The powerful explosion at a military Prelature of Marawi said the bomb Governor Mujiv Hataman of the 4. John Paul II also intervened on other occasions
checkpoint in the city of Lamitan killed attack was “violent extremism at its Autonomous Region in Muslin against the death penalty, appealing both to respect for the
six soldiers and four civilians. The driver ugliest manifestation.” Mindanao condemned the blast as dignity of the person as well as to the means that today’s
of the vehicle that exploded was also killed “We condemn this act without a “brazen act of violence against our society possesses to defend itself from criminals. Thus, in
in the blast. reservation,” said the prelate of the people.” the Christmas Message of 1998, he wished “the world the
The vehicle, rigged with improvised war-torn city of Marawi, where about The governor assured the families of consensus concerning the need for urgent and adequate
bombs, went off while being examined 400,000 people lost their homes during the victims of help, adding that he would measures … to end the death penalty.” The following month
by the soldiers. clashes between security forces and strengthen security in the region without in the United States, he repeated, “A sign of hope is the
The attack came a week after President Islamic State-inspired fighters last year. compromising the rights of the people. increasing recognition that the dignity of human life must
Rodrigo Duterte signed the Bangsamoro Bishop Dela Pena said the Abu Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has
Organic Law, which seeks to establish Sayyaf terror group, which is known said the government will do everything done great evil. Modern society has the means of protecting
a new Muslim autonomous region in for abducting and killing hostages in within its power to get to the bottom itself, without definitively denying criminals the chance
Mindanao. Basilan, bungled the opportunity for of this incident and will “apply the full to reform. I renew the appeal I made most recently at
The law is part of a peace deal signed dialogue with this week’s attack. force of the law on the perpetrators.” Christmas for a consensus to end the death penalty, which
between the Philippine government and Last month, Duterte announced that (Bong Sarmiento/UCANews) is both cruel and unnecessary.”
5. The motivation to be committed to the abolition of

Tribal refugees refuse to go back home the death penalty was continued with the subsequent
Pontiffs. Benedict XVI recalled “the attention of society’s
leaders to the need to make every effort to eliminate the
SURIGAO DEL SUR— Tribal of human rights group death penalty.” He later wished a group of the faithful
people in the southern Karapatan’s Surigao del Sur that “your deliberations will encourage the political and
Philippines who fled their chapter, said problems in legislative initiatives being promoted in a growing number
homes last month have vowed communities occur because of countries to eliminate the death penalty and to continue
not to return to their villages security forces do not keep the substantive progress made in conforming penal law
after the military refused to promises made to the people. both to the human dignity of prisoners and the effective
sign an agreement banning “These indigenous maintenance of public order.”
soldiers from entering their communities have been 6. In this same prospective, Pope Francis has reaffirmed
communities. subjected to forced evacuation that “today capital punishment is unacceptable, however
About 1,600 tribal people many times because of serious the condemned’s crime may have been.” The death
from villages in the town military operations and penalty, regardless of the means of execution, “entails
of Lianga, Surigao del Sur occupation,” he said. The cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment.” Furthermore,
province, left their homes prelate added that soldiers it is to be rejected “due to the defective selectivity of the
on July 16 because of alleged should go after rebels in the criminal justice system and in the face of the possibility
harassment by soldiers who forests instead of harassing of judicial error.” It is in this light that Pope Francis has
accused them of being rebel tribal communities. asked for a revision of the formulation of the Catechism of
sympathizers. Soldiers block a road to prevent about 1,600 tribal people from marching to the “The absence of armed the Catholic Church on the death penalty in a manner that
Armed forces spokesman, provincial capital of Surigao del Sur in the southern Philippines on July 30. MARK SALUDES forces in any civilian affirms that “no matter how serious the crime that has been
Major Ezra Balagtey, said that community can prevent committed, the death penalty is inadmissible because it is
while the military would agree Colonel Maurito Licudine, Peace negotiations between rights abuses, which the an attack on the inviolability and the dignity of the person.”
to a “temporary withdrawal” deputy commander of the the government and the tribal people have been 7. The new revision of number 2267 of the Catechism of
of troops in the villages, “we Philippine army’s 401st rebels stalled after President complaining about,” Bishop the Catholic Church, approved by Pope Francis, situates
cannot ignore our duty to Brigade, said the soldiers’ Rodrigo Duterte repeatedly Villasanta said. itself in continuity with the preceding Magisterium
conduct security operations.” presence in the villages aims postponed the talks. Catholic priest Raymond while bringing forth a coherent development of Catholic
On July 30, local “to protect the community Tribal group leader Sarry Montero Ambray of Tandag doctrine. The new text, following the footsteps of the
government officials from arme d e le me nts,” Campos, spokesman of the Diocese said the tribal people teaching of John Paul II in Evangelium vitæ, affirms that
mediated a dialogue between adding that it is the duty of group Mapasu, said people are already “traumatized” ending the life of a criminal as punishment for a crime is
the tribal people and soldiers the army to go after armed would not go back home by the presence of soldiers inadmissible because it attacks the dignity of the person,
who agreed to move out rebels. without the military signing because of past incidents, a dignity that is not lost even after having committed the
of the communities and “We will not cease patrols an agreement. including the killing of three most serious crimes. This conclusion is reached taking
allow the villagers to return because there are threats “We want an assurance tribal leaders in 2015. into account the new understanding of penal sanctions
home, but refused to sign the posed by rebel forces,” he that the army will not go back The killings perpetrated applied by the modern State, which should be oriented
agreement. told ucanews.com. He said and occupy the villages,” she by an armed militia backed above all to the rehabilitation and social reintegration
Balagtey told ucanews. if rebels enter tribal villages, told ucanews.com. by the military resulted of the criminal. Finally, given that modern society
com that “groups with “we have no option but to “We cannot just rely on in the evacuation of more possesses more efficient detention systems, the death
political motives” could use hunt them down in those their word because even than 4,000 people who only penalty becomes unnecessary as protection for the life of
the document to hinder the places.” signed agreements in the went back to their villages a innocent people. Certainly, it remains the duty of public
military from conducting Communist rebels have past were not honored,” she year later after the military authorities to defend the life of citizens, as has always
operations against been waging almost five added. ordered the withdrawal of been taught by the Magisterium and is confirmed by
communist insurgents in decades of guerrilla warfare Protestant Bishop Modesto troops from the area. (Mark the Catechism of the Catholic Church in numbers 2265
the area. in Philippine rural areas. Villasanta, chairman Saludes/UCANews) and 2266.
8. All of this shows that the new formulation of number
And That’s the Truth / A4 2267 of the Catechism expresses an authentic development
of doctrine that is not in contradiction with the prior
where Catholics are a majority, there is Novaliches asked, “Mr. President, how the back row asked, “Sir, may we have teachings of the Magisterium. These teachings, in fact, can
an unbridgeable gap between the rich do you plan to win decent followers to your Ten Commandments?” Duterte be explained in the light of the primary responsibility of
and the poor!” your new religion when you cannot keep snapped, “Of course, I said you are my the public authority to protect the common good in a social
A parish pastoral worker from Albay, your promise to clean your language?” guests, I’ll tell you everything. Here context in which the penal sanctions were understood
John Paul Gutierrez, asked, “How do Without missing a beat, the president they are: differently, and had developed in an environment in which
you propose to start your new religion— said, “Why are you media people always 1. I am the Lodi your god. Thou shalt it was more difficult to guarantee that the criminal could
isn’t it a tedious process?” His reply: criticizing my language? That’s who I not have other Lodis before me. not repeat his crime.
“I am the President of the Philippines. am. That’s how I get things done. That’s 2. Thou shalt not speak the name of 9. The new revision affirms that the understanding of
If any country boy can start a religion how I got voted into office. Pero sa totoo your Lodi in vain, because I am not a the inadmissibility of the death penalty grew “in the light
that would become an international lang, walang masama diyan sa akin! I stupid god. of the Gospel.” The Gospel, in fact, helps to understand
sensation, why not a President of a have foul language because I eat durian 3. Honor the Sabbath Day—kung wala better the order of creation that the Son of God assumed,
republic? I can do what I want not only for breakfast, lunch and dinner. What’s kang pahinga, mamatay ka maaga. purified, and brought to fulfillment. It also invites us to the
because I have the power to do so, but so immoral about that?” 4. Honor thy father and thy mother— mercy and patience of the Lord that gives to each person
because I have the passion for it. Kayo, Apolinario Samar, who works at the otherwise hindi ka nila pamanahan. the time to convert oneself.
kahit ang Pope niyo, hindi magawa Pasig Diocesan office, politely asked, 5. Thou shalt not kill—puwera lang 10. The new formulation of number 2267 of the
iyan!” “What will be the principal teaching of kung nanlaban. Catechism of the Catholic Church desires to give
Follow up question: “But wouldn’t your religion, sir?” Duterte replied, “You 6. Thou shalt not commit adultery— energy to a movement towards a decisive commitment
your founding a religion be a slap in know. I cannot rush these things. You but it’s okay to kiss thy neighbor’s wife. to favor a mentality that recognizes the dignity of
the face of the Iglesia ni Kristo who all have to give me time. I am still waiting 7. Thou shalt not steal anything below every human life and, in respectful dialogue with civil
voted for you?” Duterte grinned and for inspiration, maybe in six months it six million pesos—and don’t get caught, authorities, to encourage the creation of conditions
said, “Ah, I love the Iglesia ni Kristo— will come. However, I am sure na sa please. that allow for the elimination of the death penalty
they are not an enemy. In fact, I intend relihiyon ko, walang bawal-bawal! You 8. Thou shalt not bear false witness where it is still in effect.
to make them a sister-religion. Yung can do anything you want! Pero dapat against me—that’s fake news. The Sovereign Pontiff Francis, in the Audience granted
sa akin, Iglesia ni Digong.” Sr. Everlyn meron ding Ten Commandments…” 9. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s to the undersigned Secretary of the Congregation for the
Miramar, a nun from St. Paul, stood The crowd speechlessly hung on to the wife—kill the husband first to legalize Doctrine of the Faith on 28 June 2018, has approved the
up boldly and asked, “Will your new president’s word: “Siyempre you can’t your lust. present Letter, adopted in the Ordinary Session of this
religion also have nuns, sir?” Duterte take that away from me. I was raised 10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s Congregation on 13 June 2018, and ordered its publication.
snorted and said, “Ay siyempre naman, a Catholic—ang nanay ko, rosary yan goods—unless you’re Chinese.”
sister, kung wala, sino na magpunas umaga, tanghali, gabi, para ako bumait. The media people took selfies with Rome, from the Office of the Congregation for the Doctrine
ng puwet ng mga pari?” Laughter Sabi niya sa akin nung bata pa ako, hindi the president on his way out, but they of the Faith, 1 August 2018, Memorial of Saint Alphonsus
followed, then Duterte rebounded, pa ako tuli non, ‘Panoorin mo yang Ten admitted they were reluctant to file Liguori.
“Joke lang Sister, wag mo siryosohin. Commandments para maniwala ka sa stories anywhere, because one never Luis F. Card. Ladaria, S.I.
Na-kyutan lang ako sa iyo. Hindi ko pa Diyos.’ So pinanood ko sa sine, favorite knows when the president is joking Prefect
alam kung magkaroon ng mga madre ko diyan yung nabiyak yung dagat, and or serious. The encounter, however, X Giacomo Morandi
ang relihiyon ko, but I suppose they the stupid Egyptians drowned. Because became the highlight of the day at the Titular Archbishop of Cerveteri
will be useful for rehabilitating drug the god of the Israelites was a smart god. convention whose theme is “Fake News Secretary
addicts, or as caregivers to politicians Naniwala nga ako sa diyos. Ok, I have and Journalism for Peace.”
in the departure area, you know, like time for one last question, hinintay na As you may have noticed by now, dear (Footnotes have been removed for reasons of space.)
Enrile, etc.” ako ni Honeylet, baka isipin non ka- readers, the above news item is fake
Minni Agdeppa from the Diocese of date ko si Mocha Uson.” A voice from news. And that’s the truth. _____________________
A8 PEOPLE, FACTS, AND PLACES August 6 - 19, 2018, Vol 22, No. 16 CBCP Monitor

Bishop Presto takes helm Seminarians’ play


of San Fernando diocese tackles EJKs,
priest killings

Bishop Daniel Presto was officially installed as the new head of the Diocese of San Fernando in La Union on August 2. PHOTO COURTESY OF SABINS STUDIO

A SPECIAL ceremony The diocese serves Salle University in Manila. only during difficult
took place in San roughly around 703,480 Prior to becoming situations, “but even in
Fernando City on Aug. Catholics in 28 parishes, a bishop, he served good times”.
2 to officially install or about 86 percent different parishes and “We pray for one
the man Pope Francis of the province’s total as director of the Saint another. I ask you dear
selected to lead the population. Augustine School of Iba parishioners to pray for The Our Lady of the Angels Seminary (OLAS) seminary foundation day featured “Ang Kamatayan ni
Kamatayan,” a stage-play directed by Jonathan Oraño, Aug. 2, 2018. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Catholics throughout La Presto had served as and president of the us priests and religious,”
Union province. the administrator of Magsaysay Memorial he said. “Pray that we EXTRA-JUDICIAL killings, Citizens and all sectors of society
Most. Rev. Daniel Presto the diocese of Iba for College of San Narciso. become holy priests and murder of priests, rising inflation, are suffering,” Oraño explained in
became the sixth bishop around three years, and “Bishop Presto is here… religious in the same way injustice, and fake news. These Filipino.
of the Diocese of San at 55, is now among the 20 for only one reason: God we shall pray for you were just some of the highlights of He then challenged the public
Fernando, having been youngest Filipino bishops. sent him here. La Union always.” “Ang Kamatayan ni kamatayan,” a to reflect on the play’s deeper
appointed to the position He succeeds Bishop is God’s will for him,” The new bishop also stage-play directed by Jonathan S. meaning. “We need to act. When
by the Pope on May 9. Rodolfo Beltran who died said Archbishop Socrates said that he will be a Oraño during the Our Lady of the are we speaking up, when we are
About a dozen other in office last year. Villegas of Lingayen- collaborative worker Angels Seminary (OLAS) seminary all in jail?”
bishops and more than Born in 1963, Presto Dagupan in his homily. with diocesan personnel, foundation day in Novaliches,
a hundred priests and was ordained a priest Presto then asked the government leaders Quezon City on Aug. 2. Thankful for 56 years
religious attended the for Iba diocese in 1990 faithful to support him and all those with “The play that I wrote is about Meanwhile, seminary rector
solemn ceremony held and earned his mater’s in in his huge responsibility responsibility in the the social issues here in our country Fr. Joel Sulse, OFM expressed
at St. William Cathedral. education from the De La with their prayers not diocese. (CBCPNews) every character is symbolic, and it gratitude for this year’s celebration
will challenge us to use our rights of the seminary’s 56th foundation
and to fight for our lives in this time anniversary. Founded in 1962, the
of political persecution,” said Oraño seminary will be preparing soon for
in Filipino. its 60th anniversary.
According to him, the comedy- “…We must thank God as He
drama aims to become a wake-up continues to guide our seminary…
call to Filipinos. Truly, this year is a year of grace,
it is a year of thanksgiving to our
Speaking up Lord and truly, this is a gift even
“This is a perspective we want to our community and to all of us
to share with Filipinos who are celebrating as a family here…For
anxious, whose fears overcome this year’s celebration, we praise
them, [and who] don’t want to act and thank God,” said Sulse. (Mark
despite human rights and our rights Joy Guntero Basallajes/
as Filipinos being trampled on. CBCPNews)

Thirteen deacons prostrate themselves before the altar at the Cathedral of St Vitalis and the Guardian Angels during their ordination as priests of
the Archdiocese of Cebu on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. SAMMY NAVAJA

Laoag diocese ordains first indigenous priest


THE Vatican’s Apostolic Apostolic Penitentiary
Penitentiary granted a accords to deacons who
special plenary indulgence request for the privilege–
to those who attended on the occasion of their
the first Mass of the first sacerdotal ordination–for
man coming from an the benefit of the faithful,”
indigenous community Respicio explained.
to be ordained priest in “The Diocese of Laoag
the Diocese of Laoag is again in great jubilation
Fr. Metchell Valdepeña and thanksgiving for this
of St. Gabriel the rare privilege granted by
Archangel Parish in the Vatican,” he said.
Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte “The new priest is very
was ordained priest on thankful to his bishop,
July 31 by Laoag Bishop the Most Rev. Renato
Renato Mayugba. Mayugba for the full
He celebrated his first support and fatherly
Mass at three in the concern to him and his
afternoon of the same fellow members of the
day in his home-parish of clergy,” the priest added.
St. Gabriel. Nueva Era is the south
Fr. Ericson Josue, eastern-most town
historian and archivist of of Ilocos Norte and is
the diocese of Laoag, said inhabited mostly by the
Newly ordained priest Fr. Metchell Valdepeña holds the decree issued by the
the the decree granting a Apostolic Penitentiary granting special plenary indulgence to whoever attends indigenous communities of
plenary indulgence was his first Mass and who is in proper disposition to receive it.” CONTRIBUTED PHOTO “Tinguians” and “Itnegs”.
signed on June 28, 2018– Valdepeña, who
in the name and authority Plenary Indulgence while for sins already forgiven,” is from the ‘Itneg’
of Pope Francis–by praying for the intentions Josue elaborated. community, expressed his
Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, of the Pope, who truly Valdepeña is the first overwhelming joy for the
the Major Penitentiary. It does penance motivated to receive this Vatican special gift he has received
was attested to by Msgr. by charity, purifying privilege in the Northern for his ordination.
Krzysztof Nykiel, Regent themselves in the Luzon region and from the “This is a gift not only
of the Major Penitentiary. Sacramental Confession, diocese of Laoag, noted for me but for the entire
“The decree mandates and reception of the most Diocesan Chancellor Fr. people of God for whom
that whoever attends the holy Eucharist. Plenary Rey Respicio. I am ordained,” he said.
First Mass of Valdepeña Indulgence removes all the “This is a special (Fr. Mickey Cardenas/
would receive a special temporal punishment due privilege that the CBCPNews)
CBCP Monitor August 6 - 19, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 16 PASTORAL CONCERNS B1

Pope Francis receives the participants of the International Conference on the third anniversary of Laudato Si’. VATICAN MEDIA

‘Go and repair my house, which,


as you can see, lies in ruins’
(Address of His Holiness Pope Francis to the participants of the International Conference marking the 3rd anniversary of
the encyclical “Laudato Si’”, Clementine Hall, 6 July 2018)
YOUR Eminences, Your Excellencies, Along with states, local authorities, civil be building a better future without thinking of and grandchildren. Sometimes it might seem
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, society, and economic and religious institutions the environmental crisis and the sufferings of too arduous a task, since “there are too many
can promote the culture and practice of an the excluded” (Laudato Si’, 13). It is the young special interests, and economic interests
I welcome all of you assembled for this integral ecology. I trust that events such as who will have to face the consequences of the easily end up trumping the common good
International Conference marking the third the Global Climate Action Summit, to be held current environmental and climate crisis. and manipulating information so that their
anniversary of the Encyclical Letter Laudato from 12-14 September in San Francisco, will Consequently, intergenerational solidarity own plans will not be affected” (Laudato Si’,
Si’ on care for our common home. In a special provide suitable responses, with the support “is not optional, but rather a basic question 54). Yet “human beings, while capable of
way, I would like to greet His Eminence of citizens’ pressure groups worldwide. As I of justice, since the world we have received the worst, are also capable of rising above
Archbishop Zizioulas, because he and Cardinal observed, along with His Holiness Ecumenical also belongs to those who will follow us” themselves, choosing again what is good,
Turkson together presented the Encyclical Patriarch Bartholomew, “there can be no (ibid., 159). and making a new start” (ibid., 205). Please
three years ago. I thank all of you for coming sincere and enduring resolution to the Then too, “it is essential to show special continue to work for “the radical change which
together to “hear with your hearts” the challenge of the ecological crisis and climate care for indigenous communities and their present circumstances require” (ibid., 171).
increasingly desperate cries of the earth and change unless the response
its poor, who look for our help and concern. is concerted and collective,
You have also gathered to testify to the urgent unless the responsibility is
need to respond to the Encyclical’s call for shared and accountable,
change, for an ecological conversion. Your and unless we give priority
presence here is the sign of your commitment to solidarity and service”
to take concrete steps to save the planet and (Message for the World
the life it sustains, inspired by the Encyclical’s Day of Prayer for Creation,
assumption that “everything is connected”. 1 September 2017).
That principle lies at the heart of an integral Financial institutions,
ecology. too, have an important role
Here we can think back on the call that to play, as part both of the
Francis of Assisi received from the Lord in the problem and its solution.
little church of San Damiano: “Go and repair A financial paradigm shift
my house, which, as you can see, lies in ruins”. is needed, for the sake
Today, the “common home” of our planet also of promoting integral
needs urgently to be repaired and secured for human development.
a sustainable future. International organizations
In recent decades, the scientific community such as the International
has developed increasingly accurate Monetary Fund and the
assessments in this regard. Indeed, “the pace World Bank can encourage
of consumption, waste and environmental effective reforms for more
change has so stretched the planet’s capacity inclusive and sustainable
that our contemporary lifestyle, unsustainable development. It is to be
as it is, can only precipitate catastrophes, such hoped that “finance...
as those which even now periodically occur in will go back to being
different areas of the world” (Laudato Si’, 161). an instrument directed
There is a real danger that we will leave future towards improved wealth
Children perform at the start of an international conference marking the third anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical, “Laudato Si’,” at the Vatican July 5. PAUL
generations only rubble, deserts and refuse. creation and development” HARING/CNS
So I express my hope that concern for the (BenedictXVI, Caritas in
state of our common home will translate into Veritate, 65), as well as
systematic and concerted efforts aimed at an towards care for the environment. cultural traditions” (ibid., 146). It grieves For “injustice is not invincible” (ibid., 74).
integral ecology. For “the effects of the present All these actions presuppose a transformation us to see the lands of indigenous peoples May Saint Francis of Assisi continue to
imbalance can only be reduced by our decisive on a deeper level, namely a change of hearts expropriated and their cultures trampled on inspire and guide us on this journey, and
action, here and now” (ibid.). Humanity has and minds. In the words of Saint John by predatory schemes and by new forms of “may our struggles and our concern for this
the knowledge and the means to cooperate in Paul II: “We must encourage and support colonialism, fuelled by the culture of waste planet never take away the joy of our hope”
responsibly “cultivating and protecting” the an ‘ecological conversion’” (Catechesis, 17 and consumerism (cf. Synod of Bishops, (ibid., 244). After all, that hope is based on
earth. Significantly, your discussions have January 2001). Here the religions, and the Amazonia: New Paths for the Church and our faith in the power of our heavenly Father.
addressed some of this year’s important steps Christian Churches in particular, have a key for an Integral Ecology, 8 June 2018). “For He, “who calls us to generous commitment
in this direction. role to play. The Day of Prayer for Creation them, land is not a commodity but rather a and to give him our all, offers us the light
The COP24 Summit, to be held in Katowice, and its associated initiatives, begun in the gift from God and from their ancestors who and the strength needed to continue on our
Poland, in December, could prove a milestone Orthodox Church, are beginning to spread rest there, a sacred space with which they way. In the heart of this world, the Lord of
on the path set out by the 2015 Paris Agreement. among Christian communities throughout need to interact if they are to maintain their life, who loves us so much, is always present.
We all know that much still needs to be done to the world. identity and values” (Laudato Si’, 146). How He does not abandon us, he does not leave us
implement that Agreement. All governments Finally, dialogue and commitment to our much we can learn from them! The lives of alone, for he has united himself definitively to
should strive to honour the commitments common home must make special room for indigenous peoples “are a living memory of the our earth, and his love constantly impels us
made in Paris, in order to avoid the worst two groups of people at the forefront of efforts mission that God has entrusted to us all: the to find new ways forward. Praise be to him!”
consequences of the climate crisis. “Reducing to foster an integral ecology. Both will be at the protection of our common home” (Address, (ibid., 245).
greenhouse gases requires honesty, courage centre of the next two Synods of the Catholic Puerto Maldonado, Peru, 19 January 2018).
and responsibility, above all on the part of Church: young people and indigenous peoples, Dear brothers and sisters, challenges are To all of you I impart my blessing. And please,
those countries which are more powerful and especially those from the Amazon region. not lacking! I express my heartfelt gratitude remember to pray for me.
pollute the most” (ibid., 169), and we cannot On the one hand, “Young people demand for your efforts in the service of care for
afford to waste time. change. They wonder how anyone can claim to creation and a better future for our children Thank you!
B2 FEATURE August 6 - 19, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 16 CBCP Monitor

The proper place for the Eucharistic celebration


By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso, J.C.D.

DURING the summer—still at its 2 nd: I n a p a r t i c u l a r c a s e —


peak in the western world, where demanded by necessity—the
most of our tourists and balikbayans Mass may also be celebrated in
come from—the question has a respectable place (other than a
cropped up again of whether or not sacred place), using suitable table
Holy Mass could be celebrated in the and always retaining an altar cloth
most unusual places: the beach (for and corporal. The decision as to the
a family reunion or wedding), the propriety of a place is not specifically
venue for the wedding reception (or established, but the following limits
for anniversary Masses), the malls are established by Canon Law:
on Sundays, etc. In fact, there has a) The Bishops are “the principal
been a proliferation of Eucharistic dispensers of the mysteries of God
celebrations outside the churches. and moderators, promoters and
Are there canonical norms regarding custodians of the whole liturgical
this issue? life of the church committed to
them” (c.835, §1). Hence, even if the
The Code of Canon Law is Local Ordinary is not the only one
clear on the proper place for who can determine the propriety of
the celebration of the Holy a certain place for the celebration
Eucharist of Mass in a particular case, his
As Vatican Council II declared, expressed disapproval of a certain
“In the Holy Eucharist is contained place or places for such celebration
the whole spiritual good of the is binding.
Church” (Presbyterorum Ordinis, b) The priests also exercise this
n.5). It is no wonder then that the office, but only “under the authority
Code of Canon Law is quite precise of the Bishop” (c.835, §2). Thus, in
in its regulation of the Eucharistic general it is the Parish Priest who
celebration, specifically—for the has the oversight function over his
present issue—as regards the place territory as regards the conduct Workers attend Mass inside a mall in Dasmariñas, Cavite. PHOTO COURTESY OF FR. ANTONIO PEREZ, JR.
and its disposition: of the liturgy, and may therefore
Can.932, §1. The celebration of the prohibit the use of a specific place sacred temples in the metropolis in true canonical fashion, put some ministers of Ecclesial Communities
Eucharist is to be performed in a or a particular instance. and the congregation of people in teeth into its norms by reminding that do not have the apostolic
sacred place, unless in a particular These norms have been reiterated such commercial establishments on the Catholic faithful—the bishops succession nor acknowledge the
case necessity demands otherwise; more recently by the Congregation Sundays. Indeed it is a praiseworthy especially—that the violation of the sacramental dignity of priestly
in such a case the celebration must for Divine Worship and Discipline fact that in a number of such malls, norms regarding the Eucharist and Ordination;
be done in a respectable place. of the Sacraments in the Instruction veritable sacred places have been Eucharistic celebration pertain to d) the consecration for sacrilegious
--§2. The Eucharistic Sacrifice is Redemptionis Sacramentum on constructed—with dignity and at the so-called delicta graviora, which ends of one matter without the other
to be performed upon a dedicated 19.III.2004 in the following terms: great expense—with as many as 4-6 are reserved to the Holy See. Thus, in the celebration of the Eucharist or
or blessed altar; a suitable table 108. The celebration of the Masses on Sundays, to the benefit of it states: even of both outside the celebration
can be used outside a sacred place, Eucharist is to be carried out in a the faithful, who thus have access to 171. Among the various abuses of the Eucharist.
always retaining the use of a cloth sacred place, unless in a particular the Eucharistic celebration. there are some which are objectively 173. Although the gravity of a
and corporal. case necessity requires otherwise. Nevertheless, such practice has graviora delicta or otherwise matter is to be judged in accordance
In this case the celebration must also been abused, such that in quite constitute grave matters, as well with the common teaching of the
Based on the whole c.932, §§1-2 be in a decent place. The diocesan a number of such malls—especially as others which are nonetheless to Church and the norms established
above, the norms regarding the Bishop shall be the judge for his in the provinces—the Holy Mass be carefully avoided and corrected. by her, objectively to be considered
proper place to celebrate the Holy diocese concerning this necessity, is celebrated in the mall atrium, Bearing in mind everything that is among grave matters is anything
Mass can be summarized as follows: on a case-by-case basis. making use of a temporary stage and treated especially in Chapter I of that puts at risk the validity and
1st: Normally, on a dedicated or 109. It is never lawful for a Priest altar, much the same set-up used for this Instruction, attention should dignity of the Most Holy Eucharist:
blessed altar, in a sacred place (i.e., to celebrate in a temple or sacred other profane events (e.g., contests, be paid to what follows. namely, anything that contravenes
a temple/chapel dedicated to this place of any non-Christian religion. fashion and other shows), to the 172. Graviora delicta against the what is set out above in nn. 48-52,
purpose). There are elaborate rites detriment of the dignity and piety sanctity of the Most August Sacrifice 56, 76-77, 79, 91-92, 94, 96, 101-102,
for the dedication and blessing of Mass at malls and other places proper of the Holy Sacrifice. Even and Sacrament of the Eucharist are 104, 106, 109, 111, 115, 117, 126, 131-
an altar, likewise for the dedication/ It is good to remember that the in Metro Manila, there are Masses to be handled in accordance with the 133, 138, 153 and 168. Moreover,
blessing of a sacred place. One only original idea behind the so-called held in some malls right in the midst ‘Norms concerning graviora delicta attention should be given to the
needs to remember the elaborate mall Masses was to facilitate Mass of all the shoppers going about their reserved to the Congregation for the other prescriptions of the Code of
indications of Yahweh to Moses and attendance by the mall personnel activities. Obviously, all these are Doctrine of the Faith’, namely: Canon Law, and especially what
Aaron—centuries later followed by on Sundays and other holy days contrary to liturgical and canonical a) taking away or retaining the is laid down by canons 1364, 1369,
King David and King Solomon—as of obligation. Hence, they were norms and need to be addressed consecrated species for sacrilegious 1373, 1376, 1380, 1384, 1385, 1386,
regards the proper tent (tabernacle) originally only scheduled about with a certain measure of urgency by ends, or the throwing them away; and 1398.
for the Ark of the Covenant and an hour before the opening of the ecclesiastical authorities. b) the attempted celebration of the
the Jewish rites of worship, and such establishments (e.g., 9:00 liturgical action of the Eucharistic Complaints regarding abuses
those were just human artifacts and a.m. in Metro Manila). With time, Violations of these norms Sacrifice or the simulation of the regarding the Eucharistic
rituals, as compared with Christ’s however, the practice has been pertain to the delicta graviora same; celebration
Paschal Sacrifice which is what the extended to the general public, reserved to the Holy See c) the forbidden concelebration The aforementioned Instruction
Holy Mass is. considering also the shortage of The aforementioned Instruction, of the Eucharistic Sacrifice with Proper/ B7

Treatment of partially consumed hosts


Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university, answers the following query:
Q: I recently asked [my pastor] legitimate option, and some other
if I could set aside (designate) a solution should be found in which
glass bowl for use by extraordinary the host is properly consumed.
ministers of Holy Communion to For example, If the minister
dissolve consecrated hosts that is to receive Communion he or she
were only partially consumed by can consume the partial hosts at this
residents in a local senior care moment.
center for which we are responsible. Likewise, if some of the staff also
The contents could then be poured receive Communion, it could be
into the sacrarium. He flat out explained to them that the minister
rejected the idea, and when I asked might give them any parted hosts.
him what he wants done instead, In such a case Communion on the
he said he buries the host in the tongue would be preferred to avoid
dirt outside the church building. further fragmentation.
He apparently expects our ministers If the remaining fragments are
to do likewise. Your comments or very small, they could be consumed
recommendations? — J.P., New in the context of the purification of
Jersey the sacred vessel used to distribute
Communion.
The Diocese of Salt Lake City has While burial and burning
the following sensible guidelines are among the possible ways of
which reflect universal norms and disposing of blessed or otherwise
common practice: “Proper way of sacred objects such as old missals,
JOHANN MANGUSSAD/FILE PHOTO
Disposing of a Consecrated Host or vestments, and the like, this would
Precious Blood returned to the parish for proper or appearance of a host being externally remains intact, the real not be a valid option for fragments
disposal as described below. discarded or profaned. However, presence would cease as soon as the of the Blessed Sacrament and under
“A. ‘If a host or any particle “D. The process of dissolving the once the host is saturated (within host is fully soaked with water since no circumstances should a host be
should fall, it is to be picked up host in water may be used in special an hour) it must then be disposed of from that moment the species is no buried.
reverently. If any of the Precious conditions such as a partially immediately in the sacrarium or in longer exclusively that of bread.” Church law is very strict on
Blood is spilled, the area where the consumed host that may have fallen the earth as described in paragraph This would appear to cover this point. As the instruction
spill occurred should be washed from a communicant’s mouth or F. most cases. However, it could be Redemptionis Sacramentum states:
with water, and this water should a host that was unintentionally “F. The liquid should be poured that our reader is also considering “107. In accordance with what is
then be poured into the sacrarium dropped to a less than clean floor. down the sacrarium (a special sink a somewhat different case. Many laid down by the canons, ‘one who
in the sacristy.’ (GIRM No. 280) “E. To dispose of a host, with a drain going directly into the elderly people have difficulty throws away the consecrated species
“B. If the host is dropped on the the priest, deacon or eucharistic ground, not the sewer). It should swallowing and the minister must or takes them away or keeps them
floor when receiving the Sacrament minister must dissolve it in water to not be poured down a common break a small host into half or for a sacrilegious purpose, incurs a
of Holy Communion, it should pick it the point where the host no longer sink. If such is not available, the even a quarter so as to administer latae sententiae excommunication
up by the communicant or minister has the appearance of bread. This liquid should be poured on the Communion to the person. Thus reserved to the Apostolic See; a
and consumed immediately. may require that the host be broken ground in a location that would we would not be dealing with a cleric, moreover, may be punished
“C. During the distribution up in small pieces prior to placing not be walked over, such as behind host which has fallen or touched by another penalty, not excluding
to the elderly or infirm, if the it in water. It is necessary to wait a flower bed that is along a wall, at the mouth of an elderly or infirm dismissal from the clerical state.’
communicant is unable to swallow for the host to be fully soaked in the foot of a statue or similar places. person but of a large fragment of a To be regarded as pertaining to this
(host is spat out or dropped from water, out of respect for what once “G. With respect to the broken host. case is any action that is voluntarily
the mouth), the Host should be contained the presence of Christ presence of Christ, most theologians In such cases, simply and gravely disrespectful of the
collected in a piece of linen and and in order to avoid any danger would hold that, although the host dissolving the host is not a Treatment / B7
CBCP Monitor August 6 - 19, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 16 FEATURE B3

The Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and the


wisdom of the messages of Cardinal Tauran
By Silsilah Dialogue Movement

THE Silsilah Dialogue Movement


welcomes the new Bangsamoro
Organic Law (BOL) and invites all
to face this new agreement with the
proper spirit in the respect and rights
of all in Mindanao.
A lot has been said and more will
be shared to understand this new
BOL and its implementations. We
in Silsilah take this challenge. The
last activity done in this line is the
special program on Muslim-Christian
Dialogue in Harmony Village a few
days ago: “To Form Christian and
Muslim leaders ready to move beyond
fear, prejudices and violence willing
to live and promote the Culture
of Dialogue, Path to Peace”. More
activities are scheduled by Silsilah to
continue to reflect, with the hope to
reach many, including the grassroots
of our society.
These challenges will urge us to
share what is the spirit of dialogue
that we have to build, especially
among Christians, Muslims and
Indigenous people in Mindanao.
To do this we share now inspiring
messages of Cardinal Jean-Louis
Tauran who passed away a few weeks
ago. He was the President of the
Pontifical Council of Interreligious
Dialogue of the Vatican. In his last
official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia in April 2018, he met King
Salman bin Abdulaziz and visited
Sheikh Mohammed Abdel Karim President Rodrigo Duterte poses for a photo with the legislators and negotiators in the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, as well as top military and police officials during the presentation of the
al-Issa, Secretary General of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) to the MILF at Malacañang Palace, August 6, 2018. MALACAÑANG PHOTO
Muslim World League. They also
visited “Etidal”, the Global Center for leaders; in Riyadh he has received Therefore, to meet together, speak, who can easily go on to violence and all persons of good will devoid
Combatting Extremist Ideology. the Patriarch of the Maronite Church. build something together, are an in the name of religion, including of religious affiliation, have equal
Saudi Arabia is well known for its There is a lot of wisdom in the invitation to encounter the other, and terrorism. They become convinced, dignity. Everyone must be left free to
ultra-conservative brand of Wahhabi various speeches of Cardinal Tauran also means discovering ourselves.” through brainwashing, that they are embrace the religion that he wishes.”
Islam. In this setting, the modernizing that we recall here to honor him and (Card. Tauran) serving God. The truth is that they After this came the concluding appeal
Mohammed bin Salman, crown help us to deepen the basic concepts On Fundamentalism: “In are only hurting themselves, ruining to join forces “so that God, who
prince of Saudi Arabia, has been of dialogue, as a good reminder all religions, there are forms of the image of their religion and their created us, may not be a motive of
beating waves. He is attempting to for all, with the hope that changes radicalism. Fundamentalists and coreligionists. This is why they need division, but rather of unity.” (Card.
wean the economy from its reliance of BOL are guided by wisdom and extremists may be zealous persons, our prayer and our help.” (Card. Tauran)
on oil. He has liberalized society, good will. but unfortunately they have deviated Tauran) Silsilah continues to be as a sign of
reigning in the religious police, On the clash of Civilizations: “What from a solid and wise understanding On Interreligous Dialogue: “All “hope” in the midst of divisions and
allowing cinemas to be opened is threatening all of us is not the of religion. Moreover, they consider authentic interreligious dialogue conflicts. This is our mission and we
again, and plans to let Saudi women clash of civilizations, but rather those who donot share their vision begins with the proclamation of invite, especially leaders who are in
drive cars. In London he visited the the clash of forms of ignorance and as unbelievers who must convert or one’s own faith. We do not say the stage of giving shape to the BOL
Archbishop of Canterbury; in New radicalism. What is threatening to be eliminated, so as to maintain that all religions are equal, but all to move, guided by the spirit of the
York he met Catholic and Jewish coexistence is, first of all, ignorance. purity. They are misled persons the believers, those who seek God common good.

The dream of Silsilah about dialogue and peace?


often forget is that results in the
mission of dialogue are not the
priorities. The priority is the fidelity
in what we believe. Personally I have
achieved immediate results in some
situations and sometimes very little
results after long time of hard work
in the field of interfaith dialogue.
The reason for me is simple. I am
not the one who decides the turn
of events, it is God. Thus, dialogue,
as love in silence is very important
for those who believe in it and have
decided to take the “narrow” road of
dialogue. Advance technology could
be a great help, but in reality, could
also become an obstacle because
we are in a society where we want
to “burn” experience in a hurry.
Dialogue as LOVE IN SILENCE
is the main road to a sustainable
journey to peace.

3. Love in harmony

Love in action  and love


By Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra, PIME to another, from one culture to we are tempted to believe that fidelity to our mission. All religions in silence are main steps to reach to
another, from one sector of society silence is a waste of time, but this is can share a long list of events where the stage of LOVE IN HARMONY,
to another,etc. but it is important not true. Silence plays an important silence has been the habitat of their not only because action and silence
THERE is a great need to remind all to look for the “pure intention” role in creation. Even events in “great Light”. can develop harmony, but especially
in our society the need to become of dialogue that in the process history have always started from I do not know of any spiritual because harmony in the context of
people of dialogue in the midst of “purification” becomes an silence. It is said: “War and peace journey in Christianity, in Islam or love becomes dynamic. Harmony is a
of divisions and conflicts. Often expression of LOVE. start in the silence of the heart in other religions that has not been concept and experience very familiar
dialogue is presented as a strategy, I often find people who have been and mind”. We can add that “love strengthened in the silence of events, to the Asian culture, but often is
but if we go to a deeper level of the touched by the Silsilah spirituality and hate are nurtured in silence”. sufferings, misunderstandings and considered a form of “fatalism”.
spiritual experience of dialogue it and they claim to be part of Silsilah The great example of LOVE IN persecutions. This has also been In recent times there are many
becomes an expression of LOVE. because they apply the spirit of love SILENCE is the dialogue of God with true for us in Silsilah. It gives us reflections regarding harmony.
Thus, dialoguer is not only a “means” in their relations with their family, humanity. God’s silence is creative the courage to live the spirituality There is also a “Theology of
to achieve something, but it can be community or work place. But this and dialogical. He has given many of life-in dialogue and people to the Harmony”. We also know how
also a “goal” itself.  There is no is what we hope will become more “signs” with His “style” and “ways” mission of interfaith dialogue. This harmony is often connected with the
real spirituality without a deeper common in society.  This is the new of relating with us and most of these journey is becoming more difficult concept of the YIN and YANG. Some
understanding of love. Indeed a style of life that we wish to become a signs are manifested in silence. in the Philippines and in many also   take the concept of “harmony”
deeper DIALOGUE IS LOVE IN reality in Silsilah and in all sectors of Going back to my personal other parts of the world in spite as a quiet style of life. For us in
ACTION, IN SILENCE AND IN our society. Doing this we can build experience and the experience of of the many “interfaith initiatives” Silsilah it is always used as “active
HARMONY: together a culture of dialogue, path Silsilah, I can say that we have promoted by many groups and harmony” or “dynamic harmony”
to peace. grown in the spirit of silence guided institutions. which has its origin from love.
1. Love in action by events and signs of God. I have The reasons are many, but the  
2. Love in silence learned that real silence develops major reason of the increasing (Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra, PIME,
For sure the perception of “love” “patience” and patience purifies difficulties is the impatience to have is the Founder of Silsilah Dialogue
can change from one religion There are times in our lives when the intentions and strengthens the immediate results. What people Movement)
B4 FEATURE August 6 - 19, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 16 CBCP Monitor

Occasional ‘misencounters’
By Bishop Virgilio Pablo David “intervention” was unintended, that it had upon by the very people who should be the chaplain of one of our mission stations
been caused by a sheer “lack of coordination”. protecting them? Who will they turn to when saw nine men being arrested without
They’d be called “misencounters” caused by the supposed law enforcers turn out to be law warrants. This has become a common
EVERY now and then, something embarrassing some glitches in communication. I imagine the breakers? practice especially in the slum communities
happens in the war against drugs. It turns out exasperation on the part of the more decent, It’s amusing that a warrant of arrest is now where people are unaware of their human
that it’s the police against the police; the police or—to be more exact with the vocabulary—the being revived by a court against supposed rights. Good thing if all of them are brought
not knowing it’s their fellow men in uniform more naive elements among the police. leftist leaders for command responsibility immediately to the police station. In several
they are pursuing. These incidents happen Need we belabor the point that there are behind a killing that happened more than a instances, big groups between ten to twenty
by sheer accident; they are taken by surprise abusive men in uniform who have been decade ago, while no such arrest warrants have been rounded up. In one instance,
when the disclosure happens. I am inclined taking advantage of the government’s war are being served against police chiefs for of fifteen people arrested, eleven were
to think that this is precisely the reason against illegal drugs? Their sense of impunity command responsibility behind the countless brought to the police station and the rest
why they’d rather not pursue the masked gets a further boost each time they get an killings being regularly committed against “went missing”. Of course, they’d declare
killers who target the same “drug suspects”. assurance from the higher ups that, in their alleged drug suspects. that only eleven (not fifteen) were arrested.
They might end up getting reprimanded for operations against illegal drugs, they will be Now they’re also arresting media The missing ones are lucky if they are
“getting in the way”. In such “unfortunate” given a guarantee of protection from whatever practitioners for covering the violent dispersal allowed to surface after a few days—their
instances, the uniformed operators have every charges might be filed against them. Who will at the picket of striking NutriAsia workers last dead bodies mutilated, bearing unspeakable
right to complain to their higher ups that the people run to when their rights are trampled Monday afternoon, July 30. A few days ago, torture marks.

Pitong Gatang Everyone is called


By Bishop Virgilio Pablo David
to holiness
By Bernardo M. Villegas

MILLENIALS (those born after Pope Francis, through his


1982) are more fortunate as Apostolic Exhortation entitled
regards Christian living than those “Rejoice and Be Glad”, recently
of us who are baby boomers (born reiterated this teaching of the
during or after the Second World Second Vatican Council. In his
War). From the day they could usual direct and familiar way, he
think, those who became adults in tells all of us: “To be holy does not
the new millennium learned from require being a bishop, a priest
their parents and educators who or a religious. We are frequently
were nurtured in the doctrine of tempted to think that holiness is
the Second Vatican Council that only for those who can withdraw
the call to holiness is universal, from ordinary affairs to spend
that every baptized person is much time in prayer. That is
obliged to strive for the fullness not the case. We are all called to
of Christian life or in short, to be be holy by living our lives with
a saint. Holiness is not reserved love and by bearing witness in
for those who have a calling to be a everything we do, wherever we
priest, a nun or a religious. Christ find ourselves. Are you called
uttered the words “Be perfect as to the consecrated life? Be holy
your Heavenly Father is perfect” by living out your commitment
to everyone without exception. It with joy. Are you married? Be
is the means used to be holy that holy by loving and caring for your
may differ depending on the state husband or wife, as Christ does
of life of a person. For the vast for the Church. Do you work for
majority of Christians, the way a living? Be holy by laboring with
PHOTO FROM THE DIOCESE OF KALOOKAN to holiness is the sanctification integrity and skill in the service of
of ordinary work and the other your brothers and sisters. Are you
On July 29 we inaugurated the were paired with Carol Varga and with tattoos, warmly welcoming duties of daily life. This was not a parent or grandparent? Be holy
tenth mission station of the Shirley Gorospe. A remake of the and making “mano” to Rev. very clear to us who grew up in by patiently teaching the little
diocese of Kalookan in Brgy. film was done later in the 90’s Philip, who seemed to know the 1950s and 1960s. Especially ones how to follow Jesus. Are you
Pitong Gatang, Navotas, a slum by a much older FPJ, this time many of them by name. Deacon for us who were educated in in a position of authority? Be holy
community facing the Manila in tandem with a much younger Philip kept pointing at me and Catholic schools, there was the by working for the common good
Bay breakwater. We had a lovely Nanette Medved. The movie’s introducing me as the bishop, misunderstanding that if one and renouncing personal gain.”
Eucharistic celebration in a theme song Pitong Gatang was perhaps embarrassed that people wanted to strive for the fullness Not one to remain at the level
narrow alley that led to a small composed and sung by Fred were greeting him, not me. I of Christian life, one had to leave of principles or motherhood
platform facing the sea and Panopio. I do not know if the assured him it was no big deal at the world and become a priest statements, Pope Francis gives
adjacent to an elevated basketball barangay got its name from the all. I was very happy to note that or religious. Those who decided very concrete examples of how
court. The people covered the movie, or the movie got its name they knew their chaplain. That to get married and raise a family to struggle to be a saint in the
platform with curtains to prevent from this Barangay. was quite enough for me. were relegated to a second-rate ordinary circumstances of life:
the Mass hosts from being swept Pitong Gatang is now gaining a What a joy to feel the Church or mediocre type of Christianity. “This holiness to which the Lord
away by the sea breeze. Within new lease of popularity, this time present among the poorest of That is why when I heard of calls you will grow through small
just a few months of presence, as a mission station. I walked the poor! I blessed their little St. Josemaria Escriva during gestures. Here is an example:
the mission station chaplain, through dark and narrow alleys, “kapilyang kawayan”, which, for my student days at Harvard in a woman goes shopping, she
our young deacon, Rev Philip and was greeted by people from lack of space, had to serve as a the early 1960s, I was pleasantly meets a neighbor and they
Garcia, has already done so all walks of life. Scenes of mothers makeshift reception area. The surprised to learn of what at that begin to speak, and the gossip
much to build the people’s sense breastfeeding babies, shirtless food was overflowing, and there time was a revolutionary idea. starts. But she says in her
of community. He asked to be and barefooted children playing was so much left over even after Through some of my classmates heart: ’No, I will not speak
installed, not alone, as chaplain, along a bay area that was full of everyone had eaten already. It and friends, I got to know what the badly of anyone’. This is step
but together with his core group trash washed into the shore by the was like the story which we had Founder of Opus Dei (whose feast forward in holiness. Later,
of lay leaders. sea water, elderly people peering just read from John’s Gospel the universal church is celebrating at home, one of her children
My generation is familiar with from humble dwellings that had about the multiplication of the this coming Tuesday, June 26) wants to talk to her about his
the name “Pitong Gatang”. We only recycled tarps as framed five barley loaves and two fish was teaching: “If you want to hopes and dreams, and even
associate it with an early movie windows and doors, people frying had literally leaped out of the follow Christ, to serve the Church though she is tired, she sits
of FPJ and Zaldy Zhornack, who tilapia along the alley, big men pages of Scriptures! and help other men recognize down and listens with patience
their eternal destiny, there is no and love. That is another
need to leave the world or keep it sacrifice that brings holiness.
at arm’s length. You don’t even Later she experiences some
need to take up an ecclesiastical anxiety, but recalling the love
activity. The only condition which of the Virgin Mary, she takes
is both necessary and sufficient her rosary and prays with
is to fulfil the mission which God faith. Yet another path of
has given you, in the place and holiness. Later still, she goes
in the environment indicated out onto the street, encounters
by his Providence…The one and a poor person and stops to say
only mission of Opus Dei is the a kind word to him. One more
spreading of this message which step.”
comes from the Gospel, among Whether you are a millennial
all those who live and work in or not, I suggest to the reader
the world, whatever be their to use your smart phone
background, profession or trade. and google “Pope Francis,
And to those who grasp this Gaudete et Exsultate,
ideal of holiness, the Work offers Apostolic Exhortation” to get
the spiritual assistance and the the complete document. Read
doctrinal, ascetical and apostolic his entire message. As he said
training which they need to put in introducing the Apostolic
it into practice.” St. Josemaria Exhortation: “My modest goal is
started to preach this doctrine to repropose the call to holiness
as early as 1928 and because in a practical way for our own
it sounded so different from time, with all its risks, challenges
conventional wisdom at that time, and opportunities. For the Lord
he was even tagged as a heretic or has chosen each one of us ‘to be
a madman. Fortunately by 1965, holy and blameless before him in
at the end of the Second Vatican love’ (Ephesians, 1:4).” Follow
Council, it became clear to all the advice of His Holiness and
who cared to listen to the Council then convince your relatives
fathers that the universal calling and friends to do the same. For
PHOTO FROM THE DIOCESE OF KALOOKAN to holiness had always been part comments, my email address is
of the teachings of Christ. bernardo.villegas@uap.asia.
CBCP Monitor August 6 - 19, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 16 STATEMENTS B5

No to Kaliwa Dam, yes to alternative source of water


“In the heart of this world, the Lord of life, who loves us so much, is always present. He does not abandon us, he does not leave us alone, for he has
united himself definitively to our earth, and his love constantly impels us to find new ways forward. Praise be to him!” (Laudato Si, 245)

(Free Prior and Informed Consent) to the World Conservation Union (IUCN) reported our largest watershed and these would refill
Kaliwa dam project as required by R.A. 8371. that while “dams have made an important our underground aquifers which are now
2. Kaliwa dam to be constructed over and significant contribution to human over extracted.
the Infanta Fault will be a “sword hanging development, and benefits derived from
over the head” of 100,000 people living them have been considerable... in too many All of us—government and the people—
downstream the Kaliwa River. Etched in their cases an unacceptable and often unnecessary have to work together to resolve our water
memory is the 2004 flash flood that left 1,000 price has been paid to secure those benefits, issues. Hence as pastors of the faithful we
killed and over million worth of properties especially in social and environmental 1. Support a transparent dialogue with
destroyed. terms, by people displaced, by communities MWSS and NEDA and the stakeholders of the
3. Climate change and its ill-effects are the downstream, by taxpayers and by the natural Kaliwa dam making available all the pertinent
‘new normal’ that could no longer be ignored environment.” documents;
yet we do not know of any study made on Angat and IPO dams supply Metro Manila 2. Support the initiative in Congress and
climate and the Kaliwa dam. The ambivalent with 4,000 MLD of water but a big percentage Senate to make an inquiry into the Kaliwa
nature of climate change can cause random of this is lost due to leaks. With the P18 Billion Dam; and NO TO KALIWA DAM… A Pastoral
and sudden flooding. Japan with its highly budget for constructing Kaliwa Dam, there Letter 3
advanced technology was devasted by the can be alternative sources of water, many of 3. Encourage all to “rethink how to use
earthquake in 2011. The catastrophic collapse which are being advocated now: water” in terms of the demand-side and
of the dam in Laos last July 25, 2018 has a 1. Launch a massive education campaign consumption and protect our environment.
OUR country has been blessed by God with message to all of us. to convince the 13 million Metro Manila
an abundance of natural resources especially 4. Global warming was 0.8 degree residents to learn “water management”. World Commission on Dams sees that
water, but for many factors, we are now faced centigrade when Yolanda struck us with This would reduce water consumption “the future for water and energy resources
with the concrete reality of managing our 315 kph winds. This year we have reached significantly. This could be bad news for development lies with participatory decision-
water especially for the next generation. 1 degree centigrade. How much rainfall can business but best for the environment. making, using a rights-and-risks approach
After listening to the strong opposition this dam hold when another Yolanda comes 2. Harvest rain water which flood us that will raise the importance of the social and
to the construction of the New Centennial in Quezon? About the landslides? NO TO perennially and implement the pertinent environmental dimensions of dams to a level
Water Source Kaliwa Dam Project, we too KALIWA DAM… A Pastoral Letter 2 provision of the National Building Code of once reserved for the economic dimension.”
express our opposition to the said project and 5. NEDA has kept the data on Kaliwa dam the Philippines (RA 1096). Pope Francis warns that: “Caring for the
strongly recommend to look for alternative secret with the word “confidential” despite 3. Fast track the recovery of the NRW (non- ecosystems demands farsightedness, since no
sources to the Kaliwa Dam for the following the much publicized Freedom of Information revenue water) through fixing leaks; one looking for quick and easy profit is truly
reasons: E.O. No. 2, series of 2016. 4. Rehabilitate the Pasig-Laguna River interested in their preservation.” (Laudato
6. This project which is connected with Basin which would cost only P13 Billion Si #36)
1. It will inundate the ancestral domain of the Laiban dam has been in the pipeline for (estimated by Dr. Esteban Godilano, an
the Dumagat-Remontados, uprooting them 30 years, yet until now it does not even have environmental scientist).
from the Sierra Madre where their ancestors the necessary Environment Compliance 5. Adopt the Singapore New Water For the Clergy of the Prelature of Infanta:
lived for centuries enjoying a symbiotic Certificate (ECC) as mandated by R.A. 7586. technology which treats wastewater to +BERNARDINO C. CORTEZ, D.D.
relationship with the earth like the children become potable. Bishop-Prelate of Infanta
to their mother. Undeniably, until now the In 2000 the World Commission on Dams 6. And most importantly, protect and 26 July 2018 Feast of Sts. Anne and
indigenous people have not given an FPIC (WCM) mandated by the World Bank and the expand our dwindling forests that serves as Joachim

‘Among you as one who serves”


In media vestrum sicut qui ministrat
(Luke 22:27)
Association of Major Religious Superiors of men in the Philippines
Convention Statement
“Then an argument broke out among them
about which of them should be regarded as to life.
the greatest. He said to them, “The kings · support the rehabilition of substance
of the Gentiles lord it over them and those dependents, and the pastoral care of the
in authority over them are addressed as survivors and of the families of the EJK victims
‘Benefactors’; but among you it shall not be especially through psycho-social intervention
so. Rather, let the greatest among you be as and our sanctuary programs.
the youngest, and the leader as the servant.
For who is greater: the one seated at table or As STEWARDS, in regard to
the one who serves? Is it not the one seated … the Environment, we
at table? I am among you as the one who · lobby for policies for the protection of our
serves.” (Luke 22:24–27) common home.
· continue supporting the advocacies
We, the members of the ASSOCIATION OF against activities that are destructive to the
the government, especially with issues like · engage in continual dialogue with the
MAJOR RELIGIOUS SUPERIORS OF MEN environment (mining, quarrying, etc.).
Charter Change and Federalism. We continue government and partner with it in accessing
IN THE PHILIPPINES (AMRSMP), gathered … Social Communication, we
to be alarmed at the Extra Judicial Killings, resources for the poor.
together with our Mission Partners during the · strengthen our collective presence in
the lack of care for the environment, and · discern and understand the poltical
Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons in both traditional and new media and our
the ill-treatment of our indigenous brothers situation so as to be able to make a prophetic
the Philippine Church, reaffirm the ministry communication as members of the Association
and sisters. We also see new opportunities stand.
of Servant Leadership in the Church. Together through common and more effective platforms.
in our ministry with the Youth and in our
with our confreres, we face the challenge of · share common formation plans for media
apostolate in Social Communications. In self- … Federalism, we
how to be servant leaders in a missionary (not education and guidelines and protocols for the
introspection, we assess our relationship with · educate our confreres and the recipients
self-referential) Church, in a participatory (not use of social media.
the Bishops and their Dioceses and how we of our mission towards a better awareness
clericalistic) Church, and in a catholic (not
assist our confreres in crisis. and understanding of Federalism and Charter
parochialistic) Church. As SHEPHERDS, in regard to
Sacred Scripture puts before us three Change.
As we serve and enrich the Church with our … the Youth, we
models of leadership, where Jesus himself · reaffirm the earlier Statement of the
different charisms, ways of life and apostolates · listen to young people and accompany them
is our example: SERVANT, STEWARD, and Association of Major Religious Superiors in
for God’s kingdom, we find ourselves facing through our presence.
SHEPHERD. the Philippines (AMRSP) on Federalism and
the same realities as we look at the context · strive to understand young people—
Charter Change.
of the Philippine Church in the present their language, their way of thinking, and
As SERVANTS, in regard to … Extra Judicial Killings, we
times. We are continually confronted with their spirituality—through youth ministry
… the Relationship of the AMRSMP with the · voice out our dissent against this continued
our role as religious in the world and thus we Among / B7
Government, we violence and absence of regard for the right
take a second look at our relationship with

A Church that goes forth, summoned by


Christ in those who suffer
THE 2017 Joint Biennial Convention of the prophetic witnesses for our times.
Association of Major Religious Superiors in We are servant leaders confronted with the
the Philippines (AMRSP) on Consecrated worsening suffering of our people, many of
Men and Women, Joyful and Prophetic whom bear their troubles in silence; servant
Witnesses of God’s Mercy and Compassion leaders of a country where those who work
mapped out the path for the members of the for justice and human dignity are often met
Association, with the Joint Executive Board’s with rebuke and hostility. We are faced with
decisive leadership paving the way for the a formidable situation where respect for
effective implementation of the Convention life is ignored and devalued as evidenced in
Resolutions. the escalation of human rights violations,
Following the Spirit’s lead, on July 9 to 13, summary executions, extrajudicial killings,
2018 at the SEARSOLIN in Cagayan de Oro, wars of attrition. Today, violence is the new
the Association of Major Religious Superiors normal with perpetrators going unscathed;
of Women in the Philippines, together with democratic institutions are systematically
our Mission Partners, gathered as one body to weakened; and religion and women are
address the challenge to be Renewed Servant mocked and disdained. Lies are peddled as
Leaders of the New Evangelization. truth through systematic disinformation. AMRSWP strongly supports the Catholic of our charisms and resources, our prayer and
In the Washing of the Feet and his example Subservience to foreign interest is given Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines’ discernment, and our gift for compassionate
of humility, Jesus is our model-originator of precedence over love of country and patrimony. Pastoral Exhortation Rejoice and Be Glad! and healing presence.
servant leadership, a way of using authority Ecological degradation goes unabated, and (July 9, 2018). Owning our co-essential role The AMRSWP continues to strive to live
without resorting to power. In Jesus, we homelessness and poverty continue to weigh with church leaders as women religious, we “wholarchical” servant leadership—which, in
recognize and embrace the authority of those on the majority of our people. The plight of do our part to help build the credibility and contrast to the hierarchical model—upholds
who suffer. Our encounters with them propel the survivors of the Marawi siege is an urgent integrity of the Church against the continuing the values of collaboration, partnership,
us to act in behalf of justice, peace, and care concern. destructive narratives against Her. We are interconnectedness, equality, mutuality, and
of our common home. In so doing, we become On account of these challenges, the encouraged to draw from the rich diversity Church / B7
B6 REFLECTIONS August 6 - 19, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 16 CBCP Monitor

The Eucharist as wisdom of God Mary’s assumption: a


19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B (John 6:41-51)
August 12, 2018 source of joy and hope
By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Luke 1:39-56)
TODAY’S Gospel (John 6:41-51) Lord” (Deut 8:3b). Man must eat the is always glued on television, he will August 15, 2018
forms part of Jesus’ discourse on Word—God’s Wisdom—because it is eventually acquire the language of
the Eucharist (John 6:26-58). Of the bread of life, and the Eucharist is that medium. The reason for this By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB
course, when people speak of the that Wisdom. is that man has a mind, a body and
Eucharist, they usually associate it That for Jesus the Eucharist— a spirit, and just as good food is
either with the Body and Blood of which is he himself—is God’s Wisdom needed for bodily health, so for our
Jesus that one receives during the is evidenced by his quotation from spiritual life, we need good mental
communion rite, or with the Mass Isaiah 54:13 in the same discourse: and spiritual food, and that is none
itself. This Sunday’s gospel and the “It is written in the prophets: ‘They other than God’s Wisdom—the
next Sunday’s, however, give us a shall be taught by God’” (John 6:43). Eucharist.
wider view of what the Eucharist For John, this Isaianic prophecy This interpretation has
means, for they treat two aspects is realized in Jesus who says that implications for liturgy and life.
of it. Whereas, next Sunday, the “everyone who has heard the Father When we celebrate the Eucharist,
theme concerns on the Eucharist and learned from him comes to me… what is most important is not only
as Sacrament, in today’s gospel, the he who believes in him has eternal transubstantiation and communion.
theme is sapiential: the Eucharist as life; I am the bread of life” (John The Word is of no less importance.
Wisdom. 6:43-47). It may be recalled that In fact, the Word and Communion
What does the Eucharist as Wisdom according to John in the beginning are inseparable. The Jesus who is
mean? As John portrays him, Jesus was the Word, and the Word came present in the sacrament is the very
considers himself the bread of life, into the world and became flesh the same Jesus who is present in
whom the Father has sent as a sign (John 1:1-14). If this is linked with his Word, for he is Word-in-Flesh.
that God cares for his people; he the Isaian quotation, what emerges is That is why we partake from two
provides support for them. It is for that God teaches his people through tables: the Table of the Word, and
this reason that Jesus performed his Word, his Wisdom, who became the Table of the Sacrament—both of
the miracles of the multiplication of man—Jesus. Thus, if John says that which express the Eucharist. For our
the loaves (John 6:1-13) on account Jesus is the bread of life, he means daily life, this implies that if Jesus the
of which, those who have been that Jesus is God’s wisdom, on whom Word became flesh, so the Christian
following, hungry and poor, had their men must live so they will have community must embody the Word.
fill. Unfortunately, though, the Jews eternal life. In the Eucharist we gather not only
could not recognize the meaning of It is in this context that the 1st to hear the Word, but to live it. We
the multiplication of the loaves. For Reading (1 Kgs 19:4-8) must be listen to what we ought to be. Indeed,
them, it was simply meant to satisfy interpreted. Just as the bread given if we do this, we are imitating the
hunger; they could not see beyond by the angel was able to sustain Elijah nature of the written word of God.
that function. Hence, his parenesis: in his journey to Horeb (v 8), so the Before the Bible became a book, it
“I assure you, you are not looking for Eucharistic Word of God, if eaten, was first lived. In other words, it is ALL the members of a group or fam- “privilege” that crowns the many
me because you have seen signs but can sustain the Christian community, not a dead book, but a living one. ily rejoice at the natural gifts, good other wonderful gifts which God’s
because you have eaten your fill of the which is a pilgrim community, in The Christian community must fortune and achievements of one love bestowed on her.
loaves. You should not be working its journey toward the mountain of therefore keep it alive by living it: the of them. And with good reason, for But we also know that God’s most
for perishable food but for food that God—eternal life. An analogy is in community is itself God’s Word—the those assets and triumphs are also exceptional graces found in Mary the
remains unto life eternal, food which order. The Indians have a saying: Eucharist. Understandably enough, theirs, to some extent, as they all most exceptional positive response.
the Son of Man will give you” (John you are what you eat. What one eats that community lives a life in which belong to the same family. Her assumption into heaven, there-
6:26b-27b). Like the manna of the mentally, for instance, eventually the word of God is lived: it exhibits We have the privilege to belong to fore, is not only a gift, but also a
Old Testament, the multiplication of makes him, or at least affects his compassion and forgiveness, getting God’s family on earth—the Church. reward for her faithful and gener-
the loaves was a sign so that they will behavior. In 1992, when the motion rid of all bitterness, passion, anger, And the liturgical feasts are joyful ous response to divine grace, and
understand that man does not live on picture “Booyz N the Hood,” which harsh words, slander, and malice “family celebrations.” All through her unwavering commitment to the
bread alone, but “by every word that was about violence, was shown, it of every kind (Eph 4:31-32, 2nd the liturgical year, in fact, we cel- saving work of her Son.
comes forth from the mouth of the triggered a wave of violence. If one Reading ). ebrate and rejoice in the great tri- Thus, Mary’s bodily assumption
umph of Christ over sin and death, into heaven is also an encourage-
and the achievements of our broth- ment to everyone of us to do all we
The Eucharist as sacrament of God’s Presence ers and sisters—the saints.
The assumption of Mary into
can to cooperate with divine grace as
she did. That’s why her assumption
heaven is one of those very impor- into heaven in body and soul is also
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B (John 6:51-58) tant events of the history of salva- a great source of HOPE for all of us.
August 19, 2018 tion that we commemorate yearly We also, though much less worthy
with heartfelt participation. Like than Mary, will be the recipients of
By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD children who take pride in their God’s generosity.
mother’s gracefulness or attain- Trusting in His faithfulness, we
ments, we, too, rejoice and exult treasure the hope that one day, we
in the glorification of our heavenly too will enjoy the full glorification
Mother. Her glory is also our glory. of all our being, soul and body, in
We know that her Assumption is accordance with God’s plan; for this
first and foremost a GIFT from God, is what has happened to the Woman
for it is by grace that we are saved. who is the Mother of Christ and our
(See Eph 2:5.) This is the Marian Mother.

Jesus, the life-giving


bread from heaven
WHEREAS last Sunday’s Gospel significance to our life on earth, to dwell in him. Faith requires a 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B (John 6:41-51)
describes the Eucharist as God’s means first of all an experience of response from us: the Lord dwells
Wisdom, today’s deals with the fellowship in the family and in the in us so that the life we live is the August 12, 2018
Eucharist as Sacrament of his Christian community, a sense of life of Jesus himself. Thus Paul: “I By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB
presence. To understand the belonging and integrity, a sense have been crucified with Christ and
significance of this dimension of of wholeness and community. In the life I live now is not my own;
the Eucharist, one of the ways such community, we do not harbor Christ is living in me. I still live my THE Jews felt bewildered at Jesus’ reject it. The offer will be perceived
of approaching it is by referring resentment against others, we human life, but it is a life of faith claim that he was “the bread that and accepted only by humble hearts
to the 1st Reading, which speaks experience forgiveness, wholeness, in the Son of God, who loved me came down from heaven” (Jn 6:41). – people who trust God’s Word more
of Wisdom tendering a banquet: and oneness. These are the values and gave himself to me” (Gal 2:19- They just couldn’t take it. They felt than their external senses. And in
“[Wisdom] has dressed her meant, that abide, and we are confident 20). In receiving the Sacrament,
that they were very well informed their faith, these humble people
mixed her wine, yes, she has spread that God will eternalize them. therefore, we make an effort to live
about the origin of that young come to know and experience truths
her table… she has sent out her How is such a life attained? Says what it signifies: a life in imitation
preacher: “Is this not Jesus, the that lie beyond what human eye can
maidens; she calls from her heights Jesus: “Let me assure you, if you of the Lord who suffered for others.
son of Joseph? Do we not know his see or human mind can fathom.
out over the city: ‘Let whoever is do not eat the flesh of the Son of Like the broken bread and the
simple turn in here; to him who Man and drink his blood, you have shared wine, we become persons- father and mother?” (Jn 6:42). This is true of all the great
lacks understanding, I say, come, no life in you. He who feeds on my for-others. As had already happened to the mysteries of the Christian faith,
eat of my food, and drink of the flesh and drinks my blood has life It is in this sense that we read townsfolk of Nazareth (see Mk 6:3), like the Trinity, the Incarnation, the
wine I have mixed” (Prov 9:2-5). eternal and I will raise him up on the 2nd Reading (Eph 5:15-20). their excessive self-assurance about work of our redemption. It is perhaps
In this passage, God’s plan for his the last day. For my flesh is real According to Paul, as a response what they knew of Jesus – their particularly true of the Eucharist,
people is called Wisdom, and is food and my blood real drink. The to the offer of faith, we must keep pride! – blinded them to the higher the “mystery of faith” par excellence.
compared to a banquet. As the man who feeds on my flesh and careful watch over our conduct; we reality which they were facing. The In fact, while in the Incarnation only
man who goes to the banquet is drink my blood remains in me avoid wine leading the debauchery. Jews were ready to grant that the the divinity of Christ was “hiding,”
given sustenance, so the man who and I in him” (John 6:53-56). This We avoid what can hurt, bring young Nazarean was able to perform in the Eucharist both the divinity
follows the plan of God lives a holy does not mean, of course, that all disorder and create division in the unusual tricks which allowed him to and humanity are not perceived by
and good life. That is to say, if the we do is eat the body and drink the community, for these values make feed big crowds with a little food . . . our senses. All that we see and touch
Christian community wants to live body of Jesus in the Eucharistic us less than a sacrament of the But that was as far as they could go. and eat/drink is “something” that
a life which brings happiness and Celebration, and then we can rest body and blood. On the contrary, For the rest, Jesus was to them just looks and tastes like ordinary bread
well-being, it has to follow the assured that this will do us good. we discern the will of God, and an ordinary human being, weak and and wine. It is only because Christ
plan of God—imaged in Proverbs We must not ever think that the we must be filled with the Spirit. mortal like anybody else. said: “This IS my body . . . this IS my
by the drinking of God’s wine and Sacrament is like a vitamin—taking And what is his will? The will of They stopped at what their eyes blood” that we respond “Amen!”
the eating of his food. If it sustains it frequently will make us spiritually God is, among others, to make could see, their hands could touch, There is nothing “natural” in all
itself with God’s plan, it will forsake healthy. Rather, this first of all others happy, and forgive them. and their minds could comprehend. this. It is all well above “nature,”
foolishness and advance in its ways requires faith. Unless we have That way, the community becomes They preferred to stick to what they as we perceive it in our ordinary
(Prov 9:6). faith that Jesus is present in the a place where we gain integrity
thought they “knew” about Jesus, life. And yet, by God’s grace, we
But what is God’s plan? As the Sacrament, we will not benefit from and well-being, wholeness and
rather than accept his word and hold it to be as real as the ground
Gospel implies, God’s plan is for its saving power. To partake of the happiness. Hence, when we receive
thereby soar to a higher level of on which we stand or the ordinary
us to have life, and live forever Sacrament therefore presupposes the Eucharist, we proclaim that we
(John 6:57-58). By life we do not, our belief that Jesus is truly present are a people in whom God dwells, knowledge. They refused to believe. food we eat. Such is the power
of course, mean winning the first in it. Because we receive him in and we are a people who live the And that became their tragedy. which our faith gives us to firmly
prize of the lotto, or always having faith, Jesus remains in us and we in life of God: happy, whole, singing The key word here is FAITH. God believe that, in spite of what our
enough supplies in the freezer or a him, and we have life in him: “The with all our hearts because we offers this gift to all, because He eyes can see and our hands can
mountain of deposit in the bank, man who feeds on me will have life know how to love, forgive and be wants all to reach salvation. (See 1 touch, the consecrated bread and
or having the best vacation house. because of me” (John 6:57b). Of compassionate. By so acting, we are Tim 2:4.) He offers it in ways and wine are the Lord Jesus in the
Whatever value one may place on course, this indicates that our faith actually demonstrating to all that circumstances that mostly elude us. totality of his life-giving person,
these, it is obvious that they do not is not simply theoretical. Once we we are a community transformed The gift is real, nonetheless, and the source of our eternal life. (See
abide. Rather, life, if it has any receive him, we must endeavor into a sacrament of the Eucharist. offered out of sheer love. Yet some Jn 6:51.)
CBCP Monitor August 6 - 19, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 16 SOCIAL CONCERNS B7

The silence that


surrounds abuse
By Fr. Shay Cullen to the extent of this terrible human nothing. The old saying “Silence is golden” one in every three girls is sexually abused
vice, terrible for the abused children, a should never have been coined. The and there are 23,000 dead.
crime that mostly goes unchallenged, millions of ordinary people- priests, laity It is that institutional silence that is
ANGELINE is just one of millions of children unpunished. The sexual abuse of women and citizens are shamed and intimidated rightly condemned when it occurs all
who are scared and intimidated to run and tell
is perhaps even more frequent. A woman by the power and the impunity of those too frequently in churches, colleges,
that they had been raped, abused or sexually
is raped every minute, some studies say. It leaders that cover up abuse in their name. the military, the government, the movie
assaulted. “Telling was the hardest thing, I
is a horrid thing but millions of children Sexual abuse of children or adults is industry and now more recently in the
was frightened,” she said. “He threatened to
kill my mother and burn our house down if I endure abuse by their own biological father about power, domination and control, development aid industry. The leaders of
told, I had no one to trust, no one who could or by a stepfather or live-in partner of their oppressing others and seeking at the same charities and some members are accused of
protect me from my abuser, he was my father.” mother or grandfather. time satisfaction of an insatiable urge for knowing about sexual abuse of vulnerable
She was only 13 years old when it first Most people are not Juanitos, they are sexual relief, pleasure and satisfaction. But women and children. Many are victims of
happened and she hid it out of fear. more like Angeline. They are scared, frozen, it is the moral duty for all decent human disasters and abused by personnel in their
Angeline was saved when her abusive father numb, silenced with fear of what might beings to oppose and speak against such organizations. “MPs accuse aid groups of
took a neighbor’s eight-year-old girl into a happen if they cried out and accused another lust for power and satisfaction. It is the ‘abject failure’ in tackling sexual abuse,”
beach house and Juanito, a neighborhood of wrongdoing. They are conditioned to stay total secularization and dehumanization reads The Guardian headline. It quotes:
boy crept up to the open window. When he silent, say nothing, do nothing. of society that has robbed people of their “Charities have shown “complacency
saw the abuse happening he fearlessly and What is wrong with the human species sense of the spiritual value of life and verging on complicity” in responding to
instinctively shouted out “stop!” and threw that humans abuse their own offspring human dignity. sexual abuse that is endemic across the
stones on the roof of the beach house. and kill with impunity while others see and Commercialization of humans and making sector, according to a damning report by
The father of Angeline was arrested know what is being done and yet turn the marketable commodities of children for the MPs.”
and jailed and put on trial. It was only other way. Most people fail to be outraged sexual gratifications of adults for cash has This has befallen the Catholic Church
then that Angeline was able to tell of her enough to act and take a stand and speak desensitized societies and cultures. The and other church denominations also. They
terrible experience of being raped by her out to defend the suffering child or adult. sex-for-sale industry, sex tourism that cover up the crimes of child abuse by some
own father. Worldwide, incest is a word of They abandon the higher value to help the is allowed and licensed by government clergy or members of their organizations to
shame, a word most people will not utter, wounded, save the victim and to act in a and fueled by Internet pornography is an avoid shame, embarrassment and scandal,
talk about or even think about. It is as if just morally right way based on values of indication of how morally low society has loss of support and funds and to continue
humans don’t want to admit the barbarity defending human dignity and innocent sunk. Blessed are those who join rallies to project a false reputation of sanctity and
of the abusive human being and call them victims. against it. Not to act allows it to continue humanitarian concern. In fact, they are
“animals” or “beasts.” But they are humans Adults are paralyzed by fear of what unabated and creates a culture of silence. accessories to the crimes against children.
with reason, knowledge of right and wrong others will say, that they will not be That is what is happening in our societies Yet the greatest crimes are in families,
and free will. When one in every three girls believed, they will be vilified and that there and our cultures and institutions. Even perhaps someone you know. Perhaps there
suffer abuse, mostly in their own family, will be retaliation against them. They have if the child is abused before our eyes- is an awakening, a glimmer of hope as
is it any wonder that sexual assault is as been conditioned by a culture of cover up innocent youth, suspects- are shot dead and more suspects are being challenged by the
common as blinking your eyes? and silence to abuse, trained by the leaders many choose to see no evil, hear no evil and Juanitos of this world and are being held
The world is blind and dumb, asleep of church and society to shut up and say never to speak out about evil. That is why accountable.

Proper/ B2 Treatment / B2

also stated the procedure to follow complaint regarding a liturgical can issue a Decree of Prohibition, sacred species. Anyone, therefore, Roman Missal are to be observed,
in case of complaints as regards the abuse to the diocesan Bishop or the addressed specifically to priests, who acts contrary to these norms, and in particular, whatever may
celebration of the Holy Mass, to wit: competent Ordinary equivalent to under pain of withdrawal of the for example casting the sacred remain of the Blood of Christ
183. In an altogether particular him in law, or to the Apostolic See latters’ Ministerial Faculties. species into the sacrarium or in an must be entirely and immediately
manner, let everyone do all that on account of the primacy of the Priests have to be reminded that unworthy place or on the ground, consumed by the Priest or by
is in their power to ensure that Roman Pontiff. It is fitting, however, their faculty to celebrate Mass is at incurs the penalties laid down. another minister, according to the
the Most Holy Sacrament of the insofar as possible, that the report or the pleasure of the Local Ordinary Furthermore all will remember norms, while the consecrated hosts
Eucharist is protected from any complaint be submitted first to the (they need the celebret), the latter that once the distribution of that are left are to be consumed by
and every irreverence or distortion diocesan Bishop. This is naturally to can withdraw such faculty. Without Holy Communion during the the Priest at the altar or carried to
and that all abuses are thoroughly be done in truth and charity. that faculty, the priest may indeed celebration of Mass has been the place for the reservation of the
corrected. This is a most serious In conclusion, for the cases in celebrate Mass validly, but he completed, the prescriptions of the Eucharist.”
duty incumbent upon each and question, the Bishop can definitely would do so illicitly—i.e., he not
every one, and all are bound to carry prohibit the celebration of the only commits a mortal sin but Among / B5
it out without any favoritism. Eucharist under such precarious commits a crime, which can be
184. Any Catholic, whether Priest circumstances outside the holy punished with a just penalty (again formation and family apostolate. direction, personal accompaniment,
or Deacon or lay member of Christ’s places as established by c.932. To left to the discretion of the Local … Indigenous Peoples and counseling and therapy.
faithful, has the right to lodge a make such disposition binding, he Ordinary). Interreligious Dialogue, we Jesus challenged the disciples
· assist our indigenous brethren that leaders should be servants.
Church / B5 in their livelihood and campaign He gave reference to the kings of
love—in order to evangelize, and help - respecting the lead of the regions. against mining, forced evacuation, the Gentiles who “lord it over” the
build lasting peace. As in previous people themselves in realizing their b. Provide regular orientation on militarization and other activities people whom they rule and govern.
gatherings, this way of proceeding aspirations, especially those of the AMRSP and the Mission Partners’ detrimental to them. He made a strong statement after
was evidenced in this convention United Mothers of Marawi and work for new members. · dialogue with other religions on that: “but among you it shall not
by the active participation of the youth who strive for a hopeful c. Have the Joint Executive justice and peace. be so” (22:26). Our role as leaders
the local networks of AWRACO future, Board review the relationship of … Mutual Relations with the in our own communities takes this
(Association of Women Religious of - in collaboration with our local the local women associations in Bishops and their Dioceses, we imperative. We lead not as the
the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro) associations and other networks. the organizational dynamics of the · collaborate more closely with the kings of the Gentiles. We lead not as
and AWRI (Association of Women 2. Among ourselves: AMRSP. local church (diocese and parish) hirelings. We should lead as Jesus
Religious in Iligan). a. Create empowering and We take to heart the words of where we belong in view of better did: as SERVANTS, STEWARDS
Appropriating for ourselves the transformative structures and Jesus the Christ, whom we have relationship and synergized activity. and SHEPHERDS.
theme of this Year of the Clergy spaces that foster friendship and vowed to follow: “If I then, your · strengthen our participation In carrying out the commitments
and Consecrated Persons, we, the participation in our congregations, Teacher and Lord, have washed in the activities of the Episcopal we have made in this convention,
Association of Major Religious ministries and the communities we your feet, you also ought to wash Commission on Mutual Relations. we will remember this brand of
Superiors of Women in the work with. one another’s feet. For I have given … Religious Men in Crisis, we leadership. Together with these, we
Philippines, make the following b. Evolve formation programs for you an example that you also should · strengthen the initial formation commit our presence among our
commitments: religious men and women for this do as I have done to you.” (John 13: in the human and psycho-spiritual confreres and among the people
1. In mission: kind of solidarity with the suffering. 14-15) aspects to help avert future problems. entrusted to our care. The words of
a. Continue our thrust to go to the c. Participate in the work of the · pool our inter-congregational Jesus are ours: “I am among you as
poor and the peripheries. Mission Partners and the JPICC. Participants AMRSWP National human resources together to the one who serves.”
b. In particular, support the people 3. For the AMRSP: Convention 2018 help each other both in the initial Given on July 31, 2018 at the
of Marawi and the rehabilitation of a. Expand the activities of the July 13, 2018 and ongoing formation of our Carmelite Missionaries Center of
their destroyed homes and city Mission Partners and JPICC in SEARSOLIN, Cagayan de Oro City. religious in the areas of spiritual Spirituality, Tagaytay City
B8 ENTERTAINMENT August 6 - 19, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 16 CBCP Monitor

Buhay San Miguel Brothers Matias

Mission Impossible Lolo Kiko Bladimer Usi


Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca
Ferguson, Henry Cavill, Ving
Thames, Simon Pegg, Sean
Harris, Alec Baldwin
Story: based on Bruce Geller
Mission Impossible
Sceenplay: Christopher McQuarrie
Cinematography: Rob Hardy
Editing: Eddie Hamilton
Music: Lorna Balfe
Producers: Tom Cruise,
Christopher McQuarrie, Jake
Myers, JJ Abram
Genre: Action

Buhay Parokya
Location: Paris, London,
Kashmir FIND 3 MISSING THINGS:
Running Time: 147 minutes and save humanity. 1. ST. JOHN PAUL II
Mission Impossible Fallout 2. ST. TERESA
Technical assessment: 3.0 does not disappoint. It 3. POPE FRANCIS
Moral assessment: 3.0 brings non stop exhiliration
CINEMA rating: V14 occassionally interrupted
MTRCB rating: PG by the narrative. Cruise
is adorable with his aging
Ethan Hunt (Cruise) accepts boy-next-door-trying-to-be-
the mission to retrieve three action-star look. Ferguson
plutonium balls before a is brilliant and delightful
group of terrorists, known as to watch with her quick
The Apostles, can sell them to witted moves and delicate
their fundamentalist client, fierceness. Cavill’s Walker
John Lark. Lark intends to is disappointing. He is
detonate a nuclear bomb stiff and lacks the range of
and wipe out humanity. He emotional depth to pull off
works with his trusted allies, his character. Story-wise,
Benjand a CIA (Pegg) and the movie had too many
Luther (Rhames). However, twists and interconnection
their mission in Berlin to but the storytelling provided
intercept the plutonium fails a smooth transition of plots
when Eghan chooses to save and sequences. No doubt, the
Luther’s life at the expense movie will fare more than well
losing the plutonium to the in the technical area.
The Apostles. The team device Mission Impossible Fallout
a plan to capture Lark at the has one very strong message
exchange and travel to Paris that is valuable — whether it be
with imposed agent, Walker one life or the life of millions,
(Cavill), because the latter’s there is no math. The film’s
agency does not trust him. first sequences deliver this
Hunt and Walker are able with a punch. Life should be
to trace Lark but in a bloody valued. While Ethan chose
bathroom battle where the to save his friend at the risk
latter is killed by Ilsa Faust of failing his mission, he did
(Ferguson). Left with no all, gave all and risked all
choice, Hunt impersonates to make sure the millions
Lark to meet the White of lives of people he did not
Widow. However, Ilsa has know will also be saved. While
another standing mission institutions put weight on
which tests her loyalties. In adherence to law to ensure
a series of revelations and peace and order, at the end of
twists that take them from the day what really matters is
London to Kashmir, Ethan how law and its enforcement
and company race against work for the protection of life
time to deactivate the bomb and dignity of people.

The Maid in London


at mabubuntis siya ni
Ben (Matt Evans) at
magpapakasal dito. Dalawa
ang kanilang magiging anak.
Hindi magiging magaan ang
buhay may-asawa ni Margo.
Patuloy ang paghihikahos
at patong-patong na
problema: makakapatay at
makukulong si Ben dahil sa
pagkakasangkot sa krimen
ng illegal recruitment,
magkakasakit ang anak at
ang kanyang ama. Bunsod ng
matinding pangangailangan
ay lalapit si Margo sa
dating manliligaw na si
DIRECTOR: Danni H. Ugali
LEAD CAST: Andi Eigenmann, Jason (Polo Ravales). Hindi
Matt Evans, Alexis Navarro, naman sya mabibigo at
Polo Ravales mabibigay ang kailangan
SCREEN WRITERs: BL niya sa pera kapalit ng
Panganiban, Danni Ugali pagkakaloob ng sarili. Wala
PRODUCERS: Steve and Beth siyang sasayanging panahon at kawalan ng katarungan. ng produksyon lalo na ang dignidad ng isang tao. desisyon kung saan pinili
Rees, Mark & Nhing O’Drisco
at kasama ng kanyang Subalit sa dami marahil sa setting ng kahirapan. Pamilya ang pangunahin nila manaig ang kanilang
EDITOR: Gilbert Obispo
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Pepe kaibigan na si Faye (Alexis ng nais ipabatid ay tila Nakapanghihinayang lang sa mas maraming Pilipino kahinaan. Si Ben na hindi
Manikan Navarro) ay mag-apply sila nawalan ng focus ang na limitado ang kuha ng at gagawin ang lahat ng gumalang sa pagkababae
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Gilbert bilang OFW sa London. kwento. May mga subplot camera sa setting sa London sinumang responsableng ni Margo, nasangkot sa
Obispo Makakaalis naman sila pero na walang resolution, kaya na siya pa namang isinasaad miyembro upang matugunan krimen, nakapatay ng tao
DISTRIBUTOR: Viva Films dahil tourist visa sa halip may mga eksenang bitin. ng titulo. Sa mga umaasa ang mga pangangailangan at at nakulong. Si Margo na sa
LOCATION: Philippines and UK na work visa ang magiging Gayunpaman ay mahusay na makakapanood ng matupad ang mga pangarap. gitna ng problema ay lalapit
GENRE: Drama
RUNNING TIME: 2 hr 20 min
papeles nila, illegal ang ang mga pagganap lalo na ni maraming eksena sa lugar Sa anumang sitwasyon, sa taong alam niya na may
pagtatrabaho nila sa ibang Eigenmann. Natural niyang na ito ay mabibigo sapagkat mahalaga na ang bawat interes sa kanya at papayag
Technical assessment: 3.0 bansa at magiging TNT (tago naihatid ang karakter ni sa mahigit na dalawang desisyon ay lubos na pinag- sa kondisyon na ipagkaloob
Moral assessment: 2.0 ng tago) sila sa London. Margo mula sa maingay oras na takbo ng pelikula iisipan dahil mayroon ang sarili. Sina Margo at
CINEMA rating: V14 Nakitaan ng pagsisikap na pagtitinda sa palengke, ay sa huling isang oras lang itong kaakibat na epektong Faye nagtrabaho ng illegal
ang Maid in London na problemadong pamilya, makakarating sa London ang positibo at negatibo sa buhay sa ibang bansa para kumita
Pangarap ng market makapaghandog ng isang hanggang sa iligal na kwento ni Margo kasama si ng mga may kinalaman ng pera. Tumalakay din ang
vendor na si Margo (Andi pelikula na naglalarawan pagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa Faye. dito. Nakababahala na pelikula ng mga maseselang
Eigenmann) na maiahon ng kalagayan ng lipunan kung saan kumbinsido Hindi kasalanan ang sa pelikulang The Maid isyu na walang malinaw
sa hirap ang kanyang katulad ng kahirapan, niyang naipadama ang pagiging mahirap at lalong in London, ang mga na conclusion katulad ng
mga magulang. Subalit kriminalidad, iligal na mga hikbi, pangamba hindi ito dapat gawing pangunahing tauhan krimen ng rapeat illegal
mauunsyami ang pangarap na pananatili sa ibang bansa, at hirap ng kalooban. dahilan upang gumawa ng ay naging mga biktima recruitment, alcohol, broken
ito dahil pagsasamantalahan katayuan ng kababaihan, Makatotohanan ang disenyo masama at makompromiso ng mga ginawa nilang home,at injustice.
CBCP Monitor Vol. 22, No. 16
THE CROSS
A Supplement Publication of the Order of the Knights of Columbus and KCFAPI
August 6 -19, 2018

Knights of Columbus holds


136th Supreme Convention

136th SUPREME CONVENTION. Last August 7-9, 2018, the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council held their annual convention at Baltimore, Maryland. Brother knights from around the globe were present including the Philippine delegates. In photo were Supreme
Director and Luzon North Deputy Jose C. Reyes, Jr., Luzon South Deputy Ramoncito A. Ocampo, Mindanao Deputy Gerry Eutemio T. Mission, State Chaplains: Most Rev. Reynaldo G. Evangelista, DD, Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, DD, Most Rev. Jose Colin M. Bagaforo,
DD and the Philippine delegates. Visayas Deputy Anthony P. Nazario was represented by his State Secretary Noeni S. Nepomuceno and its Chaplain Archbishop Jose F. Advincula, DD.

THE four Jurisdictions of the 7-9, 2018 in Baltimore, or greater membership quota the Philippine Jurisdiction we recognize our Worthy Deputy Gerry Eutemio T.
Knights of Columbus in the Maryland with the theme and Circle of Honor level 2. include the Very Important Supreme Director and Mission for achieving another
Philippines receive various “Knights of Charity”. Pinnacle jurisdictions set Proposers (VIP) Club, Top Luzon North Deputy Jose Pinnacle Award. We are very
recognitions including the Pinnacle Award recognizes a standard of excellence for Recruiter, Round Table, C. Reyes, Jr., Worthy Luzon proud of your dedicated
prestigious Supreme Knight’s the state deputies for their the Order. This achievement Century Club Award and South Deputy Ramoncito fraternal service to the Order
Pinnacle Award from the combined achievement is the result of the collective the Culture of Life Activities A. Ocampo, Worthy Visayas and to the brother knights in
recent 136th Supreme in several membership efforts of the jurisdictions. Award. Deputy Anthony P. Nazario the Philippines. Vivat Jesus!
Convention held on August categories that required 110% Other awards received by With great pride and honor, and Worthy Mindanao (JSServiento)

K of C Philippines Updates:
Columbian Year 2018-2019
Board Trustees / Directors
Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association
of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI)
Jose C. Reyes, Jr. Chairman
Ramoncito A. Ocampo President
Gerry Eutemio T. Mission Treasurer
Anthony P. Nazario Secretary
Jacinto S. Pancha Trustee
German F. Martinez, Jr. Trustee
Noeni S. Nepomuceno Trustee
Bonifacio B. Martinez Trustee
Rene V. Sarmiento Trustee

The Visayas State Deputy Anthony P. Nazario with its State Officers and Membership Keys Realty and Development Corporation (KRDC)
The Luzon North Jurisdiction through the initiative of its State Deputy and Supreme Program Director Vincent A. Pacis during the District Deputies’ Organizational Meeting
Director Jose C. Reyes, Jr. held its District Deputies’ Organizational Meeting last July held at Iloilo Grand Hotel last July 28-29, 2018. Other organizational meetings were Alonso L. Tan Chairman
21-22, 2018 at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel. also held last July 14-15 at Calbayog City and July 21-22 at Cebu City. Arsenio Isidro G. Yap President

Ramoncito A. Ocampo Secretary
Anthony P. Nazario Treasurer
Jose C. Reyes, Jr. Director
Gerry Eutemio T. Mission Director
Danilo A. Sanchez Director
Teodulo C. Sandoval Director
Proculo T. Sarmen Director
Noeni S. Nepomuceno Director
Antonio B. Fidelino Director

Kompass Credit and Financing Corporation (KCFC)

Rene V. Sarmiento Chairman


Arsenio Isidro G. Yap Vice Chairman
Pascual C. Carbero President
Elmer Z. Eroles Secretary
James L. Layaoen Treasurer
Hilario G. Davide, Jr. Director
The Mindanao Jurisdiction led by its State Deputy Gerry Eutemio T. Mission, State Officers, distinguished guests and State Chaplain Most Rev. Jose Bagaforo, D.D. during the
Joven B. Joaquin Director
District Deputies’ Organizational Meeting held last July 20-22, 2018 at Chali Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City. Prior to the event, an organizational meeting was also held at Davao
City last July 13-15, 2018.

K of C Foundations:
LORENZ JOSEPH M. BILLENA, CPA.
Another KC Philippines Foundation,
Inc. scholar passed the Certified Public
Accountant Licensure Examination
last May 2018. Mr. Billena, a native of
Gatbuca, Calumpit, Bulacan, started as
a KCPFI scholar last 2013. He studied
at Bulacan State University, City of
Malolos, Bulacan. He was a member of
the Columbian Squire Circle No. 5417
from 2012-2015. For the CY 2012-2013,
Lorenz was awarded as the Squire of
the Body of Christ. At present, he is a
3rd Degree Member of the Order of the
Knights of Columbus at St. John the
Baptist Co. 10582, Calumpit, Bulacan.
We extend our warmest congratulations
The Philippine State Deputies and their ladies during the 136th Supreme Convention. In the picture from left – right: Supreme Director and Luzon North Deputy Jose C. Reyes,
Jr. and Lady Ma. Ofelia; Luzon South Deputy Ramoncito A. Ocampo; and Lady Jocelyn and Mindanao Deputy Gerry Eutemio T. Mission. to him and his family.

C2 August 6 - 19, 2018, Vol 22, No. 16 THE CROSS
Ramoncito A. Ocampo Ma. Theresa G. Curia

President’s Curia Settings


Message
Assumption Of Mary: A Dogma Of Faith, A Sign Of Hope

Faith in Action ON August 15, the Church Son, in body and soul.
celebrates one of the most Third, her perpetual
FAITH in Action is the new program introduced by the important feasts dedicated to virginity – her body was
Supreme Knight, Carl Anderson, for this Columbian Year the Blessed Virgin Mary: the preserved in unimpaired
2018-2019. As a brother knight born to be of service, not only Feast of Her Assumption. At virginal integrity.
in our own families but also in the communities and parishes, the conclusion of her earthly And fourth, she participated
needs to fully understand the love for service. Many articles are life, the Mother of Christ in the work of Christ – she
being published pertaining to faith, but not all pertains to faith was raised, soul and body to enjoys the full fruit of the
in action. This new program designed by the Supreme Council Heaven, in full communion Redemption, which consists
gives us the clearer path towards enhancing our practice of with God. in the glorification of soul
faith in action. Mary, the Blessed Mother and body.
It has four program categories—Faith, Family, Community, of our Savior, lived a life full Mary’s Assumption is a
and Life. Strengthening our brother knights and their families’ of God’s grace. We celebrate sign of hope that we will share
faith; family, being the basic unit of the community also needs the fact that she never lost in the Resurrection of Christ.
to be strengthened, weakened familial bond within the family this grace and therefore was It also assures us that in God’s
members could result to a number of undesirable outcomes; “assumed” or transferred eyes our entire humanity is
community, strengthened with familial bond of all families directly to heaven with a precious and one day we will
composing the community can result to a healthy environment glorified body. Take note that experience the promise of
for your children to grow and prosper in the long run; and we do not say she went up to mysteries of Jesus’ life, it is dogmas as infallible truths. Jesus that: “I will raise you up
preservation and the protection of life. heaven, like Jesus did at the not surprising that the Holy The dogma of the on the last day.”
Initially, Knights of Columbus is also known for having a Ascension. She was assumed Spirit has led the Church to Assumption affirms that Besides, being intimately
motto of “In service to One, in service to All”. This long time to heaven. It was by God’s believe in Mary’s share in His Mary’s body was glorified close to God, she radiates His
motto of our fraternal organization not only embodies our power that she did. glorification. So close was she after her death. In fact, while infinite beauty and love. This
ability to help and be of service not merely to our own but to In 1950, Pope Pius XII issued to Jesus on earth, she must for other human beings the leads us to a very practical
others as well. Walk for Life, Special Olympics, Ultrasound the Apostolic Constitution be with him body and soul in resurrection of the body lesson on how to be beautiful:
Initiatives, Coastal Clean-up are just some of our commonly Munificentissimus Deus heaven. will take place at the end be in love, truly in love with
practiced programs reaching out to our families, communities (“Most Bountiful God”). That Mary was assumed of the world, for Mary the God – like Mary! Be intimately
and parishes. Here he defined that “the to heaven is a dogma of glorification of her body united with God and your life
“Faith in action is love, and love in action is service. By Immaculate Mother of God our faith. Mary did not was anticipated by a special will exude an extraordinary
transforming that faith into living acts of love, we put ourselves … having completed the ascend by herself. She privilege. beauty like Mary. Mary’s
in contact with God Himself, with Jesus our Lord” says Mother course of her earthly life, was was assumed. The dogma of the is the beauty of somebody
Teresa. In as much as we would like to engage ourselves in assumed body and soul into But what is a dogma? Assumption of Mary is based, who is in love, whose life is
faith-deepening activities, it is our own choice on how we would heavenly glory.” A dogma is a definitive according to the Fathers of completely immersed in the
like to perceive and execute our faith. When the pope solemnly article of faith that has been the Church, on at least four love of God.
At the end of the day, small things matter. Faith in action declared this dogma, it was solemnly promulgated by arguments: first, Mary is the The Assumption of Our
matters. No matter how grand nor modest an act could be. already a common belief in the college of bishops at an Immaculate Conception – Lady reminds us that human
Vivat Jesus! the Catholic Church. From ecumenical council or by she did not incur the general beings are of inestimable,
the sixth century the feast the pope when he speaks curse of sin and so her body eternal value. Christ’s being
Arsenio Isidro G. Yap was celebrated under various ex cathedra, (from his was “exempted” from the fully human has elevated our
names: Dormition, Passing, chair as pope) in which the general law of dissolution dignity as human beings.
A Brother’s Insight Assumption.
Why did the people believe
magisterium (teaching
office ) of the Church presents
and immediately assumed
into the glory of Heaven,
Therefore, we are taught not
to treat human beings as
that she was assumed into a particular doctrine as in accordance with God’s means to an end; to value,
heaven? necessary for the belief of all original plan for humankind. and care for, human life—both
Since Mary is closely Catholic faithful. The faithful Second, she is the Mother of individually and collectively—
associated with all the are required to accept the God – there is likeness to her Curia Settings / C3

KCFAPI @ 60 Karlo Serviento


THE Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the
Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) will be celebrating its 60th
Anniversary this coming September 14, 2018. This Diamond
Pondering the Words
Jubilee Celebration will take stock of what it had achieved
over the years particularly from its 50th Anniversary in 2008 Consolation Amidst Desolation
to the present. Whether it was able to achieve what it wanted
then or not? Whether its course to its 60th Anniversary had a
diversion or not? Does it really matter? For some it does. For
others, they couldn’t care less. But for the greater majority, A MIND of a wiseman is unfathomable Though others may not have seen Him, to pray for those who persecute us and
what matters most are the achievements of the past decade by a foolish one. The latter talks with his through their personal encounter, continue to bring us to martyrdom. The
whether in tune or not with what was planned. That KCFAPI mouth, the former speaks with his heart. spiritually, they felt the presence of a Lord is full of mercy and compassion and
was able to transform into a better institution able to address The Catholic Bishops in the Philippines Christ in their lives in which they lived will always be open to give it to all, by all
the needs of its insured members and at the same time able to have spoken. After months of silence and and pondered for the rest of their lives means and in all ways.
provide funds for its two foundations and the social actions great endurance amidst pain caused by until their most painful execution. The church does not oppose the
coursed through the four jurisdictions: Luzon North, Luzon fake news, words of slander, killings of Through the grace of our Lord; they have government. Rather, they only speak for
South, Visayas and Mindanao. lay persons and even the consecrated felt no pain despite their enormous death. the truth, in the basis of faith and morals.
There were only three jurisdictions in 2008: Luzon, Visayas ones, they have released an exhortation Now, the church triumphs by means of The church’s bases for its actions are based
and Mindanao. There are now four starting July 1, 2015 when from the minds of the fathers of the their sufferings and martyrdom. Now, in the fundamental morals, principles and
Luzon was divided in two, Luzon North and Luzon South. church through the guidance of the we are also called to open our eyes to the spirituality. It will always come after an
This was necessary when Luzon got too big and needed to be Divine Inspiration. occurrences these times to see that we are intense study and deep meditation.
divided for better management and control. Rejoice and be glad, we are blessed! all witnesses of Christ. Our Mother Church is founded by
KCFAPI then was primarily run by brother knights who Yes, indeed, we are truly blessed. We must therefore open our eyes to Christ Himself. We are not perfect. We
are mostly not officers of the three jurisdictions then. This We are receivers of God’s peace. see each other’s sufferings, specially the are not holy. Yet, we are continuously
somehow has created a certain degree of hostility between Therefore in these times of darkness, we poor, the depressed and the oppressed. called to be one. We always need a
the jurisdiction officers on one side and what we might call are beacons of peace. And the name of We are all brothers and sisters in the eyes healer and Christ offers Himself as our
the well meaning brother knights on the other. Both sides peace is “God”. We are the sons of peace. of God. We are all responsible for each wounded-healer that we may live in
however are one in making an effort to make KCFAPI a strong Through the ministry we have received in other. It is also a call for us to respond holiness.
and socially relevant financial institution. Baptism, we are given the task of being a to each other’s needs, to put our feet in Jesus fasted. Jesus prayed; to hear the
There were a lot of constructions and investments made priest, king and prophet. These missions their own shoes, as we journey to one message of God, to feel the presence of
during the past decade. We have constructed a four level will only be possible if we are at peace. path of holiness. God and to be submissive to the will of
car park and a new three storey building at the Holy Trinity We are witnesses of Christ. During We are also being reminded that the God. Therefore the call to us now is to
Memorial Chapels. This expansion resulted favorably for the early days, Christians experience way to Jesus is not anger or vengeance. “Rejoice and be Glad! We have our God!”
our funeral services business. And just this year, we also suffering through martyrdom. The It is always forgiveness that will lead us Blessed be the name of the Lord for all
installed a solar system that would reduce our electricity bill. martyrs are the first witnesses of Christ. to Him. For that reason, we are asked ages and through eternity!
In just about one and a half months of installation, we had
already spared mother earth of more than 4,000 kilograms of Erwin John Mallari
carbon dioxide emission, the equivalent of planting 14 trees.
It is estimated that we will spare mother earth of 672,000
kilograms of carbon dioxide emission in 20 years or the EJ’s Corner
equivalent to planting 2,240 trees, more than our fare share
for the environment. The solar panels would still produce The Patron Saint of Parish Priests
electricity after twenty years on a reduced capacity.
We also made an Oratory for Venerable Fr. Michael
J. McGivney and a three storey memorial building for
ALL of us have dreams but where he was born as the faith continued for several Napoleon’s armies. Because
Brother’s Insight / C3
not all of us have the same fourth of six children. His years, even during when he he became ill the first time
experiences and sometimes parents Matthieu Vianney received his first communion he was drafted and got left

THE CROSS
because of the difficulties and Marie Vianney were by age 13 and especially behind while praying in a
that we go through, we often very religious and devout during his preparation for Church the second time
give up on our dreams. Catholics who often helped confirmation. he was drafted, he was led
A Supplement Publication of the How about you? Do you the poor. Being a practical It was Napoleon Bonaparte to a mountain village and
Order of the Knights of Columbus and KCFAPI remember what you wanted Catholic at this time was who re-established the was unable to serve in the
Editorial Board
to be when you were a child? very dangerous because of Catholic Church in France in army and was considered a
Were you able to achieve that the French revolution. The 1802 and while John Vianney deserter. He stayed in that
Jose C. Reyes, Jr. dream? The saint we will be said revolution affected John was concerned about his village for a while and even
Chairman featuring today has had a Vianney’s life in a big way, 1st future vocation at this time, put up a school for children.
very challenging life but he is because he had to abandon his faith and perseverance After about fourteen
Ramoncito A. Ocampo persevered on to ultimately his studies and 2nd because kept him going. At school, months, all deserters from
President
achieve that dream. So who the practice of Catholic faith he was struggling with the army were able to return
Ma. Theresa G. Curia is this saint? Why? It is none was banned. Priests had his subjects of arithmetic, to their own homes thanks to
Executive Vice President other than JEAN-BAPTISTE- to carry out Sacraments in geography, history and Latin. an imperial declaration that
MARIE VIANNEY, more secret. They would often hold It was only through his sheer granted them amnesty. John
Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III commonly known as St. John Mass in distant lands, away will of wanting to become a Vianney was able resume his
Spiritual Director Vianney. Let’s take a look from the reach of the regime. priest and the patience of his studies again, but like the
at the life of the saint who The young John Vianney teacher, Abbé Balley that he last time he went to school,
Mary Magdalene G. Flores
Editor-in-Chief
has come to be known as realized that such priests managed to pull through. he again struggled and the
the “Patron Saint of Parish risked their lives on a daily In 1809, St. John Vianney’s teachers considered too slow
Juan Karlo Serviento, Jerome P. De Guzman, Erwin John B. Mallari Priests.” basis so he began to see these studies were interrupted and will be unable to finish.
Contributors His life started on May priests as heroes. The secret ag ain. This t ime it w as It was his old mentor Abbé
1786 in Dardilly, France practice of John Vianney’s because he was drafted to EJ’s Corner / C3
THE CROSS August 6 - 19, 2018, Vol 22, No. 16 C3

‘An Ethics of Fraternity’


The continued success of our Order as both a business and a fraternal society is grounded in our Catholic mission
with you excerpts of those That is what he founded, in the charity our earnings thousands of such committed of new members join through
remarks. and that is what we continue make possible. agents. this online initiative.
Pope Francis has today. We believe a values-based, The day I was elected In many ways, we have
challenged Catholics to take At the Knights of Columbus, ethical strategy in both supreme knight, I told our just completed the best
up what he calls “an ethics of we have developed a strong, marketing and investments Board of Directors that we fraternal year in the history
fraternity” to help transform successful business model is the best way to achieve have a moral obligation to of the Knights of Columbus —
society. This is also the vision based upon “an ethics of sustainability and to remain offer membership in the membership is up, the dollars
of Father Michael McGivney fraternity.” It is what we mean competitive in a free-market Knights of Columbus to every we have given to charity are
— and this is what we have when we say “insurance by economy. eligible Catholic man. up and the amount of hours
been about for more than brother Knights for brother This is the brand represented We have a similar obligation we have volunteered is up.
135 years. Knights.” by a Knights of Columbus to offer the protection of our On the business side, we
We should remember that You and I are engaged in agent — a brand committed great Knights of Columbus have reached new heights
in Father McGivney’s day a noble experiment. It is an to the ethics of a Catholic insurance program to every of insurance in force and
there were already insurance experiment to demonstrate fraternity — when he sits eligible Catholic man and assets under management.
companies in Connecticut. that a business enterprise across the kitchen table from a his family. Our new online We were again honored as
He could have easily referred fully committed to Catholic brother Knight and helps him membership initiative one of the World’s Most
his parishioners to one of teaching and principles can decide how best to safeguard makes this goal a practical Ethical Companies by the
these companies. But he enter into the free market and the future of his family. possibility. Ethisphere Institute. And
by Supreme Knight didn’t. successfully compete among In fact, it is better to say I encourage you to take Standard & Poor’s ranked
Carl A. Anderson Instead, Father McGivney industry leaders. that he doesn’t just represent full advantage of this us as one of the six most
wanted something different. We are a business the brand of the Knights of opportunity. I also ask you financially strong insurance
LAST MONTH, I addressed He wanted something enterprise — today counted Columbus — he is the brand. to encourage these new companies in North America.
more than 800 of our distinctly Catholic. He wanted among the Fortune 1000 — There is no substitute for a K members to become active Each day that I walk into
dedicated Knights of a new Catholic fraternity that seeks in a public way to of C agent’s professionalism, brother Knights, to join a my office as supreme knight,
Columbus insurance agents that would transform the operate according to Catholic commitment, concern, and local council and help us in I am confident that for the
about our mission to protect practical men of his day into values. We do this in the way yes, his conscience. our mission of fraternity and Knights of Columbus the best
the financial future of our a committed brotherhood of we invest, in the products I am so very proud that in charity. is yet to come. Together we
brother Knights’ families. men capable of helping each we offer, in the dividend the history of the Knights I hope in the coming will make that a reality.
Now, I would like to share other. philosophy we support and of Columbus we have had months we will see thousands Vivat Jesus!

The Gentle Warrior An INVITATION to become a


FR. GEORGE J. WILLMANN, SJ FELLOW

By James B. Reuter, SJ THE “Fr. George J. Willmann Fellows” was launched by the Knights
CHAPTER FOUR of Columbus Father George J. Willmann Charities, Inc. last June
29, 1997 during the Centennial Birth Anniversary celebration of Rev.
Fr. George J. Willmann, S.J. This fund-raising campaign finances
ATTENDANCE at Sunday Mass was, of yours, we would never have the problem the theological research expenses necessary to possibly raise Fr.
course, insisted upon. Reception of the of overcrowding in our prisons.” Willmann to the honors of the altar. Last December 7, 2015, Manila
Sacraments, while strongly urged, was The Catholic Youth Organization Archbishop Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle has officially opened
not compulsory, to prevent any possible (CYO), established by Father Willmann the Archdiocesan Process for the Causes of Beatification and
sacrilegious participation in the holy in Manila in 1938, carried the same name Canonization of Fr. George J. Willmann and monthly Ecclesiastical
rites. as the youth program organized in the inquiries are being held at the Manila Metropolitan Tribunal.
Membership to the Fr. Willmann Fellows is open to all Knights
Within a short time, clubs were started United States in 1930 by Bishop Bernard of Columbus councils, members, their families, friends and
in six sections of the city — Intramuros, J. Sheil of Chicago, Illinois. But the even to business institutions. As of August 2017, more than
Trozo, Ermita, Ayala–Paco, Santa Ana local C.Y.O. in Manila was never meant 1,100 individuals and 36 institutions all over the country have
and Sampaloc. Facilities usually were to become an adjunct of the C.Y.O. in already joined this fellowship. Father Willmann Fellows serve
not fancy. In Ayala–Paco, however, America. Father Willmann was trying as co-sponsors in the work of spreading the good news about
we had first class bowling alleys and, to set up an independent organization, Fr. Willmann’s life, works and holiness. Their donation is a
lifetime subscription to the initiative of the Knights of Columbus of
with our rate of two games for a nickel, to meet the local needs of the Philippines. promoting awareness on Father Willmann in order that authentic
cheapest in the city, they attracted big The C.Y.O. in the U.S.A. was primarily devotion to him may be encouraged among the faithful, especially
crowds. a preventive measure, for youngsters those who need his intercession for God’s grace.
At Sampaloc we developed a fairly full- who — because of broken homes or We therefore cordially invite you and your loved ones to join
scale social center. Here the playground parental neglect or abandonment or the Fr. Willmann Fellows. Aside from being an advocate in
was thronged daily with boys from the boredom — were prone to criminal spreading the sanctity of Father Willmann and the graces that
nearby slums. In the ruins of the former tendencies. come with it, each Fellow is entitled to receive the following items
as memorabilia: (1) a Certificate of Membership, (2) a lapel pin
“convento” (rectory) we conducted a and household commodities. Father Willmann felt that this was and (3) a pamphlet entitled “A Quest for a Cause of Fr. George
small elementary school by day and In all these activities we felt we were valuable — he constantly spoke of J. Willmann, S.J.”. We further urge you to fervently seek Fr.
an Adult Education class at night. We making a little progress. We couldn’t “Battling the Devil” — but he hoped Willmann’s intercession in all your petitions for God’s graces and
had vocational classes, too, where auto- pretend that we had actually licked the that the Philippine CYO, primarily, to report to the Foundation all blessings you may have received
mechanics was taught to ambitious busy Devil of these various districts. would promote the spiritual health of its with the intercession of Fr. Willmann.
youngsters. But definitely he was no longer in the members. He hoped that this would be KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
And here it was that we experimented driver’s seat. The boys and young men achieved in five ways: FR. GEORGE J. WILLMANN CHARITIES, INC.
with Cooperatives, as an economic help were friendlier to the priests. The anti- 1. By assisting young people to keep Gen. Luna cor. Sta. Potenciana Sts., Intramuros, Manila
for the poor. The Knights of Columbus clerical lies that “The Church doesn’t love near to the Church and the pastor, and by Tel. Nos. 527-2223 local 221 & 527-2244 (Fax)
Cooperative Committee had printed the poor” were stopped. Attendance at encouraging them further to participate
some pamphlets on the subject. The Mass improved in the churches. In the in its sacramental life. APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
to FATHER GEORGE J. WILLMANN, S.J. FELLOW
Government Cooperative Bureau liked playgrounds, honesty, and fair play and 2. Positively, by keeping them
these pamphlets so much that it asked clean living were taught. wholesomely occupied. 1. Name of Applicant (individual or institution):
permission to reprint them by the Our work began to attract public 3. Negatively, by keeping them out of _________________________________________________
thousands. attention. The Honorable Eriberto Misa, trouble. 2. Address: _________________________________________
But this was only theory. Sampaloc was Director of Philippines Prisons, wrote 4. By associating them with proper Tel. Nos. ______________________________________
a good testing ground to practice in. As to us: companions. 3. Office Name & Address: ______________________________
an example of a Producers’ Cooperative, “I have heard of the work of your 5. By assisting their normal Tel. Nos. __________________________________________
4. K of C Council Number and Location: ____________________
we organized an embroidery Co-op for organization and I congratulate you for development — spiritual, intellectual, 5. Enclosure: _________________________________________
the women of the district. In the field what it is doing for the poor boys of the emotional, physical, social, aesthetic and [ ] Cash P ____________ [ ] PMO/check No.___________
of marketing, we started a Co-op store City…. vocational. (Note: Please make check payable to KC Fr. George J. Willmann
where the poor could purchase their food “If there were more organizations like (to be continued on the next issue) Charities, Inc.)

Brother’s Insight / C2
Date: ______________________________________________
Signature: __________________________________________
Servant of God Fr. George J. the BGC which is showing its projects and concerns. For KCFAPI headquarters and
Willmann both in the KCFAPI a very bright potential for the past five years or so, we offices which shall be called EJ’s Corner / C2
compound. The Fr. George the group. This property is had increased the earnings the KCFAPI Tower.
J. Willmann building houses expected to double in value from around 700 hundred We had achieved so much Balley who persuaded the Vicar general that Vianney’s piety
not only a world class, state of in one or two years after thousand per year to one in the past ten years. I don’t was great enough to compensate for his ignorance. Through
the art museum for the cause turnover in 2020. million guaranteed. see any reason why we cannot years of hardwork, John Vianney was finally ordained priest
of Fr. Willmann but also a 2013 was the key turning Looking forward to our achieve what are being on August 12, 1815 in the Couvent des Minimes de Grenoble.
chapel in his honor. The chapel point of KCFAPI when its 75th Anniversary, KCFAPI planned for 2033, our 75th He celebrated his first Mass the next day, and was appointed
was designed by an Architect leadership was the same with through Keys Realty also Anniversary. The only thing the assistant to Balley in Écully.
Priest, Rev Fr. Alex Bautista. that of the Jurisdictions. It plans to develop a Memorial we need to do is to provide Abbé Balley was St. John Vianney’s greatest inspiration
Although the design is quite was no longer two groups Park, complete with a chapel, for the financial future of because he was a priest who remained loyal to his faith
modern, it still has a presence running side by side but it funeral parlors, crematorium, our family by patronizing throughout the Revolution even when it was illegal. After
of sacredness that would leave was like one team running columbary; Knights of KCFAPI. Increased his mentor’s death in 1818, St. John Vianney was appointed
anyone in awe and compel him together with synergy Columbus Village which insurance coverage would parish priest of Ars, a town with a population of 230
to say a prayer. and resulted to better can be replicated in major mean increase revenue for inhabitants.
We are also venturing into revenues for KCFAPI and cities/provinces all over the KCFAPI. This would mean While serving as parish priest, he came to the realization
the hotel business with our better recruitments for the Philippines; at least two more increase investments and that the Revolution greatly affected the people of this town
Columbus Plaza Hotel at Jurisdictions. Columbus Plaza Hotels in developments through Keys and they were very lax and ignorant towards religion. People
Gen-San. It has 29 rooms We were not thinking only Baguio and Tagaytay Cities; Realty. I am pretty sure that preferred working in the fields, or dancing and drinking in
and 10 commercial spaces. of financial gains for the more investments from key we have a product that would taverns during Sundays over attending Mass. To solve the
After about three years or group, but also on how we and premier developers in the cater to all walks of life across tough situation they were in, St. John Vianney spent a lot of
so of operation, its hotel has could increase our funds for country like the Ayala group all ages and income brackets. time in the confessional and gave homilies against blasphemy
65-70 percent occupancy our charitable causes. We and land banking for our And I am pretty sure that and paganic dancing and warned the townspeople that if they
despite the state of martial established the Seed of Hope own future developments. new products would still be continued on with their way of life they would not be given
law in Mindanao. Our Fund, a ten million peso Also being considered is a developed to enhance the absolution.
commercial spaces are 90- investment whose earnings diagnostic clinic which could future financial needs of our St. John Vianney became famous internationally, and
100% occupied. would be turned over to the complement the operations family. It’s a dream for now, people from distant places began travelling to consult him.
We have also invested in Catholic Bishops Conference of KCFAPI and hopefully a a reality tomorrow. Happy The number of pilgrims who would seek him would reach to
an Ayala development at of the Philippines (CBCP) for new site for a new and bigger Diamond Anniversary! about 20,000 a year and in the last ten years of John Vianney’s
life, he spent 16 to 18 hours a day in the confessional.
Curia Settings / C2 On 4 August 1859, St. John Vianney died at the age of
73. In 1925, 66 years after his death, St. John Vianney was
by beholding persons in the light of Like her and through her maternal goal and come to share in her glory. She canonized by Pope Pius XI, and by 1929, was made patron
eternity. intervention, we will find the way to is indeed a sign of hope for us. saint of parish priests.
Our lives, seen in the light of Mary’s heaven, our true and lasting home. Because of the traits and virtues that St. John Vianney
Assumption into Heaven, is not a The lesson of the Assumption is that (For more reflection on the possessed, he is considered to be an excellent example and
wandering without meaning, but a the Blessed Mother attains what all meaning of the Assumption there model to all those in the clergy.
pilgrimage that, with all its uncertainties believers hope one day to share. Let us are many more articles you can St. John Vianney is indeed a great example to follow not
and sufferings, has a sure destination: look at Mary as our model and pray to google, from which this piece was only for the members of the clergy but of everyone to follow
the house of Our Father. her that we may see heaven as our final taken.) our dreams and strive to achieve them.
C4 August 6 - 19, 2018, Vol 22, No. 16 THE CROSS

In camaraderie and unanimity, we anticipate


the 60th Diamond Anniversary of KCFAPI
AT KCFAPI, employees matter has given them physically,
as they are integral in drawing emotionally and spiritually.
the Association’s success. For the past month, all were
As part of the celebration busy in various preparations.
of the Association’s 60th Each one exerts his efforts
Diamond Anniversary, the well for this occasion.
KCFAPI management and As this year also falls as
staff prepares for it with a the Year of the Clergy and
special production number Consecrated Persons, it is also
that will showcase KCFAPI our vocation and a call from
Then and Now. With the the Lord to continue to fulfil
theme Transformation the mission of the Servant of
through Evangelization and God Fr. George J. Willmann,
Innovation, the team will that KCFAPI be a hand that
have its opening number will reach the unreachable in
that relates the birth service of the brother knights.
of the association and its In September 2018, with
contribution to the growth of great jubilation, the whole
each individual whom lives KCFAPI Family, now over
were touched with the gift of 50,000 in the country will
a KCFAPI. welcome the 60th Diamond
The production number Anniversary, another
will showcase the talents of milestone that will continue in
all the employees, as this will the generations to come. The
be their only way in showing KofC Family…Our Concern!
gratitude for what KCFAPI (JSServiento) The KCFAPI employees with its Executive Vice President Ma. Theresa G. Curia during one of the rehearsals held at the KCFAPI Center in celebration of the upcoming 60th Anniversary.

Columbian Year 2018-2019


Board Trustees / Directors
Knights of Columbus Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc. (KCFGJWCI)

Hilario G. Davide, Jr. Chairman


Alonso L. Tan President
Anthony P. Nazario Treasurer
Gerry Eutemio T. Mission Secretary
Jacinto S. Pancha Trustee
Ramoncito A. Ocampo Trustee
Noeni S. Nepomuceno Trustee
Jose C. Reyes, Jr. Trustee
Arsenio Isidro G. Yap Trustee
Isagani B. Maghirang Trustee
Edwin B. Dawal Trustee
Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III Trustee
Fr. Robert T. Young Trustee
Fr. Jeronimo Ma. J. Cruz Trustee
Fr. Glenn Cantos Trustee
KC Philippines Foundation, Inc. (KCPFI)

Hilario G. Davide, Jr. Chairman


Alonso L. Tan President
KCFAPI President Ramoncito A. Ocampo and VP for FBG Gari M. San Sebastian during the Luzon Fraternal Benefits Managers Mid-year meeting held last July 12-13, 2018 at
Anthony P. Nazario Treasurer Rizal Park Hotel, Manila.
Gerry Eutemio T. Mission Secretary
Jose C. Reyes, Jr. Trustee
Ramoncito A. Ocampo Trustee
Proculo T. Sarmen Trustee
Noeni S. Nepomuceno Trustee
Arsenio Isidro G. Yap Trustee

Mace Insurance Agency Inc. (MIAI)

Antonio B. Fidelino Chairman


German F. Martinez, Jr. President
Teodulo C. Sandoval Secretary
Joven P. Dy Treasurer
Isagani B. Maghirang Director
Ruel D. Tecson Director
Raymundo C. Soliman, Jr. Director

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