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CBCP
CATHOLIC bishops
tagged in the supposed
plot to destabilize the
Duterte administration
said they will not bow
down to “intimidation” in
their defense for human
rights.
In a “fraternal message” issued
on Sept. 7, the four prelates accused
of sedition said they will not allow
any pressure to stop their mission
to help the voiceless.
“We will not allow this splinter
from the cross of Christ to distract
us from our mission, to dampen our
zeal or to intimidate us,” they said.
According to them, the cross they
now carry is nothing compared
to the “agony and passion of the
Lord and the pains and aches of
the poor”.
“Our defense for human life
and the sacredness of marriage
remains,” the bishops said.
“Our message of peace based on
truth will not be perturbed. Our
zeal for souls will not falter. Our
mission is yet incomplete. We will
not be discouraged,” they added.
This is the first time that
Archbishop Socrates Villegas and
bishops Pablo Virgilio David,
Discouraged / A6 The four bishops who are facing sedition charges remain undaunted and assured that they will continue to do their duties as “shepherds of God’s people”. CBCPNEWS
Pope blesses religious icon for Syria Bishops urge Duterte to rethink
all-out war with insurgents
with Aid to the Church in Need reps
VATICAN— A small
delegation of representatives
from the papal charity
foundation, Aid to the Church
in Need (ACN), stood witness
to Pope Francis’ blessing on
Sunday of the icon of the Our
Lady of Sorrows, Consoler of
Syrians.
The icon was made in
August by Fr. Spiridon
Kabbash, a Greek Orthodox Peace advocates ring bells as they call for the resumption of peace talks between
priest from Homs in Syria. the government and communist rebels during an ecumenical peace forum in Quezon
Present in this initiative is City, Sept. 12, 2019. CBCPNEWS
the organization’s National PRESIDENT Rodrigo negotiations.
Director for the Philippines, Duterte’s threat for an all- “An all-out war will
Jonathan Luciano. out war with communist only bring about a divided
Our Lady of Sorrows, rebels will only worsen the country,” Ledesma said.
Consoler of Syrians was animosity, a church official “So all the more we should
designated to bring a dawn of
Pope Francis poses for a photo with the representatives of the Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) after blessing an icon of Our Lady has warned. work for justice, peace
hope, peace, and consolation of Sorrows, Consoler of Syrians, at the Vatican on Sept. 15. VATICAN MEDIA Speaking at an ecumenical negotiations, and the culture
to all Christians of the world.
peace forum, Archbishop of dialogue to bring about
The image shows the beloved According to Fr. Kabbash, persecuted brothers and Luciano also stressed the
Antonio Ledesma of Cagayan peace,” he said.
Virgin Mary, Mother of God, the icon is a message of hope. sisters,” he said. “greater need to be sensitive
de Oro urged Duterte not to The archbishop was the
seated on a throne, with the “We will send it to many The icon will be traveling to and aware of the plight of
completely abandon peace Rethink / A2
Lord Jesus Christ on her lap. places in the world because all the dioceses of Syria and our suffering brothers and
Holding an orb, the icon they need consolation from the whole of the Middle East to sisters, and the icon of the
depicts that Jesus entrusts God. The war is too heavy for spread the message of peace and sorrowful mother, who, Filipino bishop faces charges after
the care of the world to his the people,” he said. consolation to all war victims. in her tears, consoles her
Mother, similar to what ACN Philippines Director The initiative is part of children”. exposing police abuses in PNG
he did with all humankind Luciano said he was “deeply the “Console My People” “I also asked the Pope to
under the cross. Also, a moved” by the message of campaign, an ACN initiative pray for the Philippines,
visible detail is war-stricken the icon. for Syrians. especially the persecuted and
Syria, heavily destroyed “It strengthened in me Last August, 6,000 rosaries the oppressed. He agreed,
and wounded with all the the challenge to rise to the were also blessed by the and Pope Francis requests
unheard and unknown mission to help the suffering pope for the relatives of the that we pray for him as well,”
battles plaguing its grounds. Church, especially our victims. he said. (CBCPNews)
Moroccan woman jailed on suspicion of procuring abortion making amends as far as possible and preparing to
apply for parole. While protecting its citizens, the pope
said, every society also must seek ways to rehabilitate
RABAT, Morocco— A Moroccan politically motivated. abortions are regularly procured there. those who have committed crimes and find ways to
journalist has been jailed for allegedly Raissouni could face as much as two Raissouni and al-Amin have been help them make positive contributions to society.
procuring an abortion and for years imprisonment if found guilty. religiously, but not legally, married, (Cindy Wooden/CNS)
fornication. The country’s penal code The doctor, nurse, and secretary have according to AFP.
bars abortion except in cases when the been charged with carrying out and Sunni Islam is the established religion
mother’s life is endangered. complicity in abortion, and face up to 10 of Morocco. Prince Charles to attend Newman’s canonization in Rome
Hajar Raissouni, 28, was arrested years imprisonment, The Independent According to a group that support Prince Charles will attend the canonization of
Aug. 31 as she left a clinic in Rabat, reported. abortion rights, most abortion-related Blessed Cardinal John Henry Newman next month.
AFP reported. Also arrested were her Saad Sahli, a lawyer for Raissouni and arrests in the country involve medical The heir to the British throne will travel to Rome to
fiance, Rifaat al-Amin, and a doctor, al-Amin, said that Raissouni had been officials, and only rarely do they include witness the canonization Mass of the first non-martyr
nurse, and secretary from the obstetrics- receiving treatment for internal bleeding the women who procure abortions. English saint since the Reformation. After the Mass
gynecology clinic. at the clinic where she was arrested. In 2018, Moroccan courts tried more in St. Peter’s Square Oct. 13, the Prince of Wales will
Her trial was due to begin Sept. 9, but After her arrest, Raissouni was than 14,500 people for debauchery; 3,048 attend a reception at the Pontifical Urban College,
has been postponed to Sept. 16 following taken to hospital where she was given for adultery; 170 for homosexuality; and where Newman studied to become a Catholic priest, the
protests. a gynecological exam, another of 73 for abortions, AFP reported. prince’s office announced. “We are delighted that HRH
All five are being held until next week’s her lawyers said, according to The Brunei, another Muslim country, The Prince of Wales will lead the UK delegation for the
hearing. Independent. adopted a penal code in April that canonisation of Cardinal Newman,” the Archbishop of
Raissouni writes for Akhbar Al- Prosecutors say there were indications punishes anyone who commits qatl Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, said after the
Yaoum, which is reportedly critical of of pregnancy and that she had received (homicide) on a fetus by intentionally announcement Sept. 12. (Courtney Grogan/CNA)
the Moroccan government. a “late voluntary abortion.” causing its miscarriage with diya
Prosecutors have said her arrest has Rabat officials have also indicated (monetary compensation to the
“nothing to do with her profession the clinic where the five were arrested child’s heirs) and with up to 15 years Pope Francis: God forgets our sins after confession
as a journalist,” but some worry it is if being surveilled, after reports that imprisonment. (CNA) Pope Francis said Sunday that God forgets sins
absolved within the confessional. “How do you
EU official: Release of Asia Bibi shows promise for religious freedom defeat evil? Accepting God’s forgiveness … It happens
every time we go to confession; there we receive the
BUDAPEST, Hungary— A to death by hanging. She visit them in prison, listen the previous government, love of the Father who overcomes our sin. It is no
European Union official was accused of making to them, discuss with them,” “relatively small groups took longer there, God forgets it,” Pope Francis said in his
who played a role in working disparaging remarks about she said. streets hostage, and de facto Angelus message Sept. 15. “God, when He forgives,
for the release of Pakistani the prophet Muhammad According to the U.S. State dictated some decisions to loses His memory. He forgets our sins, forgets. God
death row inmate Asia Bibi after an argument about a Department, there are an the elected government. Now, is so good with us,” he added in a departure from his
said the outcome shows the cup of water. She was held estimated 77 people in prison leaders of militant groups prepared remarks. In the sacrament of confession,
potential of international on death row until October in Pakistan under blasphemy and violent extremists have God completely erases the evil confessed, making one
cooperation to promote 2018 when her conviction laws, most of them Muslims. been jailed after massive new inside, reborn in joy, Pope Francis explained.
religious freedom. was overturned. Bibi said in her message public protests.” (Courtney Grogan/CNA)
Jan Figel is the EU Special After the acquittal, there she is grateful to the Figel recently launched
Envoy for Freedom of were protests by Islamic international community the academic and political
Religion outside of Europe. hardliners, and Bibi remained that worked for her release, Declaration of Human Pope Francis: Tradition is ‘the guarantee of the future’
In an interview with CNA, in Pakistan under protective and in particular to Figel, Dignity for Everyone Fidelity to tradition ensures a fruitful future,
he praised Bibi as “an custody until May 2019. She whom she described as “an Everywhere. Pope Francis said in a meeting Thursday with a
admirably brave woman is now in a secret location in angel who saved me [from] He explained to CNA that contemplative-missionary community rooted in the
and loving mother. She did Canada with her family. the imprisonment.” his involvement in Bibi’s case spirituality of St. Augustine. “To be modern, some
not give up her Christian In a new audio message Figel told CNA that the was intended to shed light on believe that it is necessary to break away from the
faith [in exchange for this week, Bibi issued a plea reason Bibi remained under issues of religious freedom, roots. And this is their ruin, because the roots, the
freedom], and she represents that justice and judgement protective custody in Pakistan since “Asia Bibi was famous tradition, are the guarantee of the future,” Pope
encouragement for many be treated as serious matters for nine months was likely worldwide as an evident Francis said Sept. 12. In an audience with nearly 200
others facing false blasphemy aimed at the pursuit of truth. because “the Imran Khan abuse of freedom of religion members of the General Chapter of the Discalced
accusations.” “If you want to punish government and Pakistani and beliefs.” Augustinians, the pope explained that “true tradition”
Asia Bibi, a Catholic someone, do not do it without Military used this delay to get Figel said he was able to visit is like the roots that bring a tree sap that allows it to
mother of five, was convicted listening to him. And do the situation in the country Pakistan only in December grow, flourish, and bear fruit. “Never break away from
of blasphemy in Pakistan something for all the people under real control.” 2017, and he made a second your roots to be modern, that’s suicide,” Francis told
in 2009 and sentenced in prison for blasphemy: He lamented that under visit in 2018. (CNA) the Augustinians. (Courtney Grogan/CNA)
Rethink / A1
keynote speaker at the “Ring Out Peace, dialogue and not war. been in limbo since 2017 after Duterte Catholics, Muslims pray at Vatican for September 11
Our Urgent Call” forum in Quezon City “At present, it is really important called out a series of rebel attacks on victims
on Sept. 12. for the government and the National the military. Catholics and Muslims prayed in Vatican City
Peace advocates renewed their calls Democratic Front of the Philippines to Ledesma said that religious groups are Wednesday for the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks and
for the resumption of the peace talks to resume dialogue in order for us to attain willing to assist both parties should they of every act of terrorism. The prayers were a part of the
prevent escalation of armed conflict and peace,” he said. return to the negotiating table. first meeting of a new committee created by the United
to reduce the climate of fear enveloping “That would be the first step as there “Church leaders are really mediators Arab Emirates for implementing the goals outlined in
some provinces. are still a lot of actions that need to be and they are in between. They are Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of al-Azhar Ahmed
“What should be done is really to call undertaken in order for peace to be truly neutral ground as they can bring about el-Tayeb’s joint statement on human fraternity signed in
for all-out peace. Let the whole nation be realized in the country,” Iñiguez added. the total aspirations for human rights, Abu Dhabi Feb. 4. According to the Holy See Press Office,
all about peace,” said Ledesma, who also Duterte on Tuesday ordered an all-out human dignity,” the prelate added. the committee chose to meet Sept. 11 as “a sign of the
co-chairs the Philippine Ecumenical war against the New People’s Army, six “All the more, these religious leaders will to build life and fraternity where others sowed death
Peace Platform. months after “permanently” terminating can bring about the spiritual element for and destruction.” The committee is made up of seven
For retired Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez the peace negotiations with the rebels. a lasting and just peace in the country,” members: two from the Roman curia and five members
of Kalookan, the key to lasting peace is The talks between both parties have he also said. (CBCPNews) from the UAE and Egypt. (Courtney Mares/CNA)
Abuses / A1
his case as a “blessing in police from the Mobile Squad arrested but later released This was the second time Pope Francis says he welcomes constructive criticism
disguise”. Task Force burnt 19 houses at on bail. that police from the task force Speaking aboard the papal plane from Madagascar
“What happened to me Daga compound on predawn A member of the Parliament burnt houses in Alotau, the to Rome, Pope Francis said he welcomes criticism if
has seemingly generated a of Sept. 1. for Alotau visited the fire prelate said. The first was it is given openly, fairly, and with a willingness to be
national reaction against The Vincentian prelate victims over the weekend in New Kitava in December debated. “Of criticisms, I always see the advantages.
police abuse of authority,” also posted the incident on and promised to build low last year. Sometimes you get angry, but the advantages are
he said. his Facebook account and housing for them. “Until now they are there,” he said Sept. 10 during an in-flight press
“It has also mobilized instantly went viral. Charles Abel also homeless,” the prelate added. conference. “A fair criticism is always well received,
and emboldened many In his post, he alleged that apologized to Bishop Santos Since 2001, Santos has at least by me.” He said when receiving criticism one
communities and action the cops were drunk when publicly and said he will been serving the Church in should examine it for truth, but that he appreciates
groups here in Alotau to fight they set the houses ablaze, reshuffle the police force. Papua New Guinea, which when the criticism is given honestly and to his face.
for their rights within the law including that of acting The official also is also home to a number of “I do not like it when critics are under the table. They
and without using violence,” diocesan education secretary informed the prelate that Filipino missionaries. smile, they let you see their teeth and then they stab
Santos said. Gregory Nimagale. he asked the task force to He was appointed the you in the back. This is not loyal, not human,” he said.
The case stemmed from On Sept. 4, Bishop drop their charges against bishop of Alotau-Sideia in (Hannah Brockhaus/CNA)
the bishop’s statement that Santos and Nimagale were him. 2011. (CBCPNews)
CBCP Monitor September 16 - 29, 2019, Vol 23, No. 19 NEWS FEATURES A3
Cardinal Pell submits appeal Cancer survivor Fr. Jerry Orbos shares journey to healing
to Australian High Court MANILA— A priest and the priest experienced weight
cancer survivor is inspiring loss, coughing, and he easily
others in his path to healing. got tired.
MELBOURNE, Australia— Fr. Jerry Orbos was His cancer was discovered
Cardinal George Pell on Sept. diagnosed with lung cancer by accident. Fr. Orbos said
17 submitted an application in February 2018 and had he visited a doctor to initially
for leave to appeal his quiet a journey to recovery. undergo a CT scan of his
conviction to the Australian As a priest, he knew his abdomen.
High Court, following the weapon so he did a lot praying “I don’t know why I told
Aug. 21 decision by the and positive outlook. Now, the doctor to also check my
Court of Appeal in Victoria he’s sharing his personal road lungs, and there he found a
to uphold his conviction for to recovery. white spot,” said Fr. Orbos.
child sexual abuse. He had all the traditional “Right away, he said, ‘Father,
The leave to appeal was treatments and is now the tumor is malignant.’”
Fr. Jerry Orbos (center) speaks during a media forum on lung cancer awareness in
Manila, 5 Sept 2019. ROY LAGARDE
filed in Melbourne by Pell’s cancer-free, but he attributed
legal team Sept. 17, one day much of his recovery to his St. Ezequiel’s the saint at first until deaths in the Philippines,
before the deadline of 28 days joyful outlook. intercession somebody gave him a 3-feet accounting for over 15,000
from the date of the Appeal Cardinal George Pell. ALEXEY GOTOVSKY/CNA “You try everything you can For months, he underwent statue of St. Ezequiel, who deaths per year.
Court decision. because it’s also important sessions of chemotherapy is popularly invoked as the Unfortunately, patients
Sources close to the At particular issue was that you help yourself. and immunotherapy or what patron of cancer patients. have reportedly delayed
cardinal told CNA Aug. 26 the question of whether the That’s why my advocacy is he coined, albeit in jest, “I really didn’t know him. getting diagnosed and treated
that Pell would be exercising jury which convicted Pell focused on ‘humor, not on “chemono therapy”. I never heard about him,” due to the misconceptions
his final appeal and that, had properly weighed all of the tumor,’” Fr. Orbos said. On Jan. 15 this year, he was said Fr. Orbos. “But through about the disease.
while the majority of “special the evidence presented in “The joy of the Lord is my declared cancer-free with no this cancer, I met St. Ezequiel To stop such stigma, the
leave to appeal” cases were his defense, or reached the strength, positive outlook. If recurrence by his oncologist. Moreno.” campaign hopes to spread the
not granted by the High determination of guilt despite you are joyful, the healing is “I thank God I had cancer. different voices of some lung
Court, his case would likely the demonstration of clear faster,” he said. “You have to It’s a blessing. It cleansed me New mission cancer patients’ journeys.
be accepted given the “reasonable doubt” that he hope, you have to trust.” a lot, it made me humble and The priest went from For everything that happened,
controversy triggered by the committed the crimes with made me realize how beautiful cancer patient to advocate. Fr. Orbos realized that he has a
split decision of the Appeal which he was charged. Malignant life is,” Fr. Orbos said. He recently became an new “mission” to take.
Court judgement. Chief Justice Anne Since his college days, Fr. Fr. Orbos also claimed that ambassador of “Hope “Now, I end up being an
In seeking to take his case to Ferguson and Court President Orbos was a secret smoker he was cured of cancer with from Within,” an advocacy advocate for cancer, healing,
the High Court in Canberra, Chris Maxwell formed the who admitted he only smokes the help of Saint Ezequiel campaign for lung cancer. and for the presence of God
Australia’s supreme court, majority in favor of rejecting “moderately”. Moreno’s intercession. Lung cancer is the leading in our cancer,” he said. (Roy
Pell is exercising his last Pell’s appeal that the jury Towards the latter years, He admitted not knowing cause of cancer-related Lagarde/CBCPNews)
legal avenue to overturn a verdict was unreasonable
conviction which has divided on the evidence presented,
opinion in the country and finding that it was open Pope Francis to create 13 new cardinals in October consistory
internationally. to the jury to find beyond
VATICAN— Pope Francis announced cardinals Sept. 1, the pope included 10 is 82-year-old Archbishop Michael
Several Australian media “reasonable doubt about the
he will create 13 new cardinals Oct. men who are under the age of 80 and Fitzgerald, a Missionary of Africa born in
outlets have reported that truth of the complainant’s
5, choosing prelates from 13 different therefore will be eligible to vote in a England, who had served as president of
Pell will retain the same legal account.”
nations as a sign of “the missionary conclave to elect a new pope. Three of the the Pontifical Council for Interreligious
team which presented his In an extensive dissent
vocation of the church that continues to future cardinals are already over the age Dialogue and later as Vatican nuncio to
case in Victoria, led by Brett from the majority finding,
proclaim the merciful love of God to all of 80, and the pope said he chose them Egypt.
Walker SC. Justice Mark Weinberg
men and women of the earth.” because of their service to the church. The others, in the order they were
The cardinal was convicted noted that the entirety of
The only Canadian named was “Let us pray for the new cardinals named by the pope, were: Archbishop
Dec. 11, 2018, on five charges the evidence against Pell
73-year-old Jesuit Father Michael so that, confirming their adhesion to Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo of
that he sexually abused two consisted of the testimony
Czerny, undersecretary of the Section Christ, they will help me in my ministry Jakarta, Indonesia, 69; Archbishop
choristers after Sunday Mass of a single accuser, whereas
for Migrants and Refugees at the as bishop of Rome for the good of the Juan Garcia Rodriguez of Havana, 71;
while he was Archbishop of more than 20 witnesses were
Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human entire faithful, holy people of God,” the Archbishop Fridolin Ambongo Besungu
Melbourne in 1996 and 1997. produced to testify against
Development. None of the new cardinals pope told pilgrims who had gathered to of Kinshasa, Congo, 59; Archbishop
He was sentenced to six his narrative.
is from the United States. pray the midday Angelus with him. Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg,
years in prison, of which “Even the ‘reasonable
Cardinal-designate Czerny, who Pope In addition to Cardinal-designate Czerny, 61; Bishop Alvaro Ramazzini Imeri
he must serve at least three possibility’ that what the
Francis had earlier named as a special two other members of the group are also of Huehuetenango, Guatemala, 72;
years and eight months witnesses who testified to
secretary for the Synod of Bishops for the Vatican officials: 67-year-old Bishop Archbishop Matteo Zuppi of Bologna,
before being eligible to apply these matters may have
Amazon, was in Guararema, Brazil, when Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot, president of Italy, 63; Archbishop Cristobal Lopez
for parole. been true must inevitably
the announcement was made. He told the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Romero of Rabat, Morocco, 67; Retired
The cardinal, 78, who have led to an acquittal,”
Catholic News Service in a text message Dialogue; and 53-year-old Archbishop Jose Archbishop Sigitas Tamkevicius of
remains an archbishop and Weinberg wrote, concluding
that he had not known he was going to Tolentino Calaca de Mendonca, Vatican Kaunas, Lithuana, 80; Retired Bishop
a member of the College of that Pell had, in effect,
be made a cardinal. archivist and librarian. Eugenio dal Corso of Benguela, Angola,
Cardinals, was returned to been asked to establish the
Announcing the names of the new One of the over-80 cardinals-designate 80. (Cindy Wooden/CNS)
prison immediately after “impossibility” of his guilt
court adjourned, where he and not merely reasonable Ecology / A1
has remained. Pell has not doubt.
been permitted to celebrate All three judges granted The convention ended “In one way or another, extractive industries. already available in the
Mass in prison. further leave to appeal with a clear message that we have caused the death of Fr. Edwin Gariguez, Caritas Philippine energy market,”
Pell’s appeal was presented on the ground of the climate justice cannot wait our rivers, forests and sea Philippines’ Executive he said.
on three grounds, two of unreasonableness of the and therefore, the church beds. Therefore, it is our Secretary, said that they would The organizations also
which were procedural and jury’s conviction. and environmental advocates obligation now to restore like the financial institutions agreed to support the
dismissed by all three appeal The decision by Pell to must work together with an what we destroyed,” he said. and the government to know legislation of the Rights
judges. pursue the final legal avenue increased level of urgency. As a direct response, the how serious they are about the of Nature bill by starting
The judges were divided open to him means that a Bishop Valentin Dimoc convention also agreed to campaign. discussions with the
on Pell’s primary ground canonical process in Rome of Bontoc-Lagawe said that push further the discussions “But we also would like local policy makers and
of appeal, that the will be further delayed until the church has “to share the on divestment through to provide them option government units until the
decision of the jury was the civil process concludes in burden of reinvigorating the dialogues with top investors by reinvesting in clean, bill is passed by Congress.
“unreasonable.” Australia. (CNA) environment”. on coal, mining and other renewable energy that are (CBCPNews)
A4 OPINION September 16 - 29, 2019, Vol 23, No. 19 CBCP Monitor
EDITORIAL
Rehabilitation or revenge
THE supposed release of Mayor Antonio Sanchez of Calauan
on August 20 has kept the news hot on the Good Conduct
Time Allowance (GCTA) Law in particular and on the Bureau
of Corrections (BuCor), the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) and the
Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in general. Due to
the on-going senate investigation, the spotlight is still on the
issue of the incarceration of convicted persons. Many horrors
stories have come out about practices of laxity, immorality,
and corruption in the BuCor. The blame game has also begun,
finger pointing even to the previous administration. The PNoy
administration had been in a bad light for blaming the GMA
administration for many of the shortcomings and failures of its
own administration. The same is happening with the Duterte
administration. It has already been three years in power, yet
for its shortcomings, it still blames the PNoy administration,
as in this case!
In the present investigation—and subsequent confusion—
over the issues of the handling of prisoners, the focus is always
Monitor
Fr. Roy Cimagala
CBCP
THERE seems to be a sharp surge of predicament. can be an either-or proposition, we
disturbed people around these days. More and more people are of the should not dismiss the possibility that
PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE As a result, we can see more people thinking that these disturbed persons it can also be a both-and one. Not just
who are clearly mentally ill, with very are more than just mental cases, disjunctive, but also conjunctive. Let’s
Pedro Quitorio erratic behavior. And if they are not to be treated only with psychiatry, remember that the devil is always
Editor-in-Chief withdrawn from the world, alienating some medicine and therapy which are around. It’s not paranoia to be always
themselves and rotting away in their no mean help. They now talk of the alerted of the devil’s existence and
Nirva’ana E. Delacruz Ron Ramos, Sky Ortigas own universe, they get overly aggressive, strong possibility that some demonic constant efforts to destroy us, usually
Design Artists
Associate Editor violently aggressive, in fact. Some interference is involved, even demonic in very sweet ways.
commit suicide. oppression and possession. And they cite It would be good if we level up in our
Roy Lagarde Mercedita Juanite This is a problem we have to learn instances where the persons concerned knowledge of psychology. This field of
News Editor Circulation Manager
how to cope and to try to solve. Of act in ways that are considered already science is getting to be more and more
Christine Paguirigan Marcelita Dominguez course, it’s a phenomenon that can beyond human possibility. relevant these days. It cannot anymore
Managing Editor Comptroller easily be attributed to the complications We need to have a good grip on this be the exclusive interest of some people.
and pressures of the times, which in rapidly emerging menace. And the first Everyone should know at least the
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the themselves are admittedly no mean thing to do is to entertain the possibility basics of psychology and from there
CBCP - Media Office with editorial and business offices
at 3rd Floor, CBCP Compound, 470 General Luna things. But there must also be other that indeed these disturbed people are start accumulating relevant helpful
Street, Intramuros, Manila. Email Address: cbcpmonitor@ factors and causes deeper than the both mentally sick and demonically information.
areopaguscommunications.com, Business: (632) 404 - 1612.
ISSN 1908-2940. toxic complications and pressures of bothered. But we should never forget that
the times that give rise to this world Yes, while it’s true that the predicament Candidly Speaking / A7
CBCP Monitor September 16 - 29, 2019, Vol 23, No. 19 OPINION A5
in Europe Duc in Altum and where are “temptations” (CV 293). When they struggle
to choose between prayer time and the internet, between
Atty. Aurora A. Santiago one set of behavior or lifestyle and another, we must know
how to guide them to where grace lies more palpably. Of
course, the internet can also be a theater of grace and they
need to cultivate this linkage with enthusiasm greater than
DATELINE: Fatima, 5 decades of the rosary are but the image was too heavy, in 1882, on the Feast of temptation’s lairs. Three, sensitivity is also necessary to help
Portugal — As of the time prayed in different languages thus, the Virgin remained St. Joseph, it is still under our young identify what spirits are “driving” their lives, that
of this writing, we are in and Lourdes hymns were in Montserrat. My sister construction and is expected is, “the direction in which” they “truly” want to “move” (CV
the final leg of our Marian sung. We had Mass at one and I were the 1st and 2nd to be completed in 2026. 294). In the revised repertoire of Borongan clergy concert
Pilgrimage in France, Spain of the Chapels, visited the reader during the Mass that When completed, the Basilica they included the song BUWAN by Juan Karlos Labajo. That
and Portugal. Whenever we Basilica of Our Lady of the was celebrated here on the will have 18 towers, 12 will song is an illustration of how our millennials could be driven
visited a church, I learn more Rosary, experienced the Birthday of our Mother Mary. represent the apostles, 4 will by spirits that may not be of God or leading to God. In my
about the life of Jesus and healing bath after a long We were able to touch and represent the evangelists, analysis that song reflects a spirit that teaches our young that
the Blessed Virgin Mary who queue, drank the water from kiss the image of Our Lady. one will be designated for the love is a feeling aroused by physical beauty and even uses
accompanied Jesus up to the miraculous spring which It was said that “in all the Virgin Mary and the last one, nature as added stimulus and naturally leads to sex. Parts of
her son’s death on the Cross. many pilgrims drank and ages the sinful, the suffering, the highest in the middle, will the song express this: “Ang iyong ganda umaabot sa buwan/
Our pilgrimage started with brought home. We dropped the sorrowful, have laid their represent Jesus Christ. The Ang tibok ng puso rinig sa kalawakan/ at bumabalik dito sa
the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the prayer petitions at the woes at the feet of Our Lady interior of the Basilica is so akin/ Ikaw ang mahal/ Ikaw lang ang mamahalin/ Pakinggan
Lourdes in France and ended Grotto of the Apparition, of Montserrat, and none have big, with huge stained glass ang puso’t damdamin/ Damdamin aking damdamin.” Or
with the Sanctuary of Our touched the rock of the cave ever gone away unheard of along the walls and huge this one: “Ayokong mabuhay nang malungkot/ Ikaw ang
Lady of Fatima in Portugal. As and prayed to Our Lady or unaided.” St, Ignatius pillars. nagpapasaya/ Makakasama hanggang sa pagtanda/ Halina
pilgrims, we prayed daily the of Lourdes. When I was at of Loyola made an annual Next stop was the tayo’y humiga”. Obviously ‘humiga’ or ‘lie down’ has nothing
Morning Offering, the Prayer Lourdes in June this year, I pilgrimage to Montserrat. magnificent Cathedral- By the Roadside / A7
to the Holy Spirit, Prayer did not attempt to join the We visited the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Active Faith / A4
of Travelers and Prayer to uphill and downhill climbs of of Santa Eulalia and Santa Pillar in Zaragoza, Spain. It
St. Michael the Archangel, the Way of the Cross, but this Merce or what is known as was built at the site where to support this plan of his marriage, the respect due to
followed by the rosary and time, I successfully hurdled Barcelona Cathedral. Santa the Virgin Mary, during her king, Thomas resigned, and the juridical patrimony of
Divine Mercy Chaplet. Fr. the steep climbs. This is my Eulalia was a 13-year old girl lifetime, visited St. James withdrew from public life. He Christian civilization, and
Altaire Fernandez, a pastor at 3rd visit to Lourdes but I who suffered martyrdom and gave him a column of suffered a life of poverty, and the freedom of the Church in
Sta. Clara Parish in Oxnard, pray that I may be able to during the persecution of jasper and instructed him to was deserted by people who her relations with the State.
California was the Pilgrimage come back. Christians. She refused to build a church in her honor. proved to be false friends. He was condemned by the
Chaplain; he presided over Next stop is the Shrine renounce her Christianity The Virgin Mary told St. In view of his continuing court, and was executed by
the Mass every day and of Our Lady of Montserrat, and was subjected to 13 James “This place is to be and firm refusal to support beheading.
delivered very informative the Black Madonna and tortures—putting her into my house, and this image his king, he was charged After the passing of
and inspiring homilies. Child, located in the rugged a barrel with knives and and column shall be the title with treason and imprisoned centuries, Thomas More,
Our Pilgrimage was a long Montserrat Mountain in rolling it down a street (our of the temple that you shall in the Tower of London. together with Bishop John
haul from Los Angeles, stop- Spain. According to stories, tour guide brought us to that build.” Despite various kinds of Fisher, was beatified by Pope
over at London Heathrow St. Luke carved the statue street), burning her breast, After a year, a chapel was pressures, he did not waver, Leo XIII in 1886, and was
Airport to Toulouse, France of the Black Madonna and crucified on an X-shaped built in honor of the Virgin as giving in to the king’s canonized by Pius XI in 1935,
Airport and 3-hour drive to brought it to Spain. It was cross and was decapitated. Mary. When St. James wishes would result in a on the fourth centenary of his
Lourdes, France. There was hidden from the Moors and Next stop was the returned to Jerusalem, he political and ecclesiastical martyrdom.
heavy traffic in Toulouse, later were rediscovered by unfinished Basilica de la was executed by Herod arrangement that would lead Note: Most of the above
so we missed the 9pm the shepherds who were Sagrada Familia, the fruit of Aggripa, the first apostle to to uncontrolled despotism. information was taken from
candle-lighted procession. drawn to a grotto by a bright the work of Antoni Gaudi; his be martyred for his faith. At his trial, he made an the text of the Proclamation
The following evening, the light and heavenly music. The tomb is inside the Basilica. His disciples took his body impassioned defense of St. Thomas More as Patron
pilgrims were able to join Bishop of Manresa suggested More than 135 years after and buried him in Spain. The of his own convictions of Statesmen and Politicians
the procession where the that it be moved to Manresa, the laying of the cornerstone Duc in Altum / A7 on the indissolubility of by Pope John Paul II.
A6 LOCAL NEWS September 16 - 29, 2019, Vol 23, No. 19 CBCP Monitor
Bishop Valentin Dimoc of Bontoc-Lagawe speaks during the National Convention on Laudato Si’ and Climate Emergency held at the San Carlos
Seminary in Makati City, Sept. 3, 2019. PHOTO FROM CARITAS PHILIPPINES
Editorial / A4
scientifically proven. is not the true living God. That’s why we also have
That mindset will surely ignore the spiritual and superstitions and other ideologies that may include Fr. Jerome Secillano, Executive Secretary of the CBCP Permanent Committee on Public Affairs. FILE PHOTO
supernatural reality that also impacts on our life. In what they consider as spiritual and supernatural
fact, that is the main reality that would impact on elements but which are not the real ones. Thus, A CATHOLIC priest urged Senator more broken families.
us. But this aspect of reality would be considered as to distinguish what is authentically spiritual and Riza Hontiveros not to eschew “Filipinos deserve better than
subjective, biased, meant only to be held as a private supernatural from what is not is a more challenging misrepresentation on divorce after something that guarantees the
or personal business but cannot be given a universal issue to tackle. claiming that it is “pro-marriage, disintegration of Filipino families,”
status. It is supposed not to get involved in our temporal What may help us out in this predicament is to follow pro-family, and pro-children”. he said.
affairs. closely what Christ told Pilate before Pilate could not Fr. Jerome Secillano, Executive Instead of pushing divorce, Fr.
The challenge is definitely how to change this help but ask, “What is the truth?” It was when Christ Secretary of the bishops’ public Secillano asked the senator to work
mindset and to convince everyone that in the end told Pilate, “I have come into the world to bear witness affairs committee, said that such for the amendment of the existing
what makes for the universal and ultimate meaning to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my claim contradicts the provisions of laws on marital separations.
of truth is for us to refer ourselves to the living God, voice.” (Jn 18,37) the 1987 Constitution. “Why can’t Sen. Hontiveros focus
and not the god who is a product of our own subjective Indeed, it is only in Christ that we can have the full “Is she saying now that the on reforming these processes?
ways. It is this living God who revealed himself fully appreciation of truth. But more than mere observation, Family Code and our Constitution They are guaranteed to be legal
in Christ who in turn is made alive in us through the physical witnessing, possessing facts and data, etc., are anti-family, anti-marriage, and and constitutional. She can even
Holy Spirit in the Church. what is needed is a living faith, a faith that God freely anti-children since they do not make them less tedious and less
Yes, there is always the possibility of people making and abundantly gives but which we have to take extreme guarantee divorce?” Secillano said. expensive,” he added.
appeals to God in seeking the truth, but a god that care of. “Divorce can never be pro- At a Senate hearing on Sept.
Discouraged / A1 marriage, pro-family, and pro- 15, Hontiveros said that a divorce
children,” he said. “Let’s not twist law will provide individuals the
Honesto Ongtioco and Teodoro “There can be no justice without priests from all over the Philippines. facts just to suit a particular agenda.” chance to “find true and meaningful
Bacani spoke as one since the police truth. Justice without facts is no On the other hand, the priest relationships” as well as “protect
filed charges against them in July. justice at all. We cling to the belief Disheartening, disturbing stressed that legalizing divorce in children from abuse and rebuild
The bishops, who have criticized that our officials in the Department An assembly of diocesan theology the Philippines will only lead to broken families”. (CBCPNews)
Duterte’s brutal fight against of Justice adhere to these values,” seminarians from across the country
narcotics, said they have begged off
from interviews or attending rallies
they said. said they are also “disheartened and
disturbed” by the criminal charges
Bishop backs calls for Mary Jane Veloso
and chose to pray instead.
“Prayer is our best weapon against
Persecution
A Jesuit-run seminary has
against the clergymen.
However, the Seminarians’
to testify against recruiters
every evil. Prayer is power. This is earlier warned that the sedition Network (SemNet) said they are A CHURCH official has backed again in 2015 but she got a
a good time to be reminded of this. charges may imperil the country’s gratified that the accused, rather calls for the Supreme Court to last-minute reprieve to testify
We prayed instantly, even until democratic values. than losing heart, chose to continue allow a Filipino death row prisoner against her alleged recruiter who
now, for our accusers,” they said. In a statement, the San Jose their mission in the midst of the in Indonesia to testify against her gave herself up to police in the
Seminary (SJS) said that the government’s brutal drug war. recruiters. Philippines.
‘No justice without truth’ accused priests and bishops are “We are edified by their prophetic Bishop Ruperto Santos, who Filipino migrant group Migrante
The sedition case and other “persecuted” on account of their witnessing for truth against heads the church’s migrants’ International earlier asked the high
charges stemmed from a viral promotion of justice. the propagation of falsehood, ministry, said Mary Jane Veloso court to allow Veloso to present
video accusing President Rodrigo “We are alarmed at the possible accountability against the abuse of should be allowed to tell her story her testimony through a written
Duterte and his family to the illegal repercussions of the sedition case on power, preservation of life against that she’s only a victim of human deposition.
drug trade. our fragile democracy, especially on its destruction, and active non- trafficking. It said that such testimony is “the
Aside from the bishops, the police efforts for genuine social inclusion violence against coercion,” the “We support and appeal that MJ only mode allowed by Indonesian
also sued three more priests and key of the poor.” the statement read. SemNet said in a statement. be allowed to testify, to tell her story authorities”.
figures of the opposition, including The seminary community on The group also called on its of how she was lured, deceived, and In 2018, the parents of Veloso
Vice President Leni Robredo. Sept. 4 gathered for a “Mass for members to “awaken the courage trafficked,” Santos said. petitioned the SC to reverse the
The church leaders reiterated that Truth and Justice” to show support and passion within us to herald “Remember she was an unwilling ruling of the Court of Appeals which
they will not join any action through for the accused clergymen. the truth despite the fear and victim and to know the whole truth, barred their daughter from giving
violent or illegal means. “They are Filipino citizens whose confusion”. MJ should be given a chance to testimony in a deposition.
“We cannot and we will not advocacies have been firmly rooted “Let us also rouse the hearts speak, and that also her right,” he Bishop Santos added that all
participate and we will never help in in a profound respect for human of others to be compassionate to stressed. efforts should be made in the quest
anything that will bring about social life, for due process, and for our victims of unjust social structures,” Veloso was convicted for drug to find justice for Veloso.
change through illegal means,” they Constitution,” they said. it added. smuggling and sentenced to death in “MJ suffered so much and still
said. Four of those accused—Ongtioco, “Let us also be vigilant in 2010 but the execution did not push suffering. It is also high time that
The bishops stressed that they Teodoro Bacani, David, and Reyes— safeguarding the truth and steadfast through after Indonesia imposed a justice should be given to her, and
will abide by due process as they are all alumni of the said institution. in upholding the dignity of those moratorium on executions for five recruiters are prosecuted for their
pray that “the spirit of justice and SJS is an interdiocesan seminary unreasonably condemned,” the years. wrongdoing and criminal acts,” he
truth” will reign. for the formation of Diocesan SemNet said. She was set for execution said. (CBCPNews)
CBCP Monitor September 16 - 29, 2019, Vol 23, No. 19 DIOCESAN NEWS A7
Tribal women seek church help against dam project suspected illegal loggers in
Palawan province.
of the Protected Area board and
barangay chair of Villa Libertad
Bishop Socrates Mesiona of in El Nido, was shot and killed
A GROUP of tribal women Puerto Princesa expressed sadness while arresting suspected illegal
has appealed to church that the man had to be killed for loggers.
groups to put their doing his job. Forester Joselito Eyala was also
campaign against dam “It tells us that protecting our shot and wounded by a suspected
projects on the agenda environment can be risky and timber poacher while his team
during the Church’s dangerous,” Bishop Mesiona said. was patrolling the mountains of
“Season of Creation.” Bienvinido Severino Veguilla Bacungan village in August 2017.
Catholic Church Jr, 44, was hacked to death by six Global Witness, an international
leaders renewed calls suspected illegal loggers in El Nido nongovernmental organization,
for the protection of the on Sept. 4. earlier reported that the Philippines
environment ahead of The prelate also lamented that is the most dangerous country for
this year’s “Season of killing took place as the Church environmental activists.
Creation.” celebrates September as the “Season According to its 2018 annual
In 2015, Pope Francis of Creation”. report, 30 of the 164 killings of
declared Sept. 1 the “It is unfortunate that the attack land and environmental activists
“World Day of Prayer on his life happened when we in the worldwide happened in the
for the Care of Creation” church are celebrating the month of southeast Asian nation. (Katya
and called for the creation,” he said. A. Santos/CBCPNews)
celebration of the “Season
of Creation,” which lasts Duc in Altum / A5
from Sept. 1 to Oct. 4.
pillar with the Virgin Mary standing for eating (more on this in my next
“We hope that the
on the top is located to the left side column).
season becomes a
of the Altar. We were able to touch Whenever St. James Feast falls on
platform for us tribal
and kiss the pillar. a Sunday (July 25), the Cathedral
people to tell our story,”
The next stop is the Cathedral of St. declares a Holy or Jubilee Day,
said Kakay Tolentino,
Mary of Burgos. Construction began the most recent was in 2010 and
chairwoman of the Bai
in 1221. The style of the Cathedral the next is 2021. The Cathedral is
Indigenous Women
Tribal groups attend a gathering in Manila on Sept. 10 to discuss their opposition to the proposed dam project in the is Gothic but it has decorative under construction in preparation
Network. northern Philippines. MARK SALUDES/UCAN Renaissance and Baroque elements. for the 2021 event. We were blessed
Tolentino said the
It was made of limestone. It was to embrace the image of St. James
Church is “one of the minds of the people. The project is an government.
declared a World Heritage Site by and visit his tomb at the crypt, but
remaining institutions On Sept. 10, integrated dam system In 2018, at least 51
the UNESCO in 1984. The pilgrims we were not lucky to see the huge
that the tribal people can environmental activists involving the construction Catholic bishops signed
going to El Camino de Santiago botafumerio or thurible, the largest
rely on.” and tribal people held a of a dam on the Kaliwa a pastoral letter issued by
Compostela may find the Camino censer in the world weighing 80
“We cannot count on public forum in Manila to River in Rizal province, Bishop Bernardino Cortez
Way from Burgos. kilos and 1.6 meter in height.
the government,” she voice their opposition to and a smaller dam of Infanta opposing the
Then we walked the El Camino Last stop is the Sanctuary of
said, adding that the the New Centennial Water downstream in Quezon dam project.
de Santiago Compostela or the Fatima, Portugal. We visited the
government is behind Source Project. province. The letter called on the
St. James Way which leads to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
projects that threaten The Philippine The project, which will government to look for
Shrine of Apostle St. James the where the tomb of Sts. Francisco,
tribal communities. government has been in reportedly displace at alternative water sources
Great in the Cathedral of Santiago St. Jacinta and Sister Lucia are
She said tribal the process of building a least 15,000 tribal people, that would address the
de Compostela in Galicia, Spain located near the Altar; the Chapel
communities affected mega dam in the northern is one of 75 flagship water supply problem
where the remains of St. James of the Apparition where the Virgin
by dam projects need Philippines with funding infrastructure projects affecting the capital
are buried. Many follow the route Mary appeared 5 times to the
“stronger voices that can from a US$248 million under the “Build, Build, Manila. (Mark Saludes/
by hiking and cycling, a form of three children, the 4th apparition
change the hearts and loan from China. Build” program of the UCAN)
spiritual retreat. We walked almost happened on August 19, 2017
8 miles of rugged terrain, uphill in Valinhos, near the house of
By the Roadside / A5 and downhill, from Villamayor to the children; the Basilica of Most
a point near the Cathedral. It was a Holy Trinity and the Chapel of
to do with simply sleeping but could world and in our country that need Gospel; we cannot remain in the
good walk where one can smell the the Blessed Sacrament. We joined
be an implied invitation to sex. Thus to be subjected to discernment. old wineskins of sin and darkness.
eucalyptus and other herb trees; the candlelighted procession for 3
the song portrays the confusion For instance, there are very strong For us to distinguish whether our
one will enjoy nature’s sceneries. consecutive evenings, preceded by
among our young when it comes to efforts towards solving crime by lives are following the requirements
One cannot miss along the trails the praying of the rosary. We were
love and life, for me giving greater death, solving marriage problems of the new wine or simply of the
the scallop shell symbol. Shell are also lucky to meet and kissed Maria,
weight to the need for them to learn by divorce, dealing with human old wine or of paganism, we need
usually carried by pilgrims to gather the 99-year old niece of Sister Lucia.
the art of discernment. They need sexuality by accepting same- discernment.
water to drink or as makeshift bowl (To be continued)
to know, like we all need to know, sex marriages and the SOGIE Just imagine going home from
which spirits are they confronted (Sexual Orientation and Gender church and you have to take a tricycle Candidly Speaking / A4
with—the Spirit of God, the spirit Identification Expression) Bill? Let or if you are lucky, tell a driver where
of the world or the spirit of the evil us ask: Are these movements being you are going. Now, you and I know the psychological and mental solutions that God himself gives,
One? For this to happen they need led by the Spirit of God and towards that it is not enough to tell your driver mechanism of a person is steeped and not just us.
to appreciate, according to the God or are they being led by other your destination. Your eyes must in his spiritual dimension that can Faith is the great healer, the
Holy Father, two Ss: “solitude and spirits—such as, the spirit of the also be open to see which streets lead him either to the supernatural constant pacifier, because it brings
silence” (CV 283). I would add other world or worldly spirit, by trending he is taking because some of them or infranatural world. It cannot be Christ into our lives, Christ who
Ss: SCRIPTURES to read, listen to cultural or political ideology, by evil may take you closer or farther from studied from the point of view of heals and who constantly tells us,
and pray over; SELF -giving to God spirits or by the Evil One himself? home. Discernment is like that—a empirical science alone. “Do not be afraid...” We should
and to people by SERVICE; SPIRIT If these are being led not by the conscious prayerful opening of our It has to input the truths of faith to bring our faith to bear on our
OF GOD being asked to guide Spirit of God do we care where will inner eyes to God and his Spirit, and enable it to cope with the full range sciences and on our other sources
our discernment; and SHARING all these lead us all to? being spiritually equipped through of its possibilities. of knowledge.
our discernment with a Spiritual Luke’s Gospel has Jesus telling that same Spirit to see the ways he This is a point that should be With respect to this phenomenon
Director or holy members of the us that new wine cannot be poured offers and which ways he does not. taken more seriously these days. of rising cases of disturbed people,
believing community. The Holy into old wineskins but rather into God and heaven is our home; Jesus The complicated challenges of our our faith can detect whether
Father tells us adults to know when new ones (Lk 5:3-38). Discerning is our Way. Discernment teaches us times that have brought about many a particular case is just a pure
“to disappear” or withdraw from the Jesus’ words could yield us two how best to follow the Way that is good things and also many bad mental or psychological problem,
scene as Jesus disappeared from the things. One, Christianity is not a Jesus by showing us certain pathways things cannot but make this kind of or something where evil spiritual
disciples on the way to Emmaus to development or daughter religion can lead us farther or closer to our demand. We have to take our faith forces are involved.
leave them free to discern on their of Judaism but an entirely new true destination—heaven and God, more seriously, assimilating it in To be sure, the workings of
own (CV 296); later he exhorts our way of relating to God because, not elsewhere. our system and making it the guide the demons will always manifest
young to cultivate their “attraction unlike Judaism which is centered “Whoever is wise, let him and shaper of our lives. the mselve s in some me ntal,
to Christ” through prayer and on the Law of Moses, Christianity understand these things. Whoever With our faith, we have the psychological or emotional
the sacraments, particularly the is centered on Jesus Christ. The is discerning, let him know them. answer to all the questions, the predicaments. But if a person is a
Eucharist and seeing him in his Christian faith is an entirely new For the ways of the Lord are right. solution to all our problems, even man of deep faith, he most likely
“suffering brothers and sisters”. religion. Two, it also means being The righteous will walk in them. But if the answers and solutions it will have a very good mental or
Today even as I write these words a disciple of Christ always entails transgressors will stumble in them” offers may not be the ones we psychological health, and would
there are many movements in the our renewed life based on the (Hosea 14:9). want. But they are the answers and know how to deal with evil spirits.
A8 PEOPLE, FACTS, AND PLACES September 16 - 29, 2019, Vol 23, No. 19 CBCP Monitor
Youth ministry a priority for youngest Filipino bishop Bohol dioceses to go solar
THE two Catholic dioceses to help combat climate
of Bohol province will soon change.
see solar panels appearing The prelates agreed to push
on several parishes, pastoral for the use of other renewable
centers, and schools. sources of energy, and the
Two major solar energy rejection of “dirty” ones like
programs are rolling out in coal and fossil fuel.
the dioceses of Tagbilaran The Bohol dioceses
and Talibon soon to cut enjoined the faithful to take
power cost and help conserve good care of our “common
the environment. home because we are only
In a statement issued on servants, not owners”.
Sept. 7, the dioceses said “We are just stewards
they are currently working acting on behalf of a God
together with private whose love and compassion
companies and other do not end,” they added.
institutions for the wide-scale Several dioceses have
use of solar power. been slowly moving to solar
“Part of the cross that we power as part of the Church’s
carry as disciples of Jesus is revitalized ecology programs.
the responsibility to care for Caritas Philippines, which
the world that is entrusted to is leading the campaign,
us,” the message read. said that of the 85 dioceses
They said the solar in the Philippines, around
Bishop Jose Rapadas III celebrates his first Mass at St. Michael’s Cathedral after being installed as the new head of the Diocese of Iligan on Sept. 5. PHOTO FROM THE DIOCESE OF ILIGAN program will minimize their 40 are already in the process
THE country’s youngest priest in the Diocese of Ipil, be lacking but I am confident may be able to use that gift dependence on power whose of installing solar panels
bishop has said that the youth as the fifth bishop of Iligan that it is God who will fill up in listening to understand rates continue to go up “while systems as alternative power
ministry will be at the heart last June. He replaced Bishop whatever is inadequate in my first and then seek to be the services they provide sources.
of his pastoral agenda in Elenito Galido who died in ministry,” he said. understood,” he said. leave much to be desired, In August 2018, the
his diocese in the southern December 2017. The new bishop said he was “We need to allow the and hence our experience of Diocese of Maasin’s 42
Philippines. His installation came looking forward to getting lay leaders to participate in brownouts”. parishes shifted to renewable
At his installation Mass at around two weeks after his to know the people in the the life and mission of the In a pastoral statement energy, becoming the first
St. Michael’s Cathedral in episcopal ordination at the diocese, which covers the whole church,” Rapadas stressed. issued last July, the country’s ecclesiastical territory in
Iligan City on Sept. 5, Bishop St. Joseph Cathedral in Ipil. province of Lanao del Norte. Further laying out his bishops have called for the the country with all its
Jose Rapadas III said that For nearly two years as Beyond dialogue, he priorities, the prelate said he immediate transition to safe, churches using solar power.
“now, more than ever, the vacant see, the diocese has pledged for a “listening will also focus on promoting clean and affordable energy (CBCPNews)
youth need guidance and been under the care of Bishop Church” and maintain a peace, interreligious dialogue,
animation”. Severo Caermare of Dipolog “participatory spirit among environment protection, and Baclaran Church temporarily removes
“I hope to use our resources as apostolic administrator. our communities”. social justice.
and energy as a diocese to Rapadas told the packed Listening, he said, has been “My vision is a participatory Our Mother of Perpetual Help icon
make the youth find their cathedral that he was a significant aspect of his Church, allowing even
meaning, their role, their humbled to have been chosen 20-year priestly ministry, 12 the ordinary people in the from altar
mission in our ecclesial by the Pope for his new role, years of which he spent as a barrios to participate in the
communities,” he said. but he was very aware of the seminary formator. leadership, mission and life
Pope Francis appointed challenges that come with it. “I think the Lord has of the Church,” he said. (Roy
Rapadas, 47, previously a “Whatever I do will always plans for that… and that I Lagarde/CBCPNews)
A man venerates the icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help at the Baclaran Church on
Sept. 7, 2019. ELMARC LIM
This April 13, 2018 photo shows Cameroonian refugees and Nigerians wait for consultations outside a health post in the Nigerian village of Ekang. Caritas Internationalis reported the conflict in Cameroon has forced 160,000 people out of their homes into the bush
and a further 26,000 to cross into Nigeria. CNS/COURTESY OF CARITAS INTERNATIONALIS
DEAR Brothers and Sisters, search of protection, security and make room for that tenderness first!” “An individualistic spirit is “We ourselves need to see, and
a better future. To some extent, the which today’s society so often fertile soil for the growth of that then to enable others to see, that
Faith assures us that in a mysterious fear is legitimate, also because the asks us to repress. “Opening kind of indifference towards our migrants and refugees do not
way the Kingdom of God is already preparation for this encounter is ourselves to others does not lead neighbors which leads to viewing only represent a problem to be
present here on earth (cf. Gaudium lacking” (Homily in Sacrofano, 15 to impoverishment, but rather them in purely economic terms, to a solved, but are brothers and sisters
et spes, 39). Yet in our own time, we February 2019). But the problem enrichment, because it enables us lack of concern for their humanity, to be welcomed, respected and
are saddened to see the obstacles is not that we have doubts and to be more human: to recognize and ultimately to feelings of fear loved. They are an occasion that
and opposition it encounters. fears. The problem is when they ourselves as participants in a greater and cynicism. Are these not the Providence gives us to help build
Violent conflicts and all-out wars condition our way of thinking and collectivity and to understand our attitudes we often adopt towards a more just society, a more perfect
continue to tear humanity apart; acting to the point of making us life as a gift for others; to see as the poor, the marginalized and democracy, a more united country,
injustices and discrimination follow intolerant, closed and perhaps the goal, not our own interests, the ‘least’ of society? And how a more fraternal world and a more
one upon the other; economic even – without realizing it—racist. but rather the good of humanity” many of these ‘least’ do we have open and evangelical Christian
and social imbalances on a local In this way, fear deprives us of the (Address at the Heydar Aliyev in our societies! Among them community” (Message for the
or global scale prove difficult to desire and the ability to encounter Mosque in Baku, 2 October 2016). I think primarily of migrants, 2014 World Day of Migrants and
overcome. And above all it is the the other, the person different “See that you do not despise with their burden of hardship and Refugees).
poorest of the poor and the most from myself; it deprives me of an one of these little ones, for I say suffering, as they seek daily, often Dear brothers and sisters, our
disadvantaged who pay the price. opportunity to encounter the Lord to you that their angels in heaven in desperation, a place to live in response to the challenges posed
The most economically (cf. Homily at Mass for the World always look upon the face of my peace and dignity” (Address to by contemporary migration can be
advanced societies are witnessing Day of Migrants and Refugees, 14 heavenly Father” (Mt 18:10). It the Diplomatic Corps, 11 January summed up in four verbs: welcome,
a growing trend towards extreme January 2018). is not just about migrants: it is 2016). In the logic of the Gospel, protect, promote and integrate.
individualism which, combined “For if you love those who love a question of seeing that no one the last come first, and we must put Yet these verbs do not apply only
with a utilitarian mentality and you, what recompense will you is excluded. Today’s world is ourselves at their service. to migrants and refugees. They
reinforced by the media, is producing have? Do not the tax collectors do increasingly becoming more elitist “I came so that they might have describe the Church’s mission to
a “globalization of indifference”. In the same?” (Mt 5:46). It is not just and cruel towards the excluded. life and have it more abundantly” all those living in the existential
this scenario, migrants, refugees, about migrants: it is about charity. Developing countries continue to (Jn 10:10). It is not just about peripheries, who need to be
displaced persons and victims of Through works of charity, we be drained of their best natural and migrants: it is about the whole welcomed, protected, promoted
trafficking have become emblems demonstrate our faith (cf. Jas 2:18). human resources for the benefit person, about all people. In Jesus’ and integrated. If we put those four
of exclusion. In addition to the And the highest form of charity of a few privileged markets. Wars words, we encounter the very verbs into practice, we will help
hardships that their condition is that shown to those unable to only affect some regions of the heart of his mission: to see that all build the city of God and man. We
entails, they are often looked down reciprocate and perhaps even world, yet weapons of war are receive the gift of life in its fullness, will promote the integral human
upon and considered the source of to thank us in return. “It is also produced and sold in other regions according to the will of the Father. development of all people. We will
all society’s ills. That attitude is an about the face we want to give to which are then unwilling to take In every political activity, in every also help the world community
alarm bell warning of the moral our society and about the value of in the refugees produced by these programme, in every pastoral action to come closer to the goals of
decline we will face if we continue each human life... The progress of conflicts. Those who pay the price we must always put the person sustainable development that it has
to give ground to the throw-away our peoples... depends above all are always the little ones, the at the center, in his or her many set for itself and that, lacking such
culture. In fact, if it continues, on our openness to being touched poor, the most vulnerable, who aspects, including the spiritual an approach, will prove difficult to
anyone who does not fall within the and moved by those who knock at are prevented from sitting at the dimension. And this applies to all achieve.
accepted norms of physical, mental our door. Their faces shatter and table and are left with the “crumbs” people, whose fundamental equality In a word, it is not only the cause
and social well-being is at risk of debunk all those false idols that of the banquet (cf. Lk 16:19-21). must be recognized. Consequently, of migrants that is at stake; it is
marginalization and exclusion. can take over and enslave our lives; “The Church which ‘goes forth’... “development cannot be restricted not just about them, but about
For this reason, the presence idols that promise an illusory and can move forward, boldly take the to economic growth alone. To be all of us, and about the present
of migrants and refugees—and of momentary happiness blind to initiative, go out to others, seek authentic, it must be well-rounded; and future of the human family.
vulnerable people in general—is the lives and sufferings of others” those who have fallen away, stand it must foster the development of Migrants, especially those who are
an invitation to recover some of (Address at the Diocesan Caritas at the crossroads and welcome each man and of the whole man” most vulnerable, help us to read the
those essential dimensions of of Rabat, 30 March 2019). the outcast” (Evangelii Gaudium, (SAINT PAUL VI, Populorum “signs of the times”. Through them,
our Christian existence and our “But a Samaritan traveler 24). A development that excludes Progressio, 14). the Lord is calling us to conversion,
humanity that risk being overlooked who came upon him was makes the rich richer and the poor “So then you are no longer to be set free from exclusivity,
in a prosperous society. That is moved with compassion at the poorer. A real development, on strangers and sojourners, but indifference and the throw-away
why it is not just about migrants. sight” (Lk 10:33). It is not just the other hand, seeks to include you are fellow citizens with the culture. Through them, the Lord
When we show concern for them, about migrants: it is about our all the world’s men and women, holy ones and members of the invites us to embrace fully our
we also show concern for ourselves, humanity. Compassion motivated to promote their integral growth, household of God” (Eph 2:19). It Christian life and to contribute,
for everyone; in taking care of them, that Samaritan – for the Jews, and to show concern for coming is not just about migrants: it is each according to his or her proper
we all grow; in listening to them, we a foreigner—not to pass by. generations. about building the city of God and vocation, to the building up of a
also give voice to a part of ourselves Compassion is a feeling that cannot “Whoever wishes to be great man. In our time, which can also world that is more and more in
that we may keep hidden because it be explained on a purely rational among you will be your servant; be called the era of migration, accord with God’s plan.
is not well regarded nowadays. level. Compassion strikes the most whoever wishes to be first among many innocent people fall victim In expressing this prayerful hope,
“Take courage, it is I, do not be sensitive chords of our humanity, you will be the slave of all” to the “great deception” of limitless and through the intercession of the
afraid!” (Mt 14:27). It is not just releasing a vibrant urge to “be a (Mk 10:43-44). It is not just about technological and consumerist Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Way,
about migrants: it is also about our neighbor” to all those whom we migrants: it is about putting the development (cf. Laudato Si’, 34). I invoke God’s abundant blessings
fears. The signs of meanness we see in difficulty. As Jesus himself last in first place. Jesus Christ asks As a result, they undertake a journey upon all the world’s migrants and
see around us heighten “our fear teaches us (cf. Mt 9:35-36; 14:13- us not to yield to the logic of the towards a “paradise” that inevitably refugees and upon all those who
of ‘the other’, the unknown, the 14; 15:32-37), being compassionate world, which justifies injustice to betrays their expectations. Their accompany them on their journey.
marginalized, the foreigner... We means recognizing the suffering of others for my own gain or that of presence, at times uncomfortable,
see this today in particular, faced the other and taking immediate my group. “Me first, and then the helps to debunk the myth of a From the Vatican, 30 April 2019
with the arrival of migrants and action to soothe, heal and save. others!” Instead, the true motto of progress that benefits a few while
refugees knocking on our door in To be compassionate means to the Christian is, “The last shall be built on the exploitation of many. FRANCIS
B2 FEATURE September 16 - 29, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 19 CBCP Monitor
In Part III of this article, we saw the (ii) Positive note: It admits
probatory stage of the trial. What the absolute possibility of the
follows is the Conclusion of the contrary. Thus, it is distinguished
Case, by which the Judge declares from absolute certainty.
that the case has been sufficiently b) Sufficient for sentencing—In
instructed. The process is then left the same place, the aforementioned
in the hands of the tribunal for the Pope stated that such moral certainty
4th and final stage of the Judicial is “sufficient for the rendering
Process—the Decisionary Stage— of a judgment (...). Only thus is
which ends in the publication of the it possible to have a regular and
sentence. orderly administration of justice,
An instance is terminated—in going forward without useless
principle—at the publication of the delays and without laying excessive
sentence. Nevertheless, the Law burdens on the tribunal as well as
provides means for recourse of any on the parties.”
party or parties, should they esteem c) Necessary for sentencing—A
their pretension still unsatisfied judge who cannot arrive at this
even after sentencing. Titles VIII certitude, is to pronounce that
and IX of Part II of Book VII of the the right of the petitioner is not
CIC deal with legal redress against established, and is to dismiss the
the trial: either against a sentence respondent as absolved, unless
itself, or against a closed judgment there is a question of a case which
(res iudicata). We shall deal with enjoys the favor of law, in which
this matter in the concluding part case the decision must be in favor
of this long article. of it (c.1608,§4).
(Editor’s note: The following are the sub-topics for weeks 48 and 49 of the continuing catechetical preparation in celebration of the
500 years of Christianity; prepared by the Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education.)
Fraternal message
WE address you as your brothers in the faith. TRUTH
When we received the news about our inclusion as respondents in the case of Now that all respondents have filed their respective pleadings, we renew our faith
sedition and other crimes filed by the CIDG-PNP before the Department of Justice, in the power of truth to set us all—accusers, accused and justice officials together—
our first response was prayer. We held no press conferences together. We begged free. And we renew our appeal to those who accuse us. There is joy and peace in
off from interviews. We attended no rallies. We chose to pray. living in the truth. We reach out to you in peace.
PRAYER MISSION
Prayer is our best weapon against every evil. Prayer is power. This is a good time We are shepherds of God’s people. The Lord did not send us to defend ourselves;
to be reminded of this. He promised to do that for us and we trust in the Lord. But, as citizens, we comply
with the due processes of law.
We prayed instantly, even until now, for our accusers. May they meet the God of
all Truths, be touched by His grace and stay away from the prince of lies. We invite We renew our commitment to serve, to teach and to bless without relent, without
Bikoy to turn back to God whose offer of mercy and forgiveness is without limits. repay. We will not allow this splinter from the cross of Christ to distract us from our
mission, to dampen our zeal or to intimidate us.
We have been praying fervently too for the team of prosecutors tasked to evaluate
the case. May they be guided by nothing but the spirit of justice and truth. There This cross we carry now is nothing compared to the agony and passion of the
can be no justice without truth. Justice without facts is no justice at all. We cling Lord and the pains and aches of the poor. Our defense for human life and the
to the belief that our officials in the Department of Justice adhere to these values. sacredness of marriage remains. Our message of peace based on truth will not be
perturbed. Our zeal for souls will not falter. Our mission is yet incomplete. We will
Indeed there is separation of Church and State but there must be no separation not be discouraged.
between God and country.
We are your brothers in our love of God and country. Pray for us. Together with
We have been praying too for ourselves and for you our brothers and sisters in you we place our trust in the Lord.
the faith, that none of us may be led into confusion, upheaval, error or sin by these
charges. Our land needs healing not turmoil. We cannot and we will not participate September 7, 2019
and we will never help in anything that will bring about social change through illegal
means. +TEODORO C. BACANI, JR +PABLO VIRGILIO S. DAVID
Bishop Emeritus of Novaliches Bishop of Kalookan
We thank our brothers and sisters who have offered prayers, sacrifices and legal
assistance to us your bishops and the others accused with us. We thank you all for +HONESTO F. ONGTIOCO +SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS
your kindness in this time of need. Bishop of Cubao Archbishop of Lingayen Dagupan
On July 18, 2019, a criminal by upholding the constitutional and those who take the law in their We are disheartened that these Inspired by their witnessing, let
complaint was filed by PNP-CIDG rights of every Filipino. Thus, hands; to touch the consciences people who are known for their us awaken the courage and passion
against dozens of Filipino citizens resorting to unconstitutional means of the perpetrators of heinous moral integrity and genuine service within us to herald the truth
for allegedly committing sedition, would invalidate their efforts to crimes, violence, senseless and to the poor and the oppressed, despite the fear and confusion. Let
among other charges. Immediately protect the pillars of our democracy. indiscriminate killings; and to move are the objects of unfounded us also rouse the hearts of others
on the day after the filing of charges, We are alarmed at the possible them to abandon their pride and allegations. We are also disturbed to be compassionate to victims of
CBCP President Archbishop Romulo repercussions of the sedition case on their instruments of destruction.” that many people of goodwill unjust social structures. Finally, let
Valles promptly issued a public our fragile democracy, especially on Our bishops, priests, consecrated are unconcerned with the us be vigilant in safeguarding the
statement expressing his disbelief efforts for a genuine social inclusion persons, and lay faithful who strive trampling of truth and justice, truth and steadfast in upholding
and sadness at the unexpected of the poor. When people who have to walk the path of integrity, respect, and the persecution of people who the dignity of those unreasonably
turn of events, particularly for the taken the cudgels for those who unity, and service are models of a champion basic human rights. condemned.
bishops included in the sedition raps grieve in silence are persecuted prophetic witnessing to a powerful Nonetheless, we are gratified to
for these are men “whose sincerity, on account of their promotion of love that turns our concrete service see that the accused, rather than We, therefore, express our
decency, respectfulness, and love justice, who else shall defend the into a force for empowering losing heart, choose to continue SUPPORT and SOLIDARITY for
for our country and our people are defenseless, stand up against brutal transformation. We are united with their mission and persevere in and with those who are falsely
beyond doubt”. violence, foster the healing of social them in our deep hope that the advocating every Filipino’s right accused but have been pursuing
We, seminarians and formators divides, uphold the sacred rights of light of truth will illumine hearts to life, to rehabilitation, and to due deeper truth and authentic justice
of SAN JOSE SEMINARY, a Jesuit- every human person, remind us of and minds – the truth behind process, in the midst of the ongoing through peaceful means. We call
run seminary for the formation our timeless values, seek for deeper the charges, and the deeper truth violent War on Drugs. for UNITY and HARMONY among
of Diocesan priests from all over truths, and call us to meaningful around the underlying issues that Filipinos, as we hope that everyone
the country, likewise extend encounters with even “the worst cause the drug economy to persist As seminarians “diverse in begins to see each other as a child
our support for the bishops and sinners”? and endure despite the thousands of charism but united in mission”, of God rather than irredeemable
priests accused of sedition, along But we do not want violence to killings. We share Cardinal Tagle’s we are edified by their prophetic sinners. We implore the Holy Spirit
with the other accused men and beget more violence. We reiterate prayer for them and the Filipino witnessing for truth against to bring out the truth and put an
women who champion causes for “active non-violence” as an nation: “Since you, O God, are with the propagation of falsehood, end to the continuing violence
and engagement with the poor. alternative response to the violence us, nothing that has happened, accountability against the abuse and moral decline in our society.
They are Filipino citizens whose all around us. We join Cardinal nothing still to come can rob us of of power, preservation of life We entrust all our prayers to God
advocacies have been firmly rooted Luis Antonio Tagle’s invitation for our hope in Christ. In your enduring against its destruction, and active through the help and intercession
in a profound respect for human us to “respond in faith and hope love we trust.” non-violence against coercion. of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose
life, for due process, and for our through our common prayer.” We Moved by the Gospel values, we birth we remember today.
Constitution. When the democratic pray that God would “inspire those SAN JOSE SEMINARY joyfully share in the same mission
principles of “right to life” and “right in public office to uphold, preserve, COMMUNITY to promote the fullness of life
to fair trial” were being challenged, promote and defend the dignity of Ateneo de Manila University Campus and to participate in an inclusive SEMINARIANS’ NETWORK OF
they sought to strengthen our every human being; to touch the Loyola Heights, Quezon City nation-building based on respect, THE PHILIPPINES, INC.
democratic values and institutions hearts of those who oppress others September 6, 2019 dialogue, and stewardship. 08 September 2019
B6 REFLECTIONS September 16 - 29, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 19 CBCP Monitor
Why stark inequality between the rich and The crime of ignoring the
the poor among Christians is scandalous beggar at the door
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, (Luke 16:19-31) 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, (Luke 16:19-31)
National Seafarers’ Day / Start of Laity Week National Seafarers’ Day / Start of Laity Week
September 29, 2019 September 29, 2019
By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB
The Bishops of the Philippines, TODAY’S parable sketches a striking in so-called “Christian” societies and
in their Pastoral Exhortation on the contrast between the situation of communities, there are millions
Philippine Economy, bring home the the rich man and Lazarus—the who, like the Lazarus of the parable,
point raised by Jesus’ parable and former “dressed in purple and linen “long to eat the scraps that fall
Amos’ woes. After enunciating the and feasting splendidly every day,” from the rich man’s table.” And all
principles of the universal purpose of while the latter, covered with sores, this because in the same society
the created goods and private prop- longed in vain to eat “the scraps there thrives a tiny minority of
erty, equitable distribution, the use that fell from the rich man’s table.” avid individuals or groups, bent on
of productive property for the com- (See Lk 16:19-21.) Such a striking amassing and jealously keeping for
mon good, the duty to preserve the contrast persists even after death. themselves the resources which God
environment and responsibly use the But the situations are reversed. has intended for all men.
natural resources (nn 47-48), they While the poor Lazarus is among This same pattern is sadly visible
declared: “In our Philippine situa- “the living,” enjoying the happiness among nations. We have the
tion such principles would certainly coming from God’s love (meaning affluent ones which have secured for
reject situations like the continuing of “the bosom of Abraham”), the themselves most of the resources of
concentration of economic power rich man finds himself in torment the earth, while the “beggar nations”
in the hands of a few; particularly in the “netherworld” or hell. (See (the “Lazarus Nations”!) are left
oligopolies; the pervading presence Lk 16:23.) with the crumbs, the dross, the
A FEW years ago, the problems wealth and luxury of the relatively of absolute poverty; the flight of fi- One can rightly conclude that the pollution which many companies
of praying in the classroom or at few families, the elite top of our so- nancial capital especially in times of rich man deserves that treatment. of industrialized countries leave
graduations and of placing Christ- cial pyramid.” national crisis; and legislation that He asked for it through his behind after having plundered
mas trees in government offices It is against this background that sacrifices the good of the many in or- life of selfish enjoyment of his most of what was of value in the
were brought to some US Courts. today’s Gospel on the parable of the der to preserve the vested interests of riches and callous indifference developing countries . . . .
Protesters against such religious rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19- the few. The same principles would to the sad plight of the poor To these rapacious individuals,
practices complained that these 31) must be viewed. The story, mandate the ethical directions that beggar rotting at the gate of groups, and nations is directed in
violated the principle of separation probably based on an Egyptian tale, businesses and investments should his palace. There comes a time a special way the warning coming
between Church and State. Hear- adapted in Judaism, and retold by take: Create jobs in the local market, when people have to account for from today’s parable as well as from
ing the oral arguments in courts, Jesus, concerns two characters: a open to the public ownership of cor- their behavior and either bear the the First Reading: no injustice
one could not help making a mental rich man (erroneously named Dives porations, especially those related shame of it or savor the reward they will be left unpunished. God
note that such questions would not in some translations) who indulged to our natural resources; and invest deserve. Since there is a just God, will see to it that the imbalance
have been raised had the protesters in a very luxurious life fit for kings in the rural and poor areas for the no one should be surprised that is properly redressed.
viewed religion as embracing social and princes, and a poor man called sake of the poor, even when profits the rascals and the exploiters But the warning is addressed
attitude and behavior. But if the is- Lazarus was so poor that he could are less.” pay dearly for their persistent also to each of us, because the
sues tell us anything, it is that they only hope that he could eat his fill It is difficult to see how a sharp refusal to be converted. inclination to be avid, insensitive,
tend to imply that for those against of the scraps from the rich man’s contrast between wealth and poverty What surprises, however, is to see callous, and selfish is lurking deep
the exercise of religious practices in table, and so weak that he could can be reconciled with a community that after almost twenty centuries in the hearts of all, including those
schools and offices, religion is merely not even defend himself from the that calls itself Christian. Of course, since the severe warning coming who may not possess much . . . .
an private affair, something that dogs that licked his sores. But the from a human point of view, it does from this parable (see especially vv. Such negative inclinations have to
transpires only between God and the reversal of fate after the two died is not befit humanity. As Helder Ca- 23-27), “Lazarus” has become be continually checked since they
private individual. And we will not utterly shocking: the rich man went mara noted, “poverty makes a person the name of hundreds of can bring us eternal disaster; they
be surprised if, out of consistency in to Hades, while Lazarus rested on subhuman, excess of wealth makes a millions of human beings. Even can lead us to create our own hell . . .
their outlook and position, the same Abraham’s bosom—a fortune which person inhuman.” But from a Chris-
of senseless terrorism?
days; or in the crying misery of the only in the life to come. Then will
conglomeration of squatter shanties, we be able to understand that God
full of filth, fumes, mud . . . without was present and active even in the
roads, electricity and medicare; or saddest events as He is present in the
in many mental hospitals, in the dark secret under the surface of the
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, (Luke 17:5-10) prostitution dens; in the nations or fields where He lets the seed rot in
October 6, 2019 regions where people are just a “labor order to make the sprout burst forth
force” exploited by the state or the and pierce the hard crust of the soil
By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, SThD local magnate . . . One asks, “Where unto the richness of a new harvest . .
is God here?” and, “Why does He not God is present and active at
make His presence and justice felt?!” all times. Everywhere. We have
IN the United States, the World power and his government of the not intervene” (Hab 1:2). One is, of
No human being, with its to trust Him because He knows
Trade Center, a 110-floor twin world. Why does he permit such course, reminded of the questions
limited intellectual and moral what He is doing and wants
towers in lower Manhattan, New acts of senseless terrorism? Why of the skeptic on the problem of
resources, can answer such that we continue doing our best
York, was symbolic of America’s does he let injustice and violence evil in theodicy: Why does God not
questions with certainty and to live by the moral principles
economic prosperity, while the run their course? prevent evil in the world? Is he not
convincingly. Only God Himself He has given us: to be caring,
Pentagon in Washington stands to The first reading (Hab 1:2-3; 2:2-4) capable of it? If he is and he does
can. The prophet Habakkuk today generous and loving people.
remind us of her military might. raises almost the same questions. At not, can he still be a holy and just
assures us that God has an answer He treats us as responsible adults
Twelve years ago, on September the time of Habakkuk, the Chaldeans God? Is he not malevolent? If he is
and will surely give it. But He will do who are expected to do their best
11, 2001 to be exact, no sooner had have replaced the Assyrians as the not able to prevent it and will not,
that in His own time. (See Hb 2:3.) to solve the problems at hand. He
people warmed their seats than masters of the ancient Near East in is he powerless and resentful? But
For He has His own rhythm, His own could do everything by Himself,
two commercial planes, hijacked the early 6th century BC. There was if he is and he will, why does he let
ways, His own plans. And so many yet—usually—He gives us the
by terrorists, brought down the turmoil in both the international terrorism and injustice have their
times, they are different from ours. privilege and the challenge
twin towers without warning, and scene and in the land Judah which way?
(See Is 55:8-9.) to be the “instruments” of His
another wrecked havoc on the was rife with confusion, disorder, Though such questions may make
It is only those who have the gift of care, His concern, His power.
Pentagon. The damage, in terms intrigues and idolatry. Seeing the sense in philosophical gymnastics,
faith who can keep believing in God’s This has happened so many times
of lives, not to mention property violation of human rights in the they are foreign to the Scriptures.
active presence even in the darkest in history. It is happening right
and their impact on the American anarchic regime, while God seemed If anything, it would seem that the
moments of human history and of now everywhere, especially where
psyche, was so enormous that the to be unmoved by the disorder, problem does not lie with God.
their lives. It is faith which gives He finds people who have the faith
death toll was, in the words of New the prophet questioned the ways On the contrary, it seems to be a
them/us the unique assurance that can transplant sycamores and
York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, of God, complaining why he, who question of man’s attitude toward
that God is present and active move mountains, and the humility
“more than we can bear.” A political was supposed to save his people, God in the face of the mystery of
even if their/our feeble mind to recognize that He is the Power
analyst may look at these horrific tolerated the injustices against the evil, and its concrete manifestations
cannot comprehend or pinpoint behind it all, while they/we
attacks in terms of imperialism and innocent: “How long, O Lord? I cry in history—as in the assault on the
where and how. are just expendable servants.
hegemony, but for a man of religion, for help but you do not listen! I cry American nation. For a man of
Often, it is after years that we (See Lk 17:10.)
they raise questions about God’s out to you, ‘Violence!’, but you do Terrorism / B7
CBCP Monitor September 16 - 29, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 19 SOCIAL CONCERNS B7
Judicial / B2
(ii) Non-suspensive: The sentence which he has pronounced b) Promoter of justice and the manner (c.1441), under pain of the notary is to put it in writing
impugnment does not suspend the within 3 months of the notice of Defender of the bond—in cases remediable nullity otherwise in the presence of the appellant
execution of the sentence. publication of the sentence, unless requiring their involvement. (c.1622, 1°). (c.1630, §2).
it has been sanated meanwhile 3) Passive Subjects of the 4) Exceptions from Appeal— b) Time limit: An appeal must
b. Complaint of Nullity (c.1626, §2). Appeal: the CIC excludes the following be prosecuted within a month of
against the Sentence (cc.1619- 3) Process: Cases involving a a) Tribunal a quo: An appeal sentences from appeal: its being filed before the judge to
1627) complaint of nullity can be treated must be filed before the judge who a) From the Supreme Pontiff or whom it is directed, unless the judge
1) Definition: A complaint of according to the norms for the oral pronounced the sentence within the Apostolic Signatura (c.1629, from whom appeal is made has set
nullity (querela nullitatis) is the contentious process (c.1627). the peremptory time limit of 15 1°). a longer period for the party to
impugning of a judicial sentence, available days (tempus utile) from b) Those vitiated by nullity— prosecute it (c.1633).
in which one claims that it suffers c. The Appeal (cc.1628-1640) notification of the publication of the since the CIC provides a different 6) Process—As to the process
from some substantial defect (i.e., 1) Notion: An appeal is a sentence (c.1630, §1). route of redress for it (c.1629, 2°). itself, c.1640 provides the following
processal defect) and is therefore recourse to a higher tribunal against b) Tribunal ad quem: In c) Res iudicata (c.1629, 3°). general principles:
null. a sentence given by a lower tribunal, principle, the appeal is directed d) Decree or an Interlocutory a) Same as First Instance: At the
2) Complainant or Retractor— by one who considers himself or to a higher tribunal following the Sentence—which do not have the appellate level, the process is the
the following can lodge the complaint herself aggrieved by the sentence. pre-established hierarchy (cc.1438- force of a definitive sentence (c.1629, same as in the first instance insofar
of nullity of the sentence: It consists in going over the process 1438). 4°). as it is applicable.
a) Parties—who feel aggrieved again: the pretensions and proofs (i) If the other party has e) Urgent case—when the b) Same processal material:
(c.1626, §1). are the same. An appeal suspends recourse to another appellate law provides for a settlement of However, immediately after the
b) The Promoter of justice the execution of a sentence (c.1638). tribunal, the tribunal of higher the matter as quickly as possible joinder of the issues...the case is
or the Promoter of the bond 2) Active Subjects of Appeal grade examines the case (c.1632, (c.1629, 5°). to be discussed and the sentence
(c.1626, §1). (c.1628): §2). rendered, unless perhaps proofs
c) The Judge—himself can ex- a) The party—who feels aggrieved (ii) The tribunal of second 5) Other Requisites: must be completed.
officio retract or amend an invalid by a sentence. instance is to proceed in a collegial a) Written: If it is made orally, [To be concluded.]
Terrorism / B6 Suicide / B4
religion, one’s attitude toward God (Luke 17:1). In Luke’s theology, the community of love. In this context, obviously requires much faith. “Someone that they can just phone
in the face of negative experiences in community that Jesus intended to faith means an act of abandonment Hence the petition of the disciples: and say, ‘Hey, what do you think
the world is one of faith. This is the establish is one that loves, cares and trust in God. It means putting “Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5). about this? What should I do in
message of both the 1st Reading and and forgives. Experience shows, everything in the hands of God, With this in mind, a disciple this situation?’” he said. “I have a
the Gospel, although the meaning however, that in the Church and knowing that, despite what appears cannot therefore claim that when, number of priests and deacons who
of the word is not identical in both in our faith communities, there to be human foolishness, the for instance, a tragedy strikes the have phoned me on a regular basis
instances. In the 1st Reading (Hab are people who scandalize, are wisdom of God will prevail. If the community, as in the despicable and say, ‘You know, someone came
1:2-3; 2:2-4), in his response to the unrepentant and unforgiving. disciples have this kind of faith— assault of the twin towers in into my office and said this this and
questions that the prophet raised, There are some who serve as authentic faith—not matter how Manhattan and the Pentagon in this. What’s going on here?’”
God said that even in the perilous stumbling blocks to others (Luke small, they can certainly achieve Washington, God has abandoned Pastors and other church leaders
and confusing times, one must trust 17:1-4). Considering the havoc they great things, and transform the his people or does not care about also need to treat suicide and mental
and hope in him, confident the create in the community even to the community into one that cares for them. One cannot question the health issues with the seriousness
future belongs to him. And he who point of engendering factions and the spiritual and material needs of ways of God. What happens to they deserve, Balke said, and not
is just, because of his faith, shall divisions, one wonders why God its members. It is in this sense that the community may not make treat them as something that
live (Hab 2:4). Here faith means allows such problems and people to Jesus used the exaggerated image sense to human wisdom, and is either not a serious issue, or
fidelity and steadfastness. In the be part of his very own community. of the power of faith so his teaching human wisdom may even appear something that can be solved solely
Gospel (Luke 17:5-10), the saying If Jesus came to defeat the powers can sink well into the mind of his to present better solutions to solve by prayer or spiritual direction.
about faith is placed in two contexts of Satan and to establish the reign listeners: such faith can uproot the problems that the community “Mental health in the Church
that have to do with discipleship. in the community, why does he the mulberry tree! In other words, encounters. But as a hearer of the is a real problem, and...it’s not
On the one hand, there is the not remove those community many miracles can happen in a Word, the disciple remains faithful necessarily being addressed with the
larger context which is the journey members who stifle the growth community whose members have to God and to his Word, even when seriousness, from an institutional
to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51), which of the Kingdom? Does he not that kind of trust in what God can the Word does appear not to make level, that it deserves. People are
would have been difficult for the care about what happens to the accomplish. If human wisdom sense at all. Hence the response committing suicide in our parishes
disciples to comprehend, for a communities and movements of were left to itself, many people to the 1st Reading: “If today you and in our churches.”
crucified Messiah would have been faith that are, for example, placed would probably think and suggest hear his voice, harden not your Snyder said that she is confident
opaque to their understanding. in the hands of leaders who set bad that those who are unforgiving, hearts.” Whatever evil may befall that, if properly trained, churches
Consequently, if in today’s Gospel examples to others, scandalizing those who are trouble makers and on the community, one’s faith in and parishes have a key role to
they asked Jesus to increase their even the most innocent members? those who are scandal-causing Jesus assures the disciple that play in preventing suicides in their
faith (Luke 17:5), it could signify the Why does he not place millstone members of the Church should be God’s Word will ultimately emerge communities.
lack of commitment on their part around their necks (cf Luke 17:2)? excommunicated and written off! triumphant, because he knows that “We talk a lot about putting your
to follow the Lord in his journey to But it is precisely in the face of But human wisdom is folly before God is faithful to those who believe seatbelt on before the accident
the cross. such realities within the community God. The wisdom of God dictates in him, and he cannot be deceived happens. And that’s kind of what
On the other hand, there is that faith is necessary so that Jesus’ that forgiveness, tolerance and nor can deceive. All that he needs we’re describing here, is how do
the immediate context, namely, followers can grasp the divine sufferings are necessary for the when the going gets tough is to ask we do that in faith communities
scandals and wrongdoings that wisdom. Faith is the disciples’ transformation of the community. the Lord to increase his faith so it long before crisis strikes,” she said.
inevitably arise in the community response to God’s call to belong to the And to believe in that wisdom could accomplish miracles! (CNA)
B8 ENTERTAINMENT September 16 - 29, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 19 CBCP Monitor
Technical assessment: 4
Moral assessment: 0
CINEMA rating: V16
MTRCB rating: R16
Buhay Parokya
Holywood tells with wit the the movie isn’t completely
story of how Rick Dalton faithful to historical accounts, FIND 3 MISSING THINGS:
(DiCaprio), a fading actor in it is because it was not the 1. SAINT PETER’S BASILICA
the 1950’s hit Bounty Law, is director’s intention. Rather, 2. SAINT JOHN PAUL II
trying to come to terms with what Tarantino wanted was 3. HOLY CROSS
his waning career. With him is to pay homage to Sharon
his former stuntman-turned- Tate, portraying her as a free-
best friend, Cliff Booth (Pitt), spirited actress, full of beauty
who also drives him around and life.
because of his suspended For all its nostalgia and
license due to driving under charm, the film bears
influence. As Dalton works a message that should be
on projects, Booth one day taken seriously nowadays
picks up a hippie hitchhiker especially by parents and
whose commune occupied educators. We all know what
his former colleague’s ranch. really happened in Cielo Drive
His suspicion that his friend on the night of August 9,
might have been coerced to 1969 — the Manson family
allow them to inhabit his murdered Sharon Tate and
land earned him the ire of her friends. In an interview,
the community resulting one of the convicts said that
in a conflict. Parallel to the people of their age grew
Dalton and Booth’s storyline up watching violent films
is Tarantino’s depiction of the whose pursuit is to kill. In
infamous Cielo Drive incident the movies, the more people
with Sharon Tate (Robbie) killed, the more fun it was,
and friends’ final hours. and so, they have the right to
This film beautifully gives murder Hollywood stars for
homage to the last golden years it is them who “taught them
of Hollywood, brimming with how to kill.” Sick, perhaps,
the nostalgia of the 1960’s and but this line made it to the
all its life and glory. Tarantino movie. The Church, since
definitely did not disappoint the Second Vatican Council,
for his 9th film. His direction has always affirmed the
is superb as usual and this role of social media in the
is highly complimented by propagation of Gospel values
the actors’ depiction of their and has constantly called
respective roles. DiCaprio is for its educated and critical
remarkable in his nuances use — be it for entertainment
portraying Dalton in and off or for information. It is
the set, effectively conveying undeniable that there is some
the pains and gains of his truth to what the convict
character. Pitt’s charm and said. Parents, educators, and
acting prowess is what made Church leaders must be the
his character potent yet first to be critical of all the
endearing. The film’s seamless things media communicate
editing and set design are for these can shape values
impeccable and contribute and culture. Clearly, the
to the overall ambiance of film, with all its charm and
the film. More than just an wit, was able to convey this.
ode to the 1960s, Once Upon That being said, fair warning
A Time In Hollywood is a is given for some scenes that
distinctive take on the murder are too violent for children
of Sharon Tate and her friends under 16.
Just a stranger
DIRECTOR: Jason Paul
Laxamana
LEAD CAST: Anne Curtis,
Marco Gumabao, Robert Seña,
Isay Alvarez, Edu Manzano,
Cherie Gil
PRODUCER: Valerie Salvador-
del Rosario, Vicente del Rosario
III, Veronique del Rosario-
Corpuz, Vic R. Del Rosario Jr.
SCRIPTWRITER:
Jason Paul Laxamana
MUSIC: Paulo Protacio
CINEMATOGRAPHER:
Takeyuki Onishi
EDITOR: Mai Calapardo
PRODUCTION COMPANY:
Viva Films ng kanyang asawa, si Phil
DISTRIBUTOR: Viva Films (Edu Manzano), edad 45, at istorya, bagama’t maayos ang mga eksena sa kama ngayong pinakasalan lang naman siya relasyon. Ikaapat, mabigat
COUNTRY: Portugal,
Philippines
isang negosyanteng mas may pagkakahabi: mula simula may asawa na siya. ni Mae dahil sa pera niya at dalhin sa kalooban ang lihim
LANGUAGE: Filpino RUNNING panahon sa negosyo kaysa hanggang wakas — ginamit Ang halaga ng pelikula ginusto lamang niya si Mae na pagkakasala.
TIME: 117 minutes sa asawa. Si JekJek naman ang pangungumpisal ni Mae ay napapaloob sa mga bilang isang trophy wife. Isang paalala lamang
ay walang hilig magpatuloy para maisulong ang kuwento, problematikong situwasyon Ikalawa, ang casual sex ay mula sa CINEMA: okay lang
Technical assessment: 3 sa pag-aaral, walang plano kaya’t lumabas na sunod- na ipinakikita nito. Una, paglalaro ng apoy; hindi gamiting pang comic relief
Moral assessment: 2.5 sa buhay, nakasandig pa sa sunod na flashbacks ang hindi ka matatahimik kung maaaring hindi ka mapaso ng pelikula ang kumpisalan
CINEMA rating: V 18 mga magulang, pero may pelikula. Walang gasinong cheater ka — may asawa si pagdating ng panahon. at ang pagiging bagito ng
MTRCB rating: R 16
girlfriend abroad. Ilang oras hamon sa mga artista ang Mae pero pumatol siya kay Ikatlo, para tumibay ka sa paring narito — hindi naman
On tour sa Lisbon kasama pa lang pagkatapos nilang kani-kaniyang mga papel. Jekjek na halos kalahati ng tukso, kilalanin ang sarili po binastos ang sakramento
ng kanyang barkada si Mae magkakilala sa beach, Suspetsa pa nga ng CINEMA edad niya; may girlfriend at magkaroon ng layunin — pero sa pagkukumpisal
(Anne Curtis), edad 35, nang magsisiping na ang dalawa, ay karamihan sa mga na si JekJek pero hindi niya sa buhay; si Mae at JekJek sa tunay na buhay, huwag
magkakilala sila ni JekJek pero magkakasundo silang nanonood ay mga tagahanga mapigilan ang pagnanasa ay kapwa nagpapadaig sa naman pong ikuwento ang
(Marco Gumabao), edad hindi nila gustong maulit ni Curtis na — dahil sa hot niya kay Mae; tingin kakulangan sa buhay nila at buong buhay ninyo sa pari,
19, na anak ng Philippiine iyon. Pero hindi yata iyon ang poster at trailer ng pelikula naman ni Phil ay okey lang inakalang mapupunuan iyon sabihin lamang ang kasalanan
ambassador to Portugal. gusto ng tadhana… — ay curious makita kung na makiapid din siya sa ng kasiyahang natagpuan ninyo at damhin ang taos
Feeling neglected si Mae Walang bagong inihain ang paano niya tatalakayin ang business partner niya dahil nila sa marupok nilang pusong pagsisisi.
Ugnayan
THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT OF COUPLES FOR CHRIST
CBCP Monitor. Vol. 23 No. 19 September 16 - September 29, 2019 C1
CALLED TO EVERYDAY
Busyness and Holiness HOLINESS – Part 1
THERE is this story about good, when the things that we Our reflection led us to the ANCHOR Verse: “Be holy in all that you do, just The call to holiness has two dimensions: personal
Satan holding a worldwide expect happen. But when the realization that these made as God who called you is holy.” (1 Peter 1:15 GNT) and communal. Let us deal with the first in this
convention of his evil angels. tough times come, that is the up a trilogy of directions most Do you remember the day you were baptized? article and tackle the second in the next issue.
Satan spoke at the conven- true test of holiness. In my appropriate for that period. Most of us were baptized when we were infants First, the personal: For the Lord has chosen each
tion: “Well, we cannot keep journey as a member of the The next instructions— so we probably would not remember anything. one of us “to be holy and blameless before him in
the Catholics from going to community, for the past sev- from 2012 to 2014—also During the ceremony, it was our parents and god- love” (Ephesians 1:4)
Church; we cannot keep them eral years now, I have a daily came as trilogies. These were parents who professed our baptismal vows and “The common life, whether in the family, the
from reading the Bible, receiv- prayer. This prayer serves to the years when we honored recited the profession of faith. parish, the religious community or any other, is
ing the sacraments and even remind me that I have to seek the Blessed Mother, when we Now that we are adults, let us reflect on our pro- made up of small everyday things. This was true
joining Couples for Christ. So the Lord’s guidance as I try to turned to Her as the Media- fession of faith and what this entails. of the holy community formed by Jesus, Mary and
let them go to Church, let them grow in holiness. My prayer trix, the first disciple, and the A good starting point is to recall the words our Joseph, which reflected in an exemplary way the
read the Bible, let them receive goes like this: “Lord grant me loving mother who will show Father spoke during the baptism of our Lord beauty of the Trinitarian communion. It was also
the sacraments and let them be the grace to grow in holiness us the way to her Son. These Jesus in the river Jordan. After Jesus came out of true of the life that Jesus shared with his disciples
active in Couples for Christ. So along with my family, to bear three years honed us to be like the water, the sky opened and a voice said, “This and with ordinary people. Let us not forget that
let us steal their time.” fruits in the Spirit—that Mary, to be proclaimers of is my Beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Jesus asked his disciples to pay attention to details:
The demons asked, “How do of love, joy, peace, patience, the Word, to be obedient and (Matthew 3:17). This affirms the relationship of The little detail that wine was running out at a
we do that?” kindness, goodness, faith- to witness, and to ponder, to the Father with Jesus and bestows the God-given party; that one sheep was missing; of noticing the
Satan replied, “Keep them fulness, humility and self- pray silently and quietly. authority for His messianic mission. widow who offered her two small coins; of having
busy! Take their time away control, and make me humble From 2015 to 2017, it was In the same way, our own baptism not only takes spare oil for the lamps, should the bridegroom
from their families! Prevent in my successes and failures, once again a trilogy of the away original sin but also confers on us a mission. delay; of asking the disciples how many loaves of
them from having meaning- victories and defeats, correct- Holy Spirit’s instructions. Likewise, it establishes our own relationship with bread they had; of having a fire burning and a fish
ful relationships with their ness and wrongness, for I need They were all about specific God, assuring us of His love and His grace given us cooking as he waited for the disciples at daybreak”
children, or with one another. them. I need them to be holy.” steps on how to go about us in baptism to live a life of holiness. (GE 143-144).
Just let them focus on their During our discernment being agents of transforma- Pope Francis in Gaudete et Exsultate (GE) 15, The most important aspect of everyday holi-
service rather than on their weekend, as we tried to listen tion. We were asked to Love encourages us: “Let the grace of your baptism bear ness is in family relationship especially between
relationships!” to the whispers of the Holy More, to Rejoice, Pray, fruit in a path of holiness. Let everything be open husband and wife. We will find most helpful in
And here is the clincher. Spirit, we were led to revisit Give Thanks, and to Stand to God, turn to him in every situation. Do not be our reflection on this subject the 4th Chapter (Love
Satan added, “Make them suc- the previous themes. One Firm in the Faith. dismayed, for the power of the Holy Spirit enables in Marriage) of Amoris Laetitia (AL). Here Pope
cessful in whatever they do, so question that was raised was: In 2018, it was Rekindle you to do this, and holiness, in the end, is the fruit Francis expounded on the lyrical passage of St. Paul
that in their success they will “After almost two years of the Gift, Fulfill your Min- of the Holy Spirit in your life (cf. Galatians 5: 22-23). where we see some features of true love:
feel so powerful and they will trying to live out the theme istry. In 2019, the Interna- A Christian cannot think of his or her mission “Love is patient, love is kind, love is not jealous
fail to attribute the success to of Rekindle the Gift, Fulfill tional Council’s reflections on earth without seeing it as a path of holiness, or boastful; it is not rude. Love does not insist on
God, and they will fail to rely the Ministry, and to Live as led them to adhere to the same for “this is the will of God, your sanctification” (1 its own way, it is not irritable or resentful; it does
on God. They will stop loving Children of the Light, have we theme, on the strong convic- Thessalonians 4:3). Each saint is a mission, planned not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love
one another and loving God, really and truly rekindled the tion that the transformation by the Father to reflect and embody, at a specific bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,
and eventually they will all flame of our passion for the He requires of us is too great, moment in history, a certain aspect of the Gospel. endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
quarrel because of their pride. work, for our service, for our the sacrifice too formidable, (GE 19) The prophet Jeremiah speaks about this Love is experienced and nurtured in the daily life
And eventually we will be hap- family? Have we been truly a that one year would not be unique plan that God willed for each one of us from of couples and their children. It is helpful to think
py. If they are in Couples for light to others?’” enough. However, on this eternity, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew more deeply about the meaning of this Pauline
Christ, they will lie low, they The next question that we second year, to reinforce the you, and before you were born I consecrated you” text and its relevance for the concrete situation of
will resign from their service grappled with was, “Have our instructions, the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 1:5). every family. (AL 90)
and even leave community.” busyness and our crowded whispered that we are to Live There can be any number of theories about what As the Lord has done, so must we if we desire to
The million-dollar ques- schedules distracted us from as Children of the Light. constitutes holiness, with various explanations grow in everyday personal holiness by growing in
tion now is: Has the devil our basic goal of personal For 2020, we are being and distinctions. Such reflection may be useful, conjugal love!
been successful? and family holiness?” All the asked to continue to Rekindle but nothing is more enlightening than turning
This question is particu- Bible verses that served as The Gift, but this time we are to Jesus’ words and seeing his way of teaching the Personal Reflection:
larly significant in the light our inspiration, the verses being reminded that we can truth. Jesus explained with great simplicity what Read Chapter 4 of Amoris Laetitia from No.
of our 2020 theme: Called to that the Spirit planted in our never achieve this rekindling, it means to be holy when He gave us the Beatitudes 89 – 122.
Holiness. hearts during the weekend fulfilling and serving Him if (cf. Matthew 5:3-12; Luke 6:20-23). The word Reflect on one or two paragraphs that made
The Bible contains many pointed to one thing—the we ourselves do not strive to “happy” or “blessed” as used in the Beatitudes thus a strong impact on you. What area of growth is
references to the word “holi- Lord is calling all of us again, be holy first. becomes a synonym for “holy.” It expresses the fact being emphasized in your reflection and how will
ness”. One account says that pleading with us, to live a life Brothers and sisters, this that those faithful to God and His Word, by their you express your simple acts of love to your spouse
Scripture has about 700 refer- of holiness. The Lord is tell- call to holiness is most rel- self-giving, gain true happiness. (GE 63-64) and/ or children?
ences to holiness, more or less. ing us that in order for us to evant in a world that is full
But during our discernment rekindle the gift He has given of untruths and that uses
weekend last August 29-31, us, in order for us to fulfill the technology not to enhance FROM THE VATICAN
we were all led by the Spirit to ministry we have committed but to destroy. All of us in
the particular passage from 1 to, in order to live as children Couples for Christ are called Joe Tale
Peter 1-15: “Be holy in all that of the light, we have to first to show holiness through our
you do, just as God who called
you is holy.”
attain that degree of holiness
that will allow us to do all
conscious effort to become
witnesses. This is attainable in Who is St. Thomas More?
“Called to holiness” is a very these things. spite of the darkness around
common phrase. In fact, one Holiness is a requisite for us, for our Mother and her VERY little is known about St. ma. King Henry VIII wanted to honors and wealth, his serene
Christian author, Ralph Mar- our mission. One of the in- Son are with us. Thomas More, except that in divorce his wife, Catherine of and joyful humility, his balanced
tin, used this as the title of one sights we gained during the To put it more succinctly, the year 2000, Pope John Paul Aragon, so he could marry Anne knowledge of human nature and
of his books which I remember hours of reflection was that this call to holiness boils II declared him as the patron of Boleyn. To do this, the King had of the vanity of success, and his
we took up many years ago in the themes we have had over down to personal and family statesmen and politicians. We to get the approval of the Pope certainty of judgment rooted
our community as a teaching. the past years were all prepa- witnessing which would al- also know that he lived a very who, of course, refused to grant in faith. These all gave him the
Most recently, Bishop Broder- ration for the greater goal of low us to accompany others inspiring life and is considered a it. Failing to get such approval, confident inner strength that
ick Pabillo gave us a teaching holiness He is now asking us in their own search for peace model of firmness of conscience King Henry VIII got the Church sustained him in adversity and in
on one of the encyclicals of to aspire for. In 2009, it was and contentment. even unto death. of England to separate from the the face of death.”
Pope Francis— Gaudete et Forward in Christ, when He St. John Paul II said, “Do not Thomas More was born in Papacy and he took control of it, so “The life of St Thomas More
Exsultate, an exhortation to asked us to forgive and move be afraid to be holy. Have the London in 1478. He studied he could give himself his desired clearly illustrates a fundamen-
the call to holiness. forward as we struggled to rise courage and humility to pres- law in at Oxford and London. divorce. Not wishing to support tal truth of political ethics. The
So if this call is not uncom- up from the past two storms. ent yourself to the world, deter- His other interests were in the this plan of his King, Thomas defense of the Church's freedom
mon to us, why is the Lord In 2010, it was Fullness of mined to be holy since full true spheres of culture, theology and resigned, and withdrew from from unwarranted interference
reminding us to be holy? In Life in Christ, which was freedom is born from holiness”. classical literature. He mastered public life. by the State is at the same time a
our discernment weekend, we the kind of life promised to We are all called to holiness. Greek and enjoyed the company In view of his continuing firm defense, in the primacy of con-
all agreed that the Lord is tell- us faithful disciples. In 2011, Let us internalize that, let us and friendship of important refusal to support the King, he science, of the individual's free-
ing us to go back to the basics. He asked us to Put on the imbibe that as we go through figures of Renaissance culture, was charged with treason and im- dom vis-a vis political power.”
It might be high time for us to Full Armor of God, and the rest of this year being chil- including Desiderius Erasmus prisoned. Despite various kinds The Proclamation of Thomas
revisit our personal journey to gave us instructions on how dren of the light. Let us praise of Rotterdam. of pressures, he did not waver, More as Patron of statesmen and
holiness, to be refreshed. It is to prepare for the work and God for this wonderful blessing He was a married to Jane Colt, as giving in to the King's wishes people in public life was "an an-
easy to be holy when times are challenges of the mission. of the theme for 2020. with whom he had four children. would result in a political and swer to the need felt by the world
When Jane died, Thomas married ecclesiastical arrangement that of politics and public administra-
Alice Middleton, a widow with would lead to uncontrolled des- tion for credible role models to in-
one daughter. He was known to be potism. At his trial, he made an dicate the path of truth at a time in
AQUILA AND PRISCILLA an affectionate and faithful hus- impassioned defense of his own history when difficult challenges
band and father, deeply involved convictions on the indissolubility and crucial responsibilities are
Jun & Jean Uriarte in his children's religious, moral of marriage, the respect due to the increasing.”
and intellectual education. Family juridical patrimony of Christian There are of course, men and
Be holy yourselves
life gave him ample opportunity civilization, and the freedom of women who have come up and
for prayer and lectio divina, as the Church in her relations with filled this need over the years. We
well as for happy and wholesome the State. honor them. But by and large, this
1 Peter 1:15 relaxation. He attended daily
Mass in the parish church.
He was condemned by the
Court, and executed by beheading.
has been few and far between for
our country. Our prayer is that
THE call to holiness is universal. Everyone is that woman who rejoiced in the presence of God, He was first elected to Parlia- After the passing of centuries, men and women of integrity in
called to holiness. This call was made in the who treasured everything in her heart, and who let ment in 1504, at the age of 26, Thomas More, together with government and in Philippine
Old Testament and reiterated in the New Testa- herself be pierced by the sword. Mary is the saint under King Henry VII. The lat- Bishop John Fisher, was beatified society in general will be the
ment: But as he who called you is holy, be holy among the saints, blessed above all others.” (GE176) ter's successor, King Henry VIII, by Pope Leo XIII in 1886. He was norm rather than the exception.
yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for We treasure Mary in our hearts and we rejoice renewed his mandate in 1510, canonized by Pius XI in 1935, As things stand in our political
it is written, “Be holy because I am holy.” (1 Peter in her presence. Thus, we continue to praise and which launched him into a promi- on the fourth centenary of his system today, though, this dream
1:15-16; Leviticus 11:45) thank God for the special grace granted us to re- nent career in public administra- martyrdom. is still far from reality. But many
Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution of new our marriage vows on our 50th anniversary tion. He became Speaker of the good things start with a dream,
the Church solemnly promulgated by Pope Paul VI in September last year at the Basilica of Our Lady House of Commons in 1523. A Man for All Seasons and nurtured by unwavering
in November 1964, reiterates that the call to holi- of Guadalupe in Mexico City. It is a fulfillment of He was highly esteemed for his The proclamation of St. Thom- faith, can become reality.
ness is universal: “everyone whether belonging to our dream since we introduced the devotion to unfailing moral authority, sharp- as More as Patron of Statesmen Understandably, St. Thomas
the hierarchy, or being cared for by it, is called to the Virgin of Guadalupe to the members of the ness of mind, open and humorous and Politicians by Pope John Paul More and his ideals and principles
holiness” (LG39). CFC Jakarta community, where an image of the character, and extraordinary II states the following tribute: will be hard to "sell" here. He is an
In this light, in October 2009, at his Sunday Virgin is brought to different homes for two weeks learning. In 1529, at a time of "His life teaches us that govern- Englishman, and lived in a time
Angelus, Pope Benedict XVI declared that “the of daily prayers and Holy Rosary. The presence political and economic crisis in ment is above all an exercise of and place largely foreign to us.
Virgin Mary is the star that guides us in every “area in Mexico of our children and grandchildren, of England, he was appointed by the virtue. Unwavering in this moral But try we still must, for there
of holiness.” Therefore all of us who “strive for members of our two families, of members of our King as Lord Chancellor, the first stance, this English statesman are enduring values that cuts
holiness” (Hebrews 12:14) should turn our “eyes to community, particularly our CFC household, of lay person to occupy the position. placed his own public activity at through time and space, and go
Mary who shines forth to the whole community of friends from college, and of officials from the (The Lord Chancellor's principal the service of the person, especial- beyond borders of nations and
the elect as the model of virtues. For Mary … calls Philippine Embassy, and that unforgettable open- responsibility was to administer ly if that person was weak or poor: peoples. The dream of a Philip-
the faithful to her Son and His sacrifice and to the ing dance at the reception choreographed for us by justice and keep the independence he dealt with social controversies pines governed according to God's
love of the Father” (LG65). Teisha, a member of our household, all added to of the courts.) In fidelity to his with a superb sense of fairness; plan can be achieved. In His ways,
Pope Francis, in his Apostolic Exhortation in the indescribable joy of feeling the presence of the principles, Thomas concentrated he was vigorously committed to in His Time!
March 2018, Gaudete et Exsultate, tells us that Blessed Mother during the many hours we spent on promoting justice and retrain- favoring and defending the fam- Please join me in prayer that
Mary “teaches us the way of holiness and she walks praying and silently reflecting inside the Basilica ing the harmful influence of those ily; he supported the all-around someday soon, in the world of
ever at our side. She does not let us remain fallen and lovingly gazing at the original tilma of Juan who advanced their own interests education of the young.” Philippine politics, there will
and at times she takes us into her arms without Diego on which Our Lady miraculously imprinted at the expense of the weak. A study of his life will show emerge "men and women for all
judging us.” The Pope also declares that Mary “is her image. AQUILLA AND PRICILLA, C3 Eventually, he faced a dilem- "his profound detachment from seasons" to govern our land.
CBCP Monitor September 16 - September 29, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 19 C3
From Informal Settlers to ANCOP Homeowners Families Happily Receive Keys to Their New
Homes in Laguna
TWENTY-six home partners finally received Canada gladly took the challenge, and organized
the keys to their new houses situated at the CFC various activities to raise funds needed to begin the
ANCOP HOLD Canada-Municipality of Cavinti development of the site. For the entire year, HOLD
Community in Brgy. West Talaongan, Cavinti, Canada generously provided funding for the first
Laguna. The awarding ceremonies were held on 30 houses for families displaced by the municipal
September 10, 2019, at the Cavinti covered court. road widening initiatives.
The families were awarded their much-awaited The selected home partners, as part of the orga-
homes after they finished the Christian Life Pro- nization initiatives, willingly attended the Chris-
gram of Couples for Christ (CFC). tian Life Program (CLP). Prior to the awarding of
International Council member Ricky Cuenca, homes, as the first batch was finishing their CLP,
who is also head of ANCOP Canada; Efren Tom- CFC Laguna and the Local Government of Cavinti
pong of CFC ANCOP Global Foundation, Inc. opened another CLP, this time for residents of
(CAGFI); Cavinti Vice Mayor Arratlee R. Arroyo; Cavinti and staff of the LGU. Cuenca gave the ori-
and the Area Governance Team and members of entation talk, introducing CFC and ANCOP to the
FORTY (40) former informal set- kayo nagkakaisa, hindi lang sa He added, “Even though you CFC Laguna headed by Provincial Area Head Eric participants, telling them that ANCOP’s presence
tlers from Barangay Catmon in materyal kundi pati sa spiritual are not here today physically, Delos Reyes graced the event. in their town is the completion of the mission of
Malabon are now homeowners of na pagkakaisa.” (There is some- your loving presence is deeply The site was presented to Ricky Cuenca in 2018 CFC, which is to ‘Build the Church of the home,
beautiful new houses built in AN- thing far more important than felt by everyone. From the bot- as a possible ANCOP community. He offered the and Build the Church of the poor.’ CFC Laguna
COP Calgary Canada – San Miguel the houses built here in San tom of our hearts, thank you opportunity to sponsor the site to the leaders of the East 3 will be continuing the CLP since the area is
Homes in Santolan, Malabon. Miguel Homes. What is more very much.” CFC Handmaids of Lord (HOLD) Canada. HOLD in their geographical jurisdiction. (Patria Balila)
The new community, a important is the brotherhood The Philippine Commission
1,622.5 square-meter lot ac- and unity that you have built for the Urban Poor (PCUP),
quired through the generos- through the Christian Life Pro- the Local Government Unit
ity of Gen. Edgardo Aglipay's gram of Couples for Christ who of Malabon City and CFC AN-
(Retired) EMME SME, and the were used by the Lord. These COP Global Foundation, Inc.
Mariel Aglipay Foundation, Inc., homes will be worthless if you were also stakeholders in the
became the permanent home of are not united, not just because shelter project.
the relocated families. of material blessings, but more CFC ANCOP President Rudy
His Excellency Most Reverend so spiritually.) Gaspillo reminded the homeown-
Pablo Virgilio David, Bishop A short program followed the ers, “Take care of your houses and
of the Diocese of Kalookan, blessing of the houses. EMME community because this is a gift
celebrated the Mass and blessed SME and Mariel Aglipay Foun- from God. If you remain united,
the new housing units during the dation, Inc. Chairman, Gen. CFC ANCOP has other programs
turnover ceremonies on Septem- Aglipay, expressed his joy at the to offer like Educational Sponsor-
ber 13, 2019. completion of the project. Gen. ship Program and Technical and
In his homily, Bishop Ambo Aglipay said, “This project is a gift Vocational Training both for the
said, “May mas mahalaga kaysa of God and everybody should take youth and parents.”
sa mga bahay na naitayo dito part in taking care of it.” Homeowner President
sa San Miguel Homes. Ang mas He also eagerly expressed his Jose Eden Arroyo responded,
mahalaga ay ang pagsasama na desire to develop a phase 2 of the “When we were in Catmon, we
inyong binuo sa pamamagitan project using the adjacent lot, ex- had a homeowners association
ng dinaanan ninyong Christian citing many of the home partners. but we barely knew each other.
Life Program sa pamamagitan Nonoy Caunga, CFC West A Now that we have been orga-
ng pangangasiwa ng mga kapa- Sector Head said, “We are very nized anew and live in this new
tid natin sa Couples for Christ na grateful to Couples for Christ community, we believe things
ginamit ng Panginoon. Walang in Calgary for giving new hope will change as well. We learned
kwenta ang mga bahay na ito to our brothers and sisters so much in the Christian Life
kung hindi kayo buo, kung hindi here in San Miguel Homes.” Program.” (Romeo Medina)
We are also forever grateful to God for the La Salette provides simple but comfortable
grace of being able to reflect and pray at the accommodations with a pilgrim’s house that
shrines of Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady is connected to the church with 24-hour Eu-
of Fatima, Our Lady of the Miraculous charistic adoration. A pilgrim describes his
Medal, Our Lady of Banneux, and Our Lady experience: “The place is so tranquil, beauti-
of Akita. In Banneux, we took the train ful and the peace you get by just standing
from Brussels and then taxi to the shrine. there is enough to make all your worries go
But we stayed too long, it was getting away. This sanctuary, this humble hostel,
dark, and there was no more taxi in sight. the slice of heaven, was the highlight of my
Mobile phones were not yet available then. pilgrimage.” Another pilgrim writes: “This
But through the goodness of a restaurant shrine is so peaceful and beautiful. The
owner, we were able to use his phone to mornings are amazing with breathtaking
call for a taxi back to the train station and beauty all around. There are paths around
safely to our hotel in Brussels. In Akita, we the mountain where you can walk that are
spent many hours praying and reflecting in great for contemplation. They have beautiful
front of the miraculous wooden image of candlelit vigils which you should not miss.”
Our Lady, which had shed blood and tears It is important to note, though, that holi-
over a hundred times, even witnessed by ness does not depend on feelings. It cannot
the bishop. The nuns were surprised that be attained through mere devotions and
we spent two days at the shrine when most pilgrimages. Holiness is a gift from God. It
visitors spend only a few minutes just to see entails following God’s will. It requires find-
the Marian statue and take some photos. ing Christ in the poor and marginalized. It in-
The most memorable was our pilgrimage volves going to the peripheries to share God’s
to Lourdes. We spent three days and two blessings. And thus, in November, together
nights in Lourdes during which we prayed with the members of our previous and cur-
the rosary in front of the Grotto of Massa- rent households, we will expand our annual
biele, joined the afternoon Eucharistic gift giving to include the poor families in
Mass and the evening candlelight proces- the barrio of San Roque in Unisan, Quezon.
sions, heard Mass at all the four churches We will share a meal and jointly praise and
at the shrine, prayed and walked through worship the Lord with them. Then later in
Ugnayan
the winding path of the Way of the Cross the afternoon, we will do the same among the
with life-size images, went to confession poor members of the CFC community in the
available in 12 different languages, were Unisan town proper.
immersed naked at the Baths, and collected I was born in a small nipa hut located near a
water of Lourdes to be brought home and spring in a coconut farm in this remote barrio. THE NEWS SUPPLEMENT OF COUPLES FOR CHRIST
given to friends and family. Back in Paris, The place is still remote and isolated even up to
our Lady directed us to visit her Son, per- now. My late father told me years ago that San
petually exposed at the Blessed Sacrament Roque was so isolated that the Japanese forces Redentor Ragojos
in the main altar of the Basilica of Le Sacre never set foot there during the war. IC Oversight
Coeur, before flying back home to Jakarta. Mary traveled in haste to the mountain Zenaida A. Gimenez Alma M. Alvarez
Lumen Gentium describes Mary as pan- town of Judea to help her cousin Elizabeth Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor
agia —all holy—for she is full of grace and who was with child. W hen it was time
blessed among women. And so we dream for her to deliver Jesus in Bethlehem, she Deomar P. Oliveria Evangeline C. Mecedilla
once more and pray, that we may again stayed in a poor stable with farm animals. Layout Artist Circulation Staff
be blessed with the opportunity to visit She was glad to welcome the poor shep- The Ugnayan News Supplement is published by the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc.,
another Marian shrine—this time, Our herds. And so we pray that Mary may find with editorial offices at 156 20th Avenue, 1109 Cubao, Quezon City.
Lady of La Salette in France. We under- us worthy and guide us to San Roque and Editorial trunk line: (+63 2) 709-4868 local 31 Direct line : (+63 2) 709-4856
stand that the Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Salette. www.couplesforchristglobal.org globalcommunications@couplesforchristglobal.org @CFChrist
C4 September 16 - September 29, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 19 CBCP Monitor
ANCOP USA, led by President See to the United Nations, nity development, and universal
Roger Santos, welcomed Phil- also graced the event. healthcare in remote communi-
ippine Vice President Leni During this event, ANCOP ties in the Philippines.”
Robredo at the MGM Nation- USA renewed its commitment ANCOP is Couples for Christ's
al Harbor near Washington to collaborate with Angat Bu- arm in fulfilling its mission of
D.C., during the ANCOP USA hay, the flagship anti-poverty building the Church of the poor.
Charity Ball on August 31, program of the Office of the Vice Through the event, ANCOP USA
2019. Over 300 supporters President of the Philippines. hopes to be able to raise funds to
and benefactors of ANCOP In his speech, Santos said, sponsor 200 students and build
USA came to the said gala. “Angat Buhay shares ANCOP’s a student dormitory in Sumilao
His Excellency Archbishop vision of helping the poor by im- National High School, Bukid-
Bernardito Auza, Permanent proving the delivery of services non, Philippines. (ANCOP
Representative of the Holy in public education, commu- USA Comm)