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Vol. 10 No. 10
The
August 28,8-11
2006 Tragedy in
Guimaras
A Tooth for an Eye: The
Final Equition in Lebanon
But Why Love the
Poor?
A Joint Pastoral Letter on
Jueteng and STL
1
www.cbcponline.net/cbcpmonitor cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net

Bishop Wants “Self- CBCP Head not Surprised by

CBCP Monitor
determination” for IPs the Junking of Impeachment
CBCP Episcopal Commission on In- ARCHBISHOP Angel Lagdameo,
digenous Peoples (ECIP) chair, president of the Catholic Bishops’
Bishop Sergio Utleg, said the Com- Conference of the Philippines (CBCP),
mission aims at helping the unfortu- said the outcome of the recent bid to
nate state of tribal minorities living impeach Mrs. Arroyo did not come as
in the country today by developing a surprise.
In an interview, Lagdameo said
the value of “self-determination”. Protagonist of Truth, Promoter of Peace that the Catholic bishops were already
Said component, according to
Utleg, is the basis for all their effort, foreseeing that the impeachment pro-
Bishop Wants / P4
August 28, 2006 Vol. 10 No. 10 Php 16.00 CBCP Head / P4

Lagdameo Appeals Aid for Oil Spill Victims


By Maria Lourdes Ebilane
AS the oil spill reaching other parts of Iloilo, the Archdiocese of Jaro has
called on the faithful to continue sending aid for the people of the affected
communities.
Jaro Archbishop Angel “As one ‘Body of Christ’, the
Lagdameo said that though “we can- tragedy suffered by one part is felt
not be responsible” for the accident, too by the entire body,” said
“we can reach out immediately to the Lagdameo who is concurrently presi-
affected families of the affected dent of the Catholic Bishops’ Con-
barangays in terms of material help, ference of the Philippines (CBCP).
because they have lost their liveli- The oil spill started August 11,
hood.” when a tanker sunk south of
“Let us be in solidarity with them Guimaras Island, about 312 miles
through whatever organized help we southeast of Manila as it was trans-
can extend to them,” he said. porting more than 500,000 gallons of
The Archdiocese of Jaro cov- bunker oil of Petron Corporation.
ers Iloilo and Guimaras, where 92 The province was immediately
© Gavin Newman/Greenpeace

percent of 2.7 million people are put under a “state of calamity” fol-
Catholics. lowing what authorities called as the
Lagdameo said that his archdio- country’s worst spill.
cese has already taken up steps in “The causes of this tragedy
the relief effort led by the Diocesan need to be fully and honestly inves-
Social Action Center (JASAC) and tigated in order that justice may be
Jaro Archdiocesan Pastoral Secre- served,” said Lagdameo.
tariat (JAPS). Lagdameo Appeals / P4

Total Log Ban in Davao Oriental Urged


MATI, Davao Oriental—Catholic mously agreed to come out with the in the country and globally, we gether and take a common stand
Church leaders are spearheading a said decision. strongly proposed and recommended against all forms of environmental
signature campaign urging the gov- In a statement, they lambasted that a total log ban be implemented in destructions.
ernment to impose a total log ban in the Department of Environment and Davao Oriental,” said the statement. “Before, we only act when some-
this province following the death of Natural Resources (DENR) for its “in- Sr. Melvin Manligoy of the Di- thing happened and nothing can be
nine people in Cateel town due to ille- capacity and organization con- ocesan Social Action Center said they heard after. That should not be the
gal-logging operations. straints” to protect and regulate natu- will send the position paper to Ms case,” said Manligoy.
Immediately after the accident, a ral resources and biodiversity of the Arroyo and Environment Secretary The group lamented the apathy
group composed of religious organi- province. Angelo Reyes after gathering enough of logging companies, buyers and
zations and civil society groups gath- “With the increasing and magni- signatures. processors to manifest its socio-eco-
ered together at the St. James the fying effects of natural and man-made She said the right time has come logical corporate responsibility.
Apostle Parish in Cateel and unani- disasters in the province, elsewhere that people should put all efforts to- Total Log / P4

Fr. Cortes Dies Malolos Bishop Nixes STL


at 64
MALOLOS Bishop Jose Oliveros “Let us not add another prob-
has condemned the operation of lem to our present crisis,” he said.
Small-Town-Lottery (STL) in his dio- He said that what the country
FATHER Regino Cortes, the cese saying that the promise it could needs are effective programs that will
only Filipino and Asian mem- offer to the people is an “illusory uplift the people from poverty
ber of the Vatican Pontifical Bib- hope of progress.” through dignified living and upright
lical Commission (PBC), died “Whatever form of gambling, means of livelihood.
August 28 of heart attack. legal or illegal, is clearly not the an- “What the country needs is a
Cortes, 64, had just fin- swer and solution to the spreading noble government imbued with com-
ished giving a retreat to stu- poverty in our midst,” said Oliveros. mitment for dignified public service,”
dents of the College of Fine The government believes the the bishop added.
Arts and Design, where he was revival of STL will provide jobs to Archbishop Paciano Aniceto of
displaced “jueteng” workers and ad- San Fernando, Pampanga, Bishops
a regent, when he reportedly
collapsed in his room at the ditional revenue for the government.
Oliveros however said that the
Socrates Villegas of Balanga, Bataan,
Sofronio Bancud of Cabanatuan and
Lipa Pilgrimage to Draw Big Crowd
University of Santo Tomas
(UST) Father’s Residence. recovery from poverty can in no way Mylo Hubert Vergara of San Jose, also on September 9-11.
A big crowd is ex- many faithful as pos-
He was rushed to the UST be addressed by the promotion, be issued statements saying they didn’t Lipa Archbishop
pected to gather at sible, inviting them to
Hospital but the doctors pro- it legal, of STL and other forms of want the numbers game anywhere in Ramon Arguelles said
the Carmelite Monas- pray and make repa-
nounced him dead-on-arrival. gambling. their jurisdictions. (CBCP News) that on the final day,
tery in Lipa City on ration,” said
A respected professor of September 12 for a September 12, it is ex- Arguelles.
Sacred Scripture at the Faculty
of Sacred Theology, he was ap-
Cardinal Asks De Castro to Aid Families in ‘Toxic Site’ pilgrimage and mass
in honor of the
pected to attract sev-
eral thousands of devo-
The National
Movement for Mary
pointed by Pope John Paul II in MANILA Archbishop Gaudencio Laguna province, are suffering under Blessed Virgin Mary. tees from all over the Mediatrix of All Grace
2001 as member of the Pontifi- Cardinal Rosales urged Vice-presi- “inhuman conditions” and face As a spiritual country including bish- has extended invita-
cal Biblical Commission for a dent Noli De Castro to help railway “health and environmental hazards” preparation, hun- ops and priests. Last tions to all the arch/
term of five years. families living adjacent to a dumpsite by living next to a dumpsite. dreds of delegates year, more than 20,000 dioceses to attend
He was awarded the degree in Laguna province. “It appears to me that the cur- from several vicari- pilgrims attended the this event, which
of Licentiate in Sacred Scripture In a letter sent to De Castro, chair- rent relocation program in Cabuyao, ates in the Archdio- event. Catholic Bishops’
by the PBC after passing the man of the Housing and Urban De- Laguna fails to take into consideration cese will troop to Lipa “We would like to Conference of the
examen praevium and the velopment Coordinating Council the health and environmental hazards for a triduum to be continue this new but Philippines (CBCP)
lectio magistratis in 1970 (cum (HUDCC), Rosales said the evictees, that living next to a mixed waste dump held at the San laudable marian tradi- head Archbishop An-
mentione). who have been relocated to the might cause to the relocates,” he said. Sebastian Cathedral tion and engage as Lipa Pilgrimage / P4
Fr. Cortes / P4
Southville Housing Project Cabuyao, Cardinal Asks / P4

vol10-n10.pmd 1 9/14/2006, 4:05 PM


CBCP Monitor
2 World News Vol. 10 No. 10
August 28, 2006

China releases underground bishop after decade in prison


Saints Monica, Augustine offer hope to CHINA, Aug. 26, 2006 - A bishop of ganization, and harassment by govern- human-rights policy.”
troubled families, says Pope China's underground Catholic Church
has been released after more than 10
ment forces has been most severe in
the Hebei diocese, where the under-
There are six other Catholic bish-
ops of the underground Church in
CASTELGANDOLFO, Aug. 28, he discovered in Christ the full and years in prison, the US-based Cardi- ground Catholic presence is strongest. Hebei province still in Chinese pris-
2006—Troubled families today can ultimate meaning of his life and of all nal Kung Foundation reports. The AsiaNews service reports, ons; in some cases the faithful are not
receive great comfort from the lives of human history. Bishop An Shuxin, an auxiliary of however, that the stance taken by Bishop sure whether the prelates are still alive.
of St. Monica and her son St. Au- In adolescence, attracted by the Baoding diocese in Hebei province, An-- accepting the government's recog- Bishop Su Zhimin of the Baoding
gustine, said Pope Benedict XVI yes- worldly goods and beauty, his ac- was set free on August 24. He had been nition but refusing to join forces with diocese, where Bishop An served, was
terday, prior to the Angelus. Sunday tions were guided by egoism and arrested in May 1996, in a government the Patriotic Association-- was a solu- arrested in 1997 and his current condi-
was the memorial for St. Monica; to- possessiveness. His actions would raid on the Baoding seminary, where tion proposed by Vatican officials in in- tion and location are unknown.
day is the memorial for St. August- cause great pain to his mother. But he was rector. Since that time his where- formal talks with the Chinese govern- Bishop Han Dingsiang of Yong
ine. along his journey, and thanks to the abouts had been unknown. ment. AsiaNews has reported mounting Nian, also in the Hebei province, was
Monica (333-387), born of a grace of his mother’s prayers, he con- In what could be a significant step tensions between the Patriotic Associa- arrested in 1999 and his current condi-
Christian family, lived her life as a tinued to open himself up more to forward for Catholics in China, Bishop tion and the Beijing government this tion and location are unknown.
wife and a mother in an exemplary the fullness of truth and love to the An reportedly has received the year, with the government eventually Bishop Jian Zhiguo of Zhengding,
way, helping her husband to dis- point of conversion, the Pope re- government's recognition as a bishop, pressing the Patriotic Association to stop Hebei, was arrested in June of this year;
cover the beauty of the Christian counted. and permission to do pastoral work. its illicit appointment of new Catholic he has been arrested 9 other times in the
faith and the strength of Gospel love, Augustine’s ultimate conver- The AsiaNews service reports that he bishops without Vatican approval. past three years. His current status is
said the Pope. After her husband’s sion took place in Milan under the accepted the government's recogni- In reporting Bishop An's release, unknown. Bishop Shi Enxiang of Yixian,
death, she dedicated herself even guidance of St. Ambrose, then tion, but refused to register with the Joseph Kung of the Cardinal Kung Hebei, was arrested in 2001; his current
more fully to her three children. Au- bishop of the northern Italian city. government-sponsored Catholic Patri- Foundation said that he hoped the condition and location are unknown.
gustine caused her great suffering Augustine remains today a wit- otic Association. move "is not an isolated case, but rather Bishop Yao Liang, an auxiliary of
with his rebellious character. ness, for all people, of the journey The Patriotic Association, which the beginning of the release of many the Xiwanzi diocese in Hebei, was ar-
But Augustine (354-430) would toward God, supreme Truth and is affiliated with the Communist Party, dozens of other Roman Catholic bish- rested in July of this year, and is being
later say that his mother bore him Goodness, the Pope stated. “Late has sought to establish a Chinese ops, priests, and faithful." A much held in Zhangjiakou.
twice. The second time was after a have I loved you,” Augustine would Catholic Church independent of the broader release of Catholic prisoners Bishop Zhao Zhendong of
long spiritual labor, consisting of write of his love for God in his fa- Holy See. The underground Catholic of conscience, he said, would "show Xuanhua as arrested in December
prayers and tears, but in the end filled mous autobiography, The Confes- Church, which maintains loyalty to China’s sincerity about improving its 2004; his current condition and loca-
with the joy of seeing him not only sions. Rome, has been treated as an illegal or- relationships with the Vatican and its tion are unknown. (CWNews.com)
embrace the faith and receive bap-
tism, but dedicate his whole life to
The Pope prayed, “for all the
young people who, thirsty for hap- Religious men lead peace rally in Manipur
the service of Christ, the Pope said. piness, are seeking it by following IMPHAL, India, August 24,2006—Re- tional Peace and Social Advancement. city culminated at the Thangmeibandh
“How many difficulties are there the wrong paths and losing them- ligious leaders led a rally of protest in He said people in Manipur have Athletics Sports ground. Speakers
in families even today and how many selves in blind alleys,” asking for St. the capital of northeastern state of been denied all human rights. “No in- during the rally condemned the attack
mothers are distressed because their Augustine’s intercession. Manipur on Wednesday against gov- vestigation takes place here against and called for a united stand against
children are taking the wrong The Pope closed by entrusting ernment apathy towards the excesses bomb attacks on people and religious “acts of terrorism”.
paths!” the Pope exclaimed. to Mother Mary all Christian parents carried by the army and linguistic places of worship,” Johnson said. A delegation of the All Manipur
“Monica, a woman who is wise and so that they, like St. Monica, will ac- marginalization. Hundreds of students, rights ac- Joint Action Committee for Prevention
solid in the faith, invites them not to company their children with good ex- Thousands of people marched tivists and religious leaders cut across of Terrorism met Ibobi Singh after the
be discouraged but to persevere in amples and prayers. He also en- through the streets of Imphal, protest- faiths joined the protest march. rally and submitted a memorandum to
their mission as wives and mothers, trusted to her all young people so ing the recent grenade attack on the The rally, organised by All the government.
maintaining a firm faith in God and that they, like Augustine, will jour- ISKCON temple. Religious leaders be- Manipur Joint Action Committee for The Apunba Lup, the spearhead of
holding on to prayer.” ney always toward the fullness of longing to various faiths said people in Prevention of Terrorism, said the gre- the campaign against the Armed Forces
As for Augustine, his whole ex- Truth and Love, which is Christ. Manipur are denied peace and justice. nade attack on the temple while devo- (Special Powers) Act, showed solidarity
istence was a passionate search for “Only Christ can satisfy the pro- “We are treated like second class tees were engrossed in a Ras Lila per- with the protesters against terrorism.
truth, the Pope continued. In the end, found desires of the human heart,” citizens. The Army personnel attack formance on Janmasthami was targeted “The international community
not without a long interior struggle, he concluded. (CNA) the poor people here, bombs go off in against the basic faith of the people. should condemn the attack on a holy
religious places of worship. There is a Five persons were killed and 50 place where vulnerable people like
Vatican urges balanced approach to tourism total breakdown of civil rights in
Manipur,” said Christian leader E.
others were wounded in the attack. The
victims included two children.
women and children were present,”
said Phulindro Konsam, a leader of the
VATICAN, Aug. 25—The Pontifical wealth and entertainment; others see Johnson, secretary general of Interna- The rally that went through the Committee On Human Rights. (ICNS)
Council for Migrants has issued a it as an opportunity to become bet-
statement for the World Day of Tour- ter acquainted with other cultures Hong Kong: mainland China mothers abandon babies with abnormalities
ism, encouraging travel but criticiz- and with nature.
ing the financial organization of the The perception of tourism as a HONG KONG,August 28, 2006– Lack of both non-Hong Kong residents. The doctor recalled how “about
tourism industry. source of capital wealth tends to ag- prenatal care among expectant mothers “Since there is no prenatal care in three months ago, we took care of a boy
The World Day of Tourism will gravate economic inequality, the from mainland China is becoming a prob- China, this can put pregnancies in high whose ears and jaw were deformed. The
be observed on September 27. In the document says. The real wealth to lem in Hong Kong, as revealed by an risk," said Cheung Kam-lau, consult- parents already had two healthy girls and
past the Vatican has released a mes- be gained, the Pontifical Council increasing number of babies with abnor- ant paediatrician at Prince of Wales were shocked. I explained to them that
sage for that day signed by the Pope. says, lies in the appreciation of other malities abandoned in the Territory. Hospital's neonatal care unit. "Most with surgery, the boy would be able to
But this year the message is signed places and other cultures. More and more women seek to of these mothers expect healthy, hear normally but they abandoned him.”
by Cardinal Renato Martino (bio - The document speaks of "the deliver their babies in hospitals in the chubby babies, but things just don't He added: “"We all feel very sad about
news) and Archbishop Agostino richness offered on the face of each ex-British colony and many abandon always happen ideally." He continued: the baby's future. There is one more or-
Marchetto: the president and secre- brother and sister, a permanent and them after they are born: they are un- “Many mothers are not prepared for phan in this world.”
tary, respectively, of the Pontifical perennial gift from God." Last year aware that most paediatric medical abnormal births or congenital dis- In another case, a non-resident
Council for Tourism. Pope Benedict signed a statement for problems are easily resolved. eases, such as Down's syndrome and couple was about to abandon their son
The scope of international tour- the 26th World Day of Tourism, fol- These “tourist mothers” migrate to so they abandon them.” who had Down’s Syndrome. The doc-
ism is steadily growing, the Vatican lowing the pattern set by Pope John Hong Kong because their children will Cheung said many mothers-to-be tor said: “Many ‘tourists’ don’t know
document observes. But it goes on Paul II. This year he did not sign the immediately be granted local citizenship admitted themselves to hospital at a what kind of treatment we offer here in
to say that there are two very dis- Vatican statement. No explanation by virtue of being born in the Territory. very late stage of pregnancy, some- Hong Kong. In this case, we convinced
tinct approaches to the industry: was offered for the evident policy According to the Census and Statistics thing that created further problems in the parents that the son could enjoy a
some see tourism as a source of shift. (CWNews.com) Department, 11,716 babies, or about 20% monitoring the foetus. Often they felt decent quality of life and we managed
of all births in Hong Kong from mid-2005 revulsion for babies born with defects to persuade them not to abandon
Karachi: solemn funeral mass for Archbishop to mid-2006, were to parents who were that could be dealt with. him.” (AsiaNews/SCMP)

Pereira, “modern Moses” Jaffna Catholics tell government: tell us “truth” about missing priest
KARACHI, Pakistan, August 28, 2006– blessed by Mgr Evarist Pinto, current ALLAIPIDDY, Sri Lanka, August 25, by a silent march to the office of the local or unwilling, to help. All requests to the
The archbishop emeritus of Karachi archbishop of Karachi, who described 2006—Catholics in northern Sri Lanka are Government Agent [highest government authorities and efforts by the church to
was “one of the best shepherds of the his predecessor as a “man who chose calling for the truth about a priest’s disap- representative at district level]. discover the whereabouts of Fr Jim and
country, a modern Moses”, whose work to serve God with his life and who made pearance in Jaffna to be revealed “with- Fr M. Savundaranayagam, Dean of Vimalathas have proved fruitless. Fr
“contributed to strengthening the faith respect for life his mission.” He added: out delay”. As the authorities keep silent, Jaffna Ecclesiastical District, addressed Savundaranayagam said he went in per-
of local Catholics” said Fr Robert “His death saddens all who knew him. the community can only continue to pray. the church gathering, stressing that “our son to Allaipiddy to search for Fr Jim and
D’Silva. We have lost an excellent shepherd.” Thirty-four-year-old Fr Jim Brown government has the responsibility to give Vimalathas on 22 August, and the follow-
He was speaking at the start of the During the mass, youth from the was last seen by a fellow priest on 20 a truthful and reasonable answer to this ing day, he accompanied the bishop of
funeral mass of Mgr Simeon Anthony diocese sang the choruses in Urdu and August at a military checkpoint at serious problem. Jaffna, Thomas Savundaranayagam, to
Pereira, which took place yesterday in English: one of the main objectives of Allaipiddy. Accompanied by Vimalathas, “We cannot understand how a priest St Philip Neri Church there. “Unfortu-
St Patrick’s Cathedral in Karachi. The the deceased bishop was precisely to a father of five children, he was waiting to in his full priestly uniform along with his nately we were unable to get any new
cathedral was crowded with thousands create a liturgy in the traditional lan- go to his parish church, destroyed days pillion rider, riding a red coloured motor- information about them,” he said.
of believers who came from all across guage of Pakistan to help youth ap- before in clashes between the army and cycle could have mysteriously vanished While waiting and hoping Fr Jim is
the country for the mass. proach the Gospel. rebel Tamil Tigers. Both men have disap- during daylight hours in an area where there safe, his friends are recalling his selfless
The bishops of Hyderabad, At the end of the funeral, the peared without trace. is a concentration of security forces,” he service. “Fr Jim did his best to help the
Multan, Faisalabad, Quetta and bishop’s coffin was laid to rest next to While the diocese of Jaffna anxiously said. “We request that the truth about this Allaipiddy people, risking his own life to
Islamabad were present at the cer- Archbishop Joseph Cordeiro, who was awaits news of their fate, another Christian matter be revealed to us without delay.” face a barrage of shells,” said Fr
emony as was the Vatican Apostolic the first cardinal of Pakistan; Bishop priest has been reported missing in Jaffna Fr Savundaranayagam tempered his Savundaranayagam, referring to an attack
Nuncio in Pakistan, Mgr Adolfo Yllana, Pereira had been his pupil and friend. since 11August: Fr Vincent Vinodharaja of direct appeal by thanking the security on St Philip Neri church during crossfire
who read a message of condolence from The archbishop emeritus passed the Christian Church of the Apostle. forces for the “respect” they usually on 12 August.
the Holy See. Over 20 religious orders away on 21 August aged 78 after he On 24 August, priests, religious and showed priests, even allowing them to The people of the neighbouring dio-
of the diocese attended the ceremony. suffered a heart attack. He retired in 2002 lay people flocked to an adoration service travel for essential services during cur- cese of Mannar, where the priest worked
The bishop’s coffin was carried on but remained very active in diocesan held at St John’s church in Jaffna for Fr Jim few hours sometimes. for two years, also held prayers and a
the shoulders of six scouts and was pastoral work. (AsiaNews/DT) and Vimalathas. The service was followed But this time, the forces are unable, march for Fr Jim today. (AsiaNews)

vol10-n10.pmd 2 9/14/2006, 4:05 PM


CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 10
August 28, 2006
News Feature 3
MT Solar I, carrying more or less 2 The local church at the moment
million liters of bunker fuel, sank 21 is vigorously campaigning for help
km. off the southern coast of Nueva in terms of rice, dry goods and cash
Valencia, Guimaras. The good gov- for the victims of this tragedy. Our
ernor of Guimaras, the Honorable JC work on this is coursed through the
Rahman A. Nava, MD, calls it the parish priests of Sibunag and Nueva
“8-11 tragedy.” His report to the Valencia. Our parish priests in these
joint Regional Disaster Coordinat- two municipalities are instructed to
ing Council (RDCC) and Provincial coordinate with the local chief execu-
Disaster Coordinating Council tives to maximize the fruitfulness of
(PDCC) meeting said: “Then came relief efforts.
the tragic incident of 8-11. No, we This coming Monday, 4 Septem-
did not have planes hitting our land- ber, we will engage two oceanogra-
marks as what happened in 9-11. We phers from U.P. Visayas to be better
were knocked off our feet and got informed about the situation and
the scare of our lives with the sink- forecasts that will be needed in the
ing of MT Solar I. All of a sudden rehabilitation program that we intend
our clear waters were blotted with to do. Meanwhile, any help you want
ugly, messy, and smelly sludge, as to extend please give to your parish
part of the 2 million liters of bunker priest, who would be responsible in
fuel leaked out of Solar I’s cargo hold bringing it to the social action cen-
. . . we can only watch in horror how ter or you may also directly bring
oil spill can undo in a few days, our your donation to the office of the
initiatives which have taken de- Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action
cades to implement.” Center, Jaro Cathedral Compound,
The report likewise said that Jaro, Iloilo City and do not forget to
“more than 4,000 families largely de- ask for an official receipt for proper

The 8-11 Tragedy in Guimaras


pendent on fishing have been dis- accounting.
placed, comprising about 26,000 in- Let me end with the words of
dividuals. Some 220 kilometers of Gov. JC Rahman A. Nava, MD: “We
coastline have been ravished, with can only hope that this incident will
thick, black slimy oil slick as mute bring out the best in the
witness to the tragedy. In addition, Msgr. Melito Oso Guimarasnon spirit, and together
454 hectares of mangroves have with your support, see us through,
been devastated. These included our runs to as many as 200,000 to 300,000 litical leaders have already even sug- waste. Again Petron should do some- scarred perhaps, but better persons,
prized mangrove forests in the liters which means that there are still gested that we boycott Petron. I thing about this waste IMMEDI- better communities, better people.”
TINMAR area, the natural mangrove more or less 1,700,000 liters of bun- have! ATELY! In solidarity with the people of
plantation that frame the ker fuel oil under the sea. The ocean- Waste disposal is another big Civil society groups are doing Guimaras, let us not only PRAY for
Inampologan island resort as well as ographer I was talking with talked problem. Residents of two an integrated damage and needs as- them but also BE GENEROUS to
our numerous mangrove reforesta- about the pressure under the sea on Barangays from Nueva Valencia liv- sessment. This will become the ba- them, remembering that God cannot
tion projects scattered in the the tanker, thus before it creates ing within 100 meters from the shore sis for the ongoing relief work they be outdone in generosity! Let us ex-
barangays mentioned. Also 58 hect- more damage the tanker must be re- were already evacuated to the nearby are facilitating at the moment and of tend our undying support to the
ares of productive seaweed planta- trieved. I do not know what is taking school buildings upon order of the the eventual rehabilitation. Coordi- Guimarasnons!
tion, some of which are ready for har- Petron so long to do this. It would National Disaster Coordinating nation and sharing of data on this
Msgr Melito Oso, is the Director, Jaro
vest, have been attacked, with its seem to me that Petron does not un- Council. And the reason for the matter is needed for a more effective Archdiocesan Social Action Center of
profitability down to almost nil.” derstand the URGENCY. Some po- evacuation is the presence of the oil relief and rehabilitation work. the Archdiocese of Jaro in Iloilo.
The official report of the Depart-
ment of Social Welfare and Devel-
opment (DSWD) as of 24 August
says that 27 Barangays in 3 munici-
palities of the province of Guimaras
are affected by the oil spill. The fami-
lies affected in these Barangays to-
Religious Superiors Launch Info Drive
tal to 3,487 or approximately 17,435
individuals if each family has aver-
age of five members. The Philippine
Coast Guard reports that the oil spill
Against Human Rights Abuses
threatens 45 municipalities in the By Pinky Barrientos, FSP
provinces of Guimaras, Iloilo and
Negros occidental.
The effect of the oil spill to the IN the light of the worsening social crisis brought be held at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani on September 20
livelihood of the people is pictured about, among others, by extrajudicial killings of po- and 21.
out vividly by the report of the Gov- litical activists and journalists, the Association of Ma- In their recent separate annual assemblies, both
ernor: “In only 4 days, about 14% of jor Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP) women and men religious superiors of the Philippines
is spearheading an information and education drive called on the government to put an end to extra-judicial The Association of Major Religious
the province’s population has lost Superiors of Men and Women in
its main source of income—fishing. to bring to people’s greater awareness the deteriorat- killings that are being perpetrated against journalists and the Philippines take their pose dur-
Sustenance fishermen who eke a liv- ing human rights situation in the country. political activists in the country, and to uplift the lives of ing their 2006 Biennial Conven-
ing from the bounties of the coasts Aside from the extrajudicial killings of journal- suffering Filipinos. tion.

now have nowhere to fish, and no ists and political activists, AMRSP also pointed out
fish to catch, their gears rendered other activities sanctioned by the government which
useless by the oil spill. The fish and impinged on the rights of citizens, such as: ordinary
mollusks were either gone, have di- citizens being forced to obtain cedulas as a means of
minished in number, or if collected, identification, curfew hours enforced on certain ar-
were too unpalatable to even find eas, setting up of military detachments besides
their way to the kitchen sink. Even schools and churches, and inside barangay halls.
those who sell fish (panting) woke The religious superiors also rebuked Macapagal-
up to find no fish to sell, or those Arroyo in her declaration an all-out-war against CPP-
who have, found no buyers.” NDF-NPA. AMRSP believes that a militarist solution
The provincial government im- goes against the teachings of the Catholic faith and
mediately created Task Force Sun- will not resolve the principal causes of insurgency.
rise to coordinate relief works. Com- In a letter addressed to fellow religious and
munities in the coastal Barangays friends, the AMRSP reiterated its call to remain vigi-
were encouraged to make improvised lant in the light of the country’s aggravating human
spill booms to prevent bunker fuel rights’ condition and to oppose all kinds of violence.
oil from damaging the shorelines. “We in the AMRSP cannot and will not stand
Medical assistance and relief goods idly by and accept this situation as God’s will. It goes
were immediately provided. Surveys against every tenet of the Christian faith we believe
of household affected were made, in. We are pro-life and not for death and destruction.
tests on water and fish were facili- We are for peace and not for violence. We are for the
tated and right information was pro- common good and not the rule of the few. We are for
vided. As of this writing, relief op- love, compassion and grace and not for hate, divi-
erations are still going on. sion and sin,” the letter said.
The local provincial govern- AMRSP urges fellow religious and mission part-
ment of Guimaras recommends the ners to live up to their prophetic calling, saying that it
following: 1. Retrieval of the sunken is now the time “to stand with the meek and deprived,
tanker. 2. Protocol of waste disposal. to join hands with the oppressed and dehumanized –
3. Integrated damage and needs as- to proclaim the good news of salvation.”
sessment as basis for relief, rehabili- The association is spearheading several activi-
tation and recovery efforts. ties in this month of September to highlight their cam-
I was talking to an oceanogra- paign for peace and human rights. A Caravan for
pher from U.P. Visayas, and he im- Peace and Human Rights and Hope is scheduled for
pressed upon me the urgency of re- September 22, which will traverse the dioceses of
trieving the tanker the fastest pos- Malolos, Cabanatuan and San Jose, Nueva Ecija. Prior
sible time. Estimates of the oil spill to the caravan an International Day of Peace vigil will

vol10-n10.pmd 3 9/14/2006, 4:05 PM


CBCP Monitor
4 News Vol. 10 No. 10
August 28, 2006

Total Log / from p1 sources.” panies—La Fortuna Mahogany, were financing illegal logging activi-
Fr Darwey Clark, Saint James the Baganga Plywood Corporation, and ties in some towns.
Apostle parish priest, said that there Matuginao Integrated Wood Products The report coincided with the
had been previous efforts to manifest Corp.—are operating in the province media stories linking public officials
their sentiments about illegal logging in large scale. to illegal logging.
that even put their lives at risk, but to These companies were given per- Environment officials and at least
no avail. mits along with the terms and condi- two “prominent” provincial govern-
“Nothing happened. I remember tions that they have to comply with, ment officials are being linked to ram-
there was even a time that we have been said Malbog. pant illegal logging, Delos Reyes said..
threatened by those hit by our crusade A report sent to the CBCP Moni- He, however, refused to identify who
and pressured us to retract,” he said. tor by the PENRO showed how towns the officials are.
The priest described the Davao are generating extra income outside the Meanwhile, Governor Maria
Oriental now as “open” to all for log- internal revenue allotment (IRA) they Elena Gil also admitted reports of ille-
ging operations—be it legal or illegal. receive. The report showed that DENR gal logging activities in her jurisdic-
He urged the government to give Davao Oriental generated total collec- tion.
attention to their place and said that tions of P6,126,309 in 2005 from the pro- She confronted the DENR about
Maliwagwag accident must serve as a ceeds in the utilization and development the issue, but the agency has been
lesson for everyone. of national wealth. consistent in denying the allegations.
Ninety-five percent of this amount She said the truck owner should
Not in favor is collected from the three towns. The be held responsible and must shoul-
They also cried foul over the Based on an initial report gathered But not all agree to the total log local government units concerned then der the expenses for the rehabilitation
“capitalization” of the impoverished by the local police, the truck owner was ban proposed by the Church. receive a 40-percent share distributed of Aliwagwag Bridge.
and marginalized sector as fronts of identified as a certain Proping, while the Salvador Malbog, Provincial En- to the provincial, municipal and
illegal logging operations. driver was known as Gaga Alba who vironment and Natural Resources Of- barangay at 20-45-35 percent sharing. Priceless
Davao Oriental first district rep- immediately fled after the accident. fice head, said logging should not be In terms of job generation, the in- The indigenous peoples earlier
resentative Corazon Malanyaon and The recovered logs were report- totally ceased because it could cause dustry has reportedly generated jobs also came out with a statement vehe-
Almario Mayo of the second district edly to be transported to Campostela the collapse of growing wood-indus- for the harvesting, hauling and process- mently opposing logging and mining
are also being urged to support the Valley. try of the province particularly in the ing of trees. operations and other forms of envi-
campaign. At press time, the Cateel police are towns of Baganga, Cateel and Caraga. Baganga Plywood Corporation is ronmental destruction.
The recent bridge collapse that still waiting for a certification coming He also belied reports of illegal log- listed as the province’s top employer in Fr Bert Ombon, the Indigenous
killed 9 lives and left three others criti- from the Land Transportation Office ging operations in the province despite September 2004, based on SSS contri- Peoples (IP) Apostolate Diocesan Co-
cally injured aboard a ten wheeler (LTO) that would reveal the real iden- the fact that the recovered logs in the butions. ordinator, claims that peoples’ lives are
truck, with plate no. XGD-535, has tity of the truck owner. said accident have been confirmed “il- Salvador said they cannot just not improved because of logging
stirred concerns among the residents. He admitted that illegal logging legal” by the local police and Cateel stop the logging operations unless given the high social and environmen-
The accident that occurred Au- really exists in the towns of Cateel, and Municipal Environment and Natural there is an alternative livelihood oppor- tal cost.
gust 20 in Cateel was believed to have illegal loggers are using different sys- Resources Office (MENRO). tunities for the people. “There is really no place any-
been caused by the overloading 30, tems in their operation. The provincial government pur- where in the world that prospers be-
000 tons of “illegally cut” logs mostly sued to strengthen the social forestry Prominent officials cause of such activity. True, logging
identified as red lawaan. The weight Common knowledge program through the Community- Manyaon, who has been constant companies might have given employ-
capacity of the Aliwagwag Bridge is “The never ending recurrence of Based Forest Management Program in her anti-logging stand, said she was ment to some people, but this (envi-
only 10,000 tons. and intensification of illegal logging (CBFMP). saddened by the Aliwagwag tragedy ronmental catastrophe) is in exchange
operations in the province have indeed Another program implemented and wants the culprit be put behind of what they have done and will do to
Suspects been a public knowledge,” the state- was the Integrated Forest Management bars. our natural resources”.
Cateel Police Chief Sr. Inspector ment read. “Its existence has breed an- Agreement (IFMA), which invites in- It can be recalled that Manlayaon He stressed that nothing can pay
Rodolfo Delos Reyes vowed to file archy, alienation and ruin ecosystems vestors to infuse capital on forest man- made the call at the Lower House to for whatever damage brought by en-
appropriate charges to those who will due to indiscriminate, exploitation and agement, development and utilization. cease cutting trees in his province after vironmental destruction. (Roy
be proved responsible. irresponsible utilization of natural re- To date, at least three logging com- receiving reports that some politicians Lagarde, Neela Duallo)

Fr. Cortes / from p1


Lagdameo Appeals / from p1 He took his philosophy and the- he was Dean of the Institute of Reli-
Greenpeace, a known international environment are not allowed to go fishing,” he said. ology at the UST with licentiate de- gion at UST and from 1980 to 1986 rec-
organization, said the government must hold Petron He said that various individuals and groups have grees in both disciplines. He had a tor of both Letran College in
and its partners accountable for damages to marine started to generously respond to the tragedy that post-graduate studies in Sacred Scrip- Intramuros, Manila and Letran College
and coastal ecosystems and for their rehabilitation. may cause long-term and possibly lasting damage to ture at the prestigious Ecole Biblique in Calamba, Laguna.
“The scale of this oil spill may turn to be even larger the environment and livelihoods of the people. et Archeologique Francaise (EBAF) He became socius to the provincial
than the Semirara oil spill last year and threatens at least Lagdameo met with residents of the most affected in Jerusalem and earned the degree of of the Dominican Province of the Philip-
three marine reserves in Visayas,” said Greenpeace. areas particularly in La Paz and saw fisher folks scrap- Eleve Titulaire d’Ecole Biblique. He pines from 1992 to 1996 and diffinitor at
Father Maloney Gotera, parish priest of St. ping the shore of oily sand and putting them in sacks. also studied Arabic at the American the General Chapter of the Dominican
Vincent Ferrer Parish, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras and As of August 20, a report from the Jaro archdio- University of Cairo and Islamology at Order in Caleruega, Spain in 1995.
Vicar Forane of St. Bartholomew Vicariate, said most cese showed 11 villages already affected by the oil the Instotut Dominicain d’ Etudes Cortes has written a number of
of his parishioners volunteered in the clean-up drive spill. These include: La Paz, San Roque, Dolores, Orientale (IDEO) also in Cairo, Egypt. books and articles in the
for fear of losing their livelihood. Tando, Lucmayan, Cabalagnan, Panobolon, Born in 1942 in Batan, Aklan, Philippiniana Sacra, Life Today,
“Food is the biggest problem now because they Canhawan, Igdarapdap, San Antonio and Guiwanon. Cortes was ordained priest in 1966 and ‘Emeth, and the Boletin Eclesiastico
was immediately sent to Rome and de Filipinas especially the section on
Jerusalem to pursue further studies in Homiletics and Homilies. (Ma.
Lipa Pilgrimage / from p1 Sacred Scripture. From 1974 to 1978, Lourdes Ebilane)
gel Lagdameo dubbed as “Pilgrimage of Faith.” “We have always turned to Mary in times of difficulties, Bishop Wants / from p1 CBCP Head / from p1
“It will be a Day of Prayer for our country, for the sanc- tragedies, crises and of seeming hopelessness,” the bishops patience and prayers in the IP cess would not yield truth unless
tification of our Clergy, of us Bishops and Priests and of the said. “Mary knows what our country is going through at this apostolate. guided by no other motive but genu-
leaders of our nation,” Lagdameo said. point in time—in the political, social and economic order.” ECIP earlier reported that ma- ine concern for the common good.
He said that prayers should be complemented with con- The bishops also urged the faithful never to lose sight jor issues that continue to confront “It appears that number was the
version, life-offering and reparation. of devotion to Mary because of the present plight of many IPs today are loss or uncertainty of guiding force in the process itself.
The final day of the triduum will start with a procession Filipinos who “live lives unworthy of human beings.” ownership and control of ancestral And therefore, the process lost by
at 4:30 in the morning from San Sebastian Cathedral to the It was on September 12, 1948, when the Blessed Mother domain, displacement due to the in- sheer number,” he said.
Carmelite Monastery. A Marian conference will be held at reportedly appeared in Lipa for the first time to Sister Teresing trusion of megaprojects into their In a pastoral letter issued last
8:00 am to 3:30 pm and will be followed immediately with a Castillo, a Carmelite postulant. Asked who she was when ancestral domain and lack of basic July, the bishops declared that the
concelebrated mass to be presided by Manila Archbishop she appeared again, Mary told Teresing: “I am thy Mother, social services as health, education present impeachment process would
Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales. my little one.” and infrastructure. be an “unproductive political exer-
In the Pastoral letter “Renewing Our Public Life Through Sister Teresing also said that on September 16, 1948, the IP rights advocates observe cise” in seeking for the truth.
Moral Values”, the CBCP have also dedicated this year as Blessed Mother told her that a statue be placed where she that the welfare of IPs is sacrificed The bishops, however, clarified
the “Year of Social Concerns” under the auspices of the appeared. On September 26, she declared that she was “Mary in the guise of economic progress. that they favored the search for truth
Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Mediatrix of All Grace.” The commission identified behind allegations behind Mrs Ar-
The reason, the bishops said, is because history shows September 12, the feast of the Holy Name of Mary, has “building blocks” of self-determi- royo saying that they respect “the
that our human social concerns are also our Blessed Mother’s been declared national day prayer by the CBCP and most nation as: fullness of life as human position of individuals or groups that
concern. recently by the national government. (Roy Lagarde) beings with dignity based on jus- wish to continue using the impeach-
tice, peace and love; firm posses- ment process to arrive at the truth.”
Cardinal Asks / from p1 sion of their ancestral domains; The charges against the President
More than 7, 000 families residing along railroads in Metro as pollutants from leachate and surface run off that are dis- unity with one another and living include cheating in the 2004 election,
Manila have been relocated to Southville to give way to the persed by floodwaters. a healthy, peaceful life; freedom to graft and corruption, and abuse of au-
implementation of a major railroad modernization project. “We hope that the Vice President will heed the plea of our proclaim their faith in their own thority that led to political killings. Mrs
Rosales is worried about the health risks posed by the beloved Cardinal and act with urgency to protect the health of cultural context; and ability to Arroyo has denied she cheated in the
dump to residents, especially the children, women and elderly. the relocates from toxic pollution,” Ecowaste Coalition’s Task struggle with others against last presidential election.
Dumps, cautioned Rosales, are sources of harmful toxins Force said. threats to their achieving a pro- “We had foreseen that (junking
that are capable of damaging human bodies, contaminating “The Southville residents have long suffered from the people and pro-God Filipino com- of the impeachment) and we had al-
the food supply and polluting the surroundings, including air, health problems that they believe are caused by the leachate munity. ready expressed our doubt about it,”
soil and surface groundwater. and the toxins in their drinking water coming from the shallow Utleg said each component has said Lagdameo.
He said the “inhuman conditions further exacerbate the wells built next to a dumpsite,” the UPA said. a story of its own and is not easy in “Although in our pastoral letter
unhappiness and grief being experienced by the evictees after This is the second time that Rosales wrote to De Castro fighting towards its attainment. we expressed that it was the consti-
losing their homes.” on the railway eviction issue. Last May, the Cardinal asked De “Many among us can show tutional way of doing it but the ex-
Ecological Waste Coalition and the Urban Poor Associ- Castro, to find alternative in-city relocation for displaced fami- scars that came from fighting for treme partisanship was very appar-
ates (UPA), meanwhile, also expressed concern about the nega- lies and to work towards improving the living conditions in their realization. The struggle con- ent in the process,” he added.
tive effects of daily exposure to airborne contaminants as well Cabuyao relocation site. (CBCP News) tinues,” he said. (CBCP News) (CBCP News)

vol10-n10.pmd 4 9/14/2006, 4:05 PM


CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 10
August 28, 2006 Feature 5
A Tooth for An Eye:
7 QUESTIONS for Abp. LEONARDO Z. LEGASPI, DD
The Final Equation in Aside from being a former president of the Catholic
Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines for two con-

Lebanon
secutive terms (1987-1991), Archbishop Leonardo
Legaspi’s episcopal task over the Archdiocese of
Caceres is impressively complemented with his other
ecclesiastical responsibilities. He is a member both
of Vatican’s Permanent Council of the Synod of Bish-
ops for the Laity and the Sacred Congregation for
the Clergy. He is likewise a member of the Executive
By Fr. Henry P. Bocala Committee of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Con-
ferences (Hong Kong) and also of the International
Study Group on Bioethics (Amsterdam). None the
THE age-old dictum that “history repeats itself” describes squarely the case of the war-ravaged Lebanon. For least, too, he was the President of the Second Ple-
one, the recent turmoil was a replay of the 1982 Israeli invasion; but more importantly because, as in the past, nary Council of the Philippines (PCP II). Much sought
Lebanon is the ultimate loser in this conflict. for his ingenious views on Church issues and con-
cerns, Archbishop Legaspi recently talked to CBCP
Monitor about the role and participation of the laity in
the Church, the perception of secular media about
the Church and CBCP, and his archdiocese’s social
concern, vocation, and family life programs.

The secular—or mainstream, so to course, they can help. But we would


speak—media are obviously more ag- like to emphasize rather their larger
gressive than before in reporting involvement in the secular world
about the workings or dynamics of where, I think, they are more adept
and in the Church. What do you think with. That is what Lumen Gentium,
is the perception of the secular me- the Vatican document asked the laity.
dia about the Church? The reason why we have problems in
My impression is that the media, the Philippines regarding socio-po-
of course, while they are respecting litical situations and the involvement
the Church and religion, are not dic- of the Church is that the laity seem
© Lynsey Addario/Corbis
tated on what they have to do be- always to depend on what the Bishop
cause of religion or Church’s pre- or the priest would say in any given
cepts. I think the main concern of the critical situation in society. But the
media is for them to be able to fulfill ideas and the thrust of Vatican II is
their mission or job as they perceive that the laity, the secular world, the
it. Is there a bias against the Catholic realm of politics, or the social arena
Church? Well, I don’t consider it a are the areas that are competently ap-
So much has been written about the bloodletting ties. Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, the Vatican Secre- bias, but yes their interest would propriate for the laity, and I think
in this tiny Middle East nation, almost always seen tary for Relations with States, condemned Hezbollah’s come to play especially in questions that’s what we should do or what I
through the prism of superpower politics. With few scheme to use civilians as human shields, much as he that are controversial or, for instance, want to emphasize. While I welcome
exceptions, the media have explained the crisis mainly denounced Israel’s deadly bombings. Like any other on any news that will imply division the laity helping the parishes like be-
as a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah guerillas. society, Israel has the right to security and self-pres- between the Church and the govern- ing members of lay religious organi-
But journalists gloss over the sad fact that Lebanon’s ervation. But as in the past, it tends to overkill, bank- ment. Apparently, the media are par- zations, they seem to be “inward look-
neighbors have chosen to fight in the country’s back ing on its military might and the US support. Worse, it ticularly lacking in understanding ing” in being so. They should not
yard. has summarily ignored countless UN Resolutions. how bishops are thinking or acting. stop there at joining parish-based or-
When the dust has settled, what will happen to ganizations. They should think of
Lebanon? Who is going to rebuild its bombed-out Caught in the Crossfire Do you mean to say that the media working or participating in the secu-
infrastructure? What will happen to the delicate de- may be pitching the wrong notions lar field where they can effectively
mographic balance between Christians and Muslims? Beyond the tragedy of the civilians caught in the about the Church or about the enliven or evangelize the secular
CBCP? world.

7
Will another vicious civil war break out? Israel is not cross-fire between Israel and Hezbollah lies the fun-
the only nation whose existence is in the balance. damental issue of national sovereignty. Lebanon is Yes, I think, there is a
no stranger to foreign occupation. Its strategic loca- great ignorance on the part You’ve been the archbishop
Wishy-washy Diplomacy tion and commercial potential have lured surround- of the media in general re- of Caceres for the past 22
ing giants from as far back as Xerxes and Alexander garding the dynamics of the years. What’s the status
Rome briefly seized the spotlight at the height of the Great. Over the last 2000 years Lebanon has been CBCP. They do not really un- of priestly vocations in your
the conflict with the holding of peace conference ruled by Romans, Byzantines, Muslim Arabs, Cru- derstand, I think, the dy- area?
meant to silence the guns. But no concrete agree- saders, Mameluks, Mongols, and Ottoman Turks. Af- namics or operation of the Well, we have 277
ment was forged. The Holy See, along with some Eu- ter the First World War Lebanon became part of the CBCP. They think that the priests for a population of 1
ropean and Arab states, clamored for the immediate
cessation of hostilities. But the talks only betrayed
French mandate under the tutelage of the League of
Nations. World War II saw it in the clutches of the
president of the CBCP dic-
tates everything. No, that’s QUESTIONS million and 300 thousand.
We have an average of 8
the morally tenuous posture of Israel and its US ally, Vichy regime, until it was liberated by Allied forces not how we operate. CBCP new priests every year for
that of protracting the military campaign to debilitate and obtained political independence on January 1, is not a governing body, it’s a coordi- the past 20 years or so. We have 3
Hezbollah. Condoleezza Rice, the US Secretary of 1944. nating body. Every diocese or arch- seminaries. In general, our vocation
State, was skeptical of attempts to halt the fighting The last three decades have been particularly diocese remains free to do what it system and program of priestly for-
without prior guarantee of a more lasting truce. In turbulent. The civil war that broke out in April 1975 wants according to what their faith mation are practically working very
other words, “Keep firing ‘til I say stop,’” that’s the was closely linked to the Israeli-Arab conflict. Multi- tells them. So a statement of one well. In fact, we have our own mis-
US sententia and everybody else should either take tudes of Palestinians expelled from Jordan in 1970 bishop is not necessarily a statement sion program, called Caceres Mission
it or leave it. fled to Lebanon, sharply augmenting the number of of everybody. These are things that Aid Program (CMAP), where we
The tactical wisdom of this strategy, if any, is not refugees who had earlier poured into the country should be known by the media. When choose the real poor and needy dio-
an excuse to kill innocent civilians. Vatican argued during the previous Israeli-Arab wars. It became the I was president (of CBCP), I try to edu- ceses in foreign countries to send
that ceasefire was “possible” and “therefore neces- new base of the Palestine Liberation Organization cate the media on this score by ex- some of our priests for missionary
sary.” Conditions for a more enduring peace must (PLO), converting the country into a frequent target plaining to them the table of organi- work. By far, we have 9 volunteer
indeed be created, but not necessarily at the expense of Israeli gunfire. zation and responsibilities of CBCP, priests presently working in overseas
of non-combatants. The influx of Palestinians could hardly be ab- even giving them pictures of the of- missions in selected dioceses in
If the peace confab made some headway, it was sorbed by Lebanon’s fragile economy; it had no natu- ficers and members of the permanent Papua New Guinea, the Caribbean,
by way of heightening the awareness of the interna- ral resources and relied largely on finance, trade and council. But I was not very success- and in the northern part of Australia.
tional community on the plight of Lebanon, and draw- tourism. Moreover, there was a rapid demographic tilt ful when Cardinal Sin was still around.
ing commitments to offer immediate humanitarian aid away from the Christians and towards the Muslims. They (the people and media) think What about the Family Life program
as well as long term support for the country to rise The growing Muslim community, reinforced by the Cardinal Sin was the one speaking for in your archdiocese?
from the ashes when the time comes. Still, the world Palestinian refugees, were poised to take control of the Church. Of course, that’s not true. It’s our main concern, actually.
now could not just stand as a passive spectator, re- the leadership and establish a confessional state. This, Cardinal Sin was a very respected It’s our principal thrust. All other min-
signed to the prevalence of political pragmatism done together with other factors, polarized Lebanon be- archbishop of Manila. And, yes, be- istries have to be linked towards fam-
at the expense of basic human rights. tween Phalangists and other Christians and the left- cause he was in Manila, his words ily ministry. We do have our Caceres
Meanwhile, the United Nations seemed to be as ists—a motley collection of Marxists, Arab national- have national implications. But cer- Family Life Ministry, which is not ex-
impotent and ineffective as ever in its role to re-es- ists, young Shiites, lay reformists and left-wing Chris- tainly he was not the one dictating clusively focused on fighting the
tablish international peace and order, overshadowed tians—who joined forces with the Palestinians. for the other bishops. government regarding abortion, con-
as it was by Washington policies. The international Until then, Lebanon had a model of harmony traceptives, etc., but primarily
body kowtowed once again to US pressures. Relief among its diverse religious, cultural and ethnic groups. Let’s move on to the subject of lay grounded on strengthening families.
and humanitarian aid could not even be delivered by It was famed as the Switzerland of the Middle East. empowerment in the Church. The I believe, defense of the right of the
the UN as Israel cut off the access roads and imposed Its diversity was—and still is—reflected in a unique Second Plenary Council of the Phil- families, while it’s indeed important,
a no-drive zone in areas where people are trapped. government power sharing, consolidated through a ippines or PCP II, which you erstwhile is only a secondary area—it follows
The most that the Rome Conference could achieve charter of national reconciliation known as the Taif headed, underscored the greater par- after strengthening the family. It’s the
was a call for Israel to exercise self-restraint, which is Accord of 1989. Traditionally the president has been ticipation of the laity or lay empow- principal thrust of our apostolate.
a virtual green light for more military offensives. a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Mus- erment in the Church. What is your
A long overdue UN Resolution (Resolution 1701) lim, and the speaker of parliament a Shi’ite Muslim. view on this? With CBCP’s declaration of 2006 as
was finally passed on August 9 calling for a ceasefire, Christians and Muslims also have the same number Yes, I was the president of PCP Year of Social Concerns, how is the
the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, and of seats in the National Assembly. II. But, you know, I have probably a agenda of social concerns being
the deployment of a 15,000 strong international force. But the conflict which began in 1975 opened up deep peculiar way of approaching this implemented in your archdiocese?
But Lebanon doubted whether the UN document rifts. Peace was elusive, largely because Syria sent 40,000 question of lay empowerment. I’m not Primarily, it is a response to the
would be effectively implemented. It is a fragile truce troops to support the PLO cause and to counterbalance very keen in encouraging the laity to environment. The main thrust or front
that breaks apart at the slightest provocation. the presence of Israeli forces in Lebanon. Israel had formed be “inward looking” or simply fo- program is in relation to Mt. Isarog.
To be sure, the US-Israel tandem is not the sole the Southern Lebanese Army (SLA) as early as 1975. The cused on helping the parish. Of 7 Questions / p10
culprit of the war wreckage, let alone human casual- A Tooth / P12

vol10-n10.pmd 5 9/14/2006, 4:05 PM


CBCP Monitor
6 Opinion Vol. 10 No. 10
August 28, 2006

Editorial

Social Doctrine
“HOW can one proclaim the commandment of
love without promoting the true and authentic
advancement of man, in justice and in truth.” (Paul
VI, Evangelium Nuntiandi, No. 31) This signal
pronouncement in the sphere of the social doctrine
of the church simply means that the work of charity
includes the pursuit of justice in the context of truth.
Injustice and deceit are key vices that demean
human dignity. Disregard human rights, belittle
human life.

During these times specifically in this country,


one of the most errant social realities is precisely
the marked absence of real and genuine human
promotion. On the contrary, structural cheating,
lying and stealing are made standard practices.
Even human persons are perceived as export
materials for dollar remittances. Exploitation of
women and children happens as a matter of
course. Public funds abound for an all-out-war
against perceived enemies of the government—
yet sorely wanting for the cause of education.

These are some of the standing facts in the


country that cry for the advocacy of social justice
and the work for the reign of truth—all in accord
with the demands and spirit of love for neighbor.
Abp. Angel N. Lagdameo, DD
Peace is the Fruit
There is the prevailing but pitiful belief that love of In and Out of Season of Truth
neighbor simply means feeding the hungry and
giving medicine to the sick, clothing the naked and THIS coming month of September has pect of National Peace Consciousness lightly, continuously seeking scape-
sheltering the homeless. All these are great but been declared by President Gloria Month, and hope that it will not only be goats in other people, and seeking jus-
they form but a part of loving one’s neighbor. Macapagal-Arroyo as National Peace confined in September but will go on tification in the environment, on struc-
Consciousness Month. To usher it, we indefinitely. And that we will not con- tures and in relationships, is to live in
The other complementary part is looking into in the church were requested to ring fine the celebration in our conscious- deception (CSD 120). Peace is founded
the bells on September 1. We in Iloilo ness, but it will really be concretized in on truth, the truth of God who can nei-
who and what precisely make people hungry and will not ring the church bells, not be- deeds and life. Concretizing peace is a ther deceive nor be deceived, and the
sick, naked and houseless. Denouncing unjust cause we don’t want peace, but be- tall order. There have been so many laud- truth about oneself and fellow human
governance, oppressive potentates, exploitative cause every January first for the last able peace projects, peace processes, beings. In this light, the church teaches
structures and organizations—these and similar thirty years, we have been praying for peace efforts and peace dialogues, some that true peace is made possible also
agenda are essential features of the commandment peace. In Iloilo, bell is “linganay,” of which are on-going, some are stalled. through forgiveness and reconciliation.
which means “linga-anay”—”listen I want to go beyond the articulated Reconciliation is both with God and
of neighborly love. And these are admittedly first.” Bells are rung for a reason; if reasons for the declaration of National neighbor and oneself, not simply with
difficult and even dangerous ventures. It is much church bells are rung out of the ex- Peace Consciousness Month. What only one of them. In the absence of truth,
easier to give food and medicine, to provide pected time, it is interpreted either as does the Social Doctrine of the Church forgiveness and reconciliation are not
clothes and shelter—which are all good deeds— alarm for an ongoing fire, or some great teach about Peace? How does it enrich possible.
but not enough. visitor arrived or somebody is being our consciousness about peace? Peace, secondly, is the fruit of jus-
brought to the cemetery, depending on To live in peace, first and foremost, tice, “opus justitiae pax” (Pope Pius XII,
the way the bells are rung. We do not is to live in the light of moral truth. “If Cf. Is. 32/17). As a constitutive dimen-
When one sees his neighbor unjustly treated, know how to ring bells to announce we say we have no sin, we deceive our- sion of preaching and living the Gospel,
exploited, oppressed and does nothing about peace. selves, and the truth is not in us” (1 Jo. justice is violated by forms of greed and
these atrocities, it is ridiculous for him to claim But we certainly welcome the pros- 1/8). To remain in guilt and to take guilt In and Out / P12
love of neighbor. When someone is cheated, hurt,
violated, the commandment of love of neighbor is
ignored. When one pretends to see nothing, he
Jose B. Lugay
Honoring the
wherefore does exactly nothing as well.
Laik
Laikoo Lampstand Christian Family
Again: There can be no real love, no genuine
charity in a country where injustice prevails and THE great Pope John Paul II saw the criti- ground floor and a large session hall on we had the responsibility to produce
deceit reigns. cal importance of the role of the family in the second floor. Very soon the Nazareth meeting guidebooks based on the Apos-
the church and in the future of the world Institute of Family Formation will be in- tolic Exhortation, Familiaris Consortio,
and he expressed it clearly in these two augurated which will conduct formation entitled Unity and Renewal I and II. Af-
prophetic statements: courses for family life workers in Nazareth ter PCP II, as head of the Education Com-
ISSN 1908-2940
“It is through the family that the his- Home. mittee of LAIKO, my first assignment
tory of salvation of the Church is The Christian Family Movement was producing a new guidebook with the

CBCP Monitor
wrought.” (CFM) was introduced in the Philippines help of couples from different family life
“The future of evangelization rests by Pat and Patty Crowley of Chicago in organizations—a more thorough treat-
in great part on this Church in the Home.” February 1956. Tony and Teresa Nieva ment of the whole Papal exhortation. This
Honoring the Christian Family this were the first President-Couple followed guidebook is entitled. “Understanding
Protagonist of Tr u t h , Promoter of Peace
year, are two anniversary events—the by Sito and Sony Sison, then Joe and Familiaris Consortio”. The late Anto-
50th Anniversary of the introduction of Annie Meilly. As pioneers of the move- nio delos Reyes, the president of the
Pedro C. Quitorio Pinky Barrientos, FSP the Christian Family Movement of the ment they established the family evan- Council of the Laity of the Philippines at
Editor-in-Chief Production Manager Philippines this October 21st & 22nd and gelization process—a regular meeting that time, was given financial support by
the 25th Anniversary of Pope John Paul every other week of the CFM Unit com- Ayala Foundation to print 5000 copies of
Baltazar R. Acebedo Marcelo T. Dalanon II’s Apostolic Exhortation, Familiaris posed of about 8 couples. During these this guidebook. In 22 Unit meetings, fam-
Managing Editor Circulation Manager Consortio on November 19. meetings they use a CFM inquiry guide- ily life groups other than CFM, are im-
Dennis B. Dayao Both events are close to my heart. book on family evangelization. While the mersed in doctrines on the family using
Ma. Lourdes G. Ebilane Recalling our tenure, with me and my late initial guidebooks came from the U.S., this guidebook and are directed on ac-
On-Line Editor Marketing Supervisor
wife Lina, as President-Couple of the several years later, until the present time, tivities towards helping other families. In
Roy Q. Lagarde Leah Cariaso Christian Family Movement in 1990 – the guidebooks have been written by essence, Familiaris Consortio teaches
News Editor Comptroller 1991, it was at this time that CFM received CFM couples. The Solo Parents write us the sanctity of marriage, the duty to
a donation from a CFM couple, who their own. The methodology used is the transmit and serve life, the education of
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP would rather remain anonymous, a 420 “Observe-Judge-Act” process that is the children, the care of the elderly, the
Communications Development Foundation, Inc., with sq.m. property at No. 6A Horseshoe Vil- most appropriate for social action. When family’s ecclesial role, i.e., it’s service to
Layout by Mark Front

editorial and business offices at 470 Gen. Luna St., lage, San Juan, where now stands the Vatican issues new encyclicals or apos- the mission of the church, and its partici-
Intramuros, Manila. P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO. Edito-
rial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612. CFM Nazareth Home. This is a 3-storey tolic exhortations, new meeting guide- pation in the development of society. The
Email: cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net Website: building with 21 air-conditioned bed- books are written by professional CFM family, being the domestic church, in all
www.cbcpworld.net/cbcpmonitor rooms ideal for weekend marriage en- couples. its activities, should be guided by
counter retreats, with a chapel on the In our tenure as President Couple, Laiko Lampstand / P12

vol10-n10.pmd 6 9/14/2006, 4:05 PM


CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 10
August 28, 2006 Opinion 7
Melo M. Acuna
Poverty and Edwin Lopez

Issues and Concerns Governance From the Fring


Fring es
ringes

Relationship and
LAST August 27, the Archdiocese of i.e. lack of infrastructures, state discrimi- Over the past few years, Filipino jour-
Recife in Brazil remembered the 16th death nation and corruption, abuse of public nalists have been “silenced” by deter-
anniversary of Dom Helder Pessoa power, competition instead of coopera- mined killers. Progressives and cause-
Camara, considered one of the great
Catholic figures of the 20th century. His
tion, lack of social skills, education and
excessive materialism.
oriented groups’ leaders and members
have also taken the brunt of violence. Learning
theology was said to be too ordinary World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, While some quarters say the Left has also
compared with acknowledged liberation the former Deputy Defense Secretary of committed its part in the spate of killings, DESPITE modern communications growing in leaps and
theologians like Guztavo Gutierrez but the United States, was up in arms against it is the government’s duty to maintain bounds, the need to find human connection and feel that
was outstanding for his uncompromis- poverty. He was reportedly preparing to peace and order and prevent killings. one belongs are greater today than yesterday.
ing commitment to the poor. use pragmatic and result-oriented policies This is different from what Secretary
“When I give to the poor, they call that would put anti-corruption initiatives Ignacio Bunye said of the Arroyo It is ironic to see growing 'disconnectedness' taking
me a saint. When I ask why they are and increase private sector investment in administration’s sincerity in getting the place at home and in work places because we are more
poor, the call me a communist,” Arch- underdeveloped nations. culprits behind bars, with the creation of
connected now electronically than ever before. 'Connect-
bishop Camara once said. Far from waging wars against terror- Task Force Usig and the so-called Melo
edness' requires more than just transmission of data. It
A television show in the 1980s, Sic ists and some “enemies of the state”, Mr. Commission.
O’Clock News said “In the Philippines, Wolfowitz opted to focus on the evils of Sad to say, in the Philippines, the requires genuine concern for one another—a concern
there are only two pressing problems: poverty. He may have his hands full con- poor may no longer have access to the that is best expressed face-to-face. Interpersonal com-
“the rich worrying of their wealth and the sidering the number of poor people Courts as filing fees have increased to munications allow parties to communicate from their heart
poor worrying of their poverty.” worldwide that has grown in numbers. almost unimaginable heights. Some be- zones where mutual trust, cooperation, and learning can
Poverty is simply defined as an eco- What caught my attention was his lieve the legislative and the executive prosper.
nomic condition of want for both money emphasis on the need for good gover- agreed to give the judiciary their needed
and basic necessities needed to success- nance, requisites of which include trans- break with increased perks at the expense In her book, "A Framework for Understanding Pov-
fully and humanely live—as food, water, parency, accountability and responsibil- of the hapless, helpless and at times hope- erty", Dr. Ruby Payne asserts that teaching occurs out-
education and shelter. However, as ity. He said good governance is crucial less citizens. When people can no longer side the head while learning occurs inside the head. It is
economists and sociologists debate on in eradicating poverty. seek redress of grievances through le- obvious that rote learning and passive exams can never
poverty’s exact definition, a great num- World Bank was reported to be ex- gitimate means, where would they turn achieve this kind of learning—the kind fostered by genu-
ber of people may not have income secu- panding its anti-corruption work at the to? They will need more than bread. ine human 'connectedness'.
rity, economic stability and capacity to country level with special emphasis on They will ask for Justice.
project and predict his continuous means judicial reform and civil service reforms, Will good governance become a re- Genuine human 'connectedness' that emanates from
to meet his and his family’s basic needs. media and freedom of information. ality in our lifetime? respect and trust for the other brings about a magical
Many different factors have been It is said a connection exists between (For comments, email me at: relationship, between teachers and students or parents
considered reasons why poverty exists, press freedom and economic development. acunamelo@yahoo.com) and children that makes learning possible. As we exam-
ine our achievements, it is the relationship that we re-

Categorical Oscar V. Cruz, DD member. Indeed, it is true that no significant learning


occurs without a significant relationship. As we look

Prohibition Vie ws and P


iews oints
Points
back, we remember people who set aside time as if we
were all that mattered. They looked at us directly in the
eye, intently listened to us, without any hint of impa-
tience to interrupt. They leave us with a better sense of
CHURCH law categorically forbids cler- by no less than the highest executive and desire to have a presence therein. self worth. Somehow, they served as role models that
ics from assuming any public office when- office holder in the land, it is incongru- Thus it is not only the fundamental propelled us in becoming better persons.
ever this means having a share in the ex- ous to even think that it has nothing to law of the land that indirectly provides
ercise of civil power (Canon 285 Par. 3 CIC). do with the exercise of civil power in its the separation of the church and state. As we look back, we vividly remember the teacher
This is universal church law. This executive expression. In other words, all That the universal law of the church also who, instead of forcing our obedience to his opinions,
prohibition applies to all deacons, priests clerics in the country are forbidden by affirms its separation from the state is won us over by his personal example. The manner with
and bishops of the Catholic Church in all church law from membership in the said inherently for church ministry—definitely which he 'connected' with us diffused our biases and
four corners of the globe. It is an ex- commission as such. not for government service. prejudices and allowed learning to take place inside our
pressed and formal mandate in the nega- Hopefully, this canonical prohibition It is strange that the present admin- heads.
tive that is applicable to all clerics, irre- would assuage the apparent paranoidal istration fervently invokes the principle
spective of their race and color—as the preoccupation of the present administra- of the separation of church and state I remember being drawn away from my Catholic faith
deacons, priests and bishops in the Phil- tion that clerics in the country like to take whenever clerics denounce the unethi- when I was in high school. My father died when I was
ippines. The law is quite strict and rigid over its tenure of power, intent to assume cal contents of its political options and only seven years old. He was only 37 years old and at
such that any cleric, who entertains a its public office and pursuant preroga- actions. Yet the same is rather fast in en- the prime of his career. Without the financial means after
definite and defined contrary option, tives. Would that the said church law put listing no less than bishops for member- his demise, our mother had to seek help from relatives
should terminally leave the clerical state. to rest the seemingly progressive self- ship in the said commission that is envi-
who took care of my eldest brother, sister, and me. Unfor-
The so called “Melo Commission” agitation of Malacañang that the local sioned precisely to investigate and re-
tunately, this kind of dysfunctional arrangement left my
is definitely neither a purely private nor a Pilipino church hierarchy is interested in solve political killings in the country.
civil body. As designed and constituted changing its occupant due to its design What a self-contradiction! formation to chance more than choice. I strayed and left
the Catholic faith to embrace another religion—tempo-
rarily. What brought me back to the Catholic fold was
Ambassador Henrietta T. de Villa
Life Stories and the not the eloquence of the priests at school but their simple
yet consistent kindness. The afternoons they spent in
Faith and F ir
Fir
iree hand of God
the football field, ping pong tables, basketball courts
and the long hours they devoted tutoring poor boys like
us after school made them speak to our hearts. They
eloquently preached with their lives. They were the liv-
I remember Fr. Catalino Arevalo, the Je- point his shoulders were so painful that “sayang.” But after about 10 seconds,
ing and breathing Gospel in our midst.
suit with a beautiful mind and an even he raised his left hand and was about to still with his eyes closed, he felt nothing.
more beautiful heart, telling us in one of hold on to the overhead shaft when one So he slowly opened his eyes. In disbe-
the Lenten Retreats at the Loyola School of the cars came shuffling by. In a minute lief he saw that he was already standing A relationship founded on respect and trust encour-
of Theology that people take their ex- they were on a wider higher platform. It on the side of the road. He looked to his ages us not just to absorb intellectual virtues such as
amples not from books but from lives, was only then, when an engineer was right and saw the taillights of the speed- intelligence, wisdom, and science. It helps us acquire,
that people listen to stories more than explaining to them the mining operations ing car. Jimmy said, “I was just waiting thru repeated practice, justice, courage, self control, gen-
they do to lectures. that Tony learned the overhead shaft for the car to hit me. I didn’t move—I erosity helpfulness and other moral virtues that help form
Recently while sipping a cup of tea carried a load of 2500 volts of electric- was dead. Up to now I can’t figure it out. the habits of character.
with some friends I was enthralled at their ity—the reason for wearing a hard hat to All I know is it was God. From that mo-
stories, especially at those from the protect them from being electrocuted in ment on he owned my life.” Repeated practice is hard work. Repeated practice is
menfolk, because stories revealing faith case they accidentally bumped the over- Another Jimmy—a noted lawyer from a choice. Repeated practice can be encouraged thru the
and entrustment don’t come so easily head shaft (the swishing sound from his Singapore. He was not “born” a Catholic. personal example of a coach or a mentor who showers us
from them. friend’s bump). The 2500 volts was also He started out as a Buddhist, then an ani- with respect and trust.
There was Tony—a successful busi- the powerful push to the heavy cars of mist, then an Anglican. Still he felt an emp-
ness man—recalling an episode when he gold automatically finding their way on tiness, a lack of meaning. He continued Human 'connectedness' founded on respect and
was 18 years old visiting the insides of a the rail tracks. Tony went limp—just five searching for the religion that would bring trust is probably the most significant motivator for young
gold mine in Benguet. Before going minutes ago he was less than an inch him closest to the truth. He started read- people to pursue learning with renewed enthusiasm. It is
down the mine tunnels, he and his two from holding the overhead shaft. He said, ing the Bible as thoroughly as he was read- probably high time that schools, homes, and work set-
companions were given “hard hats” and “It could only be God who kept me from ing his law books. Little by little he came tings, provide more opportunities for building relation-
were told to put these on all the time that being an instant burnt chicken.” Every to know about God, to be amazed in the ships and find ways to establish human connections.
they were there. The tunnels were so low now and then, in the highs and lows of Lord Jesus Christ. And as he progressed We have concentrated our resources on "achievement"
and narrow, he had to literally walk bent his life, Tony remembers the overhead in his stature as a “Senior” lawyer, he also and "effective teaching methods". Yet the most impor-
down. It didn’t help any that every now shaft and God. progressed in his faith. “I became con- tant part of learning seems to be related to relationship—
and then they had to rush to the sides to Then there was Jimmy—a renowned vinced that the Catholic Church offers the a parent, teacher, mentor, or coach who took a genuine
give way to unmanned “cars of gold” ophthalmologist—and his story. Eight purest religion.” He was baptized before interest in us as persons.
automatically finding their path on the years back, he was crossing a dark pro- he turned 40. Flushed by passion for his
rail tracks. One of his companions be- vincial road and didn’t see the speeding newfound God, Jimmy visited on his fa- Are there boundaries to the relationship? Definitely!
hind, while dodging the cars, must have car coming in from a curve. In an instant ther the wonderment of being claimed by But to honor someone as a unique individual worthy of
bumped the overhead shaft that he heard he knew it was too late to either move the Lord. Then on her deathbed, his respect and trust is to establish a relationship that will
a swishing sound. Tony rested his two back or run forward. The car’s headlights mother was gifted with the grace of con- provide for enhanced learning.
hands on his knees to help ease a bit the were in front of him. He just closed his version. And Jimmy said: “From thereon
discomfort of walking bent down. At one eyes and whispered in his breath Faith and Fire / P12

vol10-n10.pmd 7 9/14/2006, 4:05 PM


CBCP Monitor
8 CBCP Commissions Vol. 10 No. 10
August 28, 2006

which concern and affect religious

Episcopal Commission on education.

2. The Identification of The Four Di-


rectional Thrusts of Catechesis And

Catechesis and Catholic Religious Education


The following four directional
thrusts are the result of a strategic

Education (ECCCE) planning of the ECCCE Advisory


Board members and the CEAP Reli-
gious Education Commission mem-
bers held last January 9 – 11, 2006 in
Bataan.
• To cultivate and strengthen the
Spirituality of Catechists and Re-
ligious Educators characterized by
prayer, communion, service and
ministry and creation and social
transformation.
• To provide a common direction in
the various Catechetical and Reli-
gious Education programs: a. in
service training program of cat-
echists and supervisors, b. assess-
ment of religious education pro-
grams in Catholic Educational In-
stitutions, c. the proper and cor-
rect use of church documents such
as the GDC, CCC, CFC and the
long awaited NCDP, d. and inten-
sification of the program of re-
search in the field of catechesis
and religious education.
• To forge strategic alliances with
church institutions and other or-
ganizations in order to promote
the ministry of Catechesis and
Catholic Education i.e. the joint
The Vicariate Catechetical Program of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi organized a congress on April 5-8, 2006 in Bongao, publication of the research–jour-
Tawi-Tawi. Participants were 58 catechists from different parishes and mission stations. nal PERSPECTIVE – DOCETE.
• To undertake advocacy programs
THIS Commission began to exist in Conference of the Philippines ap- cially Catholic education. serve the dioceses regarding all as- in the service of catechetical in-
1945 as one of the “departments of proved the establishment of the Na- As the central catechetical pects of the catechetical ministry struction and catholic education.
the Catholic Welfare Organization, tional Catechetical Office of the Phil- agency on the national level the nationwide, including new trends,
the forerunner of the CBCP, under ippines (NCOP) as a branch of ECERI ECCCE is assisted by the Advisory new programs and materials, im- 3. The Approval of the Self Survey
the name Episcopal Commission on in charge of its researches and pub- Council for the Ministry of proved training programs, etc. (GDC Instrument for the Process of Cer-
Education and Religious Instruction lications. Catechesis (ACMC) comprised of 269) tification/Recognition for
(ECERI). In 1988, the name of the Com- representatives from various regions ECCCE maintains listings of the Catechetical Centers and the con-
Alongside this Commission, the mission was changed to Episcopal and from selected catechetical cen- current catechetical institutes na- tinuous drive of the CBCP for
bishops had also set up a Commis- Commission on Catechesis and ters. tionwide and is involved in evaluat- Catholic Schools to undergo a vol-
sion on Catechetical Texts which was Catholic Education (ECCCE). This ing catechetical materials and reli- untary certification program of re-
placed under the leadership of Arch- change was prompted by the desire Functions gious education textbooks and vari- ligious education.
bishop Jose Ma. Cuenco from 1945 to lay greater emphasis on ous catechetical projects. Most After a series of deliberation, the
to 1950. In 1966 this Commission was catechesis, one of the two areas of The work of ECCCE, in addition present catechetical research is car- self survey instrument for
integrated into the ECERI. responsibility of the Commission. to its responsibility regarding Catho- ried on in view of graduate schools’ catechetical centers was approved
In 1984, the Catholic Bishops The second area is education, espe- lic formal education, is to assist and academic requirements, and hence in principle by the CBCP. The tool or
must be adapted for responding cre- instrument enables the diocesan
atively to the pastoral needs of the catechetical office and catechetical
“The Past 25 Years” Christian communities throughout center or religious education depart-
ment to commit themselves in assur-
the Philippines. (Rev. NCDP, 477).
The ECCCE supervises the National ing quality formation of catechists
Among the main activities of the ECCCE in the gestions to the Office. Corresponding corrections and religious educators. The recog-
past twenty years were: and improvement were done and submitted back Catechetical Office of the Philippines
• The preparation and publication of “Maturing in Chris- to Rome. The Office is waiting for the Vatican’s fi- (NCOP), which is responsible for nition or certification is a voluntary
tian Faith,” the National Catechetical Directory con- nal approval of the NCDP. process through which a diocesan
catechetical publications, and makes
taining principles and guidelines for the • With the creation of a Research Desk on February catechetical center/religious–con-
studies and recommendations for the gregation catechetical center or reli-
catechetical ministry in the Philippines (1979-83). 2004, ECCCE was able to create an official website
• The holding of a national survey on the implemen- (www.eccceonline.org) in coordination with
promotion of an effective Campus gious education department of a ter-
tation of the constitutional provision on religious CBCPWorld under the supervision of Msgr. Pedro Ministry. tiary level institution is able to mea-
instruction in public schools (1988); Quitorio. The commission's formal entry into the sure the quality of its programs and
• The organization of the National Catechetical Year worldwide web on April 2, 2004 signals its com- Annual Report Of Programs services against recognized stan-
which culminated in the convening of the National mitment to more effectively link together all those (2005-2006) dards set by the church.
Catechetical Congress (1990); who work for the ministries of catechesis and
• The preparation of the Catechists’ Basic Formation catholic education, by providing all the information There are four major programs
Program (1991); and communication tools they need to perform their 4. The continuous support of our
accomplished last year 2005 – 2006 CEAP member schools in the
• The holding of a national survey on the catechetical mission with more ease and greater knowledge.
situation in the public schools (1992); • The strategic planning of ECCCE Advisory Board in the ECCCE – PhilCARE priority PhilCARE fund and the support of
• The holding of several national catechetical con- Members and CEAP Religious Education Commis- concerns: PhilCARE in the various
ventions in Manila and other cities throughout the sion Members on January 2006 produced Four Di- catechetical programs in Nueva
country; rectional Thrusts for Catechesis and Catholic Edu- 1. The Establishment Of The Asso- Vizcaya, Baguio – Benguet and the
• The preparation and publication of a National Cat- cation. They are as follows: I. To cultivate and to ciation Of Catechetical Centers And Northern Luzon Regional
echism under the titles “Catechism for Filipino strengthen the Spirituality of Catechists and Reli- Colleges With Religious Education Catechetical Council.
Catholics” and “Katesismo para sa mga Pilipinong gious Educators; II. To provide a common direction (ACCCRE)
Katoliko,” both in complete and abridged editions in the various Catechetical and Religious Educa-
PhilCare has provided assis-
The heads of catechetical for- tance to realize the formation pro-
(1984-2000); tion Programs; III. To forge strategic alliances with mation centers and the various
• The publication of the Philippine edition of the “Cat- Church institutions and other organizations in order grams in the following ecclesial ju-
echism of the Catholic Church” (1994); to promote the ministry of Catechesis and Catholic Catholic colleges and universities risdictions.
• The publication of the quarterly catechetical review Education; and IV. To undertake advocacy programs offering religious education gath- The Diocesan Catechetical
Docete, the official information and formation or- in the service of catechetical instruction and Catho- ered for an assembly last May 22 – Apostolate of Bayombong has suc-
gan of the ECCCE; lic Education towards the program of holiness. 25, 2006 in Bataan. Under the leader- cessfully facilitated the First Dioc-
• The organization and launching of the Phil-CARE • The heads of Catechetical Formation Centers and ship of the ECCCE Chairman, Bishop esan Quarterly Training Seminar
Foundation, an institution that aims to provide of the various Catholic colleges and universities Socrates Villegas, the ACCCRE was Workshop last January 30–February
catechetical materials as well as logistic and moral offering Religious Education gathered for a national created. Its objectives are: a. provide 2, 2006. There were 108 participants
assistance to all Catechists and religion Teach- assembly on May 22–25, 2006. The Association of a continuing forum for “best prac-
ers, especially those who teach in public schools. Catechetical Centers and Colleges with Religious who attended. The Diocese of
tices” in catechetical and religious Baguio Benguet sponsored a train-
• Since 2002, the Office is vigorously advocating for Education (ACCCRE) was created as a venue for
the passage of House Bill 137, an "Act to Rational- sharing and support of best practices and training
education training, b. promote con- ing program for religion teachers and
ize the Teaching of Religion in Public Schools." ground for trainers of catechists, campus minis- tinuing improvement in the religious catechists last April 3–7 and July 3–
When passed into law, this will make Religious ters and pastoral workers. education capability of member 7. PHILCare. The Northern Luzon
Instruction mandatory in all public schools, in line • The Accreditation Instrument called Self-Survey In- schools through formation pro- Regional Catechetical Council has a
with our Philippine Constitution. strument for the Process of Certification/ Recogni- grams, faculty development and sys- regular on - going training for dioc-
• The revision of the NCDP was necessary since the tion for Catechetical Centers was presented dur- tems improvement, c. promote and esan directors and coordinators.
approval of the Catechism for Filipino Catholics by ing the national assembly on May 22-25, 2006. It implement self–accreditation among
the Congregation for the Clergy and the promulga- will be a symbol that the catechetical center and member schools as a process to-
tion of the General Directory for Catechesis by the ECCCE are committed to providing high-quality
5. The theme of the 2006 National
wards continuing improvement of Catechetical – Religious Education
same Roman Congregation. In 2000 ECCCE has service in forming catechists for the church and quality religious education and d.
taken the first concrete steps toward implement- that the center has demonstrated its commitment Month (September) is “Share the
ing this revision. Early this year (2006) the Congre- by measuring up to ECCCE’s standard, while advocate on behalf of member Secret” – cascading the “Year of
gation for the Clergy sent its comments and sug- ECCCE coordinates and lends assistance. schools on issues involving govern- Social Concerns” initiated by the
mental and ecclesiastical policies CBCP.

vol10-n10.pmd 8 9/14/2006, 4:05 PM


CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 10
August 28, 2006 Diocese 9
THE Diocese of Bacolod, a
suffragan of Jaro, was created on
July 15, 1932 and erected on May 16,
Diocese of Bacolod (Dioecesis Bacolodensis):

From “Duc in altum”


1933. Presently, it comprises the cen-
tral territory of the province of Negros
Occidental from the municipalities of
Hinigaran in the south to Victorias
City in the north. Bacolod Diocese

to “Adsum”
witnessed to the establishment of
two new dioceses on March 30,
1987, namely: Kabankalan with ten
municipalities taken from the Dio-
cese in the southern part of Negros
Occidental, and San Carlos, the ter-
ritory of which is comprised of cities
and municipalities that previously By Rev. Fr. Ruel S. Jundos
were part of the Dioceses of Bacolod
and Dumaguete. life and ministry of the Church”, be- thentic “Community of Disciples”, Commissions to meet the pastoral commissions, regular consultation
For almost three-quarter of a came an experience of truly “being we become the “Church of the Poor”. needs of the Diocese and address meetings, strengthening of ecclesial
century since its creation and erec- Church”, and active participation in Moved by the need for renewal the many pastoral challenges. networks and linkages; (3) Diocesan,
tion as a diocese, Bacolod has been the liturgical and eucharistic assem- towards the fulfillment of this vision, The Diocese’s vision of the Vicarial and Parish Pastoral Coun-
shepherded by strong-principled, blies and celebrations was stressed. Bishop Navarra called for the Sec- Church today is finding _expression cils—regular meetings, on-going for-
courageous and unshakable bish- The last and remaining years of his ond Diocesan Synod to consult the in one ecclesial movement which mation and training of pastoral lead-
ops, embracing Jesus’ spirituality as episcopacy was a journey of “look- clergy and the lay faithful on how fosters Basic Ecclesial Communi- ers, promotion of consultancy and
shown in their preferential care for ing back at the past with gratitude, the Diocese could become more of a ties—the new way of “being technical support for the pastoral
the poor. The first bishop of living the present with enthusiasm Church of the Poor in terms of wor- Church”. It believes that BECs are councils, diocesan-wide pastoral
Bacolod, Bishop Casimiro M. Lladoc, and moving towards the future with ship, doctrine, organization and pas- the loci, not only for the formation assemblies; (4) Basic Ecclesial Com-
DD (September 16, 1933 to Septem- hope.” toral concerns. Acts and decrees of Catholic Christian faith, but also munities—orientation/re-orientation
ber 22, 1951), guided by his motto Now, the fifth bishop of Bacolod, were promulgated not only to serve for the sanctification and liberation of clergy, parish councils and lead-
“Duc in altum”, attended to the re- Bishop Vicente M. Navarra, DD (July the poor and the needy but for all of its flock and truly bring about an ers; support for BEC organizing,
building of many parishes devas- 19, 2001 – present), already on his sectors of the Church and society to authentic “Church of the Poor” as strengthening and sustaining; peri-
tated by war, expansion of more fifth year of episcopal administration, actively participate in the programs envisioned by PCP II. odic diocesan-wide BEC meetings
Catholic educational institutions and has since adopted the motto and activities of the Church through The various pastoral programs, and assemblies; and formulation of
invited religious congregations to “Adsum” (“Here I am, send me”) to various ministries and likewise for activities and concerns of the Dio- BEC organizing guidelines.
help in the religious formation of the guide his pastoral agenda for the them to be aware of their rights and cese, presently include, namely: (1) With the challenge of the New
faithful. He opened the doors of the Diocese. Unfazed by challenges and obligations as parishioners. The Di- Synod education and implementa- Evangelization and guided by the
Bishop’s House so that it became the struggles, he relentlessly pursues the ocesan Pastoral Center and the Lay tion—synod orientation, pastoral Acts and Decrees of the Second Di-
people’s refuge during the war. task of leading his flock according Formation Center were created to planning of parishes and chaplain- ocesan Synod, the Diocese of
Bishop Manuel Yap, DD (May to the direction set forth by the Sec- attend to the education and forma- cies, implementation and monitoring, Bacolod will continue to serve the
15, 1952 to October 16, 1966) suc- ond Plenary Council of the Philip- tion of parish leaders and workers. synod evaluation; (2) Assistance Church, crossing the threshold of the
ceeded Bishop Lladoc and inspired pines and the Nine Pastoral Priori- Moreover, the Diocesan Pastoral and collaboration among Diocesan coming years with unwavering fidel-
the Diocese with his motto, “Pro ties of the National Pastoral Consul- Center collaborates with the Social Commissions—formulation of Direc- ity to the Gospel and commitment to
Christo legatione fungimar”—“For tation on Church Renewal: as an au- Action Center and other Diocesan tories, planning and evaluation of its flock entrusted by God.
Christ, we are ambassadors”, which
implied that as ambassadors, we
have to keep, share and live faith- Diocesan Chancery and
fully the original message of the Di- Bishop’s Residence,
vine Master. Catholic movements Diocese of Bacolod.
were organized and Catholic Action
became widespread which brought
about the re-evangelization of both
the upper and the lower classes of
the Church. He convoked the first
Diocesan Synod on March 14-18,
1960 with only the clergy as partici-
pants.
Bishop Antonio Y. Fortich’s
time, (February 24, 1967 to January
31, 1989) was considered a time of
great ferment in the world, in the
country and in the Church. During
his episcopal ordination, the papal
nuncio told him, “The Holy Father
appointed you bishop of Bacolod so
that you will do something for the
poor”. With his slogan “Insta” –
“Proclaim the message and, welcome
or unwelcome, insist on it”—he
worked fearlessly amid massive at-
tacks against his person and his
clergy. Being a “man of God” and an
ardent advocate for peace, he ex-
tended help to everyone without dis-
crimination. Preferential option for
the poor guided the pastoral work of
the Diocese. Social action programs
flourished, Basic Christian Commu-
nities or BBCs were established, the
poor started to assume leadership in
various church ministries, and the lay
felt empowered. The liturgy became
alive, active and participated in by
all sectors. On August 11, 1988 he His Excellency
Excellency
retired after reaching the mandatory
retirement age of 75.
IMPORTANT FACTS His
MOST REV.
MOST REV. VICENTE
VICENTE M.
M.
NAVARRA, D.D.
NAVARRA, D.D.
Bishop Camilo D. Gregorio, DD Name: Dioecesis Bacolodensis Quasi-parishes/Chaplaincies 22 Bishop of
Bishop of Bacolod
Bacolod
(July 22, 1989 to September 2, 2000) Principal Titular:
St. Sebastian, January 20 Educational Centers
took over the See of Bacolod in 1989
Secondary Patron:
as the fourth bishop with the motto Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Universities 2
“Servire in caritate” (“To serve in October 7 Colleges 4
love”). His time witnessed the great Area: 2,019.1 sq. kms. High Schools
flourishing of faith communities and Population: 1,307, 388 Diocesan/Parochial 6
Catholics: 1,091,668 Religious 18
renewal movements. There was an Priests: Elementary
impressive increase of religious con- Diocesan: 125 Diocesan/Parochial 7
gregations in the Diocese, both of men Religious: 44 Religious 14
and women. The pastoral ministry Guest: 3 Kindergarten
Brothers: 16 Diocesan/Parochial 25
was deepened and expanded, focus- Sisters: 184 Religious 18
ing mainly on caring and strengthen-
ing the “domestic Church” which is Diocesan Divisions Institutions
the home, the young people, the mi-
Districts 3 Home for the Aged 2
grants and other sectors of society. Vicariates 8 Orphanages 6
The Diocese’s concern and dedica- Parishes Retreat Houses 12
tion to its catechetical and educational Diocesan 43 Dormitories 4
ministry was intensified. The liturgy, Religious 4 Training Centers 7
being “the source and summit of the

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CBCP Monitor
10 Feature Vol. 10 No. 10
August 28, 2006

But Why Love of the Poor?


less collusion of the powerful in sup- will you flee for help?” (Is10:1-3).
port of this state of affairs, the proph- From the very beginning the prophet
ets came to the defense of the poor outlines the course of action that the
with their fearless denunciations and people of Israel needed to practice,
By Rev. Eutiquio B. Belizar, Jr., SThD condemnations of such acts. To all of which are on behalf of the weak
Israel’s wealthy exploiters, venal and the poor. “Wash yourselves
judges and corrupt officials Amos clean! Put away your misdeeds from
declares: “Therefore, because you before my eyes; cease doing evil;
have trampled upon the weak and learn to do good. Make justice your
exacted of them levies of grain, aim: redress the wronged, hear the
though you have built houses of orphan’s plea, defend the widow” (Is
hewn stone, you shall not live in 1:16-17).
them! Though you have planted
choice vineyards, you shall not drink From the New Testament
their wine! Yes, I know how many
are your crimes, how grievous your God’s preferential love for the
sins: oppressing the just, accepting poor is very clearly laid out in the
bribes, repelling the needy at the life of his own Son. “Though he was
gate” (Am 5:11-12). Again, Amos in the form of God,” the letter to the
fearlessly confronts those “who Philippians intones, “he did not deem
trample upon the needy and destroy equality with God something to be
the poor of the land” (Am 8:4) with grasped at. Rather he emptied him-
their evil deeds, i.e., diminishing the self and took the form of a slave”
ephah or the standard of measure in (Phil 2:6-7). The circumstances of his
their sale of wheat to the poor, add- birth by Mary his mother is another
ing to the shekel and fixing the scales statement in support of this love.
for cheating, even conspiring to “She gave birth to her first-born son
“buy the lowly man for silver” and and wrapped him in swaddling
“the poor man for a pair of sandals”, clothes and laid him in a manger, be-
including selling “the refuse of cause there was no room for them in
wheat” to him (Am 8:5-6). Then he the place where travelers lodge” (Lk
lashes out on them with the words: 2:7). He kept the same poor lifestyle
“The Lord has sworn by the pride of all throughout his earthly life. “Foxes
Jacob: Never will I forget a thing they have lairs, the birds in the sky have
have done!” (Am 8:7). nests, but the Son of Man has no-
Isaiah is no less critical and fi- where to lay his head” (Mt 8:20).
ery. To the greedy who amass wealth When he set out on his public
and property for their own exclusive ministry, he embraced the prophet
© Denz Dayao/Monitor

benefit, he exclaims: “Woe to you Isaiah’s pro-poor portrait of the res-


who join house to house, who con- toration of Zion as his very mission.
nect field with field, till no room re- “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me;
mains, and you are left to dwell alone therefore, he has anointed me. He has
in the midst of the land. In my hear- sent me to bring glad tidings to the
ing the Lord of hosts has sworn: poor, to proclaim liberty to captives,
Many houses shall be in ruins, larger recovery of sight to the blind and
TIME and again Church-going bias against the rich. He asked point- recent, ‘preferential option’ or ‘love ones and fine, with no one to live in release to prisoners, to announce a
Catholics hear “preferential option edly: “But who gives the Church its of the poor’ goes back to the most them” (Is 5:8-9). year of favor from the Lord” (Is 61:1f:
for the poor” or “preferential love of source of sustenance? Who contrib- ancient biblical texts. The prophets, The corrupt lawmakers and rul- Lk 4:18-19). Most of all, Jesus de-
the poor”, Pope John Paul II’s pre- utes most to its coffers? The better- though acknowledging private prop- ers are not spared either, as the clares in the Beatitudes the most sig-
ferred terminology. The truth is, it’s off, don’t they?” “Obviously,” I said erty as legitimate even among God’s prophets turns to them: “Woe to nificant and central figure in the king-
so fairly recent that many people feel to myself. “But are they rich without people, considered it to be subordi- those who enact unjust statutes and dom. “Blest are you poor; the reign
threatened by it as though it came to having taken what belongs to the nate to the social obligation of car- who write oppressive decrees, de- of God is yours” (Lk 6:20).
Christianity from the outside, say, the poor?” ing for the weak of society. When- priving the needy of judgment and
ideological left. I remember having a ever this obligation was ignored or robbing my people’s poor of their Conclusion
conversation with a wealthy former A Take From Old Testament violated, as is clear in the biblical rights, making widows their plunder,
Philippine ambassador to Germany. Prophets accounts of exploitation of the poor and orphans their prey! What will All these merely underline the
He did not mince words against what by the rich, corruption of judges in you do on the day of punishment, truth that the preferential option or
he thought the Church’s one-sided While the terminology is fairly favor of the wealthy and the ruth- when ruin comes from afar? To whom But Why / P14

7 Questions / Of Reasons / from p14


from p5 Camillus visited St. James’ thrice. While in admis- ous men whom he envisioned to serve not for monetary As the wound of St. Camillus became the reason
sion, he was able to help around the hospital. However, remuneration, like the hired priests, but solely for the for him to give his entire life giving perfect service to the
Isarog is a huge moun- on his first stay, with his compulsion to gambling, he love of God and giving a care like that of a mother for her sick and help his Lords and Masters die happily and
tain which provides irri- has no heart for the ailing. On his second, as a Capuchin only child who is sick. paved the way for him to found his Ministers of the Sick,
gation water to 67,000 Novice, he gave to the sick his services, but not himself. Camillus’ first intention was just to enclose the said in my end, I believe that Dr. Rayel’s joke for me made
hectares of land in 11 mu- While on his third, as a religious shaped in the spirit of congregation in the walls of the Hospital of St. James’. sense. That maybe, my profession as Medical Tech-
nicipalities. So, my opin- St. Francis, he became a father who had known suffer- On the contrary, God willed otherwise. He wanted it not nologist is not primarily a preparation for me to pursue
ion is that, if anything ing and was willing to share in the sufferings of his sick to be shut up in such narrow limits, thus, occurring were Medicine, rather, He designed it for me to share the
happens with Isarog like children. hard oppositions and huge tribulations from the hospi- charism of St. Camillus. That maybe, He wanted me to
illegal cutting of wood, Gambling, soldiering, and a cloistered life were the tal administration regarding Camillus’ plan. serve the sick beyond medical technicalities and jargons,
treasure hunting and top desires of Camillus’ heart. Unfortunately, because of Heeding the valuable recommendation of a friend to see in them not just their blood types but persons
others, it will affect imme- his incurable wound, he was made to go through heart- for him to realize his dream, Camillus left St. James’ of the whom Christ has offered His precious blood.
diately so many towns breaking tribulations which in the end became an instru- Incurables to begin his congregation elsewhere. The sick and hospitals have been a significant part
and peoples. Our second ment for him to realize and accept to himself that God It was in the Apostolic Arch-Hospital of the Holy of my being right now. It was them who made my voca-
social concern program is willed otherwise. That God wanted him to be in St. James’ Spirit that Camillus was able to establish a new school of tion worthwhile. With the grace of sharing my simple
organizing units of the to serve His poor, sick people. charity. In this institution he was able to revolutionize presence at their bedside, talking and listening with them
archdiocese to provide In St. James’, Camillus became a witness of the cruel healthcare services for the poor sick. and their watchers, more than knowing the result of their
help to abused women practices being applied to the sick. Nurses served them Along with two companions, Bernardine Norcino CBC, blood chemistry, culture and sensitivity, or if their
and children, the or- with little charity: given rough assistance, insulted, joked and Curzio Lodi dell’ Aquila, the three of them, consid- urine contains Caox, I’m more and more inspired to be
phans, and the physically upon for amusement, beaten with fists, or bound for no ered as fervent laborers, attend the Hospital of the Holy humble, sincere, and true in knowing deeper and serv-
handicapped. cause at all. As to the corporal and material needs of the Spirit every day. Camillus made some short rules for ing the God who brought me in his mystical vineyard to
patients, nurses were so cool in making the sick people’s them to follow on serving the sick with the most fervent learn and appreciate that everything has a reason.
What about the Church’s beds or in giving them food and slow when they were charity. They gave them their food, made their beds, ________________________
engagement in politics? called. To the extent that more than one person had cleansed their tongues, exhorted them to patience and
Is it not part of the social been known to become almost mad with thirst that they the devout receiving of sacraments in such a way that ST. CAMILLUS DE LELLIS is the patron saint of
concern agen da in your succumbed into drinking urine, blood, dirty water, or the cannot be expected to be performed even by the most the sick, hospitals, and health care workers. Born on
archdiocese? oil from lamps. As to their spiritual needs, Camillus was active ordinary servant. May 25, 1550 in Italy, he spent a reckless boyhood
No, it’s not very inconsolable when in their last moments, and in their Highly noteworthy was also the devout exercise and foolhardy youth. He gambled and was a soldier
much accentuated in the agony, they were abandoned by the priests, as he con- which Camillus and his companions practiced in the Holy of fortune. At age 25, however, he got converted. From
archdiocese of Caceres. sidered that this was the greatest abuse that could dis- Spirit Hospital—taking good care that patients died well. then on, he dedicated his life to the service of the sick
It’s not that there are no grace Christianity. They whispered sweet and holy suggestions to them in and the poor. He founded a religious Order to con-
political problems in our Intolerant to these merciless acts, Camillus started their agony, consoling them in their moment of death. tinue the evangelical mission he had received.
area, but our political to fight for the rights of the patients with interest and For Camillus, the first gift that must be offered to • He died in Rome on July 14, 1614.
problems are the usual love of a father. A patient himself suffering from an in- the sick is the gift of one’s heart. He emphasized that a • He was canonized by Pope Benedict XIV in
things like, for instance, curable ulcer on his foot, he was constantly reminded to hospital must be dedicated entirely to its suffering pa- 1746.
the lack of trust in local develop a deep feeling for the sick. So like himself, he tients—from the doctors, nurses, medicines, to every- • He was proclaimed patron of the sick and of
leaders. In this aspect, we desired that hospital servants should always be in ready one and everything. hospitals in 1886 by Pope Leo XIII.
have a strong program attendance on the sick with loving care seeing to their Though the founder related that he had received • In 1930, Pope Pius XI also proclaimed him
connected with the smallest needs. He used every possible means to in- slaps and blows, been spit upon, suffered every kind of patron saint of health care workers.
preparation of people for spire the servers with a true and a warm love for his poor rudeness from the patients, and been offered insults Please visit www.orderofsaintcamillus.org.
political elections. But sufferers. But most of the time, they fell short from his and incivility, he still considered a hospital as his center
Nov. John Jay C. Magpusao, OSC, is now in Baguio City
with regards to political expectations. of action, his gold mine, his garden of delight, his home, for his one whole year of Novitiate Formation in the Order
rallies and the like, we To remedy all these stark realities in St. James’, an his haven of charity, the love of his heart, his paradise of St. Camillus, a congregation of religious priests and
don’t engage into that. inspiration came to him to found a congregation of pi- on earth, and the mystical vineyard of the Lord. brothers who dedicate their life in the service to the sick.

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CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 10
August 28, 2006 Social Concern 11
WITH the timely declaration
of the Catholic Bishops’ Con-
Education Program); August
13, “Women’s Welfare/empow- Diocese of Kalookan
ference of the Philippines of erment” (Diocesan Women’s

Taking the Challenge:


2006 as Year of Social Con- Help Desk); August 14,
cerns, the Diocese of “Church and Politics”
Kalookan cannot fail to (Kapihan sa Diocese Forum);

‘To Serve and Not to be Served’


promptly take the challenge of and August 15, “Family and
implementing its social con- Youth Concerns” (Diocesan
cern programs and activities. Organization for OFW fami-
Coinciding with its 3rd foun- lies).
dation anniversary celebra- Not that the three-year By Caritas Kalookan (CK)
tions as a Diocese last August old Diocese’s pastoral agenda
5-26, the young and vibrant for social concerns—indeed
Diocese simultaneously impressively shining they
launched its 2006 social con- are—has just sprouted lately
cern agenda with various ac- at its recently held social con-
tivities underscoring its deci- cerns year launching. But,
sive response to the CBCP’s even earlier from its creation
call. as a Diocese, Caritas
Worth noting during its Kalookan, the implementing
social concerns year launch- arm of the Social Services and
ing activities was the 9-day Development Ministry of the
novena from August 7-15 in Diocese, has since been ac-
honor of San Roque, patron tively dispensing its social
Saint of the Diocese, which re- concern mandate as rightfully
markably highlighted the enunciated by its Vision
Diocese’s nine social concern (Bisyon o Pananaw), Mission
priorities accordingly under- (Misyon), and Objectives
taken by the Social Services (Layunin), thus:
and Development Ministry
and other agencies of the Dio- Bisyon o Pananaw
cese: August 7, “A Call to
Healing of Social Ills” (Call “Ang Diyosesis ng
to Action: Kabisig Livelihood kalookan ay sama-samang
program); August6 8, “Eco- nagpupuri at mapagkalingang
logical Concerns” (Waste kumikilos na matugunan ang
Management Program); Au- mga pangangailangan ng
gust 9, “Children’s Welfare/ mahihirap upang maiangat
Rights” (Educational Assis- ang kalidad ng pamumuhay sa
tance for Public School Stu- isang mapayapa,
dents program); August 10, makatarungan, matatag at
“Diocese of Kalookan as maunlad na pamayanan sa
Church of the Poor” (Dioc- kaluwalhatian ng ating
esan Clergy); August 11, Panginoon.”
“Spirituality of Pondo ng
Pinoy” (Pondo ng Pinoy Misyon
Campaign); August 12, “La-
bor Concerns” (SALVE or • Maiangat ang kamalayan at
Savings and Loan with Values kakayanan sa pagtamo ng

material at espirituwal na paghahatid ng serbisyong Job Fair, Labor Desk, Par-


katiwasayan. panlipunan at mga ish Cooperative Develop-
• Mapangalagaan ang programang pampaunlad: ment, Microfinance ser-
karapatang pantao at Clergy, Lay, at Religious. vices, and Skills Training.
makisangkot sa mga • Operational: Tumutugon na • Urban Poor and Housing:
gawaing pampamayanan serbisyong panlipunan at Paralegal Assistance.
at pang kapaligiran. p r o g r a m a n g • Family and Life: Emergency
• Maipadama ang nagpapaunlad. Maiangat Relief Assistance, Crisis In-
mapgkalingang pagkilos ang kamalayan ng mga tervention, Educational As-
ng nagkakaisang mahihirap sa isyung pang sistance, Health and Nutri-
Simbahan at Pamayanan. sosyo-ekonomiko. tion programs like In-House
• Mapatatag ang pananalig • Financial: Sapat na pondo Clinics, Medical Dental
sa Diyos at maipakita sa upang maisakatuparan Outreach and Supplemental
araw-araw na pamumuhay. ang mga programa. Feeding.
Social concern
Accordingly, following • Special programs: Ecology
programs and Layunin the direction provided by its and Waste Management,
activities of Vision, Mission and Objec- Pastoral Care for Migrants,
C a r i t a s tives, the various social con- and Early Childhood Care
Kalookan, the
• Organizational: Aktibo at
implementing daynamikong Ministri sa cern programs and services of and Development program.
arm of the So- lahat ng antas. Caritas Kalookan include Indeed, Kalookan Dio-
cial Services • Educational: Epektibo at may the following, namely: cese is yet three years old and
and Develop-
ment Ministry kakayahang kinatawan sa • Restorative Justice: Educa- growing. But even so, more
of the Diocese: pagbabagong panlipunan tional Assistance for In- than just responding to the
Crisis Interven- sa pamamagitan ng mates’ Children, Paralegal CBCP’s call of social concern
tion Program
(left and top pinagsanib na programang Assistance, Crisis Interven- agenda for 2006, it has already
right); Medical panghubog sa lahat ng an- tion, Medical and Dental since faithfully reckoned to the
Mission (right); tas ng Diyosesis at Outreach, and Spiritual For- Divine Master’s social concern
SSDM General
Assembly (be- parokya; at sa lahat ng mation. exhortation: “I came to serve
low). grupong kasangkot sa • Livelihood: Job Placement / and not to be served.”

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CBCP Monitor
12 Statements Vol. 10 No. 10
August 28, 2006

A Tooth / from p5
“Hear me, you who know justice, you crisis reached its climax when Israeli of the peace process is the withdrawal
troops, after having occupied south- of all troops implicated in the war and
people who have my teaching at heart: Fear
ern Lebanon briefly in 1978, launched the setting up of a mechanism to pre-
not the reproach of men, be not dismayed at an all-out invasion in 1982. It bombarded vent further Hezbollah attacks. No one
their insults.”(Isaiah 51:7) Beirut to deliver a knock-out blow to can ignore the fact that the present hos-
the Syrian-backed Feyadeen fighters tilities are traced to the decades-old Is-
and dismantle the PLO’s military infra- raeli-Palestinian dispute, so any attempt
structure. It took another 18 years be- to resolve the Lebanese crisis has to be
fore Israel finally pulled its troops out done in the context of the wider Middle
of southern Lebanon after a 22-year oc- East dilemma. Even then much will re-
cupation. Syria held on for five more main to be done. Vast amounts of assis-
INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE years, until February 2005. tance will be needed to help the Leba-
AND THE INTEGRITY OF CREATION Collateral Damage: The Erosion
nese clear up the debris and rebuild their
infrastructure and economy.
of Lebanese Identity But just as important is the need
The recent unrest and its poten- to rebuild the shredded fabric of Leba-
PROMOTING JUSTICE AND PEACE IN A GLOBALIZED WORLD
tial to reignite bode ill for the socio- nese sovereignty and to restore its
PROMOVER LA JUSTICIA Y LA PAZ EN UN MUNDO GLOBALIZADO
religious and cultural configuration of delicate social and political cohesion.
JULY 31 – AUGUST 15, 2006 – CASA BEATO NUNO – FATIMA-PORTUGAL Lebanon. Today the country is Lebanon’s religious and ethnic plural-
roughly 70 per cent Muslim and 30 per ism is a treasure that has to be pre-
STATEMENT OF CONCERN ON THE PHILIPPINE SITUATION cent Christian. This represents a steep
decline for the Christians, who were in
served and strengthened. It has always
been regarded as a European bridge
the majority the last time an official to the Arab world. If its 1,900-year-old
census was taken—in 1932. Each side Christian communities fail to weather
WE, the members of the 181 who disappeared and the in- tect the rights of the poor and up- is subdivided into multiple sects, the consequences of Israeli aggres-
Carmelite Family working on Jus- creasing human rights violations hold human dignity. Render jus- among them the Druze. Christian po- sion and are submerged by a rising
tice, Peace and Integrity of Cre- are forthrightly done to church tice to the victims and hear the litical groups, mainly Maronites, want tide of Islam, the world will lose some-
ation coming from 19 countries workers, leaders and members of or- cry of the poor people. independence and closer ties with the thing far more precious than a resort
throughout the world, gathered ganizations, activists, journalists, We appeal to the Office of West. But the Muslims see meaning- for sun-baking European tourists. It
in Fatima, Portugal from July 31- workers, peasants, among others the United Nations High Commis- ful collaboration only with the sur- will lose the only example of a suc-
August 15, 2006 with the Theme: with impunity. To such a degree the sioner for Human Rights to con- rounding Arab states. cessful democratic society in which
“Promoting Justice and Peace in intrusion of the Multi-national min- duct an investigation into these At the moment, the future looks Christians and Muslims once managed
a Globalized World”. ing and logging companies are killings in the Philippines. bleak for the Christians. Some 900,000 to work together in fraternal harmony.
Moved by our Prophetic tra- wrecking havoc to the environment We also call on all people of people fled the country during the tu- In 1989 Pope John Paul II convoked
dition as one family in Carmel, and affecting so greatly the lives of goodwill to promote justice and multuous years, most of them Christians. a special synod on the situation in Leba-
we spent time to discern and the indigenous people and their cul- peace throughout the World. Let Few Christians returned when the con- non, in the midst of its tragic civil war. He
contemplate together on the ture. Much more we are saddened justice flow like water, and up- flict died down. The exodus of Chris- said: “Greater mutual knowledge and
cries of the people and our envi- to know that even church and reli- rightness like a never-failing tians has been compounded by increas- engaging in a mutual dialogue for the
ronment today faced by the tre- gious people and co-workers who stream! (Amos 5:24). ing number of Muslims, thanks to the greater service of man are indispensable
mendous dehumanizing impact work for the poor are facing brazen naturalization en masse of Syrians and conditions for freedom, peace and re-
of Globalization around the harassment and intimidation. The For Peace and Justice in the Palestinians (in 1994 the Lebanese Par- spect for the dignity of the person. This
world. We feel with great remorse disconcerted situation of the Reli- World, liament naturalized some 300,000 people, living and consented pluralism is a fun-
that our world is full of injustices gious of the Good Shepherd sisters mostly Syrian Muslims). When the damental value which has presided over
and disquiet. Being challenged who for a long time are working Signed: Saudi-backed Rafik Hariri became Prime the history of Lebanon. This is the rea-
by this very inhuman situation, with the Indigenous people in Minister in 2000, he acquired vast real- son why the disappearance of Lebanon
we cannot close our eyes and Agusan del Sur is a manifestation Rev. Fr. Artemio Jusayan, O. Carm. estate properties from Christians and would be a dramatic loss for the cause of
remain deaf to the agonies of the of such an alarming situation. (Philippines) filled up government posts with Mus- freedom itself... The disappearance of
world. Our faith and Carmelite One with the victims and the Rev. Fr. Edgar Koning, O. Carm. lims. Meanwhile, the Iran-sponsored Lebanon, without any doubt, would be
tradition continuously compel poor Filipino people, it is our stand (The Netherlands) Hezbollah openly declared their intent one of the great tragedies of the world.
us to help restore the world therefore to join with the different Rev. Fr. Nelson Belisario, O. Carm. to create an Islamic state in Lebanon. Safeguarding it is one of the most ur-
where Peace, Justice and Love church and religious groups, sectors (USA) The declining presence of Christian gent and noble tasks which the world
reign. and human rights organizations in Rev. Fr. Miceal O’Neill, O. Carm. Lebanese is hardly good news for Is- today must undertake.”
Discerning on the different the Philippines and other parts of the (Ireland) rael, for it creates a hostile Muslim state Was anyone listening then? Is
situations of the poor people in world in denouncing these injus- Rev. Fr. Telesphoro “Chelo” Debí, on its northern border. anyone listening now?
the different countries around tices. We cannot allow this to con- O. Carm. (Democratic Republic
the world, we are deeply troubled tinue. Peace and justice must prevail. of the Congo) Fr. Henry Bocala finished Political Science
Challenges and Prospects degree in UP Diliman and worked for the
upon knowing the human rights Therefore in one voice: Rev. Fr. Amilton Vidotto, O. Carm. The most urgent task is to execute Senate during the Aquino administration.
situation in the Philippines. The We urgently call on the Presi- (Brazil) the UN Resolution 1701, and when it He later studied Theology and Canon Law
staggering number of victims of dent of the Philippines: Mrs. Gloria And 31 delegates of the Interna- in Rome, where he was ordained priest in
fails, to retry restoring peace on the March 2000. His doctoral thesis (published
extra-judicial killings which Macapagal Arroyo to act decisively tional Meeting for Justice and strength of international consensus, not as a book) dealt with the “Diplomatic Rela-
reached to 725 starting 2001, the to put a stop to these killings, pro- Peace beholden to the discriminatory voice of tions between the Holy See and the State
of Israel” in the context of the Middle East
the US and its minions. An integral part Conflict (Rome, 2000).

In and Out / from p6 Laiko Lampstand / from p6


corruption which drive The good spirit, unfortu- few rich and powerful who Christ’s love for the family, the contributed by each delega- John Paul II, Familiaris
people to cheat, steal, covet, nately, is damaged by some are accorded with tremen- basic unit of society and the tion. Honors and awards will Consortio has not com-
dishonor and even murder. who take advantage of the dous social privileges. This church. be given to specific individu- menced. Past president Rollie
Our economy and politics charity of others. Where soli- imbalance necessitates the The CFM 50th anniver- als and organizations for their and Josie Mesa however, ini-
unhappily are characterized darity is deficient, peace will value of “preferential option sary celebration will be held contribution to CFM’s tiated the move to publish
by injustice, dishonesty, or be deficient. for the poor” and those with- on October 21 at the GSIS progress through the first 50 more copies of Understand-
theft in small and grave pro- Peace, fourthly, is the out hope of a better future building. This is a grand re- years. We congratulate the ing Familiaris Consortio.
portion. Both victims and fruit of integral develop- (CA 57, PCP II 312). union of all CFM’ers from all Committee in charge of the We pray that a generous do-
criminals are not at peace, ment—”Development is the The peace that we are over the country with parish preparation for this once-in- nor will come along and pro-
until some retribution or repa- new name of peace” under- longing for must be linked priests and religious who have a-lifetime event headed by vide funds for the publication
ration is done. But even in stood as the transition from with the principle of “active been active in the family life President Couple Roger and of 5,000 copies for distribution
retribution, innocent scape- the less humane condition to non-violence.” This is espe- apostolate, particularly as Nora Panlasegui. We have no to all the parishes in the Phil-
goats and the small crooks the more humane. Integral cially urgent in our country CFM chaplains and advisers. doubt that the golden anniver- ippines. This will be a fitting
are readily sent to jail, but the evangelization and develop- since our socio-economic and All members of the family in- sary celebration will be a great tribute to the 25th Anniversary
big crooks are freed on tech- ment mean bringing about political situation is character- cluding the sons and daugh- success and will long be re- of Familiaris Consortio and
nicality, or through bribery or change in the quality of life ized partly by violence and ters group, the young profes- membered. a great service and honor to
some hokus-pokus. Where of people in the areas of food, counter–violence. The gov- sionals and the solo parents Since CFM is occupied all Christian families of the
there is no justice, there is no education, shelter, employ- ernment institutions and are expected to attend. The with the preparation of its only Catholic nation in Asia.
peace. ment and medical care. Inte- structures for peace appear to culmination of the celebration Golden Anniversary, the For further inquiry, please contact
Peace, thirdly, is the fruit gral evangelization and de- be either uncommitted or help- on October 22 at the Fiesta Pa- preparation for the celebration Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas:
of solidarity, “opus velopment must address so- less in stemming the tide of vilion of Manila Hotel will be of the 25th Anniversary of the Joseph Jesalva – 527-5388, Telfax-
solidaritatis pax” (Pope John cial problems, such as ex- extra-judicial killings of media the cultural presentation to be Apostolic Exhortation of Pope 527-3124, e-mail: joselugay@
yahoo.com.
Paul II, Sollicitudo Rei treme hunger, deficient edu- practitioners, militants and
Socialis, 39). The value/prin- cation, homelessness, unem- suspected insurgents. This Fire and Faith / from p7
ciple of participation and soli- ployment and sickness. the CBCP has already de-
darity is based on the funda- Where development is defi- nounced in the past. Given the it is simply returning every- to-the-bone Ateneans) had the of “carpe diem” for God beside
mental equality of all indi- cient, peace will be deficient. chance, what power will the thing to God.” time of her life. Her Bangko whom there is none other. We
vidual persons. This is trans- Peace, finally, is the fruit Melo Commission exercise to My children during our Sentral director uncle and her need “a day of rest for the heart”
lated into the readiness and of love which goes beyond solve these killings in order regular weekly family dinner last corporate priestess aunt — the as some kind of a religious sum-
willingness to commit oneself what justice can provide (GS that peace and justice may be Sunday had such fun dissect- Ateneans — were groping for mons to be present to ourselves
or one’s share for the good 78). Love gives justice the enjoyed by the bereaved fami- ing the meaning of “carpe the English translation of the in order to see if God is present
of victims and of the less for- face of a friend, even a brother lies of the victims of violence? diem.” My grand daughter, Latin “carpe diem.” Vada, their in the core of our being—if He
tunate, beyond any indi- or sister in Christ (PCP II 305). We hope that the con- Vada, brandishing her new iden- UP niece, without batting an is still the owner of our lives. To
vidual or particular interest What creates un-peace in our sciousness we raise during tity as a UP student (she chose eyelash said, “Seize the day!” know this helps us through “the
(SRS 38). I have seen a good country is the situation of im- this National Peace Con- to enroll in the University of the For those whose lives tears of things”, automatically
example of participation and balance between the great sciousness Month reach the Philippines for her BS Econom- were at one time or another pushing us to find our way to
solidarity in the Nueva number who live in abject conscience of concerned Fili- ics to the consternation of her seized by the Lord, their the heart of God—there, noth-
Valencia, Guimaras “oil spill”. poverty and misery and the pinos. uncles and aunt who are dyed- “dailiness” is an ongoing chant ing else matters.

vol10-n10.pmd 12 9/14/2006, 4:05 PM


CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 10
August 28, 2006 Statements 13
Dearly Beloved People of God: deeply imbedded in the Filipino
psyche and is, in fact, becoming a
“Live as children of light, for way of life for many.
light produces every kind of good- Yet gambling in general is an
ness and righteousness and truth.” affront to the moral values of the
(Eph 5:8) people. Attended by greed and the
insatiable desire for money and
IT has been almost a year that our power, it has the evil force of alter-
province has enjoyed, to a greater ing a person’s lifestyle and corrupt-
extent, the freedom from the scourge ing the community’s positive val-
of illegal gambling operations. ues. Human experience confirms that
Thanks to the efforts, cooperation gambling is addictive and can be
and resolve of our government offi- personally detrimental to the gam-
cials and the police authorities who bler and his family. The prospects
dutifully worked for the eradication of winning or getting back his losses
of illegal number games, and who remain a constant and irresistible
valiantly proved to us that if there’s temptation to the gambler. Thus, a
a will, indeed there’s a way. gambling enthusiast puts his trust
Lately, however, we observe in luck and his own skill more than
with great dismay how these sys- in divine providence, often risking
tematic gambling operations, par- more than what he can afford, and
ticularly jueteng and small town lot- even diverting resources from nec-
tery (STL), are slowly creeping once essary purposes. Unwittingly, he
again into our communities, appar- ignores the value of hard work, hon-
ently with the blessing and implicit esty and social responsibility.
approval by our local government Therefore, by reason of motive and
and police officials. Confronted with circumstances, and considering the
these unfortunate developments corrupt and manipulative system
and compelled by our sacred duty wherein it operates, we can say that
to instruct and shepherd the People gambling is immoral and sinful. Ac-
of God, we, your bishops, wish to cordingly, it is incompatible with
reiterate our stand and firm opposi- Christian spirituality and moral im-
tion to systematic gambling, peratives, especially because it vic-

LIVE AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT


whether legal or illegal. With this timizes and exploits the human per-
pastoral statement, therefore, allow son, particularly the poor and the
us to lay down our common discern- weak.
ment about this pressing social con- In the Philippines, jueteng and
cern in light of our Catholic faith. its legalized form, the STL or small
Indeed, from socio-cultural and town lottery, are the most organized
economic perspectives, it is all too manifestations of this social cancer A Joint PPastoral
astoral Letter of the Dioceses of Cabanatuan and San Jose on
easy to consider gambling as a
plainly simple and harmless Filipino
we call gambling. In spite of the
many rational arguments and oppo- Jueteng and Small TTown
own Lotter
Lotteryy
past time. Many people think that sition to these games of chance,
there’s nothing wrong when a some government officials seem to
Christian participates in these be hell-bent in resurrecting these letter of the CBCP in June 29, 1972: or even their feigning ignorance of society, tirelessly witnessing to the
games of chance. Whether deliber- vices in all our parishes and com- “A nation or an administration or jueteng’s existence? It pains us to Gospel of Christ and the truths of
ate or not, and under the present munities. They seem to have al- government which legalizes gam- think that they no longer care or dare our faith.
economic conditions, people opt for ready forgotten the government’s bling surrenders itself to the will of to denounce and stop jueteng and TO OUR LOCAL GOVERN-
easy money, even putting their mea- moral recovery program which is an a few individuals and cliques – a STL, as it has been done by many MENT OFFICIALS—Pursue an au-
ger resources at stake in the hope important key to nation building. demonstration of the government’s local government officials in other thentic moral recovery program in our
of luckily winning more than what Thus, caught in the glittering web weakness.” This is absolutely true parts of the country, either because province and create alternative jobs
they have invested. Thus, with the of profit and power, they seem to in view of the apparent lack of effec- they are weak and helpless or they or sources of employment, with a
people’s acquiescent and cynical at- have become numb and oblivious tive action and categorical resistance too profit from these gambling op- special attention to the poorest and
titude, coupled with government of gambling’s evil moral conse- against jueteng and STL by our lo- erations. In the words of the pasto- the marginalized. Resist the national
promotion and the staunch patron- quences, both personally and so- cal government officials and the po- ral letter on gambling by the North- government’s demand and the
age by government and police au- cially. lice authorities. For how else should ern Luzon Bishops in January 1993: jueteng operators’ pressure to open
thorities, gambling has become According to the joint pastoral we describe their scheming tolerance “The popular belief has never been our province to STL operation,
disproved that protection money is jueteng and all other forms of gam-
handed down in liberal proportions bling.
to police, military, and political TO MILITARY AND POLICE
Archdiocese of Jaro officials. It is even said that the con-
trol and operation of gambling are
AUTHORITIES—Intensify the cam-
paign against all forms of gambling
in the hands of some politicians.” and games of chance in Nueva Ecija,
Circular No. 163/15/2006 [Make Yourselves a New Heart and dismantle all jueteng operations and
Protocol No. 5624/2006 a New Spirit]. In any case, we see in prosecute both the operators and
August 28, 2006 the operations of systematic gam- collectors. As men of honor, do not
bling an unmistakable symptom of a give in to pressures and attempts of
To: The Clergy of the Archdiocese and the Parish Pastoral Councils corrupt and equally corrupting po- bribery.
Re: THE BUNKER OIL SPILL IN NUEVA VALENCIA, GUIMARAS
litical and socio-economic system, TO ALL CATHOLICS AND
which promotes opportunism and PEOPLE OF GOODWILL—Do not
the unbridled lust for money and patronize systematic gambling. De-
NUEVA Valencia, Guimaras, is the center of social fected areas. Fisher folks were scraping the shore of power by capitalizing on the weak sist from betting on jueteng: no one
concern not only of Iloilo Province but also of the oily sand and putting them in sacks. Hundreds of and the poor. Likewise, the inability who bets on jueteng has ever be-
entire Philippines, because of the sinking of Solar I sacks of oily sand have been piled. Sand, stones, to provide lasting jobs and other come rich! Only operators get richer,
ship that was carrying more than 500,000 gallons wood, seaweeds and mangroves have been irretriev- sources of employment for the and the bettors get poorer. Remem-
(2,720,000 liters) of bunker oil of Petron. It has sank ably blackened by the tanker oil. They need truck- people, and the promotion of and ber that all easy money disappears
to some 600(?) meters deep under the ocean, sev- loads of palay stalks or “uhot” to help absorb the support to institutionalized gambling easily and can even destroy lives.
eral kilometers off Nueva Valencia. More than 200,000 oil. clearly demonstrate their lack of po- Report the existence of jueteng op-
liters have been poured into the sea causing almost The causes of this tragedy need to be fully and litical will and vision to transform the erations to your parish priests.
unimaginable damage to environment and honestly investigated in order that justice may be citizens into responsible and produc- We, in turn, pledge you our
fisherfolks. served. tive members of society. prayerful support and episcopal
So far, as of August 20, 2006 the affected Various individuals, groups and institutions Admittedly, this problem that benediction. As people destined for
barangays are the following: have started to generously respond to this grave plagues us may be difficult and com- judgment at the end of our earthly
social and environmental destruction which may take plicated. But, with the help of God lives, let us conscientiously do our
LIST OF BARANGAYS AFFECTED OF OIL SPILL years to rehabilitate. and with our firm determination, we share of the work entrusted to us.
For our part in the Archdiocese of Jaro, let the believe that we can free ourselves With one mind and heart, let us zeal-
Barangays Affected Registered Additional as TOTAL response coming from our parishes be coordinated from the shackles of this institution- ously promote the culture of life and
Fisherfolks of 20-Aug, 2006
by our Diocesan Social Action Center (JASAC) and alized evil and heal our community help build a civilization of love here
our Jaro Archdiocesan Pastoral Secretariat (JAPS). from this social cancer that has in- in Nueva Ecija. May La Virgen
1. La Paz 298 2 300 vaded every fiber of our day to day Divina Pastora protect and inspire
2. San Roque 79 121 200 As one “Body of Christ,” the tragedy suffered by
one part is felt too by the entire body. Please, coor- lives. We have proven in the past each of us, and strengthen our com-
3. Dolores 62 27 89 that it is possible to be in control of mitment for the promotion of God’s
4. Tando 104 136 240 dinate your help with JASAC and JAPS. We cannot
be responsible for the refloating of Solar I or for the the situation and that we can pro- Kingdom here on earth.
5. Lucmayan 41 180 221 vide direction to our choices, if only Given here in Nueva Ecija, Phil-
6. Cabalagnan 41 41 82 siphoning of the oil from the sunken Solar I; but we
can reach out immediately to the families of the af- we put into actions our goodwill and ippines, this 25h day of July 2006, the
7. Panobolon 116 37 153 our desire for moral transformation. feast of St. James the Apostle.
8. Canhawan 46 41 87 fected barangays in terms of material help, because
they have lost their livelihood in the sea. Let us be Therefore, in the interest and wel-
9. Igdarapdap (Lanipe) 73 32 105 fare of our people, and in the name For the dioceses of Cabanatuan and
10. San Antonio (Calaya) 85 5 90 in solidarity with them through whatever organized
help we can extend to them. of the Risen Christ, the Good Shep- San Jose.
11. Guiwanon 96 47 143 herd, we earnestly make this urgent
Sincerely yours, appeal: + SOFRONIO A. BANCUD, SSS, DD
The most heavily damaged is barangay La Paz. TO THE CLERGY AND LAY Bishop of Cabanatuan
Fr. Maloney Gotera, V.F., some priests of the Vicari- + ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO
LEADERS—Let us work more ear- + MYLO HUBERT C. VERGARA,
ate of St. Bartholomew and I saw some of the af- Archbishop of Jaro
nestly and closely for the promotion DD
of virtues and moral values in our Bishop of San Jose

vol10-n10.pmd 13 9/14/2006, 4:05 PM


CBCP Monitor
14 Feature Article Vol. 10 No. 10
August 28, 2006

Godless Ideologies
from an objective moral law. observed.
It tends to serve merely self- Then you have the intoxi-
ish ends, and thus easily gets cating strange blend of liber-
corrupted, with matching re- alism where, with freedom de-
By Fr. Roy Cimagala sults. tached from an objective uni-
And so we can have that versal moral law, anything can
endless adventure of making be legalized—divorce, abor-
IDEOLOGIES are not bad in all sorts of assertions, ques- tion, infidelity, same-sex
themselves. They are often tioning every element in a es- union, wild scientific experi-
heroic and ambitious at- tablished culture, religion, ments like cloning, test-tube
tempts to make a kind of tradition, or moral order. babies, etc.
world-view of things, ex- Theories automatically are The biggest mistake
plaining them scientifically made into laws. Suspicions these ideologies commit is
and extensively. In a way are given the same treatment when they replace faith in
they are an unavoidable as facts. We quickly create a God with their own ideas and
stage in man’s effort to de- surreal world. doctrine, and when they de-
velop. The objective hierarchy rive their life and strength not
Going beyond the of values, based on the na- from a living unity with God
merely philosophical and ture of man and his relation but from some human and
theoretical, they enter into with God and with others, earthly source.
the practical world of action, gets altered to suit one’s sub- Among them, the easier
with programs, strategies and jective preferences. to detect and overcome are
a network of agencies to carry Because of these dan- those associated with the
out their ends. They convert gerous features of the God- Left, as recent history has
doctrine into action. less ideologies, we have suf- confirmed. With their often-
As such, they can be fered the scourges of com- absurd positions in issues,
useful. They can serve legiti- munism and socialism where they are easily uncovered.
mate purposes. They can do the rights of the individual They take advantage of the
a lot of good. Today, whether person are swallowed by the ignorance and poverty of the
we are aware of them or not, rights of the state. They people. They lure them to fa-
they are a part of our lives, of human pride and vanity, material things. Reality is sim- sponds to man’s condition. thrive on atheism and totali- naticism.
influencing us one way or an- they have proclaimed, for ex- ply what one sees or feels. At Because of this congeni- tarianism. Those associated with
other. We need to be discern- ample, that there is no God, best, it can be what one can tal defect, these ideologies There are also the the Right, because they are
ing. that there are no spiritual, understand and discover. But can lead to terrible conse- abuses of capitalism, where more subtle and deceptive,
It’s when they are much less supernatural reali- it’s a reality that dies with quences. If there is no God, self-centered individualism will take time and a lot of in-
wrongly inspired, or when ties. man. There is no reality after the understanding of what and consumerism are pro- human crises before they get
they overstep their limits, With the assertion that death. man is gets warped, the use moted, and the inhuman prac- finally exposed as they really
oversimplifying or exaggerat- there is no God, the authors Some have promised of power and authority can tice of holding the laws of the are, that is, evil. But they’ll
ing things, absolutizing the of these ideologies make a utopias based simply on be easily abused—prone to markets over human labor is be exposed.
relative and relativizing the world mainly consisting of earthly progress. Others have use force.
absolute, that they can be- their own selves. The world pontificated total human lib- The relation between
come bad and dangerous. seems to begin and end with eration exclusively through person and society, private
History, sad to say, is full them. In short, there is no some socio-economic or po- good and common good, etc., But Why / from p10
of such harmful ideologies. A world outside their egos. litical operations. There is no get twisted. Freedom is often
product of some questionable They seem to envision a mention of liberation from sin, understood as detached from love for the poor is not an arbitrary teaching of the Church
philosophies and ultimately world made exclusively of the real evil that fully corre- the sense of responsibility or upheld to gain points with the modern liberal mindsets.
It is a mandate from the Scriptures and, in a singular way,
it is a command from Jesus who declares to his disciples

Of Reasons and Deeper Meanings who serve and care for the poor and the weak of society:
“I assure you, as often as you did it for one of my least
brothers, you did it for me” (Mt 25:40).
Pope Benedict XVI reflects how in these words
by Nov. John Jay C. Magpusao, OSC “Jesus identifies himself with those in need, with the
it horrible, abnormal, and extraordinary. hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and
ng Medicine. Eh, eto, nag-resign dahil those in prison…Love of God and love of neighbor have
magpapari!” Ngingiti-ngiti at iiling- It was a spreading, putrid ulcer that left a
deep wound. It could be considered a become one: in the least of the brethren we find Jesus
iling pa s’ya. himself, and in Jesus we find God” (Deus Caritas Est,
Our life is really full of surprises. It’s cankerous varicose vein in modern sci-
ence. An incurable affliction. no. 15). In fact, the primitive Christian community re-
a wonder that some things never always sponded to these words of Jesus in a fashion still alive in
flow the way we think or the way we and Was Camillus cursed? Definitely
not! His infirmity may seem a disgrace to the Church’s religious communities and movements of
others dream of them. At a certain point renewal, by holding goods in common so that no one
in our life, diversions occur in an uncon- simple human assessment but dissect-
ing it through a believer’s eyes, one could among them may be in want (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37). Do-
ventional manner that even ourselves ing so is a declaration that all created goods are of the
can’t help but ask why it is so. Neverthe- surely see that it was such a grace won-
derfully designed by Providence. An un- Lord who exercises his lordship precisely in the surren-
less, in the end, to our relief, we realize der that believers make of themselves and their proper-
that indeed it has a greater purpose. desirable affliction progressing into a
noble, desirable mission. With this ties. Acknowledging this lordship of God over all cre-
Thence we affirm that truly, in good times ation necessarily brings with it a special concern for those
or in bad times, in our experiences, ev- wound he obtained his exemplary
charism. who have the least access to them and their fruits be-
erything happens for a reason. cause the earth’s goods are meant for all and everyone,
After an unsuccessful enlistment in Camillus was eager to return to mili-
tary life but his festering wound grew rich or poor, has a right to find his share of them (GS 69).
LAST summer, I was invited for an eat- the Venetian army together with his fa- We recall, too, how Pope John Paul II himself speaks
all-you-can dinner together with my ther and two cousins, seventeen-year old worse. It continuously tormented him,
giving him untold discomfort. Because of the mandate for all Christians to cultivate a sense of
former colleagues in the laboratory I last Camillus de Lellis, on his way back home solidarity with the poor “whenever it is called for by the
work with. Dr. Rayel, our pathologist, who to Bucchianico from Ancona, a blister of this, he instead paid heed on the ad-
vise for him to seek medical help from the social degrading of the subjects of work, by exploitation
was glad I was with them once again, formed on his right foot due to a scratch. of the workers, and by the growing areas of poverty and
joked at me. He said, “Itong si Kuyon, It became highly inflamed that eventu- best doctors at the Hospital of St. James’
of the Incurables in Rome. even hunger”, aware that such solidarity taken up by the
naiiba talaga. ‘Yong dati nating mga ally turned into a sore. An ordinary sore Church is “her mission, her service, a proof of her fidelity
Med Techs, nag-resign dahil mag-aaral it was not. Doctors in his time described Of Reasons / P10
to Christ, so that she can truly be the `Church of the
poor’” (Laborem Exercens, 8). This option is not only
very Scriptural and specifically Christian. It is also very
Bo Sanchez human, in fact a demand of common sense. For instance,
it is a common occurrence that in many families, there are
God will Meet you Where You Are sickly and weaker members. Parents and heads of house-
holds as well as the children themselves tend to gravi-
tate to these weaker, sickly members, showering them a
I'm taking post-graduate courses in Theology to re- He can stoop down to hallow, lazy brains like mine. special love so they could recover or be eased of their
mind me of how ignorant I really am. You see, I love listen- And He can also meet the best and sharpest minds of suffering. The Church is similarly a parent who continu-
ing to my brilliant professors speak high-tech "theologes". big-time theologians. And still win. ally exhorts her children to give, as she herself does, a
But I guess it’s not just for me. I can’t write straight He can be wise to the wise. special expression of love to their weaker brothers and
with big, heavy-duty words, quoting stuff from super-duper And simple to the simple. sisters in the poor, not because poverty is a value in
theologians. I’ve realized that God will meet us where we are. itself but because these weaker brothers and sisters need
That work to me is just a little bit less difficult than He can be very tender to you if you need an embrace. such special care and service.
doing advanced Trigonometry. But I recall one time when I He can be firm to you if you need some spanking. Above all, the Christian faith undertakes such an
took a shot at it. I started pounding on the keyboard, “Some He can be terribly awesome when you need a miracle. option because Jesus Christ the Master himself became
contemporary approaches to spirituality convey paradig- He can be painfully quiet when He wants you to trust one of the poor and lives among them. PCP II urges such
matic alterations from traditional soteriology, rooted in mod- Him. a love to be “a basic attitude that must pervade all plans
ern biblical hermeneutics...” He will be what you need him to be. and legislation for development, long skewed to favor
Ugh... It was pure torture. (I offered my sufferings for (Note: Not “want” Him to be. I said, “need” Him to be.) the better off sectors of our society…It urges us to be
the conversion of the world. And I bet you’d do that too if Question: What do you really need right now? more concerned about the substantive issues concern-
I wrote that way, hmm?) Believe me. ing street children, the unemployed, poor fishermen, farm-
But in all this, I’ve learned something quite glorious. He knows about it more than you do. ers and workers, exploited women, slum dwellers, side-
God is flexible. So let Him meet you where you are. walk vendors and beggars, Tribal Filipinos and others at
He’s made of rubber. And let Him love you, right there. the margin of human and social life” (PCP II 314).
In the end, we are all biased. But is God’s bias ours?

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CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 10
August 28, 2006 CINEMA Reviews 15
Title: THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA house. The transformation delights McKenna's script, Florian Ballhaus'
Running Time: 95 min Andy who hardly realizes that it is cinematography, and yes, the fabu-
Lead Cast: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, the beginning of her entrapment in lous coats and devil-may-care hand-
Adrian Grenier, Tracie Thoms, Rich Sommer, Simon Baker the industry's seductions; meanwhile, bags---by Prada, of course!
Director: David Frankel she becomes an obedient and loyal Through the movie's impec-
Producer: Wendy Finerman servant to the dreadful Miranda. cable characterization and staccato
Screenwriters: Aline Brosh, McKenna A scathing satire on the fashion dialogues, the viewer can see that
Music: Thoedore Shapiro industry, The Devil Wears Prada is while The Devil Wears Prada paints
Editors: David Rogow, Amanda Pollack, Mark Livolsi based on the novel by Lauren an alluring picture of an industry
Genre: Comedy/Drama Weisberger which was on the New that makes goddesses out of clay,
Cinematography: Florian Ballhaus York Times best-seller list for six the movie actually relentlessly lobs
Distributor: 20th Century Fox months, and has been published in 27 grenades at a narcissistic culture
Location: New York, USA countries. The novel titillated the curi- obsessed with style. Then for
Technical Assessment: ½ osity of fashion-watchers because it about one-third of its 106-minute
was based on the author's experience running time, it highlights the value
Moral Assessment:
as an assistant to Vogue editor Anna of being true to one's self and
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above Wintour. For quite some time friends. There's a strong message
IN New York, fresh journalism true to her unpredictable self, hires is but a stepping stone to the job she fashionistas would wonder how much especially for young people here
graduate Andy Sachs (Anne Andy on a whim, knowing the latter covets---as a real journalist for New of the book was fiction and if the char- who might identify with Andy: in
Hathaway) applies for a job as sec- has zero fashion sense and in fact has York magazine. Wanting to prove her acters were all that fictitious. But trust following a dream, one can get eas-
ond assistant to the editor of Run- not even heard of Runway at all. claim as being smart and a fast learner, Streep to give life to even the most ily misled and succumb to tempta-
way---the most influential fashion When she is with her live-in boyfriend Andy dutifully fulfills every boring fictitious character. In fact, the screen tions that make one forgetful of
magazine in the industry--- Nate (Adrian Grenier), and her circle task, from picking up coffee for sizzles when she's on, and you things that really matter. The movie
Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). of friends, Andy criticizes the shal- Miranda on the way to work to hang- wouldn't want to miss a syllable also indirectly reminds us that the
Wearing frumpy clothing and pre- lowness of her co-workers in Runway. ing her boss' coats day in and day Miranda utters. In the acting depart- devil never presents himself as
senting samples of her college She endures the caprices of Miranda, out. One day, Runway's supportive ment she is perfectly backed up by ugly. If the devil can come to a man
days writings, Andy is the last a most powerful icon in the business, though acerbic gay art director Nigel Blunt, Tucci and Hathaway in that or- as a sweet young thing wearing
thing Miranda would take as far and the snickering of her colleagues (Stanley Tucci) gives Andy a der, and everything else is made more nothing, to a woman he may come
as the editor's first assistant Emily because for her, the Runway job makeover, using trendy signature glamorous and believable by David as a soft-spoken and awe-inspir-
(Emily Blunt) thinks. But Miranda, which "a million girls would die for" clothes from the magazine's ware- Frankel's direction, Aline Brosh ing career woman wearing Prada.

Title: THE LOST CITY Garcia has bitten more than he could
Running Time: 143 mins chew in this movie. Besides being Title: MY SUPER EX-GIRL-
Lead Cast: Andy Garcia, Ines lead actor, he is director, producer, FRIEND
Sastre, Tomas Millian, Nestor original music composer and others. Running Time: 110 mins
Carbonell, Enrique Murciano, Lead Cast: Uma Thurman,
Richard Bradford, Dustin
In some aspects, he succeeds as in
his acting and musical scoring; but Luke Wilson, Anna Faris,
Hoffman, Bill Murray
in others he fails as in his directing, Rainn Wilson, Eddie Izzard
Director: Andy Garcia
Producers: Tom Gores, Johnny writing and editing. He is trying to Director: Ivan Reitman
Lopez, Frank Mancuso Jr. do a Cuban 'The Godfather' but fails Producer: Pro-Gavin Polone,
Screenwriter: Guillermo Cabrera to make it. But is evident that he has Arnon Milchan
Infante created a labor of love that evokes a Screenwriter: Don Payne
Music: Andy Garcia Genre: Action/Drama
Cuba that is full of music, romance
Editor: Christopher Cibelli Cinematography: Don Burgess
and promise. Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Genre: Drama, Musical
Cinematography: Emmanuel Location: USA
Kadosh The Lost City evokes a bygone Technical Assessment:
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures, world that is rich in music, dance and Moral Assessment: ½
Paramount Pictures poetry but now is vanished and trans- CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14
Location: Havana, Cuba formed into something else more sin- and above
Technical Assessment: ister and impoverished. Only the
Moral Assessment: bittersweet memories remain. Cuba's A regular nine-to-five office guy, foibles we ordinary mortals have:
CINEMA Rating: For mature history parallels ours somewhat ? Matt Saunders (Luke Wilson) has she can get possessive, jealous,
viewers 18 and above rilla campaign. Despite Don colonized by Spain, forced to his eye on office-mate Hannah cruel, angry, emotionally manipu-
Federico's pleas for his family to be change masters with America who Lewis (Anna Faris), but she has a lative and want revenge. She can
FICO Fellove (Andy Garcia) eldest together, fire and fervor go separate intervened to divert our revolution- boyfriend. Sex-starved and control weapons of mass destruc-
of three brothers and owner/manager ways. Luis, knowing that he might ary fight for independence and lonely, Matt spots 30-something, tion but not the fires of her own
of Havana's classiest music night die asks Fico to promise to take care thwart our struggle to change the brunette Jenny Johnson (Uma dark side. What a relief for us.
club, El Tropico, has his hands full of his wife Aurora should he die. unequal distribution of wealth from Thurman) on the subway and Built like a fashion supermodel,
trying to keep family and club to- Castro wins and ascends to power the landed elite, etc?Like Cuba, our imagines her to be a super-hot girl Thurman pulls off her dual role as
gether. The time is 1958 and the but soon proves to be a disappoint- country's culture is rich in music, disguised as a spectacle-wearing no other actress could: she can
Fellove family, led by patriarch, Don ment as he is unable to solve his dance, literature, Catholicism and librarian. His attempt to pick her look frumpy or glamorous as the
Federico (Tomas Millian) is much country's problems but merely dis- European-Chinese heritage. Like the up is squelched by a vehement situation requires. G-Girl's sup-
aware that the corrupt Batista regime tributes misery more evenly by mak- Cubans when the going gets too "No". Through Matt's persever- posedly superheroic CGI feats are
is employing more violent, drastic ing the rich poor by confiscating tough, Filipinos also fly for greener ance despite the near frigid front kindergarten stuff beside
measures to hold on to power. The their properties. Meanwhile Fico and pastures in America. Cuba overthrew of Jenny, a friendship is struck Superman's or even Harry Potter's;
brothers are themselves divided in Aurora fall in love with each other, their previous regime by violent between the two. He soon discov- however, her insane jealousy
their stand: Fico is apolitical and but Fico has no choice but to leave means; we, on the other hand, would ers that indeed, beneath the ici- makes her score a perfect 10 as
merely an observer of the fast un- Cuba and live as an exile in America. rather effect change through peace- ness of his dark-haired prospect she hurls a Great White shark
folding events, interested solely in ful, constitutional means. A ques- is an intensity that borders on the through the window of a bedroom
maintaining the status-quo; Luis, The cinematography does tion is asked. "Which country is neurotic. Little does he know that where Matt and his new girl are
(Nestor Carbonell) is an ardent pro- much to make The Lost City an en- better-off?" If anything, the answer when Jenny leaves the dinner having a whale of a time making
ponent of violent overthrow and gaging film, presenting a culture that this movie gives is: that violence and table for the toilet, she actually whoopee.
leads a daring assassination attempt is a fresh break from the usual mov- war may not give the hoped-for flips off her wig, switches to her Question: What does a regu-
against Batista. Ricardo, (Enrique ies running in Manila theaters. The change for they also destroy the blonde-Amazon mode, and lar moviegoer discover in My Su-
Murciano) goes to the hills to join plot is quite easy to follow, and the good, the beautiful and the true in zooms off to save the world as per Ex-Girlfriend? Answer: that
Castro and Guevarra to wage a gue- sets offer an eyeful. However, Andy the aftermath. the glamorous superhero "G- movie sharks have come a long
Girl". But soon enough she has way from the mechanical Jaws to
to reveal her real identity to him; this one that lands on a lovers' bed.
and he discovers, too, that her The wonders of technology, in-
neurosis is real. Wary of the con- deed. Question: What lesson can

CBCPMonitor Name ___________________________________________ sequences of having a relation- sane and ordinary human beings
ship with a neurotic superhero, learn from this movie that would
(Family Name) (Given Name) (Middle Name) Matt tries to gently break away be of use in their life? Answer:
from Jenny, but she sniffs him out that super gifts from God should
SUBSCRIPTION RATES and takes revenge, using her su- not be used to serve a superhero's
Mailing Address __________________________________
perpowers with the fury of a weaknesses. It's not explicit in the
_________________________________________________ woman scorned. movie but the viewer may deduce
The CBCP Monitor is published The idea of a savior of the that gifted people should learn to
fortnightly by the CBCP Media Of- Phone No.: _______ Fax No.: ______ E-mail: __________ world who can't manage her own be humble and satisfied, grateful
fice, with editorial and business of- Mode of Payment neurosis is at least original. The for their gifts, and show this grati-
fices at 470 Gen. Luna St., story might disappoint you if tude by their pure service to hu-
Check/PMO enclosed Cash Payment you're looking for the usual su- manity. But the movie doesn't go
Intramuros, Manila. PO Box 3601,
(Payable to: CBCP Communications Development Foundation Inc.) perhero a la Superman, Batman, that deep; in fact CINEMA would
1076 MCPO Wonder Woman, Spiderman, have changed the ending to en-
• Domestic even Darna, if you please. They're hance the original idea of a human
1 Year Php400.00 ______________________ all morally upright, gifted with superhero. And let's not forget that,
2 Years Php 750.00 Signature superhuman strength, lovers of as in most Hollywood productions,
• Foreign: Asia mankind, and they all can fly. G- premarital sex is taken for granted
PLEASE SEND TO: Girl is one more added to New here, even blown up to supersex,
1 Year US$ 55.00
• All Other US$ 80.00 CBCP Monitor, P.O. Box 3601, Manila, Philippines York's superhero residents, but given the heroine's unusual
470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, Philippines | Tel (632) 404-2182 • Telefax (632) 404-1612 this time she's subject to the strength. Be aware.
Or e-mail this at cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.com

vol10-n10.pmd 15 9/14/2006, 4:05 PM


CBCP Monitor
16 People, Facts & Places Vol. 10 No. 10
August 28, 2006

Markings
Lagdameo: Give Melo Commission a Chance
ARCHBISHOP the probe body and hoped that the killings
A n g e l would be solved soon.
Lagdameo, He said the commission must remain “in-
Catholic Bish- dependent” in order to come out with fair APPOINTED. Rev. Fr. two-fold experience of encounters and trans-
ops’ Conference findings. Ruben C. Areno, SSP, 50, formations—encounter with a faithful God
of the Philippines The Catholic bishops have earlier raised as Provincial Superior of in the diversity of His manifestations but
(CBCP) presi- the issue on the killings of journalists and the Philippine-Macau especially in the Eucharist, and the conse-
dent, said the activists and expressed hope that the gov- Province of the Society of quent transformations in life expressed
Melo Commission ernment will take hand in solving the prob- St. Paul (SSP) Congrega- through the various PDDM Eucharistic,
should be given a lem. tion; August 22, 2006; by Priestly and Liturgical ministries. Now on
chance to prove itself on its probe into the Ms Arroyo formed the commission, SSP Superior General Fr. its 50th year in the Philippines, PDDM’s Phil-
“extra-judicial” killings in the country. headed by retired Supreme Court Judge Jose Silvio Sassi, SSP. A native of La Paz, Iloilo ippine-Taiwan-Hongkong Province has 101
He said the credibility of the commis- Melo, on August 20. City, Areno entered the congregation in professed members who are assigned to
sion remains to be seen and urged the people Leftist groups in the country have ac- 1969, and made his first religious profes- PDDM’s various houses and communities
to observe in the conduct of investigation. cused the government of being behind the sion on June 11, 1978 after finishing his in the Philippines, Taiwan, Hongkong and
“It’s too early to pass judgment,” said series of killings and disappearances, say- philosophical studies and novitiate forma- in various missions in Rome, Ireland,
Lagdameo. ing that more than 100 of their members have tion. After completing his theological stud- Canada, USA, Australia, France and Spain.
Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal been killed since Ms Arroyo took office in ies at the San Carlos Major Seminary, Makati
earlier said that he welcomed the creation of 2001. City, he was ordained priest on March 24, CELEBRATED. Rev.
1983. He did further studies specializing in Fr. Gerardo Giovanni
Spirituality at the Pontifical Gregorian Uni- R. Tapiador, 48, noted
Theological Centrum to Hold Retreats versity in Rome from 1991 to 1993. He be-
came Master of Novices and at the same
Filipino Bible scholar-
professor and Vicar
time the Father Superior in the early 90’s at General for Adminis-
THEOLOGICAL Centrum is Benedict XVI’s recent the St. Paul Novitiate House in San tration of the Diocese
organizing retreats for dioc- Wednesday audience dis- Fernando-Pampanga. During the Society’s of Novaliches, 25 th
esan priests that will be held courses on the Apostles. Rev. Provincial Chapter of 1998 he was elected sacerdotal ordination anniversary; August
at the Makiling Conference Fr. Julio Peñacoba, S.Th.D., Provincial Councilor, and later re-elected to 22, 2006; in a solemn Mass held at the St.
Center, Calamba, Laguna, on will give two conferences on the same position in the Provincial Chapter Peter’s Church, Quezon City, presided by
October 2 to 5, 2006, and at the priestly life in the context of 2002. He was also the Society’s Regional Bishop Teodoro Bacani and concelebrated
the Tagaytay Conference of Pope Benedict XVI’s en- Councilor from 1987 to 1990. For a period of by Novaliches Bishop Antonio Tobias.
Center, Mendez, Cavite, on cyclical “Deus Caritas Est” time he was Rector of SSP’s St. Paul Semi- Tapiador, who was born on March 28, 1958
November 13 to 16, 2006. The retreats start at and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the nary in Silang, Cavite; then, he concentrated in Rome, Italy, was ordained priest to the
11:00 a.m. on the first day and end at 9:30 a.m. Philippines’ (CBCP) exhortations on the Year his energies in the past five years as Direc- Archdiocese of Manila on August 22, 1981
on the last day. of Social Concerns. Fr. Cruz and Fr. Peñacoba tor General of the Apostolate of SSP’s Phil- by the late Jaime L. Cardinal Sin. He was
These retreats are offered to diocesan will be available also for individual counsel- ippine-Macau Province. The Society of St. sent to Jerusalem and Rome for further bib-
priests who might not have been able to at- ing in both retreats. Paul, one of the 10 religious congregations lical studies. He completed his licentiate in
tend the retreat of the diocese this year or For details or reservations, the priests and Institutes founded by Blessed James Sacred Scriptures, Magna Cum Laude, in
simply would like to do a personal retreat. can call Theological Centrum, telephone (02) Alberione, is a religious congregation of 1985 at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in
Rev. Fr. Fernand Cruz, S.Th.D., will preach 635-6113 or fax (02) 634-8590. (Fr. Michael Brothers and Priests whose primary Rome. A much-sought Bible scholar-profes-
the daily meditations centered on Pope Angelo Cardenas) apostolate is to spread the Good News of sor and resource speaker, Fr. Tapiador has
salvation to the men and women of today taught in different seminaries and schools

SCSS to Discuss Millennium Dev’t Goals


through the fastest means of Media of So- of Theology, among others, namely—San
cial Communication. Found in 30 countries Carlos Seminary (Makati City), Don Bosco
worldwide, they reach out to people with Center for Studies, East Asian Pastoral In-
THE Society of Catholic Social Scientists successful application for Non-Government materials for the nourishment of both the stitute, Maryhill School of Theology, St.
(SCSS) – Philippine Chapter will host a con- Organization at the United Nations. spirit and mind. In the Philippines, they are Vincent Theologate Seminary, Recoletos
ference on October 10, 2006 to discuss the The SCSS undertakes the evaluation and into Print Media with the publication of Seminary, De La Salle University Graduate
“Implications of the Millennium Development critiquing of contemporary social science books, magazines and other materials for School, Immaculate Conception Seminary
Goals from the Point of View of Catholic So- work, under the guidance of Church teach- spiritual and human formation. (Bulacan), Divine Word Seminary
cial Teachings.” ings; promotion of research in philosophy, (Tagaytay)—and in other inter-congrega-
Among the said goals that are going to history, empirical sciences, etc. on current tional formation programs and catechetical
be tackled are the eradication of extreme pov- social questions to determine how they af- centers like Lumen Christi, Santa Isabel
erty and hunger, achieving universal primary fect the Church and how her social teachings College, Sienna College, Mother of Life. He
education, promoting gender equality and em- can be better applied to address them; bring- conducts biblical seminars and retreats for
powerment of women, reducing child moral- ing Catholics scholars and practitioners to the clergy, religious sisters, and different
ity, improving maternal health, combating HIV- work for common goals; the publication of organizations and institutions of lay people.
AIDS, malaria and other diseases, ensuring the hefty annual scholarly journal, the Catho- Fr. Tapiador speaks 7 modern languages –
environmental sustainability and developing lic Social Science Review and other occa- Italian, Spanish, French, German, English,
a global partnership for development. sional books, anthologies, pamphlets; and Filipino, and modern Hebrew—and has a
Those goals will be explained by Dr. giving awards for important contributions to CELEBRATED. Religious Congregation of reading grasp of the biblical languages of
Brian Scarnecchia, Esq., Chairman of the De- the social sciences which help strengthen the the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic and Latin.
partment of Humanities and Catholic Social faith. (PDDM), 50th anniversary in the Philippines;
Thought at the Franciscan University of The conference is being co-sponsored August 25, 2006; in a solemn thanksgiving CELEBRATED. Ro-
Steubenville, Ohio, and who is also President by Catholic Bishops Conference of the Phil- Mass held at the Shrine of Jesus, the Way, man Catholic Dio-
and CEO of the International Solidarity and ippines Episcopal Commission on Family and the Truth and the Life, Pasay City, presided cese of Cubao, 3 rd
Human Rights Institute. He also handled the Life (CBCP-ECFL) and Family Advocacy Net- by His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal foundation anniver-
Society of Catholic Social Scientists’ (SCSS) work. (CBCP News) Rosales, and concelebrated by 3 other Bish- sary as Diocese; Au-
ops and 40 priests. The PDDM started its gust 28, 2006. The
missionary witnessing in the Philippines on Diocese of Cubao is
August 25, 1956 when three Italian sisters one of the five new
came to the Philippines from Rome. Srs. M. dioceses created by
Pierra Marin, M. Lidia Drudi, and M. Pope John Paul II from the Archdiocese of
Clementina Dragone stayed with the Daugh- Manila in 2003. Created on June 28, 2003,
ters of St. Paul in Pasay City, and later they Cubao was canonically erected as a Dio-
established a PDDM house, also in Pasay cese and its first bishop, Most Rev. Hon-
City, which became the first PDDM Con- esto F. Ongtioco, installed on August 28,
vent and Novitiate House in the Philippines. 2003. A suffragan diocese of Manila, the
In celebrating its golden jubilee in the Phil- territorial boundary of the Diocese of Cubao
ippines, the PDDM of the Philippine-Tai- covers the southern part of Quezon City.
wan-Hongkong Province adopted the To date, the Diocese has 42 parishes, 1 quasi
theme: Encounters and Transformations in parish, and 2 chaplaincies—35 of these par-
50 Years. The theme highlighted the fact ishes are under priests of the Diocese of
that as a congregation born from and dedi- Cubao and 9 are under the religious clergy.
cated to the Eucharist, the PDDM presence The Diocese has 37 diocesan priests and 3
in the Philippine Church and society is a deacons.

The CWL held its National Leadership Training Program last July 27-30, 2006 in Tagaytay City. In the
picture are the National Officers lead by its President Mrs. Josephine Gaviola; 1st National Vice-
President Mrs. Ester Sta. Ana; 2nd National Vice-President Celerina Papa-Malinit, M.D.; National
Treasurer Ms. Ma. Lourdes Peña; National Auditor Mrs. Carolina R. Bautista; Board Members and
Consultants with His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.

vol10-n10.pmd 16 9/14/2006, 4:05 PM

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