•A3 Benedict XVI: Euthanasia

a ‘false’ solution
•B1 Circles of •C1 UGNAYAN
The News Supplement of
Says the answer is love
Discernment
Couples for Christ

Church leaders deplore www.cbcpnews.com cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net PPCRV welcomes Yusoph

‘militarization’ of govt
A ROMAN Catholic bishop criticized the Arroyo
administration’s appointment of former military
officials to key positions in her cabinet.
Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo
said the moves, despite strong opposition from
various sectors, showed that public opinion is
being disregarded by the government.
“The problem is the credibility of people they
appoint. I hope they will consider that. All the
while the credibility (of the government) is
failing,” he said.
Pabillo urged the Arroyo government to
Militarization / A6
Protagonist of Truth, Promoter of Peace
February 2 - 15, 2009
appointment
THE Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible
Voting (PPCRV) welcomed the appointment of
Elias Yusoph as one of the commissioners of the
Commission on Elections (Comelec).
PPCRV national chairperson Henrietta De
Villa said she is glad that President Gloria Ar-
royo made the appointment ahead of the 2010
national elections.
She said the poll body can now work more
efficiently because there is no more vacant seat
in the commission.
Vol. 13 No. 3 Php 20.00 “In one way we are glad that they are already
Welcome / A6

Bishops tell nation not

to lose hope
By Melo M. Acuña
THE recent socio-political events have been so
rapid, so tumultuous and some so catastrophic
that the head spins simply enumerating them.
But it’s not the season to be gloomy, and a ranking Catholic
bishop would dearly like not to be.
“We are a people of hope so we don’t lose hope because our
faith [says] our Lord is a Lord of History,” said Manila Auxiliary
Bishop Broderick Pabillo.
The prelate was reacting to a question whether statements
on social issues from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the
Philippines (CBCP) are being listened to, much less considered
by President Arroyo.
Pabillo, who heads the CBCP’s National Secretariat for Social
Action-Justice and Peace, also urged a nation confronting a
financial crisis, conflict, and increasing poverty to hang on and
join in authentic solidarity to foil national ruin.
He added: “We do not only see things as they happen and
the Kingdom will come; our problem is whether we are a part
of the kingdom or not but it will definitely come.”
The Catholic bishops’ hierarchy has always issued pastoral
statements and exhortations on controversial issues including its
vehement opposition to the proliferation of illegal gambling.
“We are appealing [to people in government, to use] means
that are just, and we don’t lose hope that there is conversion,
conversion of hearts,” Pabillo said.

Influence
Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles claimed the Church still
has influence in Philippine society.
“I think we’re being listened to although not all the time, let’s
say it’s about 60%,” the prelate said.
© Dennis Dayao / CBCP Media

Asked of the unabated illegal gambling in the Philippines

which was the subject of a CBCP Pastoral statement in March
10, 2003 entitled “Eradicate Gambling: It is a Moral and Social
Cancer,” Arguelles said it is not only the government’s respon-
sibility to stop jueteng because “it is everybody’s concern.”
He said he found the national government willing to co-
operate but encounters problems how the grassroots look at
More than a hundred Catholic bishops and clergy gathered at the Araneta Coliseum on January 25 to lead the national celebration of the Year of St. Paul together with jueteng in particular as they consider the numbers game as
about 20 thousand people representing dioceses, congregations and catholic groups nationwide. The celebration opened with the Solemn Enthronement of the Bible with entertainment.
ecumenical service presided by CBCP President and Jaro Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo (inset). Bishops / A6

CBCP vows to intensify campaign vs. corruption

THE Catholic hierarchy has vowed
to step up fight against corruption
involving government officials taking
advantage of their position for personal
gains.
Joint action was promised by all mem-
bers of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference
of the Philippines (CBCP) at the conclu-
sion of their January plenary meeting.
The pledge came after recent calls by
graft and corruption, and accompany
upright public officials in their efforts
to serve the people in transparency
and truth,” read the statement signed
by CBCP president Archbishop Angel
Lagdameo.
The CBCP also pledged to direct
Church-based groups to be pro-active in
efforts and social action advocacies.
“We shall direct Church institutions
He was joined by other bishops in-
cluding CBCP Commission on Social
Action-Justice and Peace head Manila
Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo,
Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles and
Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra.
The CBCP also vowed to put in place
venues for dialogue, where the poor
can interact with the bishops and other
leaders of the Catholic Church.
© Dennis Dayao / CBCP Media

various civil society groups, including
some nation’s top leaders, to stop of-
ficials in using their power for selfish
interests.
In a statement, the bishops said they
would involve the participation of lay-
people for more intensive monitoring
of officials to tackle corruption cases in
the government.
“We shall encourage our lay faith-
ful to intensify their fight against
and organizations to be more in works of
solidarity, justice and charity for the poor
in rural areas,” the statement said.
“We shall also call on them to be
more actively engaged in protecting and
promoting the integrity of creation,” it
added.
The statement was read in a press
conference at the CBCP Media Office in
Intramuros, Manila, by Cagayan de Oro
Archbishop Antonio Ledesma.
“We shall activate specialized desks
within the Church structures that would
help the rural poor at the parish, dioc-
esan, regional and national levels,” the
bishops added.
“Finally, we shall strive to be faithful
to live out our mission as the Church
of the poor—a Church which is both
engaged in the work of integral evan- Bishop Broderick Pabillo (2nd from left), answers questions from the media during a press
conference held at the CBCP Media Office last January 26. With him are Bishop Vicente Navarra
gelization, as well as in social reform,” (right), Archbishop Ramon Arguelles (2nd from right), and Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ
they added. (Roy Lagarde) (extreme left).

Beware of the ‘Trojan Still no to RH bill despite growing public support—bishop

Horse,’ Vatican official
THE Catholic Church is un- This means, he said, that even The bishop said that while nationwide favor the RH bill that
daunted even if many people if the support for the bill has people believe that the RH bill currently under deliberation in
favor a draft law that could increased, the Church will con- and population control are good, Congress.

warns RP bishops
A VATICAN official called on
Catholic bishops to reject ‘help’ or
donations from people or chari-
table organizations with dubious
purposes.
Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes,
who is known as the Pope’s
make artificial family planning
services more widely available
to the public.
A senior Catholic bishop said
they will still press on with the
campaign against the passage
of the proposed Reproductive
Health (RH) bill.
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbish-
op Oscar Cruz said the issue on
morality is not a numbers game.
tinue its advocacy against it.
“Nothing can stop the Church
(to campaign against RH bill).
It’s her role and right to spread
the Gospel,” he said.
“It’s not a numbers game.
What is virtue and vice, what is
right or wrong, it’s a question of
morals and ethics, it’s not a ques-
tion of how many says what,”
Cruz also said.
it is the process of attaining the Only eight percent of the
supposedly good things that is respondents were not in favor
wrong. of the bill and 29 percent were
An independent survey showed undecided on the matter.
that more than 80 percent of Filipi- Pulse Asia also said about 82
nos support family planning and percent of the survey respondents
over a half believe the government said they believed the govern-
should limit the number of chil- ment should educate couples on
dren a couple can have. modern family planning methods,
According to Pulse Asia, sixty- both natural and artificial.
three percent of the 1, 200 adults RH Bill / A6

Church to hold ‘V-day bloodletting’

“top lieutenant on charitable
social responsibility,” human resource
activities,” warned the bishops
director Fr Sanny De Claro said in a
of hoodwink help.
memorandum.
He reminded the bishops to
THE Manila’s Roman Catholic Church Claro said thousands of people
keep alive the right essence of
has come up with a unique way of shar- need blood transfusion each year. He
charity. “It’s important to con-
ing love this heart month of February said some may need blood during
sider the right meaning of help-
that could make it more meaningful: surgery.
ing,” Cordes said.
blood donation. Others, the priest said, depend on it
“Beware of the Trojan horse.
Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes talks on The Archdiocese of Manila called after an accident or because they have a
Pope Benedict’s first encyclical “Deus They come... they are friendly to
on its employees and parish workers disease that requires blood components
Caritas Est” to the bishops during their win or take you over. That’s often
January plenary meeting at Pope Pius to donate blood in its “Alay ng Puso— like “dengue.”
the case,” he told members of the
XII Catholic Center. Bloodletting” activity on February 12. “Though the demand for blood is
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of
The archdiocese said Church work- high and half of our countrymen are
the Philippines (CBCP).
ers may also invite their friends and eligible to donate, only about a few
The Vatican official urged the bishops and Church-based charitable
relatives to join the activity from 9 a.m. percent of those eligible, give blood,”
organizations to avoid accepting help that defeats the purpose and
to 12 p.m. at Arzobispado Building in Claro said.
real spirit of charity.
Intramuros, Manila. He said interested blood donors may
He said the real generosity is giving help without asking some-
“Here is your chance to be truly call the RCAM or email it at 527-3956;
thing in return. “This is the true collaboration of selfless people,”
magnanimous... donate blood and save or hrd_rcam@yahoo.com, or contact
said Cordes.
lives. We believe that donating blood Norbert Abelgas or Joel Madronio.
The “Trojan Horse” refers to the stratagem that allowed the
to sustain life is our moral as well as (Roy Lagarde)
Trojan / A6 Illustration by Bladimer Usi
 CBCP Monitor
A2 World News Vol. 13 No. 3
February 2 - 15, 2009

Pope sees chance for

hope in financial crisis VATICAN, February 2, 2009—Pope Benedict XVI met with leaders
of an Italian trade union and told them that the current economic
crisis offers an opportunity for “a new culture of solidarity and of
responsible participation” to emerge.
Meeting with the leaders of the Italian trade union CISL for its 60th
anniversary, the Holy Father praised the organization for continuing
to “draw inspiration for your activities from the social Magisterium
of the Church, with the aim of protecting the interests of workers
and pensioners in Italy.”
After pointing out the numerous social encyclicals from the Popes
of the 20th century, Pope Benedict XVI drew the trade leaders’
attention to the Pontiffs’ recurrent “call for solidarity and respon-
sibility.”
The way out of the current economic and social crisis, he explained,
must involve “free and responsible efforts” by everyone. “In other
words what is needed is to overcome individual and sectarian
interests, and unite to confront the difficulties affecting all areas of

© www.flickr.com/photos/sam_herd
society, and particularly the world of work.”
Stressing that the need for a unified effort of solidarity is urgently
needed, Pope Benedict said his hope is that “from the current global
crisis there may emerge a shared desire to create a new culture of
solidarity and of responsible participation, which are indispensable
conditions if we are to build the future of our planet together.”
The Holy Father brought his address to the leaders of CISL to a
close by exhorting them to continue to be faithful to their original
charism. “The world needs people who dedicate themselves disin-
terestedly to the cause of work in full respect of human dignity and
the common good,” he said. (CNA)

Holy Father prays for strengthened Spanish bishop: Lack of radical

Catholic-Orthodox relations as dedication amongst religious
explains vocations crisis
Kirill becomes patriarch MADRID, Spain, Febru-
ary 2, 2009—In a pastoral
letter published to mark
VATICAN, February 2, 2009—In a mes- Alexis II “left his people a deep and abiding
sage sent by Benedict XVI to His Holiness inheritance of ecclesial renewal and devel- the World Day of Conse-
Kirill for the occasion of his enthrone- opment. ...He likewise maintained a spirit crated Life on February
2, Feast of the Presenta-

© www.flickr.com/photos/44919156@N00
ment as patriarch of Moscow and All of openness and co-operation with other
Russia, the Holy Father says that it is his Christians, and with the Catholic Church tion of the Lord, Bishop
hope that the communion between the in particular, for the defense of Christian Demetrio Fernandez of
Catholic and the Orthodox Church will values in Europe and in the world. Tarazona, Spain, said the
be strengthened “so that the world may “I am certain,” he adds, “that Your lack of radical commit-
believe.” Holiness will continue to build on this ment in consecrated life is
The message was delivered by Cardi- solid foundation, for the good of your one of the main causes of
nal Walter Kasper, president of the Pon- people and for the benefit of Christians the vocations crisis.
tifical Council for Promoting Christian everywhere.” “Christians are already
Unity along with a chalice from the Pope Pope Benedict also goes on to reflect consecrated through bap-
“as a sign of the desire to achieve full on the new patriarch’s previous role as tism, but the consecrated
communion as soon as possible.” president of the Department of External life is a new title of con-
Kirill was installed as the patriarch in Church Relations. “You yourself played an secration that brings bap-
Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior outstanding role in forging a new relation- tism to its fullness,” the
in late January. ship between our Churches, a relationship bishop said. “Consecrated life is a prophetic cry in today’s world
In his English-language message, based on friendship, mutual acceptance (and always), which reminds us what the definitive values of the
© www.daylife.com

Benedict XVI relates his “esteem” and
“spiritual closeness” to the new patri-
arch, and prays “that our heavenly Father
will grant you the abundant gifts of the
Holy Spirit in your ministry and enable
you to guide the Church in the love and
peace of Christ.”
Bringing to mind Kirill’s predecessor, the Holy Father notes that
and sincere dialogue in facing the difficul- Kingdom are, those that Christ lived out in the beatitudes and
ties of our common journey.” those that He invites others to live out when He calls someone
“It is my earnest hope,” the Holy Fa- to follow Him more closely.”
ther concludes, “that we will continue to “We live in times of crisis in the consecrated life as well,”
co-operate in finding ways to foster and Bishop Fernandez underscored. “Secularization, that is, living as
strengthen communion in the Body of if God did not exist, adapting oneself to the opinions and ways
Christ, in fidelity to our Savior’s prayer that all may be one, so that of the world, has also filtered into the consecrated lifestyle.”
the world may believe.” (CNA) “It seems like a contradiction, but unfortunately this is the
way it is. A consecrated life in which one is not willing to live
a radical commitment to Jesus Christ, with a fanatical love like

Mexico City Policy reversal a ‘betrayal,’

that of St. Paul, is a life that is not very attractive or exciting to
the young people of today. This is one of the reasons for the lack
of vocations,” the bishop stressed.
Bishop Fernandez acknowledged that the “issue of the scar-

Catholic University president says

city or lack of vocations among young people is very complex
and cannot be reduced to a single cause, but the institutes of
consecrated life that live coherently ‘having lost everything for
Jesus Christ’ are getting vocations.”
WASHINGTON DC, February 2, 2009—The president of Catholic University of “On the other hand,” he added, “the institutes that have
America has criticized President Barack Obama’s decision to fund overseas organi- adapted to this world do not have vocations and are slowly
zations that perform and promote abortions, calling the decision a “disappointment dying out.”
and even a betrayal.” “The World Day of Consecrated Life is an occasion to pray
Father David M. O’Connell, also suggested the president is certainly going to get to the Lord for those who have consecrated their lives totally
a “fight” from Catholics over his support for abortion. to the Lord, that they may be faithful to the first love that led
President Obama lifted the Mexico City Policy on Jan. 23, which had been imple- them to leave everything for Jesus Christ,” Bishop Fernandez
mented by President George W. Bush at the start of his presidency. stated. (CNA)
“I don’t think President Obama is looking for a fight but I think he’s certainly going

Japanese corporations cut

to get one as he wiggles away from issues that are very important to the Church,” Fr.
O’Connell said in remarks published by Fox News on Jan. 28.
“I’m sure for many Catholics who supported Obama because they believed in his
words to do everything he could to reduce abortions,” he continued. “This comes as
a disappointment and even a betrayal to some.”
Fr. O’Connell also named as matters of concern President Obama’s support for
workday to boost birth rate
embryonic stem cell research and disagreement with Proposition 8, California’s suc-
© seoulover.blogs.com/westlaw

cessful ballot measure which overturned a same-sex “marriage” court decision.

“The Church holds these issues as very significant and very consequential and the
church is going after the president, not because he’s the president or because it’s the
United States, but because it believes any government system that support issues that
are contrary to its core beliefs are dangerous,” he told Fox News. “Because the beliefs
are rooted in good for all of humanity, not just the Catholic Church.” (CNA)

Italian youth launches day of prayer for life TOKYO, Japan, January 26, 2009—Japanese electronics giant

Spanish political party protests and peace in the world

Canon and other, seeking to boost Japan’s flagging birth rate,
now allows employees to leave early twice a week to encourage
them to have more children.
The Japanese birth rate is 1.34 children per woman, well below

Obama abortion funding policy
MADRID, Spain, January 29, 2009—The Alternativa Española
political party has sent a “letter of protest” to the U.S. ambas-
sador to Spain over the decision by President Barack Obama to
“remover the barriers to the practice of abortion.”
In a press release, the party said the letter was delivered to the
embassy “calling for the restrictions put in place by President
Ronald Reagan to be maintained.”
On January 23, Obama signed an executive order lifting
restrictions on the use of federal funds to promote abortion
overseas. The so-called “Mexico City Policy” was put in place
by President Reagan in 1984 after a U.N. conference that was
held in the Mexican capital. President Bill Clinton revoked the
policy in 1993 but it was reinstated by President George W.
Bush in 2001. (CNA)
ROME, January 31, 2009—The group “Youth For Life,” whose mis-
sion is to defend life from conception to natural death, has launched
an International Day of Intercession for Peace in the World at chapels
of perpetual adoration and Eucharistic devotion.
Theology student Francesco De Ruvo explained that his group
brings together 300 young people from Italy, Poland, the United
States, Israel and Brazil.
“The Apostolate ‘Youth For Life’ intends to be instrument of
spreading these values, especially through the prayer of spiritual
adoption, which is a prayer for unborn children who are in danger
of dying in their mothers’ womb,” he said.
Spiritual adoption is done by “praying a decade of the Rosary
daily accompanied by a special prayer for unborn children and their
parents,” De Ruvo said.
The group “Youth For Life” was created on October 7, 2008 as
an apostolate “out of a common desire of two young Salesians to
be signs of the love of God in defense of the inestimable value of
life.” (CNA)
the 2.1 required to maintain population size, CNN reports. Its
population is aging at a faster pace than any other country in
the world.
Japan’s 12-hour workday is one factor blamed for the low
birth rate, in addition to the country’s high cost of living and
social rigidity towards women and parenting.
“It’s great that we can go home early and not feel ashamed,”
Canon employee Miwa Iwasaki told CNN.
“Canon has a very strong birth planning program,” Canon
spokesman Hiroshi Yoshinaga said to CNN. “Sending workers
home early to be with their families is a part of it.”
Canon’s 5:30 pm “lights-out” program also helps the company
cut overtime expenses during the global economic downturn.
Keidanren, Japan’s largest business group with a member-
ship of 1,300 major corporations, has asked its members to let
employees go home early to spend time with families and help
improve the birth rate. (CNA)
 News Features
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 3
February 2 - 15, 2009
A3

Benedict XVI: Euthanasia

a ‘false’ solution
VATICAN CITY, February 1, 2009─Ending a person’s life is “false” false solution to the drama of suffering, a solution unworthy of
Says the answer is love

solution to the problem of suffering, and one not worthy of human
dignity, says Benedict XVI.
After praying the Angelus today with those gathered in St. Pe-
ter’s Square, the Pope said that euthanasia is often a big temptation
when one is suffering, but it’s not the answer. The answer, he said,
man,” he said.
The Holy Father said the answer isn’t putting a person out of their
misery, however “kindly” they do it, “but to bear witness to the love
that helps us to face pain and agony in a human way.”
“We are certain,” Benedict XVI affirmed, “no tear, whether it be

is love.
Speaking on the Day for Life being observed in Italy, the Pontiff
commented on the theme chosen by the Italian episcopal conference:
“The Strength of Life in Suffering.”
“I wholeheartedly join in their message in which we see the love
of pastors for their people, and the courage to proclaim the truth,
the courage to state with clarity, for example, that euthanasia is a
© www.catholicnewsagency.com
of those who suffer or those who stand by them, goes unnoticed
before God.”
The Pope entrusted those who are suffering and their caretak-
ers to the Virgin Mary, who “carried in her mother’s heart the
Son’s secret, she shared in the painful moments of the passion
and crucifixion, sustained by the hope of the resurrection.”
(Zenit)

Catholic journalists must live as witnesses to

Christ, says Holy Father Building citizens and solidarity
VATICAN CITY, January 27, 2009─Benedict XVI
has sent a message to participants in the national
congress of the Italian Catholic Press Union (UCSI).
The congress, held last week, commemorated the
institution’s fiftieth anniversary. In the message,
the Pontiff writes about the importance of being
faithful journalists, but also of living as a witness
to Christ.
Reflecting on the last 50 years of the UCSI, the
Holy Father notes that many things have changed.
These changes have been “more visible in areas
ranging from science to technology, from the
economy to geopolitics,” he noted.
When examined at a deeper level, Pope Benedict
finds “less perceptible” but “deeper and more wor-
rying” developments in the modern culture. These
changes include a notable decline in respect for the
dignity of the individual, and in “a sense of such
values as justice, freedom and solidarity, which are
so essential for the survival of a society.”
Today, the work of Catholic journalists is “even
more arduous.” In addition to responsibility and
service, journalists “must add an ever great profes-
for peace, environment, is
sionalism, and a capacity for dialogue with the ‘lay’
world in the search for shared values.”
Pope Benedict then speaks to the journalists
on not only the importance of their faithful writ-
ing, but also the necessity of living their lives as
witnesses to the Gospel. “You will be listened to
more readily when the testimony of your own
lives is coherent,” the Holy Father assures them.
Alay Kapwa 2009 theme
“No small number of your ‘lay’ colleagues expect MANILA, January 29, 2009—Citizenship building and solidarity towards a culture of peace and
from you the silent witness - not only in appear- integrity of creation, is the theme of this year’s ALAY KAPWA, the Lenten social action program
ance but in substance - of a life inspired by the of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
values of faith.” Now on its 34th year, the program is implemented by the Episcopal Commission on Social Ac-
Catholic journalists are committed to “an ever tion, Justice and Peace of the CBCP.
more demanding task,” the Holy Father continues, Alay Kapwa is “offering to our neighbor as an expression of our solidarity with the poor.”
“one in which spaces for freedom are often under The program’s guiding spirit is the call for everyone to share one’s Time, Talent and Treasure
threat, and economic and political interests often as financial contributions generated from the campaign are utilized to support and sustain social
take precedence over the spirit of service and the action initiatives on peace advocacy, democratic governance, ecology, sustainable agriculture,
criterion of the common good.” children’s rights, disaster management and other development concerns.
“I encourage you,” he concludes, “not to make Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace Chairman and Manila Auxiliary Bishop
compromises in such important values but to have Broderick S. Pabillo, in his message on this year’s Alay Kapwa theme said: “For many years already
the courage of coherence, even at the cost of per- we as a country have experienced unrest,” adding that the communist insurgency, the fighting in
sonal sacrifice. Serenity of conscience is a priceless Mindanao and extrajudicial killings remain unsolved.
quality.” (CNA) The 54-year old prelate said it is not enough to change political leaders to change the current
situation as it is not enough to change the political structure of the nation.
“The parliamentary system will not better us, nor that change to federalism” as “changing the

CBCP pushes non-custodial alternatives constitution will not guarantee a better state,” he added. He underscored the need to change one’s
values and outlook because “change of heart is crucial.”
“Lent is a call to conversion” as he called on everyone to “stop finger pointing.”

to prison In the Alay Kapwa Facilitator’s Guide, Bontoc-Lagawe Vicar Apostolic Emeritus Francisco F.
Claver, SJ provides the reflection for Ash Wednesday titled “Citizenship Building and Solidarity.”
Fr. Carmelo Diola, overall Coordinating Steward of Dilaab Foundation, Inc. wrote about “A Good
Christian is a Good Citizen” for the First Sunday of Lent, March 1, 2009.
MANILA, January 29, 2008—The
On the Second Sunday of Lent, March 8, Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Y. Medroso spoke of “Our
prison ministry of the Catholic
Duty to Work” while Kalookan Bishop Deogracias S. Iniguez, Jr. underscores the importance of
Bishops’ Conference of the Phil-
“Justice and Social Solidarity” on the Third Sunday of Lent, March 15.
ippines (CBCP) is seeking the
Boac Bishop Reynaldo G. Evangelista emphasizes the need to recognize the “Integrity of Creation:
use of non-custodial sanctions as
© CBCP ECPPC-VIPS

A Common Responsibility” on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 22 as Surigao Bishop Antonieto
a means of reducing the prison
D. Cabajog reflects on “Participation is a Duty” for the Fifth Sunday of Lent on March 29.
population.
On Palm Sunday, Alay Kapwa Sunday, Kidapawan Bishop Romulo dela Cruz contemplates on
After all, the CBCP Episcopal
the importance of “Charity and Justice” and on Easter Sunday, Bishop Pabillo highlights on “Peace:
Commission on Prison Pasto-
Fruit of Justice and Love.” (Melo M. Acuna)
ral Care (ECPPC) argued that
imprisonment has showed to
Inmates of Leyte Regional Prison. Photo by ECPPC-VIPS
be “counterproductive” in the
rehabilitation of prisoners.
Rodolfo Diamante, ECPPC executive secretary, said imprisonment also “impinges” on several human
Jobless Filipinos reach 10.7 M says
rights—the provision of basic amenities of life.
He lamented that inmates are often held in grossly overcrowded conditions, poorly clothed and
underfed.
independent think-tank
The vice-president of the Coalition Against Death Penalty (CADP) added that prisoners are particu- MALABON CITY, January 28, 2009—The Philip- administration since 2001 has been tepid and its
larly vulnerable to disease and yet are given poor medical treatment. pines had recorded 10.7 million jobless in 2008 and policies have not been able to create enough jobs
“It’s about time that our policy-makers take a close look at who is being held in prison, why they are it will continue to increase as the global financial for Filipinos.
there, and for how long they are being detained,” Diamante stressed. crisis reaches the Philippine shores in mid-2009, “The average real employment rate of over 11%
Diamante also said many detainees are just awaiting trial for “unacceptably lengthy periods of time.” says independent think-tank IBON Foundation, since 2001 is the worst period of unemployment
Others, he added, are serving long sentences. Inc. in a statement. in the country’s history. The persistence of high
The Church’s prison ministry maintains that the objectives of imprisonment can be met more effec- The computation of the rate of unemployment unemployment despite supposedly sustained
tively in other ways like community service. is based on the definition of employment made economic growth is also unprecedented,” IBON
It said that not all socially undesirable conducts need to be classified as a crime. by National Statistics Office (NSO) and with an stated.
“Our legislators can decriminalize these crimes. We can also use diversion strategies—divert offend- assumption of 66.1 percent in labor force partici- “All this highlights the need for a radical change
ers to alternative programs like community-based program, treatment centers or furlough,” Diamante pation. in government’s economic policies. Measures that
said. IBON said, the aim of the recent bulletin released would yield immediate benefits include increas-
Diamante said the Church adheres to the principle that imprisonment should be used as the last resort by their office is to “correct” ing public spending for social
at least for those that don’t warrant a custodial sentence like petty crimes. (Roy Lagarde) the underestimation of jobless- services, removing the VAT
ness since April 2005, when the on oil products, freeing public

Family is reason Knights of Columbus exist, State’s statistical agency had

revised its definition of unem-
ployment which has resulted to
resources by stopping debt
payments, among others. More
than these, the government’s

says advisor to Supreme Knight greatly reduced unemployment

MEXICO CITY, January 29, 2009—Luis Guevara,
assistant to the Supreme Knight of the Knights of
Columbus, Dr. Carl Anderson, spoke with CNA
earlier this week about the purpose of the Catholic
men’s fraternal organization, saying, “The family
is the reason the Order exists.”
In exclusive statements to CNA, Guevara said,
reports.
“This year, joblessness is
elite-biased and free-market
oriented policies, which have
kept the Philippine economy
which is Christ.” likely to increase at least 11 mil- backward, should be drasti-
Guevara also addressed Mexicans and Ameri- lion or more, assuming that the cally changed,” IBON state-
cans by recalling that both countries “share one labor force increases by 915,000 ment concluded.
future due to the demographic integration they (the average increase over the Earlier, the head of the Cath-
are experiencing, and that on these two countries last eight years) and that only olic Bishops’ Conference of
depends the future of not only Latin America but 500,000 jobs are created, which the Philippines (CBCP), Arch-
of the entire continent.” implies an additional 415,000 bishop Angel N. Lagdameo,
© CBCP Media

“The family is reason the Knights of Columbus
exist as it is the domestic church, the first Christian
community.”
“By making committed laymen the founda-
tion of the order, Father McGivney (founder of
the Knights) sought to effectively and concretely
safeguard the life of the family as the foundation of
the community, conscious that it is from the parish
where the family also gives itself to the world with
Christ,” Guevara explained.
He went on to emphasize the role the Knights
played at the Sixth World Meeting of Families that
took place in Mexico and was attended by 150
families from the Order. Guevara said the main
challenge the Knights of Columbus see for the
family in Mexico is the social transformation that
the country is experiencing and suffering “as part
This “makes it even more crucial that Catholics jobless. This figure could be
on both sides of the border establish bonds of fra- higher, as the employment situ-
ternal collaboration, and the Order of the Knights ation is already far worse than
of Columbus is a good example of collaboration the aftermath of the 1997 Asian
between people of different nations,” Guevara Crisis when unemployment rate averaged 10% in
said. (CNA) 1998-1999 compared to nearly 11% in 2008,” reads
IBON statement sent to CBCP News.
It added, “The most recent severe worsening of
the Philippine economic crisis in 2000 and 2001
may help illustrate what the country is now go-
ing through. Like today, the global slowdown in
2000 was precipitated by serious US financial and
economic troubles—then it was the bursting of the
“dot-com” or “new economy” bubble. The ranks of
the unemployed swelled by an additional 640,000
Filipinos in 2000 and 2001 which brought the num-
ber of unemployed to 3.7 million in 2001 and the
© Pinky Barrientos / CBCP Media
D.D., called on the government
to make the necessary steps in
saving the jobs of millions of
Filipinos after a report reached
him that US semiconductor firm, which employs
some 1,800 workers, will be shutting down its plant
in the country soon.
On January 22, the Intel Corp. announced that
it is shutting down its 19.83 hectare Cavite factory
that will layoff 1,800 workers, excluding an undis-
closed number of executives.
There are reports also stating that aside from the
closure of the Philippine plant, the corporation will
also shut down its facility in Malaysia.
The CBCP head said the government should
take action, especially now that a lot of Filipinos
working overseas are also losing their jobs due to

of its desire to become a democratic and inclusive unemployment rate to 11.1% (from 9.8% in 1999). the global financial meltdown.
society.” While there is strong reason to believe that the He said the Filipinos who have been laid off
Likewise, he pointed out that “the only re- Philippine economy will again go in these direc- abroad are forced to go out of the country, again,
sponse is the committed participation of Catho- tions or even worse, as the current global economic because there are no job opportunities here.
lics, conscious that it is precisely through their financial turmoil is not just deeper and farther- The Ecumenical Institute for Labor Education
testimony and daily effort at work, home and reaching but will also last for much longer.” and Research (EILER), Inc. also projected more
school and of course in the family, that will trans- Furthermore, IBON said, despite claims of layoffs due to shaky economy this year. (Noel
form society to make it reach its ultimate good, economic success, job creation under the Arroyo Sales Barcelona)
 CBCP Monitor
A4 Opinion Vol. 13 No. 3
February 2 - 15, 2009

EDITORIAL

Death penalty for the unborn

IN the objective and ultimate analysis, abortion in essence is nothing
less that the deliberate downright death penalty of the unborn
although completely defenseless, guiltless and helpless. The latter’s
human life is not recognized but completely rejected – in the same
way that the human dignity and human rights thereto inherent are
not acknowledged but simply ignored as inconsequential and even
irrelevant. The unborn child is innocence incarnate but considered
a culprit, a shame, an inconvenience. An unborn child is thus
meted death penalty without even a semblance of due process, and
wherefore killed with gross injustice.
The abominable iniquity or heinous crime of abortion is deeply and
strongly anchored on the following detestable factors: The father
and/or the mother of the unborn are precisely the ones who are the
principal criminals in killing someone of their own flesh and blood.
The physicians and/or akin agents are the direct collaborators in
extinguishing life when these are precisely supposed to protect and
promote it. The pharmaceuticals and vendors who manufacture
or sell abortive elements and instruments make money from the
murders of the unborn.
It is both an offense to right reason and a disgrace to truth when
people hear certain characters shouting loudly and avidly insisting
that the unborn – the conceived, the embryo, the fetus – is not
human , not a human being, not a human person. Then, what is the
unborn from its conception? A blood clot? A piece of meat? A little
muscle? Or it is a growing germ, a tiny mammal, a vague being or
something? And if so, when does this undefined creature or element
become a human being, a human person? Only after one or two or
three months of gestation – but not one month, two or three months
less? Or does the thing become human only at the very moment of
birth – but not immediately before?
Death penalty is already abhorrent when imposed against a despicable
criminal, not once by the Regional Court, nor twice by the Court
of Appeals but thrice convicted by the Supreme Court. It is then
manifestly evident that the terminal penalty of death sentence Illustration by Bladimer Usi
pronounced on a child yet unborn through abortion is even much
more horrendous. How does anyone equate a horrible criminal with
still an unborn completely guileless child?
Oscar V. Cruz, DD
Inanity of
It is for this reason that while a truly repentant murderer of one
or more individuals may be given absolution by a Priest through
the Sacrament of Confession or Reconciliation, anyone however
guilty of even by one abortion by deliberate personal action and/
or by active collaboration may be absolved by a Priest only with
the expressed faculty or competence formally and specifically
Views and Points Republic Act No. 9287
given by the Bishop. One abortion is considered as definitely more
intrinsically evil than one premeditated killing, one assassination PUBLICLY and ceremoniously signed by the Secretary General of if such person acts as a collector or agent;
or liquidation and the like. the House of Representatives and the Secretary General of the Sen- d) The penalty of imprisonment from 10 years and 1 day to 12
Woe to anyone – especially those in tenure of power and might ate and the President of the Philippines, Republic Act. No. 9287 is years, if such a person acts as a coordinator, controller or supervi-
–who dare basically tolerate if not actually promote abortion. Such an exemplary proof and sterling demonstration of the shocking hy- sor;
tribulation and misery become reality irrespective of race, color pocrisy of the present administration in having the said anti-jueteng e) The penalty of imprisonment from 12 years and 1 day to 14 years,
and creed. It would be hard to think of a more atrocious crime than Republic Act signed and sealed. if such a person acts as maintainer, manager or operator;
abortion! In letter and expression, one could readily think that it would f) The penalty of 14 years and 1 day to 16 years, if such a person
uproot Jueteng in particular from Philippine society, that it would acts as a financier or capitalist;
get rid of the infamous “Jueteng Lords” and their cohorts. But the g) The penalty of imprisonment from 16 years and one day to 20
well worded and much impressive legislative act readily prove to years, if such a person acts as a protector or coddler.”
Life must be protected from its inception be nothing but a big joke, a marked duplicity and gross deceit. It Made effective from 19 April 2004, the above-cited provi-
expressly and officially provides: sions of the said Republic Act are to date more than three years in
The whole of mankind bears constant testimony to the sacredness “SECTION 3: their binding force. For the record, the illegal numbers’ game of
of human life not only after birth but from its inception. Man in a) The penalty of imprisonment from 30 days to 90 days, if such jueteng in the Philippines has grown more than double in people
fact is born with this reverence for life, for nature has imbedded in person acts as a bettor; involved and thereby also more than double in daily gambling
his heart an instinct of reverence for new human life. This instinct b) The penalty of imprisonment from 6 years and 1 day to 8 years, money collections and wherefore likewise more than double in
is a distinctive trait of man, and history testifies how people who if such person acts as a personnel or staff of an illegal numbers game regular monthly bribes to a good number of local public officials
smothered this instinct lapsed into degradation.
operation; and police authorities.
The earliest recorded laws enacted by men attest to this profound c) The penalty of imprisonment from 8 years and 1 day to 10 years, Views / A6
reverence for human life from the first known moments of its
presence. The Sumerian (2000 BC) and the Assyrian (1500 BC) Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS
Codes protected foetal life from abortion with most severe sanctions.
We could say that the Geneva Declaration for Physicians in 1949,
proclaiming “I will preserve the utmost respect for human life from
Issues on
the time of conception” is a clear echo of the Hippocratic Oath in a
symphony of human reverence for life in all its stages. fertility and sexuality Love Life
Neither was this reverence for life an empty doctrine. It carried
with it the severest sanctions that were enshrined in the laws of EVEN within the Catholic Church, and even those who wish to learn how to keep track of Planning on February 20 (Friday) from 8:00
civilized nations. after 40 years since the encyclical Humanae their fertility and we monitor their learning to 5:00 pm at the Bahay Ugnayan Building,
The sad fact that lately some nations deviated from this universally Vitae was promulgated by Pope Paul VI in for three or more months until they can be Good Shepherd Convent, Aurora Blvd., Que-
felt reverence for life, to the extent of approving abortion, only proves 1968 emphasized the importance of teaching independent and secure in their observa- zon City. Speakers and facilitators are from
the presence of evil and good in this world. Falsehood and evil could natural family planning to respond to the tions, as well as comfortable in following Pro-life Phils., Kapatiran Party, WOOMB
prevail, at least for some time, over truth and virtue. Moreover, as needs of married couples for birth spacing, the days of abstinence as a couple. Then we (World Organization Ovulation Method
stated above, skillful manipulation by some organized groups could promoters of natural family planning have identify those who have potential to be teach- Billings), ICSI and CfCFL.
distort issues and create an environment that could present a moral a hard time organizing teachers and trainors ers, gathering them for a training workshop The main topics are on “Issues and Chal-
evil as a desirable economic good. Moreover, wherever abortion has for effective and efficient programs on fertil- and once again monitoring their teaching and lenges we face today” by Councilor JC de
been approved and practiced, in defiance of nature and of God’s law, ity education. counseling skills until we can evaluate that los Reyes, “Fertility and Sexuality” by Xavy
it did not take long before the evil seed contained in this practice, Although learning one’s fertility, both of they can continue the program on their own. Padilla, “Basics on Natural Family Planning”
surfaced with disastrous results, prompting responsible leaders and the male and female, is simple enough so that Yes, the process takes time but it is fulfilling by Rally Ganar, and testimonies on the suc-
peoples to admit their humiliating error. even those who do not have medical train- to see so many couples, most of them from the cessful use of NFP by some couples. Work-
This universal pro-life conviction deriving from reason and from the ing can appreciate it, using the information grassroots, reporting to us their joy in quitting shops in the afternoon will be for those who
natural instinct of man finds its fullest basis and support in God’s in order to achieve or avoid a pregnancy is contraceptives ever since they learned NFP. are already involved in NFP to share strate-
command: “Thou shalt not kill.” This law of God somehow found not that simple. However, many parishes and organizations gies and modules according to the target
its place in all human codes of conduct. It is true that practicing natural family claim they are unable to implement the direc- learners—that is, one workshop will be for
planning is free, unlike taking contraceptive tive of the Bishops to promote natural family those conducting pre-cana or pre-marriage
The Church, on the other hand, has consistently applied this divine pills or injectables, using condoms or IUDs, planning. The parish priests seem to have a sessions in the parishes, another will be for
law to human life in all its stages. …With uncompromising firmness or undergoing ligation/vasectomy, but set- hard time getting volunteers, especially among those who handle BECs and community
she declares the nobility of transmitting life and condemns abortion
saying: “God, the Lord of life, has entrusted to men the noble mission ting up the training programs and providing the professionals, because it does take time organizations in depressed areas, another
of safeguarding life, and men must carry it out in a manner worthy the teaching materials does entail the need and they often have to shell out of their own will be the government workers, and the
of themselves. Life must be protected with the utmost care from the of funds. Within an area, we begin with an personal funds in order to implement the pro- last group will be for the teachers and guid-
moment of conception: abortion and infanticide are abominable orientation session, emphasizing the fact that gram. Also, it is harder to get lay people who ance counselors. The day will end with the
crimes.” (Church in the World Today, #51) This clear teaching of we are not there only to assist couples not to have not been affected by the contraceptive- Eucharist with Archbishop Paciano Aniceto
the Catholic Church is taken up in a chorus of voices representing have babies, that is, we are not just teaching population control mentality and who believe as the Main Celebrant.
not only Christian religions but all major religions yesterday, today “birth control through natural means” but that the church teachings against contraception We pray that the Conference will be well
and always. we are sharing the information on fertility so is right after all. Many women subscribe more attended. Please help us disseminate this
that couples can decide for themselves, with to the instructions of their physicians rather information, and do join us if you can. Reg-
--“Thou Shalt Not Kill”,
A Joint Pastoral Letter on the Life of the Unborn Child; prayerful discernment and a deep sense of than of the priests’ (if they hear the priest at istration Fee is P300 for the Kit, food and
January 29, 1979 responsible parenthood, whether to avoid all speak out on these matters!). Certificate. For Reservations and for more
having a child at this time or to postpone It is with these issues in mind that pro- information, contact Pro-life office at 911-
it for later. life groups will be holding a Conference on 2911, 0919-233-7783, Telefax 421-7147, email
From that orientation session, we invite Responsible Parenthood-Natural Family life@pro-life.org.ph.
ISSN 1908-2940

CBCP Monitor
Fr. Francis B. Ongkingco

‘Spiritual dictation’
Protagonist of Tr u t h , Promoter of Peace
Whatever
Pedro C. Quitorio
Editor-in-Chief
“FATHER, what is spiritual direction?” the young college engineer- his eyes off mine, he pulls out his cell phone from his pocket.
Pinky Barrientos, FSP Kris P. Bayos ing student asked. He may have set his device on vibrating mode. I paused in order
Associate Editor Feature Editor I rummaged through my mental archives looking for a quick to give him some space to check his cell. I was, however, impressed
wiki definition. “Well, I guess you could compare it to some sort of that he only glanced at his cell, clicked a key, and looked to me again
Melo M. Acuña Laarni Bergado spiritual curriculum.” as his fingers dexterously texted a message.
Managing Editor Marketing Supervisor “A spiritual curriculum…,” he ruminated on the phrase as though Having regained his attention I continued. “It can also be com-
trying to digest it as he mumbled to himself. pared to wanting to learn how to paint.”
Roy Q. Lagarde Ernani M. Ramos “Yup, a spiritual curriculum towards a specific identity or make- “Paint…,” he muttered. He glanced at his phone again, then
News Editor Circulation Manager
up that will help you to personally claim ownership over your immediately looked back at me as if not to say that he was all ears
Laurence John R. Morales Marcelita Dominguez baptismal vocation.” again.
Layout Artist and Online Editor Comptroller “Wow, you mean towards graduating towards my heavenly “Yes, paint…,” I said. At this point I was feeling a little uneasy with
degree?” his cell. But I felt it was more important to get my message across
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP Com- “Well, I couldn’t put it better than that,” I was happy to see that than to allow myself to be irritated with his texting someone. “Let’s
munications Development Foundation, Inc., with editorial and he was catching with the analogy I put forward. “But it shouldn’t say if you wanted me to teach you how to paint, then you wouldn’t
business offices at 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila. straightjacket the Christian into some sort of a dry or dull spiritual expect me to provide you with the canvas, the brush and the paint.
P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO.
Editorial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612. life. On the contrary, it serves as a guide which one can personally I suppose, being the student, you should provide them yourself.”
Email: cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net enrich when he gets familiar with the basic ingredients necessary “Right…,” he said as his fingers stopped texting.
Website: www.cbcpworld.net/cbcpmonitor for his spiritual life.” I was quite relieved to see that he can now pay more attention
“Basic ingredients?” he seemed a little lost. Then without taking Whatever / A6
 Opinion
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 3
February 2 - 15, 2009
A5
Fr. Carmelo O. Diola, SSL Nicolo F. Bernardo

Spaces of Hope
“AFTER our training what then?” a police-
man in his middle 30s asked me. He was
about to finish a 30-day training called the
Values and Leadership School (VLS) at the
PNP Regional Training School facility in
Gaas, Balamban, Cebu. He added: “When we
return to our precincts, there will be millions
of temptations.”
A bit exaggerated perhaps but one gets
the point.
Last Tuesday 27 January 2009 at the Ar-
gao Training Center in Argao, Cebu, the
man’s question found an answer. A gather-
ing, called the “4 Ps (Pulis-Pari, Presinto-
Parokya) for Peace Partnership,” brings
together two groups of leaders – and their
respective areas of responsibility – playing
key roles in promoting the common good in
the community. The PNP Provincial Direc-
tor, PSSupt Carmelo Valmoria, showed the
way by being there. So were the Argao par-
ish priest, Monsignor Jose Montecillo, and
Mayor Edsel Galeos. The latter provided
venue and food.
Twenty-one policemen, most of whom
were chiefs of police, seven priests, and 15
lay workers attended the whole-day semi-
nar, a first step in concretizing the Memoran-
dum of Agreement (MOA) signed 30 October
2008 by the PNP, the Archdiocese of Cebu,
and Dilaab movement represented by PNP
Dir. Gen. Jesus Verzosa, Ricardo J. Cardinal
Vidal, and the author, respectively.
The MOA is the fusion of several streams
of transformative energies: the Integrated
Transformation Program of the PNP and
its focus on leadership at all levels; the 2008
and 2009 Archdiocese of Cebu thrusts on
the Bible and the Church, respectively; and
Dilaab’s Heroic Christian Citizenship and
Leadership Program.
Ret. PCSupt. Samson Tucay and the au-
thor set the pace by sharing their journey
as companions towards integrity for the
common good. Gen. Tucay was head of
the Values and Leadership School (VLS)
Continuing economic
A different encounter
promoting God-centered leadership at the
17 Regional Training Schools (RTS) of the
PNP. Many of the 3000 plus graduates of
the VLS had expressed the need for a sup-
port mechanism when they would return
to their police stations.
The tandem pointed out that beneath the
uniform and the sotana are human beings
created in God’s image and likeness, shar-
ing the same dignity as well as experienc-
ing the same weaknesses and temptations;
hence, both need God and each other. The
friendship seeks to transcend utilitarian
and narrow interests in favor of the com-
mon good. Ang sarap pala magpakabait,
as Kuya Sam (as he is popularly called in
Dilaab circles) puts it. The author, for his
part, is unabashed in declaring that he
has become a better priest because of his
friendship with Sam.
A game followed, facilitated by two Di-
laab volunteers, Tess and Gladys. Winners
took home T-shirts marked with Pwede Pala
Pinoy, a Dilaab project seeking to ignite
spaces of hope for ordinary citizens. For
lunch, it was boodle fight, a single row of
tables covered with banana leaves, with
rice, fish, meat, and mongo laid out on it.
When the signal is given, all mouths and
hands break loose. This was a great way
of laying down one’s guard and allowing
others to enter into one’s space.
Emping and Nash, two members of lo-
cal rock bands known as Bisrockers, then
rendered songs to the delight of the audi-
ence. The pair is now also known as Peace-
rockers, qualifying them for the 4Ps.
Another game ensued. This was followed
by a brief talk on lectio divina and an actual
session. Lectio Divina is the “diligent read-
ing of the Bible accompanied by prayer.”
The gospel exposition was on the encounter
between Jesus and the Samaritan woman
(John 4). The 4Ps project envisions police
precincts as venue for a weekly encounter
between police personnel and the parish.
Jose B. Lugay
These would be called “Jacob’s Wells.”
The last sharer was PSSupt. Cesar Binag
of the PNP Program Management Office
(PMO), an office ensuring that the inte-
grated transformation program is sustained
despite changes in personalities and leader-
ship. Col. Binag shared something closest to
his heart: his family. Cesar is a member of a
Protestant congregation and his presence is
a sign of Dilaab’s commitment to work with
other Christians.
4Ps is a step towards healing the wounds
of our country resulting from graft and
corruption. When the lack of integrity – for
which we are all answerable – penetrates a
culture, there is disintegration at various
levels. There is lack of trust among social
sectors and the tendency to blame one
another. Sectors and groups tend to be
inward looking and to engage in harmful
“in-breeding.”
There is, then, the need to exchange places
or, to put it in more theological terms, to
engage in pastoral accompaniment in the
spirit of communion:
A spirituality of communion also means
an ability to think of our brothers and sis-
ters in faith within the profound unity of
the Mystical Body, and therefore as “those
who are a part of me”. This makes us able
to share their joys and sufferings, to sense
their desires and attend to their needs, to
offer them deep and genuine friendship.
A spirituality of communion implies also
the ability to see what is positive in others,
to welcome it and prize it as a gift from
God: not only as a gift for the brother or
sister who has received it directly, but also
as a “gift for me”. A spirituality of com-
munion means, finally, to know how to
“make room” for our brothers and sisters,
bearing “each other’s burdens” (Gal 6:2)
and resisting the selfish temptations which
constantly beset us and provoke competi-
tion, careerism, distrust and jealousy. (Novo
Hope / A7
Lifeguard
Oxytocin, Vasopressin,
and the Body’s Theology
ALTHOUGH the human sciences have always dabbled with the
healthy and ill, the “natural” and the “unnatural” in sexuality,
anthropologists and biologists of recent seem to have found
new affection on cracking the “biochemistry of love.” After all
the poetry has been said about romance—whose feast we shall
celebrate on February 14—scientists finally have their take on
love, with revelations to interest theologians of the body.
The clinical thesis is this: The body’s neuropeptides reveal
how love does proceed and what sexual practices could better
serve our physiologic interests. John Paul II must be right to say
that the Creator’s plan for relationships is imprinted in our bod-
ies (dubbed as the “Theology of the Body”). Our bodily design
has got a lot to tell on what true love could mean.
Take for instance our hormone oxytocin. By it we can fairly
say how sex, love, and reproduction are meant to rhyme. This
“bonding hormone,” as it is called, is present in the continuum
of courtship, romance, orgasm, pregnancy, infant nurturing,
and breastfeeding. And what oxytocin joined together, let no
man put asunder.
Then there is the hormone vasopressin. It is the aggression
hormone that makes males protective, jealous, and attentive
husbands. Vasopressin helps in laying down memories, in
familiarizing with the partner and her kids. Take out this
mechanism of jealousy and protectionism and the father would
be like any stag, oblivious of who may be his kids or who may
be his partner’s partners.
Of course there are many men who behave that way, which
only shows that the presence of this or any hormone—or their
absence—is hardly deterministic of human behavior. The phe-
nomena of love could not be reduced to a chemical concoction
or a biological event, although the body’s chemicals may suggest
how a healthy loving person could be.
A study by the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, funded
by the US National Institute of Mental Health, says that oxytocin
and vasopressin play key roles in the formation of social attach-
ments between animals, especially for “lifelong pair bonding” or
“monogamy.” It might lead us the answer whether we humans
are meant to stick to one, since humans, unlike other animals,
are high in oxytocin and vasopressin.
It is no coincidence that another mammal high in oxytocin
and vasopressin is also monogamous. The prairie vole, unlike
its other mice cousins, is a case in point. Oxytocin receptors have
high concentration in the nucleus accumbens and the pre-limbic
cortex of prairie voles as in humans. Vasopressin receptors are

crisis leading to disaster
THE economic crisis that started in Wall Street is now all over the
world. Thousands of workers losing their jobs went on strike in
France paralyzing all transportation and commercial activities. The
U.K. government declared officially that they are now in recession.
Germany followed by issuing their economic rescue plan. President
Obama, in spite of his declared $825 billion stimulus fund to arrest
the rapid decline of the economy, is still not assured of support from
the Republicans. Meantime there is daily announcement of workers
losing their jobs, in countries all over the world, predicted to reach
100 million world-wide during this economic crisis.
At the local scene, Intel, the manufacturer of electronic parts
recently stopped operations leaving 1,500 employees jobless. A
total of 60,000 workers from the garments and electronic industry
will join the ranks of the unemployed in the Philippines within this
year. Meantime, the unemployed has ballooned with new graduate
students that could not find jobs. What is more heart-wrenching is
that these students who graduate without hands-on experience are
practically unemployable. This is the reason why tens of thousands
of nursing graduates can not qualify for jobs abroad. What do they
do now? Opportunistic employers take advantage of this situation
by allowing them to work in their establishments provided the
board exam-passer pay monthly fees for their on-the-job training.
Other employers pay daily allowance to their on-the-job trainees.
These nurses agree to pay P 1,000 per month for on-the-job training,
a scheme done by a fund-starved government hospital, otherwise
they can not qualify for employment abroad. The whole governance
of our educational system and job generation has already reached
disaster level. Practically all college graduates who can not find jobs
are forced to leave the country. We are now experiencing exodus at
the rate of 3,000 workers leaving the country every day.
The Philippine government, guided by what other nations do,
has provided billions of pesos for priming the economy. From
the approved budget of P1.415 trillion, P300 billion is allotted for
infrastructure and an additional P50 B for the “economic stimulus
package”, another name for pork barrel funds. The congressional
vultures are just waiting to pounce on this big sum and eventually
get 20 to 40 percent take from both the infrastructure and pork barrel
outlays; money that will be used to buy votes for the 2010 election.
While Civil Society is given the role to observe the bidding process,
the collusion between heads of agencies and building contractors
still goes on. Even the World Bank-funded projects are not exempt
Fr. Melvin P. Castro
Laiko Lampstand
from these shenanigans. The recent Senate and House investiga-
tions clearly show that “blacklisting” of infrastructure contractors
is a farce. The World Bank’s blacklist of contractors is a futile effort
since the DPWH conducted its own investigations exonerating the
“blacklisted” local contractors who are known partners of our leg-
islators and influential oligarchs.
It is not far-fetched to expect grim scenarios once a large population
starts eating only two meals a day. Thefts, hold-ups and criminality
will surely increase. Predictably, catastrophic disaster looms when
people no longer have food to eat. Scenes of war-ravaged Manila
and Cebu City in 1944 will once more be experienced in this 21st
century. There will be riots and uncontrollable rampage with looting
and destruction of property.
If our legislators devote more time, instead of grandstanding in
congressional investigations, to policy formulation for better gover-
nance, these dire predictions can be stalled and disasters mitigated.
The Philippines is fortunate that we can grow plants and vegetables
all year round and fish abounds in our seas. The problem is bridging
the sources of production with the consumers by having provincial
farm to market roads, and affordable shipping and refrigeration
facilities, supported by ports and harbors from island to island.
Instead of selling the Food Terminal Area, why not support it as
originally planned and have this operational with private sector
participation? The importation of rice by NFA using billions of pesos
yearly to subsidize prices, deprives local rice farmers to earn what
is due them. These wrong policies which feed on corruption at NFA
level in connivance with private rice distributors must stop. We also
need to support farmers with cheap fertilizers. The Joc-joc Bolante
adventure must not happen again.
We know that the President herself is reviving the green revolu-
tion of Madam Imelda Marcos, a step in the right direction. But do
we see our senators, congressmen and local government officials
moving towards this direction? If they continue to neglect their
duties as lawmakers to be present in all sessions to formulate
laws and policies and not wasting their time in investigations
to earn pogi points for the coming election, the people will put
all the blame on them when the specter of extreme poverty and
hunger will cause riots all over the country especially in cities
and urban areas. When that happens, the safest place to go is to
our rural farms where food is plentiful and where rural folks are
generous to a fault.
also in large quantities in the ventral forebrain of the prairie
vole. The male prairie vole is defensive and exclusive of its
partner, while the female prairie vole and her boons are almost
inseparable. Together they make a family.
“The oxytocin and vasopressin systems appear to activate
two separate nodes of the same reward pathway to form and
reinforce pair bonds,” explains Dr. Larry Young, associate pro-
fessor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University
School of Medicine (Emory University Health Sciences Center
in the study Reward Mechanism Involved in Addiction Likely
Regulates Pair Bonds between Monogamous Animals).
Among humans’ fellow primates (monkeys) that have been
studied, monogamous marmosets also have higher levels of
vasopressin found in the reward centers of their brains than do
non-monogamous rhesus macaques.
Remember that in John Paul II’s work Love and Responsibil-
ity, love proceeds from phases of “sensuality/sentimentality”
to “affection” then to “real love.” These stages agree with our
brain’s neuropeptide mechanisms.
Attraction allows people to home in on a particular mate.
This state is characterized by feelings of exhilaration, and
intrusive, obsessive thoughts about the object of affection. But
this romance, sometimes of lust, is unstable, and not a good
basis for commitment and child-rearing. The final stage of love,
long-term attachment, allows parents to cooperate in raising
children. This state, says Dr Helen Fisher, an anthropologist at
Rutgers University-New York, is characterized by feelings of
calm, security, social comfort, and emotional union (Fisher, Why
We Love: The Nature and Chemistry of Romantic Love).
How do you maintain the stimulant of romance for a long
time? Fisher holds it possible to trick the brain into feeling
romantic in a long-term relationship by doing novel things
with one’s partner. These drive up the level of dopamine or
the “pleasure hormone” and can therefore trigger feelings of
romance as a side effect. Thus, long-term love can be sustained
by doing acts of love as exhilarating feelings follow after.
Now about procreation. Oxytocin is the same hormone that
works for rearing and reproduction. Not only does the oxytocin
mediate females’ retention of the male sperms, it also causes
men to sleep and snooze after a sexual act. This seems to work
to make the man stay awhile with the woman, to bond longer
while asleep, and probably deal with commitment and possible
conception the morning after. Interestingly, one cause that
helps women deal with and forget the difficulty of pregnancy
and childbirth is her oxytocin being secreted into her spinal
column during and after labor. Oxytocin is also responsible for
her maternal behavior.
With all these mechanisms of oxytocin in mind, we can see

Life at the why in contraceptive and homosexual sex, the purposes of

Speaking of Mary
LOS Angeles. After attending the World
Meeting of Families, I was privileged to
attend the 36th Annual March for Life at
Washington DC. There were a hundred thou-
sand or more in the midst of the very chilly
weather. And of course, Filipino-Americans
were there.
Travelling from San Diego on Wednesday
night, January 21st, 10:45 pm, I spent the night
in the plane. Arriving the next day, 8:00 am
at the DC, I was met by Atty. Joseph Cosby,
heart of the issue
started singing and playing their musical
instruments, and the people gladly swayed
in harmony with their music.
Some even handed me some food and
drinks, and hand and feet warmers (those
little things that you hold onto and it keeps
you warm)...It reminded me so much of
EDSA.
The March finally moved albeit slowly
then finally at a fast pace. Unfortunately,
we did not reach the US Supreme Court,
I was asked to speak briefly on the Philip-
pine situation, and I just hope I was able to
present them of the current situation in our
country.
Early the next day, I proceeded to San
Francisco where I had a scheduled Mass
and talk to a Filipino community. Saturday,
January 24, I was to have a city tour of the
area. And lo and behold, our vehicle could
not move. It was their March for Life!
From one March for Life in the one coast of
oxytocin release are frustrated (and precisely why certain con-
traceptives have to tamper the body’s natural hormones). My
former professor in Feminism of the Theology of the Body, Dr.
Josephine Acosta-Pasricha of the University of Santo Tomas,
used to say that in male to male relationships, the most we have
are aggressive vasopressins defaulting together. No wonder
why such ties hardly last.
So arguably, we can say that the Christian theology of the
body has a biological and anthropological support. Man has
the natural components for choosing love, and it benefits him
to act on love and life-giving acts. It appears that the mores
about fidelity, divorce, abortion, contraception, and homosexual
sex came up not just to savor the soul, but to give the body its
authentic reproductive health.

Read the
an American lawyer who forms part of the the place of culmination for the rally, since the US to another March for Life at the other
Filipino Family Fund. it was already filled with people. coast. And same sight! Many young people.


With only two hours of rest, we went to Abortion hurts women, many placards The two branches of the Couples for Christ
the DC downtown area, where to my amaze- showed. We choose life, others displayed. were also there.

ment, people were already congregating. And
what is more amazing was the great number
of youth who were there. The feeling was
thrilling and encouraging.
Babies are life not a choice.
The International Pilgrim Virgin Statue
(IPVS) of Our Lady of Fatima was also there.
But with the vast crowd, I wasn’t even able
daily church
I begin to see hope in this country, many
young people─even according to their own
surveys─are more pro-life than the adults.
We just have to wait. The youth is indeed

Mothers with their children. Fathers with
their sons and daughters. Priests with their
parishioners. Religious nuns with their com-
munities.
to get close. But anyway, I’ll be catching up
with her at the LA airport in coming back
to the Philippines.
After the March for Life, we proceeded
news at
our hope.
In a couple of hours, I’ll be returning to our
country, with hope and encouragement. No
matter what the US government might do,

The March was not moving for two hours,
and a joke went around that it should be re-
named Stand-up for Life rather than March
for Life. There was a group of Latinos who
to the Reception in a nearby hotel for the
Filipino-American Pro-lifers organized by
the Filipino Family Fund. Some US Con-
gressmen were also in attendance.
www.cbcpnews.com
its people are slowly returning to God. I just
hope and pray, our own people would not
commit the same mistakes they did.
May Our Lady protect us! Ave Maria!
 CBCP Monitor
A6 Local News Vol. 13 No. 3
February 2 - 15, 2009

Opposition mounts vs Catholic Church leaders

rally vs Palparan
Bataan nuclear plant
ANOTHER Roman Catholic ity. The Philippines is known to be a
AT least two top Catholic Church leaders objected to the po-
tential appointment of retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan to the
Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).
Even Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales himself
expressed reservation against Palparan as a DDB member citing
his alleged “background of violence.”
bishop has registered opposi- geologically volatile country. Rosales said a person who should be appointed to such an
tion to the revival of the coun- The first to react publicly against agency must not have records of human rights violations.
try’s first but dormant nuclear reviving the project was Lingayen- “Anyone they have to put in a very sensitive position must be
power plant. Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz, a man of integrity, proven with honesty and a man of peace,”
Manila Auxiliary Bishop whose opposition was on the issue he said.
Broderick Pabillo’s opposition of disposal of nuclear waste. Palo Archbishop Jose Palma, for his part, urged the govern-
is based on grounds of poten- He said the government should ment to consider Palparan’s alleged involvement in extrajudicial
tial dangers of such a project first answer the “most important of killings and disappearances of activists before appointing him
based in Morong town, Bataan all questions” if it wants to reopen to the DDB.
province. the nuclear power plant for future Palma was the bishop of Calbayog when Palparan was still

© www.pcij.org
The government acknowl- energy use. the commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Division based in
edged the mothballed Bataan Cruz said all countries hav- Catbalogan, Samar.
Nuclear Plant, which could ing nuclear waste, consider their He said it’s unsafe for the government to let a person, who
be rehabilitated in at least five disposal a “big and deep dark has terrible record of alleged human rights violations in Samar
years at a cost of $800 million, would help in meeting the rising national secret.” provinces alone, lead role in the anti-drug campaign.
demand for power. Balanga Bishop Socrates Villegas, whose pastoral jurisdiction The prelate said the Arroyo administration must pursue
But Pabillo, who heads the Episcopal Commission on Social covers the nuclear plant location, has other side of the story while criminal prosecution of the retired military officer instead of
Action-Justice and Peace of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the he is totally against it. tapping his services in the campaign against illegal drugs.
Philippines, said there’s so much at stake with the project. He said the construction of the plant was attended by numer- “While I recognize the power of the President in appoint-
Foremost, he said, is the hazard and danger that nuclear plants ous irregularities among contractors, especially on the part of the ing government officials, I challenged her to discern first if
can bring to society. government. Palparan’s appointment would [uphold] common good,” said
“So that plan must be studied very carefully really,” Pabillo said. “It stands as a mute witness of abominable greed and corruption and Palma.
The bishop said a huge consideration must also be given to the as a reminder to all Filipinos that such deeds that only bring untold suf- Malacañang earlier fended off criticisms involving the upcom-
nuclear power plant’s geographical location as it sits at the foot of fering should never again be foisted in our country,” he earlier said. ing appointment of Palparan as chief enforcer of the country’s
Mount Natib, a potentially active volcano. Villegas warned that reviving the power plant would increase drug laws.
Experts said the nuke project is positioned adjacent to a crossroads of incidence of “unbridled and shameless graft and corruption.” (Roy Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Palparan has a
geological fault lines which means that it is vulnerable to seismic activ- Lagarde) background in intelligence gathering in the government’s
campaign against insurgency that may also be useful in the
Bishops / A1 fight against illegal drugs.
PPCRV ‘anxious’ on Immeasurable
Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Ledesma said
to pursue their call on government because
the bishops said so.”
“If he was able to generate good information and intelligence
from among the NPA (New People’s Army), I think he can also
Danga as new NPO chief it is difficult to measure the positive reactions
from the national government whenever the
Asked if the government has shared the
same views, the prelate said he doesn’t know
do the same thing among drug traffickers and drug pushers,”
he said.
CBCP would issue pastoral statements. because “the government simply selects Presidential Management Staff head and incoming press
A CATHOLIC Church-based poll watch- “The fact that government is also will- what they like.” secretary Cerge Remonde said it was "unfortunate" that Pal-
dog has reacted furiously to the recent ing to listen to religious leaders is already As far as Bacolod Bishop Vicente Na- paran is under fire for being "effective" against the communist
appointment of retired admiral Tirso a sign they are willing to listen carefully,” varra is concerned, he said the government rebels. (CBCPNews)
Danga as the new head of the National said Ledesma. has “barely considered the CBCP’s pastoral
Printing Office (NPO).

Prelate seeks compassion,

He added “the religious should take statements because the government has so
The Parish Pastoral Council for Re- time to listen to the rural poor so that we many interests to protect (up) to the point
sponsible Voting (PPCRV) said someone can convey their message to the govern- they could not come out to respond to what

forgiveness for married priest

implicated in the “Hello Garci” scandal
could bring backlash to the desired cred-
ible polls in 2010.
“We would like to express our grave
concern and we really are very worried
about this,” said PPCRV national chair-
person Henrietta de Villa.
She said wiping distrust on the elec-
toral system was an uphill battle, and
the appointment of Danga could bring
it down again.
“If we are for transparency and we
would like to believe that the President
(Arroyo) would like to leave a legacy,
especially with the coming 2010 elections
to help make it as transparent as possible,
we believe that this appointment does
not augur well for that transparency,”
de Villa said.
Mrs Arroyo, last week, named Danga
as the new NPO head replacing Enrique
Agana.
Danga was the Intelligence Service
of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
(ISAFP) chief during the 2004 elections
allegedly marred by fraud to ensure Ar-
royo’s victory.
The NPO is the lone authorized gov-
ernment agency to produce election para-
phernalia, including the official ballots.
Various sectors also expressed dismay
over Danga’s appointment fearing al-
leged moves by the administration to
manipulate the forthcoming 2010 polls.
De Villa said they will formalize soon
their opposition to Danga’s appointment
by sending a letter to the Office of the
President.
“We will just express our concern. I
do not know if it’s a done deal… (But)
at least the citizens should speak up,”
she said.
Asked what her message to Danga
is, the former ambassador to the Holy
See said they are just hoping for divine
intervention.
“May the Holy Spirit descend on you,”
she said. (CBCPNews)
Trojan / A1
Greeks to finally enter the city of Troy during the Trojan War by
donating a towering horse structure that was wheeled into the city
gates of Troy.
The Greeks pretended to sail away, and the Trojans pulled the
horse into their city as a victory trophy. That night the Greek army
crept out of the belly of the giant horse structure and opened the
gates which allowed the Greek forces to enter and destroyed the
city, decisively ending the long Trojan War.
A “Trojan Horse” has become an idiom to mean any trick that causes
one’s downfall after accepting a tactical gift from an enemy.
Several months ago, some bishops have been reported receiving
gifts from Malacañang. While in 2004 the CBCP has made it a policy
never to accept donations that come from gambling, some church
RH Bill / A1
RP Catholics face ‘uphill battle’
Meanwhile, Fr David Clay, asst. Secretary
of the CBCP’s Episcopal Commission on
Family and Life (ECFL), said US President
Obama’s reversal of a controversial abor-
tion policy could affect their “pro-life”
advocacy.
Clay, an American missionary, said the
Church now faces an “uphill battle” in its
fight against a bill on maternal health care,
which requires the government to push arti-
ficial contraception if it becomes a law.
The priest said Obama’s decision can
also boost the campaign of individuals and
groups seeking for the passage of the Repro-
ductive Health bill in the country.
“It’s going to be difficult,” said Clay. “Sad
to say, it’s going to be a boost for those who
are campaigning for abortion.”
But the Church official is not entirely
ment.” the people need or demand.”
Ledesma further said while he hopes the The CBCP has issued 22 pastoral letters
CBCP is still effective, “whether we are effec- and statements from January 27, 2001 to date,
tive or not, what is important is to articulate the latest of which is entitled “God Hears the DAVAO Archbishop Fernando Capalla has appealed to the
the felt needs of the rural poor.” Cries of the Poor – A Concluding Statement faithful to show compassion and forgiveness even as he ex-
Pabillo said it may take time for the CB- of the CBCP on the Second National Rural pressed hopes that the revelation made on television by Davao
CP’s pastoral statements to bear fruit but “as Congress” which underscored the plight of City mayor Rodrigo Duterte about one of his priests being
far as NGOs are concerned, they are holding the rural poor, small farmers and landless married in the past won’t create a rift between the priest and
on to CBCP statements that encourage them workers, fisherfolks, among others. the local official.
“As the spiritual father of all the Catholics in Davao City
Whatever / A4
including my friend Mayor Digong and my priest Fr. Pete
to what I was about to say. and form in painting out the powerful, knowing, merci-
[Lamata] as well as others who might be in a similar situation,
“The canvas can be com- fruits of faith, hope and love ful and loving, it means that
I would like to appeal for compassionate reconciliation, that is,
pared to your life, the brush in his life.” we will never reach a point
to forgive and to receive forgiveness,” the statement read.
and paint are the means “That’s really ubertastic, of being satisfied with our
Capalla has issued a statement on Feb. 2 to shed light on the
to draw out your spiritual Father! I really never saw progress. We will constantly
revelation made by Duterte in his TV program about the civil
life. The priest has the role spiritual direction in this need clearer points of refer-
status of the priest.
of teaching the person the way.” He again looked at ence and guidance, so as to
It was reported that the mayor has told televiewers in his
basics: the right symme- his cell, and started out to come out with a more refined
TV program that Fr. Pedro Lamata, currently the parish priest
try, proportion, combining text another message. way of loving and serving
of St. Mary’s Church in Buhangin, Davao City was married in
shades and hues, etc. com- “That’s it!” I said to my- God and our neighbor.”
the past.
bining the paint of prayer, self, “If he does it one more As I ended he took out
Capalla in a statement said, that indeed Lamata as a young
sacrifice and the sacraments. time I’m going to teach him his cell again. That was the
priest had contracted civil marriage with a woman, but has long
All with the end of painting to have more manners when signal I was waiting for, but
repented for what he had done.
the portrait of Christ in one’s having a conversation.” But not wanting to extinguish his
A priest contracting marriage is a serious violation against
entire existence. I guess I didn’t have to say interest to spiritually grow,
the Code of Canon Law that merits automatic suspension from
“Super!” he exclaimed. His that when I saw him slowly I tried my best not to sound
the ministry.
fingers were once again zap- pocketing his cell phone. irritated, “Jed, who have you
Lamata was suspended from his priestly ministry because of
ping out a text to someone. [WHEW!] been texting all this time,
what he did, said Capalla.
Interiorly, I couldn’t help “This, however, doesn’t while we were talking?”
But he said the same Church law also provides other steps and
feeling annoyed, especially mean that one can just forego “Oh, no one, Father! I
procedures, aside from humble repentance and separation, for
when he always seemed to one’s director or spiritual forgot to bring my notebook,
erring priests to be forgiven and restored to priestly ministry.
start texting someone after I guide even if one has gotten and was simply jotting down
Capalla said Lamata had repented for what he had done and
had just made an important quite a good hand in liv- everything you were telling
fulfilled the other requirements that took him several years.
point. But I held my cool and ing his spiritual life. Since me so I wouldn’t forget it,”
After having complied with the pre-requisites he was reinstated
continued, “That isn’t all! the end towards which our he said with a wide smile.
to the priestly ministry.
Once someone has learned spiritual life is headed for [SIGH] “Lord, what will
“Since that time until today, like a wounded healer Fr. Pedro
the basics, he can now work is Someone, and not some- the youth think of next?” I
Lamata has been a dedicated and energetic priest and pas-
on acquiring his own style thing; Someone infinitely said in silent prayer.
tor, well-loved and respected by many people especially his
Views / A4 parishioners and friends, even from among the Muslims and
But the wonder of wonders is that up to with this possibility is delusion. The truth of Protestants,” Capalla said.
this writing, it is interesting to ask if there the matter is that there is the law that died in The archbishop first came to know of Lamata’s case when
was or is but one single arrest made of any complete rest the moment it was signed by he succeeded Archbishop Antonio Mabutas as the Davao
juetengero in the country, and thereby meted no less than the Chief Executive in the land, archbishop.
the proper penalty according to law. To and that there is wherefore even jueteng or Hoping that certain elements will not take advantage of the
answer this inquiry in the affirmative is illu- its equivalent illegal numbers game all over incident Capalla stressed that forgiveness is “being recom-
sion. But then, it is possible that jueteng has Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. mended not immediately but when both are predisposed for
been totally stopped in the country. To agree Want to guess why? this Christian act.”
He also said that “forgiveness is given and received not to
deny the Church’s moral teachings—which must be preached
institutions are still reportedly receiving assistance from govern- boldly—but to admit the possible misinterpretation and misin-
ment’s gambling agencies. formation that followed certain public utterances.”
Cordes, who is also the president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, Reflecting on the diamond jubilee the local Church is cur-
the Vatican’s coordinating body for charity met the bishops Jan. 22 and rently celebrating, Capalla echoed the words of Pope John
gave lecture about the Pope’s first encyclical “Deus Caritas Est.” Paul II on “request for forgiveness” as one of the conditions
He arrived in the country last Jan. 19 and flew back to Rome for gaining “the special indulgence.”
morning of Jan. 24. He said the late pope showed a striking example when he
Over the week, Cordes visited depressed areas in Metro Manila asked forgiveness from Muslims, Protestants, Indigenous Peo-
to deliver the Pope’s message to help the poor people. ples and others in the world who have suffered from the hands
He also called on the government to work on poverty in the country. of members of the Catholic church in the name of religion.
“I call on all the sensitive and responsible government [officials] Reiterating the pope’s famous words, the archbishop said:
not to abandon the marginalized sector, and to teach them and help “There is no peace without justice, no justice without forgive-
then stand on their own,” Cordes earlier said. (CBCPNews) ness.” (CBCPNews)
Welcome / A1
losing hope even if Obama reversed the complete in the commission,” said De Villa. Militarization / A1
Mexico City policy, thus making federal De Villa said Yusoph’s appointment did
money available to promote abortion inter- not come as a surprise for her. She said that have “delicadeza” or sensitivity to what the public will feel before
nationally. they already knew Malacañang will appoint appointing somebody.
Clay claimed that many people in the US someone from the Autonomous Region for He also believed that the appointment of retired military men is
are very much opposed to what Obama did Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). aimed to somehow ensure the Arroyo administration’s full control
and ready to raise their voices against the But the former Philippine Ambassador to of its officials.
new US population policy. the Vatican admitted she does not personally Senators Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, Francis Pangilinan and Aquilino
“I’m more optimistic that it’s not going to know the new Comelec appointee, noting Pimentel Jr. earlier slammed the “creeping militarization” in the
take hold... sooner or later it’s going to die,” that she cannot give further comment. government due to the series of appointments by the executive
he said. “We just have to be patient and pray She said they are just hoping that Yusoph department of retired army generals.
more right now.” will uphold professionalism and courage to The solons feared that the move could be a prelude to the declara-
Obama recently repealed an eight-year do the right thing. tion of Martial Law to pave way for an Arroyo rule beyond 2010.
Bush administration policy, allowing fund- “The PPCRV congratulates him and hopes he Former military prelate and Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles, for
ing support to family planning organizations will manifest the values we look for: integrity, his part, told Arroyo that surrounding herself with former military
abroad which advocate abortion or provide competence, independence and an uncompro- men is detrimental to her administration.
abortion services. mising adherence to truth,” De Villa said. “First of all, the macho mentality of military is still there. They
Obama signed the executive order cancel- Malacañang announced the appointment don’t like to be led by a woman, especially by a woman who desires
ing the eight-year-old restrictions on the of Yusoph on Feb. 3. He replaced the late to extend her rule,” said Arguelles, former bishop of the Military
third day of his presidency. (CBCPNews) Romeo Brawner. (Roy Lagarde) Ordinariate of the Philippines. (CBCPNews)
 Diocesan News
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 3
February 2 - 15, 2009
A7

News Briefs Libmanan implements ID

GK joins ‘Go Negosyo’ caravan
PILI, Camarines Sur, January 31, 2009— Gawad Kalinga (GK)
joined the “Go Negosyo” caravan held Jan. 30 here and urged
the people to produce naturally-grown plants needed in the
manufacture of organic cosmetics. British national and GK
donor Dylan Wilk, who was one of the guest-speakers in the
forum, said that those interested can grow plants used as raw
materials. (Elmer Abad)
9 deaf students passed scholarship
OZAMIZ CITY—At least nine deaf students of Ozamiz La Salle
University got scholarship programs at the College of Saint Be-
nilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Study. One of them
will take up Bachelor of Applied Deaf Studies and the rest will
take up BS in Hospitality Management. (Wendell Talibong)
ICST hosts 2009 INNILIW; pays tribute to SVD
VIGAN CITY—The Immaculate Conception School of Theology
(ICST) and Regional Seminary of the North hosted this year’s
“INNILIW” or Alumni Homecoming on Jan. 26 and 27. Among
the 180 alumni include at least five arch/bishops: Sergio Utleg
of Laoag, Marlo Peralta of Alaminos, Joseph Nacua of Ilagan,
Ernesto Salgado of Nueva Segovia and Renato Mayugba of
Lingayen-Dagupan. (Fran C. Quitoriano)
system for parishioners
SAN FERNANDO, Camarines Sur—All the
parishes within the Prelature of Libmanan
has started January to implement the concept
of providing identification cards (ID) to its
parishioners.
But diocesan spokesman Fr. Apolinar
Napoles said the new scheme is especially
intended for those who stand as sponsors for
those who receive the sacraments.
He said the idea “is being done as a re-
sponse to the circular issued by Bishop Jose
Rojas, Jr. which calls for the worthy and ac-
tive participation of the sponsors and to ap-
ply the culture of the Basic Ecclesiastic Com-
munities (BEC) locally known as the Saradit
na Kristianong Komunidad (SKK)”.
The parishioner’s identification card is
sought by the faithful because they find it
convenient especially for those who act as
sponsors for people who will receive the
sacraments.
“They can use the I.D. card in other parish-
es and spare the sponsors from undergoing
another catechesis with the same topic and
content which they have already attended
before,” Napoles said.
It may be recalled that since the installation
of Bishop Rojas as the new head of the Prela-
ture of Libmanan, numerous new concepts
and advocacies have been introduced.
Aside from the implementation of the
I.D. system, the prelate has also injected
dynamism in its social action initiatives
particularly in the field of agriculture and
micro-enterprises.
“The local church through the Prelature
of Libmanan Development Foundation, Inc.
(PLDFI) has recently established a tie up
with the Diocese of Legazpi to make avail-
able to farmers and micro-entrepreneurs a
financing scheme which fits their needs,”
said Napoles.
The bishop has his focus on evangeliza-
tion work side by side with social action
endeavors.
“He has moved to strengthen the BEC’s
while working to improve the lives of the
faithful by introducing opportunities to
farmers so they can increase their productiv-
ity and engage in micro-business,” Napoles
said. (Elmer Abad)

Priest: Fight vs aerial spraying

Prelate notes cultural confusion in disappearing dialects
DAVAO CITY—Archbishop Fernando Capalla noted a worsen-
ing problem of cultural confusion brought about by the influence
of modern culture today. Capalla said that modern culture is
evidently taking its place in the consciousness of the people,

far from over

attitudes and values. (Mark Ventura)

Bishops: Community consultation is consistent with

mission
DAVAO CITY—Mindanaoan bishops have said that their role
in the community consultation especially on the resumption
of peace talks is consistent with their mission. Archbishop Fer-
nando Capalla said that Mindanao bishops believe that their
participation in the consultation of communities is consistent
with their mission and role as bridge builders. (Mark Ventura)
DAVAO CITY—Despite an appellate court ruling allowing the re-
turn of aerial spraying in Davao City, the fight against the practice
is far from over, a Mindanao-based peace advocate said.
Redemptorist priest Amado Picardal said residents who camped
out against aerial spraying since November have not given up hope
and will bring the case to the Supreme Court in Manila.
“The struggle continues. We do not give up hope. The terrain of
struggle will be carried out in Manila and also here in Davao ─ in

Priest hits chronic killings in Davao
DAVAO CITY—Saying that the extra-judicial killings in Davao
is already a chronic problem in which no single case has been
resolved, “biking priest” Fr. Amado Picardal criticized the
seeming tolerance exerted by the people particularly the local
officials. He said that the Davao killings continue because there
is no public outcry against these violence and many think that
they are justified. (Mark Ventura)
Canatuan farmers appeal vs mining blasting
SIOCON, Zamboanga del Norte—The Canatuan Farmers As-
sociation (CFA) has appealed to the municipal council here for
assistance against TVI’s mining blasting. DIOPIM Committee
on Mining Issue member Tito Fiel said the farmers are still wait-
ing for the action to be undertaken by the authorities to protect
the communities from any harm caused by dynamite blasting
conducted by the mining firm. (Wendell Talibong)
Priests urge people to make God center of personal life
DAVAO CITY—San Pablo Parish priest urged everyone to
always make God the center of their lives. Fr. Marbendear
Morallas said “like Paul, the experience of the loving God must
the courts, in the streets and in the farms,” he said.
He pointed out the story of Jesus did not end in Good Friday, and
that there was an Easter Sunday.
Picardal, also known as the “biking priest,” reminded the Philip-
pine Banana Growers and Employers Association (PGBEA) that it
is still too early to celebrate.
“I just pray and hope that their consciences will be awakened
to the harm that they are doing to people near the banana planta-
tions,” he said.
Picardal scored the appellate court in Cagayan de Oro for allowing
the return of aerial spraying in Davao City, which he said threatens
lives of local farmers.
“I am filled with disgust and indignation at the banana planta-
tion owners who put profit above the welfare and health of the
poor people.
I am filled with contempt for those in the judiciary who perpetu-
ate this injustice. Woe to you ─ someday, the Lord’s justice will
prevail,” he said.
He also advised residents in Davao City, particularly members of
the Movement Against Aerial Spraying (MAAS), to continue their
fight against aerial spraying.
© amadopicardal.blogspot.com
Earlier, the appellate court in Cagayan de Oro ruled that the ban
on aerial spraying was illegal.
Picardal noted the MAAS, from the first week of November up to
the middle of January, had camped in front of the appellate court
to press their case.
“They braved the heat and the rain, including police harassment
while waiting for the decision of the court. They even spent Christ-
mas and New Year in their tent. Last week, the court came out with
the decision ─ four justices favoring the banana plantation owners
and one dissenting opinion. This means that the planes will once
again spray pesticides over the banana plantations and the nearby
farms and villages and endanger the health of the people,” Picardal
said. (Mark Ventura)

Arroyo orders tree planting in

be the center of our personal and communitarian life.” “Our life
as Christian community must be a life lived in God’s love and
life lived for God’s love,” he added. (Mark Ventura)

Chinese New Year ushers Christian values, says cleric

NAGA CITY— The traditional celebration of the Chinese New
Year carries a set of values which are acceptable to Christians, a
Filipino-Chinese missionary said. Fr William Tan of San Lorenzo
Ruiz Mission Society said the celebration is anchored on strong
family ties and the wish to be successful in one’s pursuit of
spiritual and financial gains. (Elmer Abad)
Sinait parishioners condemn local crime, prostitution
ILOCOS SUR— In a successful signature campaign, the Parish
of St. Nicholas of Tolentino passed a manifesto condemning the
growing rate of crime and prostitution in their town of Sinait in
Ilocos Sur. Leading the people in the fight against immorality
in Sinait are Parish Priest, Msgr. Albert Rabe, Parochial Vicar
Ernesto Juarez and the united group of religious and lay orga-
nizations in the parish. (Fran C. Quitoriano)
RP laws on environment weak, says int’l advocate
PAGADIAN CITY—The Philippine government is weak on law
implementation, Clive Wicks, vice-chair of the Commission on
Environment, Economic and Social Policy of the International
Union of Conservation Network (IUCN) said. He said that there
are so many considerable laws in the country but it has not
religiously implemented by the government that cause some
troubles to the affected people. (Wendell Talibong)
Many men have “father-wounds,” says priest
DAVAO CITY—The reason why many men are not demonstra-
tive of their feelings or affections is that for so long they’re hold-
ing on to their “father-wounds.” Fr. Amado Picardal said that
those men who appeared stern and strict and not expressive of
what they truly feel often have irreconcilable feelings towards
their fathers in the past but were left unsettled all through the
years. (Mark Ventura)
CDO to foil future floods
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Acting the environmentalist, President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered officials of this city, Misamis Ori-
ental and Northern Mindanao Wednesday to plant trees to prevent
future floods from wreaking havoc like what happened recently.
The president made the order during the joint meeting with
the city, municipal, provincial and regional disaster coordinating
councils at the regional office of the Interior and Local Government
department.
Mrs. Arroyo stressed that reforestation is now of utmost impor-
tance in protecting not only the environment from being damaged
but also in protecting communities from nature’s wrath.
She ordered the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council to super-
vise government agencies in the implementation of her order.
During the closed-door meeting, Mrs. Arroyo was briefed about
the situation here and the extent of damage wrought by the floods
spawned by last week’s incessant rains brought about by the tail-
end of a cold front.
The president also ordered the release of at least P150 million.
Damage to Misamis Oriental alone has reached almost P500 mil-
lion.
At press time, the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council is
still continuing its collation of all damages to come up with a final
assessment or estimate of the value of the damage of last week’s
widespread flooding.
In the province alone, at least 27 elementary schools and 9 daycare
centers have been totally damaged by floodwaters.
Misamis Orienvtal Governor Oscar Moreno recommended the
beefing up or strengthening of places and infrastructures like na-
tional highways and bridges which, at first look, appeared undam-
aged but have already suffered scouring underneath.
Moreno said that what happened in Opol, where a bridge was
rendered impassable after it was damaged by flood waters or the
highway in Gingoog City which was ripped out of the earth did not
happen overnight.
“There was already a scouring underneath which we have failed
to mitigate immediately,” PDCC officer in charge Teddy Sabugaa
quoted the governor as saying.
“Let’s not wait for these infrastructures, like for example the bridge
in Lugait, to collapse before we do something,” he added.
Sabugaa said that Moreno has asked for P135 million as preventive
measure budget for this purpose.
He also revealed that the Department of Agriculture, through Sec.
Arthur Yap, has committed at least P10 million for the rehabilitation
of farm-to-market roads in Gingoog City.
“This is already a very big help to us in the province,” Sabugaa
said.
The DA, in coordination with the Provincial Agriculture Office,
is also ready to disperse seeds for free to affected farmers all over
the province, he added.
The seeds distribution is also in answer to President Arroyo’s
reforestation order.
Earlier, Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ has urged everyone to
do their share in protecting the environment.
“We should really make sure that the watershed areas are
protected. The forests are really the natural cover to ensure that
the water flow is not so destructive. It also protects the topsoil
which is really the need for our agriculture. And now with our
modern technology like satellite process, we can pinpoint the
areas where there is this need for environmental protection,” he
said. (Bong D. Fabe)

Davao condemns Red Cross abductions

DAVAO CITY—The City of Davao has expressed condemnation
in strongest term against the recent abduction of the three Red
Cross workers by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in Jolo last Jan.
15, calling such act as “a crime against humanity.” In a resolu-
tion passed by Councilor Pilar Braga it read, “The City of Davao
condemns this kidnapping and the kidnappers for committing
this war crime, this act against humanity, a crime against the
International Humanitarian law.” (Mark Ventura)

Prelate says family influences life’s first lessons

© CBCP Media

MATI City—Highlighting on the significance of family as the

basic unit of the society, Mati Bishop Patricio Alo said that it
plays a major role in the growth of the child. Alo added that it
is usually true those first impressions last and the impression

Bicol bishops: Balikatan may provoke NPA attacks

that the child will experience from the family will most likely
become part of the formative years. (Mark Ventura)

Hope / A5
Millennio Ineunte 43).
“Encounter” took on a new meaning during the seminar. In
military parlance the term has the element of chance and surprise
for all the parties involved, in contrast to raid or ambush. The
hoped-for emergence of Jacob’s Wells (i.e. a place and time for
encounter) in the precincts is first of all a “room” or “sanctuary”
where people can be themselves and encounter God and each other
through the Bible.
We indeed look forward to many surprises.
NAGA CITY—The RP-US Balikatan joint
military exercises in Bicol may trigger height-
ened activities by the New People’s Army,
Bicol-based Catholic bishops warned.
Apostolic Administrator of Legazpi dio-
cese Bishop Lucilo Quiambao and Sorsogon
Bishop Arturo Bastes voiced doubts the
American forces will be in Bicol mainly for
“humanitarian missions.”
“Their mere presence might provoke the
insurgents,” said Quiambao.
“They will make the situation worst, they
will train our Filipino soldiers how to fight
their fellow Filipinos,” added Bastes.
Sr. Ailyn Binco of the Religious of Good
Shepherd also sounded the alarm on child
trafficking and prostitution where the US
troops will land in coastal areas.
Binco said many urban poor women could
be affected as they may be lured with the
prospect of quick money from the soldiers.
“There is a hidden agenda here by the
American soldiers,” she added.
Virgilio Perdigon, secretary general of Aqui-
nas University in Legazpi City, also claimed
the US troops in the country may be spying on
internal conflicts and natural resources.
A group of students formed the “Ban
Balikatan” movement and aims to gain the
support of farmers and fishermen to form
a pressure group that will caution the ad-
ministration on the ill-effects of the military
exercises. (Elmer Abad)
 CBCP Monitor
A8 People, Facts & Places Vol. 13 No. 3
February
February 22 -- 15,
15, 2009
2009

Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines
Nuncio addresses
mammoth crowd at
Araneta Coliseum
THE apostolic nuncio to the Philippines has
addressed a crowd of about twenty thousand
including around 85 bishops, priests and reli-
gious at the Araneta Coliseum in celebration
of the 2,000th anniversary of St. Paul.
In his introductory address during the
mass, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams
has stressed the importance of the celebra-
tion as the church commemorates the bimil-
lennium of the Apostle’s birth.
The nuncio cited that it was the grace of
conversion the Apostle received that led to his
becoming a great missionary of the Church.
The Church has nothing to pass on to the
Christian believers but that light that Paul ex-
perienced during his conversion, he said.
For his part, Episcopal Commission on Bib-
lical Apostolate (ECBA) Chair and Sorsogon
Bishop Arturo Bastes gave a spirited homily
that was warmly applauded by the faithful.
Echoing the exhortation of Paul to the
early Christian communities he founded,
he likewise urged Filipinos to live a life in
imitation of Christ.
He took a dig on the issue of corruption, a
perennial problem in Philippine society.
“Corruption has become a way of life for
us,” he said. “Dapat tayong mga Filipino
mahiya dahil sa corruption” (We should be
ashamed of corruption plaguing our society),
Bastes added.
The ECBA chairman said that while the
Apostle was not ashamed to preach the
gospel, “we Filipinos should be ashamed
with our way of life”, referring to the issue
of corruption.
Bastes said the ecumenical gathering is
an inspiration for all believers especially for
Filipinos as it shows that it is possible to heal
a wounded nation like the Philippines.
We have the compass to heal our wounded
nation in its economic, social and spiritual
aspects, he said.
He cited the “one bible” campaign as
one way of healing the division that exists
between Christians.
ECBA and Philippine Bible society (PBS)
have jointly spearheaded a five-year bible
campaign dubbed “May they be One” that
aims to put a bible in every Filipino home
in five years.
Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao led the
faithful in praying the Jubilee prayer to St.
Paul asking God “That we too may turn from
sinful ways and be converted so that we may
attain peace in our hearts in our families in
our country and in the world.”
A plenary indulgence was granted by the
cardinal at the end of the Mass to all those
who participated in the celebration.
Organized by the Pauline congregations in
the Philippines and lay Pauline collaborators
headed by Judy Roxas Araneta and former
Ambassador Henrietta de Villa, the Pauline
event aims, in the words of the Holy Father,
“to promote the immense richness of the
teaching contained in them (St. Paul letters),
true patrimony of humanity redeemed by
Christ.” (Pinky Barrientos, FSP)

Cebu to host 5th National Catholic Charismatic Congress

THE 5th National Catholic Charismatic Congress organized by the
National Service Committee of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal
(CCR) in the Philippines will be held in the Archdiocese of Cebu
on May 28-31 this year.
Themed “Spirit-filled Communities Growing Together as the Body
of Christ”, the congress is expected to draw thousands of participants
from various Charismatic communities and prayer groups all over
the country.
The four-day event will feature praise and worship, talks and
workshops, Baptism in the Holy Spirit on the eve of Pentecost and
testimonies of healing.
A talk on “Growing Together as the Body of Christ” will be given on
the first day. The second day will feature “Maturing in the Word and the
Eucharist.” The third day will have two conferences, “New Challenges
for the CCR-Philippines” and “CCR Communities in Transformational
Development.” The last day of the Congress, being Pentecost Sunday, will
fittingly feature a talk titled “The Holy Spirit and the Body of Christ.”
With Cebu International Convention Center as the site, the upcom-
ing Congress adds to a hosts of activities set to enliven the jubilee
celebration of the archdiocese.
The Metropolitan archdiocese of Cebu is set to mark its 75th an-
niversary as an archdiocese on April 28.
The Charismatic congress will be an occasion to celebrate the
Pentecost of the Nations, a worldwide project of the International
Catholic Charismatic Renewal Service (ICCRS), and one of the main

Asian Episcopal Conferences to meet

objectives of the event.
It will also serve as a triduum for a new outpouring of the Holy
Spirit on Pentecost Sunday; and a time (Kairos) of praying and
reflecting on growing together as Spirit-filled Catholic Charismatic

in Manila in August Ministries. (Pinky Barrientos, FSP)

THE Catholic Bishops’ Conferences in
Asia will hold its 9th Plenary Assembly in
Manila from August 10 to 16, 2009.
The meeting of the Federation of Asian
Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) is supposed
to take place every four years, but last
year’s schedule was postponed twice.
This year’s FABC plenary assembly
theme will be “Living the Eucharist in
Asia.”
Plenary Assemblies are the highest
legal body within the Federation, which
conclude usually with short final statements
reflecting their main considerations on the
selected theme.
The FABC has 15 Episcopal Conferences
coming from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia,
Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Laos-Cambodia,
Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei, Myanmar,
Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan,
Thailand and Vietnam.
It also has ten associate members from
Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia, Nepal,
Kyrgyzstan, Siberia (Russia), Tajikistan,
Markings
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and East
Timor, which are Church territories with
less than three dioceses or ecclesiastical
territories.
The FABC is a voluntary association of
Episcopal conferences in Asia, established
with the approval of the Holy See.
Its purpose is to foster among its mem- CELEBRATING. Archdiocese
bers solidarity and co-responsibility for of Palo, culminating rites of
the welfare of Church and society in Asia, the Silver Jubilee celebration
as a Metropolitan Archdiocese;
and to promote and defend whatever is for February 14, 2009. A 10 a.m.
the greater good. (Roy Lagarde) Pontifical concelebrated Mass at
the Palo Metropolitan Cathedral
will be led by Metropolitan Arch-

CBCP welcomes Vatican YouTube channel bishop of Palo, Most Rev. Jose
Palma with Apostolic Nuncio
to the Philippines, Archbishop
Edward Joseph Adams, bishops
CBCP President and Jaro Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo said the this summer to boost the online presence of the CBCP. and clergy. A testimonial banquet
Vatican’s decision to introduce its teachings through the YouTube An IPTV is a digital television content that reaches viewers not at the ArCVU Pastoral Center
is very timely and highly laudable. through a traditional airwave broadcast but through the internet. inside the Cathedral compound
“It is very timely for the Vatican to utilize the YouTube in reaching (Melo M. Acuña) will follow after the Thanksgiv-
out to the world’s young who spend more time before the comput- ing Mass.
ers,” the prelate said in an interview over Radio Veritas. CELEBRATING. Sr. M. Graziella
The Vatican launched its own channel on YouTube last January Aseberos, Sr. Mary Timothy Magadia and Sr. M. Agnes Peralta, 25th years
16 at www.youtube.com/vatican. Available in four languages, the of Religious Profession among the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master on
facility will provide news clips on the Pope’s activities. February 15, 2009. The occasion will be marked with a Thanksgiving Mass
to be celebrated at 3 p.m. at the Divine Master Convent, Antipolo City by
According to the Vatican spokesperson, Fr. Federico Lombardi, the Most Rev. Broderick Pabillo, DD, Auxiliary Bishop of Manila. The Pious
project has been underway for more than a year and a half since the Disciples of the Divine Master is the third among 10 Religious and Secular
Vatican Radio and the Vatican Television Center began to publish Institutes of the Pauline Family founded by Blessed James Alberione.
clips of their web pages’ video clips on the Holy Father.
INAUGURATED. Alberione
“The pope has been personally informed of our project and has ap- Home, convent of the commu-
proved it with his customary poise and warmth; for us this is a great nity of the Daughters of St. Paul
motivation,” said Lombardi. at F.B. Harrison, Pasay City,
It may be recalled that the Media Office of the Catholic Bishops’ January 28, 2009. The convent,
a structure comprising six floors
Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has launched its own YouTube and a rooftop, houses three com-
channel in April 1997 at www.youtube.com/cbcpmedia. To date, munities of FSP Sisters. It has a
this channel has already 70 video clips on statements and programs multi-purpose auditorium at the
of the CBCP. ground floor that can seat more
than 400 people. The blessing
It was learned from the CBCP Media Director, Msgr. Pedro Qui- and dedication was preceded
torio, that an IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) will be launched by a concelebrated Thanksgiv-
ing Mass led by Fr. James Ferry,
MM, Vicar for Religious of the
Archdiocese of Manila. The
Daughters of St. Paul, a mis-
sionary congregation that uses media for evangelization has been in the
Philippines since 1938. The Philippine province which includes Malaysia,
Papua New Guinea and Thailand has 22 communities and 20 media
centers in major cities of the aforementioned countries.

ENDORSED. Libmanan Prelature spokesman Fr. Apolinar Napoles said

that the prelature’s petition to the Holy See for it to be elevated to the sta-
tus of a diocese has been unanimously endorsed by the bishops during
the 98th CBCP plenary meeting last January 24. In justifying the petition
Libmanan Bishop Jose Rojas Jr., explained to the bishops that Archbishop

UST to host 2nd ‘Kapatiran’ Antonio Franco, former Apostolic Nuncio the Philippines broached the idea
to then Libmanan Bishop Prospero Arellano during his pastoral visit to the
prelature in 2005. Upon taking canonical possession of the prelature in
SOME 400 theology seminarians from at least 20 seminaries across July 2, 2008, Bishop Rojas studied the situation and concluded there are
the archipelago will be gathering at the University of Santo Tomas sufficient reasons to pursue the former Nuncio’s recommendation. The
to dramatize their “Kapatiran.” petition is fully supported by Bicol bishops and Libmanan clergy.
To foster camaraderie among members of the Seminarians’ Net- ORGANIZED.
work of the Philippines (SemNet), the “Kapatiran” gathering on Filipino Pastoral
February 7 will serve as the network’s general assembly, whose Council in Kuwait
theme was intentionally lifted from the Pauline verse “Be imitators by concerned and
committed Filipi-
of me, as I am of Christ (1 Cor. 11:1).” nos. Brothers Ed
According to Sem. Francis Francisco, the SemNet Coordinator for Gonzales, Rom-
the UST Central Seminary, this year’s “Kapatiran” is the network’s mel Genciana, Joel
second assembly at UST since it was first held in 2001. “ Aguirre and Sister
Rowena Uy were
During the ‘Kapatiran’ diocesan theology seminarians, amidst the sworn into office
diversity in their respective charisms, are united in mission to be formed in a simple oath-
after the image of Christ and to respond to the signs of the times in loving taking ceremonies
service of the Church and society in the Philippines,” he said. recently held at the
Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). The occasion was witnessed
Among those who will attend the assembly are Bishop Bernardito by Attorney Josephus Jimenez, Philippine Labor Attache to Kuwait and
Auza, the Apostolic Nuncio to Haiti; and San Jose, Nueva Ecija Fr. Ben Barrameda, a Bicolano priest currently assigned to the Apostolic
Bishop Mylo Vergara, the concurrent chairman of the CBCP Epis- Vicariate of Kuwait under Bishop Camillo Ballin. Fr. Barrameda and his
copal Commission on Seminaries. group of concerned overseas Filipino workers in Kuwait have been helping
distressed compatriots temporarily housed at the POLO since Febraury
Fr. Enrico Gonzales, O.P., Dean of UST’s Faculty of Philosophy 8, 2006. He also founded FPCK more than a year ago for a pro-active
will give a conference on the theme of the gathering. approach in the apostolate and mission programs to the Filipino com-
Interested parties are enjoined to visit www.semnetph.org for munity in Kuwait.
more information regarding SemNet and Kapatiran. (Kris Bayos)
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 3
February 2 - 15, 2009
By Archbishop Angel N. Lag-
dameo
IN two of our Statements last year, we
called for and encouraged the formation
of “circles of discernment” to help us ad-
dress our nation’s concerns. We said in
our Statement “Reform Yourselves and
Believe in the Gospel” (Jan. 27, 2008):
“We have to form ourselves into real
communities of faith-discernment and
action. We ask this of explicit Church
groups. But we will ask it too of all
citizens who have concern for the na-
tion’s good, especially those who hold
the reins of power, from Malacañang
on to Congress, provincial and munici-
pal governments, all the way down to
barangay councils. …This must sound
like a preposterous request, but we
make it anyway for we believe that
what it seeks is the critical need of
the moment. Already it is being
responded to here and there
by various concerned groups
such as those that have been
organized and trained to
fight corruption.”
In our Statement
“Seeking the Truth,
Restoring Integrity”
(Feb. 28, 2008), we
said: “For the long
term we reiterate
our call for ‘circles
of discernment’ at the
grassroots level, in our
parishes, Basic Ecclesial
Communities, recognized lay or-
ganizations and movements, religious
institutions, schools, seminaries and uni-
versities. It is through internal conver-
sion into the maturity of Christ through
communal and prayerful discernment
and action that the roots of corruption
are discovered and destroyed.”
I am pleased to report that I have been
present in some of the “circles of discern-
ment” which have been organized by
some priests, by some bishops as well as
by some members of the laity. And this
is what I would like to share with their
Eminences and Excellencies.
(1) In two Circles of Discernment at-
tended by priests from 13 Dioceses and 6
Religious Congregations, held in Galilee,
Tagaytay and in Cubao Diocese (Sept.
15-16 and Oct. 28, 2008 respectively), I
received their Statement “Men of God,
Moved by the Holy Spirit.” Let me
quote partly their Statement which the
group would have gladly addressed
directly to the CBCP given the time and
opportunity.
They said: “Let us invite one another
to risk touching the wounds of our
people with healing hands, and take up
the pain it causes them and us. Let us
call on one another to dare speak hope-
ful words to remind the people on the
Lord’s dreams for them and us.
In obedience to the Gospel message
(Lk. 4/14-21), we are proposing to our
Bishops and Religious Superiors:
– that our Bishops continue discerning
and exercising their prophetic role in the
context of the contemporary Philippine
society; pecially the youth and families, the poor
B1
interests, they should engage in political
activity.” (GS 75 Vatican II) Competent
and conscientious persons of integrity
should become political candidates. And
the laity must ‘help form the civic con-
science of the voting population and
work to explicitly promote the election
of leaders of true integrity to public of-
fice’ (PCP-II, 28, #1).
(3) Dilaab Foundation Circle of Dis-
cernment. On three occasions, No-
vember 25 and December 29, 2008 and
January 2-3, 2009, the group met to
discern and discuss the topic of “pastoral
accompaniment” of elected and other
public officials, in view of a proactive
(non-condemnatory) way of evangeliz-
ing politics and politicians, beyond-the-
usual engagements that the Church
can do during election time through
PPCRV and NAMFREL. The number
of participants included Atty. Simeon
Marcelo (former Ombudsman) Fr.
Albert Alejo, SJ (Ehem/Aha Move-
ment), Atty. Alexander Lacson (12
Little Things), Mayor Sonia Lorenzo
of Nueva Ecija, PNP Ret. CSupt.
Samson Tucay and SSupt Cesar
Binag, Anti-Graft Commission
Chairman Constancia de Guzman,
Fr. Carmelo Diola of Cebu, etc.
The Dilaab and Hearts Network of
faith-based groups against graft and
corruption will take a lead role in iden-
tifying, encouraging, and supporting lay
people who have the vocation to run for
elected positions, an effort to bring about
in governance men of integrity and good
morals. The Network composed of laity
TOPMOST: The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines during the 98th Plenary Assembly held at Pope Pius XII Catholic Center last January will be engaged in a trans-partisan man-
24-25. Seated in front are Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes (center), head of Vatican’s Pontifical Council Cor Unum, and Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams,
apostolic nuncio to the Philippines (4th from right). ABOVE: CBCP president and Jaro archbishop Angel Lagdameo discusses some issues with Cardinal
ner, supporting people of integrity, not
Cordes. (Photos by Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media) parties. (NB. HEARTS means: Healing
and Holiness, Education, Advocacy,
– that, under the prophetic leadership and the downtrodden, our lay leaders tion and pastoral accompaniment of a Resource mobilization, Transformation
of our bishops, dioceses conduct more continue to conduct their own circles of new generation of Catholics working in through truth-telling, and Solidarity.)
circles of discernment to reach a greater discernment and respond positively and politics, that they be coherent with the The group’s project is to come out with
number of priests, religious and lay creatively to the demands of the times; professed faith, that they have moral a framework for a program on “Pastoral
leaders in an effort to create a network – that formation on evangelization, firmness, the capacity of educated judg- Accompaniment for Christians Engaged
of hope and understanding; stewardship and the Church’s prophetic ment, professional competence and pas- in Politics,” a journey towards integrity
– that in the dioceses, the BECs con- task be integrated into the process of sion for service to the common good.” for the common good.
stitute expanding circles of discernment building BECs. The bishops-participants decided to (4) “PASSPORT TO A NEW PHILIP-
to address social and pastoral challenges (2) The Visayan Bishop’s Circle of put their respective dioceses in a state PINES.” Presumably a fruit of group
in the Church; Discernment. Last December 10, 2008, of prayer, by introducing the prayer discernment which started in 2004 and
– that social formation constitute twelve (12) bishops from the Visayas, that was proposed: “Prayer for a Trans- responding to the CBCP 1997 Pastoral
Exhortation on Philippine Politics,
Reynaldo “Nandy” Pacheco and com-
The political engagement of the laity is something the CBCP has panions have formed the ANG KAPATI-
dealt with in many of its statements and exhortations, including RAN PARTY, an all lay alliance for the
encouraging the right people to run for office. Competent and common good, accredited as a national
political party by the Commission on
conscientious persons of integrity should become political Elections on May 8, 2004.
candidates. And the laity must ‘help form the civic conscience of The introduction to the “Passport to
the voting population and work to explicitly promote the election of a New Philippines” carries a quotation
from Pope Benedict XVI’s address to the
leaders of true integrity to public office.’ bishops of Paraguay in Sept. 2008: “A big
part of the vocation of Christian laypeople
an integral part of their continuing and some 19 priests and lay faithful formed Nation.” is their participation in politics in order to
(ongoing) formation of the clergy and who represented the other bishops, The political engagement of the laity bring justice, honesty and defense of true
religious; gathered at the Cardinal’s Residence in is something the CBCP has dealt with in and authentic values, and to contribute to
– that during their initial formation, Cebu to discern on the topic “Evange- many of its statements and exhortations, the real human and spiritual good of so-
seminarians and religious be given the lizing the Political Culture.” A DILAAB including encouraging the right people ciety. The role of the laity in the temporal
opportunity to acquire skills in social Team (Igniting Spaces of Hope) facili- to run for office. “Direct participation order, and especially in politics, is key for
analysis, be formed in such a way as to tated the gathering. in the political order is the special re- the evangelization of society.”
progressively raise the level of their social It was in response to a speech that sponsibility of the laity in the Church… The organizers hope to offer Ang Ka-
awareness, in view of long term pastoral Pope Benedict XVI gave before the Those with talent for the difficult and patiran Party as an instrument, a moral
and ministerial service in the Church. 23rd Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical noble art of politics, or whose talents in force, for the common good, an alterna-
– that given the darkness of poverty Council of Laity in Nov. 15, 2008, where this matter can be developed, should tive to trapo politics, traditional politics,
and despair enveloping our people, es- the Pope said: “I confirm the necessity prepare themselves for it, and forget- which becomes “a means of enrichment
and urgency of the evangelical forma- ting their own convenience and material Circles / B7
 CBCP Monitor
B2 Updates Vol. 13 No. 3
February 2 - 15, 2009

The Juridic dimension of confirmation (Part 1)

nion), a rupture with great
By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso, transcendence in the ecumeni-
J.C.D. cal relations with the Oriental
Churches.
The Juridic Effects of Confir-
Thank you for the in-depth mation on the Faithful
exposition on the juridic dimen- The juridic dimension of the
sion of Baptism. A related topic, I sacrament of Confirmation is not
think, is Confirmation. While I was limited to the canonical norms
baptized quite early (at age five, if I as regards the sacramental sign.
remember right), my own children Of greater import at the constitu-
were baptized when they were about tional level, although of difficult
Grade V and the same thing is now expression and articulation at the
happening to my grandchildren, practical level, are the juridic ef-
all in Catholic schools. What does fects of the reception of the sacra-
Canon Law really say about this? ment on the Christian faithful.
These are summarized in the
TO answer this question thor- introductory canon of Book
oughly, we need to start—in this IV, Title II: The Sacrament of
article—with the sacramental Confirmation: The sacrament
structure of Confirmation and of Confirmation impresses a
its immediate juridic effects. In character and by it the baptized,
the next issue, we shall complete continuing on the path of Chris-

Illustration by Bladimer Usi

the exposition with the juridic
aspects of the administration of
the sacrament.
Confirmation is the second
sacrament of Christian initiation,
the reception of which—The
Catechism of the Catholic Church
declares—“is necessary for the
completion of baptismal grace.
By the sacrament of Confirmation,
the baptized are more perfectly
bound to the Church and are
enriched with a special strength
of the Holy Spirit. Hence, they
are, as true witnesses of Christ,
more strictly obliged to spread
and defend the faith by word and
deed” (n.1285).
The Sacramental Structure of
Confirmation
The immediate canonico-
doctrinal sources for this matter
are the post-Conciliar Apos-
tolic Const. Divinae consortium
naturae, signed by Pope Paul VI
on 15.VI.1971 and the Catechism
of the Catholic Church. The lat-
ter gives an excellent summary
of the doctrine.
a. The Sacramental Sign
The Catechism summarizes
Confirmation is the second sacrament of Christian initiation, the reception of
which—The Catechism of the Catholic Church declares—“is necessary for the
completion of baptismal grace. By the sacrament of Confirmation, the bap-
tized are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special
strength of the Holy Spirit.”
the elements of the sacramental For licitude, the chrism must
sign, which are canonically reg- have been recently consecrated
ulated in the following terms. or blessed by the Bishop; [the
1) The remote matter: For minister] is not to use old oils
validity, the remote matter for unless there is some necessity
Confirmation is chrism—i.e., (c.847, §1).
vegetable oil mixed with balsam 2) The proximate matter: For
or another aromatic substance, as validity, the sacrament of Con-
sign of the bonus odor Christi, firmation is conferred through
which the confirmed Christian is anointing with chrism on the
obliged to spread with his good forehead, which is done by the
works. The chrism to be used in imposition of the hand…(c.880,
the sacrament of confirmation §1). Without entering into the
must be consecrated by a bishop, long history of the essence of
even if the sacrament is adminis- this action—i.e., whether the
tered by a priest (c.880, §1). action consists of both the actual
anointing with chrism and the
imposition of the hand—we
tion of the Decrees of Vatican
Council II (6.VI.1972), which
affirmed that during the anoint-
ing, it is not necessary to impose
the hand over the candidate,
since the mens legislatoris is that
the anointing with the thumb in
itself manifests the imposition of
the hand.
For licitude, however, it can
be affirmed that the integral
gesture—for the Latin Rite and
for now—is that of the anointing
with chrism preceded by the
imposition of hands, accord-
ing to the tenor of c.880,§1. The
reason for this is pointed out by
the same aforementioned Con-
tian initiation, are enriched by
the gift of the Holy Spirit and
bound more perfectly to the
Church; it strengthens them and
obliges them more firmly to be
witnesses to Christ by word and
deed and to spread and defend
the faith (c.879).
From the aforementioned theo-
logical effects arise a set of more
properly juridic effects, which
transcends the interiority of the
subject and finds projection in a
set of rights and duties:
1) The Christian is bound more
perfectly to the Church. Confir-
mation obliges them more firmly
Sancti.” (OC, n.34). This new to be witnesses to Christ by word
formula was chosen because and deed and to spread and
of its antiquity—its roots trace- defend the faith. Nevertheless,
able to Apostolic times and its it must be emphasized that the
use to the 5th Century in some above effects do not really con-
Churches of Asia Minor—and stitute a new mission different
its more adequate expression of from that arising from Baptism.
the sacramental grace—i.e., the Neither do they substantially
gift of the Holy Spirit. modify the juridic condition of
4) Additional Norms regard- the baptized. What is proper,
ing the Place and Time: For rather, of Confirmation is the
licitude, It is desirable that perfection and strengthening of
the sacrament of confirmation that juridic condition.
be celebrated in a church and 2) The Christian is capacitated
during Mass, but for a just and for the licit exercise of certain
reasonable cause, it may be cel- ecclesial functions, which imply
ebrated outside Mass and in any greater maturity and strength of
worthy place (c.881). the Christian life in the subject.

Applause at homilies
limit ourselves to three data to
support this affirmation:
a) The Apostolic Const. Divi-
(Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina nae consortium naturae, which
Apostolorum university, answers the following queries:) states that “…the anointing with
chrism in some way represents
Q: The parishioners in our church used to be spontaneous the imposition of the hands used
in their reactions to excellent homilies that the priests deliver. by the Apostles.”
The parishioners, sometimes, respectfully applaud after the b) The Ordo Confirmatio-
homily, either to communicate that they are in agreement nis (22.VI.1971), which simply
with the priest, or to offer their appreciation. However, when a stated that “the Bishop wets his
newly ordained priest came, and this happened after a homily right index finger in the Chrism
he gave, he gravely scolded the people for the impropriety of and with the same makes the
their action and reminded them that they are attending a Mass sign of the cross on the forehead
and not a performance. From then on, people’s spontaneity is of the candidate for Confirma-
gone; occasionally, applause would be heard, but one can sadly tion” (n.4).
sense the hesitation. Could you enlighten us on the propriety of c) The Reply of the Pontifical
people applauding after the homily? D.B., Denver, Colorado Commission for the Interpreta-
stitution, which states that the
imposition of the hands prior
to the anointing with chrism—
which in the actual praxis forms
a unique gesture with it—“even
if not pertaining to the essence
of the sacramental rite, should
be taken in great esteem, since
it forms part of the perfect in-
tegrity of the same rite.”
3) The Form: For validity,
a new formula to accompany
the anointing with chrism was
introduced, as a consequence
of the reform mandated by
the Apostolic Const. Divinae
consortium naturae: “N., acci-
pe signaculum doni Spiritus
This is the canonical expres- Thus, prior reception of Confir-
sion of a desire expressed by mation is required—for licitude
Vatican II, “to revise the rite and not for validity—for the
of Confirmation so that the following situations:
intimate relation between this a) To be godparent in Bap-
sacrament and the whole of tism and Confirmation, as is
Christian initiation may appear demanded by the very nature
more clearly” (SC, n.71), and is of the office.
the most important novelty in b) Entry into a new canoni-
the new rite. cal state, as in (i) Admission in
On the other hand, this major seminary (c.241, §2) or in
norm—in the case of Confirma- novitiate (c.645, §1); (ii) Mar-
tion of children who receive it riage, insofar as this is possible
after their First Communion— without serious inconvenience
has caused a rupture in the tra- (c.1065, §1); (iii) Reception of
ditional order of the Sacraments Holy Orders, for which prior
of Christian initiation (Baptism, confirmation is a strict require-
Confirmation, Holy Commu- ment for licitude (c.1050, 3º).

Table Wine for Mass

A: First of all, it is a very hopeful sign of overall improve-
ment in the quality of homilies that the faithful consider them
worthy of applause.
That said, the young priest was correct in stating that, in
general, applause is to be discouraged during Mass.
It is not an absolute rule, however; the Pope’s homilies usual-
ly conclude with applause and are even sometimes interrupted Q: Could you please comment on if it was pressed from grapes
by enthusiastic ovations. In the ancient world, great sermons, the permissibility of using com- that were not fully ripe, or if it
such as those of a St. Augustine, were occasionally interspersed mercially available table wine for is mixed with such a quantity of
with appreciative accolades on the part of the people. Mass? When the label clearly in- water that it can hardly be called
There are also some cultures where applause or hand-clap-
dicates “100% grape,” this would wine, its use is forbidden (Mis-
ping is a spontaneous sign of respect and even veneration. For
seem to satisfy the requirements sale Rom., De Defectibus, tit. iv,
example, some African peoples even clap their hands during the
consecration, because this was the traditional gesture observed for validity. I ask the question 1). If the wine begins to turn into
when their kings were present and it seemed natural to carry because “altar wine” sells at a vinegar, or to become putrid, or if
it over to greet the presence of the King of kings. premium over table wine, and is the unfermented juice is pressed
Therefore, while respecting cultural differences and not exclud- generally not available without from the grape, it would be a
ing an occasional spontaneous applause for a particularly inspired having to pay additional ship- grievous offence to use it, but it
and inspiring homily, I would agree that the practice should not ping charges. Having this option is considered valid matter (ibid.,
be encouraged or regular in Western parish settings. might appeal to pastors of poorer 2). To conserve weak and feeble
First of all, the Roman liturgical tradition is usually sober parishes who are looking for ways wines, and in order to keep them
in its external manifestations. This holds true even in those to trim parish expenses, and yet from souring or spoiling during
Catholic cultures that are exuberant in the demonstrations of who are expected by the diocesan transportation, a small quantity
popular piety such as the processions of Latin America, the ordinary to offer the chalice to the of spirits of wine (grape brandy
Iberian Peninsula and southern Italy where applause, cheers laity at all Masses. ─ A.L., Gal- or alcohol) may be added, pro-
and the like are regular features. litzin, Pennsylvania vided the following conditions
After the homily, the liturgy recommends a moment of are observed (1) The added spirit
silence in order to reflect upon and assimilate the message. A: The principles involved in (alcohol) must have been distilled
Applause easily breaks the concentration and makes it harder the determination of proper mat- from the grape (ex genimime
to gather one’s thoughts and bring them to bear on the essential ter are relatively simple. The most vitis); (2) the quantity of alcohol
questions of living the Gospel. recent official declaration on this added, together with that which
When applause is neither common nor expected a priest
point stems from the instruction the wine contained naturally af-
can prepare the homily with greater freedom, both regard-
“Redemptionis Sacramentum,” ter fermentation, must not exceed
ing the doctrine he wishes to transmit and the best means of
delivery. In other words, although he should always strive to No. 50, which basically sums eighteen per cent of the whole;
prepare an excellent homily from the rhetorical point of view, up earlier laws and the Code of (3) the addition must be made
not having to worry about applause makes him less subject to Canon Law, No. 924: during the process of fermenta-
the temptation of striving more to please than to instruct and “The wine that is used in the tion (S. Romana et Univ. Inquis.,
exhort toward sanctity. most sacred celebration of the 5 August, 1896).”
Not being expected to applaud also frees both priests and Eucharistic Sacrifice must be Note that none of these docu-
parishioners from the danger of making subtle and not-so- natural, from the fruit of the grape, pure vinum de vite, i.e. the pure juice of the ments speak about the obligation to use
subtle comparisons among priests. Father X’s homily received and incorrupt, not mixed with other sub- grape naturally and properly fermented, is any officially denominated “Altar Wine”
timed respect; Father Y got a standing ovation, while Father stances. During the celebration itself, a small to be used. Wine made out of raisins, pro- and indeed there is nothing special about
Z’s preaching on Christian morals got the silent treatment. I quantity of water is to be mixed with it. vided that from its colour and taste it may official altar wine except that it is guaran-
am exaggerating, of course, but the point is that any element Great care should be taken so that the wine be judged to be pure, may be used (Collect. teed to be nothing special.
that might induce disharmony should be avoided. intended for the celebration of the Eucharist S. C. de Prop. Fide, n. 705). It may be white If one could be equally certain that a
The best reaction to a well-thought and delivered homily is is well conserved and has not soured. It is or red, weak or strong, sweet or dry. Since cheaper table wine is 100% grape with no
a decision to move forward and grow as a Christian. If this is altogether forbidden to use wine of doubtful the validity of the Holy Sacrifice, and the additions of other substances or of non-
lacking, then all external applause is just so much fluff. authenticity or provenance, for the Church lawfulness of its celebration, require abso- grape alcohol, then it would also be valid
In his book “The Spirit of the Liturgy” the then Cardinal requires certainty regarding the conditions lutely genuine wine, it becomes the serious matter. To be certain, and before using it,
Joseph Ratzinger wrote: “Whenever applause breaks out in the necessary for the validity of the sacraments. obligation of the celebrant to procure only one should inquire from the manufacturer
liturgy because of some human achievement, it is a sure sign Nor are other drinks of any kind to be admit- pure wines. And since wines are frequently regarding the process involved in mak-
that the essence of liturgy has totally disappeared and been
ted for any reason, as they do not constitute so adulterated as to escape minute chemical ing the wine so as to exclude any doubt
replaced by a kind of religious entertainment” (Page 198).
valid matter.” analysis, it may be taken for granted that whatsoever.
The context of the present Pope’s remarks was regarding
applause after so-called liturgical dancing; it did not directly Almost a century earlier the Catholic En- the safest way of procuring pure wine is While any priest could make such an in-
address our present case of applause as a sign of respect and cyclopedia gave basically the same doctrine to buy it not at second hand, but directly quiry, it would be more prudent that it be
agreement to the message of the homily. The principle involved, but added more details, all of which are still from a manufacturer who understands and done through the local ordinary who could
however, of not applauding the merely human achievement of relevant. conscientiously respects the great respon- then inform his clergy that, as well as official
one of the liturgical actors could be a good rule of thumb for “Wine is one of the two elements ab- sibility involved in the celebration of the altar wines, such and such a brand of com-
deciding when applause is appropriate or not. solutely necessary for the sacrifice of the Holy Sacrifice. If the wine is changed into mon table wine may also be considered as
Eucharist. For valid and licit consecration vinegar, or is become putrid or corrupted, valid matter for the Eucharist.
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 3
February 2 - 15, 2009
IMPORTANT FACTS
Bishop …………………………….…….
Diocesan Priests ……….……….…….. 85
Outside the Diocese ……………..…...
Retired ………………………………...
Deacon ………………………………….
Religious Priests …………..…………. 10
Brothers ………………………………
Seminarians:
Theology ……………………………..
Diocesan Divisions:
Vicariates …………………...……….
Parishes …………………..…………
Chaplaincies ………………..………
Mission Areas ………………....……..
Population ………………..… 1,068,783
Catholics …..………………... 887,089
Area ………..………… 3,053.4 sq.kms.
ON BACKGROUND: San Sebastian Cathedral. BELOW: Bishop
Florentino F. Cinense, DD
Diocese of
Tarlac
By Fr. Melvin Castro
THE Diocese of Tarlac comprises the
whole province of Tarlac. Before its cre-
ation on February 16, 1963, the province
belonged to two different dioceses. Its
capital town of Tarlac and the southern
towns belonged to the then Diocese of
San Fernando, Pampanga, and the north-
ern towns to the Diocese of Lingayen-
Dagupan. Today it is a suffragan of the
Archdiocese of Pampanga. It is the melt-
ing pot where Kapampangans, Ilocanos,
Pangasinenses, Tagalogs, and the Aetas
live together in harmony and peace.
The province of Tarlac is right in the
heartland of Central Luzon which com-
prises Region III. This location between
Manila and the Northern provinces has
made it the important trading center
that it is today. Tarlac is landlocked by
Pangasinan on the north, Nueva Ecija
on the east, Pampanga on the south,
and Zambales on the west.
Originally, Tarlac was part of the prov-
inces of Pampanga and Pangasinan. It
was organized as a province of its own
close to the end of the Spanish regime.
With its neighboring provinces in Central
Luzon, Tarlac was among the first to rise
up in arms against Spain in 1898. When
Malolos was abandoned as the second
seat of the First Philippine Republic when
the Americans overran the country, Tar-
lac, Tarlac became the new seat of the new
government for a few months.
From more recent times, during the
Second World War, the town of Capas
in Tarlac is remembered as hallowed
ground where the infamous “Death
March” ended at Camp O’Donnell,
after the Filipino-American forces sur-
rendered in Bataan. The prisoners were
made to walk the entire distance from
Bataan to Capas, with hardly any food,
half of them dying along the road. In the
fifties and the sixties, Tarlac was again
the seat of more rebellion, this time by
the Hukbalahaps during the term of
President Ramon Magsaysay.
Diocese B3
1
3
1
1
1
11
7
45
2
1
Canonical Erection of the Diocese
On May 10, 1963, the Diocese of Tar-
lac was erected canonically. Installed
as its first Bishop on May 11, 1963 at
the San Sebastian Cathedral was His
ent to disrupt the lives of thousands
who have had to flee homes and whole
towns that now lie buried in lahar.
The Church in Tarlac was very much
involved in the alleviation of the effects
Excellency, the Most Reverend Jesus of these tragedies.
J. Sison, D.D. The population of the In spite of all those odds the diocese
diocese then was 360,278 with 26 Di- of Tarlac struggles to accomplish its
ocesan priests, two religious priests mission. A college seminary has been
(Salesians of Don Bosco), 18 Mis- established to address the perennial
sionary Servants of the Holy Spirit shortage of priests and religious. And
(S.Sp.S), Dominican Sisters of Our more recently, two Monasteries were
Lady of Peace (O.P.) and Religious established: the Diocesan congregation,
of the Virgin Mary (RVM). Servants of the Risen Christ, which
The late Bishop was succeeded by also hosts part of the relic of the True
His Excellency, Most Rev. Florentino F. Cross and the congregation of Pontifical
In spite of all those odds the diocese of Tarlac struggles to accom- in Baguio City for the historical moment
in the life of the Diocese of Tarlac.
plish its mission. A college seminary has been established to address The process of the renewal that was
the perennial shortage of priests and religious. And more recently, started in DPA-1 was further polished
two Monasteries were established: the Diocesan congregation, Ser- on the Organizational Planning System
(OPS) workshop in a transfer of the
vants of the Risen Christ, which also hosts part of the relic of the Core Group that stayed in Baguio City
True Cross and the congregation of Pontifical Right, the Cloistered for the continuation of the process. The
Carmelite Nuns at the Mater Carmeli Monastery. seminar resulted in the members’ gain
of knowledge and skill in the OPS and
Cinense D.D. on 10th May 1988 with his Right, the Cloistered Carmelite Nuns at diocese, it was deemed wise to “call in partial output of the Diocesan Pastoral
Episcopal Motto, “Cor Novum, Spiritus the Mater Carmeli Monastery. the experts.” Thus, the assistance of Fr. Plan.
Novus” (A New Heart, A New Spirit). The entire diocese is being renewed Manuel Guazon, the former president Almost a year after DPA-1, in February
He was installed as Auxiliary Bishop and evangelized in accordance with the of the Southeast Asian Interdisciplinary 5-9, 1999, about 170 participants from
of the same diocese on November 1985 spirit of the Second Plenary Council of Development Institute (SAIDI) was parishes and religious organizations who
before he became the Bishop of Tarlac. the Philippines. Large parishes are be- sought. With his help, all the members were the same participants as in DPA-1,
The New Shepherd of the Diocese is ing divided into manageable sizes. of the clergy underwent a five-day converged again in Baguio for the presen-
a native from Guimba, Nueva Ecija seminar on Organizational Planning tation and approval of the Diocesan Pas-
and was born on March 14, 1938. He Diocesan Pastoral Renewal and Development on July 14-18, 1997 toral Plan (DPP) in the Second Diocesan
took his Licentiate in Philosophy and The very first attempt to have a sys- in Sison, Pangasinan. Pastoral Assembly (DPA-II).
Theology in U.S.T. Central Seminary tematic renewal process in the diocese On September 29-30, 1997, the first During the Hoy Thursday Chrism
(1960 and 1964) and his Doctorate in was announced by the bishop in the general Assembly for all the representa- Mass of 1999, the Diocesan Pastoral
Philosophy in Angelicum Universitas clergy meeting of January 15, 1996. He tives was held at the Our Lady of Peace Plan was presented and launched for
Sancti Thomae in Urbe, Rome Italy. initiated this move to usher in the re- College Seminary, San Isidro, Tarlac the implementation at San Sebastian
newal and development of the diocese City. The Bishop presided over the Cathedral before the audience repre-
Natural Calamities in the mind of Vatican II and PCP II. opening liturgy, which was followed senting the different parishes and sec-
The province has been devastated In May 1997, after more than a year by an overnight vigil of the represen- tors of the diocese. The Bishop, Most
by two natural calamities in the recent of lull, the Bishop discussed with the tatives from different parishes and Rev. Florentino F. Cinense, D.D. joy-
past: the killer quake of 1990 and the clergy the necessity of continuing the communities. fully announced the coming of the new
eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in Zambales initial effort to the fruition stage of the In January and February 1998, the day in the diocese with the implemen-
in 1991. The first exacted a toll on lives Diocesan Pastoral Renewal. Seeing that 2nd and 3rd General Assemblies for tation of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan.
and property. The second was worse in the said assembly would spell the direc- all preliminary steps for the DPA-1, the The diocese is now ready to journey
terms of devastation. The destructive tion for the implementation of the PCP group converged for five days (March in renewal towards the jubilee and the
flow of lahar continues up to the pres- II provisions and development in the 9-13, 1998) at the Betania Retreat House New Millennium.

B4
By Fr. Sim Sunpayco, S.J.
IN the last 40 years I have
shared pastoral and forma-
tion experiences with many
co-workers in some 54 dio-
ceses; also have read, lec-
tured, written many pages
about the WHAT, WHY,
and HOW of B.E.C.
I now present some questions,
problems and challenges facing B.E.C.
B. E. C.—Questions,
Problems, Challenges
Participants to the Second National BEC Congress held in Cagayan de Oro City last November 2008.
formation. B.E.C. is described here as
a MODEL of being Church developed
for the mission of proclaiming the
Good News of the Kingdom of God in
Third World countries like the Philip-
pines. (To proclaim the good news of
the Kingdom of God [evangelization];
the purpose why He was sent Luke
4: 16-22; 43; and having chosen us His
friends He sends us to go and bear fruit
that will remain John 15:15:. . . to make
disciples of all nations; Mt 28: 16-20.)
The Jesuit Cardinal Avery Dulles
talks of models of Church – way of
presenting and understanding the
LIFE and unchanging nature of the
Church: Mystical Body, People of God,
Institution of Religion, Servant Com-
munity [of disciples]. Fr. Jose Marins,
the Brazilian theologian of the Consejo
Episcopal Latinoamericano from the
Medellin to the Puebla Conferences,
looks at model as the different ways
the Church undertakes its WORK
(mission), the evangelization in differ-
ent eras and situations. B,E.C. belongs
to this category of Church models:
(Marins’ not Dulles’ presentation).
[A]. Church models
1. The first model for the mission
[A] were the Small Communities of
love and sharing, (year 33 to 100 – cf.
Acts 2: 40-47) [B] Persecution (100–300)
dispersed these charismatic communi-
ties. They went underground; evange-
lization had to be by way of being the
Church of the Martyrs; but took on
the [C] Institutional model (300–600)
after the persecution to organize its
creed, code and cult, hierarchy and
seminaries. [D] The “barbarians” from
northern Europe descended on Rome.
Monks taught them how to read, write,
pray, build houses, cultivate fields and
domesticate animals (600–1300). A Mo-
nastic model of being Church became
the priority. [E] The Christianization of
most of Europe brought in the Chris-
tendom model. The Pope crowned the
Emperor, Cardinals were Kings’ Prime
Ministers; the Church took charge of
the development of culture and the
arts, universities, war and peace in
the Crusades, exploration of newly
discovered lands to be Christianized;
in the process they became colonies
that supplied riches to Europe.
2. With wealth bringing luxury, lust
for power and ease, corruption and im-
morality into Church institutions, not
sparing monasteries and the papacy; a
weakened Church was torn to pieces
by the so-called reformers. They taught
heretical doctrine, defied the laws and
authority of the Pope and bishops, got
rid of the Mass and most of the Sacra-
ments. Bringing the Good News into
politics in the time of Constantine, to
economics during the Middle Ages and
Features
to culture when the Church was in the
seat of power and influence, came to a
halt. The Church as a religious institu-
tion had to fight the Protestants for its
very survival.
The Holy Spirit painfully led the
Church to put its house in order. It took
18 years, 1545–1563 and five popes
to struggle with human weaknesses,
quarrels between popes and kings,
difficulty in communication, to the
reforms of the Council of Trent.
3. In 25 sessions TRENT defined and
clarified the doctrines and dogmas of
the Church, enforced strict discipline;
went after abuses among clergy and
The same name or acronym ‘B.E.C’. is used by different people to
mean many different ecclesial or pastoral realities and activities.
These people do not share the same experience and have not come
together to agree on what they mean with the words they use
or reality they refer to. This situation is a big block to integrated
pastoral planning, to clear objectives and coordinated strategies.
Result: much energy, time and resources are wasted, real needs of
the people are neglected.
monasteries. To make sure of unity
with Rome, uniformity became the
rule even in every detail of the litur-
gical language, vestments, practices,
also religious habits. To deviate from
the doctrine was to be condemned
a heretic and risked to be burned at
the stake. The Church was known not
only as Catholic but also Roman. With
religion as the battleground evangeli-
zation became cultic and clerical, and
with the close relations between the
bishops and the nobility, elitist too—
those who wielded power in politics,
economics and culture were influen-
tial, also favored in the Church. Closed
and defensive against the Protestants
and other non-Catholics, to be “Kato-
liko Sarado” was the claim of devout
Catholics: they were “pure Catholics”
no stain of Protestantism in them.
4. The Holy Spirit never took any
vacation. For some 400 years—from
Trent to Vatican II there would be
events, movements, initiatives from
lay people, bishops and priests usher-
ing changes in the Katoliko Sarado
Church: e.g., non-monastic Religious
Orders, the Jesuits in 1540, Rerum
Novarum of Leo XIII in 1891, new
approaches to biblical studies from
Pius XII in 1942: Catholic Action, the
Cursillo Movement, Family Life Apos-
tolate, Barangay Sang Birhen, Better
Word Movement, the Charismatic
Renewal, the 1967 Catholic Rural Con-
gress in Cagayan de Oro, Theology of
Liberation and Development in Latin
America.
The dramatic updating of evange-
lization in the Church came with the
election of Cardinal Angelo Giuseppe
Roncali to the papacy in 1958 who took
the name of John XXIII. He took note of
the Signs of the Times, women move-
ment for liberation: toys for gratifica-
tion no more, the right to vote, equal
treatment in society: countries seeking
freedom and independence from their
colonizers, labor unions and peasants
organized to get their just share of the
fruits of their labor.
Pope John called on all people
of good will, not only Catholics, to
promote freedom, justice, God-given
human dignity, total human develop-
ment. For this he convened Vatican
II (1962-65) and directed the Church
towards aggiornamento: [1] return to
the sources, [2] renewal of inspiration
and [3] reform of methods.
5. Vatican II led us to development
of body and soul for the “new heavens
and new earth” (Rev 21). The 1971
Synod of Bishops however noted in
this development the rich were becom-
ing richer; the poor, poorer resulting in
a wide gap between them. The greater
part of humanity became marginal-
ized, victims of oppression, deprived
of basic services in the injustices of
the socio-economic, political, even in
religious institutions (the Church).
The Synod came out with a declara-
tion that action on behalf of justice
and transformation of society “fully
appears to us as a constitutive dimen-
sion of evangelization.” To the concept
of sin as personal responsibility the
Church now adds societal sin in unjust
structures.
[B] In the Philippine Setting
1. The CBCP decided in 1988 to
convene PCP II to speed up Philippine
aggiornamento called by Vatican II.
After three years of preparations, sur-
veys and working papers, 94 bishops,
61 laywomen, 95 laymen, 222 priests,
15 religious (12 Sisters, 3 Brothers) met
at the San Carlos Seminary Formation
Complex, January 20 to February 17,
1991. The Acts and Decrees of the
Council were sent to Rome. It took a
year before they were given recogni-
tion. The official promulgation; “. . .
and acquire their binding force for the
Catholic Church all over the Philip-
pines one month after the date of this
promulgation, this July 22, 1992.”
2. This was followed on July 23 with
a one page Vision-Mission Statement
of the Church in the Philippines—a
succinct summary of the decrees and
Acts of PCP II.
The Statement begins with the para-
graph summarizing the 16 pages that
depict the “shadow “ and “light” of the
socio-economic, political and religious
situation in the Philippines: “a society
fragmented by divisive conflicts and
afflicted by widespread poverty yet
deeply aspiring for fullness of life in
God.”
Three succeeding paragraphs give us
a triple thrust or priority of priorities
to respond to the situation.
“We, Church in the Philippines, with
total trust in God’s love, envision our-
selves as the community of disciples...
in solidarity with one another, with
creation and with God... following
the way of the Lord, we opt to be a
Church of the poor, ...which harnesses
the transformative power of the poor
among us …under the leading of the
Spirit of God and with Mary as our
guide, we shall embark on a renewed
integral evangelization of salvation
and liberation…”
Following the triple thrust is the
identification of their agents: “…
bishops, priests, religious and laity…”
Then the Vision-Mission Statement
concludes: “Ours will then be a civili-
zation of life and love, a sign of the in-
breaking of the Father’s Kingdom.”
3. But though hailed as a Pentecostal
Event we hardly hear of PCP II being
talked about even among Church
leaders. How is familiarity with (and
commitment to) the Vision-Mission
Statement shown by bishops, priests
and lay leaders? There was not even
an official Tagalog version of the State-
ment. Has it become another well kept
secret in the Church?
Jan. 22-27, 2001: CBCP convened
the National Pastoral Consultation
on Church Renewal (NPCCR) with a
similar composition of participants as
PCP II ten years before. It came up with
a confession: “In the Church many of
the prescriptions of PCP II have not
been implemented ....the root cause is
our hardness of heart and resistance to
conversion.” Has NPCCR succeeded in
igniting genuine interest...?
The implementation and realization
of the triple thrust in all our Church
ministries, in our seminaries and for-
mation centers, is expected to bring
about our becoming a new way of
being Church. It should be the cen-
terpiece, the priority in the pastoral
planning of all church entities for the
evangelization of our country in the
situation it faces today.
[C]. More into the mystery of this
Church Model
1. Basic Ecclesial Community (sin-
gular?) or Basic Ecclesial Communities
(plural)? The singular [b.e.c.] would be
the name of the new model; while the
many communities (plural) [b.e.c.’s]
are the ingredients that will produce
the new model. These would be “cells”:
─ three types [i] families in the same
neighborhood (‘kriska’), [ii] sectoral
groups, (e.g. students, vendors) [iii]
some faith communities, etc.
2. Helpful to the understanding of
the new model is to look at its contrast,
the PARISH, the traditional model
for evangelization since the Council
of Trent. Its characteristics: big with
thousands of members hardly knowing
one another, cultic, clerical, and ‘elitist’
catering to the prominent well-to-do
people and its regular clientele (‘suki’)
the pious Catholics. Most of its services
are rendered inside the church.
3. The gospel passages (Mt. 9:36, Mk.
6:34) report how the heart of Christ was
moved with pity on seeing so many
people abandoned like sheep without
shepherd. At that time a shepherd left
the 99 good sheep to look for the one
needing his caring. Today should not
a pastor leave the few favored ones to
find ways to attend to the 80% mar-
ginalized poor whom they see only
when they are “hatched, matched,
dispatched!” B.E.C. is an experience
of the INCARNATION again! Christ
(in the Church, the People of God—
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 3
February 2 - 15, 2009
clergy and laity), becoming one with
His flock, with preferential love for
the marginalized, the weak, the poor,
joining their human condition where
they live and work and love in families
and neighborhoods.
Clearly in this model lay people are
to be the evangelized communities
evangelizing in their neighborhoods.
“Nazareth spirituality”; three hours
on the cross, three days in the grave
unto His resurrection, three years
going around the villages with the
apostles: how many years in Nazareth?
What did He do there with Joseph and
Mary?
© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media
Would that our pious Catholics who
visit statues and talk with their favorite
saints are made aware of the life of the
Holy Family in their dialogue of life
with the neighbors.
4. B.E.C. is not a “finished product”,
not a religious organization or a Church
agency like a partner of NASSA to de-
liver assistance and goods to needy
people. It is a process of becoming the
church model for evangelizing a Third
Word country. This process will not
take a long time but all the time, to end
only when the “already–but –not-yet”
Kingdom is finally here, at a time only
the Father knows!
5. This new Model in proclaiming the
good news sees the bad news, the block
to the Kingdom not only in personal
sin but in sinful structures of injustice.
Societal sin, the huge gap between the
powerful minority and the majority of
our people ─ the marginalized poor, a
sinful situation where both the power-
ful and the weak are dehumanized!
B.E.C. formation has to be much
more than ordinary prayer sessions.
Goals must be clear. Familiarity with
Christ of the Gospel, growth in friend-
ship as community, and service coming
from organized action involving the
men of the families even if they do not
attend the prayer sessions.
The Good News of the Kingdom
of God for total human development
and for social transformation that will
include reform of the widespread
corruption in all our institutions can
succeed only with the empowerment
of the poor in communities of disciples
so they can participate responsibly
in the affairs affecting their lives in
society. They comprise the majority of
our people, they also are the victims of
marginalization in society and in the
Church. The most neglected are our
people in remote rural areas. They
flock to urban areas, end up in the inner
city, becoming slum dwellers.
Heretofore taken for granted they
must be in the ongoing process of con-
scientization, evangelization, forma-
tion to become communities of friends,
discerning, learning how to make deci-
sions together and affirming what is
good in their leaders and with power
from their organized action, demand,
when needed, services for their own
and the common good.
6. The parish is not abolished but
must become active in the aggior-
namento resulting in, or joining the
process of becoming evangelized
evangelizer according to Vatican II and
PCP II. It is ironic that the block to the
formation of B.E.C. are good priests
who with good people are doing good
works. How come? Because the good
they are doing are according to the di-
BEC / B7
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 3 Statements
February 2 - 15, 2009
B5
God Hears the Cries of the Poor ‘All Generations Will
(cf. Exodus 3, 7-9) Call Me Blessed’
(Luke 1, 48)
Concluding Statement of the CBCP on the Second National Rural Congress A Pastoral Letter on the Renewal of
Devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia

Introduction
While we are still in the second year of our preparation for
the tercentenary of the devotion to our Lady of Peñafrancia,
we continue the task of renewing our faith through Ina. Such
need for renewal has been enunciated in our previous pastoral
letter, Principalmente a la Misa. The said pastoral letter outlined
for us, the history of devotion; an examination of the present
conduct of devotion particularly the traslacion, fluvial procession,

© Denz Dayao / CBCP Media

and novena; and some pastoral suggestions on how to correct,
improve and enhance the devotion. Yet the heart of the letter is
a reminder that authentic devotion leads us to God, principally
through and to the Eucharist.
We have begun the task of renewal through the following
concrete actions:

POVERTY is a reality that pervades our
beloved country. It is experienced all over
the land but is especially felt in the rural
sector. Poverty in the Philippines remains
predominantly rural and development
projects have not significantly improved the
lives of the rural poor. In fact we can never
solve poverty in the urban centers unless
poverty in the countryside is seriously and
systematically addressed. Hence 40 years
after the National Rural Congress of 1967,
we bishops in our pastoral statement “The
Dignity of the Rural Poor” of January 2007
called for a Second National Rural Congress
(NRC II) to hear the cries of the poor in the
rural areas. Pope Benedict XVI reminds us
in his message on the World Day of Peace
of this year that fighting poverty is a means
of building peace. So to address poverty
benefits not only the poor but the whole
nation.
The Journey of NRC II
The Second National Rural Congress
(NRC II) consisted of more than 50 Dioc-
esan and 13 Sub-Regional Consultations
conducted through November 2007 to
March 2008. Afterwards, five Regional
Rural Congresses were convened in April
- June 2008. These consultations led up to a
National Conference on 7-8 July 2008 held
in San Carlos Seminary, Makati. All these
activities gave the opportunity to the rural
poor to articulate their concerns and for the
Church in various levels to listen and discern
her specific role in accompanying them on
their journey.
A parallel track of several researches,
seminars, and high-level caucuses was
completed during the same period. These
activities involved the academe, media,
civil society, government officials and the
bishops themselves. Various position papers
and statements were compiled to aid and
supplement the consultations that came
about in the NRC II process.
We thank all the groups who participated
and who contributed to the realization of
the long process of the congress. This is a
great sign of common concern for the rural
poor who unfortunately are among the least
noticed and least served in our society.
Voices of the Rural Poor
The researches, consultations and dia-
logues unearthed several causes of rural
poverty. Foremost is the lack of serious
implementation of laws and policies de-
signed to address asset reforms to promote
social justice. Inadequate resources and
capacities to provide basic services were
also mentioned. Other major concerns were
the prevailing graft and corruption and a
sense of helplessness – that there is nothing
anyone can do to change the situation. The
extensive presence of extractive industries,
foremost of which is large scale mining,
destroys the environment which directly
impacts the poor. On the other hand, it was
recognized that the rural poor need to dis-
cern more their rights and responsibilities as
citizens and as children of God. Five basic
sectors articulated the complex challenges
they face today.
Small Farmers and Landless Workers:
They are the rural sector that today has the
single most urgent claim on the conscience
of the nation whose most pressing need
is land reform. Academic studies and
numerous documentations by civil society
have attested to the significant contribution
of agrarian reform in reducing poverty,
creating opportunities for growth leading
towards sustainable development. These
Poor / B6
1. Examination
We have invited all sectors of society to engage in communal
discernment and dialogue. The Caceres Clergy, during their
annual retreat last November 2008, have made a communal
stand and commitment to take steps not only to curtail present
abuses of the devotion, but much more to promote and protect
the love our people have for Ina. Also, we in our homilies have
reiterated with clarity and in continuity with tradition, that the
Peñafrancia devotion is principally a religious event.
The organization of the tercentenary committees has been
done in order to prepare well for this historic event in the life
of the local Church.
2. Purification and Strengthening
The revision of the Novena Prayers has been going on in order
to improve the quality of prayer and devotion. Opportunities for
healing and reconciliation, and a rite for the blessing of rosaries,
roses or handkerchiefs brought by people for their use in prayer
have been included in the celebration of the Peñafrancia devotion
beginning this year.
This year’s traslacion and fluvial procession will have major
changes. After the final novena prayers for the Divino Rostro, the
statue of Ina and the image of the Divino Rostro will be transferred
from the Basilica to the Peñafrancia Shrine or Santuario through
the dawn penitential procession. The traslacion procession will
start in the afternoon, after the blessing of rosaries, flowers and
handkerchiefs. For the fluvial procession or sakay, ministers
at the pagoda will be the bishops of the Bicol together with
diocesan and parish representatives to highlight the avowed
regional character of our devotion. Except for people who need
to man the pagoda, no other personalities more so political
candidates will be allowed to board the pagoda. Evening and

Public Statement of Bishop Warlito I. Cajandig, Apostolic

dawn processions during the novenary days will be continued.
There will be healing masses moreover to enable devotees to
observe penitential and intercessory acts. A new andas for Ina

Vicar of Calapan, clarifying his position on the issue of and Divino Rostro will be used in order to improve the order
and safety during the processions and also be made towards

Mining in the Province of Oriental Mindoro
THE issue of mining is a very significant concern confronting our
province, and the Church as well, for it is very much connected with
life and well being of our people. Hence, I would like to reiterate
my position on this issue to give clarification on my stand and to
challenge the faithful and the Christian communities facing this
problem.
It is my conviction that any project if it is really intended for devel-
opment, should genuinely respond to the needs of the people, in or-
der for them to have the fullness of life. This is the measure whether
any project or activity can be considered truly responsible.
In my opinion, mining in the context of our province, is irrespon-
sible activity for it is conducted not to genuinely respond to the
real and priority needs of the people. At first glance, there are vis-
ible benefits if the company builds clinics, provides job, constructs
water tanks, or provides program for micro-lending. However,
these activities can also be considered irresponsible because these
activities make people become so constrained to make the right
decisions according to their free will whether to allow mining
operation or not.
Considering the profile of our province, the situation of our
people and the pre-mining activities, the mining operation of Intex
Statement of the Philippine Migrants Rights Watch (PMRW) on
Administrative Order Nos. 247 and 248 issued by President Gloria
the better order and safety of participants.
Persons and their dispositions remain to be the crucial element
in the Peñafrancia devotion. In order to nurture, protect and
share the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the Cofradia de
Resources can be considered irresponsible too, more so, if it will
San Jose or the Confraternity of Saint Joseph of the voyadores is
be conducted in a critical watershed. As I gathered from reliable
being organized and revitalized. The organization will have its
sources, according to former DENR Secretary Heherson Alvarez,
own Constitution and By-laws. It will cooperate and coordinate
no amount of mitigating measures can be done to prevent the real
with the clergy and civil authorities in making the processions
destruction of this watershed, if mining will push through.
solemn and orderly. It will be responsible for the conduct of
Considering the situation of our country, it is impossible to have
religious activities related to the Peñafrancia fiesta. The Guardias
the so-called responsible mining because of the prevailing culture
de Maria is a special group of voyadores who are members of the
of corruption in the government—many are abusive of their pow-
Cofradia de San Jose whose duty is to protect the image of Ina
ers and many can also be bribed. Even the on-going mining in
from defilement towards the orderly and solemn observance of
Palawan, that is being touted as beneficial to the people, does not
processions in her honor. Both organizations will be composed
really pursue that well being of the people, as reported to me by
of known, selected, proven and trained devotees of Our Lady
my friends—priests coming from the area.
of Peñafrancia.
Again, I want to emphasize my position, together with the Catholic
Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and the people of
3. Deepening
Mindoro, that I am opposing mining in the province.
Together with efforts in parishes, special catechetical activities
May God, the Creator, continually bless us in our campaign to
will be undertaken by schools and campus ministries concerning
protect our ecology!
the devotion to Ina and the tercentenary celebrations, as well
the general observance of the Peñafrancia fiesta. Coordinated
+ WARLITO I. CAJANDIG, DD
with DepEd, activities aim at greater participation even by non-
Apostolic Vicar of Calapan
sectarian institutions. All these catechetical activities are for the
19 January 2009
formation of heart—in the home, school and community—for
where the heart is, devotion flourishes.
While above are pronounced efforts from within, the church
also reaches out to the civic society for an equally involved
participation in the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia. In the
city and province, and business and private institutions, civic
participation’s challenge is foremost on the general public being

Macapagal-Arroyo on December 4, 2008
THE Philippine Migrants Rights Watch
(PMRW) is gravely concerned with the is-
suance of Administrative Order Nos. 247
and 248.
AO 247 instructs the Philippine Overseas
Employment Administration (POEA) to
“execute a paradigm shift by refocusing
its functions from regulation to full blast
market development efforts, the exploration
of frontier, fertile job markets for Filipino
expatriate workers.” To achieve this, the
President orders the Cabinet to “render full
support to the POEA so it can aggressively
deploy Filipino expatriates.....with urgency
and unbothered by institutional hurdles.”
The AO targets to break through the 200-
country barrier.
The instructions of the President to
POEA were quite contrary to the intent
and spirit of RA9422 which strengthens the
regulatory functions of the POEA thereby
repealing Sections 29 and 30 of RA 8042
on deregulation. The President was with
us in this campaign which took 11 years
before RA9422 was finally enacted in 2006.
She certified this bill as urgent in the 12th
and 13th Congress but now, she is setting
it aside in favor of aggressive marketing of
our people overseas.
Is this the way for government to respond
to the global economic meltdown? Subjecting
more of our people to external market condi-
tions where we have almost no control of?
Should we not be doing the paradigm shift by
veering away now from an economic dictum
that is quite dependent on external markets?
Should not this be a wake up call to the gov-
ernment to strengthen its resolve to focus its
energies in beefing up the domestic economy
instead and in creating full employment in
the country? Should we not be revisiting
our budget priorities and exert political will
not to appropriate funds for automatic debt
repayments? Should we not be rethinking
our decisions to ratify the Japan-Philippines
Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA)
as we rethink other on-going trade bilateral
talks that only result to more inequalities and
poverty among the people?
PMRW is aghast by this government’s
ineptness to the real needs of its suffering
peoples. Rather than see the economic
situation as a challenge and come up with a
long-term viable and developmental policy
for the country that is long overdue, the
government is again relying on the migrants
and OFWs to salvage the economy and keep
it afloat. If we indeed consider them as our
modern-day heroes, then let us treat them
as such and guarantee that they reap the
rewards of their labor and sacrifices.
AO 248 on the other hand is about the
so-called “payback program” of the govern-
ment to the “heroic efforts of the expatriate
Filipino workers” by directing the Depart-
ment of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and
the Overseas Workers Welfare Administra-
tion (OWWA) to create a Filipino Expatriate
Livelihood Support Fund with the initial
funds of P250M to come from OWWA.
The second component of the program is
government’s “full support in helping re-
turning expatriate Filipino workers to find
remunerative jobs.”
The intent of the AO was commendable.
But alas, it would seem that the noble inten-
tion was all there was to it because govern-
ment is NOT putting its money where its
mouth is, so to speak!
On the first component, we would like to
question government’s sincerity in “recip-
rocating” to the OFWs because the initial
funds will come from OWWA which is
purely OFW money, mostly illegally col-
lected from the OFWs themselves. If, on
the other hand, OWWA will invoke the
Omnibus Policies in the disbursement of
the funds, we would like to know if there
was a Board Resolution and will it only
make the funds available to its “members”?
We await OWWA’s response and the DOLE
guidelines on this.
It was also quite interesting that the two
AOs were signed by the President on the day
that migrant groups and government agen-
cies under the Consultative Council of OFWs
(CCOFW) held a meeting at OWWA. OWWA
Administrator Dimzon was present in the
informed and active concerning the true devotion to Ina. It is
challenged to provide for the availability of public facilities such
as toilet and bath, as well as public order and safety such as in the
said meeting, as well as other government regulation of traffic flow and street-vending, all for the benefit
officials from the POEA, but not one of them of devotees especially guests and particularly the handicapped.
hinted about the two AOs. While the situation Further, it is to attend to those shut-in and unable to participate
might be deemed urgent by government, the in the celebration such as those in hospitals or prisons. Even
fact that there was already an opportunity to then, civic participation also means reviewing perspectives on
mention the matter to the NGOs and consult street-parties, military parades, beauty pageants and the like
them on the issue, the fact that still not a word towards more communally beneficial ends by reason of law
was said about the AOs left a bad taste in the and public morals.
mouth to say the least.
PMRW notes that the AOs made reference Our Response
to “expatriate Filipino workers”. Is this a We encourage families, the youth in schools with their mentors,
new term for OFWs or is government creat- workers in various occupations and persons in different sectors
ing another category of Filipinos overseas? and responsibilities to pray, study, discern and decide how
What is behind the “new” terminology? they might share in the tercentenary celebration and contribute
We ended 2008 with much enthusiasm for the good of others, especially those in need. Efforts even if
because we were inspired by the keynote done singly or individually can bring about cumulative and
of the President in the second Global Forum concrete effects.
on Migration and Development (GFMD) We propose the following concrete ways of active participation
when she said, “We long for the day when in the celebration of the tercentenary of the devotion to Ina: a)
going abroad for a job is a career option, lay men can join the Cofradia de San Jose or Confraternity of
not the only choice, for a Filipino worker. Saint Joseph in their parishes; b) volunteer services and talents
Our economic plans are designed to allow during the Peñafrancia festivities by contacting the Basilica or
the Philippines to break out of this cycle.” the tercentenary committee; c) share Peñafrancia memorabilia,
Obviously, she did not mean what she said. pictures, and stories; d) contribute financially to the projects for
It hurts because it is done at the expense of the tercentenary; e) and above all pray the tercentenary prayer
the people! daily and offer masses for a fruitful and grace-filled tercentenary
celebration.
January 20, 2009
Conclusion
Signed: Let us not miss this graced-moment whereby we actively
Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) participate and contribute in the renewal of our devotion to Ina.
Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) We are privileged that we are the ones who are protagonists
Development Action for Women Network of this historic moment in the life of the Bicol Church. The
(DAWN) tercentenary celebration can only happen once in our lifetime,
Episcopal Commission for Migrant and never to be repeated.
Itinerant People (ECMI) We cannot fail the future generations who will look back to
Scalabrini Migration Center (SMC) us in gratitude singing Mary’s Magnificat: “From now on will
Scalabrini Center for People on the Move all generations call me blessed” (Luke 1, 48). Our response is
(SCPM) marked by a spirit of thanksgiving for the gift of devotion—balaog
Scalabrini Lay Association (SLA) inako, balaog itao—a gift received, a gift to share.
Moyse, Korea This is God’s favor upon us. Let us return this favor of God.
International Catholic Migration Commis- Viva la Virgen!
sion-Southeast Asia
Martin de Rada Human Rights Bureau of
the University of San Agustin + LEONARDO Z. LEGASPI, O.P., D.D.
Seoul Archdiocesan Labor Pastoral Com- Archbishop of Caceres
mission, Korea January 25, 2009
Stella Maris International Service Center, Archdiocese of Caceres
Taiwan
 CBCP Monitor
B6 Reflections Vol. 13 No. 3
February 2 - 15, 2009

Compassion should lead to action Don’t feel sorry for yourself. Feel sorry for others.
By Fr. Carlos V.G. Estrada
THE Gospel starts with a leper pleading with
Jesus, “If you want to, you can cure me.” St.
Mark notes that Jesus felt sorry for him. So
he touched him saying, “Of course I want to!
Be cured!” You can imagine the leper’s joy
after that. He was so happy that he could be
reintegrated into society. Lepers were driven
away from towns and forced to live in caves,
alone or with other fellow lepers. This leper
could not contain his fortune and, despite
Our Lord’s injunction not to tell anyone, he
talked about his cure freely.
I wonder what would have happened if
Jesus had not felt sorry for him and had told
him instead, “No, I do not want to!” Alas,
we can only guess the possible outcome
because the fact is that Our Lord took pity
on him. We often fail to see the many times
that Jesus feels sorry for us. He suffers for our
sins. He knows the emotional stress we go
through when we deal with difficult people
or when we go through some trial. He is
compassionate with our ignorance and lack
of attention to divine things. Jesus, though,
does not only feel sorry for others in need;
He does something about it.
Several years ago, I witnessed an accident
along EDSA. A young cigarette vendor was
crossing EDSA without looking and a taxi
sideswiped him. Luckily, the taxi was not
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 15, 2009; travelling fast since it was turning (which
explains why the driver probably did not
(Lv 13:1-2, 44-46; 1 Cor 10:31—11:1; Mk 1:40-45) notice the boy crossing). Nonetheless, the
impact sent the boy spinning onto the hood
Illustration by Bladimer Usi
of the cab, then up the roof, until he finally
fell on the road. In the process, he must have
hit his head because there was blood flowing
from his scalp when he stood up in a daze.
The case containing his cigarettes, candies,
and coins went flying into the air. The taxi
driver stopped and got down to assist; so
did his fellow cigarette vendors and some
bystanders. I felt sorry for the boy and wished
I could do something but, on second thought,
decided against it since, as the saying goes,
“too many cooks spoil the broth.” There were
many others helping out and the injury did
not appear serious.
You may have been in similar situations.
You felt sorry for someone but were
powerless to help. That feeling of pity is
significant, even if you cannot contribute
anything. I am not sure if someone else had
said this, but I affirm, “compassion is the
beginning of action.” If you “couldn’t care
less” (to put it mildly), you will not bother to
find a solution for someone else’s problem.
On the other hand, if you sympathize (or
empathize) with another’s situation and the
thought (or expression), “Kawawa naman,”
comes to you, congratulations! You are
now aware that a poor soul is suffering and
needs help.
Maybe you may not be able to do anything.
Perhaps you wish you were one of these
superheroes in the movies or TV, or one of the
world’s richest or most powerful men, with
money and resources at your disposal. Yes,
there is one weapon you can wield: prayer.
If your compassion cannot lead to action, do
the talking; let the Lord do the working. But,
it’s all up to you. Do you want to?

Fr. Roy Cimagala Poor / B5

gains must not only be protected and sustained, but expanded to
cover all legitimate beneficiaries of agrarian reform. Despite efforts

Media savvy to raise these concerns we are saddened to find that elected repre-
sentatives do not heed the voices of their poor constituents.
The small farmers call for basic services in the development of
the countryside, such as irrigation systems, farm to market roads,
lending facilities, and access to the market. The farmers in many
places are suffering from large scale mining and the continuous
conversion of agricultural lands to non-agricultural use to avoid
THANKS to the wonders of the Internet, we dynamic world where seemingly infinite some relation between these events and our
being covered by the land reform program.
now have easy access to many things, among events take place. religion. We have to be wary of just allowing
Fisherfolk: They call for the strict implementation of the Fisheries
them, newspapers and magazines. We don’t But there’s one aspect that seems to be the discussion of issues to flow in strictly
Code, including its review to address loopholes in its implementa-
have to subscribe to local and foreign papers neglected. The effort to find spiritual and human and natural terms.
tion. The fisherfolk also identify specific issues such as limited access
to be able to read them. religious significance to secular events This effort to link and connect is, I believe, a
to municipal waters, pollution of our waters, the practice of destruc-
At the moment, for example, I’m very appears to be absent. This aspect is still a worthwhile enterprise and one that is crying
tive and illegal fishing methods, and the encroachment by com-
happy to get almost daily dosage of news, virgin forest, waiting to be explored. This to be made, if only to correct an anomaly
mercial trawlers into municipal waters. They further call for more
opinion columns, articles on arts, business, can be a fruitful niche for some enterprising that temporal events have no spiritual or
programs that would enhance the capacities of their sector. They
sports, etc. from Google News, Wall Street writers with the proper attitude and skills. supernatural dimension at all. I think the
reiterate the need to promote the sustainable utilization of natural
Journal, New York Times, The Economist, Not that there had been no attempts in this time is ripe to highlight this angle. resources in our seas, rivers and lakes, including the establishment
CNN, Fox News, Drudge Report, and an direction. There had been. But so far, they This should not mean that the events can
of sanctuaries where marine life can regenerate itself.
endless etcetera, not to mention the local can be characterized as either too shallow only have one meaning or interpretation.
Indigenous People: They demand the recognition of the customary
ones. and abstract, a bit distant and off-the-mark, Christian spirit does not allow a monolithic
laws and culture of the indigenous people (IP) communities, the
With this exposure, I’m certain we are or too politicized, partisan and downright view of things. There can be many, and they
intensified implementation and review of the Indigenous People’s
also forming many views and opinions, wildly ballistic. can even be conflicting, but at least, they
Rights Act (IPRA), the recognition of the continuing threat to their
and we slowly discern the should have some spiritual or
communities posed by destructive mining and logging activities,
various underpinnings, political, I know there can be many other religious character. This is what is
by armed conflict between the rebels and the military and by the
lacking in the present trend.
ideological, religious, and categories, in fact, endless ones, Some training in this area is, of
entrance of companies causing their displacement, the watered-
otherwise, that the media outfits
have. as we go along and discover further course, necessary. And I believe we down application of the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)
process, and the strengthening of the National Commission of
I personally find it very nuances in the growing array of already have enough materials to
Indigenous People (NCIP) so that it truly represent the interests
support writers and thinkers who
interesting to compare opinions, pieces of media information. But can contribute in this direction.
of the indigenous peoples and not the foreigners and big business
styles, approaches, and see how
they play out. There’s thrill always there’s one aspect that seems to be The Church already has the enterprises.
Rural Women: They insist on the need to protect and uphold the
in observing the flashes of genius neglected. The effort to find spiritual Compendium of Social Doctrine welfare and rights of women through the enhancement of Filipino
as different writers argue and and religious significance to secular and a constellation of literature
that can truly be of help.
values of family and moral responsibility. They also appeal to all
often clash.
Also I want to fish, even if only events appears to be absent. This Besides, there are now schools
concerned agencies to provide more support to respond to the spe-
cial needs of women, such as the issues of domestic violence, access
tentatively, the different trends aspect is still a virgin forest, waiting that try to blend theology with to basic social services, livelihood, health, natural family planning,
the secular sciences and our
and biases the different papers to be explored. temporal affairs. This is also
continuing formation of conscience in regard to the right to life, and
can have. These considerations awareness building on women’s rights.
always shed some light that makes things The latter kind is particularly jarring, as another good development. Ecclesiastical
Rural Youth: They seek more effective pastoral care to strengthen
more understandable. they can bristle with a righteousness that’s sciences are trying to pace with world
the moral and spiritual foundations of the youth. They ask that the
Almost automatically, several categories more self-generated than inspired by God developments.
Church and academe reinforce their programs on spiritual and
emerge in the mind as I instinctively try and the common good. Along the way, we Obviously prudence and discernment
values formation, in order to equip the youth with proper guid-
to sort out, classify, brand and label the can notice traces of narrow-mindedness, should be strictly practiced. But this
ance and opportunities to lead them in their growing and maturing
different positions. Among these categories exaggerated attachment to ancient views requirement should not be taken to mean
years. They request that we promote education in terms of tertiary
are the conservative/liberal, right/left, and all sorts of one-sidedness. that we hardly move or always keep a
or technical-vocational training to prepare them for meaningful
open-minded/close-minded, serious/ In the end, they at best only preach to the distant attitude to events. The spiritual and
livelihood or employment.
commercialized. choir. They fail to catch the attention of a supernatural character of religion should, in
I know there can be many other categories, sober audience. Worse, they alienate many fact, take a leading role in them.
Our Commitments
in fact, endless ones, as we go along and people. Truly sad! This, I believe, is what constitutes a true
Scripture warns us: “He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor
discover further nuances in the growing For sure, it is not an easy thing to do, but media savvy which everyone should aspire.
will himself also call and not be heard” (Prov. 21, 13). Impelled by
array of pieces of media information. This I believe that if we have to be consistent It may need a large war chest to attain this
the voices of the rural poor and guided by the social teachings of the
only proves that we are involved in a very to our Christian faith, then there must be goal, but I think it’s all worthwhile.
Church on justice, preferential option for the poor and the common
good, we make the following resolutions:
Bo Sanchez We continue to put in place venues for dialogue, where the poor
can interact with the Bishops and other leaders of the Catholic
Church. We shall activate specialized desks within church structures
that would help the rural poor at the parish, diocesan, regional and

Be good ads for God

“YOU need to talk to my sin-
infested, vice-ridden, devil-
possessed husband!”
I finished preaching in a prayer
meeting when this huge woman
approached me and said these
acidic words. She went on, “My
no-good husband’s here to pick
me up, but can you meet him first
and pray that his depraved soul
doesn’t go to Hell.”
“Uh, sure…” I said. During
these awkward times, I end
up wondering why I didn’t
become a plumber instead of
a preacher. After fixing leaky
pipes, plumbers can go home.
After I preach a sermon, I can’t
go home. I still have to fix leaky
pipes—like this woman who
“leaked” all that I preached about
that night on love, humility,
kindness, etc.
“Just a moment,” she said,
hastily turning towards the door.
In a few minutes, I saw her with
her not-so-pleased husband in
tow.
“Here he is, Bo!” she announced
as she pulled him towards me.
“He’s a lazy drunkard, a gambler,
a womanizer. He doesn’t have
the Holy Spirit! He’s so far
from the Lord!” I wondered
when this tirade would end.
Humiliating and lambasting
her husband seemed to be her
“spiritual gift”. I pitied the guy,
God has chosen ads that are the
pits: human beings called Christians.
We are appointed to advertise God
to others, but we do it bizarrely.
We advertise God by condemning,
judging, acting self-righteously,
pulling rank, boasting, and so on.
who was now trying to hide his
face behind the collars of his
denims jacket. I swear his neck
had totally shrunk, and his head
was getting shorter and smaller
as the minutes wore on.
Finally, I had to interrupt and
greeted the man, “I’m happy that
you’re here. I can see you’re a
very caring husband for picking
up your wife tonight.”
From the corner of my eye,
I saw his wife’s shocked face
glaring at me.
“Well, yes, I do care for her…,”
he said sheepishly.
“And I apologize for your
wife’s, uh, ways,” I winked.
“I’m used to her,” he chuckled,
“she does this all the time!”
I bent over and whispered to
his ear, “Let’s pray that God will
fill her with the Holy Spirit. She
might just change, you know.”
He laughed uproariously.
His wife interrupted, “Brother
Bo, don’t talk too softly! I can’t
hear you!”
Her husband whispered back
to me, “Is there hope for her?”
“God can change anyone,” I
declared, “Hey, you’re invited
to attend the prayer meeting
next time,” I smiled, “so that
you could pray for your wife’s
transformation.”
As the couple walked out of
the prayer meeting hall with the
man’s head back to its normal
position, and his dazed wife right
behind him, I began wondering.
How many people don’t come
closer to God because of His lousy
advertisements?
Hey, the “product” itself is
great: Salvation, Forgiveness,
Heaven, True Joy!
But God has chosen ads that
are the pits: human beings called
Christians.
We are appointed to advertise
God to others, but we do it
bizarrely. We advertise God
by condemning, judging, acting
self-righteously, pulling rank,
boasting, and so on.
Friends, be good advertising.
God’s counting on you.
national levels.
We shall intensify our engagement with our public officials in
the legislation and implementation of social justice measures, as we
did with a letter addressed to Congress asking for CARP extension
with reform.
We shall capacitate the people in the rural areas by the continuous
work of organizing Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) and groups
that are conscious of their rights and duties and help each other to
work for integral development in the light of the Gospel of Christ.
We shall encourage our lay faithful to intensify their fight against
graft and corruption, and accompany upright public officials in their
efforts to serve the people in transparency and truth.
We shall direct Church institutions and organizations to be more
engaged in works of solidarity, justice and charity for the poor in
rural areas. We shall also call on them to be more actively engaged
in protecting and promoting the integrity of creation.
Finally, we shall strive to be faithful to live out our mission as
the Church of the Poor—a Church which is both engaged in the
work of integral evangelization, as well as in Social Reform. Such
actions emanate from the Pauline vision of “uniting all things under
Christ” (Eph 1:10) ─to engage the world as we bear witness to the
plight of the poor, through profound conversion and renewal as
People of God.
We are a people of hope. Our faith bids us to rely on Our Father
who is Lord of History. His Kingdom will surely come when “love
and truth will meet; justice and peace will embrace” (Ps 85,11).
Therefore sustained by our faith that God loves the poor, we en-
trust these commitments under the care and guidance of Mary, the
Comforter of the Afflicted and Mother of Hope.
For the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines,
+ ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO, DD
Archbishop of Jaro
President, CBCP
January 25, 2009
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 3
February 2 - 15, 2009
Mangoes - The hope of small
Filipino farmers
By Fr. Shay Cullen
THOUSANDS of small farmers
in the Philippines face a bleak
2009. A small group of them
representing thousands more
marched, demonstrated, staged
a sit-in, shaved their heads,
and went on hunger strike in
a desperate last minute effort
to win their land due to them
under the Comprehensive Land
Reform Act of the Philippines
and the Constitution. They got
nothing but were arrested and
jailed for trespassing. From be-
hind prison bars they called for
help and with the help of some
A small group of them representing
thousands more marched,
demonstrated, staged a sit-in, shaved
their heads, and went on hunger
strike in a desperate last minute
effort to win their land due to them
under the Comprehensive Land
Reform Act of the Philippines and
the Constitution. They got nothing
but were arrested and jailed for
trespassing.
church people and a bishop
fighting for social justice, they
were freed.
The future of the land and
the farmers is in the hands of
the “landowner” law makers in
the Philippine Senate and Con-
gress. These legislators, most of
them millionaires, are mostly
landlords themselves, or their
families and relatives are. As the
“elected representatives”, not of
the people, but of an oligarchy
of powerful land owners, their
task is to protect the business
interests, land holdings and po-
litical position of their families
or patrons.
These ruling families that
feud among themselves and
jockey for position and power
have long controlled the wealth
of the Philippines and have cap-
tured the system of government
BEC / B4
rections of the Council of Trent
and not according to Vatican II
and PCP II.
[D] Some questions, more
observations, comments
The same name or acronym
‘B.E.C’. is used by different
people to mean many different
ecclesial or pastoral realities
and activities. These people do
not share the same experience
and have not come together to
agree on what they mean with
the words they use or reality
they refer to. This situation is a
big block to integrated pastoral
planning, to clear objectives
and coordinated strategies.
Result: much energy, time and
resources are wasted, real needs
of the people are neglected.
Really sad is when B.E.C.
is considered as an organiza-
tion with a new canonicalism:
“those who are not members
of our B.E.C. may not have
their babies baptized nor may
they stand as baptismal spon-
sors…more Catholic than the
pope!”…when the new way of
being Church should be more
compassionate, more friendly
even with non-Catholics.
[E]. In the Seminary, unto the
CBCPMonitor
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Social Concerns
for their own interests and those
of multinational corporations.
Almost 80% of all arable land
in the Philippines is still in the
hands of the dynastic-ruling
families. They have succeeded
in blocking any meaningful land
reform.
It is estimated that approxi-
mately 70% of all the wealth
in the Philippines is owned or
controlled by these powerful
families. They are determined
to hold on to what they con-
sider to be their entitlement and
traditional supremacy over the
illiterate peasants in the feudal
system inherited from the Span-
ish colonial regime.
Last December 2008, this age-
old system fueled by greed and
selfishness dashed the hopes of
tenant farmers. The Senators
strangled-to-death the failed
Comprehensive Agrarian Re-
form Program (CARP). They
dealt a knock-out blow to the
thousands of small farmers that
hunger and thirst to cultivate
their own lands in the hopes of
a better life.
Last December, the Senators,
voted on resolution 19, which in
effect will permanently keep the
1.2 million hectares of rich food
producing land for the wealthy
landowners and share none of it
with the poor. They did this by
extending the present expiring
law for six months and inserted
provisions stating that there will
be no new land acquisitions and
Ministry
1. Seminary professors teach-
ing different tracts naturally
expect expertise on these topics
from the seminarians. Is there
a conscious and explicit con-
vergence from their efforts to
produce priests who are evan-
gelized [His chosen friends]
evangelizers [invited to be His
mission partners]?
2. During the long course
of studies seminarians look
forward to the day they can
do priestly work in parishes.
In their exposure to priestly
functions and when ordained
deacons they eagerly perform
the cultic tasks the veteran
priests are just as eager to pass
on to them. Is this the best
preparation for our young
priests to become the servant-
leaders PCP II would like them
to be in a situation where the
priority should be the consci-
entization, evangelization, and
organization of the poor for
their empowerment in order to
bridge the wide gap between
the powerful minority and the
great majority who are the mar-
ginalized poor?
Seminarians join seminary
activities they call “B.E.C.”
Name _________________________________________________
(Family Name)
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Or e-mail this at cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.com
none more distributed to the
tenant farmers.
The farmers are impoverished
because they give one-third of
their crop to the landowner and
pay the high cost of terminator
seeds that have to be bought
annually because they are de-
signed not to reproduce them-
selves. They have to be bought
yearly with the matching chemi-
cal fertilizer and pesticides
made by a multinational corpo-
ration. They buy them from the
landlord with a loan from the
local bank, likely owned by the
landlord’s family or friends. At
harvest time they give one-third
share to the owner to repay the
loan and have nothing left. This
unjust system is the greatest
cause of poverty.
With no earnings many farm-
ers have stopped growing rice;
their children are forced to
go abroad as domestic or fac-
tory workers and frequently
exploited and abused.
But small mango farmers are
an exception. The price of man-
gos has risen steadily in recent
years, thanks to the breaking
of a price fixing cartel and the
just prices paid by Fair-Trade
suppliers of dried fruit like
Preda Fair-Trade. The Preda
Fair-Trade project is famous for
producing (with the processor
Pro-food) chemical-free dried
mango and the sugar-free dried
mango.
These products are huge hits
in supermarkets in Ireland and
the UK and in world shops
across Europe. They are reces-
sion proof. The love of chemical-
free and sugar-free Preda dried
mangos has helped boost the
income of small farmers. They
also get additional educational
help for their children from the
Preda project. A percentage
of the earnings goes to help
support children rescued from
brothels and cruel prisons. With
the death of land reform, the
delicious Philippine mango is
the one bright hope of the small
Filipino farmers.
How are they introduced to
them? With what kind of ori-
entation: theological? in Church
history of evangelization? with
the pastoral and spiritual di-
mensions?.
3. Seminarians are trained to
pray in the seminary setting;
with schedules, routine, atmo-
sphere conducive to silent study
and reflection, assisted by ap-
pointed spiritual directors and
rector to look after their forma-
tion. After ordination they are
on their own, with an extended
family claiming their attention
and time and energy: Nobody
denies that solid prayer life is
essential to a dedicated priest-
hood, but too often it is taken
for granted.
A friend’s solution: B.E.C.
cells that regularly meet once a
week to pray with the Sunday
Gospel. He joined them, prayed
with them. A different cell each
time. There were 60 cells in his
parish; some were neighbor-
hood families, others were sec-
toral groups, like students, etc.
Only 12 were active, leaven is
expected to be “a little morsel”
in a mass of flour. A shepherd
energized by his flock!
4. Newly ordained priests are
(Given Name)
Farmers have their hair cut in protest over government’s failure to distribute
private agricultural landholdings to farmer-beneficiaries.
Circles / B1
and a source of influence and
power for self and family interest.
The trapos look at public office as
some sort of private property to be
passed from one generation to the
next. Family political dynasties
are born and perpetuated.”
Ang Kapatiran Party acknowl-
edges that the root cause of the
nation’s crisis is moral. Politics,
as a human activity, has not only
economic, social and political
dimension, but also and more
importantly, moral dimension.
As citizens we have to humbly
admit our share of culpability
for the sad state of affairs of our
In last issue of CBCP Monitor Vol. 13 N. 2, Bishop Joel Baylon of Masbate
was mistakenly referred to as Bishop Jose Baylon in the story “RP to
host international youth meeting” (B1) . Our apologies. (Eds)
invited by well-to-do friends
to bless, offer Mass, give talks,
etc. How can they refuse good
people asking them to do good
things. No such invitation from
the marginalized poor. Sooner
or later one falls into a tender
trap—no more time, no more
energy to go to the poor for their
formation into Small Caring
Groups.
[F]. Bishops, Priests’ Frontier
[challenging their courageous
creativity]
1. Mass for the people is the
primary concern of bishops and
priests. For a variety of reasons
in most cases only about 15%
of the people attend Sunday
Mass: hard to believe when
our churches are crowded with
Mass goers. Granted the Mass
is the highest form of worship,
but since it is available only to
a few, should we not consider
an alternative way to evangelize
our people more effectively?
What we wish all our people
will experience and receive for
their spiritual life are these three
nourishments: 1) experience of
God’s love; 2) the Word of God;
3) the Bread of Life. They can
and have received Christ, the
(Middle Name)
country either by commission
or omission. As a party of the
future, Ang Kapatiran Party, is
an alternative instrument for
meaningful change.
Conclusion. Our CBCP Gen-
eral Assemblies, held in January
and July, the 98th this time, are
for us bishops occasions for
communal discernment for the
Church of the Philippines. From
our respective Arch/Dioceses
we come to reflect, pray, discuss
and discern together how better
we can shepherd the people of
God. The fruits of these circles
of discernment are the more than
ERRATUM
Good News, without ordained
priests.
2. Radical change in our tra-
ditional catechesis is another
need of our people. Taught as
another subject in our parochial
school, facts are memorized
and forgotten after the exams.
What is connected with life
in communities is to be given
endless repetitious empha-
sis: that Christ is truly a LIV-
ING PERSON we encounter in
PRAYING, in the Sacrament of
Reconciliation, three moments
in the Eucharist—at Mass, Holy
Communion, alive as Bread in
the Tabernacle, a FRIEND who
has invited us to His MISSION,
beginning with the immediate
neighbor.
3. While the population
is increasing the number of
ordinations to the priesthood
is decreasing. We go to the
laity as a necessity and also
in recognition of their own
vocation and mission. The
practical and realistic thing
to do? Formation program of
LAY LEADERS, pursued as
seriously as we do it for the
clergy. Then we have to con-
vince people that what is im-
portant is Christ: who brings
Him to them (Lay leaders or
priests) is secondary.
We are proposing a long-
range program. Instead of
priests trying to do the im-
possible—evangelization of
the majority of our people by
bringing the Word and the
Bread themselves to the people,
let them spend more of their
time and energy in effecting
evangelization of the people by
the people themselves.
4. Corollary to this proposal
is a program to harness the
ability of the priests. They are
unequal in talents, ability and
dedication. Assignments to
parishes must consider pres-
ence of competent priests in
every vicariate and deanery or
district. Formation of Parish
Lay Formation Teams becomes
a cooperative venture in the
vicariate. Regular and more
frequent meetings for praying
together and training for pas-
toral skills are held in all the
vicariates for the formation of
parish lay formation teams and
the preparation of the rural and
B7
© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media
one hundred pastoral exhorta-
tions and statements that we
have issued through the years.
Just as St. Benedict in the sixth
century was considered the light
of the Dark Age of the time, and
today the present Holy Father,
Pope Benedict XVI, is character-
ized as the light of the New Dark
Age to fight the “new dictator-
ship of relativism”, may we both
as an episcopal conference and
individually as local bishops in
our respective ministry, be like-
wise the light, the salt, the leaven
that Christ, the Good Shepherd,
has called us to be.
urban communities to accept
the liturgy of the Word and the
Eucharist presided over by Lay
Ministers.
5. Tragic it is for a physician
to prescribe a delicate surgery
without diagnosis. The opera-
tion could be a success but the
patient dead! Is it also not sad
for church people to minister
to their flock without social
analysis, and praying for the
gift of discernment? But too
much analysis also causes
paralysis.
Coordinated pastoral plan-
ning is most difficult if each
group has its own Vision-Mis-
sion. If only our Church leaders
would begin with the Vision-
Mission Statement from PCP
II. But many of them think and
say they have to begin with
their own analysis because their
situation is unique. But there
is enough in common in the
essentials. Actually to repeat
the analysis done for PCP II
is not necessary—the diocese
or parish can take the PCP II
description of the Philippine
situation as “fragmented by
divisive conflicts” and “afflicted
by widespread poverty,” and
test their veracity in their own
locality by asking their people
to share their actual experience
of them. Then they are inter-
nalized, owned by them, and
pastoral planning can go on
effectively.
6. In any diocese perhaps 5%
of the clergy are so creative, on
their own they initiate forma-
tion programs; another 5% are
mysteries – why God allows
them to remain priests! The ma-
jority are good pastors but they
wait not only for inspiration but
also for the political will of their
bishop, a strong even forceful
leadership from the chief shep-
herd of the local Church.
In the absence of a com-
mon formation thrust when
reshuffled in the parishes, the
first thing a new pastor does
is to erase the memory of
his predecessor—thus sowing
confusion among the people.
We see a piecemeal approach.
Every year a new theme is ban-
nered: family life, youth, bible.
Well and good, but is it in rela-
tion to the overall goal of the
mission?
 CBCP Monitor
B8 Entertainment Vol. 13 No. 3
February 2 - 15, 2009

Moral Assessment Technical Assessment

 Abhorrent  Poor
 Disturbing  Below average
 Acceptable  Average
 Wholesome  Above average

 Exemplary  E
xcellent

In the midst of World War
2, Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole
Kidman) an English aristocrat,
travels to their cattle farm in
Australia, Faraway Downs, to
convince her husband to sell
the property and return home.
However, her husband gets
murdered and she discovers
that their farm manager Neil
Fletcher (David Wenham) is
stealing her cattle to sell to King
Carney in order to gain cattle
monopoly in the Northern Ter-
ritory. She employs the services
of “Drover” (Hugh Jackman) a
freelance white cowboy, Nullah
(Brandon Walters), an 11-year
old half breed aboriginal and
four others to drive her 1,500
cattle to Darwin and steal the
sales from Carney. And the more
Carney and Fletcher attempt to
thwart their plans, the more de-
termined Lady Sarah becomes.
Two years after they success-
fully sell their cattle, Lady Sarah,
Drover and Nullah live happily
together in Faraway Downs. But
shortly Nullah is captured and
sent off to the Missions, Drover
walks out on Sarah after an
argument, and Fletcher returns
as the owner of Carney cattle
farm, determined to take over
Faraway Downs.
When the Japanese attack
Darwin , the three desperately
hold on to the hope that they
will be able to rescue and reunite
their family. The movie is a love
story set in the background of
World War II, racism and the
heartbreaking reality of the Sto-
len Generation. Each scene is a
cinematic masterpiece showcas-
ing the charm of Australia and
the 40s with another brilliant
performance from Kidman. The
multilayer storytelling is height-
ened by the great chemistry of
Kidman and Jackman and some
memorable scoring.
Without doubt, Australia as
a movie is good…good but not
great. The story is too Mills and
Boon type presented an hour
longer than necessary. The
war time drama and romance
were a little too clichéic and
over-the-top overshadowing
Luhrmann’s attempt to present
the story of the “stolen genera-
tion” as the heart of the movie.
There is something missing
from the production to make
it an unforgettable film. There
are several good and honest
presentations of friendship,
equality, hope and courage.
Australia is more than the love
story between Lady Sarah and
Drover; it is also about the love
that blossomed between Sarah
and Nullah—a mother loving
a child, a well-to-do’s compas-
Title: Australia
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Nicole
Kidman, David Wen-
ham, Bryan Brown, Jack
Thompson, David Gulpilil,
Brandon Walters
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Producers: G. Mac Brown,
Catherine Knapman, Baz
Luhrmann
Screenwriters: Baz Luhrmann,
Stuart Beattie, Ronald
Hardwood, Richard Flana-
gan
Music: David Hirschfelder
Editor: Dody Dorn, Michael
McCusker
Genre: Drama
Cinematography: Mandy
Walker
Distributor: Twentieth Century-
Fox Film Corporation
Location: Queensland, Austra-
lia; Running Time: 155 min
Technical Assessment: 
Moral Assessment: 
CINEMA Rating: For viewers
14 and above
sion for the unfortunate, and a
woman’s concern for another
human being. Parents should
guide their young children since
there is a slight scattering of
profanity, an implied sex scene
and scenes of violence, racism
and murder.

MAC en COLET
Book-lover, collector and book-
By Bladimer Usi binder of old and rare books Mor-
timer “Mo” Folcher (Brendan Fraser)
is in search of the book “Inkheart”,
dragging his 12-year-old daughter
Maggie (Eliza Hope Bennett) along
in his search but not revealing to her
the reason for it. They finally find in a
book market in Switzerland. At once,
a mysterious character (Paul Bettany)
appears who would follow them
around pleading for something only
Mo understands. The truth that is be-
ing kept from Maggie is that her father
Mo is a so-called “silver tongue”—a
person with a gift of bringing to life
characters in a book simply by reading
the book aloud. Mo, in fact, has not
read aloud for nine years now. The last
Title: Inkheart
Running Time: 95 min
Cast: Brendan Fraser, Paul Bettany,
Helen Mirren, Jim Broadbent
Director: Iain Softley
Producers: Cornelie Funke, Ileen Mai-
sel, Diana Pokorny, Iain Softley
Screenwriter: David Lindsay-Abaire,
Cornelia Funke
Music: Javier Navarrete
Editor: Martin Walsh
Genre: Science Fiction/ Fantasy
Cinematography: Roger Pratt
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Location: Italy
Technical Assessment: ½
Moral Assessment: ½
CINEMA Rating: For viewers of all
ages

Buhay Parokya
Look for the picture of St. Matthew, the commentator’s podium and the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes
(Illustration by Bladimer Usi)

time he read aloud a bedtime story for
Maggie, then a 3-year-old, the flame
juggler Dustfinger and the villain Cap-
ricorn (Andy Serkis) sprang out of the
pages of the book and became flesh-
and-blood characters. But the down
side of Mo’s gift is, there’s a trade-off:
for every fictional character his reading
aloud brings to life, a real-life person
must take its place in the book’s pages.
That fateful night, it was Maggie’s
mother, Mo’s wife Resa (Sienna Guil-
lory), who vanished, virtually sucked
into the book. The mysterious charac-
ter following father and daughter now
is Dustfinger who wants Mo to read
him back into the book to continue his
fictional existence. Mo, however, says
he would only do that if his missing
wife Resa could return from the book
to real life with him ang Maggie. There
begins the adventure.
The book which Inkheart the movie
is based on is German writer Cornelia
Funke’s international bestseller for
young adults, the first volume of the
trilogy begun in 2004 and finished in
2008. For 70 weeks it was in The New
York Times’ best-seller list. Many
viewers and reviewers would com-
pare Inkheart with Harry Potter or
Lord of the Rings but the comparison
would be groundless. Inkheart has
its own universe which is neither too
otherworldly nor too down to earth.
The CGI, special effects, and eye-
popping images from familiar fairy
tales do not overwhelm the viewer but
are just right to advance the story. On
the other hand, the Italian landscape
is not a manufactured movie set, and
the sprawling castle on the mountain-
top would not be out of place in the
European setting. Prepare for action
from beginning to end, and enjoy the
acting which is very good, too, evok-
ing the viewer’s sympathy for the
characters.
Inkheart will be enjoyed by all ages,
and each will understand its message
in his/her own level. It’s fascinating
enough to pull youngsters away from
shallow pleasures (texting and televi-
sion) and attract them into reading.
Adolescents and adults alike will find
warmth in the strong family-oriented
message Inkheart delivers. Appreciate
what the characters would go through
in order to be with their families: Mo
and Maggie encountering monsters,
a cyclone, a unicorn, flying monkeys,
armed men and a dark, smoky, billow-
ing, fire-breathing thing called “The
Shadow” in search of the missing wife
and mother Resa; Dustfinger hound-
ing Mo and Maggie to be returned to
his family in the book, fully knowing
that he will die in the story’s end.
While the face of Inkheart is fantasy
and adventure, its heart is a story of
love, friendship, devotion and per-
severance. Inkheart subtly teaches
that giving is better than receiving,
that friendship must be honored and
treasured, that selfishness is not good,
that it is right to sacrifice for loved
ones, that we can achieve anything if
we believe in it and persevere. These
are lessons not only found in the
pages of the book “Inkheart” but also
in the pages of “The Book”, the Bible.
It’s wholesome enough for General
Patronage—there is no foul language,
sex or blood despite the violence—but
parents must explain certain scary
visuals to very young children.
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 3
February 2 - 15, 2009
C1

Moving Forward in Christ One highlight of the event was the blessing
of the missionaries who will be leaving for their
respective missions soon. The papal nuncio
said the prayers for empowerment for them and
blessed them. (See related story below.)
The missionaries are Kalisa Romani, Ga-
briela Evert, Caloy Rubio, Erick Manrique,
Adrian Enaje, Anthony and Tina Rodriguez,
Errol and Miggi Martinez. Lito and Ofie Sa-
maniego, Nestor and Amee Belen, Shok and
Carel Ariola, Karen de la Cerna and Onnel and
Maia Tolentino.
International Council and the Board of Elders.
3) Setting the requirement that only members of the Elders As-
sembly may be allowed to hold proxies. Our previous By-Laws were
silent on this point.
4) In case of vacancies in the International Council other than the
expiration of the term, the vacancy may be filled (for the remainder
of the term of the vacated position) by a majority of all the members
of the Elders Assembly present that constitute a quorum. Our previ-
ous By-Laws were silent on this point.
5) Amendments to the By-Laws may be approved by a majority
vote of all the members of the Elders Assembly (from the present 2/3
vote requirement.). This follows accepted corporate practice.

Philippine and Metro Manila Mission Core Joe Tale, in his letter to the CFC global family, explained the
Gathering results of these activities and commended CFC for the “wonderful
On the morning of January 11, all Metro affirmations and opportunities for interaction that happened” dur-
Manila sector governance teams and provincial ing the activities of January. He further stated that the camaraderie,
councils held a forum both to hear more specific cooperation, open communication and love evident in the activities
directions from the IC as well as to share issues showed that “Our community has come a long way from the con-
and concerns from the ground. The open forum flicts of the past. We are indeed moving forward and, as we have
was lively but the time was too short to tackle seen in these recent activities, we are moving as one – in purpose,
all the questions submitted. CFC Executive in mission, in love.”
Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, Bishop-Emeritus
Angel Hobayan, and Fr. Paul Uwemedimo concelebrated the Holy Mass Director Joe Tale assured the
brethren that all the issues
JANUARY ushered in a round of activities for CFC and made for a and concerns will be studied further.
hectic, but Spirit-filled schedule for all the leaders and members.
Elders Assembly
Leaders Conference A special meeting of the Elders Assembly was
The Leaders Conference in the afternoon of Saturday, January held in the afternoon of Sunday, January 11 to
10, at the Araneta Coliseum was filled with 15,000 of CFC brethren, consider and approve the proposed amendments
including about 300 members from 15 countries, packing every seat to the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foun-
up to the rafters. The Leaders Conference is the first activity of the dation, Inc. Articles of Incorporation (AOI) and
year, designed to provide the leaders with the proper direction and By-Laws. The amendments were introduced to
guide in shepherding their flock and fulfilling the mission. The strengthen the governance structure of the com-
year’s theme, although announced weeks before, is formally unveiled munity, principally based on the results of the
during this conference. Pastoral Congresses that were held in 2008 in the
The Papal Nuncio in the Philippines, Archbishop Edward Joseph Philippines and in some countries abroad. The
Adams, celebrated the Holy Eucharist, assisted by Bishop Honesto following are the approved amendments:
Ongtioco of Cubao and Bishop Emeritus Angel Hobayan of North-
ern Samar, and five other priests. The talks centered on our 2009 1) Fixing the term to IC membership to a maxi-
theme of moving Forward in Christ, delivered by the members of the mum of THREE (3) consecutive two (2) year-terms
International Council. Talk 1 was “A Mission to Love,” Talk 2 was (or a total of SIX (6) consecutive YEARS. Previous-
“Shaped in Godly Values,” Talk 3 was “Our Individual Response,’ ly there were no terms limits for IC members.
Talk 4 was “Our Family Response,” Talk 5 was “Our Community 2) Entrusting the nomination for IC membership
Response,” Talk 6 was “Our Church Response,” while Talk 7 was exclusively to the Elders Assembly. Previously
“Forward in Christ.” the nominations were made by the incumbent

CFC Announces GK
Reorganization
By Zeny Gimenez
COUPLES for Christ announced
a change in the organizational
set-up of Gawad Kalinga.
Effective February 16, 2009,
Melo Villaroman, Jr., one of
the members of the seven-man
CFC International Council, will
assume the position of President
CFC’s missionaries who are being sent out in 2009, receive the blessing of GK. (See official announcement
of Papal Nuncio, the other bishops and the thousands of CFC brethren on page 3.)
present. Joe Tale, CFC’s Executive

Overflowing Grace
A Story of Blessing by Tina Rodriguez, CFC Missionary to Timor
Leste
IT was a wonderful afternoon of grace last January 10, 2009.
Anthony and I, together with the other missionaries who are
leaving for our mission areas this year, were told that we
would be prayed over during the Leaders Conference. This
would be our fifth time to be prayed over by the community
(but who’s counting?) We thought it would be the usual
pray-over ritual. We were in for a surprise for who else
was to give us his blessing and pray over us along with
thousands of CFC brethren from all over the Philippines
and the world, but His Grace himself, the Papal Nuncio
to the Philippines! I was overwhelmed, amazed and in
tears as I received God’s blessing through His instruments:
the Papal Nuncio, the clergy and all brothers and sisters
present.
Overwhelmed because I knew that I was and still am so un-
worthy to be His missionary, yet it is He who called me and my
family to be a light to Timor Leste. First as a single missionary
with my parents and fiancé, then as a couple missionary (with
my parents again) with CFC’s third missionary baby being born
in Timor Leste, and now this year, as a missionary couple with
a two-year old toddler and second baby coming soon! I would
not be living this great adventure if not for God’s goodness,
forgiveness and grace!
Lastly, I was in tears of joy, knowing that God was, and is
always, in control of my life, and not just mine, but of those
whom I love and cherish. As the Timorese would say: Hasae
gloria hotu ba Maromak! To God be all the glory!
Director, remains as the Chair-
man of the GK Board, the panel
of elders tasked to formulate
policies and oversee GK’s over-
all operations. Luis Oquinena,
GK’s Executive Director, will
continue in such position and
remain a member of the GK
Board. He will report directly
to the President.
Melo Villaroman will for-
mally relinquish his positions as
Council Director for the Family
Ministries and Home Office also
on February 16 in order that he CFC and GK workers listen to Fr. Bienvenido Nebres (inset) during the January 27 meeting.
can give full attention to the massive work of GK.
The foregoing changes were approved by the GK Board
in its meeting on January 22, 2009 and formally announced
on January 26. The new organization, its rationale and re-
lated issues and concerns were discussed during a meeting
of all Metro Manila sector heads and governance teams,
Manila-based provincial area heads, regional area heads,
family ministries and social ministries coordinators, GK
and CFC Home Office staff, and some GK workers. The
meeting was held at the Multipurpose Hall of the San Car-
los Seminary Lay Formation in Guadalupe, Makati, last
Tuesday, January 27.
The meeting was graced by the presence of Fr. Bienvenido
Nebres, President of the Ateneo de Manila University and
Dr. Edna “Bopeep” Franco, chair of the Psychology Depart-
ment of the Ateneo, as resource persons. Ateneo has been
conducting an organizational development process study
for GK, in view of the new challenges to its structure and
CFC and GK workers enjoy a few moments of fellowship after the meeting systems brought about by its rapid upscaling.
 Ugnayan
CBCP Monitor
C2 Vol. 13 No. 3
February 2 - 15, 2009

By Joe Tale, CFC Executive Director

Moving on with
Passion for the Mission
IN 2008, God gave us our theme of “Love One
Another” (from John 13:34-35). This was so ap-
propriate for us, having come from a period of
internal conflict, of pains and hurts. This continues
to be appropriate for us, so while we have a new
theme this year, loving one another will remain as
our way of life in CFC.
This year, our theme is “Forward in Christ”
taken from Paul’s letter to the Philippians (Phils
3:13-14). We believe that this theme is a real bless-
ing and inspiration for the community to move
on, to no longer dwell in the past, to focus on the
present and the future and on the mission God has
entrusted to us.
The word “Forward” connotes movement,
action, energy, enthusiasm, a leap to some goal
or direction. This is what we, as a community,
should do now. We see before us a clear direction
toward better things and so we surge ahead.
When we say that we “forget what lies behind,”
we of course do not mean that we do not remem-
ber the lessons of the past, nor simply rest on the
laurels of our past achievements. What we mean
to do is to not get stuck on what is now history.
This year we begin to move on from the pains and
hurts of the past two years towards healing and
peace, towards greater heights of service.
The key phrase in our theme is “in Christ.” We
move forward not in any direction, but clearly fo-
cused towards and in Christ. “In Christ” denotes
that our direction is not just towards anywhere, not
just to any cause, but to and in the Lord of Lords
Himself, Jesus Christ. As we move forward, we
do so with Christ both as our companion and goal.
Thus we are to be in a constant state of listening
to Him.
Of course we expect to meet obstacles. Life,
especially the life in Christ that we have chosen, is
never easy. So we know we will encounter rough
portions, bumps and potholes, and hence we will
be “straining” forward. But we will continue to
move forward, notwithstanding the conditions of
our environment and situation.
We strain forward because the prize is definitely
worth it – the crown of Jesus. I am reminded of
the kind of straining forward that our brethren, the
Singles for Christ of Papua New Guinea, did just
so they can attend their own leaders’ conference.
Because they did not have enough money for the
fare, but eager to share in the joy and fellowship
of the weekend conference, they walked for one
whole week! They were rewarded by the joy, the
camaraderie and the love of their fellow-Singles.
They were affirmed by the Word of God and the
testimonies of triumph they heard. And they were
warmed by the generosity of the participants who,
with willing hearts, pooled together their resources
to buy the fares for their trip back home.
Our theme, taken from Paul’s letter to the Philip-
pians, is especially appropriate this year because
Pope Benedict XVI has declared the year from June
2008 to June 2009 as a year dedicated to St. Paul, in
honor of his 2000th birth anniversary.
We all know who St. Paul is. A persecutor of
Christians, his Damascus experience changed his
life and transformed him from being a Christ-hater
to Christ-lover and ardent missionary. He was
blinded for three days after being struck down
in Damascus but after being healed by Ananias
and being filled with the Holy Spirit, he did not
look back on his past life. He did not return to
his former ways but moved steadily forward in
passionately proclaiming Christ. Because he did
not see obstacles as insurmountable, he moved
forward to far-flung nations, preaching, admon-
ishing, relating in love. He went to believers and
to non-believers alike, earning for himself the title
“Apostle to the Gentiles.”
Our moving forward does not imply simply
going about our business, achieving human goals.
As Couples for Christ, we are expected to move
forward as Christian witnesses. Like St. Paul, if
we are to move forward in Christ, we need to
intimately know who Jesus Christ is, His words,
His example. Only then can we truly follow Him
and move forward in Him.
Jesus taught us so many things but there are
three aspects of who He is and what He said that
we as a community should focus on, especially
this year. Let us reflect on these aspects, on what
they mean to us individually and as a community
and how we should move forward in Christ with
greater zeal.
The Power of Prayer
Jesus constantly prayed. (Luke 5:2-16) We
are called upon to do the same. How? We have
our personal daily prayer time. We have regular
community worship. We have the many opportu-
nities to pray in silence and with other brethren,
every time there is a need to pray, to be interces-
sors for those among us who are sick, who are
troubled and weary, who need encouragement,
who have died and left behind families in need
of comfort.
There is great power in prayer. One of our lead-
ers recounted this story of our brothers from Sa-
rangani who are fishermen. One time, when they
went out to sea to fish with other fishermen, they
were not catching anything inspite being at sea all
night. Just when they were about to give up, one
of them suggested that they should worship. They
did, singing as their worship song. “Shine, Jesus,
Shine.” Sometime later, they all felt a straining in
their nets and lo and behold! The nets were full of
fish. The Bible tells of exactly the same story in
Jesus’ time. How wonderful to know that because
of prayer, this story and many others like it, can
happen in our lifetime.
The Power of Love
Jesus asked us to take care of the flock when He
asked Peter to “Feed my lambs. Feed my sheep.”
Our flock – our family, our household – needs
our loving care and attention. There are many
outstanding examples of our 2008 theme of “Love
One Another” lived to the fullest. I will never
forget the love and care showered upon Babylou
and me when I was struck down by what would
have been malaria in Singapore. Our CFC breth-
ren there proved that loving is key to building up
relationships and to witnessing to Christ in us.
The residents of one GK village – GK Pinagsama
in Taguig – expressed love in the same concrete
way. In spite of their economic circumstance, they
eagerly volunteered to host some members of the
delegation from Papua New Guinea who came to
attend our Leaders Conference in January. They
pooled their hard-earned money and hired trans-
port just so they can fetch their guests from the
airport, even if they were told that transport can
be arranged by the Home Office.
We also express love when we care for the poor,
the lost, the last and the least. Our new response
to God’s call for us to build the Church of the Poor
are our Feed My Sheep program and our E-Pinoy
initiative. The first presents a unique opportunity
to give immediate attention to the hungry among
us, and especially to those outside our GK villages.
The second addresses the growing concern among
our labor force, in the light of the global economic
crisis, about the need to have jobs and thus provide
for their families. E-Pinoy seeks to create a CFC-
preferred work force that will be given jobs locally
and abroad, not simply because of their skills but
more because of their CFC, and thus Christian
values and work ethics.
The Power to Proclaim
We now realize that there is a bigger meaning to
the term “evangelization.” More than the Christian
Life Programs, the teachings and seminars, we
are called to be effective witnesses, to make Jesus
real through our personal renewal, our family
renewal, and the renewal of society that happens
through us.
Our response to the call to proclaim also in-
volves greater efforts at reaching those we have
not been able to reach so far, through focused and
integrated evangelization and even “pocket” or
smaller CLPs.
Our Migrant Workers Program is another ap-
proach to proclaiming Christ to a wider audience.
The opportunities for evangelization through this
program is so vast that we would need more work-
ers but most especially, greater reliance on God’s
guidance and direction.
We will also make full use of all available com-
munication technology to proclaim our mission
and to make Jesus known to more people.
The Lord has blessed us with so much. This is
more than enough reason and sufficient impetus
for us to move on with passion for the mission!
Matthew 9:35-38 speaks of Jesus’ compassion for
those who were abandoned and lost: “Jesus went
around to all the towns and villages, teaching in
their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the
kingdom, and curing every disease and illness.
At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved
with pity for them because they were troubled
and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.
Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is
abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the
master of the harvest to send out laborers for
his harvest.’”
Let us take this time to recommit ourselves once
more to Jesus, and to proclaim our readiness to in-
deed move forward in serving Him. Let us commit
our willingness to fulfill the Great Commission, to
the ends of the earth.

By Joe Yamamoto, Philippine Missions Director, International Council Member

Winning the
Marketplace for Christ
AS Couples for Christ, what does
Christ call us to do? We are all called
to proclaim and to share Christ to all
we meet by our words and actions.
We are called to be disciples of Christ
and to make our country a disciple
nation. We are particularly called, as
one prophecy said it a few years ago,
“To win the world for Christ through
Couples for Christ.” This is the Great
Commission.
Have we lived up to this call? To
date, while we have tried to obey the
call and succeeded in establishing a
strong and vibrant disciple community,
much needs to be done. Challenges
and opportunities abound. We have
responded but not quite well and suf-
ficiently enough.
The ultimate goal of the Great Com-
mission is not simply making disciples
of people, but also discipling, teaching
and baptizing nations
It was in 1985 when CFC was com-
missioned to win the world for Christ.
When we accepted this commission, we
(individuals and families) committed to
be God’s global army. Our backgrounds
are diverse, the color of our skin varied,
our political ideologies worlds apart
and yet we are united in this vision and
mission. We are committed to being a
part of this army. We have all signed on
to be God’s soldiers, recruited, trained
and equipped and finally commissioned
and sent out to the battlefield.
What are our battlefields?
1. Our Families – This is our first
line of offense and defense. CFC’s
womb-to-tomb approach ensures that
we cover every stage in the life of our
family members from very young to
very old. The family is under attack
by anti-life forces, by worldly lures,
by materialism and consumerism. We
are called to defend our families by the
simplest weapon – drawing them near
to Jesus and giving them the desire for
a life of service.
2. The Marketplace – These are our
places of work and worship -- learning
and earning institutions, the media
(print, radio and TV/movies, the infor-
mation highway), government offices,
hospitals, schools, prisons, our armed
services, areas of conflict and poverty
(the slums, indigenous peoples) and
particularly areas that are deemed as
“areas of sin.”
3. Nations – Our call transcends dis-
tance, overcomes logistical obstacles
and hurdles ethnic and religious dif-
ferences.
The sum of it all is that we are called
to be transformed by, in and for Christ.
By our individual and collective trans-
formation, we are equipped with the
armor that will enable us to indeed win
in these battlefields.
Our model in winning the market-
place is Saul, the persecutor of Chris-
tians, who was transformed into Paul,
the evangelist, the missionary, the
Christ-follower imbued with an all-
encompassing, all-consuming passion
to proclaim the God He had committed
to serve.
Paul was a Hellenistic Jew who, as a
Roman citizen, toed the official Roman
policy of persecuting Christians. It is
said that he was a Pharisee and most
likely a member of the Sanhedrin. His
conversion begins on his trip to Damas-
cus where he was to arrest Christians.
We all know the story of how he was
struck down, rendered sightless and
accused by a voice from the heavens:
“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute
Me?”
The Lord gave him three days of
darkness during which he must have
been able to reflect, to allow his heart
to receive God’s loving messages, to
receive the grace of repentance and
faith. At the end of those three days, his
conversion was complete. His sight was
restored and his missionary journeys
and evangelistic writings began.
Acts 9:15 tells us that Paul was sent
to proclaim the gospel ‘to the Gentiles,
kings and the Jews’, in that sequence.
He was a zealous missionary but he
actually began by preaching in the
synagogues, addressing Jews and tell-
ing them about Jesus.
He achieved only modest success and
the growth of his ministry was quite
slow during this “pulpit ministry.”
Why? Because hel was engaging those
who were already ‘Churched.’ There
were limited opportunities for interac-
tion and engagement with the people
(Jews mainly) that he preached to, since
these happened only in the synagogues
on Sabbaths.
Marketplace / A3
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 3
February 2 - 15, 2009
Ugnayan C3

Called, Chosen
and Anointed the mission.
Fr. Mario emphasized that without an
encounter like this, where one acknowl-
edges being loved and showered with
grace by God, “mahirap maging lider,
you would not have the same passion
as Paul.”
do not speak according to your beliefs,
then you do not truly believe.” He fur-
ther added that “A good speaker is a
good man who speaks well. The flock
would rather see a sermon than listen
to one.”
A good test of one’s anointing, Fr.

Be Not Afraid of the Gospel

By Arnel Santos
“THERE is a need for us to know St.
Paul so that we can become agents of
transformation and renewal today,”
exhorted Fr. Mario S. Sobrejuanite of the
Society of St. Paul (SSP), in an address to
the Mission Core Group of Couples for
Christ (CFC), during its teaching night
held at Xavier School Gymnasium last
January 17, 2009.
In this Jubilee Year dedicated to St.
Paul (June 28, 2008-June 29, 2009), Fr.
Mario enjoined all to reflect on one’s
own anointment to mission, with St.
Paul as model.
Called
According to Fr. Mario, to be called,
chosen and anointed to mission, one
must have personally experienced
God who “has loved him first.” Like
St. Paul, one must first come to the
realization that “My whole life is an
undeserved grace.”
Fr. Mario recounted the story of St.
Paul who was first known as Saul – cir-
cumcised, a Pharisee, and one who stud-
ied under Gamaliel, the most famous
rabbi at that time. Fr. Mario explained
that Saul was a member of the elite class,
set apart from the rest. Being privileged
also made Saul entertain the thought
that his elitist background and qualities
would draw him nearer to God.
However, on the road to Damascus,
in a mission to capture the Christians
in Damascus and imprison them in Je-
rusalem, Saul encountered Jesus Christ
who told him “Saul, Saul! Why do you
persecute me?”
This encounter, according to Fr.
Mario, became the basis of Paul’s theol-
ogy. He became a changed man, asking
“What do you want me to do?” The en-
counter became the “opening” for Paul
to be “called, chosen and anointed” to
Chosen
Fr. Mario highlighted that “The Good
News, the Gospel, is an event, the
Person of Jesus. It is neither a doctrine
nor neutral information. The Gospel
demands a personal answer.”
There must be a choice between ac-
ceptance and refusal of Christ who has
offered Himself unto death. As Fr. Mario
said, “Without such an encounter, you
are burning for the wrong reason.”
He further added, “Above all, there
must be first a radical choice. There
must be a process of initiation where
one chooses and must continually re-
choose. Just like marriage, the mission
is not just about falling in love but
remaining in love. The Tagalog word
“kabiyak” best describes it: “kabiyak”
means “never whole, always half of
the other and taking on the face of the
other.”
According to Fr. Mario, St. Paul un-
derstood that to accept Jesus Christ is to
imitate Him and this involves a process.
The power to change will come from
the Lord (positive assimilation). It will
result in “love,” which is “ecclesial”
(Christ in me and us) and missionary
(Christ is Lord of us).
During this process, Fr. Mario re-
minded everyone that, “The Lord
sometimes will strip us of everything
until we are nothing. Then, we will seek
for Him; and once we have found Him,
then we will have everything. For God
calls not the able but enables those He
calls. And, power finds its greatness
when one accepts his powerlessness
and becomes dependent on the power
from on High.”
Hence, in doing God’s work, Fr.
Mario instructed that one should never
start with the question: “May pondo
ba?” The first question must be “Gusto
ba Niya?” For our God is mighty. He is
powerful. He enables the ‘unables’.
Anointed
Fr. Mario enumerated four essential
requirements to being an anointed
shepherd.
1. The shepherd must “not just be a
teacher, but a witness.”
The shepherd must lead not simply
by word but by action. He must be a
“witness”. As Fr. Mario said, “If you
Mario explained, is to ask oneself this
question: “If you were ever accused of
being Christian, will there be enough
evidence to convict you?”
By Sky Ortigas
2. Know personally the God you are Couples for Christ joined the whole Catholic Church of the Philippines in
proclaiming. celebrating the Jubilee celebration of the birth of St. Paul and the observance
of National Bible Sunday last January 25, 2009 at the Araneta Coliseum. The
As Fr. Mario explained, “How can celebration commemorated the life, mission, and dedication of St. Paul and gave
you proclaim someone whom you do the assembly an appreciation of the essence and importance of the Gospel.
not know? Until you have a personal International Council Members Joe Tale and Joey Arguelles joined CFC
relationship with Jesus, do not expect to members who proudly wore their CFC t-shirts to the event.
be anointed as a shepherd.” An Ecumenical Prayer was said to start the whole event followed by the
Holy Eucharist concelebrated by the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines,
3. Know your sheep. Know well the Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, Archbishop
people to whom you proclaim. Angel Lagdameo and other bishops. A Plenary Indulgence was given to the
attendees.
Fr. Mario explained that “The Lord Bo Sanchez and Bishop Chito Tagle gave inspiring talks on the power of the
sends the right person every time.” He Gospel and on St. Paul, the Apostle of the Gospel to the Nations.
noted that in the Philippines today, the
challenge is to evangelize the poor and
to shepherd them through compas-
sion.
“Thanks be to God, GK is still a won-
derful arm of CFC!” said Fr. Mario. For
compassion means “your pain, in my
heart”
4. Constantly recognize the presence
and the power of the Holy Spirit – the
Agent of Renewal.
Fr. Mario described this presence as
“Ang kakayahan ng Diyos na gum-
agalaw sa isang palpak na katulad ko.”
With the presence of the Holy Spirit,
a shepherd is “witnessing to a call an-
swered with love; to a love expressed in
service; to a service given with joy.”
Fr. Mario concluded his talk by re-
minding CFC leaders that: “If the joy of
the Lord is in your heart, please do not
forget to notify your face.” Marketplace / A2
Paul was not reaching the Gentiles and programs.
and the ‘kings’. This happened only HOW can we do all these? Start
when he shifted his strategy. The big- with our basic covenant of prayer and
gest church growth happened when Scripture and then seriously assess our
Paul and his team (Barnabas, Priscilla service in the various ministries and
and Aquila, Crispus) turned their jobs programs.
into a ministry vehicle and engaged the
Gentiles and kings in the marketplace. In the area of evangelization
The results were impressive even at This year, as we move Forward
its start and became even more astound- in Christ, we have identified several
ing. After a short time, the Gospel had evangelization approaches. At present
reached the whole of Asia (14 nations our Christian Life Programs are parish-
with huge populations and diverse based, conducted in parish churches
cultural and ethnic compositions). Paul and multipurpose halls. Our “strategic”
went on from there to the rest of the evangelization used to be confined to of-
Gentile world. fices and specific groups of people such
Thus, until Paul opened his work as the men in uniform. This year, we
by bringing it to both the ‘pulpit”(the call this “focused” evangelization – we

Announcement from the

structural church run by the clergy and reach out to bigger populations such as
the laity) and the ‘marketplace’ (the very the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
places where people live and work), his and their families, the transport workers
work of evangelization was restricted. and employees and to the target groups

CFC International Council

What do we learn from this? If we are
to have Paul as our missionary model,
CFC has to bring the ministry to the
marketplace.
Only a select few of us can be mis-
sionaries, pastoral workers and support
THE CFC International Council has designated Melo Villaroman, Jr as President of Gawad Kalinga. This appointment
personnel. These are the persons tasked
and position were voted upon and approved by the GK Board last 22 January 2009. In this role, Melo will be responsible
to GO AND EVANGELIZE. But all of
for Chief Executive Officer duties, and will be the overall leader of the GK Management Committee. This role has us are expected to be ‘all- the –timers,’
direct accountability to the GK Board, headed by Joe Tale, Chairman of Gawad Kalinga. Melo will officially start his those who must be full-time ministers
GK full-time service on Monday, 16 February 2009. in our respective marketplaces and
Luis Oquinena will continue on as Executive Director of Gawad Kalinga, reporting to the GK President. In this role, who are tasked to EVANGELIZE AS
Luis will be responsible for Chief Operating Officer duties, helping ensure effective, timely, and efficient implementa- YOU GO.
tion of GK Programs with partners and communities on the ground. In order to do this, we must com-
The CFC International Council and the GK Board are implementing these changes to support the following key pletely live out the attributes of a CFC
purposes: member. This is clearly defined in our
covenant. We must be:
(1) Bringing the CFC and GK Principles to Life
1. Prayerful - Our prayer life must be
In last month’s CFC State of the Mission address, we declared principles that will guide our massive and important consistent and regular, with the end in
work with the poor as we move Gawad Kalinga “Forward in Christ.” First and most important, Christ proclaimed view of achieving ever-deeper levels of
in word or in action is the center and mover of the work. Second, Gawad Kalinga, with our other equally-important communion with our God.
“Church of the Poor” ministries, is God’s gift and challenge to CFC for the fullness of our mission. Third, we strive 2. Living lives founded in the Scrip-
to share the gift of GK to the world, helping open up the blessing for all individuals to embrace the poor, and openly ture – Our covenant specifies daily
partnering with multi-sectors, within the boundaries of our CFC and GK Core Values. Fourth, there is one united Scripture reading, designed not simply
leadership flowing out of the GK Board, which in turn, is pastorally submitted to the CFC International Council. Fifth, to make us knowledgeable about it but
we give our all in sustaining the integrity of the holistic CFC and GK work. Last but not least, we are one with the to help us live out the Word of God
Catholic Church in our common mission to build the Church of the Home, and the Church of the Poor. 3. Generous -- We are committed
to support the life and mission of CFC
(2) Strengthening Oneness/Unity of Leadership with our three T’s: TIME (to make our-
selves available for any and all service
The CFC International Council is the overall governing body of the CFC worldwide community and all of its Min- assigned to us), TALENT (to use our
istries, including Gawad Kalinga. These organizational changes will help sustain the institutional and pastoral link- God-given gifts to serve others) and
ages between CFC and GK which are crucial to the oneness of our Mission, Culture, and Values as we respond to the TREASURE (to be faithful in our tithes,
expansive call of Gawad Kalinga. contributions and our Prayer Bank
(3) Continually Strengthening GK Capability to Respond to Massive, Expansive , and Global Work These are what define us as Catholics
and as Couples for Christ. If we live out
Our GK Mission is swiftly expanding and globalizing, moving with the Spirit’s calling to “renew the face of the Earth.” these attributes, then we become effec-
The opportunities to build communities, societies, and nations where members experience the dignity and fullness of tive witnesses to Christ living in us. This
life, are overwhelming. We need to aggressively and continually strengthen our GK organizational capability if we is evangelization at work. Even without
are to deliver against new and expanding challenges flowing out of massive, global poverty. This new organizational our saying a word, we exude the kind of
set-up will better enable the GK Organization to be ready for greater expansion of our mission. life that those around us see and admire
We trust that the CFC global family will fully support these changes and continue to be one in our moving forward and eventually aspire for. Even without
in Christ. We have embraced a lofty mission – to build the Church of the Home and the Church of the Poor. We need any training, we become effective mis-
to be ready to go where the Lord leads, ever mindful that He will be with us every step of the way. sionaries and evangelizers.
If we do all these as a community,
God bless us all. then Couples for Christ will not only
be effective as a strongly evangelistic
and missionary community, it will
JOE TALE also be financially strong, have a com-
For the CFC International Council mitted leadership all the way down to
January 26, 2009 the household head level, and able to
implement all its development plans
of the Social Ministries.
We also consider “pocket” CLPs
– conducting the seminar in private
homes, like we used to do in our early
history – to reach out to those who
prefer small, intimate groups and who
are more comfortable interacting with
friends and neighbors.
We will also implement “integrated”
evangelization. We will begin to work
to bring the Word of God to families
of those who graduate from our youth
camps, of our Singles for Christ, of our
Handmaids of the Lord, Servants of
the Lord.
In the area of Family Life Renewal
This is Building the Church of the
Home. We will intensify our efforts in
conducting youth camps and SFC week-
ends, encouraging more integrated
family activities and retreats, providing
more formation talks and teachings not
just in CFC but outside CFC, encourag-
ing vocations among the young.
Total Christian Liberation
Our mission of Building the Church
of the Poor will go beyond Gawad
Kalinga. We will intensify the social
dimension of our work via the Social
Ministries. We have launched our
“Feed my Sheep” program wherein
sectors and provinces will set aside
specific days to feed the poorest among
us, the street people/children, and the
homeless, ministering to their hungry
bodies. We will also reach out to those
behind bars, who in reality are actually
the poorest of the poor because they
have lost all zest for life, all hope, all
noble aspirations.
Our call is to move FORWARD IN
CHRIST. This is a directive, an at-
titude, a way of fulfilling our mission
and mandate. Most importantly, this
is our posture before God and our
community.
If we are to win the world for Christ,
we have to begin now, right where the
Lord has put us, with the weapons of
our faith and trust in God and of lives
well-lived according to His Word and
His Will.
 C4 Ugnayan CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 3
February
February 22 -- 15,
15, 2009
2009

Baguio Weekend Retreat for MM

Leaders By Marivie Dalman
BAGUIO weather dipped to a record low of 7.5 degrees just days
prior to the annual Metro Manila Mission Core Weekend Retreat,
which was held in January 23 to 25, but it failed to dampen
the spirits of the participants. Inside the overflowing Baguio
Convention Center, the atmosphere was warm as the participants
applauded each talk and each sharer and jumped and sang
during the worship and the praise fests. This was the first time in
CFC history that chairs had to be set up in the lobby and in two
control rooms at the second floor just so participants, many of
them walk-in registrants, could be accommodated. TV monitors
were mounted so they could also watch all the proceedings inside
the center.
The theme of the retreat centered around the 2009 theme of mov-
ing “Forward in Christ and flowed from the full text of the Biblical
passage from which the theme was taken – Philippians 3:13-14 – “Just
one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what
lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s
upward calling in Christ Jesus.”
The participants arrived in Baguio late Friday for the registration
and the fellowship in the evening, highlighted by dancing to the
music of 29 AD band. The theme of the fellowship night was Mo-
town and everyone had fun guessing who was beneath the costumes,
complete with Afro hairdos.
On Saturday, Talk 1 (Just One Thing) was delivered by Joe Tale,
Talk 2 (Forget What Lies Behind) by Rouquel Ponte, Talk 3 (Strain
Forward in Hope) by Ernie Maipid, Jr. and Talk 4 (Press On with
the Mission) by Joe Yamamoto. The last talk, Talk 5 (Our Prize in
Jesus), was delivered on Sunday morning by Melo Villaroman, Jr.
The talks were fleshed out by testimonies of several sharers who
either moved the audience to tears or had them roaring in glee.
The final praise fest on Sunday noon was powerful, Spirit-filled
and awesome to see and behold. As many participants commented,
this was undoubtedly one of the best weekends ever.

CFC Isabela Celebrates No. 12

By Chi Ricafort
THE 12th anniversary of CFC Isabela was held in Angadanan
in November 2008. Prior to the anniversary, the brethren
held a Clergy Night which was attended by the Bishop of
the Diocese of Ilagan, Most Reverend Joseph Nacua, OFM
Capuchin together with seven other priests. International
Council members Joe Tale and wife Babylou and Joey Arguelles
with wife Tess also attended the gathering, together with Ding
and Tess Aguinaldo, CFC Region Head and Eric and Evelyn
Ylagan, Provincial Area Head.
The anniversary was a joyous affair beginning with a sump-
tuous lunch, followed by worship led by Ote Ricafort. The
gathering was enlivened by the arrival of about a hundred GK
beneficiaries from San Mariano, who walked, crossed a river,
and boarded a truck just so they can attend the anniversary.
Most of them were drenched by the sudden rain squall but no
matter. Everyone was joyful and glad to be with their brethren
from Ilagan.
Joey Arguelles delivered a message of hope, while CFC Direc-
tor Joe Tale, extolled every member of CFC Isabela to continue
its mission by being Families in the Holy Spirit renewing the
face of the earth.
Faith in the Midst
of Crisis
Rev. Fr. Elmer B. Gonzales
Parish Priest, Maliwalo, Tarlac
THE Letter of the Hebrews, in its great eulogy on the faith of Israel’s ancestors, lays
special emphasis on Abraham’s faith: “By faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called
to go out to a place which he was to receive as an inheritance: and he went out, not
knowing where to go… “ By faith Abraham lived as a stranger and pilgrim in the
promised land. By faith, Sarah was given to conceive the son of the promise. And by
faith Abraham offered his only son in sacrifice.
Faith is first of all a personal adherence of man to God. At the same time and in-
separably, it is a free assent to the whole truth that God has revealed. As personal adherence to and assent to His truth, Christian
faith differs from our faith in any human person. It is right and just to entrust oneself wholly to God and to believe absolutely what
He says.
By faith, man completely submits his intellect and his will to God. The Virgin Mary most perfectly embodies the obedience of faith.
Mary welcomed the tidings and promise brought by the angel Gabriel, believing that with God, “nothing will be impossible’, and
so she gave her assent: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” It is because of this
faith that all generations have called Mary Blessed.
There are times in our lives when we experience challenges that seem impossible to bear and to overcome. Crisis in different
forms is everywhere, be it economic, moral, social and personal. Clear manifestations are the skyrocketing of prices, permissive sex,
“inhuman” relations, distorted value systems and many mind-boggling issues that we have today.
Filipinos are noted for being resilient people. After a calamity or a disaster, they can still make jokes and find ways to move on.
The will to survive is strong and evident. After the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and the lahar flows that accompanied it in the early
90’s, I passed a house in one of the lahar-stricken municipalities of Pampanga. It was almost half buried in lahar but festooned on
its windows and doors were brightly twinkling Christmas lights. I told myself, “what an amazing faith.”
We have read a lot of stories of people who overcame crisis after crisis in their lives. They have emerged still joyful, inspite of their
sad, sometimes even tragic experiences. We can only assume that the wonder behind all of these is their faith in God.
Our faith in God cushions us from the blows of tragedy and trials and enables us to come out victorious every time. There is hope
if there is faith. We do not lose hope in what we can do by the grace of God. We never stop believing that there is a better future....A
BETTER WORLD FOR ALL OF US...

CAGA.YAN de Oro City in

CDO CFC to the Rescue!
Misamis Oriental was dev-
astated by flashfloods, mud-
slides, strong winds and big
waves in the first week of
January 2009. Many families
lost property and some even
lost loved ones. By the time
the floods abated, about 16,104
families were affected.
Drawing support from its
membership, CFC Misamis
Oriental- Cagayan de Oro City
led by Provincial Area Direc-
tor Jun del Fierro established
a Relief Operation Center at
the Corpus Christi School, as
the drop off and distribution
center for all relief goods and
cash donations. It also served themselves of the calamity) The dispatch team was headed
as the command center of all headed by Edna Romero, took by Boy Dolera, aided by Eu-
CFC volunteers. care of the kitchen and of sort- gene Baseleres, John Banaynal,
Led by CFC CDO Council ing and packing the goods. and Tootsie Besinga.
Members Archie Velasco, Be-
bot Pungtod, Guilly Parrel
and Area Head Boie and Ang-
ging Sesscon, CFC members
brought in a considerable
quantity of goods, and helped
in the distribution. Donations
came from all CFC sectors of
Misamis Oriental, CFC Bukid-
non t hrough PAD Harvey
Maraguinot, and private enti-
ties like Julie’s Bakeshoppe,
AIM Global, and others.
The Handmaids of the Lord
(some of them are victims

CFC Major Activities 2009

Date Event Venue

Feb 14 Young CFC Conference Clamshell 2

“On Track” Intramuros

Feb 20-22 Singles for Christ ILC Cebu

March 28-29 Servants of the Lord ILC Baybay, Leyte

April 3-5 Youth for Christ ILC Cebu

April 17-19 Handmaids of the Lord ILC TBA

April 20-26 GK Highway of Peace Mindanao

May 1-3 Kids for Christ TV Sta. Cruz, Laguna

June 22-28 CFC Anniversay Week Luneta

Top photo: Joe Tale at the Clergy Night with Bishop Joseph Nacua and CFC June 27-28 CFC 28th Anniversary
Isabela leaders.
Middle photo: Joe Tale finds time to visit with children at a GK site in Isabela.
Lower photo: YFC Isabela perform a number during the anniversary
Oct 9-11 GK Expo TBA
celebrations.