•A3 solidarity

Pope calls for

in facing
•B1 ‘The heart of
God throbs with
•C1 The News Supplement
UGNAYAN

economic crisis compassion’ of Couples for Christ

Priest shot dead in Cebu, www.cbcpnews.com cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net Bishops to elect new

robbery hold-up eyed CBCP head
CEBU Archbishop Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal ROMAN Catholic bishops will choose one
called on the Cebuano faithful not only to pray among them on Saturday who will serve the
but do acts of reparation for the desecration of top post of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of
a priest, Fr. Jovencio Rabusa, 46 years old, who the Philippines (CBCP).
was shot dead by two still unidentified persons The 98 active bishop “electors” will gather
on July 6. on July 11-12 for the CBCP’s 99th plenary as-
Msgr. Achilles Dakay, spokesman of the Ro- sembly at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in
man Catholic Archbishop of Cebu, said Rabusa Paco, Manila.
was on his way to his sister’s house on South
Coastal Property road in Cansolong, Talisay
Protagonist of Truth, Promoter of Peace Highlight of the meeting is the election of
a new president who would fill the shoes of
City when two persons accosted him at about outgoing CBCP head, Jaro Archbishop Angel
8:00 p.m. Lagdameo.
Shot / A6
July 6 - 19, 2009 Vol. 13 No. 14 Php 20.00 CBCP head / A6

CBCP urges bombers to end violence

THE Roman Catholic bishops’ leadership
strongly condemned on July 7 the spate
of deadly bombings in Mindanao.
In the latest incidents, four explo-
sions—one outside a Catholic Church in
Jolo, Sulu, another adjacent to a military
vehicle in Iligan City, and two others at a
transmission tower in Lanao Del Norte.
The incident in Jolo was the deadliest
of the four wherein six people died and
caused injuries to 40 others, and oc-
curred at 7:45 a.m. right after the Mass
at the Mount Carmel cathedral.
Over the weekend, there were attacks
outside a cathedral in Cotabato City and
in Barangay Buayan in Datu Piang town
in Maguindanao province which also
resulted to deaths and injuries.
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the
Philippines (CBCP) President Arch-
bishop Angel Lagdameo described the
situation “alarming”.
The bishops are currently gathered in
Tagaytay City for their annual retreat
until July 9.
“The bishops in their retreat prayer-
fully express condolence to the families
of the innocent victims of explosion in
Cotabato and Jolo,” Lagdameo said.
From the church’s perspective, he said,
the spate of bombings is unacceptable and
the authorities should send a strong mes-
sage that said type of incidents is wrong.
“We appeal to the perpetuators to
desist from their violence and to bring
their concerns to proper forum,” said
Lagdameo.
“We join the local bishops in their call
for sobriety, we join the pope in con-
demning recourse to violence in solving
existing problems," he added.
Pope Benedict XVI earlier deplored
the “heinous” bomb attack outside the
Immaculate Conception Cathedral in
Cotabato City that killed five civilians.
The pontiff said resorting to violence
never solved anything.
Cotabato Auxiliary Bishop Jose Colin
M. Bagaforo, for his part, called on to
those who are behind the attacks to
“spare the civilians.”
“We are making our appeal to who-
ever is responsible for these (bombings)
to come to their senses. Let’s spare the
civilians,” he said. (Roy Lagarde)

Pope defines real social

Draws ‘Caritas in
development veritate’ from Paul VI
VATICAN, July 7, 2009 (CNA)—
Today Pope Benedict XVI delivered
his encyclical “Caritas in veritate,”
drawing heavily on Pope Paul VI's
vision of real human development,
which insists upon progress in the
moral and spiritual realms, in addi-
tion to the material. Paul VI's teaching
on development, Benedict XVI wrote,
is the “new Rerum Novarum of the
present age.”
“Charity in truth,” Pope Benedict said as he
began his encyclical, “is the principal driving
force behind the authentic development of every
person and of all humanity.” It is precisely this gift
of charity in truth that Jesus Christ bore witness
to “by his earthly life and especially by his death
and resurrection,” he noted.
Moreover, Benedict explained, “Charity is at the
heart of the Church's social doctrine.”
In today's world, the Pope said that he sees char-
© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media

ity being “misconstrued and emptied of meaning”

and that this puts it at risk of being “misinter-
preted, detached from ethical living and, in any
event, undervalued.”
Areas where this distortion of charity often takes
place are: “the social, juridical, cultural, political
and economic fields—the contexts, in other words,
that are most exposed to this danger—it is easily Catholic bishops take communion during an evening Mass on July 7, the first day of their mid-year retreat in Tagaytay City. On July 11, the start of the CBCP’s 99th Plenary Assembly, the
Social dev’t / A6 Catholic hierarchy will elect its new set of officers in a leadership that may redefine the Church’s shifting role in contemporary Philippine Society.

Pope reiterates appeal for release of Italian hostage

POPE Benedict XVI made an appeal
again on Wednesday to the Abu Sayyaf
to release their one remaining hostaged
Red Cross volunteer.
Marking the Red Cross’s 150th an-
niversary, the pontiff appealed at the
end of his general audience in Vatican
for the release of people held hostage in
areas of conflict.
He particularly mentioned Eugenio
Vagni, an Italian Red Cross worker
the Vatican Information Service website
(www.vatican.va)
Vagni, 62, and his two fellow Inter-
national Committee of the Red Cross

Cotabato cathedral not target

aid workers were kidnapped while
held hostage by Islamic militants in on a humanitarian mission in Jolo on
Mindanao. January 15.
“I also take advantage of this mo- The militant group, which has ties to

of bombing, says bishop ment”, Benedict XVI concluded, “to ask

COTABATO Archbishop Orlando B. Quevedo, OMI
has called on all the Catholic faithful to pray for
all the innocent victims, those who have died,
those who are fighting for their lives in hos-
for the release of all people held hostage
in areas of conflict and, once again, for
the release of Eugenio Vagni, Red Cross
worker in the Philippines”.
Excerpts of his call were posted on
al-Qaeda, freed his Swiss and Filipino
companions in April.
Government efforts to negotiate
Vagni’s release show no sign of progress
so far but military sources believe the
hostage is still alive. (CBCP News)

CFC members urged to be model voters in 2010

pitals and those who have been injured, after
an improvised incendiary device exploded at
the heart of the city, a few meters from the
Immaculate Conception Cathedral at about
8:40 a.m., July 5. THE incumbent Executive Director of the Couples for Christ forward to long years of continued service to the Catholic
The prelate said the bomb was planted in Global Missions Foundation, Inc. (CFC) has challenged the Church and the poor.
a lechon house and not in the cathedral or members of the only Vatican-recognized lay organization “We are imperfect people who have individual weaknesses
in cathedral grounds where many cars were in Asia to set an example in wisely exercising their right to and inadequacies. But God has called us to be a community
parked. vote next year. to serve his Church despite our imperfections. He called us
He said “to say the attack was intended against Joe Tale, in his thanksgiving message during the CFC’s 28th to be a ‘city on the hill’ and ‘a light of the world.’ [As such],
the Cathedral and against churchgoers would be anniversary celebration, asked his contemporaries to be model let us give light to everyone, to all the people around us.
stretching the facts to the limit.” voters who will influence others to elect candidates worthy to “’Let us not be afraid’ in continuing our mission to stand
The bombing which reportedly killed five per- assume public office after the 2010 national elections. firm for our families, our communities and for the Church.
Archbishop Orlando E. Quevedo sons and injured some 35 others “took place not “Aside from being husbands and wives faithful to our Have faith and do not be afraid of whatever the Lord asks
while people were going out after Mass, but while the Mass was going on,” in spouses, and children obedient to our parents, let us also be us to do and however he guides us as a lay organization,” he
fact when the archbishop was about to conclude his homily. citizens who will stand up for our sacred right to suffrage, told the local and international CFC members who attended
“Most of those injured where in the vicinity of the lechon house, on the a light to the future of the celebration at the
road, “while shrapnels reached and injured some of the churchgoers who were our nation… I challenge Quirino Grandstand last
near the cathedral door, where Prince, a high school student and grandson of you to influence others June 27.
former Mindanao Cross editor-in-chief Patricio Diaz Sr., was hit,” the 70-year not to sell their votes During the week-long
old prelate said. and encourage them to anniversary celebra-
In his statement released to the media at midday, Archbishop Quevedo said vote only for righteous tion, the CFC Elders As-
innocent civilians are the victims of such bombings. candidates who will sembly has elected the
“Even if it can be argued that a church or its worshippers may not be the see us through,” said new set of International
direct target, to place a bomb near a church where people are worshipping Tale, who is also part of Council and Board of
© Photo courtesy of CFC

God would be doubly heinous and must be condemned by all people of good the CFC International Elders members that
will,” he said. Council. will lead the organiza-
Immediately after the bombing, Cotabato Auxiliary Bishop Jose Colin M. Echoing the homily tion within two years.
Bagaforo called on medical doctors to extend assistance to the injured victims of Manila Archbishop Congresses for bishops,
rushed to different hospitals in the city. Gaudencio Cardinal Ro- clergy, lay and migrants
In a text message sent to concerned Cotabato residents, the prelate requested sales during the Thanks- were also held and or-
local residents to visit hospitals and extend whatever assistance they could to giving Mass that served Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales (3rd from right) and Archbishop Ramon Arguelles (2nd ganizers said at least
the injured victims. as the climax of the cel- from right), with some members of the CFC International Council and Board of Elders 50,000 members partici-
during the thanksgiving Mass held at Quirino Grandstand on June 27. (From left) Dr.
Bombing / A6 ebration, Tale urged the Joe Yamamoto, the new CFC Executive Director, Rouquel Ponte, IC member, Joe Tale, pated in the activities.
CFC community to look the new CFC chairman, Joey Arguelles, IC member. (Kris Bayos)
 World News
CBCP Monitor
A2 Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009

Pope urges G-8 leaders to listen

to poor, continue development aid
VATICAN CITY, July 6, 2009—Pope
Benedict XVI asked leaders of the
world's wealthiest countries to "listen to
the voice of Africa" and poor countries
during their summit in Italy.
The global economic crisis threatens
not only to derail efforts to end extreme
poverty in the world, but also could
plunge other countries into ruin as well,
the pope said in a July 4 letter to Italian
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, host
of the Group of Eight summit.
The only way to find solutions that
will match the global dimensions of
the crisis and have long-term positive
effects for all peoples is to "listen to the
voice of Africa and the countries least-
developed economically," the pope said
in his letter.
The G-8 summit July 8-10 in L'Aquila,
Italy, was to bring together the heads of
zil, China, India, Mexico, South Africa,
Egypt, Australia, Indonesia and South
Korea to participate in some of the sum-
mit sessions.
Pope Benedict said the invitations
were important for ensuring the success
of the summit's decisions on matters
dealing with the economy, peace and
international security.
Wise discernment and new ideas "to
'convert' the model of global develop-
ment" are needed to address the eco-
nomic crisis as well as "the worrying
data regarding the phenomenon of
climate change," the pope said.
Pope Benedict said his encyclical
"Caritas in Veritate" ("Charity in Truth"),
which was to be released July 7, would
discuss the importance of "the values of
human solidarity and of love in truth"
in development programs and interna-
real people are involved and will be
impacted, he said.
"One must keep in mind concrete hu-
man and familial needs. I am referring,
for example, to the creation of jobs for
everyone to allow working men and
women to provide for the needs of their
families in a dignified way and permit
them to fulfill their primary responsibil-
ity to educate their children and to be
active in the communities to which they
belong," he said.
Pope Benedict also pleaded with the
G-8 leaders not to cut their development
aid to the world's poor as they struggle
to rebuild their own economies.
"I appeal to the member nations of the
G-8, the other national representatives
and to governments around the world
to ensure that development aid, particu-
larly aid that gives priority to 'human

governments of Canada, France, Ger-
many, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United
Kingdom and the United States.
Italy also invited the leaders of Bra-
tional cooperation.
In order to function, the technical
solutions adopted by the G-8 must keep
in mind certain ethical values because
© www.asianews.it
resources,' is maintained and increased,
not only despite the crisis, but precisely
because this is one of the principal ways
of solving it," he said. (CNS)

New encyclical should prompt ethical review,

Knights’ leader says The Vatican announced that the pope's encycli-
cal, "Caritas in Veritate" (Love in Truth), would be
released July 7.
Anderson said he would ask the top executives
of the Knights of Columbus insurance program to
read the encyclical and look at ways it is calling
the Knights to make changes to their business and
other programs.
Too many people, he said, already are predicting
that the encyclical will validate their ideas about the
economy, finance, business practices and develop-
ment aid.
Catholics need to allow the encyclical to challenge
them to act with more integrity, more morality and
greater charity, Anderson said.
"I hope it is going to lead to a moral reassessment
and open the door to more ethical values in our
© www.usccb.org
to acts of charity and to defending the truth of the
dignity of the human person and the sacredness of
human life.
Anderson said he believes the current global
financial crisis highlights a weakness in the global
economy that Pope Benedict, then-Cardinal Joseph
Ratzinger, spoke about in 1985 when he said the suc-
cess of the free-market economy requires the partici-
pation of people who are free to act morally.
"The pope would say a Christian cannot ask the
question Cain asked, 'Am I my brother's keeper?' be-
cause a Christian knows you are. To be a Christian
means to be a person for others," Anderson said.
chasing stocks and bonds, he said. The guidelines,
for instance, rule out investing in pharmaceutical
companies that make abortifacients, companies
engaged in embryonic stem-cell research or those
involved in pornography.
"And yet our return consistently beats the S&P
500 or equals them," he said.
"The values the church talks about as far as how
you ought to run your affairs as a business can work.
That doesn't mean that we don't have investments
that go bad," he said, but overall "you can compete
in the free-market system ethically and you can
survive."

Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
ROME, July 1, 2009—When Pope Benedict XVI's
social encyclical is released, Catholics shouldn't just
ask, "What does the pope say I'm doing right?" but
"What should I do to act more morally?" said the
head of the Knights of Columbus.
Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson, who heads
the 1.7 million-member fraternal organization
and its enormous life insurance business, spoke to
Catholic News Service July 1 in Rome.
business and economy," he said.
Announcing the encyclical June 29, the pope
said it would reflect on "some aspects of holistic
development in our age in the light of love in truth,"
and he said he hoped it would help those working
for "sustainable progress in full respect for human
dignity and the real needs of all."
L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper,
said Pope Benedict hit some of the same points
made in the encyclical during his homily June 28
closing the year of St. Paul.
"For Christians truth and love go together," the
pope had said. In fact, "love is the proof of the
truth," so those who truly believe will be committed
The Knights' insurance program has more than
$14 billion in assets and some $71 billion worth of
insurance in force, Anderson said. For the 34th year
in a row, the program has earned the top rating
given by A.M. Best and for the 17th year in a row
it earned Standard & Poor's top rating.
"The thing about the K of C is that we have tried
hard to run our business enterprise according to
the social doctrine of the church," Anderson said.
"We are not perfect at that, people make mistakes,"
but "at the end of the day we have tried to run an
ethical enterprise and it has succeeded."
The Knights are "very conservative" in their
investments and have ethical guidelines for pur-
"Doing the right thing isn't always the most prof-
itable," he said, but that is not the point. "You are
called to be faithful not because it will make you
successful, but for other reasons. And hopefully
you are successful."
Anderson said, "A Christian, if he or she is seri-
ous, sees a person as a gift of God. If a person is
(considered) 'a contraceptive mistake,' that's a really
different attitude."
When people realize they are a gift of God and so is
everyone else, "then everything changes," he said.
If each life has value, then everyone has an obliga-
tion to work to ensure that everyone has the food and
other things they need to survive, he said. (CNS)

Twelve move closer to sainthood Blogs, Facebook help Church

workers’ outreach
VATICAN CITY, July 3, 2009—Today the Holy Father authorized the (1900-1942).
Congregation for the Causes of Saints to publish decrees declaring - Servant of God Zoltan HONG KONG, July 3, 2009—New communication technolo-
miracles, martyrdom or heroic virtue for twelve deceased members Ludovico Meszlenyi, Hungar- gies such as Facebook and blogs can be a powerful way for the
of the faithful on their path to sainthood. ian titular bishop of Sinope Church to reach out to others, say priests and nuns at a recent
Those recognized with a miracle are: and auxiliary of Esztergom, workshop. The Church has explicitly said that the computer
- Blessed Candida Maria de Jesus Cipitria y Barriola (nee Juana killed in hatred of the faith is “truly a gift to humanity” but people, especially the youth,
Josefa), Spanish founder of the Congregation of the Daughters of at Kistarcsa, Hungary (1892- should pay attention to how to utilize this gift, said vicar general
Jesus (1845-1912). 1951). Father Michael Yeung Ming-cheung, chairperson of the Catholic
- Servant of God John Henry Newman, English cardinal and Those Servants of God ac- Board of Communications.
founder of the Oratories of St. Philip Neri in England (1801-1890). knowledged as having heroic Father Yeung was opening speaker at the local Church's cel-
- Servant of God Angelo Paoli (ne Francesco), Italian professed virtue are: ebration of the 43rd World Communications Day, held at the
priest of the Order of Carmelites of the Strict Observance (1642- - Servant of God Engelmar Holy Spirit Semi-
1720). Unzeitig (ne Uberto), German nary on June 26.
- Servant of God Maria Alfonsina Danil Ghattas (nee Soultaneh professed priest of the Con-
© www.newmancause.co.uk

The theme of the

Maria), co-foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Most gregation of Missionaries of event was “New
Holy Rosary of Jerusalem (1843-1927). Mariannhill (1911-1945). Technologies, New
Those to be officially recognized as martyrs are: - Servant of God Anna Ma- Relationships, New
- Servant of God Jose Samso i Elias, Spanish diocesan priest, pastor ria Janer Anglarill, Spanish Culture” and was co-
and archpriest of Santa Maria de Mataro, killed in hatred of the faith foundress of the Institute of hosted by the Catholic
during religious persecution in Spain (1887-1936). Sisters of the Holy Family of Social Communica-
- Servant of God Teofilo Fernandez de Legaria Goni (ne Beniamino) Urgell (1800-1885). John Henry Cardinal Newman tions Office, the dioc-
and four companions, professed priests of the Congregation of the - Servant of God Maria Sera- esan Chinese weekly
Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (PICPUS), killed in hatred of the fina del Sacro Cuore di Gesu Micheli (ne Clotilde), Italian foundress “Kung Kao Po” and
faith during religious persecution in Spain in 1936. of the Institute of Sisters of the Angels (1849-1911). the Diocesan Audio- Father Michael Tham Hon-wai introduces his
- Servant of God Georg Hafner, German diocesan priest, killed in - Servant of God Teresa Manganiello, Italian laywoman of the Visual Centre. Facebook page during the workshop.
hatred of the faith in the concentration camp of Dachau, Germany Third Order of St. Francis (1849-1876). (CNA) About 40 Catholic media workers attended the event.
Father Yeung told them that computers have created fundamen-

Bishop of Beijing prisoner of Patriotic Association

BEIJING, China, July 3, 2009—In the eyes
of Beijing’s Catholics, the capital’s bishop is
now the pawn of the Party and the Patriotic
Association (PA).
In recent weeks, the bishop publicly de-
fended the PA policies of “raising the flag
of love of country and love of church” and
“perseverance in the principal of indepen-
dence, autonomy and self government of
the Church.”
While the first aspect is very close to what
Benedict XVI has always insisted on (good
Catholics are also good citizens), the second
enhances the PA’s long held principle of the
Chinese Churches separation from the Holy
See, which in the past prompted the Pope to
declare the PA’s ideals incompatible with
Catholic teaching (see Letter of Benedict XVI
to Chinese Catholics n.7 and note 36).
Msgr. Joseph Li Shan, 44, was consecrated
archbishop of Beijing on the 21st of Septem-
ber 2007, with Holy See’s approval, but for
several months now, he has come more and
more under the thumb of the PA, the body
that ensures the Churches submission to
the Party.
According to several believers in Beijing,
the bishop seems to have delegated his pas-
toral mission to the head of the PA, a layman
called Anthony Liu Bainian. To mark the end
of the Pauline Year and the beginning of the
Year for Priests, Msgr. Li Shan limited him-
self to greeting priests named Peter or Paul,
and inviting his clergy to lunch.
Liu Bainian, however, took the opportu-
nity to deliver a lengthy speech to clergy
and religious calling on them to “imitate
the Apostle Paul, promote theological
studies, and build an inculturated Church
that is Chinese in character.” In his erudite
discourse—carried in full on the Beijing
Diocesan website (http://www.tianguang-
bao.org/09.7.1/1.htm)─he stresses that the
Church in China is a living example of Pau-
line spirit and thought, which he summed
up in 4 points: a) a spirit of adaptation, b)
overcoming the tension between religion
and politics, obeying the ruling regime; c)
a spirit of solidarity; d) living the call to
evangelization.
“Like Saint Paul,” he condemned “divi-
sions” and especially the divisions between
the official and underground Church which,
according to him, is created exclusively by
some “anti-Chinese Western power, which
hurts evangelization.” Usually in Party
documents, the Vatican is referred to as a
“western (or foreign) power” that tries, for
(“false”) religious reasons, to meddle with
life in China.
Liu Bainian gave his speech during a
seminar on Pauline theology organized by
Yi Hui Yi Tuan (comprising the PA and the
Episcopal Council of China). The Patriotic
Bishop Ma Yingling, declared illegitimate
by the Holy See, was also present. Msgr. Ma
gave a presentation on the meaning of the
seminary, urging brother priests to live the
Year for Priests in the Pauline spirit and to
help contribute to the sacred mission of the
Catholic Church in China.
In recent years, almost all the official
bishops had been reconciled with the Holy
See. Benedict XVI’s Letter of to Chinese
Catholics (27 May 2007) had strengthened
this relationship by propelling many bishops
recognized by the government to cooperate
with underground bishops.
But precisely because of the Pope’s Letter
and the newfound unity among the bishops of
China, the United Front and the Patriotic As-
sociation have, over the past several months,
launched a series of initiatives to bring official
bishops to obedience. (AsiaNews)
tal shifts in patterns of human relationships, culture and communi-
cation. He said that although there are harmful aspects to the new
technologies, the Internet should not be regarded as a "monster."
Father Yeung believes that people these days face spiritual
emptiness and loneliness, and religious groups can use the In-
ternet to reach out spiritually to people and to evangelize.
Later in the program, John Fung, an IT resource center director
and catechist, said the Internet is “no more a tool but a 'country'
with a huge population of 1.6 billion” worldwide.
“For our evangelization mission today, we should cast out
into the deep and the Net is the deepest place that we can reach
into,” said Fung.
Parish priest Father Philip Chan Tak-hung told the gathering
that the aim of his Facebook page is to “consolidate the support-
ers of God” and to reach out and spread Church information to
Catholics who do not read “Kung Kao Po.”
Father Chan recently uploaded articles on the Year for Priests
for his 629 “friends” on Facebook.
Salesian Sister Amy Lim, who teaches Bible and English in
high school, shared how Church people's use of new technolo-
gies can help dispel their image of being fuddy duddy. She said
her students used to think of nuns as “mysterious, high up and
not in touch with reality.”
The nun said that her students at first thought it was “funny”
that their teachers had Facebook accounts and that it was “super
funny” when they knew she had one. However, she said the
Internet has helped her relate better to her students.
Sister Sania Ho of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary,
shared that she uses her blog to give people insights into what
her consecrated life means and to attract those who may have a
religious vocation. (UCAN)
 News Features
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
A3

Pope calls for solidarity

in facing economic crisis
VATICAN CITY, July 6, 2009—On July 4, just days
before his social encyclical is set to be released,
Pope Benedict XVI sent a letter regarding the
upcoming G8 meeting to the Prime Minister of
Italy, Silvio Berlusconi. In his letter, he called for
renewed international efforts to work together
in order “to face current challenges” in front of
mankind today.
The heads of State and Government of the
Group of Eight industrialized countries (G8) are
scheduled to meet in the Italian city of L'Aquila
from July 8 to 10.
Pope Benedict recalled John Paul II’s convic-
tion that “eradicating the causes of extreme
poverty in the world” would depend upon “the
most economically-advanced governments and
States fully assuming the responsibility they bear
towards all humanity.”
Acknowledging the millennium goal to eradi-
cate extreme poverty around the globe by 2015,
the Holy Father observed that “the financial and
economic crisis that has struck the entire planet
since the start of 2008 has altered the panorama,
so that there is now a real risk not only that the
hope of emerging from extreme poverty may be
extinguished, but that people who until now ben-
efited from some minimal material wellbeing risk
falling into indigence.”
With this in mind, the Pontiff reached out to
make an appeal to the G8 members, asking them
“that their aid for development, especially the
part directed at 'evaluating' the 'human resource,'
may be maintained and strengthened, and not just
despite the crisis but precisely because this is one
of the principle ways to solve it.”
The Pope also spoke of the importance of edu-
cation, encouraging “international co-operation”
by the world community, as well as the Catholic
Church and other religions, to increase access to
education, even to the "poorest and most remote
corners of the globe."
The Holy Father observed, "Education is an in-
dispensable condition for the working of democra-
cy, for the fight against corruption, for the exercise
of political, economic and social rights, and for the
recovery of all States, both poor and rich."
He went on to note the importance of "the
creation of jobs for everyone” which will allow
workers to provide for their families, educate their
children and be involved in their communities.
Benedict XVI continued to speak of the neces-
sity “to reform international financial structures in
order to ensure effective co-ordination of national
policies.”
Emphasizing multilateralism, the Pope also
spoke of the “ethical legitimization” of the G8’s
political commitments, which will require “that
they be weighed against the ideas and needs of
the entire international community.”
This co-operation, said the Pontiff, is necessary
“not only in economic questions but over the en-
tire spectrum of topics concerning peace, world
security, disarmament, health, and protection of
the environment and of natural resources.”
The Holy Father also encouraged G8 leaders "to
listen to the voice of Africa and of less economically-
developed countries," as well as to seek ways to link
the decisions of the G8 to the United Nations As-
sembly, where “each nation, whatever its political
or economic importance, can legitimately express
itself in a position of equality with others.”
Benedict concluded his letter by commenting on
the location of the summit. Recalling the devasta-
tion caused by the recent earthquake in L’Aquila
and noting the aid the city has received since then,
he encouraged the G8 members to see this meeting
as an invitation “to unite to face current challenges,
which require humankind to make decisive choices
concerning the very destiny of man, intimately
connected with that of creation.” (CNA)

Peace advocates
Holy Father explains mission praise archbishop
and meaning of priestly ministry for bombing
response
VATICAN CITY, July 1, 2009─At the mission to the full, announcing the
general audience in St. Peter’s Square Word and administering the Sacra- MANILA, July 6, 2009—Archbishop Or-
this morning, Pope Benedict XVI spoke ments,” he added. lando Quevedo of Cotabato said a bomb
of the Year for Priests, laying out the The Pope noted that after Vatican attack in Cotabato City that killed five
essentials of the priestly mission and Council II, "in some places the impres- people and injured at least 43 did not
identity. He also prayed that this Year sion arose that there were more impor- target the cathedral, as earlier reports
will be “an opportunity for the inner tant things in the mission of priests in had claimed.
renewal of all priests and, consequently, our time: some people believed that the He called for calm in a statement to
for the revitalization of their commit- priority was to build a new society." media on July 5, the day of the blast in
ment to the mission." However, Pope Benedict countered the southern city.
The Pope announced that much of his that “announcement and power” re- “Violence does not achieve anything.
teaching in coming months will center main the “two essential elements of Violence begets violence,” the bishop
of St. John Mary Vianney, during this priestly ministry,” demonstrated when said. “Let’s all pray for the conversion
Year marking the 150th anniversary of Christ sent his disciples to preach the of the bombers.”
his death. Gospel and gave them power to drive The Oblates of Mary Immaculate
© Noli Yamsuan / RCAM

Of the many virtues exhibited by the
Cure of Ars, the Holy Father said he
finds that one of the most remarkable
was “his complete identification with
his ministry. He used to say that a good
pastor, a pastor after God's heart, is the
greatest treasure the good Lord can give
a parish.”
The Priestly Mission
“In fact, it is by considering the dual
term 'identity-mission' that each priest
will become better aware of the need for
that progressive self identification with
Christ which guarantees the faithful-
ness and fruitfulness of his evangelical
witness,” Benedict continued. “Thus, in
the life of a priest, missionary announce-
ment and worship are inseparable, just
as sacramental identity and evangeliz-
ing mission are likewise inseparable.”
The goal of priests' mission, the Pope
taught, could be described as, “'of wor-
ship': that all men and women may offer
themselves as a living sacrifice, holy and
acceptable to God, receiving the charity
which they are then called to dispense
abundantly to one another.”
This charity is dispensed through
love for others and works of mercy,
which Benedict described as “not so
much a question of social morals as the
expression of a sacramental conception
of Christian morality.” These outward
manifestations of the indwelling of
charity finds its full expression through
priestly ministry, where “the spiritual
sacrifice of all the faithful is accom-
plished, in union with the sacrifice of
Christ, the only mediator,” the Pope
said. “This is the sacrifice that priests
offer bloodlessly and sacramentally
while awaiting the second coming of
the Lord.”
Priestly Identity
Benedict XVI also addressed the is-
sue of priestly identity, saying, "In the
face of so many uncertainties and so
much weariness, even in the exercise
of priestly ministry, it is vitally impor-
tant to regain a clear and unequivocal
view of the absolute primacy of divine
grace.” "The mission of each individual
priest depends, then, also and above
all on an awareness of the sacramental
reality of his 'new existence.' Upon the
certainty of his own identity - not arti-
ficially and humanly constructed but
freely and divinely given and received
- depends his perennial enthusiasm for
the mission."
“Having received such an extraor-
dinary gift of grace with their conse-
cration, priests become permanent
witnesses of their own encounter with
Christ,” and “are able to carry out their
out demons. In other words "Word and
Sacrament, are the pillars of priestly
service, over and above the many forms
it can take."
The Pope warned that when this two-
fold core of the priest is forgotten, “it be-
comes truly difficult to understand the
identity of priests and of their ministry
in the Church.” He called on all people
to remember this important truth dur-
ing this Year for Priests, and to “pray for
all the clergy. ... Prayer is the primary
duty, the true path of sanctification for
priests and the heart of authentic pas-
toral care of vocations.”
Benedict concluded by offering en-
couragement, saying, "The low numbers
of priestly ordinations in some countries
not only must not discourage us, it
should stimulate us to dedicate greater
space to silence and to listening to the
Word, to improving spiritual guidance
and the Sacrament of Confession, so
that the voice of God, which always
continues to call and to confirm, may
be heard and followed by many young
people." (CNA)
(OMI) prelate said he believed extortion
was the motive, and he later reaffirmed
to UCA News that the bombing “is not
about religion, the Muslims' desire for
‘self rule’, or anything political.”
He told UCA News he had felt com-
pelled to issue statements to e-groups
and the media to correct reports that
the cathedral was the target. There were
no blasts inside the cathedral and the
bomb was not set to go off as people
were coming out of church, he clarified
in his messages.
Peace advocates praised Archbishop
Quevedo for his response.
“We applaud the courage and wis-
dom of Archbishop Orlando Quevedo
OMI who, even as he condemned the
bombing as sacrilege, has called for
restraint,” the Philippine Council for
Islam and Democracy declared in its
statement on the bombing.
Archbishop Quevedo explained to
UCA News in Manila, on his way to a
bishops' retreat, that he was preaching
on priests and prophecy when a bomb
exploded across the street from the

Holy See urges contemplative tourism

church.

Encourages intercultural knowledge, dialogue

Militant priests urge military The injured were mostly women
vendors and children.
The archbishop condemned the kill-

VATICAN CITY, July 6, 2009─The Pon-

tifical Council for Migrants and Travel-
to uphold laws, human rights ing of innocent people but also urged
restraint. Since the bomb went off inside
a stall selling "lechon," or roasted pig, he
ers is urging Christians to use tourism MANILA, June 29, 2009—Church-based groups advocating human rights suspects extortion could be the motive.
as a way to contemplate the richness of called on the military leadership Monday to uphold the law in order to restore It was the second bombing of a business
God's creation, to discover his beauty their tarnished image. in the Cotabato area in recent years, he
in diversity. Solidarity Philippines’ Fr Joe Dizon said that the dignity of the soldiers relied pointed out.
The council affirmed this in a pastoral on their willpower to uphold the law and respect for human rights. Most of those injured were on the
message written for World Tourism As the guardian of the country, he said, “soldiers must defend the human road in the vicinity of the lechon (roast
Day, which will be celebrated on Sept. rights and not allow their institution to be abused by those in political power,” pig) house, he pointed out. Shrapnel
27 this year and will focus on the theme he said. from the blast also injured some church-
"Tourism ─ Celebrating Diversity." The activist priest’s statement came amid controversy hounding the mili- goers near the door of Immaculate
The message, signed by the council's tary for allegedly abducting and torturing a Filipino-American human rights Conception Cathedral.
president, Archbishop Antonio Maria advocate. Cotabato City is on the main island
Vegliò, and secretary, Archbishop Ago- Asian Human Rights Commission’s Fr Robert Reyes said Melissa Roxas’ of Mindanao, about 885 kilometers
stino Marchetto, acknowledged that claim was not surprising because the military has long been known for grave southeast of Manila.
diversity is "a positive factor, something abuse of human rights. The Philippine Council for Islam
good, and not a threat or a danger." “It’s not improbable. The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) does and Democracy, which describes itself
© www.vatican.va

It observed that "in this time of global-
ization, cultures and religions approach
each other more and more, and that in
the heart of all cultures, an authentic
desire for peace is emerging."
At the same time, it added, "we see
misunderstandings, prejudices and
deeply rooted misconceptions that raise
barriers and nurture divisions" aris-
ing from the fear "of what is different,
unknown."
Tourism, the council noted, can be
Archbishop Antonio Maria Vegliò
"an occasion for dialogue and listening,
inasmuch as it puts people in contact
with other ways of living, other reli-
gions, other ways of seeing the world
and its history."
"It is likewise an invitation not to
Holy See / A6
practice torture to extract information in confession which violates human as committed to building a "peaceful,
rights,” he said. progressive, and democratic Muslim
“Hence, the AFP has had a dismal human rights record,” added Reyes. Mindanao," condemned the blast as a
Last Sunday, Roxas recounted how military agents tortured her last month “terrorist act” and called for prompt
action to bring perpetrators to justice.
while forcing her to admit that she was a member of the communist group,
New People’s Army (NPA). Archbishop Quevedo noted that
The US-based member of the leftist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan bombings in recent years of businesses
(Bayan) is filing a case against the Philippine government, adding that in Cotabato, General Santos, Kida-
she would not want other people to suffer similar fate at the hands of the pawan and Koronodal cities as well
military. as Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat
Militant / A6 provinces were found to be linked to
Response / A7
A4 Opinion CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009

EDITORIAL

Charity in truth
RERUM Novarum of Pope Leo XIII in 1891 was a trailblazer. It
was the first social encyclical that opened the eyes, though how
late, of most in the Church who have been largely if eternally
preoccupied only with either solving theological problems or
refining the pageantry of the sacristy or both.
A far cry from the usual concerns of the church that was more
serious with indulgences rather than temporal inadequacies, this
pioneer social doctrine addressed the condition of labor and the
challenges of the Industrial Revolution’s widespread exploitation
of workers. Being new and, well, strange, it somehow resounded
throughout the Christendom as it upheld the rights of employees
to organize, and rejected communism and unbridled capitalism.
The social encyclicals that followed were built from Rerum
Novarum’s foundations—all the way from Quadragesimo Anno to
Mater et Magistra, and Pacem in Terris, to Vatican II’s Dignitatis
Humanae and Gaudium et Spes, until Paul VI’s Populorum
Progressio and the three blockbuster social encyclicals of Pope
John Paul II.
Thence come Caritas in Veritate (Charity in truth).
Issued last July 7, 2009, this maybe the social encyclical of
the century, with the most “teeth” of them all. It condemns
corruption, the exploitation of workers, the destruction of the
environment, the continued practice of wealthy nations imposing
high tariffs on imports that consequently shut poor countries out
of the international marketplace, and the enforcement of patents

Illustration by Bladimer Usi

especially on medicine that could save the lives of thousands of
poor people if only they were priced reasonably.
In Caritas in Veritate, Pope Benedict XVI even called for the
reform of the United Nations, as well as the international bodies
involved in economics and finance, saying that the reform should
help ensure that the world’s poorer countries have a voice in
economic decisions impacting everyone.
According to the Pontiff, charity is not an option for Christians, and
“practicing charity in truth helps people understand that adhering
to the values of Christianity is not merely useful, but essential for
building a good society and for the true integral development.”
Indeed, one sees the perfection of the truth only in charity. Perhaps,
it’s time now to get going and realize that this “truth” is one that you
find, too, in the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines—only
that it takes so long to sleep and bother.
Development, Justice and Peace
BY development we mean the development of every person and
of the whole person, of all people, especially the poor by reason
of the evangelical option for the poor. (Cf. Luke 6:18) Several
UN “Decades of Development” have come and gone, and still
we witness increasing poverty and widening of the gap between
rich and poor.
The causes can be analyzed to death. Often we hear the facile
attribution of our situation of poverty and underdevelopment to
the many natural disasters that we have suffered and continue to
suffer. They do have something to do with our poverty. But we
cannot ignore the part human responsibility plays. (Cf. Amos
1:6) The unrestrained polluting of air and water resources through
power plants and factories and the abusive exploitation of our
natural resources through, for instance, irresponsible mining and
logging, geothermal plants and dams, etc. continue unabated in
many parts of our country, slowly destroying for the sake of short
term financial gains for the few and powerful elite the very life
system of our environment: We live under a social structure in
which graft and corruption have been deeply imbedded.
Our impoverishment, we see, are due to many factors. But greed
for power and wealth is today, more than ever it seems, the greatest
contributing factor. It has led to the worsened deprivation of many,
to the exodus of men and women in quest of word abroad, to the
gaining of easy money through criminality and exploitive vice.
More than ever, we are keenly aware that criminality and
development are antithetical, and so are poverty on the one hand,
and justice and peace on the other. There is an intimate linkage
between the one and the other. The enduring solution to criminality
and vice is thus not simply the imposition of quick justice,
sadly lacking as it is, but more basically the genuine equitable
development of every person in civil society. The ultimate solution
to poverty is not simply economic development but even more
basically, justice and peace—justice to address the inequitable
structures of society which beget poverty; peace to provide the
conditions under which we can work out our development. On
justice and peace, then, true human development is based. From
justice and peace, development is begotten.
And it is good to recall here what the Holy Father said at
Malacañang at his first visit to the Philippines in 1981, namely,
that governments cannot sacrifice the human rights of its citizens
in the name of economic development.
This deeper perspective of today’s social and economic issues
compounds our concern about the directions that economic
development is taking in our country and the roles that the various
branches of our government are playing, whether collaborative or
antagonistic vis-à-vis one another. Their roles must be based firstly
and firmly on the good of all and not on allegiances or alliances
for self-interest, and certainly not on political grandstanding.
Development—The Fruit of Justice and Peace,
A CBCP Pastoral Statement, 1996
Oscar V. Cruz, DD
Machiavellian
Views and Points syndrome
SCHEMING. Designing. Cunning. Devious. Treacherous. These on account of people’s exploitation and victimization. The syndrome
are some of the word-equivalents of the insatiable and wherefore becomes even more pronounced the more weak, fearful and poor
detestable greed for power as verified in the so called “Machiavellian people there are to subjugate and trample upon. History is the wit-
Syndrome”. Voracious and rapacious of might and influence, raven- ness that these marginalized people feed the syndrome as gasoline
ous and implacable in the tenure of authority and prestige—such
description fits very well for someone with dictatorial personality
so well and so much feeds the fire.
Machiavellian characters deliberately and decidedly forget certain
traits, with self-serving authoritarian tendency. objective realities precisely because these are true and disconcert-
Everybody is dispensable. Everything is disposable. The continu- ing: That everything temporal has an eventual end. That all human
ous tenure of power and might is the be all and end all of all agenda— reigns have their ultimate conclusions. That even Machiavelli was
primary design, pursuant plan and concrete programs—which are overtaken by death, was buried and underwent unstoppable de-
over and above anybody and anything else. cay. All his pretenders thus infallibly have the exactly same fate,
Dictator, tyrants and despots are all in possession of the syndrome. the specifically same destiny. They not only fade away but become
They think the world turns around them. They see themselves as the subject exemplars for profound rebuke, emerged as symbols of
indispensable in the life of a people, in the history of a country. Worst popular disgust.
of all, while actually in the state of delusion, they feel consumed of The Filipinos are certainly neither ignorant of nor numb to certain
love for and service to others—although feeding on their lives, de- personalities in their history who rose to power through deception,
molishing their dignity and violating their rights. Thus it is that they who kept power through corruption, and who wanted to continue
think they are special creations of divinity, having a special claim wielding power through manipulation. But as certain as the sun
to divine intervention and wherefore exacting special subservience goes down and the night thereafter reigns, Pinoys are very aware
of everybody else—under penalty of extrajudicial killing, forced and knowledgeable that the past had, the present has and the future
disappearance and other atrocities. will have the same verdict for Machiavelli reincarnations in their
The syndrome brings to fore essentially the common pitiful reali- dear country.
ties, viz., one and the same psychopathological constitution having Graft and corruption. Money power. Electoral manipulation. Dys-
inherently the same sickening composite socio-political situation as functional justice system. Cha-Cha. Bomb scare. Gun rule. August
follows: Strong popular resentment plus pervasive fervent dissent moon. All these and other atrocities sound very familiar!
Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS
The Spirit of Courage Love Life
FOR many of us, preparations for the Feast Husbands, don’t be afraid to love your ing is concealed that will not be revealed,
of Pentecost included reflections on the Gifts wives as Christ loves his church…. uncondi- and nothing is hidden that will not become
and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, songs and bible tionally, magnanimously, irrevocably. known. What I tell you in darkness, speak in
texts calling on the Spirit to fill our hearts. As Wives, don’t be afraid to serve your hus- the light. What you hear in private, proclaim
I was in-charge of one of the days of prayer bands’ highest calling and quest, eternal life from housetops” (Mt. 10:26-27)
during the Triduum, I was glad to have after death. College students, don’t be afraid to be
come across this Pastoral Letter on Courage Teachers, don’t be afraid to show the wit- “practicing Catholics” before the eyes of
by Most Reverend John R. Keating, Bishop ness and examples of your own Catholic your classmates.
of Arlington, Los Angeles, California. He faith to your students. High school students, don’t be afraid to be
presents a challenge that will surely serve Principals of Catholic schools, don’t be chaste, and to be known as such.
as a reminder for each one of us. afraid to promote a solidly Catholic moral Elementary school students, don’t be afraid
“BE NOT AFRAID” climate in your school. of those who can bully and bait you, but only
If courage is the strength to overcome fear Presidents of Catholic colleges, don’t be of Him who has power to judge your soul.
in order to do what is right, then I pray that afraid to insist on the Catholic identity of Doctors, don’t be afraid to confront the
the Holy Spirit, in delivering the great gift your institution in its purpose, its policies, “culture of death” that promotes or condones
of courage He promised you in your Confir- and its personnel. abortion and euthanasia.
mation, will sear into your soul a recurring Fellow priests, don’t be afraid to preach Legislators and judges, don’t be afraid
refrain to sustain you the rest of your life: the “hard sayings” of Jesus’ message. At the as Nicodemus was, to act openly with the
“Be not afraid.” same time, don’t be afraid to show compas- courage of your convictions.
Parents, don’t be afraid to engage your sion for the pain of the human condition. Parishioners, don’t be afraid to respond
children at any age in religious dialogue, Always remember what Jesus said to his to the voices of dissent and disunity with a
and to challenge them to a stronger Catholic twelve apostles as he was sending them out chorus of harmony and unity.
life. Don’t be afraid to discuss their possible to preach: My friends, don’t be afraid to stand up for
religious vocation. “Do not let them intimidate you. Noth- Christ and his bride, the Church.
Fr. Russell Bantiles

The Priest (Part II of II)

Cogito
www.cbcpmonitor.com
cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net

“TO have a heart of fire for charity, and a heart of bronze for chas-
tity...”
These are not two different hearts but one human heart: the
same heart with which we love our parents, our friends─all our
Pedro C. Quitorio loved ones. It is the same heart with which we love God. Charity
Editor-in-Chief and chastity are two sides of a coin. One does not exist without the
other. Pastoral charity, for a newly-ordained, is understood as an
Pinky Barrientos, FSP Kris P. Bayos effort and a fervent petition to God “to make all our human affec-
Associate Editor Feature Editor tions pass through the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate
Heart of Mary”. It is because the heart, if not guarded with seven
Melo M. Acuña Laarni Bergado locks, would tend to attach itself to human affections─attachments in
Managing Editor Marketing Supervisor things and in persons. And if a newly-ordained is not careful, these
attachments would tend to detach himself from God.
Roy Q. Lagarde Ernani M. Ramos
News Editor Circulation Manager “To teach and to pardon...”
Apparently, these are two different aspects of a priest`s life: the
Laurence John R. Morales Marcelita Dominguez prophetic and the sacramental dimensions of priestly ministry.
Layout Artist and Online Editor Comptroller Indeed, a priest is a teacher. But more than just “mere teaching”
Catholic doctrines and dogmas, a priest gives testimony. Pope Paul
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP Com- VI rightly noted, “modern man listens more willingly to witnesses
munications Development Foundation, Inc., with editorial and than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they
business offices at 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila.
P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO. are witnesses”.
Editorial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612. In the Sacrament of Penance, the priest pardons. But in reality, it
ISSN 1908-2940 is Jesus Himself—through the instrumentality of His minister—who
gives pardon. The priest`s instrumentality becomes more profound
if he himself experiences from the bottom of his heart the same par-
don that God has bestowed on him for his own sins. A priest who
experiences in his flesh and bone God´s pardon can readily and
more meaningfully bring the same pardon to other souls. The priest
should teach how to pardon. And he teaches it by giving witness
through his own experience.
“To console and to bless always...”
A blessing is always a consolation. Oftentimes, out of humility
(perhaps), a newly-ordained would refuse to extend his hand when
an elderly woman would try to take it to ask for a blessing (pagma-
mano). The priest thinks he is too young or too unworthy to do so.
But he should think that when people ask for a priest´s blessing, they
are actually asking Christ´s blessing, not the priest´s.
And Christ´s blessing brings consolation. The channel for such
blessing, for such consolation, is the priest. But oftentimes, it is the
priest himself that longs for such consolation. He can only be a chan-
nel if he himself enjoys such divine consolation. But such consolation
can only be experienced through an intimate relationship with Jesus.
Yet, as St. Teresa of Jesus once said: “search not for the consolation
of the Lord, but the Lord of the consolation.”
“My God what a life, and it is yours...”
A priest does not belong to himself anymore, but to Christ and to
His Church. Hence, his personal plans and projects in life are geared
Cogito / A6
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
Jose B. Lugay
Laiko Lampstand
THE citizens of the Philippines all breathed
a sigh of relief when Comelec Chairman Jose
Melo announced last July 3, that Smartmatic
and Total Information Management (TIM)
finally agreed to register their joint venture
agreement with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. One month beyond Comelec’s
target date for the signing of the bidding
contract left everybody wondering whether
there was enough time for the winning bidder
to supply the 82,000 Precinct Count Optical
Scan (PCOS) machines, transport them to
all the precincts in the archipelago and train
40,000 IT technicians to operate and maintain
the machines. While Comelec made a sigh
of relief that at last the automation of elec-
tion will proceed, there are still doubting
Thomases.
Now that the contract between Comelec
and the joint venture will be signed, and
Smartmatic and TIM will start getting ready
for the 2010 elections, there is still one unbe-
liever of the automated election system—the
Philippine Center for Investigative Journal-
ism. Their technical experts question the
security aspect of the source code which is
made accessible to IT technicians. They claim
that these technicians will be subject to pres-
sure by moneyed politicians to change the
election canvass in their favor. It is a reminder
to all of us that cheating in the election is a
moral problem and no automation system can
eradicate cheating completely.
It is damned if you don’t automate and
damned if you do. The voting population,
especially the younger crowd wants a change
from a tainted election system to a truly
democratic choice of leaders. The root cause
of cheating during elections is sinfulness as
expressed by PCP II Acts 266 and 274:
“266. In the poverty and underdevelopment
of our nation, in its conflicts and divisions,
we see the hand of human sinfulness, particu-
‘Where are you
Opinion
All set for 2010
automated elections?
larly the grasping paws of greed for profit or
power. It is sinfulness that is at the root of
our socio-economic and political problems,
and we need to name the problems by their
true name of sin.”
“274. The necessity of social transforma-
tion is not a new demand. What is new is its
faith-motivation, as a demand of Christian
discipleship.”
Consequently during election years,
CBCP issues pastoral letters exhorting the
faithful especially the laity to be the agents
of change for social transformation. Past
elections in 2004 and 2007 indicated that
politics has deteriorated to its lowest level
of morality. It is time for the laity to use
more innovative approaches to address
the problem. It is no longer enough to be
a member of NAMFREL or PPCRV. We
should get involved in educating the young
voters to evangelize politics and to establish
a new standard for selection of candidates.
This action plan supports the most recent
CBCP’s pastoral exhortation.
CBCP’s President Angel N. Lagdameo
issued a pastoral exhortation last April 27,
2009 declaring the Year of the Two Hearts
for Peace-Building and Lay Participation
in Social Change. This is very timely to
prepare the lay faithful for the coming
2010 elections. All the faithful are called
“to start preparing spiritually for another
crucial transition in the life of our nation—
namely, the elections in May 2010.” This
is one year of spiritual preparation start-
ing June 2010 to consecrate our country
to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the
Immaculate Heart of Mary—the Year of
the Two Hearts. The advocacies for peace-
building and lay participation in social
change should now be in place. The period
of consecration ends in June next year, the
culmination of the 2010 elections. This is
Fr. Francis B. Ongkingco
A5
Fr. Carmelo O. Diola, SSL
Spaces of Hope
CBCP’s challenge to the laity: “We challenge
the Catholic laity, in particular, to take the
lead in the task of moral renewal towards
Gideon
I SEE a river of change flowing through our dear land, fed by
a deeper and more lasting change in the
various tributaries of transformation. Our land and people, made
Philippine society,” It should start with
barren by corruption, is slowly watered by this river whose
the election of officials with moral integrity
source is God’s love pulsating through the Sacred Heart of Jesus
who possess the knowledge to govern for
in union with the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
the common good.
The Year of the Two Hearts for Peace Building and Lay Par-
Some advocacy groups are already in-
ticipation in Social Change from 19 June 2009 to 19 June 2010
volved in the evangelization of politics.
captures this reality. It sets the spiritual groundwork for mean-
The Diocese of Malaybalay has published a
ingful work for peace and change that includes engagement in
political guide, Talita Khoum, especially for
the 2010 elections.
voters whose votes are expected in exchange
But, we need to ask, would another CBCP statement really
for a monetary consideration. The Dilaab
matter? In the first national consultation of Circles of Discern-
Foundation, Inc., of the Diocese of Cebu, has
ment for Elections (CiDE) in Cebu last 20-21 April 2009, attended
initiated the training of lay people in political
by 30 participants from 13 local churches and two lay organiza-
evangelization, through its ongoing Circles
tions, a few thought this was an exercise in futility. What good
of Discernment (CiDE) and Pastoral Accom-
would another statement do? Indeed, more than half of CBCP
paniment sessions. In support of this activity,
statements, since its beginnings, have been on politics. Yet “Phil-
the Volunteers of the HEARTS Network,
ippine politics─the way it is practiced─has been most hurtful of
which is comprised of 21 faith-based orga-
us as a people,” and sadly continues to be so.
nizations, have shared their expertise and
Someone then wisely pointed out that such statements
experience in advocacy work through “Holi-
actually contribute a critical service by setting the conditions
ness, Education, Resource mobilization, and
for change to happen. What may be lacking is the collective,
Transformation through truth telling,” with
effective, and sustained response on the part of the laity, in col-
the purpose of bringing “Solidarity in action
laboration with priests, to the call made by the bishops. After
among the People of God.” The Council of
all, evangelizing and transforming politics is the laity’s specific
the Laity is ready with its modules to train
field of engagement. As the bishops remind us: “You know that
lay leaders towards becoming a Community
we have sounded this call too many times already in the past.
of Disciples. This includes a training module
Perhaps because this task is expected of us, there has been a
on the Advocacy for Good Governance, i.e.
tendency to take it for granted that we are also to carry it out
Anti Graft and Corruption.
by ourselves.”
With social change in mind, all members
Our church leaders continue: “We challenge our Catholic la-
of lay organizations and movements across
ity, in particular, to take the lead in the task of moral renewal
the country are invited to be partners in the
towards a deeper and more lasting change in the Philippine
evangelization of Filipino politics by becom-
society.” In other words, the bishops are telling the lay faithful
ing a volunteer in the HEARTS network of
that the ball is now in their court.
which the Council of the Laity is a member.
The bishops had also released a statement in 1986 in the face of
They can start by securing one endorsement
a national political crisis seen as rooted in a moral crisis. People
from their local Diocesan Bishop to link with
listened and responded. Change happened. Something similar
the network. Together, the whole Philippines
may happen, if our response is sure and strong.
can be on the road to social change in the
Yet, such a response cannot be haphazard and underneath
Year of Two Hearts.
our dignity. This is the lesson from the story of Gideon, one of
Israel’s judges at the beginnings of its emergence as a nation.
Why start with Gideon?
The office of the readings at the beginning of the second
gathering of CiDE Church network from 17 to 19 June cited

headed?’
THE two friends came out of the classroom after their last final
exam. Both were eager to start off with summer vacation. Sal, who
happened to be the aspiring valedictorian of the class, sighed with
relief. “Now that we’re done with that, it’s time for unlimited gam-
ing, music and partying!”
Chris, Sal’s best friend the aspiring salutatorian, remarked, “Yup!
But this summer’s goin’ to be a bit different for me.”
“What do you mean?” Sal gave him a puzzled look.
“Oh, nothin’, really. I just thought that I could give myself some-
thing more by giving gaming, music and partying a more produc-
tive direction.”
“Geez, dude! You’ve overwired your brains. Productive direction?
Hey, where did you pick that jargon from?”
“I’m sorry, Sal,” he said. “I didn’t mean to ruin your summer
with my plans.”
“Hey, apologizing without even tellin’ your friend how you’ve
even offended him?” Sal smirked jokingly at his friend.
“Alright, you have a point there. Okay, I’m not apologizing,” he
said.
“Hey, no changin’ tactics, dude! Stick to your arguments! So
what’ll they be?”
“You see, I’ve been seeing a good friend of mine and…,”
“Whoa! It must’ve been that girl at the party. I bet you would
have been valedictorian dude, if you weren’t distracted with her!”
he teased Chris.
“Ah, right…but it’s not the girl, Sal!” Chris smiled. “It’s a
priest.”
“Way to go, Chris! I didn’t know you had plans of becoming a
priest. Okay, then I’m going to be a politician!” Sal chuckled as he
gave Chris a pat on the back.
“That’s not what I meant, Sal.” Chris’ tone became a little more
serious as they both sat themselves in one of the rickety benches of
Rev. Euly B. Belizar, SThD
Whatever
the school grounds.
“So tell me about it, dude. I’m all ears for this mystical stuff.”
“Sheesh, dude. It aint nuthin’g like that.”
“So what is it about then,” Sal shrugged his shoulders.
“It’s not only about getting the right directions, but the more
productive and fruitful one,” Chris began explain as he wiped the
sweat from his brow.
“Duh? Wuz I suppose to dig all that Greek, dude?”
“Okay, it’s simply about getting a good grip of my life and stirring
it where I want to go.”
“Now we’re talking. So you want to become a priest, and I’m go-
ing to be president one day.”
“Okay, I’ll follow your tail. So I’m the priest and you’re president.
But Mr. President, I don’t want to become a priest only for that rea-
son. I want to be one in order to go to Heaven.”
“Hey, that’s not fair, dude!”
“Mr. President, I thought you wanted to go to Heaven?”
“Not fair! That’s not following the original argument, Mr. Sena-
tor!”
“Of course it does, so Mr. President doesn’t care?” Chris raised
an eyebrow at Sal.
“Okay, so you win. Of course, I want to go to Heaven,” Sal humbly
admitted.
“So what are you doing, Mr. President, to go to Heaven?”
“Well, to start with I guess, ah… try to live the commandments…,”
Sal said scratching his head.
“But this is not enough!” Chris said.
“Hey, I want to be president and not a priest!” Sal protested.
“I know,” Chris laughed. “But, just following the commandments
isn’t enough either for a priest. Every Christian who wishes to fur-
ther enrich his spiritual life and be fruitful must do so by receiving
Whatever / A6
Judges 6:33-40; 7:1-8, 16-22. God continues to provide guidance
through the Bible.
What struck me in this story of victorious faith is how God
selected Gideon’s army. After asking those who were afraid to go
home, God then instructs Gideon to separate those who “lap up
the water as a dog does” from those “who kneels down to drink.”
They are to engage the enemy but do so without sacrificing their
dignity. This seems to be the idea since dogs are generally looked
down upon as dirty in the Semitic world.
Being dignified, however, does not mean they are to be want-
ing in strategy. With the element of surprise in their hands,
Gideon’s force manages to confuse the enemy into thinking
they were more than they actually were. The result was self-
destruction on the part of the enemy.
Corruption is irrational and ultimately self-destructive. But
how do we maintain our dignity in the fight against corruption,
particularly as it begins during elections? The starting point is
to be infused with a politics of hope and patience, rather than
that of despair and impatience.
It is easy enough to fall into a subtle form of despair that
manifests itself in the tendency to take short cuts. The latter,
after all, is what ails our country. Adam and Eve were seduced
by a short cut in their desire for immortality. Jesus reverses this
trend by saying “no” to the temptation to turn stone into bread,
although he could have easily done so.
This temptation to reach our goals without the needed sacrifice
is what is behind the proliferation of corruption in our country,
something both citizens and public officials contribute to. People
would rather pay fixers rather than fall in line. They look for
shortcuts in their quest for security and happiness.
In our journey towards elections 2010, this impatience is
shown in the tendency to start with personalities, rather than
with principles and values. People nominate themselves rather
and everything else follows. Some groups claim exaggerated
numbers without doing the necessary groundwork and with-
out properly forming the consciences of their followers. This is
downright messianic.
Candidates buy votes instead of really leading and offering a
concrete platform and track record of integrity and competence.

Greed and ambition

By the Roadside
“POWER corrupts,” so says Lord Acton,
“and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
I disagree. It is not power that corrupts. We
corrupt power by our greed and ambition. We
corrupt power by subjecting it to the unrelent-
ing drive towards self-preservation, such that,
rather than serve the common good, power is
used so as not to lose the inherent advantages
it brings. That’s how Cha-Cha proponents
and its main beneficiary look to many Fili-
pinos and, no matter their efforts to assuage
the massive mistrust Cha-Cha has generated,
it helps very little that the inexplicable rush
taken in the adoption of its legal measure was
done under cover of “night” a la Judas when,
also at “night” according to the Scriptures, he
inflicted his terrible treachery on Jesus.
Haste indeed can make waste of truth and
our most cherished democratic principles
of participation and freedom. But people of
faith that we are, looking into what propels
the Cha-Cha train is in order not only because
we need to confront the real specter behind
its mask but also because they represent twin
root-causes of our personal and social ills in
this beautiful land.
Once I was watching a television footage of
a vast crowd in a totally unrelated rally when
I spotted a poster that seemed to highlight
a message for Everyman but especially for
those who have almost ninety percent of the
wealth and power all over our Un-Strong Re-
public: “The world has enough goods to serve
our needs but not our greed.” Greed? Yes, the
inordinate desire for and accumulation of the
world’s goods meant for everyone. And why
is it at the root of our social malaise?
Nothing explains better the unacceptable
gap between the wealthy among us who
are very few and the very poor who are
so many. How else do you explain that
these same wealthy families also hold, in
the main, political power all over our be-
nighted republic and are unable to let go
of it—and there is just a dizzying number
of instances to prove it—unless to another
family member, blood or political. Noth-
ing explains better than greed the huge
sums of public money being lost to graft
and corruption committed mostly by the
already wealthy and powerful. If they
already have so much, what, we must
ask, motivates them to get what in justice
already belongs to the greater majority of
our people who still have to contend with
each other for a piece of the crumbs that
fall from their tables?
Greed is the black hole inside our souls
when God does not find a home in them. It
gobbles or tries to gobble up everything and
scarcely achieves satisfaction. When power
and wealth become substitutes for God, the
black hole syndrome ensues. After all, one
of the spiritual masters of all time, St. Au-
gustine, in his oft-quoted prayer, constantly
counsels us that our hearts will be “restless”
unless they rest “in Thee (God)”.
All this sounds perfectly logical, you say,
but what about ambition? What’s wrong
with being ambitious? Isn’t it what thrusts
humans to excellence? I agree, there is no
discounting that ambition is behind hu-
man beings who dream big and eventually
achieve their deepest potentials. But ambi-
tion is like an inner weapon that a person
can use for good and for ill. Ambition can
make a leader do all he can to obtain for his
dirt poor barangay the best road system for
Voters sell their votes instead of really determining who deserves
to be voted into office. While there is no question of the value
of utilizing technology to reduce fraud, the haste, i.e. without
trying out the mechanism in two highly urbanized citizens in
Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, as stipulated by law, with which
full poll automation is being implemented is disconcerting and
their crops and services. Ambition can push raises further questions.
a poor lad to go through years of struggle Yes, this river of change begins with a recognition of our inher-
and difficult sacrifices to finish a college ent dignity as creatures created in God’s image and likeness.
education and end up a lawyer, a doctor, an The bishops have spoken. What is our response?
engineer or what have you.
But ambition can also be responsible for
secret political machinations and conspira-
cies to catapult or extend some people’s
hold on power. Ambition can also blind
the wealthy and powerful to the primary
Key Quotes from
purpose of political and economic power
that transcends narrow selfish or family
interests, such as service to the needs of
Caritas in Veritate
people and society such that they collectively
become an anticipation of God’s kingdom. “Charity is at the heart of the church's social
Ambition can transmogrify an otherwise doctrine ...” (2)
decent human being from someone build-
ing a good legacy to the next generations to
someone bent on making himself/herself the
“Truth needs to be sought, found and ex-
perpetual legacy even to unwilling present pressed within the 'economy' of charity” (2)
and future generations.
A story is told of an overly greedy and am- “The world's wealth is growing in absolute
bitious man who died. After passing through
St. Peter’s strict preliminaries at the Pearly terms, but inequalities are on the increase.”
Gates, the Almighty Himself summoned (22)
him to his presence and assigned him a place
at the you-know-where. St. Peter noticed
something strange and he asked God about
The environment is God's gift to everyone,
it. “Heavenly Father,” he paused, “may I and in our use of it we have a responsibility
ask why you did not rise from the heavenly towards the poor, towards future generations
throne, as you usually do, when you met Mr. and towards humanity as a whole. (48)
A?” At this God sighed and said, “Peter, why
would I give that poor man an opportunity
to grab my throne?” ... there is a pressing moral need for renewed
In fact, we know that God’s throne deep solidarity, especially in relationships between
in our hearts is what greed and ambition
can and do grab away. No wonder the
developing countries and those that are highly
Philippines and the world are what they industrialized. (49)
are today.
 Local News
CBCP Monitor
A6 Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009

Cardinal Rosales declares

Ecology Sunday Peñafrancia street parties
Church, local gov’t ban
IN response to the ratification of the Manila city ordinance that now allows the con-
City Ordinance 8187, Manila Archbishop tinuous operation of the oil depots in the
Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales has recently populated area of Sta. Ana and Pandacan
declared the third Sunday of every month despite its serious threat to the health of
as Ecology Sunday in the Archdiocese of residents.
Manila. “Our political leaders should be reminded
In a pastoral statement, Rosales encour- of their role to ensure the safety and security
aged the archdiocese to implement activities of our people,” he said.
on Ecology Sundays to educate people on the He also emphasized that the critical situa-
current environmental issues especially the tion of the Pasig River that is being polluted

© www.flickr.com/photos/marc2700
one surrounding the controversial Manila by industrial wastes is now a health hazard
City Ordinance 8187. to residents.
“Let us engage in a catechesis of the integ- The Ecology Desk of the archdiocese has
rity of creation by “circles of discernment” released a guideline on observing Ecology
in our parishes and school’s ministry,” he Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales Sundays in the parishes.
stated. ordinance and help create an ecologically— This guideline aims to intensify the cam-
“Let us (also) begin a signature campaign friendly city.” paign of the ministry and to Catholics in the
in our parishes and schools for the local Rosales also asked the people to pray archdiocese and in the country to care and
government of Manila to revoke the City for the abolition of the controversial protect God’s creation. (CBCPNews) STREET parties and beauty pageants will no longer be allowed
starting this year’s celebration of the Peñafrancia Festival in
Social dev’t / A1
Naga City.
dismissed as irrelevant for interpreting and giving direction to moral licitudo Rei Socialis,” he recalled. Until that time, only Pope Leo XIII's The Catholic Church in Bicol and local government authorities
responsibility.” work, “Rerum Novarum,” had been commemorated in that way. agreed to ban the fiesta’s civic components to avoid deflecting
The remedy to this distortion of charity is to infuse it with truth, “Now that a further twenty years have passed,” Benedict XVI the public’s attention from the church’s celebration.
the Pope said. “In this way, he added, “not only do we do a service wrote, “I express my conviction that Populorum Progressio deserves The agreement was reached recently between Caceres
to charity enlightened by truth, but we also help give credibility to to be considered 'the Rerum Novarum of the present age,' shedding Archbishop Leonardo Legazpi and Naga City Mayor Jesse
truth, demonstrating its persuasive and authenticating power in the light upon humanity's journey towards unity.” Robredo.
practical setting of social living.” Summing up society's current situation, Benedict described offer- Significant points in the deal include the banning of “Bicolan-
Truth, he observed, also “frees charity from the constraints of an ing love in truth as a “great challenge for the Church in a world that dia Beauty Pageant” within the fiesta days that starts with the
emotionalism,” enables men and women “to let go of their subjec- is becoming progressively and pervasively globalized.” “Traslacion procession” on September 11.
tive opinions and impressions” and “opens and unites our minds “The risk for our time,” he alerted, “is that the de facto interde- “Street parties and beer plazas are no longer features of the
in the lógos of love.” pendence of people and nations is not matched by ethical interac- Peñafrancia fiesta,” said Fr. Jay Jacinto, spokesman of the Arch-
Returning to a theme that he preached on just before his election tion of consciences and minds that would give rise to truly human diocese of Caceres.
as Pope, the Holy Father pointed out that in the current social and development.” The Naga City council also agreed with Archbishop Legazpi
cultural context, “where there is a widespread tendency to relativ- When Pope Paul VI promulgated his message on integral social to make efforts in keeping the Peñafrancia Novena days “free
ize truth, practicing charity in truth helps people to understand development, he was conveying two important truths: “the Church from undue distractions”.
that adhering to the values of Christianity is not merely useful but in all her being and acting...is engaged in promoting integral human Jacinto said the agreement capped the series of dialogue be-
essential for building a good society and for true integral human development” and that “authentic human development concerns tween the church and the city officials to avoid commercialization
development.” the whole of the person in every single dimension.” mess of the Peñafrancia Festival.
“A Christianity of charity without truth,” the Pontiff warned, “would In other words, Pope Benedict explained, “Without the perspective of “These arrangements are deemed in keeping with the celebra-
be more or less interchangeable with a pool of good sentiments, helpful eternal life, human progress in this world is denied breathing-space.” tion for the tercentenary of Peñafrancia devotion,’ Jacinto said.
for social cohesion, but of little relevance. In other words, there would As he proposed the notion of development in “human and Christian Other activities agreed upon by both parties include the hold-
no longer be any real place for God in the world.” terms,” Pope Paul VI unflinchingly put forth Christian charity as the ing of a Perdon Procession on Sept. 16; the Voyadores Festival on
Even worse, “without trust and love for what is true, there is principal force at the service of development, the Pope recalled. “Mo- Sept. 17; the Military Parade on Sept.18; and the Thanksgiving
no social conscience and responsibility, and social action ends up tivated by the wish to make Christ's love fully visible to contemporary and Fluvial Procession on Sept.19.
serving private interests and the logic of power, resulting in social men and women, Paul VI addressed important ethical questions Legazpi had been chiding the local authorities for the com-
fragmentation, especially in a globalized society at difficult times robustly, without yielding to the cultural weaknesses of his time.” mercialization mess that marred last year’s celebration of the
like the present,” Benedict XVI wrote. Even in the 1960s, the German Pontiff noted that Paul VI was Peñafrancia festival.
The Church sees her fidelity to the truth as being faithful to man, the already warning against the “technocratic ideology so prevalent He lamented that some activities approved by the city govern-
Pope noted, saying that fidelity to the truth is the only “guarantee of today.” Entrusting the “entire process of development to technology ment deviated from the occasion.
freedom” and of “the possibility of integral human development.” alone” was identified as a “great danger” because “it would lack The prelate stressed that the essence of the event is the renewal
“For this reason the Church searches for truth, proclaims it tire- direction,” he had said. of faith and understanding of the devotion to Mary.
lessly and recognizes it wherever it is manifested. This mission of “Technology, viewed in itself, is ambivalent,” the Benedict wrote, The commercialism that happened in recent years, he added,
truth is something that the Church can never renounce. Her social saying that while “some today would be inclined to entrust the has tarnished the religiosity of the country’s only regional fi-
doctrine is a particular dimension of this proclamation: it is a service entire process of development to technology, on the other hand we esta.
to the truth which sets us free. Open to the truth, from whichever are witnessing an upsurge of ideologies that deny "in toto" the very With this recent agreement, the priest said, the church is look-
branch of knowledge it comes, the Church's social doctrine receives value of development, viewing it as radically anti-human and merely ing forward to a suitable celebration of the tercentenary of the
it, assembles into a unity the fragments in which it is often found, a source of degradation.” Peñafrancia devotion. (Roy Lagarde)
and mediates it within the constantly changing life-patterns of the “This leads to a rejection, not only of the distorted and unjust
society of peoples and nations.” way in which progress is sometimes directed, but also of scientific
Cogito / A4
Pope Benedict also touched on the common good, writing that discoveries themselves, which, if well used, could serve as an op-
seeking it is a “requirement of justice and charity.” Taking a stand portunity of growth for all.” not towards himself, but towards Christ. His plans are the plans of
for the common good involves both caring for and participating in The Holy Father brought his section on Paul VI's teachings to a Christ. His projects are the projects of the Church of Christ. His life
the “complex of institutions that give structure to the life of society, close by reflecting on what a world without development means. is not anymore his, but God´s.
juridically, civilly, politically and culturally, making it the pólis, or “The idea of a world without development indicates a lack of trust Priesthood is never one´s personal life project: it is Christ´s plan
'city,'” he said. in man and in God. It is therefore a serious mistake to undervalue that is unfolding in every moment of a priest´s life. Everyday in
The Holy Father then turned to the history of the Church's body human capacity to exercise control over the deviations of develop- a life of priest is an unfolding of such divine plan. And the most
of teaching on social life by noting that it has been over forty years ment or to overlook the fact that man is constitutionally oriented that a priest can do is to say YES to every moment. Everyday is an
since “the great Pope Paul VI” first penned “Populorum Progressio,” towards 'being more.' Idealizing technical progress, or contemplating opportunity to say YES to God. It is an everyday YES: Serviam! (I
which unfolded the meaning of “integral human development.” the utopia of a return to humanity's original natural state, are two will serve).
On the 20th anniversary of “Populorum Progressio's” publication, contrasting ways of detaching progress from its moral evaluation “Oh, priest of Jesus Christ! Oh, priest of Jesus Christ!”
Pope John Paul II marked the teaching by issuing the encyclical “Sol- and hence from our responsibility.” (Catholic News Agency) The greatness of priesthood! St. John Mary Vianney could only
describe it in these words: “O, how great is the priest! ... If he realized
CBCP head / A1 what he is, he would die. ... God obeys him: he utters a few words
Under Lagdameo, the CBCP was vocal on from 2010 to 2012. fore they are officially released. and the Lord descends from heaven at his voice, to be contained
social issues such as mining, illegal gambling The permanent council acts for and in be- In CBCP history, members of the perma- within a small host”.
and, more recently, constitutional amend- half of the CBCP when the plenary assembly nent council enjoy two terms in office, with Pray for the sanctity of all priests!
ment and extrajudicial killings, among is not in session. Chaired by the CBCP presi- the vice president normally succeeding the
Whatever / A5
others. dent, its officers attends to the operations of president when his term expires.
Lagdameo became controversial when he the Conference. Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar, a canon constant and effective direction.”
issued his strongest statement against the The Council is also mandated to work with lawyer, is currently serving his first term “Even priests?” Sal said quite surprised.
Arroyo administration—denouncing the the Episcopal commissions and assign them as vice president of the bishops’ collegial “Yes, even priests and much more presidents,” Chris smiled ob-
“moral bankruptcy” in government and of functions of urgent character that were not body. serving his friend’s consternation.
government leaders. taken up in plenary. The bishops will likewise elect the CBCP’s “And what is one supposed to talk about?”
One of the Council’s main functions is to new secretary general and chairpersons of “The most relevant points regarding your life of prayer—how
Permanent Council prepare joint statements or pastoral letters the 33 different commissions, committees to talk to our Lord, what He tells you and your resolutions; the
The CBCP plenary will also elect their of the church hierarchy on matters decided and offices. spiritual reading or resources—you consult to enrich your spiritual
vice president and a new set of officers for upon by the plenum, provided that copies life; your sacramental life—knowledge and refinement in living the
its permanent council for a two-year term— are sent to other members for approval be- Pastoral statement sacraments, (i.e. especially the Mass and Confession); how you live
The CBCP is also expected to issue on July the Christian virtues in relation to your family, friends, work and
Shot / A1 13 a pastoral statement on ecclesiastical, rest; a particular point in your spiritual life you want to improve on;
Interviewed by CBCPNews, Msgr. Dakay “We already informed Cardinal Vidal moral and socio-political issues affecting and how you share your faith with others.
said the culprits took the victim’s two cell- who is presently in Manila and he strongly the country. “Isn’t that quite a lot to discuss?” Sal asked.
phones but left his wallet behind. condemned the criminal act,” Msgr. Dakay Kalookan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez “Not really, Mr. President. There’s no need to bring everything up.
He said the victim was walking to his sis- said. earlier said the plenary might discuss the Simply prepare things beforehand in prayer. Note the most relevant
ter’s house when the hold-up took place. He added the victim was a priest for the issue on constituent assembly as the mode things you wish to take up.”
Quoting a young witness, Msgr. Dakay past 20 years and has served as assistant for Charter change. “How frequently should one go?”
said one of the armed men put his arm parish priest in Bantayan and Guadalupe The CBCP is composed of 130 prelates, “It’s important to be regular, no less than monthly, perhaps weekly
around the victim and shot him. and later as parish priest in Buanoy and 32 of them are retired. Only those who are or biweekly.”
Earlier reports said the victim had gunshot Santander before he became part of the Team active in service, however, are allowed to “What do I do afterwards?”
wounds in his arm, nape and buttocks. Ministry based in Naga, Cebu. vote. “For lasting and fruitful effects, it would be good to listen and
It was learned Rabusa expired a few min- Msgr. Dakay said they still have to receive The new set of CBCP officials who will be be docile to the advice you’re given; jot down concrete resolutions;
utes after being rushed to Talisay District official report from the local police unit. elected this week will resume their posts on bring them to prayer; see how you can best live them in everyday
Hospital for emergency treatment. (CBCPNews) December 1, 2009. (Roy Lagarde) life; and follow them up in your next chat with the priest and/or a
friend whom you know lives a committed Christian life, by giving
Holy See / A3 him an idea of how you lived your resolutions.”
withdraw into one's own culture, but to be open and face different ator was the first to contemplate the beauty-goodness of everything “Wow! With all that, I’m taking back what I’ve said,” Sal said.
ways of thinking and living," it added. that he made." “What? Spiritual direction?” Chris asked a bit confused.
The message noted: "It should not be surprising therefore, that He is also the source of unity, it added, "and for the believer, “No, about becoming president,” Sal laughed heartily.
extremist sectors and terrorist groups of a fundamentalist nature differences as a whole open ways by which one can draw near the
indicate tourism as a danger and an objective to destroy. infinite greatness of God." Militant / A3
"Mutual knowledge—let us ardently hope—will help in building "As a phenomenon having the possibility of celebrating diversity, Reyes then called on the military leadership to submit themselves
a more just, supportive and fraternal society." tourism, for us, can be Christian, an open road to contemplative to a truthful investigation and trial.
Responsibility confession," the message stated. (Zenit) “They should not be dismissive and commit themselves to a genu-
It pointed out that diversity also takes place "in the virtual world, ine process of identifying, prosecuting and weeding out elements
a cosmic megalopolis permanently offered to everyone." Bombing / A1 within the AFP who violate human rights,” he said.
In tourism, the council asserted, there must also be responsibility, Cotabato City had a series of kidnappings and killings over the Dizon said the incident again proves that a human rights viola-
so that local traditions are not just a tourist show, "offering diversity past few weeks. tion is at its worst since it involves individuals who are supposed
as a commercial product, only for lucrative purposes." A religious figure in the city said residents have been terrified to protect the people.
It continued, "All this requires an effort, both on the part of the with the series of kidnappings which brought “nightmares” to af- “This latest human rights violation of the Arroyo government
visitors and of the local residents who welcome, to assume an fluent residents. He added residents of Chinese lineage have begun against its critics and political dissenters is condemnable… the case
attitude of openness, respect, nearness, trust in such a way that, to flee the city and settle in nearby cities and provinces, notably substantiates that some military personnel are involved in [human]
motivated by their desire to meet others, respecting their personal, Davao City. rights violations,” he said.
cultural and religious diversity, they will be open to dialogue and He said today’s bombing would aggravate the already tarnished Based on figures by human rights group, Karapatan, there have
understanding." image of the city. (Ricky Castro/Rolando Emberga/Fr. Jonathan been 2,023 cases of torture and extra-judicial killings perpetrated
God is the source of diversity, the council affirmed, and "the Cre- Domingo, OMI/Mindanao Cross) under the Arroyo administration. (Roy Lagarde)
 Diocesan News
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
A7

News Briefs Palace puts Davao’s

Lipa prelate calls on priests: come home, join us
LIPA CITY— Archbishop Ramon Arguelles has sought permis-
sion from major religious superiors worldwide to allow their
confreres who are native of Batangas to join their archdiocese’s
whole-year celebration of its Centennial Jubilee. He said the
consensus to have Batangueño priests and religious now working
and residing outside the archdiocese was timed to coincide with
the annual vacation month in August. (Fr. Nonie Dolor)
Mindanaoan priests should get involved in IRD
DAVAO CITY, June 25, 2009—A Redemptorist priest shared
that as the Church celebrates this year the Year for Priests it is
also an opportune time for the Mindanaoan priests to reflect on
what it is to be a priest in Mindanao. Fr. Amado Picardal said
that in the context of the Mindanao situation where there is large
number of Muslims, the priest must be involved in inter-religious
dialogue (IRD). (Mark Ventura)
Fact-finding mission begins search for justice for Ka
Rene
DAVAO CITY—A multi-sectoral fact finding mission aimed at
conducting an independent Fact Finding Mission (FFM) was
launched recently to gather evidence and other information that
could help surface the motive behind the killing of Ka Rene. The
multi-sectoral group is composed of different organizations and
individual advocates and the Diocese of Malaybalay, Bukidnon.
(Mark Ventura)
MILF denies hand in Cotabato bombing
COTABATO City—MILF-Civil Affairs Chair Eid Kabalu denied
accusations that they are responsible for the series of bombings
in Mindanao. Kabalu in an interview with CBCPNews said that
it is unreasonable to immediately pin point the atrocities to the
MILF without further investigations. (Mark Ventura)
Death cases of children in evacuation centers rise
COTABATO CITY—One sad thing about the war in Mindanao
is the increasing number of children that have been killed not
only during the course of war but because of their deplorable
situation inside evacuation centers, where it is supposed to be
their comfort zone. Fr. Eduardo Vasquez OMI, said that all death
cases resulted to poor sanitation, lack of access to potable water,
lack of food and radiation from the bomb explosion near the
evacuation sites. (Mark Ventura)
Mindanao peace consultation nears completion
MANILA—The consultations on the peace process in Mindanao
will soon be over and its results will be out by December 2009.
Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla said everyone involved
met last June 15 and assessed the conduct of the consultation
water source in danger
DAVAO CITY—Environmental advocates
accused Malacañang of jeopardizing the
water resource of Davao City following
the signing of Executive Order 807 lifting
the order that limits the area for banana
plantations.
Go Organic Mindanao, a coalition of or-
ganic agriculture practitioners and environ-
mental advocates criticized President Gloria
Macapagal Arroyo of endangering the water
source of Davao and the food security of the
people for allowing corporate plantations
to openly encroach and damage the natural
resources.
Tom Villarin, a member of the National
Organic Board said, instead of looking for
ways to develop sustainable and chemical-
free agriculture, the government rather
opened its natural resources to corporate
plantations that not only threatens food
security by converting lands into cash crop
farming, but endangers scarce water re-
sources as well.
“Malacañang set aside the welfare of the
people and the environment over improv-
ing the country’s global market position
as a major banana exporter, legitimizes
chemical-intensive plantations’ aggressive
expansion to environmentally critical areas
where Davao’s water sources are located,”
said Villarin.
He added, “These toxic banana plantations
are already encroaching our uplands and if
they expand following Arroyo’s order, the
only viable areas in Davao City are the wa-
tersheds, our sources of drinking water.”
Mrs. Arroyo signed Executive Order (EO)
807 repealing Letter of Instruction No. 58
issued by late President Ferdinand Marcos
which had limited the area for plantations
of export-quality bananas to 26, 250 hectares
nationwide.
Malacañang believes that market statistics
revealing the upsurge in production and
income of the country’s export banana indus-
try necessitated them to issue the EO.
Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, mean-
Malagos watershed
while, showed exports of banana and prod-
ucts such as banana chips have increased to
537,095 metric tons worth $ 101.267 million
in the first quarter from only 503,198 metric
tons worth $93,415 million during the same
period last year.
While extending the areas for the export
banana industry will strengthen the coun-
try’s global position as a major exporter,
Villarin said, “such [a] national government
policy does not respond to the call to end
hunger and poverty especially during these
times of global recession.
“[The decision of Mrs. Arroyo] violates an
international agricultural assessment where
the Philippines is a signatory,” he added.
Long-term negative effects
Meantime, the International Assessment
of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and
Technology for Development (IAASTD) in
a statement sent to CBCPNews clarified that
while opening national agricultural mar-
kets to international competition can offer
economic benefits, it can lead to long-term
negative effects on poverty alleviation, food
security and the environment.
IAASTD further warned that intensive
export-oriented agriculture has increased
under open market operations but has been
accompanied by both benefits and adverse
consequences depending on circumstances
such as exportation of soil nutrients and water,
unsustainable soil or water management.
A landmark study, the IAASTD report
which involved 400 of the world’s experts or
a total of 900 participants from all regions of
the world was a unique international effort
undertaken and approved in April last year
in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The study was presented in Davao City
last April in time for the city’s Earth Day
celebration. (Mark S. Ventura)

Military’s ‘collective punishment’

in the eight regions of Mindanao. The consultations sought to
derive the communities’ representatives’ ideas and experiences
of peace in their own localities. (Melo Acuna)

worsened IDPs’ already dire state

Migrante tells gov’t: rescue pinays raped in Saudi
MALABON CITY—An alliance of migrants’ organizations and
associations in more than 80 countries, Migrante International
calls on government to investigate the case of 20 Filipinas al-
legedly being raped, repeatedly, in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Migrante’s chairperson Garry Martinez said, last June 23, two
Filipina domestic helpers were rescued by authorities, through
the help of Migrante’s regional chapter in the Middle East. (Noel
Sales Barcelona)
Panlilio-Padaca tandem eyed anew
MANILA—Priest-turned Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio did not
rule out running with Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca as his running
mate should he decide to join the national race. Panlilio said he
had not wrapped up the calls for him to run, but when he does,
he will start going through the process of selecting a running
mate. (Roy Lagarde)
US government has hand with Con-Ass—IBON
QUEZON CITY—It is the United States government that pushes
hard for the Constitutional Change in the Philippines. Indepen-
dent think-tank, Ibon Foundation Inc., claimed that the US needs
more market for its surplus product, that is why, it is exerting
all efforts to remove nationalist and other progressive economic
provisions of the 1987 Constitution, now more so with the US
economy under recession. (Noel Sales Barcelona)
Response / A3
extortion attempts.
He added that when he arrived in Manila, he heard reports blam-
ing the government for trying to use the bombings to destabilize the
country and give it an excuse to declare martial law and prevent
the 2010 elections.
The military would “most probably blame a rebel terrorist group, an
offshoot of, but disowned by, the mainstream Moro Islamic Liberation
Front,” he said, acknowledging this “might be the real case.”
Military spokesman Colonel Jonathan Ponce told reporters on July
6 that a suspect arrested shortly after the lechon-stall bombing was
in police custody. (UCAN)
SIMUAY, Maguindanao—Following claims by the military that the
MILF rebels infiltrated the evacuation sites in Maguindanao and
uses them as areas for its reserved forces, former Maguindanao Rep.
Michael Mastura directly accused the government of imposing a
collective punishment that only worsened the already deplorable
state of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) here.
Mastura, a senior member of the MILF peace panel also accused
the government of employing desperate moves especially in doing
punitive actions against the rebels even including the civilians just
to run after the three “lawless MILF groups” (LMG).
Reports said that the military blocked food and medical rations
from the World Food Programme and the International Committee
of the Red Cross to the evacuation sites in the belief that IDP camps
are areas for MILF reserved forces.
Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesman Lt. Col. Jona-
than Ponce said the MILF is using the IDP areas as their reserved
units.
“If that is the logic of the military then there is a collective punish-
ment being imposed by the government. That is a desperate move
and all the more I have to assert the right of the Bangsamoro people,”
Mastura said irately at the MILF Central Office.
“The military is an establishment that is supposed to uphold the
national interest but what they are doing now is not in line with their
thrust as protector of the people,” said Mastura, adding: "They're
making the lives of the IDPs more complicated."
MILF Civilian-Military Relations Department Head Eid Kabalu
said that it is also very unfortunate to note that the government is
again resorting to frantic tactics like collective punishment just to
ensure that there would be no more MILF sympathizers.
“Military should live in a place where there are no civilians.
Huwag nilang pahirapan ang mga tao sa pamamagitan ng food
blockade. Kung ipagpapatuloy nila ang gawaing ito maraming tao
ang madadamay at maghihirap,” said Kabalu.
Kabalu also denied military claims that they’re making civilians
as their shields or the evacuation camps as areas for MILF reserved
forces who are even accused that they’re the ones responsible for
the burning of houses.
“Bakit namin gagawin yun? Bakit naman susunugin ng MILF ang
mga bahay ng civilians na alam naman namin na may mga kamag-
anak kami doon?” Kabalu asked.
MILF Committee on Information and Chief Negotiator Mohagqer
Iqbal commented that it is purely illogical to sacrifice the lives of the
Moro people just to advance the Bangsamoro cause.
“Normal people under normal circumstances will not kill people
or kill themselves. It is also very illogical to think that the MILF who
is working for the recognition of the Bangsamoro is also killing the
Moro people. Records will show that karamihan sa mga namamatay
ay hindi dahil sa atake ng MILF kung hindi dahil sa indiscriminate
firing ng military,” said Iqbal.
“The military is out in the battlefield to destroy our people, the
civilians mostly children and women which is a clear manifesta-
tion that they’re not true to their thrust as defender of the people,”
added Iqbal.
Meanwhile, ten months after the formal signing of the Memo-
randum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) between
the government and the MILF was stopped by the Supreme Court,
ten months after the government launched its pursuit operations
against what it described as “lawless” MILF commanders for their
alleged attacks on civilians in North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte and
Sarangani and ten months since the mass evacuations the “all-out-
peace” is not yet attained in Mindanao.
The Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre
(IDMC) in its April 2009 report showed that “Mindanao’s IDPs was
the biggest new displacement in the world out of 4.2 million newly
displaced in 2008, higher than the massive new displacements in
Sudan (550,000), Kenya (500,000), Democratic Republic of Congo
(at least 400,000), Iraq (360,000), Pakistan (over 310,000), Somalia
(300,000), Colombia (270,000 to June 2008), Sri Lanka (230,000) and
India (over 220,000).
Also, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reported
last year that at its highest the number of internally displaced persons
or IDPs (evacuees or bakwits) reached 600,000. (CBCPNews)

May They Be One Bible Campaign
Update as of June 30, 2009
The Campaign is underway and the Episcopal Commission for Biblical
Apostolate (ECBA) of CBCP and the Philippine Bible Society (PBS) are
now undertaking production of May They Be One Bibles and orienting
and helping Regional Bible Centers, parishes and organizations, to imple-
ment programs along Bible distribution and formation. The Campaign
will enable poor families without Bibles to avail of copies of May They
Be One Bibles at the subsidized price of P50/copy. Trusting God and
through the earnest prayers and support of Bible friends and partners,
the goal of making available 5M Bibles to poor families throughout the
Philippines will be achieved by 2013.
Target No. of Bibles for distribution in 2009 – 100,000 cps.
Total No. of Bibles Produced – 76,000 cps.
No. of Bibles Distributed (Jan-June, 2009)
Tagalog – 21,291 Cebuano – 489
English – 2,465
Ilocano – 300
TOTAL – 24,545
No. of Communities / Parishes Covered – 78
Total Funds Needed for Printing and Transport of Bibles in 2009 –
P15M
Amount Raised: P1.1 M
Total Amount to be Raised: P13.9M
Support the May They Be One Bible Campaign and help bring
God’s Word to more Filipino homes. Your contribution of at least
P150/month will enable a poor family to own a Bible.
For more Campaign info - visit, email or call ECBA - Fr. Oscar
Alunday, 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, Telefax No: 5279386;
E-mail: ecba_cbcp@yahoo.com; PBS - Mrs. Perry Z. Cartera/Mrs.
Juliet J. Rivera, Resource, 890 UN Ave., Ermita, Manila. 1000; Tel .
Nos.: 5215785, 5246523 loc. 150, 154-157, Fax No.:5215803 Email:
perry@bible.org.ph; juliet@bible.org.ph; Mobile Nos. 09178590019;
09156727492; 09182802775
CBCP Communications Development Foundation, Inc. (CBCP Media Office)
Schedules of Training Seminars for 2009
Web Graphics Manipulation
(Learn how to conceptualize, design and maintain websites. This module is tailored for catechists,
pastoral workers and youth groups interested in harnessing websites as a new avenue for
catechesis and evangelization.)
July 27-31 (Monday – Friday) - 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Minimum of 10 and maximum of 15 participants
Registration fee: P800 (inclusive of snacks)
Venue: CBCPWorld Training Room, 3rd Flr., 470 Gen. Luna St. Intramuros, Manila
Watch for the schedule dates of the following:
Information Technology Awareness Multimedia for Catechists
(This seminar is an introduction to information technology. Partici- (An introductory course to the amazing world of multimedia which
pants are taught the basic knowledge and skills in computer, internet includes videography, video editing and online sharing. This is best
and multimedia. This is best for school administrators, nuns, priests for catechists and pastoral workers.)
and bishops.)
PC Assembly/Hardware/Software Troubleshooting
System Administration (SysAd) (for CBCPWorld clients only) (Intended for computer technicians, this training module teaches
(A highly technical training course for Systems and Network Adminis- basic skills in network management which includes hardware con-
trators, this program is offered especially to those administering local figurations, IP addressing and network structuring.)
area networks of Catholic schools. The training features bandwidth
and server management on a Linux platform.) Newswriting
(This seminar-workshop features writing news stories from a dis-
Educational Technology (Ed Tech) tinctively catholic perspective which CBCPNews calls “Catholic
(This training module is intended for teachers of Catholic schools. Journalism.” This is especially intended for those involved in print
It teaches how to integrate computer/internet applications into the media or those contemplating on putting up one.)
academic subject/curriculum.)
Most of these training programs are conducted for free, especially to institutions that are members of the CBCPWorld Network. Trainings are
held either at the CBCPWorld Training Center in Intramuros, Manila or at local dioceses. Interested party may contact CBCP Media Office at
tel/fax 5274139 / CBCPWorld at tels. 404-2182; 404-1612.
 A8 People, Facts & Places CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009

Manila Archdiocese closes Pauline

Year, opens Year for Priests

© Noli Yamsuan / RCAM

© Noli Yamsuan / RCAM

Papal Nuncio Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams emphasizes in his homily the two essential aspects of faith and conversion
in the life of a Christian.
A EUCHARISTIC Celebration attended
by several archbishops, bishops, priests
and religious was held on June 29 at
the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros,
Manila as the year-long celebration of
the Pauline Year ended.
The conclusion of the Pauline year
coincided with the celebration of Pope’s
Day which is a day of prayer for the in-
tentions of the successor of St. Peter.
Led by Manila Archbishop Gauden-
cio Cardinal Rosales and Archbishop
Edward Joseph Adams, Apostolic Nun-
cio in the Philippines, the celebration
also served as occasion for the opening
of the Year for Priests in the Archdiocese
of Manila.
The concelebrants included Cebu
Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal,
archbishops and bishops and priests of
the Ecclesiastical Province of Manila.
Noting the Pope’s Day, the Papal
Nuncio said in his homily that the day
was also the celebration of the two great
apostles: St. Peter and St. Paul.
“St. Peter and St. Paul are icons of
faith,” he said.
He also said Pope Benedict XVI is the
successor of St. Peter who is tasked to en-
rich the faith of the whole Christendom.
“On the Feast of the two great apos-
tles, we are here to celebrate Peter’s suc-
cessor,” he said, adding that “St. Peter
and St. Paul continue to inspire us even
today in the person of the Pope.”
The Apostolic Nuncio also recalled
Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales signs the book of Spiritual Bouquet for priests offered during Mass at the opening of the Year
for Priests. He urges the faithful to pray for the clergy especially on this special year.
St. John Vianney, Patron of the Year for
Priests, for his great faith that should be
emulated by every priest.
Book of Spiritual Bouquet
A Church-based organization led by
former envoy to the Vatican, Ambassa-
dor Leonida Vera launched an initiative
where the lay faithful can participate in
the celebration of the Year for Priests.
Signing in the Book of Spiritual Bou-
quet means that people commit them-
selves to pray for priests, especially on
this special year.
At least three books were symboli-
cally presented at the Mass to open Year
for Priests in the Manila Cathedral last
June 29, which also coincided with the
celebration of Pope’s Day.
Vera, Ambassador of the Sovereign
Military Order of Malta, and the head
of the Society of St. John Mary Vianney,
presented the giant books to Cardinal
Rosales, Cardinal Vidal and Archbishop
Adams for the first signatures.
For this purpose, Vera said they have
printed 300 books to be distributed to
the different parishes of the Manila
archdioceses.
“We encourage the people of God, the
lay faithful to please join this campaign
for prayers for the clergy,” she said.
In his circular announcing the Spiri-
tual Offerings for Priests, Rosales
acknowledges “our (the priests’) own
need for their (the faithful’s) prayers
and spiritual support,” even if “it is our
responsibility, virtue of our ordination,
to pray for the People of God.”
All the Spiritual Offerings from the
whole archdiocese will be gathered and
presented at the closing celebration for
the Year for Priests on June 2010.
The Year for Priests was declared by
Pope Benedict XVI to commemorate the
150th anniversary of the “dies natalis”
of St. John Mary Vianney, the Cure
of Ars and the patron saint of parish
priests worldwide.
The Year for Priests in the Philippines
is also the Year of the Two Hearts of
Jesus and Mary for peace-building and
lay participation in social change. (Kate
Laceda / CBCPNews)

CBCP holds assembly for migrant

directors, lay coordinators
THE Catholic Bishops’ Confer-
ence of the Philippines-Episcopal
Commission for the Pastoral Care
of Migrants and Itinerant People
(CBCP-ECMI) has organized
an assembly for priest directors
for migrants and their lay coor-
dinators last June 23-26, at the
Carmelite Missionaries Center of
Spirituality in Tagaytay City.
Themed “Building a Unified
Directional Framework for the
Pastoral Care of Migrants”, the
3rd Luzon Regional Assembly
for the Pastoral Care of Migrants,
aimed to establish pastoral mech-
anisms in order to address the
needs of migrants and their
families.
The event opened with a wel-
come talk from the ECMI Execu-
tive Secretary Fr. Edwin Corros.
Resource speakers came from
various migrant organizations
and from the ECMI.
Corros gave a migration situ-
ationer on the first part of the
discussion while ECMI Luzon
Coordinator, Edwin Ruga spoke
on the Luzon Regional Update.
On the second day of the as-
sembly, Corros lectured on the
papal document “Erga Migrantes
Caritas Christi.”
A presentation on the guide-
lines for building the structure of
a diocesan migration program and
updates on Luzon Dioceses Initia-
tives was prepared by Ruga.
Ma. Ediza Pumarada, ECMI
Entrepreneurship Development
Program (EDP) Coordinator,
discussed the impacts of migra-
tion on the family and children
left behind.
Ellen Sana of the Center for Mi-
grants Advocacy (CMA) talked
on the migration policy while the
discussion on the migration and
development plan was facilitated
Markings
CELEBRATED. The old and
by Fr. Fabbio Baggio, CS, Ex- in the pastoral care of migrant historic town of Jimenez, Mis-
amis Occidental, has observed
ecutive Director of the Scalabrini sectors through advocacy cam- its annual town fiesta in honor of
Migration Center. paigns for the construction of the Saint John the Baptist and com-
A policy statement of the gov- Diocesan Migrants Apostolate memorated the 150th anniversary
ernment agencies and civil soci- Structure in accordance to the of the missionary priests’ remark-
able ministry to the community on
ety for the protection and welfare Pontifical Council for the Pastoral June 24. St. John de Baptist has
of the migrants sector was issued Care of Migrants and Itinerant been the town’s patron saint since
by the Philippine Migrants Rights People (PCMI). the settlement was transferred
Watch (PMRW), Department of “[It was agreed] to focus on from Palilan River banks to the
present site and the present church was constructed. The first parish
Labor and Employment (DOLE) the direction of empowering the priest, Friar Roque Azcona, did the pioneering work of settling village. He
and the Department of Foreign migrants and strengthening their had the exemplary skills in planning and programming the edifice. He also
Affairs (DFA). families to become productive initiated other engineering works, like building a dam for the farmers to
The assembly ended with a partners, agents, evangelizers, irrigate their fields, bridges and roads to Misamis (now Ozamiz City) and
almost all the way to Dapitan (the present Dapitan City), about 14 league
commitment to work more effec- missionaries for social transfor- from Jimenez. At that time there were only two parishes established aside
tively for the advancement of the mation nationally and globally,” from Jimenez: Misamis (now Ozamiz) and Dapitan. Fr. Azcona built the
migrant sectors and the election he said. streets of Jimenez and taught the people about agriculture.
of new members of the Luzon Among the new elected mem-
Inter-Diocesan Coordinating bers of the LUDICMA are rep- ORDAINED. Reverend Fr. Eric Pahingalo Bobis, June 10, 2009 at St. Peter
Baptist Parish, Old Moriones, Ocampo, Camarines Sur; Reverends Fr.
Council for Migrants Apostolate resentatives the archdioceses of Joven Sernande Abano, Fr. Bernard Martinez Lagatic, Fr. Nino Eugenio
(LUDICMA). San Fernando (La Union and Teves Mirandilla, Fr. Ferdinand Balilla Operio, Fr. Teodorico Orozco Per-
According to Ruga, the as- Pampanga) and Lipa and the vera, II, and Fr. Marcial Posugac Zagada, Jr., June 11, 2009 at Basilica
sembly agreed that the Catholic dioceses of Bayombong, Legaspi Minore of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Balatas Road, Naga City; Rev. Fr.
Edmundo Froyalde aballero, Jr., June 12, 2009 at St. Joseph Parish,
Church should take the lead and Baguio. (Kate Laceda) Tamban, Tinambac, Camarines Sur; to the Order of Priesthood by Most

Police graduate in Sign Language Class

Reverend Leonardo Z. Legaspi, OP of the Archdiocese of Caceres. On
July 4, 2009, the archdiocese will again ordain 12 seminarians to the Order
of Deacons: Sem. Ronald Espiritu Angeles, Sem. Reynaldo Togomata
Chavez, Jr., Sem. Jessie Sumalabe Edaugal, Sem. Arnel Iraola Haber,
Sem. Neil Brisenio Hugo, Sem. Emil Kong Llagas, Sem. Herbert Resur-
THE first batch of Law Enforc- with the circumstances properly reccion Machado, Sem. Erwin Prado Obias, Sem. Enrico JUlian Nolasco
Paglinawan, Sem. Elmer Albia Pandes, Sem. Russel Almasco Pletado
ers who studied Sign Language and get precise information in an and Sem. Jowi Bustarga Resayaga.
under the auspices of Catholic incident if they are equipped with
Bishops Conference of the Phil- the said knowledge and skills. CELEBRATED. Vicente S. Baracina, Dindo D. Purto and Reymel J.
ippines’ Commission for Health Among the graduates were Ramos, first profession of vows among the Society of St. Paul, June 7,
2009 at St. Paul Novitiate Chapel, San Fernando, Pampanga.
Care have graduated July 3, at the PO1 Frank Engles, PO2 Randy
Pariancillo Park in Pasig City. Tedera, PO3 Leah Polestico and ORDAINED. Cleric Jesus Puri Gozun, SSP, to the Sacred Order of Dea-
The class was organized by the PO2 Carlito Santome from the cons among the Society of St. Paul, on the Feast of Immaculate Heart of
Episcopal Commission for Health Eastern Police District. Mary, June 20, 2009 by his Excellency Bishop Florentino Lavarias, bishop
of Iba. The occasion was held at the Sanctuary of St. Paul, the Apostle,
Care (ECHC) for members of the Other graduates include PO1 San Antonio Village, Makati City.
police force, to understand and Abigail Saguid, PO3 Marylyn
give assistance to the hearing- Treyes and PO3 Lardy Ignacio
impaired persons who are vic- from Camp Crame, and PO2 Ria
tims of any violence. Angela Gannapao from the San
Napoleon Villegas, Police Se- Juan Police Station.
nior Superintendent and Group The ceremony included differ-
Director of the District Mobile ent performances from the police
Group, said that most hearing im- Fr. Luke Moortgat, CICM, ECHC Executive Secretary, poses with the first batch
of graduates of Sign Language Class.
officers and the distribution of
paired are unjustly judge because their certificates.
of their difficulty in expressing their views. police officers with experiences in the silent The event culminated with a message CELEBRATED. Sr. Ma. Nazarene Camiña, FSP, Sr. Ma. Margherita Ca-
“These dilemmas would not occur if there language,” he expressed. from Fr. Luke Moortgat, CICM, Executive gayat, FSP, Sr. Ma. Caterina Celestial, FSP, Sr. Ma. Cristina Gamez, FSP
are readily available skilled persons or even He added that police officers can deal Secretary of ECHC. (CBCP News) (+), Sr. Eugenia Ma. Gornis, FSP, Sr. Ma. Raffaella Magsarili, FSP, Sr. Ma.
Edvige Pastorfide, FSP, Sr. Ma. Docilia Pizarro, FSP, Sr. Ma. Gesualda
Sebumpan, FSP, and Sr. Ma. Maddalena Ricon, FSP, golden jubilee of

Pampanga launches 1st Counseling Center for Women and Children
BARELY a month after the
training workshop conducted
by the Catholic Bishops Confer-
ence of the Philippines (CBCP)
Office on Women to prospective
staff and volunteers, the Pam-
panga archdiocese launched
its first counseling center for
Women and Children.
The center located at the Sto.
Rosario, Angeles City Parish
was inaugurated by Auxiliary
Bishop Pablo Virgilio David
last June 19.
The seminar for prospective
counselors and volunteers at-
tended at the Good Shepherd
Convent, Q.C. fired up and
inspired participants that they
immediately organized them-
selves and invited various
agencies - PNP, women’s desk,
DSWD, Soroptomist Club, mem-
bers of the CWL of the Archdio-
cese of San Fernando, Pampanga,
community leaders, and all stake
holders willing to assist women
and children.
In his message, Bishop Da-
vid expressed his appreciation
and welcomed the opening of a
“dream come true” center which
will attend to victims of domestic
violence, sexual abuse and ha-
rassment, victims of trafficking
and exploitation, sex relationship
of the young, and abortion due to
unwanted pregnancies which can
be attributed to a seemingly loss
of moral values.
These painful realities often
find their way into the confes-
profession; Sr. Delia Benedicta Abian, FSP, Sr. Magdalene Chong, FSP,
Sr. Teresita Espina, FSP, Sr. Elena Lim, FSP and Sr. Agnes Wong, FSP,
silver jubilee of profession. Novaliches Bishop-emeritus Teodoro Bacani
led the jubilee mass on June 27, 2009 at the Daughters of St. Paul’s
sional box, said Bishop David. restoring the dignity of women Queen of the Apostles Sanctuary, Pasay City.
The priests realized that those through counseling, guidance
who come to confession not and prayers. CELEBRATED. Sr. Ma. Lourdes
only need healing of soul but of Sr. Pilar Verzosa assisted Bagalay, Sr. Melissa Mancita and
Sr. Lourdes Ranara made their
body as well, emotionally and Bishop David in cutting the rib- perpetual profession of vows
psychologically, through coun- bon which signaled the opening among the Daughters of St. Paul
seling which they cannot fully of the center for those in need on June 28, 2009. Manila Auxiliary
address. of help. Bishop Broderick Pabillo led the
solemn celebration at the Sanctu-
The Bishop thanked all those Dr. Rotea, Sis Nellie Santos ary of the Queen of Apostles, F.B.
present for their support and and Sr. Pilar Verzosa, RGS, Harrison St., Pasay City.
pledged his prayer and guid- Project Director of the Center
ance for the success of the project for Women and Children orga- CELEBRATED. Sr. Cherell Ba-
which hopefully could make a nized the training workshops. cus, Carcar, Cebu; and Sr. Rosel-
ing Siaw Chen, Kuching Sarawak,
difference in the lives of women Full time Center coordinator Malaysia; pronounced their first
and children. of the HRP-Center for Women religious profession of vows
Dr. Zenaida V. Rotea, Ex- and Children is Sis.Claire Bal- among the Daughters of St. Paul,
ecutive Secretary of the Office on uyot, a retired teacher. Assist- June 30, 2009. Rev. Fr. Joseph
P. Mendoza of Lipa Archdiocese
Women, gave a short congratula- ing her are Sis. Rose Santos and led the celebration at the Divine
tory message to organizers even Sis. Tuding Salenga, all of them Master Chapel of the Daughters
as she expressed hopes that the members of Catholic Women’s of St. Paul’s Novitiate House in
center will achieve its mission of League (CWL). (CBCPNews) Lipa City.

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In a little while, we shall be singing in
the Antiphon to the Magnificat: “The
Lord has welcomed us in his Heart
Suscepit nos Dominus in sinum et cor
suum”. God’s heart, considered to be
the organ of his will, is mentioned 26
times in the Old Testament.
Man is judged according to God’s
Heart. Because of the pain his heart feels
at the sins of man, God decides on the
flood, but is subsequently moved by
human weakness and forgives.
Then there is an Old Testament
passage in which the subject of God’s
Heart is expressed with absolute clarity:
it is in chapter 11 of the Book of the
Pastoral Concerns
me, my compassion grows warm and
tender” (v. 8).
The Heart of God throbs with
compassion! On today’s Solemnity of the
Sacred Heart of Jesus the Church offers
us this mystery for contemplation, the
mystery of the Heart of a God who feels
compassion and pours forth all his love
upon humanity. It is a mysterious love,
which in the texts of the New Testament
is revealed to us as God’s immeasurable
love for the human being. He does not
give in to ingratitude or to rejection by
the People he has chosen; on the contrary,
with infinite mercy he sends his Only-
Begotten Son into the world to take upon
himself the burden of love immolated
(cf. Jn 19: 34).
Dear brothers and sisters, thank you
because, in response to my invitation,
you have come in large numbers
to this celebration with which we
begin the Year for Priests. I greet the
Cardinals and Bishops, in particular
the Cardinal Prefect and the Secretary
of the Congregation for the Clergy with
their collaborators, and the Bishop of
Ars. I greet the priests and seminarians
of the various seminaries and colleges
of Rome; the men and women religious
and all the faithful.
Dear brothers and sisters, let us
pause together to contemplate the
pierced Heart of the Crucified One. We
us: the Love that saves us and already
makes us live in God’s eternity.
The Evangelist John writes: “For
God so loved the world that he gave
his only Son that whoever believes in
him should not perish but have eternal
life” (3: 16). His divine Heart therefore
calls to our hearts, inviting us to come
out of ourselves, to abandon our human
certainties to trust in him and, following
his example, to make of ourselves a gift
of love without reserve.
If it is true that Jesus’ invitation
to “abide in my love” (cf. Jn 15: 9) is
addressed to every baptized person, on
the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
the Day for priestly sanctification, this
B1
were consecrated to serve humbly and
authoritatively the common priesthood
of the faithful?
Ours is an indispensable mission, for
the Church and for the world, which
demands full fidelity to Christ and
in unceasing union with him this to
remain in his love means that we must
constantly strive for holiness, this union,
as did St John Mary Vianney.
In the Letter I addressed to you for this
special Jubilee Year, dear brother priests,
I wanted to highlight certain qualifying
aspects of our ministry, with references
to the example and teaching of the Holy
Curé d’Ars, model and protector of all of
us, priests, and especially parish priests.

‘The heart of
God throbs with
compassion’
(Homily of the Holy Father during the
inauguration of the Year for Priests. The
year began June 19, the solemnity of the
Sacred Heart of Jesus, marking the 150th
anniversary of the death of St. John Mary
Vianney, known as the Curé d’Ars.)

© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media

Prophet Hosea in which the first verses
describe the dimension of the love with
which the Lord turned to Israel at the
dawn of its history: “When Israel was
a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt
I called my son” (Hos 11: 1). Israel, in
fact, responds to God’s tireless favour
with indifference and even outright
ingratitude.
“The more I called them”, the Lord
is forced to admit, “the more they went
from me” (v. 2). Nonetheless he never
abandons Israel to the hands of the
enemy because “my heart”, the Creator
of the universe observes, “recoils within
so that by defeating the powers of evil
and death he could restore the dignity of
being God’s children to human beings,
enslaved by sin.
All this comes about at a high price:
the Only-Begotten Son of the Father is
sacrificed on the Cross, “having loved
his own who were in the world, he loved
them to the end” (cf. Jn 13: 1).
A symbol of this love which goes
beyond death is his side, pierced by a
spear. In this regard, the Apostle John,
an eye-witness, says: “one of the soldiers
pierced his side with a spear, and at
once there came out blood and water”
have heard again, just now, in the brief
Reading from the Letter of St Paul to
the Ephesians, that “God, who is rich in
mercy, out of the great love with which
he loved us, even when we were dead
through our trespasses, made us alive
together with Christ... and raised us up
with him, and made us sit with him in
the heavenly places in Christ Jesus”
(Eph 2: 4-6). To be in Jesus Christ, is to
be already seated in heaven.
The essential nucleus of Christianity is
expressed in the Heart of Jesus; in Christ
the whole of the revolutionary newness
of the Gospel was revealed and given to
invitation resounds more powerfully for
we priests, particularly this evening at
the solemn inauguration of the Year for
Priests, which I wanted to be celebrated
on the occasion of the 150th anniversary
of the death of the Holy Curé d’Ars.
One of his beautiful and moving
sayings, cited in the Catechism of the
Catholic Church, immediately springs
to my mind: “The Priesthood is the love
of the Heart of Jesus” (n. 1589).
How is it possible not to remember
with emotion that the gift of our priestly
ministry flowed directly from this Heart?
How can we forget that we priests
May my Letter be a help and
encouragement to you in making this
Year a favourable opportunity to grow
in intimacy with Jesus, who counts
on us, his ministers, to spread and to
consolidate his Kingdom, to radiate his
love, his truth.
Therefore, “in the footsteps of the
Curé of Ars”, my Letter concluded, “let
yourselves be enthralled by him. In this
way you too will be, for the world in our
time, heralds of hope, reconciliation and
peace!” (L’Osservatore Romano, English
edition, see p. 5).
The Heart / B4

‘One Who Prays Is Not Afraid; One Who Prays Is Never Alone’
(Address of Pope Benedict
XVI during the general audience
at St. Peter’s Square on July 1,
2009, continuing the theme on
the Year for Priests.)
Dear brothers and sisters:
As you know, with the cel-
ebration of First Vespers for the
solemnity of the holy Apostles
Peter and Paul in the Basilica
of St. Paul Outside the Walls,
the Pauline Year has come to a
close—the year that marked the
2,000th anniversary of the birth
of the Apostle to the Gentiles. Let
us give thanks to the Lord for the
spiritual fruits that this important
initiative has brought to so many
Christian communities.
As a precious heritage of
the Pauline Year, we can reap
the Apostle’s invitation to go
deeper into the knowledge of
the mystery of Christ, so that he
becomes the heart and center
of our personal and social
realities.
This is, in fact, the indis-
pensable condition for a true
spiritual and ecclesial renewal.
As I already emphasized during
the first Eucharistic celebration
in the Sistine Chapel after my
election as the Successor of the
Apostle St. Peter, it is precisely
from that full communion with
Christ that “flows every other
element of the Church’s life:
first of all, communion among
all the faithful, the commitment
to proclaiming and witnessing to
the Gospel, the ardor of love for
all, especially the poorest and
lowliest” (1st Message at the End
of the Eucharistic Concelebration
With the Members of the College
of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel,
April 20, 2005).
This is true in the first place for
priests. Because of this, I thank
Divine Providence, which now offers
us the possibility of celebrating the
Year for Priests. It is my heartfelt
wish that this will be an opportunity
for interior renewal for every priest,
and consequently, [a year of] firm
reinvigoration in the commitment to
his own mission.
Just as during the Pauline Year,
our constant reference point was
St. Paul, so in the coming months
we will look to St. John Vianney,
the holy Curé d’Ars, recalling the
150th anniversary of his death. In
the letter I wrote to priests for this
occasion, I wanted to emphasize
what shines forth in the existence
of this humble minister of the altar:
“the complete identification of the
man with his ministry.”
He often said that “a good pastor,
a pastor after the heart of God, is
the greatest treasure that the good
God can give to a parish, and one
of the most precious gifts of divine
mercy.” And almost unable to con-
ceive the greatness of the gift and
the task entrusted to a poor human
creature, he sighed, “Oh how great
is the priesthood! … If he could
understand himself, he would die.
… God obeys him: He pronounces
two words and Our Lord descends
from heaven at his beckoning and
enters into a tiny Host.”
In truth, precisely considering the
binomial “identity-mission,” every
priest can better see the need for
this progressive identification with
Christ that will guarantee him fidelity
and fruitfulness in the evangelical
testimony.
The very theme of the Year for
Priests—Faithfulness of Christ,
Faithfulness of Priests—shows that
the gift of divine grace precedes
every possible human response
and pastoral accomplishment, and
thus, in the life of the priest, mis-
sionary proclamation and worship
are never separable, just as the
ontological-sacramental identity
and the evangelizing mission are
not separable.
Apart from that we could say the
objective of every priest’s mission is
“cultic”: so that all people can offer
themselves to God as a living host,
holy and pleasing to Him (cf. Romans
12:1), that in creation itself, in people,
it becomes worship and praise of the
Creator, receiving from it that charity
that they are called to abundantly
dispense among each other.
We clearly see this in the be-
ginnings of Christianity. St. John
Chrysostom said, for example, that
the sacrament of the altar and the
“sacrament of one’s brother” or, as
they say, the “sacrament of the poor,”
are two aspects of the same mystery.
Love for neighbor, attention to justice
and to the poor, are not just themes of
social morality, but rather the expres-
sion of a sacramental conception of
Christian morality, because through
the ministry of the priest, the spiritual
sacrifice of all the faithful is carried
out, in union with that of Christ, the
one Mediator: the sacrifice that
priests offer in an unbloody and
sacramental manner awaiting the
new coming of the Lord.
This is the principal dimension, es-
sentially missionary and dynamic, of
priestly identity and ministry: by way
of the proclamation of the Gospel,
those who still do not believe are
begotten in the faith, so that they can
unite their sacrifice to the sacrifice
of Christ, that translates in love for
God and neighbor.
Dear brothers and sisters, faced
with so many uncertainties and
struggles, it is urgent to recover—also
in the exercise of priestly ministry—a
clear and unmistaken judgment about
the absolute primacy of divine grace,
recalling what St. Thomas Aquinas
wrote: “The smallest gift of grace
surpasses the natural good of the
whole universe” (Summa Theologiae,
I-II, q. 113, a. 9, ad 2).
The mission of every priest de-
pends, therefore, also and above all
on the awareness of the sacramental
reality of his “new being.” The priest’s
renewed enthusiasm for his mission
will always depend on the certainty of
his personal identity, which is not ar-
tificially constructed, but rather given
and received freely and divinely. What
I have written in the encyclical “Deus
Caritas Est” is also true for priests:
“Being Christian is not the result of an
ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the
encounter with an event, a person,
which gives life a new horizon and a
decisive direction” (No. 1).
Having received such an extraor-
dinary gift of grace with their “conse-
cration,” priests become permanent
witnesses of their encounter with
Christ. Beginning precisely from
this interior awareness, they can
plentifully fulfill their “mission,” by
means of the proclamation of the
Word and the administration of
the sacraments. After the Second
Vatican Council, the impression has
come about that in our times, there
is something more urgent in priests’
missions; some believed that they
should in the first place build up a
distinct society. On the other hand,
the verses from the Gospel that we
heard at the beginning call our at-
tention to the two essential elements
of priestly ministry. Jesus sends the
apostles, at that time and now, to
proclaim the Gospel and he gives
them the power to cast out evil spirits.
“Proclamation” and “power,” that is
to say “word” and “sacrament,” are
therefore the two foundational pillars
of priestly service, beyond its many
possible configurations.
When the “diptych” consecration-
mission is not taken into account, it
becomes truly difficult to understand
the identity of the priest and his
ministry in the Church. Who in fact
is the priest, if not a man converted
and renewed by the Spirit, who lives
from a personal relationship with
Christ, constantly making the Gospel
criteria his own? Who is the priest, if
not a man of unity and truth, aware
of his own limits and at the same
time, of the extraordinary greatness
of the vocation he has received, that
of helping to extend the Kingdom of
God to the ends of the earth?
Yes! The priest is a man totally
belonging to the Lord, because it
is God himself who calls him and
who establishes him in his apostolic
service. And precisely being totally of
God, he is totally of mankind, for all
people. During this Year for the
Priest, which will continue until
the next solemnity of the Sacred
Heart of Jesus, let us pray for all
priests. May there be an abun-
dance of prayer initiatives and, in
particular, Eucharistic adoration,
for the sanctification of the clergy
and for priestly vocations—in
dioceses, in parishes, in reli-
gious communities (especially
monasteries), in associations
and movements and in the vari-
ous pastoral groups present in
the whole world—responding to
Jesus’ invitation to pray “to the
lord of the harvest that he may
send workers to his harvest”
(Matthew 9:38).
Prayer is the first task, the true
path of sanctification for priests,
and the soul of an authentic “vo-
cational ministry.” The numerical
scarcity of priestly ordinations
in some countries should not
discourage, but instead should
motivate a multiplication of
opportunities for silence and
listening to the Word, and better
attention to spiritual direction and
the sacrament of confession, so
that the voice of God, who always
continues calling and confirming,
can be heard and promptly fol-
lowed by many youth.
One who prays is not afraid;
one who prays is never alone;
one who prays is saved! St. John
Vianney is undoubtedly a model of
an existence made prayer. Mary,
Mother of the Church, help all
priests to follow his example so as
to be, like him, witnesses of Christ
and apostles of the Gospel.
 B2 Updates CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009

The Church of the poor

and temporal goods (Part I)
By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso, J.C.D.
RECENTLY, the secular press reported a
proposal by somebody—obviously not a
great lover of the Church—for the Holy
See to sell all its properties and goods in
order to help the poor people in the world.
It’s a recurring question, which we can
tackle in this issue and the next of the CBCP
Monitor.
www.sacredheartschoolrobbinsdale.org
b) Solidarity—avoiding the slightest hint
of mate¬rial interest in the disposition of
spiritual goods to the faithful, it prefers
to foster the practice of generosity in the
communication of goods among the faithful,
rather than impos¬ing strict juridical
obligations.
Ecclesiastical Patrimony: Origin, Structure
and Ends
a. Fragmentary Notion and Origin
1) The expression ecclesiastical patrimony
from others—i.e., those of private juridical
persons—which are regulated basically by
norms of statutory law.
Thetensionbetweenthetwoaforementioned
opposing tendencies affecting the temporal
goods of the Church gives to ecclesiastical
patrimony a peculiar physiognomy, which
has been described as a patrimonial mosaic:
a figure which contains both the ideas of
fragmentation and of unity (cf. c.1258).
Ecclesiastical Goods: Notion and Subject

The Church’s Right to Temporal Goods:
Ecclesiological Founda¬tions in Vatican
Council II.
As a society, which is earthly as well as
spiritual, the Church needs temporal goods
in order to fulfill its mission. Though the
Kingdom of God is not of this world, it lives
and works in this world, and is subject to
the conditions of earthly existence. The new
and deeper understanding by the Church of
her identity—stemming from the conciliar
is used in canonistic doctrine to refer to the
totality of the temporal goods of the Church.
However, neither the new nor the old CIC
employs this juridical notion to refer to such
goods; both preferred to talk of ecclesiastical
goods or of temporal goods.
The temporal patrimony of the Church is
not concentrated under the unique and direct
title of the universal Church, but dispersed
in a multitude of distinct patrimonies
corresponding to the different public juridic
of Ownership
a. Notion of Ecclesiastical Goods: What
constitutes ecclesiastical goods?
1) Based on the owner, ecclesiastical goods
are all temporal goods that pertain to some
public juridic person of the Church (c.1257,
§1). All other goods are excluded from this
concept, whether belonging to individual
faithful or to private juridical persons. Thus,
the condition of being ecclesiastical is derived
from the ownership of the good.

Where the priest reflection—gave solid foundations for Canon

Patrimonial Law as follows:
1) Based on the Temporal Aspect of the
persons for whose specific finalities they are
immediately destined.
2) The historical origin of the ecclesiastical
2) Based on the ends. The ownership of
ecclesiastical goods is at the same time a
means for the destination of such good to

should begin Mass

Church. In continuity with the previous patrimony is usually traced to the progressive some specific ends—those of the subject of
Magisterium, the Council had wanted to fragmentation of diocesan patrimony, upon ownership—which are a concrete aspect
affirm the connection between the eternal and assigning fixed quotas thereof to different of the ends of the ecclesiastical patrimony
the temporal in the one reality of the pilgrim ends (normally Bishop, clergy, church (c.1254, §2).
Church, avoiding the two extremes of (1) building and the poor); these ended up We have seen that no ecclesiastical good
(Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina
exaggerated spiritualism and (2) temporal constituting distinct patrimonies. To this was has for its immediate owner the universal
Apostolorum university, answers the following query:)
messi¬anism, based on political, economic added the proliferation of convents, rural Church, but all the goods of public juridic
Q: Which is the right place or position to begin the celebration
of Mass, bearing in mind the two tables: table of the word and
table of the Eucharist? I have the experience of priests who
start either from the celebrant’s chair (which is either in front
of the altar, or on the side of the altar), or from the altar, or
still from the pulpit.—A.M., Harare, Zimbabwe

A: The entrance procession and the beginning of Mass are

described in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal
(GIRM), No. 50:
“When the Entrance chant is concluded, the priest stands at
the chair and, together with the whole gathering, makes the
Sign of the Cross. Then he signifies the presence of the Lord
to the community gathered there by means of the Greeting.
By this Greeting and the people’s response, the mystery of the
Church gathered together is made manifest.
“After the greeting of the people, the priest, the deacon, or
a lay minister may very briefly introduce the faithful to the
Mass of the day.”
It is clear, therefore, that the priest should ordinarily begin a
Mass with the faithful from the celebrant’s chair. This chair, as
specified in GIRM, No. 310, “Must signify his office of presiding
over the gathering and of directing the prayer.”
It is not liturgically appropriate to begin the Mass either at
the ambo or at the altar because each liturgical place should
be reserved for its proper purpose, the ambo for the table of
the Word, the altar for the table of the Eucharist.
This is why liturgical norms specify that commentaries,
monitions and other announcements should not be delivered
from the ambo but from some other place. Once the initial
veneration of the altar is completed, it should not be used until
the presentation of the gifts. It is also better to wait until this
moment before placing the missal, visible microphone, extra
ciboria and other necessary liturgical elements upon the altar.
A related question is the most suitable location for the priest’s
chair. According to GIRM, No. 310: “The best place for the chair
is in a position facing the people at the head of the sanctuary,
unless the design of the building or other circumstances impede
this: for example, if the great distance would interfere with
communication between the priest and the gathered assembly, or
if the tabernacle is in the center behind the altar. Any appearance
of a throne, however, is to be avoided. It is appropriate that,
before being put into liturgical use, the chair be blessed according
to the rite described in the Roman Ritual.
“Likewise, seats should be arranged in the sanctuary for
concelebrating priests as well as for priests who are present for the
celebration in choir dress but who are not concelebrating.”
or merely humanitarian influence. As a society, which persons in the Church are goods of the
2) Based on the Mission of the Church. Church. As much can be affirmed of the
To this we may add the suggestions offered by the U.S.
“There are close links between earthly is earthly as well as ends of such goods:
bishops in the document “Built of Living Stones”:
“63. The chair of the priest celebrant stands ‘as a symbol
realities and the supernatural ones, and the spiritual, the Church a) It may be difficult to pinpoint a concrete
of his office of presiding over the assembly and of directing
Church utilizes temporal realities as often needs temporal goods in eccle¬siastical good that is destined for the
as its mission requires it” (Gaudium et Spes, general ends of the Church, but rather for
prayer.’ An appropriate placement of the chair allows the
n.76). Thus, the use of material goods by the order to fulfill its mission. the specific ends of the owner.
priest celebrant to be visible to all in the congregation. The
chair reflects the dignity of the one who leads the community
Church finds its justification and its measure Though the Kingdom of b) But precisely through the above, such
in the person of Christ, but is never intended to be remote or
in relation to the fulfillment of the spiritual God is not of this world, goods ful¬fill the ends specified by c.1254,
ends of the Church. It is in this light that §2 for the temporal goods of the Church,
grandiose. The priest celebrant’s chair is distinguished from
the present can. 1254 of the CIC must be it lives and works in this excluding their being placed at the service
the seating for other ministers by its design and placement.
‘The seat for the deacon should be placed near that of the
understood. world, and is subject to of par¬ticular (private) interests.
celebrant.’ In the cathedral, in addition to the bishop’s chair
Can. 1254, §1: The Catholic Church has an the conditions of earthly 3) Regulation of Ecclesiastical Goods. The
innate right to acquire, retain, administer norms constituting the Administrative Law
or cathedra, which is permanent, an additional chair will be
and alienate temporal goods in pursuit existence. [As such], the which regulate ecclesiastical goods are:
needed for use by the rector or priest celebrant.
“64. ‘The [most appropriate] place for the chair is at the head of
of its proper ends independently of civil Catholic Church has an a) Those specified in c.1257, §1: Book V
the sanctuary and turned toward the people unless the design of the
power. innate right to acquire, of the CIC and the Statutes of the owning
§2: The following ends are especially proper juridical person.
building or other circumstances [such as distance or the placement
to the Church: to order divine worship; to retain, administer and b) Norms and instructions dictated by the
of the tabernacle] are an obstacle.’ This chair is not used by a lay
person who presides at a service of the word with Communion
provide decent support for the clergy and alienate temporal goods Episcopal Conferences and the Ordinaries in
or a Sunday celebration in the absence of a priest.”
other ministers; to perform the works of the in pursuit of its proper the exercise of their competencies.
sacred apostolate and of charity, especially b. Subjects of Ownership.
Although these documents allow for a great deal of flexibility
toward the needy. ends independently of 1) The notion of ownership arises in Church
(depending on the design of the church), it is safe to say that
placing the chair in front of the altar is not a good idea as it
3) Based on the Church’s Independence civil power. Law according to the scheme of Roman
from Civil Authority. On the other hand, the Private Law. Thus, the fragmentation of
tends to detract from the altar’s centrality. There may be some
right of the Church to own and administer its parishes and rectoral churches, each with its the first diocesan patrimonies led to the
ceremonies, such as religious professions or the institution
goods with independence is deduced from own independently administered goods. multiplication of titleholders of proprietary
of ministers, where a chair or faldstool is temporarily placed
the autonomy which it should enjoy in the b. Unitarian Concept of Ecclesiastical rights.
before the altar and is removed once its use has ceased.
fulfillment of its mission. Patrimony: Structure and Ends 2) This phenomenon runs counter to
Locating the chair at the head of the sanctuary behind
4) Based on the Church as People of God. The above-mentioned fragmentation of the idea that all ecclesiastical goods were
the altar was quite popular in churches in the immediate
The image of the Church as the People of God titles and ends corresponding to the temporal common to all the faithful. Thus, it is
aftermath of the liturgical reform, and this option remains in
gives rise to the common responsibil¬ity and goods of the Church does not impede one to necessary to find a reason for unity in the
the missal. However, it is not always the best option and this
participation of all the faithful in the mission properly speak of an ecclesiastical patrimony, division of eccle¬siastical patrimony, and for
is why the latest edition of the missal has added the clause
of the Church. This implies the faithful’s right because together with such dispersing forces this, recourse is made to the same construct as
regarding possible impediments due to the design, distance
before the State (c.1261), and duty before the are others which give them unity: in the secular world: the distinction between
or the presence of the tabernacle.
Church (c.222,§1), of contributing with their 1) Ends. All such goods are at the service eminent dominion and useful (or immediate)
One of these motives for an exception could probably be
goods to the needs of the People of God: a of some common ends (c.1254, §2), in accord dominion:
applied to almost any church. In recent years there has also
duty which the Hierarchy can concretize in with the mission of the Church, and never a) Eminent Dominion—refers to that
been a positive trend toward returning the tabernacle to
specific cases (cc.1263-1264). for a private person. enjoyed by the Princes with respect to the
the sanctuary in many parish churches. Because of this it is
5) Based on Charity: Christian Poverty and 2) Structure. All such goods are subjected to goods of their subjects.
becoming fairly common to place the chair to one side of the
Solidarity. Notwithstanding the previous the Hierarchy, principally represented by the b) Useful or Immediate Dominion:
altar often parallel to the ambo. This is usually the right-hand
considerations, the Church wants charity to Roman Pontiff (c.1256). Hence, c.1257, §1 ends that which corre¬sponds to the subjects
side as one enters the church, since the most common placement
especially shine in the economic relations up stating that all the goods clas¬sified as themselves as owners.
of the ambo is to the left.
in the ecclesial community. Thus, in its ecclesiastical are “regulated by the following 3) Thus, it is said that in the Church, the
This is facilitated by the norm in the new missal that the
patrimonial law, it strives to foster: canons as well as by their own statutes”, i.e., dominium emi¬nens over ecclesiastical
altar servers do not flank the celebrant but have a place of their
a) Christian Detachment—proposing to they are subjected to a basic administrative goods corresponds to the Roman Pontiff;
own. It is easier to find a distinct location for one chair (plus
Christians and to all men the example of regulation common to all. Furthermore, §2 and useful dominion (usufruct) corresponds
a suitable seat for the deacon) than for a row.
poverty lived in the Gospel. of the same canon distinguishes such goods to the juridical person.
 Diocese
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
B3
By Fr. Harley B. Flores, Fr. Raul Ciño & Fr. Albert Mecaydor

Historical beginnings
The diocese started its humble beginnings when the
Philippine government created the Chaplain Service
for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, by virtue of
the National Defense Act of 1935. In 1937 President
Manuel L. Quezon directed the AFP Chief of Staff to
organize the Chaplain Service. In his note to the Chief
of Staff he said: “I am very much interested in the
organization of a Chaplain Service because I am deeply
convinced that religion is a moral force of incalculable
value for good.”
After thirteen years of existence in the Armed Forces, Pope Pius XII
established the Military Vicariate on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
on December 8, 1950 with the intention of providing adequate and sufficient
pastoral care for the Catholics in the AFP. It was erected through a consistorial
decree. The said decree took effect on December 10, 1951 when Most Reverend
Rufino Santos, the then Auxiliary Bishop of Manila took possession of this
Vicariate and became the 1st Military Vicar in the country.
On March 28, 1952 the agreement between the Holy See and the Philippine
Government on the Military Vicariate was forged. This agreement provides
the official basis of the guidelines regarding the presence, and the pastoral
and spiritual work of Catholic priests and the Military Bishop among the
Filipino soldiers.
The said Agreement or Concordat was realized through the exchange Note
Verbal between the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila and the Department
of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines. The earliest was dated September 20, Bishop Leopoldo Tumulak with some chaplains of the Ordinariate and Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
1951.1 The agreement entered into force on June 18, 1952.

Serving those who serve the government

Military Ordinariate
of the Philippines

IMPORTANT FACTS
Military Bishop ……………………………………......… 1
Chaplains:
General Headquarters ………………………….…… 20
Philippine Army ……………………………….....……. 18
Philippine Airforce …………………………….....……. 11
Philippine Navy …………………………………....….. 12
Philippine National Police ………………………...….. 33
Philippine Coast Guard …………………………..…... 4
Civilian Priests …………………………………....…… 24
Deacons ………………………………………...…….. 2
On Loan Priests ………………………………..…….. 48
Incardinated …………………………………...……… 77
Vicariates ………………………………………....……. 5
Seminarians:
Philosophy …………………………………....………. 2
Theology ……………………………………....……… 8
SPFY ………………………………………....………. 1
Graduates (Pre-diaconal
Program with the Bishop) ………………..……….. 4
Educational Centers:
Nursery Schools …………………...…………………. 2

The provisions of the agreement are
as follows:
1. In order to provide more adequate
and efficient spiritual care for the catholic
members of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines, the Holy See has established
a Military Vicariate.
2. The Holy See shall entrust the office
of the Military Vicar to a Filipino-born
member of the Philippine Hierarchy.
However, before proceeding to his
appointment, the Holy See shall
communicate his name to the Philippine
Government in order to ensure that there
is no objection on the part of the said
Philippine Government.
3. The Chief of Catholic Chaplains
shall be appointed by the Chief of Staff
upon nomination of the Military Vicar.
He shall receive from the Military Vicar
the appointment as Military Delegate,
the authority and jurisdiction of a Vicar
General.
4. The Catholic Military Chaplains
shall be appointed by the Philippine
Government upon presentation by the
Military Vicar.
5. The Catholic Military chaplains, in
the exercise of their priestly functions,
shall be under the exclusive jurisdiction
of the Military Vicar and of the
Delegate.
6. Should disciplinary action of
exclusively military character be taken
by the military Authority against a
Catholic chaplain, the office of the
military vicar shall be informed in due
time, so that sanctions may be applied
in the place and form proper for a priest.
On the other hand, should the Military
Vicar, or, in his absence, the Military
Delegate find it necessary to impose a
temporary suspension or final dismissal
of a Catholic chaplain, for canonical
reasons and according to the norms of
canon Law, he shall notify his decision
to the proper military authorities, who
will act accordingly.
7. Any controversial issue which
might arise concerning the work and
duties of Catholic chaplains shall
be settled amicably between the
Department of National Defense and
the Military Vicar.
8. The office of the Military Vicariate
shall be located in the City of Manila.
In order to provide for the spiritual
care of the military personnel in a manner
suitable to the varied circumstances, on
21 April 1986, Pope John Paul II issued
the Apostolic Constitution Spirituali
Militum Curae, elevating the military
After thirteen years of existence in the Armed Forces, Pope Pius XII
established the Military Vicariate on the Feast of the Immaculate
Conception on December 8, 1950 with the intention of providing
adequate and sufficient pastoral care for the Catholics in the AFP.
vicariates throughout the world into
Military Ordinariates giving them the
same status with the other territorial
dioceses. The then military vicar, Most
Reverend Severino Pelayo became the
1st Military Ordinary or Military Bishop.
As a consequence to this change, the
statutes of the Military Ordinariate of
the Philippines (MOP) were formulated.
It was approved by his Holiness Pope
John Paul II on April 11, 1989.
On 30 September 1995, Most Rev.
Ramon C. Arguelles, DD succeeded
Bishop Pelayo as Military Bishop.
Upon the elevation of Bishop Arguelles
as Archbishop of Lipa, Batangas on
16 July 2004 the Military Ordinariate
became a vacant see until the third
military ordinary, Most Rev. Leopoldo
S. Tumulak, DD, was appointed and
installed on 08 March 2005.
Vision and Mission
As a unique diocese, it envisions itself
as a renewed, transformed worshipping
community, fully witnessing the values
of the gospel, actively participating
in the life and mission of the church
with the Blessed Virgin Mary as its
vessel, enlightened by the Word and
strengthened by the Eucharist. The
Military Ordinariate of the Philippines
(MOP) chaplains commit themselves
to effective, efficient, spiritual, moral,
servant leadership in adherence to
the Magisterium, continuing integral,
evangelization, inter-faith dialogue,
transformed worshipping community of
believers, living in harmony and mutual
respect for one’s religion and possessing
the teaching of one’s belief. The Chaplains
of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,
Philippine National Police, Philippine
Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection
(BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and
Penology (BJMP), commit themselves
in continuing integral renewal, spirit of
ecumenism and dialog, an effective and
efficient spiritual servant leadership and
role modeling.
Pastoral program
Under the Motto of UNITAS en
CARITATE (unity in love), chaplains
participate in community relations and
medical and dental program services,
holy retreats, meetings, conferences,
Eucharistic celebrations, civilian-military
operations, Troop inspection and
Education (TI & E), visiting troops,
conducting blessing, spiritual direction
and counseling.
Pastoral concerns include Worship,
Education, Services, Temporalities and
Youth. In addition, pastoral program
includes seminary formation, ongoing
formation of the clergy, social action,
ecology, justice and peace, patriotism
and solidarity.
The Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction of the Military
Ordinariate includes the following
elements: Personal, which is exercised
towards person even when outside
the borders of the nation. Another is
Ordinary, which is the power attached
to the office itself. Still another is Proper,
which it exercises in its own name
juridical and legal personality. And the
last is Cumulative, wherein the subjects
are under the authority of the parish
priest at the place where they reside
and at the same time with the Military
Ordinariate of the Philippines.
Likewise it covers all the personnel,
the dependents and civilian employees
of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,
the Philippine Air Force, the Philippine
National Police, Philippine Coast Guard,
BFP and BJMP.
Its organizational structure includes
the Bishop as head, the Vicar-General for
the AFP and the PNP, the Chancellor,
Office of the Catholic Chaplains, Vicars
Forane and the Chaplains.
The Church has always willed
to provide for the spiritual care of
the military, police and coast guard
personnel with great solicitude, in
a manner suitable to their varied
circumstances, for these personnel
indeed form a distinct social group
because of the special conditions of
their lives.
Within the limits designated for them
and with regard to the persons entrusted
to them, priests, who are appointed
chaplains, enjoy the rights and are bound
to the duties of pastors.
The following are the subjects of
the Military Ordinary all Catholic
Chaplains in the service, all civilian
priests, diocesan or religious, who are
properly and officially appointed as
volunteer chaplains in the service of the
Military Ordinariate, all Catholic civilian
employees, their spouses and children,
residing either inside or outside of
military installations, Catholic families
of active military personnel, namely:
the spouses, children, helpers, and
those who habitually live within the
same house, whether inside or outside
a military installation (camps, posts,
stations) or in homes reserved by the
civil government for military personnel
and their families, both men and women,
or members of a religious institute, who
carry out in a permanent way tasks
committed to them by the Military
ordinary, or with his consent.
 Features
CBCP Monitor
B4 Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009

By Linda G. Valenzona
Diocese of Antipolo defeats RH
Ordinance
Last July 21, 2008 the City Council of
Antipolo alarmed its residents with the
approval of City Ordinance No. 2008-2
entitled “An Ordinance providing for the
Antipolo Health Care Code of 2008 under
the sponsorship of Councilor Alexander
Marquez as head of the Committee on
Health and the leadership of Mayor
Victor Sumulong. It was of course a
template of House Bill 5043, the infamous
bill now being debated in Congress. There
were in all three versions ratified by the
City Council on the same day but signed
by different council members. Since no
public hearings were conducted on the
can enact laws related to public order such
as traffic laws, laws on waste disposal,
etc. but it cannot enact a city ordinance
on Reproductive Health especially when
such an issue was still being hotly debated
in Congress and when such ordinance
is clearly in conflict with the provisions
of the Constitution on the protection
of the unborn from the moment of
conception.
In an interview, Bishop Reyes attributed
the defeat of the RH ordinance to the
obvious protection of our Lady of Antipolo;
otherwise it is difficult to understand how
the City Council fumbled in writing up
the RH ordinance when they already had
a template to follow. He also attributed it
to the excellent doctrinal formation of the
residents of Antipolo due to the sustained
the right of every citizen to express his
opinion and to advocate laws in keeping
with his beliefs and convictions is the
very essence of the democracy. He was
merely exercising this right that belongs
to every citizen. Moreover, he clarified
that the harmful effects of contraception
on women and on the unborn violates a
natural law that is applicable not just to
Catholics but to every human being.
Senator Pimentel tackles the same
ticklish issue of Church and State
relationship when he relates how
Singapore’s President Lee responds
to the request regarding legislating on
the issue of gay rights with a simple
criteria—legislators should go with
what people want. If this same principle
would be applied to the RH issue Senator
Secretary of Episcopal Commission on
Family and Life (ECFL). I was completely
aghast when I realized that since the
TWG was going through line by line
to finalize the Senate version of the RH
bill, Fr. Melvin’s presence would have
been taken to mean that the Church was
now agreeable to amending the RH bill.
Fortunately we were in time to warn him
about it. He called a press conference the
next day in order to make in clear that no
amount of amendments could ever make
the RH bill acceptable to the Church.
The Senate version still comes from the
same template. However, it is obvious
PLCPD (which is part of the Senate TWG)
has learned from their experience with
Congress. I annotated the Senate version
for Senator Nene Pimentel, our pro-life
the advocacy of the cause of sexual rights
for children. This is why some people have
come to call sex education as promiscuity
education. A very important principle in
the Church insistence that sex education is
the parents’ right and duty is that morality
should be integral to explaining of human
sexuality to their children.
“The State shall address and seek to
eradicate discriminatory practices, laws
and policies that infringe on a person’s
exercise of sexual and reproductive
health and rights.” Perhaps at this point
it is important to make a distinction
between sexual and reproductive rights.
Implicit to this necessity is the fact break
between sexuality and reproduction. In
other words sexual rights looks at human
sexuality divorced from reproduction as
a source of enjoyment. Moreover, sexual

Legislative Watch
passage of this ordinance the citizens rights also include the idea that the
of Antipolo were caught flat-footed individual should be given the freedom
and flabbergasted over the possibility of choice in areas of sexual orientation.
of a massive contraceptive program in In a traditionally Christian society
their city. only married couples have sexual and
The concerned citizens of Antipolo reproductive rights because only married
rose up in arms and under the leadership people have the right to the marital
of Bishop Gabriel Reyes mapped a plan act—this is why we call it the marital
of action which included a mass rally, act in the first place! The very explicit
the conduct of a sustained educational statement giving the State the mandate
campaign at the parish level, a signature to guarantee the sexual and reproductive
campaign and the submission of a rights therefore means that the State will
carefully researched position paper. The now be an instrumentality to promoting
latter contained a number of compelling sexual promiscuity. Both Senate and
arguments to move for the revocation of House versions insist that artificial
the ordinance. contraception programs be given to any
Fortunately for the citizens of Antipolo one—on demand and everyone means
the City Council could not seem to get its young or old, married or single. This is
act together. Some attribute these mistakes tantamount to a denial of the traditional
to our Lady of Antipolo who could not norm that the marital act is only for
allow something like this to happen to her married people.
city. The fumblings included the obvious In the Guiding Principles in Section 3,
addition of objectionable provisions, SB 3122 states: “Freedom of choice, which
terms and conditions, “the unauthorized is central to the exercise of any right, must
amendments and intercalations” which be fully guaranteed by the State like the
grossly violated the due process that right itself”. I was struck by the comment
should be followed in enacting a law. of Senator Nene—that the Constitution
These insertions were needed because and any law for that matter, does not
the all-important phrase “reproductive guarantee freedom; in fact what it does
health” had been omitted. Though they is it limits freedom in the pursuit of the
were given a template the Antipolo City common good. Laws forbid us to kill, to

© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media

Council just could not get it right the first
time. Apparently this failure to follow due
process together with insufficient public
consultations was such a gross violation
of the law-making process that the RH
ordinance was doomed to be declared
null and void.
Limits to Legislative Power of
Sangguniang Panglunsod
The position paper also pointed out
that the legislative power given to the
Sangguniang Panglunsod are limited to
denominated ordinances, that is, they
are inferior in status and subordinate to
the laws of the State. Hence an ordinance
in conflict with the state law of general
character and statewide applications
cannot be valid. Based on precedent court
rulings the position paper insisted that
“municipal authorities, under general
grant of power, cannot adopt ordinances
which infringe upon the spirit of a state
law or repugnant to the general policy
of the state. In every power to pass
ordinances given to a municipality,
there is an implied restriction that the
ordinance must be in accordance with
the general law (Batangas CATV v. Court
of Appeals, GR 1388, September 20,
2004)”. The Sanggunian’s exercise only
delegated legislative powers conferred on
them by Congress. As mere agents, local
governments are vested with the power
of subordinate legislation (Magtajas v.
Pryce, GR 111097, July 20, 1994).
I wanted to cite the legal precedents
to complete the documentation of these
events but, put simply, the City Council
implementation of the Subtle Attacks
Against the Family Explained—a Seven-
Module Program initiated by Fr. Greg
Gaston since 2000. This program formed
the core group that acted as a steering
committee directing the different advocacy
activities against the RH ordinance. Bishop
Reyes himself actively pursued a non-
confrontational approach in his dialogue
with the local politicians.
He led the citizen groups to request
for a hearing from the Provincial Board
when he found out that as a component
city the ordinances of the Sangguniang
Panglunsod needed the approval of
the Provincial Board before they could
be ratified. Upon the death of Mayor
Sumulong, he eventually negotiated
with Mayor Leible for the revocation
of the RH Ordinance. His advice to the
Church leaders and Catholic citizens in
those areas that have been assailed with
similar RH ordinances is to adopt a non-
confrontational approach and study the
situation carefully. What is important is
to clearly understand the legal process in
order to define effective strategies.
Since he played such a key role in this
process I decided to ask Bishop Reyes
regarding the ticklish issue of separation
of Church and State. He insisted that
Pimentel claims that since 80% of the
Philippine society are Catholics then
legislators should respect the sensibilities
of the majority.
Updates on the RH Bill
Althoughthereisnoroomforcomplacency
HB 5043 faces difficult sailing in the Lower
House with 28 Congressmen cueing to
interpellate the bill’s author. Rumors are
spreading around that supporters of the
bill intend to “strong-arm” the Congress
leadership to move the bill from the period
of debate to the period of amendments
regardless of this long line. I spoke about
this with Congressman Golez and his reply:
“How can that happen when we still have so
many questions?” Another lawyer friend of
mine told me that should Lagman succeed
in railroading this for a vote regardless of
the line-up of interpellators he told me that
this would be serious grounds for filing a
complaint to the Supreme Court to declare
the law null and void.
The Senate version of the RH Bill (SB
3122) has also entered into the period of
debate when Senate reconvened about
a month ago. Sometime in March, I
happened to butt into the Technical
Working Group (TWG) meeting to which
they had invited Fr. Melvin, Executive
stalwart in the Senate and discovered
how devious it is. Out of the blue, in the
declaration of policy it mentions how the
State “guarantees the promotion of the
welfare and rights of children.” How in
the world can rights of children come to
be mentioned side by side with women’s
reproductive rights? The answer to this
question is that they want to prepare
the way for claiming that children also
have sexual rights (not reproductive
rights!) and should have access to
artificial contraception regardless of
consent of parents! Of course this is just
an introduction because eventually when
they will have achieved their goal for
decriminalizing abortion they will want
to demand that children can also seek an
abortion without parental consent! This
pursuit of sexual and reproductive rights
becomes obvious in the last sentence in
the Declaration of Policy.
This conclusion regarding the targeting
of children is not so farfetched when
we look at the contents of Section 4, n. 2
“Adolescent sexuality” refers to, among
others, the reproductive system, gender
identity, values or beliefs, emotions,
relationships and sexual behavior of
young people as social beings. The sense
that we would get from this definition is
steal, to break traffic laws, etc. We are
not absolutely free. Hence women cannot
claim unlimited and absolute right over
their bodies to the detriment of the right
of the unborn to life.
“Active participation by and thorough
consultation with non-government
organizations, communities and people’s
organizations is crucial to ensure that
reproductive health and population
and development policies, plans, and
programs will address the priority
needs of the poor, especially women.”
(Section 3 H) The Constitution mandates
to safeguard the sanctity of the family
and marriage. In Article XV (4) it talks
of “The right of families or family
associations to participate in the planning
and implementation of policies and
programs that affect them.” The RH
program ultimately impacts mostly on
the family. Given this Constitutional
protection the family by far the one who
should be consulted before undertaking
programs and measures mandated by
this RH legislation. The same consultation
process must be demanded from those
who are formulating the sex education
curriculumn that will be taught in
school.
Senator Pimentel will be alone in
championing the pro-life cause against
SB 3122. In spite of this he is undaunted
and has come out with a very creative
strategy that will be full of surprises
for the Lagman camp. Indeed we can
be proud of the presence of sincere and
upright lawmakers in both Houses to
advance the pro-life cause.

The Heart / B1

Biblical apostolate holds Bible To let oneself be totally won

over by Christ! This was the
shortcomings, our limitations
and our weaknesses must lead us
“fear of God”: the fear of being
able to deprive of so much good,

seminars for ‘May They Be One’ purpose of the whole life of St

Paul to whom we have devoted
back to the Heart of Jesus.
Indeed, if it is true that sinners,
through our negligence or fault,
those souls entrusted to us, or

Bible campaign
TWO series of Bible formation
seminars aimed at teaching
participants how to do personal
study of the Bible as well as to carry
out Bible formation programs in
their own parishes were conducted
for four Saturdays, May 9-31, and
on June 20.
Organized by the Manila
Archdiocese Biblical Apostolate
(AMBA) the “Bible Preachers I
Seminar” was conducted as a
formation program of the “May
They Be One” (MTBO) Bible
Campaign.
MTBO is a Bible distribution and
formation campaign that seeks to
put Bibles in five million Filipino
homes in the next five years.
Jointly spearheaded by the
EpiscopalCommissionontheBiblical
Apostolate(ECBA)andthePhilippine
Bible Society (PBS), the undertaking
is in response to Jesus’ prayer for all
His followers to be one.
The half-day Bible formation
graduated 80 participants from
different parishes in Manila (12
representatives each) who were
given commissioning certificates
from AMBA.
“These ‘Bible apostles’ may
present their certificates to their
parish priests and volunteer for
their parish’s Bible apostolate,”
explains Fr. Tony Navarette,
Director of the Archdiocese of
Manila Biblical Apostolate.
The participants can
duplicate these trainings
in their parishes, and
be actively involved
in transforming their
communities through the
Word of God.
According to Navarette, there
is no age requirement to sign up
for the Bible formation so long as
they have the confidence to share
God’s Word.
Among the topics covered
during the seminar were: The
Dogmatic Constitution on Divine
Revelation, General Introduction
to the Old and New Testament
and Literary Types, and Methods
of Biblical Interpretation.
AMBA Director since 2003,
Navarette is a strong advocate of
Bible formation.
He emphasizes that MTBO
should be a marriage of Bible
distribution and Bible formation.
He believes that Bible distribution
and formation must have a
symbiotic relationship lest those
who can teach and share just scatter
the precious Word of God and not
really teach it.
“If you read and study it, you
can’t help but fall in love with
God’s Word,” says Navarette.
A strong advocate and supporter
of MTBO, Navarette with his team
of Bible promoters offer to help
parishes and dioceses put up their
own
Bible
Team
a n d
impart
the Bible
Formation
Program
they are
implementing
i n t h e Archdiocese of
Manila.
The MTBO campaign is the
Philippine Church’s response
to the 12th Ordinary Synod of
Bishops held in Rome last year
which called for a deeper Bible
engagement for all Catholics.
“May They Be One” is a vehicle
for people to have renewed interest
in the Bible,” says Navarette.
“When people are interested
in the Bible, they will listen to
God’s Word. When they listen
to God’s Word, they will live
out the principles of the Bible.
When all of us live by God’s
Word, then our desire of a truly
transformed Philippines shall soon
be achieved,” he added.
The five-year Bible campaign is
rooted on the vision of making the
Philippines become a transformed
nation through God’s Word by
putting 5 million Bibles in the
homes of poor Filipino families.
The Bibles will be sold at a
subsidized price of P50 each copy.
(CBCPNews/Normi Alvaira)
our attention during the Pauline
Year which is now drawing to
a close; this was the goal of the
entire ministry of the Holy Curé
d’Ars, whom we shall invoke in
particular during the Year for
Priests; may it also be the principal
objective for each one of us.
In order to be ministers at the
service of the Gospel, study and
a careful and continuing pastoral
and theological formation is of
course useful and necessary, but
that “knowledge of love” which
can only be learned in a “heart to
heart” with Christ is even more
necessary. Indeed, it is he who
calls us to break the Bread of his
love, to forgive sins and to guide
the flock in his name. For this very
reason we must never distance
ourselves from the source of
Love which is his Heart that was
pierced on the Cross.
Only in this way will we be
able to cooperate effectively
in the mysterious “plan of the
Father” that consists in “making
Christ the Heart of the world”!
This plan is brought about
in history, as Jesus gradually
becomes the Heart of human
hearts, starting with those who
are called to be closest to him:
priests, precisely.
We are reminded of this
ongoing commitment by the
“priestly promises” that we made
on the day of our Ordination
and which we renew every
year, on Holy Thursday, during
the Chrism Mass. Even our
in contemplating him, must learn God forbid of harming them.
from him the necessary “sorrow The Church needs holy priests;
for sins” that leads them back ministers who can help the
to the Father, it is even more so faithful to experience the merciful
for holy ministers. How can we love of the Lord and who are his
forget, in this regard, that nothing convinced witnesses.
makes the Church, the Body of In the Eucharistic Adoration
Christ, suffer more than the sins that will follow the celebration
of her pastors, especially the sins of Vespers, let us ask the Lord
of those who are transformed into to set the heart of every priest
“a thief and a robber” of the sheep on fire with that “pastoral
(Jn 10: 1 ff.), or who deviates from charity” which can enable him
the Church through their own to assimilate his personal “I” into
private doctrines, or who ensnare that Jesus the High Priest, so that
the Church in sin and death? he may be able to imitate Jesus in
Dear priests, the call to the most complete self-giving.
conversion and recourse to May the Virgin Mary, whose
Divine Mercy also applies to us, Immaculate Heart we shall
and we must likewise humbly contemplate with living faith
address a heartfelt and ceaseless tomorrow, obtain this grace for
invocation to the Heart of Jesus us. The Holy Curé d’Ars had a
to keep us from the terrible risk filial devotion to her, so profound
of harming those whom we are that in 1836, in anticipation of the
bound to save. proclamation of the Dogma of
I have just had the opportunity the Immaculate Conception, he
to venerate in the Choir Chapel consecrated his parish to Mary,
the relic of the Holy Curé D’Ars: “conceived without sin”.
his heart. It was a heart that He kept up the practice of
blazed with divine love, that frequently renewing this offering
was moved at the thought of the of his parish to the Blessed Virgin,
priest’s dignity and spoke to the teachingthefaithfulthat“tobeheard
faithful in touching and sublime it was enough to address her”, for
tones, affirming that “After God, the simple reason that she “desires
the priest is everything! ... Only above all else to see us happy”.
in heaven will he fully realize May the Blessed Virgin, our
what he is” (cf. Letter, Year for Mother, accompany us during
Priests, p. 3). the Year for Priests which we are
Dear Brothers, let us cultivate beginning to day, so that we are
this same emotion in order to able to be sound and enlightened
carry out our ministry with guides for the faithful whom the
generosity and dedication, or Lord entrusts to our pastoral
to preserve in our souls a true care. Amen!
 Statements
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
B5

Bishop writes to his priest

A Pastoral Letter
of the Diocese
of Malaybalay
on Political
Education

© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media

“I pray . . . that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me
and I in you.” (Jn 17: 21)

My dear people of God in the Diocese of Malaybalay:

Bishop Romulo de la Cruz
Dear Father,
Peace be with you! Today I join the bishops
of the World in thanking the Holy Father,
Pope Benedict XVI, for declaring June 19, 2009
to June 19, 2010 as YEAR FOR PRIESTS. As
we begin the year-long celebration today, the
Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,
I am writing to express to you my personal
thanks and appreciation for who and what
you are—a PRIEST of and for the Diocese
of Kidapawan and the whole Church. I am
sure that my sentiments echo those of the lay
people and the religious Sisters and Brothers
here in the Diocese. With this letter I am
requesting them to pray for you and your
fellow priests.
How wonderful it must be for you and
the priests of the world to feel and know
that you are loved and appreciated. It is not
everyday that you get affirmations or receive
encouragements from the people you serve,
perhaps much less from your bishop. During
this whole year and onwards, would that I
be more expressive of my love, affirmation
and appreciation to you, dear Father.
What can the shepherd that I am, really
do without you? You celebrate the daily
and Sunday Masses for your parishioners,
and they are nourished. You baptize, you
bless, you officiate at weddings, you hear
confessions and anoint the sick, and they are
nurtured. You visit homes, offices, hospitals
and schools, and people see God himself
visiting them. You spend hours in prayer and
study preparing your homilies and lectures,
and people are grateful that you make the
Word of God and church teachings beneficial
to their lives.
Thank you, Father, for these and many
more that you do every single hour of
the day. Thank you for your sacrifices,
for your love for your people. I see you
many times tired and exhausted yet still
able to smile and make me feel welcome
in your convento (Parish Rectory). I am
sure that you would like to have the spirit
of St. John Mary Vianney, Patron Saint
of Priests in whose honor this year is
dedicated in commemoration of his 150th
Death Anniversary. The Pope said that the
Cure d’ Ars is “a true example of a pastor
at the service of Christ’s flock.” I wish to
entrust you, Father, to his intercession and
protection and encourage you to ever imitate
his pastoral zeal as much as you can.
In announcing the Year for Priests, the Holy
Father points out very clearly your need to
“strive for spiritual perfection on which the
effectiveness of your ministry depends.”
He recalls that the bishop’s imposition of
hands and the consecratory prayer at your
ordination made you a new man. He wishes
that your important “role and mission in the
Church and in society” be ever more clearly
perceived by the people.
Without knowing that this year will be
declared a Year for Priests, I decided with
you and other priests at our Presbyterium
meeting on August 11, 2008 that it was high
time that we opened our College Seminary
in the Diocese. We felt then that so much
had been expended in the Diocese for
the “empowerment of the laity.” Indeed,
the Diocese has been blessed to have
many very active and participative BECs
(Basic Ecclesial Communities) or GKKs
(Gagmayng Kristohanong Katilingban)
which celebrate the Word of God every
Sunday and receive communion from well-
trained Kaabags (Extraordinary Ministers
of Holy Communion). We have good lay
leaders but we also need priests and more
priests for Kidapawan Diocese (we have
only 26 to boast of after 33 years as a local
church!).
How timely our decision is! The Holy
Father reminds us that “The centrality of
Christ brings with it the correct appreciation
of the ministerial priesthood without which
there would be neither the Eucharist, nor
even the mission nor the Church herself.”
Here I wish to say that if our BECs or GKKs
are really strong as we claim them to be,
then let more vocations to the Priesthood
and the Religious Life sprout, be born from
them. We thank the Lord that on June 3
this year our diocesan college seminary
opened with 25 young men enthusiastically
responding to the Lord’s call with the help
of two formators.
Yes, Father, I join the Pope in reminding
you again that the formation of the candidate
for the ministry needs your collaboration “by
cultivating truly fatherly human relations
and by taking an interest in their continuing
formation, especially from the doctrinal
and spiritual viewpoints.” We need more
priests but we also need you, Father, to
help us nurture the seminarians who made
their initial response to Christ’s call. Help
us to care and pray for our 13 theology
seminarians, 21 college seminarians in
Davao and in Cotabato, 25 here in Balindog,
Kidapawan, and 14 on pastoral or guided
regency.
Please encourage them, especially those
from your parish, to strive to persevere and
become holy, zealous and good shepherds
like Jesus and St. John Mary Vianney. Make
them feel that they are needed by the people,
by the Diocese, by the Church.
Finally, I ask you and your people to
pray in the home or in the Church the
Prayer for Priests and Anima Christi. The
Prayer for Priests is a wish of the Church
for you. Anima Christi may well be your
own desire to be filled by Christ, the Good
Shepherd, so that, as He was faithful to the
Father and fulfilled His mission to the end,
you may also be faithful to Christ and the
Priesthood forever.
May God bless you, Father. Do take care of
your health. Eat and drink with moderation.
Exercise and pray regularly. Remember, if
I may borrow the late Jaime Cardinal Sin’s
endearing words, I love you very dearly.
Sincerely your bishop,
+ROMULO T. DE LA CRUZ, DD
Bishop of Kidapawan
For the past three months, Talitha Kuom (a primer for
political education) has awakened more keenly the minds and
hearts of the faithful. It has given them direction and hope for
the future. Critics think that political education is a fruitless
exercise at this crucial time. However, such an exercise can
make a difference if we approach it systematically and in a
more organized and intelligible way. Hence, the importance
in using the Talitha Kuom for the purpose.
We have made a good start and are now in full swing.
The finishing line is ahead though not yet in sight (cf. 1 Cor.
9: 24-26). I ask that we make good use of the Primer for the
continuing socio-political formation and reflection for our
people in the Diocese:
The clergy and religious sisters and brothers: Let us be
united and act as a community of disciples of one mind and
heart with the Bishop and the local Church in working for the
social transformation of the community and society. Needless
to say, the Primer should be used extensively and in different
venues—in homilies and talks, in meetings and faith sharing
and other fora.
The Church apostolates (organizations, movements and
devotions): Even as you have your own unique charisms (cf.
1 Cor. 12), be one with the Church in addressing social issues
in the spirit of unity. It would be well for the apostolates to
reach out beyond your own group-centered interest or concern
for personal holiness and be one with others in addressing
social political needs of society and country. The Primer will
serve the purpose.
The youth: That the youth are the hope of our country can be
a reality if only all are of one mind in proclaiming and living
the truth of the gospel. You can be a powerful force for change
(cf. Talitha Kuom, Module C-3) for these coming elections.
Some politicians will try once again to take advantage of
your seeming naivete. Let not the unpleasant incidents of the
past be repeated. Having learned from them, be not afraid to
stand up to what is right. You can be involved by becoming a
Talitha Kuom volunteer and join various initiatives to bring
about change.
The families: As first catechists, parents should guide their
children how to use wisely their freedom of choice, to do
what is right and avoid what is wrong—to choose honesty
rather than deceit; truth rather than lie; meekness rather than
violence; forgiveness rather than vengeance; respect for the
dignity of the human person rather than manipulation and
coercion. Children should listen and obey their parents
as they explain to them the moral dimension of politics in
family sharing and discussion. Make the Primer part of moral
formation for parents and children.
The teachers: As educators, teachers look to the total
formation of the young entrusted to them. Besides educating
them towards academic excellence, they give priority to moral
and character building to enable them to live the values of
honesty and integrity. They are to be taught how to accept
the consequences of their actions and daily decisions. This
entails formation of conscience. To help you unto this end,
you can integrate the Primer into the subject matter or values
formation curriculum.
The businessmen and women: For the greater good of the
country and our common future, give your material and moral
support to candidates who are known for their competence,

Values involved in financial crisis

WE continue the reflection on the
different verses of our Apostolic
Vision in the Archdiocese of
Manila. This time we attune
ourselves with the current crisis
that affects the financial and
economic globe. What happens
to the money in one part of
the world influences money-
making and the use of money in
other places of the same world,
including the Philippines. It is
for this reason that we make this
reflection.
It is hard to make money; it
is harder to make proper and
responsible use of hard-earned
money. And this brings us to the
question of values. In moments of
crisis the question will ultimately
be asked: what went wrong with
values. What is it that I value most
or what do I really desire most
in my work, among friends and
ultimately in my whole life?
Change in Values means a
Change in one’s Lifestyle
A change in value scale of any
individual will mean a change
in one’s style of life. I vividly
remember a dialogue I had once
with a group of housewives
from the farmlands in Bukidnon.
These women complained in
that open discussion against
their husbands. When life was
hard and tough and they had
difficulties making both ends
meet, they had only one “one
fighting cock” in the yard. “Isa
lamang ang kanilang tinaling
sasabungin”. But after a bumper
crop harvest the previous year,
they had eight fighting cocks to
take care of. This only proves that
the moment one’s resources have
improved, the style of life begins
to change.
Values have a great influence
in the life of anyone. Money has
a way of changing the behavior
and the ideals of the person.
The more of it (money or things
material) you have, the more will
man desire will they desire it...
And the more repeatedly you
have “the more”, the less will
it satisfy.
Now that we are talking of
values allow me to bring in the
ideas of Abraham H. Maslow,
a humanist psychologist, who
said that human desires tend to
form a hierarchy of importance.
Hindi lahat ng gusto ay pare-
pareho. Ang gusto ngayon,
bukas ay hindi na. Mas malaki
na ang hangad sa makalawa!
In life the changes in values is
evident in what people seek. In
the beginning one thought the
tricycle will answer all the needs
to go around the town; then the
craving for a jeep took over. Now
it is SUV.
“As a want of a lower order
is being satisfied, it becomes
less and less important, with
a want of the next highest-
order becoming more and more
important… What matter is
the insight that wants are not
absolute: the more a want is being
satisfied, the less its satisfaction
matters”. (PETER DRUCKER,
People and Performance, p.
216). The truth about values
and behavior is evident in the
way we have things; our houses,
offices, garages and bodegas
are cluttered with objects we
thought we urgently needed.
Value scaling easily transits to
greed. The worst part is that we
may not be aware of our own
hierarchy of avarice.
Avarice and Greed Silently lurk
behind the Desire for More
It now appears that in making
money (earning) and in the
management of money (banking
and saving) the value system
of the person has been badly
devastated. At the root of the
present financial and economic
crisis is a moral or ethical problem.
People who handle huge amount
of money or resources have lost
their values; with management
they co-opt both the—present
and the future. The idea of
honesty and transparency is lost.
Management as the supreme
form of stewardship is only
imaginary. What I have is not
completely and ultimately mine.
We will be responsible not only
for what we hold in possession,
but even for what we have
desired. “Thou shalt not covet
they neighbors’ good”, so says
integrity and concern for the common weal of our people
especially the poor. Invest on those candidates whose motive
for running is the interest of the whole country and not just
their own personal and economic gain. Be guided by the
Primer to keep your focus on the greater profit the welfare of
the Tenth Commandment. our people. To learn how politics can influence our economic
Very recently it was revealed future, be guided by the Primer.
through investigations that at The AFP and PNP: As soldiers and guardians of the people
the root of the world financial and our country, make yourselves truly servants of the people,
crisis was the selfish managerial the majority of whom have less in life and law. It is mostly
conduct of many a CEO (Chief the poor and the powerless whose rights and dignity are
Executive Officer) and GMs violated. Be aware of their need for extra protection. Hence,
(General Managers) who took do not allow yourselves to be used in exchange for favor or
it to themselves to cut the pie of promises during the political campaign period and especially
investments in such ways that at election time. The Primer will refresh you on your role as
the larger slice of compensation protectors of the people; and finally
is always on their side. Some are The local and national political leaders: You can reclaim
completely without morals that the confidence of the people in our political system by your
given by their Government some example of honesty during the campaign period and time
aid in the form of “buy off”, they of elections. Concentrate on presenting to the voting public
first proceeded to their blowout your platform and the issues that you spouse and stand for.
parties and self-compensatory Be one with them in their desire for all candidates to conduct
acts. It is evident that in the themselves like true statesmen who can rise above politics
management of resources two of personalities and who can disagree in an agreeable way
important things are required and discuss issues objectively. The Primer will be a good
by an ethical behavior. reminder for political candidates not to repeat the mistakes
of the past.
What Everyone needs to be The political turbulence the country is facing is not all that
Moral in the Use of Money or bad. It is a wakeup call for all of us to unite and participate
its Equivalent in keeping the ship of state afloat and on course. By holding
The first requisite for a moral on together, we can achieve the common goal of making the
conduct is discipline. No person forthcoming elections more credible, clean and honest. We
can be moral without full control can overcome evil with good (cf. Rom. 12: 21) for the children
of self. To do what is good and of the light are no less wiser than the children of the dark (cf.
to avoid what is evil is not left Lk 16: 1-8).
to chance or the whim and fancy It is my prayer that we may all be one as Jesus and His
of the individual. It requires Father is one (cf. Jn. 17: 21).
personal and consistent effort to
be good. Even the management of In Our Lord,
the home demands an enormous
degree of discipline or “dying to † HONESTO Ch. PACANA, SJ, DD
self”. For how can anyone explain Bishop of Malaybalay
the mutual fidelity of the spouses July 29, 2009
to one another, the unfailing Feast of Peter and Paul
guidance and accompanying of
Values / B7
 Ref lections
CBCP Monitor
B6 Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009

The medium and the message

By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo
WHEN Manny Pacquiao
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time - B (Mark 6:7-13); July 12, 2009 scored a huge knockdown
over Ricky Hatton last May
3, 2009, almost the entire
world knew the victory in
minutes. In the country, the
news swiftly spread, and
there was much rejoicing in
the streets. That is because
good news, like love, is
diffusive. A victory in battle,
a winner by a landslide in an
election, a topnotcher in bar
examinations—good news
like all this is too good to be
ignored. The same may be
said of the Gospel. The word
“gospel” literally means
good news—the good news
of what God has done to his
people. And like anything
that brings glad tidings, it is
meant to be announced by
those who receive it. That is
why, in today’s Gospel, the
disciples of Jesus were told
to go on mission, preaching
in good news of the kingdom
(Mark 6:7)
The readings today give us a glimpse
of what this mission to preach is all about,
Illustration by Bladimer Usi
and how are we to understand it.
First, although people measure the
success of a preacher in terms of his
ability to gather thousands of listeners,
yet, when it comes to preaching the
Gospel, what matters is not the apparent
success or failure of the evangelizer or
the missionary. Rather, what is of the
essence is his fidelity to the Gospel
message. Amos denounced Jeroboam’s
government of injustice and inhuman
policies, and delivered God’s word
against him that Amaziah, the priest,
thus summarized: “Jeroboam shall die
by the sword, and Israel shall surely
be exiled from its land” (Amos 7:11).
It did not matter that his message was
not accepted by Jeroboam and Amaziah;
what was important was that Amos
was faithful to God’s word to him: “Go,
prophesy to my people Israel” (Amos
7:13). In the gospel, the disciples were
told that the people could refuse them
(Mark 6:11). What we really need are
preachers, priests, catechists who are
faithful to the Word of God!
Second, the proclamation of the Word
must be free. It is not meant to protect or
to be subservient to particular interests,
social classes or ideologies, or to the State.
Sometimes, it happens that a preacher
would try to tame the Word so it will
not hurt people, on the guise that the
Church must not create enemies, but
rather gather them to the Church. Still,
a preacher must not defang the gospel.
Amos did not emasculate the word by,
for example, making it sweet to the ears of
Amaziah. On the contrary, he denounced
the injustice in selling the poor for sandals
(Amos 2:6) while the rich drank from the
basin (Amos 6:4), and the corruption that
resulted from prosperity. He called spade
a spade, even if this was not pleasing
to the ears of the King, and would lead
The medium / B7

Fr. Roy Cimagala

Failures in leadership and
Rebels and radicals the task of shepherds
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time - B (Mark 6:30-34)
July 19, 2009
IN our spiritual life, there’s no other way but enter into compromises with sin and evil, We need to sharpen our skills and
for us to be genuine rebels and radicals. We when we are not clear about what’s right techniques for this spiritual warfare. We have
need to fight not only from time to time, but and wrong, when we make ourselves, rather to concretize our strategies, with clear goals, By Msgr. Lope C. Robre- God by not governing the people
actually all the time. than God, as the final point of reference in arms and means, and even a time frame. We with wisdom and (economic and
And we need to go to the roots, the our decisions. have to descend from the level of generalities dillo
political) justice; so they were
“radices,” of our problems and weaknesses. The struggle can take very subtle forms. to that of specific details. scattered and exiled to Babylon
If we are serious with our spiritual life, then The frontlines and the terms of engagement We have to be ready to go off-road and to AFTER the Second World War, (Jer 23:2). This recalls God’s
there’s no escaping having to go deeper into are always changing. As they say, all is fair cruise uncharted waters in these battles. we saw the emergence of various word to Ezekiel in the parable
the causes of our struggles. We cannot remain in war as in love. We can never sit pretty and In this we have to carry St. Paul’s attitude. forms of division. The partition of the shepherd: “Woe to the
on the superficial level. think we are already quite ok with any given He once said: “I run not as at uncertainty. I of Berlin into East and West shepherds of Israel who have
Our life is actually a warfare. Our heart “acceptable” situation. fight not as one beating the air.” (1 Cor 9, was a microcosm of the political been pasturing themselves! …
is the battle ground between the forces of New challenges will always come. If it’s 26) We need to see to it that we leave no division between Socialism and You have fed off their milk, worn
good and evil, between God and the devil. not the physical aspect, then it can be the stone unturned in securing our victory in Capitalism. The fantastic wealth their wool, and slaughtered the
The struggle admits of no let- the struggle. of the First World countries is fatlings, but the sheep you have
up, though it’s also true that we Our life is actually a warfare. Our But in all this rigor of war, we morally difficult to reconcile not pastured… You did not
have to wage it with as exquisite have to realize always that the
naturalness as possible.
heart is the battle ground between fight is a war of love and peace.
with the poverty of the Third bring back the strayed nor seek
World, and the economic gulf the lost, but you lorded it over
In fact, waging our spiritual war the forces of good and evil, between When we are always with God, between them is wider than them harshly and brutally. So
with naturalness, even with poise God and the devil. The struggle there’s always that interior peace ever. In the Bible, sin is described they were scattered for lack of a
and elegance, is the capping touch
of the struggle. It can be the most
admits of no let-up, though it’s also that will accompany us, a peace
that the world cannot give. No
in various ways, and one of shepherd, and became food for all
the common descriptions is the wild beasts” (Ezek 34:3-6).
demanding part, since it can be true that we have to wage it with as bitter zeal is involved. This is the that it is a separation of man But God’s will is not division;
the most difficult requirement of exquisite naturalness as possible. most revolutionary aspect of this from God and of man from his rather, it is atonement—that is
charity, with which our struggles warfare. fellowmen. But if men have to say, at-one-ment: to bring
should be pursued. emotional, the psychological, then the social, Not only peace is enjoyed. In spite of our become divided, it is because people in union with Gold and
This is because we are a precious object professional, whatever. The permutations human limitations, with God we would know they separated themselves from with men. Thus the prophecy
of desire, so to speak. We are nothing less among these aspects can be endless. how to face all dangers. Again St. Paul’s words God. The story of the Tower of of Jer 23:4: “Ï myself will gather
that images and likenesses of God, children If it’s not a matter of the flesh, then it can be give us an idea: Babel demonstrates how the sin the remnant of my flock from all
of his, meant to participate in the very life a matter of our spirit. This happens when our “Who then shall separate us from the love of pride can result in the almost the lands to which I have driven
of God. In fact, we are meant to live the intelligence and will refuse to gear to God as of Christ? Tribulation, or distress, or famine, infinite divisions of men and them and bring them back to
“fullness of God.” their proper object. The flesh will always find or nakedness, or danger, or persecution, women and the scattering of the meadow; there they shall
For God, he’ll do everything to bring us to a way to dominate over the spirit. Just give or the sword? ...But in all these things we humanity (Gen 11:9) increase and multiply. I will
him. For the devil, he’ll also do everything it a little opening, and it surely will wedge overcome, because of him that has loved What causes the division and appoint shepherds for them who
to take us away from him. We, with our its way to create a big fissure. us.” (Rom 8, 35-37) scattering of women and men? will shepherd them so that they
intelligence and free will, are at the middle As to the spiritual enemies of our soul, We have to listen to Christ’s reassuring Various are the factors, but need no longer fear and tremble,
to decide with side to take. they are the most treacherous since they words: “Don’t be afraid of those that kill the even to date, one who looks at and none shall be missing.” This
The choice can be difficult, precisely can appear as angels of light, morphing body, and are not able to kill the soul. Rather the problem theologically can prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus.
because we can tend, with our freedom, to themselves into attractive images to seduce fear him that can destroy both soul and body be almost certain that, among In the gospel today, Jesus took
complicate our life. This happens when we us and drag us to their dominion. in hell.” (Mt 10, 28) others, it comes from shepherds pity on the people and, unlike
who separated themselves from Zedekiah, took the role of a
Bo Sanchez God, and who, for that reason, shepherd. How is it fulfilled? In
failed in the task of leading and the gospel, Jesus feed them with
guiding the people. Thus, king the word. According to the 2nd
Zedekiah separated himself from Failures / B7

Bless the world with one thing

“HOW are you, Phillip?” I asked
a friend one day.
Phillip retorted, “I’m fine. My
son died in an accident, my house
burned down, my wife ran away
with another man, I lost my job
last week, and my doctor told me
I have lung cancer. Aside from
that, I’m okay.”
Phillip is the model stoic. I’ve
exaggerated his calamities to give
you a picture of a wrong way
of handling negative emotions:
to deny them and cover up our
pain.
I’m not surprised that Phillip
has cancer. Why? Because
any inner pain that we don’t
allow ourselves to feel will
manifest itself through tumors,
hypertension, heart disease,
muscle pains, ulcers. Because of
this, I have a fascinating hunch: I
bet that if I can only help people
acknowledge and feel their
hidden emotions of anger, fear,
worry, and grief, I’d probably
be able to remove 50% of their
physical diseases.
Because our bodies are
blueprints of our emotional life.
Sandra on the other hand is
Phillip’s opposite.
“How are you, Sandra?” I
asked her one day.
“Oh Bo,” she crumpled down
on my shoulder, “I don’t know
what to do with my life. Everyone
hates me. No one loves me!”
Do I cry with her? The first
time, yes. But the eighty-sixth
time?
Emotions need to be felt. And then,
unlike Sandra, you can let go.
Because you cannot let go what you
have not held! There are no short
cuts! You can’t go around them, over
them, or skip them. The only way is
through the negative emotion.
I’ve gotten used to her drama.
Because every time I see Sandra,
she always breaks down into
a river of tears. Only to find
out that her world was about
to end because a favorite shirt
got damaged in the washing
machine or her dog didn’t wag
his tail at her!
The good news is that between
Phillip and Sandra, there’s a
middle path: When we respect
our negative emotions as friends,
not monsters, as teachers, not
masters.
Negative emotions are the
windows of our soul—and they
will teach us about who we are
and what exactly we need from
God.
In a word, emotions need to be
felt. And then, unlike Sandra, you
can let go. Because you cannot let
go what you have not held! There
are no short cuts! You can’t go
around them, over them, or skip
them. The only way is through
the negative emotion.
My suggestion is simple.
Whenever you feel sad or
lonely or depressed or angry or
fearful—don’t run away from
it, cover it up with busyness
or entertainment, or worse,
silence the negative feeling with
an addiction. (All addictions,
whether to drink, food, bulimia,
shopping, or sex, is an escape
from feelings we don’t want to
face.)
My prescription: Whenever
you feel a negative emotion, be
alone in a room and just sit down
with it and feel it. Don’t judge
it, criticize it, intellectualize it,
explain it away. Allow yourself
to feel the pain. It’s okay.
(Feelings are not sin. Check out
the Psalms if you don’t believe
me!)
Accompany it—breathe into
it—and after awhile, you’ll feel
the anger or fear or sadness lose
it’s urgency and power. Allow
God to tenderly embrace you in
your pain.
And then, at the right time,
you can let go.
When you get healed of 50% of
your diseases, I’ll bill you.
Spirit of ecumenism
By Bishop Patricio H. Alo
IN the gospels we see samples
of our Lord’s attitude of love
and faith in people of different
groups and this could guide us
towards brethren of other faiths,
Christian or non-Christian. We
must not narrow ourselves since
Jesus warned us: “I tell you that
many will come from east and
west to take their places with
Abraham and Isaac and Jacob
at the feast in the kingdom of
heaven; but the subjects of the
kingdom will be turned out into
the dark, where there will be
weeping and grinding of teeth”
(Mt. 8:11).
“When Jesus entered
Capernaum, an army captain
approached him to ask his
help, ‘Sir, my servant lies sick
at home. He is paralyzed and
suffers terribly.’ Jesus said to
him ‘I will come and heal him.’
The captain answered ‘I am not
worthy to have you under my
roof. Just give an order and my
boy will be healed. For, I myself
am a man under orders and I
have soldiers under me. And if
I say to one: Go, he goes, and if I
say to another: Come, he comes,
and to my servant: Do this, he
does it. When Jesus heard this
he was astonished and said to
those who were following him,
‘I tell you, I have not found such
faith in Israel. I say to you, many
will come from east and west
and sit down with Abraham,
Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the
kingdom of Heaven; but those
who expected the kingdom will
be thrown out into the darkness;
there they will cry and grind
their teeth.’ Then Jesus said to
the captain, ‘Go home now. What
you believed will happen.’ And
that very moment his servant was
healed.” (Mt. 8:5-13)
“John said to him, ‘Master,
we saw a man who drove out
demons by calling upon your
name, and we tried to stop him
because he was not following us.’
Jesus answered, ‘Do not forbid
him, for no one who performs a
miracle in my name can soon after
speak evil of me. For whoever
is not against us is for us’” (Mk.
9:38-40).
 Social Concerns
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
B7

Trafficking the enslaved

By Fr. Shay Cullen the traffickers and convicting them,
there will be serious sanctions that
only the President of the United States
IT was for Jennifer, an all too familiar can waiver.
story similar to that of thousands in Asia The demand for trafficked children
and Eastern Europe. Born into poverty, and women is increasing and rewards
living in a poor village on Negros Island for the traffickers and brothel operators,
in the Philippines and dreaming of pimps and their political backers are
better life, Jennifer went with a recruiter huge. Some government officials are
and her parent’s approval to work as a part of the business giving operating
domestic helper in the capital Manila. permits and business licenses to the
But soon her naive dreams of earning sex bars. Here, the trafficked children
a modest wage for 12 hours a day to and women are incarcerated for the
help her five brothers and sisters were gratification of local and foreign sex
shattered when her employer and his tourists that come flocking in to abuse
sons abused and raped her. She was their and rape them with impunity. Then the
sexual slave for weeks and they took her foreigners return to their home county
out to parties with their friends and they looking for victims there.
too took turns abusing her. Tourist sending countries must realize
She cried all the next day but was that trafficking is a global trade and their
ignored. Like most trafficked persons, citizens are part of the problem. They
she was a virtual slave, unpaid, abused, create demand and pay big money for
guarded and forced to work. Jennifer children. A Doctor surgeon in Ireland
only escaped by complaining of a indicted for serial child sexual abuse was
toothache and ran out of the dentist’s a regular visitor to a children’s charity
office when her guard went to the in India where he sponsored several
bathroom. children and went to visit them regularly.
But it didn’t end there for she was A Dutch national set up a sex hotel in
ashamed to go home and believed what Olongapo City and sexually assaulted,
her master said, that she was “good abducted and raped the daughter of the
for nothing”. Soon, hungry and alone, manager. He then escaped prosecution
she was easily lured into one of the with the connivance of the prosecutor.
thousands of sex bars in Metro Manila Josef Fritz was a frequent sex tourist
which officials seem to encourage and in Thailand and returned to Austria
promote and frequent themselves. to abuse his daughter imprisoned in
The dirty business has spread to the the basement with whom he fathered
distant countryside and beach resorts several children.
and is entrenched in the sex cities where In the Philippines we see few
it is a big business. When Preda social convictions of any high profile traffickers
workers went to the distant tourist town or sex tourists. Many can buy their way
of Alaminos on a tip off, three young out. Some corrupt politicians that allow
girls 13 and 15 year-olds were rescued such dens of perversion gladly accept
with much difficulty while local police reelection money from the sex traffickers

http://vietnameseworkersabroad.wordpress.com/
did more to obstruct than to help. and their keepers.
Trafficking and exploitation of young What we need is the courage, faith
people for sex slavery is rampant and conviction to educate and build the
throughout the world. It is so bad that awareness of the public with the truth
the US State Department has an annual about this sex slavery and trafficking.
status report to the US Congress that This will eventually ignite moral outrage
gives grades to the countries that rank and a demand for morally upright
from the good to the bad. To be on the leaders capable of ending this evil and
special watch list is bad and that’s where the corruption that allows it to thrive.
the Philippines is once again. All of us must take a stand and open the
If it remains there for another year eyes and heart of the world to help the
without improving its record in catching victims and end the abuse.

Values / B5 The medium / B6

parents for their children without
self-sacrifice. Parents can share
with any of us the number of times
they had to forgo the immediate
purchase of a pair of pants or new
shoes to give way to the tuition
or “baon” of the children. Any
posturing of leadership whether
parental, social, economic or
national without discipline of
self cannot ultimately be moral. It
needs personal spiritual effort to
become a moral person. Morality
cannot be proclaimed, nor can it be
gained by advertising one’s self.
The second requisite for the
person’s moral conduct is not
to cause any one harm. (Never
to do evil). The Greek physician
Hippocrates prescribed for all
those who would be involved in
the healing profession never to do
anybody any harm. “PRIMUM
NON NOCERE”. Above all, not
knowingly to do harm to anyone.
This is positive manner of saying
avoid what is evil. Avoid hurting
anyone. So many times this
advisory is heard in the home,
the school, churches and streets.
It is still stated in the negative.
“Don’t” Huwag! Sinasaway! This
is the root of the Tagalog word
“pasaway”. The whole mentality
behind the second requisite is
preventive.
The third requisite for moral
conduct is very positive. It
sources from a mentality that
reaches out to another. It does
what is good whenever and
wherever good is perceived.
Moral individuals are proactive
persons; they make initiatives for
good, they do not wait that they
may retaliate. Obviously, high in
the value of moral persons is the
practice of sharing. Obviously
the CEO’s and GM’s mentioned
earlier in our reflection would
not fit rightly into the category of
moral management and stewards
we are today considering, just
as not all will be worthy of the
Kingdom of Heaven.
Sharing the Littlest Good
Unlocks the Gates to the
Kingdom of the Father
The kingdom of the Father is
a matter of sharing, of giving up
something for the sake of another.
Those who are incapable of and
are unwilling to share even the
smallest thing with another will
find it impossible (for them) to
dwell in the Father’s Kingdom.
The doors of the Father’s house
will be locked to those incapable
of sharing with the weakest.
We remember that in the Story
of Lazarus the Rich Man was
asking for a second chance, but
he was denied by God another
try. In everyone’s life on earth
every episode, every encounter
with a man in need is a prelude
to eternity and the unveiling of
Jesus Christ’s identity in the face
of the poor.
The mystery of eternity is that it
is hidden in the disguise of a few
seconds that long for charity and
compassion for the needy. It is so
easy to miss eternity by being too
careless with little things, simple
good acts and the unkempt face
of the poor.
We started the reflection by
saying that the root of the present
financial crisis that has enveloped
the world economy and societies
is ethical. That is true, but it would
be very wrong to insist that only
because we have the present
crisis and financial problems that
today we busy ourselves with
ethical issues. The problem of
desire, and the craving for more
is not just an economic and moral
problem. The insatiable lusting for
more—supported by desire and
strengthened by greed—is both
a psychological and a spiritual
problem. If that lust and desire
for resources, money and its
equivalent is so strong that it
becomes compulsive, then a more
professional help must be urged.
Detachment from anything or
Person not Rooted in God
However, most of us mortals
are in the same boat and what we
need is Christ until the storm of
our desires has passed, and we
have all reached the shore. Jesus
is whom we need and we may
address him like the apostles
did, “Lord, save us”. Jesus saved
the Apostles in the boat with
His Presence and His power.
When a heavily loaded boat is
threatened and about to capsize,
the command of the Captain
is to jettison the load. In the
human scale of values anything
can be thrown away in order
to save lives. For heaven and
eternal life everything can be cast
away. Money, power, prestige,
wealth, Presidency, Senatorship,
Barangay Captain’s office? This is
the reason why Jesus counseled
the rich young man, “Go, sell
your possessions, give to the poor
and come follow me”.
In all our scales of values God
must outbalance everything and
everyone. He tips the balance
always to His side. No one sits on
the opposite side of the balance
to even try to displace God. From
the idea of detachment the value
of the Kingdom enters from the
periphery to take the center,
because the idea of King brings us
in human language/expression
the supremacy of a God who
has neither equal or rival. And
because God is the Greatest, then
we are able to let go of everything,
we consent to be detached from
everything and everyone, even
from our spirituality, if only we
can be with God.
The moral persons, who truly
learn to love and serve God
and accepts Him as the greatest
(Kingdom), can be trusted
with resources, honor and the
economy of any institution,
Church and country. What they
call stewardship is nothing
but the proper management of
resources, monies and / or its
equivalent done by men who
are moral, transparent and
compassionate.
Stewardship does not mean
ownership, for when God said
“Let us make humans to our
image and likeness, and let them
be masters of the sea, the fish”
and the rest on earth He did not
mean exclusive ownership but
providential care for the created
resources for everyone to enjoy.
To live on earth as God’s image is
to share God’s gifts with others,
while using from it only what
s/he needs and allowing others
to share what is their share from
the bounty that is God’s. To claim
from the earth more than what he
needs is to destroy the balance of
God’s wisdom and mercy.
+GAUDENCIO B. CARDINAL
ROSALES
Archbishop of Manila
4 July 2009
(A talk of His Eminence
Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales
for the First Saturday Manila
Archdiocesan General Pastoral
Assembly (MAGPAS), delivered by
Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo
on July 4, 2009)
to his persecution. The Word of to the message. The gospel
God must not shy away from demands that the preacher should
confronting the hearer! be poor. As the Markan Jesus
Third, the proclaimer cannot instructed, the preacher is not to
lose sight of the purpose of take anything on his journey—no
preaching: it is intended not simply food, no traveling bag, not a coin
that the hearers will know the in the purse of his belt, no second
word of the Lord, for its purpose tunic (Mark 6:8-9). Of course, the
is not primarily information about point is not that the missionary in
God and man. Far more than mere our time has to get rid of his car,
intellectual knowledge, the word empty his freezer, throw away
of God being preached has for his credit cards. Rather, it is that
its main purpose the freedom of his lifestyle must be such that
man from all evil that oppresses other people will see in him the
him (Amos 2:6-7) on the one hand, living word of God. If he is to be
and the restoration of the whole credible to his hearers, he cannot
man (Mark 6:13) on the other. but remove everything that gets in
This includes forgiveness of sins the way of his proclamation of the
through Christ who redeemed word. In the 13th century, Francis
mankind (cf Eph 1:7-8), making of Assisi made it clear to all that
all believers into one community Jesus’ instruction can be followed,
under the headship of Christ, and poverty made his message
and under the Fatherhood of highly believable. In many cases,
God in the Spirit (vv 8-13). In the medium is also the message.
other words, preaching has for One cannot organize BECs if he
its purpose the total salvation of rides in the latest car model.
man in all the aspects of his life. This is what it means to
While one can appreciate those proclaim the Good News of the
who are very knowledgeable Kingdom of God. And every
about the Scripture, the point is Sunday, nay, every day, the
that knowledge of Scripture is instruction is given to us in
valuable if it is able to lead one the liturgy, when the celebrant
to Christ and action on behalf of dismisses the crowd: “Go, the
those in need. mass is ended.” What we heard
The last element that we ought in the liturgy of the word, what
to know about proclamation on we shared in the liturgy of the
the basis of the readings today eucharist, we proclaim and share
has something to do with the them with the rest of humanity—
messenger, unlike those already in our homes, in the market, at
mentioned which have reference the office, in streets.
Failures / B6
Reading, he removed the barrier so by our death, we have the
of hostility (the Law) that kept vocation to do our human part
people apart, and reconciled in the reconciliation of man with
them into one body through the God, which is the reconciliation
cross, his death (Eph 2:15-16). In between individuals, families,
other words, Jesus not only took and countries. God has called us to
care of his people, but he also be instruments of reconciliation.
died from them so that they could The will of God, as already
become one people of God. noted, is unity. As shepherds, it
Today, there is still much is incumbent upon us to abolish
division among people nay, it what keep us apart.

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(Family Name) (Given Name) (Middle Name)
has even multiplied. The political
division between Capitalism and
Socialism continues, despite the
This exhortation is specially
addressed to Christian leaders.
There is always much temptation
fall of the Russian Empire and for leaders to give priority to
Mailing Address _______________________________________________ the death of Mao Tse-Tung. their own position and power
The economic gulf between the rather than to service. Not
_________________________________________________ Wealthy and Powerful Countries surprisingly, some are interested
Phone No.: ________ Fax No.: ________ E-mail: ___________ and the Poor and Weak—but in giving rewards to flatterers,
euphemistically described as sycophants, and admirers, and
Mode of Payment Developing—Countries remains they knock down those who
 Check/PMO enclosed  Cash Payment unbridgeable. The cultural rift disagree with them—that is to
between the Colored and the say, those who tell the truth. They
(Payable to: CBCP Communications Development Foundation Inc.)
White continues to baffle us, are tempted to give importance
despite the recognition that all are to their own pockets, rather
_____________________________ equal, since others still feel they than the welfare of the people.
are more equal than others. And And so, the consequences are
Signature quarrels of religions have not clearly recognizable: we do not
stopped, for all the inter-religious progress as much as we have to,
dialogue and ecumenism. These we are back to square one, and
aside, we have to add the division remain a divided country. But
PLEASE SEND TO: in our own country, in our homes, Christian leaders have to make a
and among friends. Even so, as difference. They can set examples
CBCP Monitor, P.O. Box 3601, Manila, Philippines followers of Christ, we are called of shepherding and even offer
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Or e-mail this at cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.com to assume the role of shepherds. themselves for crucifixion. As
By our word and life, and more Jesus once did.
 B8
Ice Age 3 opens with the
usually gentle-mannered Manny
(Ray Romano) now a nervous
wreck because Ellie (Queen
Latifah) is due to give birth
anytime. Eventually, Sid (John
Leguizamo) turns from delighted
to devastate as he realizes he will
soon become an outcast to the
mammoth family. Meanwhile
Diego (Dennis Leary) thinks he
has lost his prowess as a hunter
when he fails to capture a gazelle
he has been stalking and decides
to leave his herd. But before he
is able to do so, Sid falls into an
ice crack and discovers three eggs
he believes were abandoned.
Despite warning from Manny,
Sid decides to adopt the eggs
and soon they hatch with 3
baby T-Rexes. Oblivious to what
they are, Sid happily ignores
his friends warnings and raises
his 3 new babies until the angry
mommy T-Rex shows up and
takes her 3 missing infants and
Sin into a hole in the ice. Now
Manny and Diego, with a very
pregnant Ellie and the usually
mischievous possum brothers
and the help of their new friend
Buck, a one eyed underground
MAC en COLET
Buhay Parokya
Look for the three items: Images of the Holy Spirit, Pope Pius IX and an altar. (Illustration by Bladimer Usi)
Entertainment
Moral Assessment
 Abhorrent
 Disturbing
 Acceptable
 Wholesome
 Exemplary
living weasel, must rescue Sid in
a land beneath the ice where an
entire world of dinosaurs have
survived.
This 3rd installment of the
sub-zero animation comes with
a strong storyline and clever
script. The CGIs are amazing as
audience is treated to a majestic
visual depth of 3D animation.
The action sequences are exciting
both for the intended viewers and
their adult companions. The cast
obviously has already found their
comfort zones and interacts with
each other well. And as always,
the quirky saber-toothed squirrel
Scrat steals the scenes whenever
he appears. The movie is well-
paced and enjoyable.
In between Sid’s mushiness,
Manny’s one-note laggardness
are wholesome life-lessons about
family and friendship being more
important above all. Just like the
first 2 films, Ice Age 3 emphasizes
the importance of learning to go
past ones differences and get
along to live in harmony. Being
one family and community
necessitates going past our
personal agendas and individual
desires. Instead it calls for us to
Ni Bladimer Usi
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
Technical Assessment
 Poor
 Below average
 Average
 Above average
 E
xcellent
Title: Ice Age 3: Dawn of the
Dinosaur
Running Time: 87 min.
Cast: Romano, John Leguiza-
mo, Denis Leary, Simon
Pegg, Sean William Scott,
Josh Peck, Queen Latifah
Director: Carlos Saldhana
Producer: Lori Forte John
Donkin
Screenwriters: Michael Berg
Peter Ackerman, Yoni
Brenner
Music: John Powell
Genre: Animation/ Sci-Fi Ad-
venture
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Location: Pre-Historic Times
Technical Assessment: 
½
Moral Assessment: 
CINEMA Rating: For viewers of
all ages
focus on protecting the interest
of each other at all costs.
The plot is straightforward and
simple enough for the children to
follow although some jokes are
better suited to an older audience,
the film still delivers a lovely
entertaining 97 minutes for the
entire family.
Napadpad ang magkakabata at dating magkasintahan na sina
Anna (Shaina) at Alex (Jake) sa Villa Estrella, isang lumang resort
na pag-aari ng pamilya nina Anna at pinag-iisipan na i-renovate
upang muling pagkakitaan. Labag sa kalooban ni Anna ang
pagsama kay Alex dahil may bago na siyang kasintahan, pero
kagustuhan ng kanyang ama na sumama siya at ayaw niya itong
suwayin. Kinailangan nilang manatili ng isang gabi para matapos
ang mga dapat asikasuhin at makapag-usap sina Anna at Alex
upang maibalik ang relasyon katulad ng nais ng kanilang mga
magulang. Samantala si Anna ay matagal ng binabagabag ng
masamang panaginip tungkol sa babaeng nalulunod sa swimming
pool at tumindi ang epekto nito sa kanya sa pananatili niya sa
lumang resort. Maliban kay Alex ay nakapagpayapa naman
kay Anna ang ibang tao na nadatnan niya sa Villa kasama na
si Giselle or Andrea (Maja) na isa palang multo at siya lang ang
nakakita. Ang sandaling pananatili ni Anna sa Villa ay napuno
ng takot dahil sa mga
kakaibang kaganapan Title: Villa Estrella
na nakakabagabag kaya Running Time: 90 min
Cast: Geoff Eigenmann, Jake
nagpasundo siya sa Cuenca, Maja Salvador, Shaina
kanyang nobyo na si Magdayao
Dennis (Geoff). Ano ang Director: Rico Maria Ilarde
kaugnayan ng multong Producer: Marizel Samson-Marti-
si Andrea sa mga nez
nangyayari at ano ang Screenwriters: Joel Mercado, Rico
pakay niya kay Anna? Maria Ilarde, Adolfo Alix, Jr.,
Hilaw ang kuwento John Paul Abellera
at puno ng katanungan Music: Malek Lopez
kung paano nagkaroon Editor: Renewin Alano
Genre: Horror
ng mga kaganapan na Distributor: Star Cinema
ipinakita sa pelikula. Location: Manila, Batangas
Sinabayan pa ng hilaw
Technical Assessment:  ½
na pag-arte ng mga
pangunahing tauhan. Moral Assessment: ½
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14
Subalit bumawi ang and above
mahinang kuwento at
pag-arte ng mahusay
na paglalapat na tunog,
musika, pangkalahatang
disensyo ng produksyon
at ilang special effects
lalo na ang make-up ng
batang nagmumulto.
Malaki ang naitulong ng
mga nasabing teknikal
na aspeto ng pelikula
upang magkaroon ito ng
saysay. Walang tipikal na
sigawan ng takot subalit
tagumpay ang direktor
sa paghahatid ng mga
eksenang nakakagulat
tulad ng paglitaw ng mga
imahe ng multo bagamat
madaling malaman ng
manonood kung kelan ito mangyayari. Sa kabuuan ay nakitaan
ng pagsisikap ang gumawa ng pelikula na tutukan ang
aspetong teknikal. Ganon pa man ay nakakahinayang na hindi
masyadong tinutukan ang pag-aayos ng daloy ng kwento na sa
kalaunan ay siyang higit na tumitimo at nagmamarka sa isipan
ng manonood.
Higit sa lahat, ang buhay ng tao ay mahalaga at dapat
proteksyunan. Hindi naging sensitibo ang pelikulang “Villa
Estrella” sa pagpapahalagang ito. Sa halip ay ipinakita nito na
isang mapaniil na ama ang pinagtiisang pakisamahan at sundin
ng anak dahil sa habilin ng namayapang ina. Isang anak na
nagpakabulag sa katotohanan ay umayon na ibaon sa limot at
itikom ang bibig tungkol sa nasaksihan krimen na ginawa ng
ama. Nagwakas ang pelikula na matagumpay sa paghihiganti ang
mga ligalig na kaluluwa at pare-parehong nagbuwis ng buhay
ang mga inosente at responsableng tao sa krimen. Maliban sa
saglit na eksena ng paghingi ng tawad ng ama bago malagutan
ng hininga na halos di napansin ay wala ng kaliwanagan o
inspirasyon man lamang na inihatid ang pelikula. Sa kabuuan
ay nakababahala ang naging wakas ng pelikula dahil di naging
payapa ang kaluluwa sa kabila ng mga buhay na nawala.
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
C1

The News Supplement of

Couples for Christ

CFC Holds Elections for

Top Leaders

Zeny Gimenez were made by the EA members themselves. This

THE Elders Assembly of Couples for Christ held
elections to choose the seven-man International
Council and the 15 members of the Board of Elders
on Thursday, June 25 at the Acropolis Clubhouse
in Quezon City. These elections are held every
two years.
The 265-strong assembly, composed of the
Philippine regional heads, provincial area heads,
area directors, international coordinators of all
the CFC ministries, country heads and regional
heads, members of the IC and the BOE, as well as
the spouses of all these leaders, participated earlier
in a historic event. As a result of an amendment
in the CFC By-Laws, presented to and approved
early this year by the same Assembly, nominations
for the candidates for the International Council
was a departure from the old practice of having
the nominations deliberated on and the final list
of 17 men approved by the International Council
(12 nominees) and the Board of Elders (5 nomi-
nees) only.
The Assembly went through the nominations
process after a recollection held at the Layforce
in Mandaluyong on Sunday, June 21 conducted
by Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite, SVD (shown in photo
above). The recollection was designed to provide
the members with the venue for greater reflection,
meditation and discernment on who they believe
would be best equipped to lead the community in
the next two years. The Assembly was asked to
nominate seven names and the top 21 nominees
were automatically considered candidates for the
International Council.
Nonoy Dalman, COMELEC Chairman, congratulates the new set of IC members.
On election day, 238 of the 265 members trooped
to the Acropolis Clubhouse. Fr. Mario, as a con-
tinuation of the recollection, celebrated the Mass,
assisted by Fr. Paul Uwemedimo, and gave a final
exhortation to the voters to try to see with the eyes
of God when they list down their final choices for
the seven leadership positions.
The seven men who got the nod of the Assembly
are: Joey Arguelles, Manny Garcia, Rouquel Ponte,
Joe Tale, Lito Tayag, Melo Villaroman, Jr., and Joe
Yamamoto. They will serve from July 1, 2009 to
June 30, 2011. Manny Garcia is a newcomer to the
Council but is actually an “oldtimer” in the com-
munity, being one of the original 16 couples that
were in the first batch when Couples for Christ was
established by the Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon.
Nominations for the Board of Elders were done
from the floor, in accordance with the election
guidelines, after the International Council members
had been proclaimed. The following were elected
to the BOE: Ding Aguinaldo, Raffy Blasco, Ricky
Cuenca, Ernie Maipid, Jr., Charly Laiz, Mannix
Ocampo, Mon de Leon, Jun Uriarte, Rene Punsalan,
Oca Tagulinao, Robert Ardiente, Didi Galsim, Ber-
nie Cuevas, Reggie Ragojos and Nides Respicio.
They will serve the same term as the IC.

2nd CFC Bishops-Clergy-Lay Congress a

huge success
Medy Kapunan
COUPLES for Christ is truly blessed to be one with the Catholic
Church. This was affirmed once more in the 2nd CFC Bishops-
Clergy-Lay Congress held at the Acropolis Clubhouse in Quezon
City on June 26, 2009. The theme of this year’s Congress was
“Evangelization of the Youth and of the Poor.”
Joey Arguelles, CFC International Council member, in his welcome
remarks, recalled the first Congress held last year. In that Congress,
the strengths and areas for development, both from the side of the
clergy and of CFC, were reviewed. The outputs were formulated
into plans for “Closer and Stronger Unity in Witness.”
In this year’s Congress, Bishop Patricio Buzon, Vice Chairman
of the Episcopal Commission on Youth, described the societal
disturbances affecting the youth of today. He cited that, sadly, the
“youth is the most un-evangelized group in society.” Noting the
pronouncement of Pope Benedict XVI for “the youth to be formed
as messengers of Christ,” Bishop Buzon emphasized that concrete
actions should be taken urgently such as “catechism and formation;
bringing Jesus to the lives of the young; youth train-
ing on Christian leadership; strong support toward
vocations; deepened involvement of the youth in work
with the poor, among others.” To proclaim the Gospel
and the sacraments, Bishop Buzon also suggested
creating a youth website. According to the bishop,
CFC can help the Church in all these.
In the afternoon session on “Building the Church
of the Poor,” Joe Tale talked about the basic aspects
and present directions of CFC’s Work with the Poor,
which includes Gawad Kalinga as a major component.
He further said that CFC’s Work with the Poor will
now be known by its original name of ANCOP. The
other areas presently envisioned in ANCOP, accord-
ing to Executive Director Tale, are programs of the
Social Ministries which include livelihood, feeding,
education and health programs. Programs for those
in prison, for migrant workers and their families, as
well as for the poor among CFC members will also be
carried out. As far as GK is concerned, he said, CFC
fully intends to finish what is in the shelter pipeline,
and continue to provide for the soft components
(education, health, productivity, food sufficiency,
livelihood). Joe Tale exhorted everyone to take part in
the various CFC work with the poor in collaboration
with the dioceses in their respective areas.
Rich experiences were shared on some of CFC’s work with the poor
programs. Bernie Cuevas cited the livelihood programs of Tekton
Foundation that have helped the poor through capability building,
values formation, and financial stewardship and with provision
of capital for microenterprises, as well as through membership in
Coops for Christ and in the Mutual Aid Benefit program. Marco
Flores showed a presentation on the realities of food insufficiency
and how CFC, through the Bayan-Anihan program, can help imple-
ment agri-productivity programs in GK and non-GK areas. Caloy
Subang shared his family’s real life experience on the value of pro-
viding education even for kasambahays (househelp) in the home. Tom
Prado’s sharing on prison service was an eye-opener on the plight
of the poorest of the poor who really are those who are abandoned
and neglected in prison.
On the part of the clergy, Bishop Julius Tonel of Zamboanga Sibu-
gay gave a heartwarming reaction to what CFC can and is ready to
offer to the Church. He hoped that the clergy delegates would take
note of this and inform their leaders in their respective dioceses.
Bishop Tonel also made special mention of the fact that CFC has
inspired several former YFCs to enter the priesthood.
In summary, Joe Yamamoto, CFC International Council Member,
said that the Catholic Church has the solid theological foundation
(sacraments and religious doctrines) and, indeed, can be the center
of activities. The Church also has a wide influence on society and
network among various youth organizations and is guided by an
integrated program in parishes called WESTY (Worship, Evange-
listic, Service, Temporal and Youth). On the side of CFC, there are
solid programs on family evangelization that can be carried out in all
the provinces and numerous countries abroad. CFC YFC programs
can also bring vibrancy to parish programs. He also spoke of CFC’s
health care and nutrition programs and those of other agencies such
as CARITAS.
Briefly stated, areas of complementation between
CFC and the Church may be done by putting together
and implementing formation programs, catechism
programs, health programs, livelihood programs,
etc. The programs need not be reinvented – these can
just be enhanced to address the needs in every par-
ish or diocese. CFC can share the organization and
management experience of its members. The Church
has the resources, the authority and the influence to
organize the parishes/dioceses for programs to be
carried out more efficiently and effectively. The parish
priests know the needs of the community and they
are the best resource for identifying how and what
CFC’s YFC programs could be implemented in their
respective areas.
The Congress brought together more than 340 del-
egates from all over the country and across continents.
Of these, 61 were Church leaders led by Bishop Mat-
thew Kwasi Gyamfi (Ghana) Bishop Patricio Buzon
(Kabankalan, Neg. Occidental) and Bishop Julius
Tonel (Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay), members of the
clergy from Africa, China and from several provinces
of the Philippines. It concluded with a Holy Mass
concelebrated by all the clergy present, with Bishop
Tonel as the main celebrant.
 C2 Ugnayan CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009

By Joe Tale, CFC Chairman

Light on a lampstand
ON Saturday, June 27, CFC celebrated, with great
rejoicing, our 28th anniversary as a community
of God. We were blessed to have with us, as con-
celebrators in the grand finale of the Holy Mass,
Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales of the archdiocese
of Manila, Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of the
archdiocese of Lipa and Bishop Matthew Gyamfi
of Ghana. We are grateful to them and to the more
than twenty priests who concelebrated with them.
Six of the priests came from the diocese of Beijing
in China, three came from the continent of Africa
and the rest came from all over the Philippines,
many of them from the province of Bukidnon.
Their presence in this anniversary truly inspired
us and encouraged us to continue with greater zeal
the work of building the Church of the Home and
building the Church of the Poor.
On that anniversary, more than 50,000 of our
brethren gathered in thanksgiving and in celebra-
tion. In the words of the Cardinal, we gathered to
celebrate the memory of God’s goodness to us, to
our families, and to our community.
Last year, our 27th anniversary was celebrated
in the midst of a powerful typhoon that came with
gusty winds and much rain, and yet we continued
with our celebration, notwithstanding the storm.
On this year’s anniversary, we gathered in good
weather. Praise be to God for the sunshine and
for blessing us with wonderful weather on our
special day.
Truly, rain or shine, typhoon or good weather,
CFC stands firm for the Lord, for the Church and
for community.
As with all human preparations, we suffered
some glitches. We apologize to those who stood in
the heat of the sun, patiently waiting for the parade
to start, which was delayed partly because of some
technical problems. But what a wonderful parade
it was! What a wonderful manifestation of joy, of
great creativity, of exuberance and energy!
On that day, we not only had a bigger crowd but
a bigger number of provinces represented. There
were many who came from overseas, and we thank
them for their determination to travel far and long
just to share in our joy, for gracing this occasion of
thanksgiving and celebration.
The end of our anniversary week also signaled
the start of a new leadership in CFC who will serve
until June 30, 2011. We thank our brother Ernie
Maipid, Jr. for serving in the International Council
for the term that just ended. I am sure Ernie and
his wife Gigi will continue to give their all in the
service of the Lord and our community
We welcome to the IC our brother Manny Gar-
cia. For those of you who are not aware of this bit
of trivia, Manny and his wife Ditas belong to the
group of first 16 couples that eventually became
Couples for Christ.
In his homily during the anniversary Mass,
Cardinal Rosales taught us how we should build
everything that we are, our community, our life,
our family on Jesus Christ. Because we are called
to be children in the image and likeness of God,
our response should really be deep faith (panana-
mpalataya). As we anchor our faith in the Lord,
we should not be afraid of or be anxious about the
challenges that the Lord gives us.
It is a blessing to be in a community where we
are helped to deepen our faith and to have courage.
We are imperfect people. We have our own weak-
nesses. We have our own inadequacies. And yet
the Lord has called us to be together in this com-
munity Couples for Christ. The Lord calls us in
many ways, but always focused on being a Church
of the Home and a Church of the Poor. The Lord not obstacles to deep commitment to and service
calls us in a special way, imperfect as we are. for the Lord.
In the Gospel of Matthew5:14-16, the Lord also Professionals, employees, businessmen, govern-
tells us, “You are like light for the whole world; a ment officials and workers are called to be role
city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one lights a models of honesty and efficiency wherever they
lamp and puts it under a bowl. Instead it is put are placed, the role models that this country, this
on the lampstand where it gives light for everyone world badly needs.
in the house. In the same way, your light must We are called to be role models and light in the
shine before your people so that they will see lampstand as we give our love and care to the
the good things you do and praise your Father poor, to the least of our brethren. Let us continue
in heaven.” to really give of ourselves to the poor that the Lord
With all our weaknesses, the Lord calls us to loves in a very special way.
be light. The Lord calls CFC to also be a city built And finally, as citizens of this country, and as
on a hill, to help in sharing God’s light with ev- citizens of the respective countries of our interna-
eryone. tional brethren, we are called to be a light in the
In the darkness, every single flicker of light can exercise of our citizenship. The Philippine Church,
give light, can give direction, can give inspiration the clergy, our bishops, have issued a clarion call
and I believe that is what for us to stand up for honesty, to stand up for good
we are called to be, as citizenship, to stand up and exercise responsibly
we move on to our 29th the sacred right of suffrage. I challenge all of us
year. in CFC to be role models of good citizenship – we
Today the country and who will not sell our votes, we who will support
the world badly need candidates who will govern this country in righ-
role models on what it is teousness.
to be followers of Christ. We are not big names but where the Lord has
This is a call for every planted us, we can be light, we can be influencers
member of CFC and all so that others will experience the love of God and
its ministries ─ we are to His goodness.
internalize the teachings But let us remember that this call to be light
of our Lord and practice to others is not a call to be boastful. And let us
these day-to-day in our remember what the Gospel reading clearly states
lives. – that the purpose for us to be called light and to
How can we be a be called a city on a hill is so that others may see
lamp that gives light? the good things that we do and praise our Father
We start where the Lord in heaven.
has placed us. Men are That is the only purpose. It should not self-
called to be role models serving, it should not boastful. We strive to be
as husbands, faithful to light to others so that they may see the good things
their wife, to their fam- that we do and so that they will, together with us,
ily. Wives are called to praise our Father in heaven.
be role models as well, Twenty-eight beautiful years. We have built a
faithful to their hus- treasure of memories of God’s goodness during
band, providing warmth these 28 years. Let us build on these blessings. Let
and care for the home. us move on in our mission – moving as one com-
Our children in Kids for munity, one with our Catholic Church. Let us wear
Christ, Youth for Christ, our Catholic faith as a badge of honor and proclaim
Singles for Christ are Jesus Christ to all of those who do not know Him
called to be role models yet. And for others who already know Him, let
too, respectful and obe- us truly live out Christian values and imitate the
dient to their parents, model that is Jesus Christ.
putting their best ef- And so, as we celebrate 28 years of blessings, we
fort in their school and look forward to another year, nay, to many more
education, to be better years of blessings. These blessings require from us
persons, to grow up and a response. Let us respond in faith and let us not
inherit the future. Those be afraid and let us be, wherever we are planted,
who have a different a light to the world so that many more will know
calling as widows and of the love and care and mercy of Jesus Christ and
widowers are expected our heavenly Father. And with the intercession of
to provide inspiration our Blessed Mother, let us continue in our mission
to those in similar situ- to build the Church of the Home and to build the
ations and to show that Church of the Poor.
grief and alone-ness are CFC, onward to 29 years!!

By Joe Yamamoto, CFC Director

The Heart of a Leader

“COR, MEN, MANUSQUE EDUCARE”
(‘To train the heart, the mind and the
hands’) was the Latin motto for the
surgical society that I helped establish
a few years ago. This motto was trans-
lated from English to Latin by no less
than the late Jaime Cardinal Sin, whom
I had the privilege and honor of caring
for as a doctor.
This motto best describes what a
Christian leader ought to be – trained
to attune his person to a Christ-like
existence, to align his heart to Christ,
to be single-minded for the Lord and to
be inspired and empowered to use his
hands, acquired skills and other talents
in the furtherance of God’s kingdom
here on earth.
There are attributes that must be
present in the leaders who are called to
follow after God’s heart:
H - humble, happy and honest
O – obedient
P – prayerful
L – loving and loyal
I – embodies integrity and inspires
T – teachable
E – lives with empathy
It is a fortunate coincidence that the
acronym formed is HOPLITE, a name
used for the ancient elite fighting men,
particularly Spartans, who were trained
from early childhood to be dedicated to
soldiering - living, serving, fighting and
dying for their ideals. Let us examine
each of the attributes.
HUMBLE – this is the first virtue
that qualifies an aspiring leader. God
can only begin to use him and shape
him if he is selfless and meek. It can
also refer to one’s appreciation of one’s
insignificance.
A familiar imagery that readily comes
God’s purpose – whether that purpose
be mundane or lofty. Even finished clay
pots have no power or virtue on their
own. They are simply instruments in
the Potter’s hands, fashioned by Him
according to His own good pleasure
and, as He fills them with His choice of
contents, transformed into vessels of
value and usefulness.
The twelve Apostles also had their
own share of failings - Peter denied
Jesus three times, John and James, in a
display of pride, had the presumptuous
desire to be placed on the right and left
sides of Jesus. All shared the distinction
of being fragile, imperfect men of clay.
There are many stories of human fail-
ures and weaknesses even among men
we deem great but in God’s hands, they
were molded in humility, and trans-
formed to become great men of God. We
too can achieve God’s purposes as long
as we remain malleable and humble.
HAPPY – A familiar song sung in
CFC households goes this way: ’Happy
is the man who loves the Lord, happy
is the man who walks in his ways...’
It somehow captures the essence that
in God is joy and happiness, despite
the trials and troubles in the world. A
leader exudes happiness that is simple
and spontaneous once his life is in align-
ment with the plans of the Lord. In all
my years in CFC, I have always been
taught that it is in witnessing to the
presence of the Lord in your life that
gives the satisfaction of a purpose-filled
life. One becomes a good witness to his
faith journey if he shows joy in being
transformed in the Lord. At home, and
at work, the renewed Christian leader
must be effective and satisfactory in
building relationships. Joy and happi-
ness, like beauty, is in the eyes of the
beholder, especially if one sees with the
and pronouncement but, in a greater
sense, a set of demonstrated values and
behavior.
OBEDIENT-This is the virtue that
is intimately associated with humble
servant leaders. As God begins to call
and empower people, they will hear
and obey God’s call only when they are
humble. Of course, the greatest example
of obedience is Jesus Himself. From day
one of his earthly existence, He was sub-
ject to the will of the Heavenly Father,
the God he lovingly and tenderly called
“Abba.” Even at his crucifixion and
death, Jesus exalted God, proclaiming
that “Thy will be done.”
Our culture in CFC deeply inculcated
upon us the value of obedience to our
elders, not blindly but in active submis-
sion. This lesson has provided a strong
anchor for the community that enabled
us to weather extreme difficulties.
PRAYERFUL – Great men of God
are notable in having a strong and deep
prayer life. Since we were taught that
our mission on earth is “to know, love
and serve God” it matters that each one
of us must build and maintain a solid
personal relationship with our Creator.
Prayer makes that relationship pos-
sible. Among the very first habits and
behavior changes that a CFC leader
learns is a life that is foundationally set
on a consistent prayer life and staying
grounded in the Word of God through
the Scriptures.
LOVING AND LOYAL- In 2008,
the theme for CFC was taken from
John 13:34 “Love one another as I have
loved you.” We become identified as
his disciples if there is love that governs
our personal and community life. In His
infinite love for mankind, God sent His
only Son to redeem us even if mankind
fell from grace. One of the most beauti-
salvation for those who respond to His
call. As the Good Shepherd, the flock
recognize His voice and He knows each
sheep in the fold.
INTEGRITY – One book that I came
across labeled integrity as the great-
est ingredient for leadership. To most
people, integrity is synonymous with
honesty. Far beyond that, integrity
connotes wholeness and completeness.
Integrity is summed up as being beyond
reproach (1Tim.3:2) and blameless (Ti-
tus 1:6-7). Integrity includes honesty-
telling the truth and leaving the right
impression.
It however includes three other
equally vital qualities, namely: 1. Con-
gruence or that quality when there is
no gap between intent and behavior,
when people actually walk their talk.
2. Humility which is when a person is
concerned about what is right rather
than on insisting on being right, about
embracing the truth and recognizing
principle and putting it ahead of self;
and 3. Courage, especially in doing the
right thing, even when it is difficult.
INSPIRING leaders are those who
lead from the front and consistently
walk the talk. They may not have grand
visions and yet inspire because they are
very clear and specific about what they
want to be achieved by the group. They
are down there on the ground with the
‘troops’ experiencing the rigors and
challenges of work, sharing the burden
of responsibility and even willing and
ready to shoulder a bigger part of the
load.
Jesus inspired those who listened to
him preach for such was the gentle mas-
tery of Christ. He said:”Come to me, all
who labor and are burdened, and I will
give you rest. Take my yoke upon you
and learn from me, for I am meek and
willingness to share the spiritual truths
he learned with others. Spiritual leaders,
therefore, must love the Word, must
cling to the Word and must know the
Word. In terms of commitment, there
is no wavering, no doubting, and cer-
tainly, no compromising.
In addition to Bible study, CFC lead-
ers must be assiduous in attending and
internalizing the lessons of their pasto-
ral formation and share the same with
their co-leaders and members.
EMPATHY- is the identification of
oneself with another and the resulting
capacity to feel the emotions or thoughts
similar to those being experienced by
others. It was empathy and love that
Jesus felt for the throng as he multiplied
the loaves and the fishes, until they were
satisfied.
Jesus, the Word of God made man,
felt our pains and our sorrows. His
death and resurrection offered us the
freedom and privilege to become sons
and daughters of God. He journeyed
with the disciples, broke bread with
them, shared many experiences and
walked in their ‘shoes.’
Summing Up
As members of the big family of CFC,
we are being trained to become leader-
servants, stewards, shepherds and
soldiers- for the work of evangelization
and societal transformation. There are
many models for leadership as there
as examples of such. In the process,
essential qualities and attributes for
LAYOUT BY LAURENCE JOHN R. MORALES

to mind is drawn from an Old Testa-
ment passage in Jeremiah 18:3-6, where
God is portrayed as the Sovereign Pot-
ter, shaping and molding His creatures
just as clay is molded into vessels fit for
whatever use He chooses: “Look, as the
clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in
My hand, O house of Israel!”
The clay represents us in our fallen
nature, worthless until we are filled
and used according to the Sovereign
eyes of faith.
HONEST- to be honest is to be con-
gruent with formed conscience and
Godly values and consistent in actions
and words. It is about being true and
free from lies and deceits. Honesty
stems out of the character of the man
not just as inborn quality but as a reflec-
tion of how he was raised and formed
over time, especially by Godly parents.
Honesty is not only about attitude,
ful passages is taken from John 3:16 “For
God so loved the world that he gave his
only Son, so that everyone who believes
in him might not perish but might have
eternal life.” A Christian cannot profess
to love God if he has no love for his
neighbor.
There are many human examples that
continue to inspire but the Lord our God
is the epitome of loyalty to His people.
He is the Good Shepherd who promised
humble of heart; and you will find rest
for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and
my burden light.” (Matt.11:28-30)
TEACHABLE- In 1 Tim.3:2, one of
the qualifications for spiritual leaders
is to be able to teach. One reference
book refers to the two-fold expectation
of ‘having a teachable spirit’ and ‘able
to teach others. ’ It is expected that he
must be eager to learn, possess a work-
ing knowledge of the Bible and has the
leadership must be developed.
The leadership examples of Jesus and
the men and women of the Bible give us
the headstart. Our Lord is a Teacher,
Healer, Shepherd, Preacher, Miracle
Worker, but above all, our Redeemer
and yes, our Lord.
The lyrics of a familiar song sum it all
up: ‘Change my heart O God, make it
ever true; change my heart O God, may
I be like you.’
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009
Ugnayan C3

A Time for More CFC Geneva

Lily Domingo
“I AM the King’s good servant, but God’s first.” St.
Thomas More
The theme for this year’s STMA Congress, “A
Time for More,” couldn’t have been more timely
and appropriate. It served both to 1) challenge
workers in government that today, more than
ever, much more needs to be done to transform the
workplace into God’s kingdom, and at the same
time, 2) to inspire them that it can indeed be done.
The event was made even more meaningful as it
was held on 20 June 2009, just two days before the
feast day of St. Thomas More.
The congress was held at the Department of
Education Auditorium and was an opportunity
for sisters and brothers from various agencies of
government to listen, share, and feel as one in the
crusade for good government, responsible and
honest public service, and love for God and one
another.
Joe Tale exhorted the participants “to be the salt
of the earth, cities on a hill, and light in darkness”
by doing what needs to be done wherever they
may be. Nides Respicio (in photo above), gave the
first talk entitled “A Man for All Seasons,” which
provided a glimpse into the life of St. Thomas More
who died for his faith.
“Tempt Me Not” was the topic of Nonoy Dal-
man, former COA Commissioner. He discussed
the concept of good governance and presented
statistics about corruption and its negative implica-
tions on the country’s economy and growth. The
third and final Talk was “A Time for More,” where
Nolet Ladrido, City Administrator of Calamba,
Laguna, discussed our role of bringing glad tidings
to the poor, proclaiming liberty to captives, giving
sight to the blind, and liberating the oppressed
(Luke 4: 16-21), among whom are the victims of
injustice, poorest of the poor, refugees, elderly,
prisoners of war, migrants, and the marginalized.
He encouraged each one to obey authorities “for
there is no authority that does not come from God
and the offices have been established by God”
(Romans 13: 1-4). He said that the principles of
good governance are being pro-God, pro-family,
pro-life, and pro-poor.
After each talk, sharers spoke about the chal-
lenges of public office and how the Holy Spirit
provides the power to perform one’s duties with-
out succumbing to pressure and temptation. Luttie
Alconcel, National Labor Relations Office Arbiter
and Metro Manila HOLD Leader, shared the many
temptations that she resisted as labor arbiter but
still considers the blessings she presently enjoys
as greater than all the grease money she turned
away. Joey Reyes, Justice of the Court of Appeals,
talked about the CLPs he started in the court. He
encouraged everyone to continue to do what is
good and right because, quoting former Senate
President Jovito R. Salonga, he said, “The reason
why evil (or corruption) exists is because good
men/women get tired of being good before bad
men/women get tired of being bad.”
Susan Calvez, Customs Collector for Postal
Services, narrated her personal struggle to be
righteous as she faced challenges in performing
her tasks. Department of Trade and Industry
Undersecretary Zeny Maglaya identified several
Christian principles of public service: A public
office 1) is a public trust; 2) is for public service;
3) is a privilege to serve the people; 4) is a calling;
and 5) serving the people is serving God. Ambas-
sador Belen Anota, Department of Foreign Affairs
(DFA) Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning,
shared about being our country’s representative in
a foreign land and how prayers and faith enabled
her to perform her duties better. Ambassador
Vicky Bataclan, DFA Assistant Secretary for Eu-
ropean Affairs, said that one of the best things
we can leave behind is a record of excellence in
whatever we do because God enables us to serve
more. Representing the youth, Cheska Respicio
and Atty. Rene Cruz shared about their advocacy
to get the youth to register and vote. They talked
about their initiatives and appealed to the Con-
gress participants to share their passion for youth
participation in public affairs.
COMELEC Commissioner Rene Sarmiento, the
special guest, said that democracy depends on 1)
good governance; 2) an enlightened electorate; and
3) a vigilant civil society. He remained hopeful that
the forthcoming elections would help to strengthen
our democracy.
A special treat for the participants was the music
and songs from the 29 AD Band who not only pro-
vided music for the worship but during the breaks
and the very energized praise fest.
Expands its
Work with
the Poor
AFT.ER much discussion and prayer by mem-
bers of the governance household and under
the guidance provided by the CFC European
Coordinator, Joe Yamamoto, CFC Geneva is
formalizing the establishment of its ANCOP
program, CFC’s global work for the poor.
Emphasizing CFC’s spiritual calling, Elmer
Pagdilao, chapter head of CFC Geneva, said,
“Our work with the poor is expanding and
changing… but the heart for those less in life
and the desire to give shall always burn [in]
us.”
The current support provided by CFC Ge-
neva to GK shall be incorporated as part of the
broader program of ANCOP. This will be done
by establishing fund accounts for GK projects
that are separate and distinct from the other
ANCOP projects.
“ANCOP will absorb the work of GK and
further expand it to include… programs that
the International Council has initially men-
tioned to define CFC’s work with the poor,”
Elmer added.
As it currently stands, the ANCOP program
intends to support at least two distinct proj-
ects─ the GK Kitaotao Village in Bukidnon and
a medical mission in the Philippines planned
for next year.
The formal establishment of ANCOP in Ge-
neva is in response to the International Coun-
cil’s announcement that CFC has adopted
ANCOP to refer to its work with the poor and
follows the Council’s decision to let go of ma-
jority representation in the GK Foundation’s
governing board in the Philippines.
It also comes in light of the fact that GK
Switzerland is registered as a separate associa-
tion whose membership consists exclusively of
all CFC members in Switzerland of which the

The Church and CFC in Philippine Politics

majority comes from Geneva.
Over the years since 2003, CFC Switzer-
land has raised more than 200,000 Euro to
fund more than 250 houses in the Philippines
Arnel Santos As the clergy and Church leaders cannot engage in partisan politics, the through its subsidiary organ GK Switzerland.
direct duty of working for the transformation of politics rests on the lay faith- CFC Switzerland along with its GK subsidiary
THE Mission Core ful. The bishop stressed that “We need a more active lay people to change are comprised of CFC/GK Geneva, CFC/GK
Group (MCG) of the face of our politics.” Zurich, CFC/GK Bern and other CFC chapters
Couples for Christ By way of pastoral action, the lay faithful must somehow discover their in the rest of the country.
had CBCP President proper role especially in making catechism on politics part and parcel of the It is hoped that by placing GK directly under
Archbishop Angel regular catechism given to families, schools and the BECs; participating in the purview of ANCOP, the organizational set-
N. Lagdameo, D.D., groups like the PPCRV and VOTECARE; educating the leaders into doing up will be simplified and streamlined while at
as special guest politics the Christian way; and lobbying for electoral reforms. the same time the organizational pain associ-
during the regu- “Transforming politics can be done because you are there,” exhorted ated with having to manage two separate and
lar teaching night Archbishop Lagdameo. “It can be done because of the unity and solidarity distinct associations will be avoided.
on June 16, 2009 at of the people of God, collaborating with one another.”
Xavier School Gym-
nasium. The arch-
bishop presented
the thoughts of the
bishops on politics
today, based on the
59-page book, “Pas-
toral Exhortation on Archbishop Angel Lagdameo
Philippine Politics.”
Archbishop Lagdameo explained that the Church has long been concerned
about Philippine politics because as the book states, “Philippine politics has
been most hurtful to the people, the biggest bane in our life as a nation, and
the most pernicious obstacle to our achieving of full human development.”
To illustrate, he noted that politics in the Philippines has degenerated into
an arena where the interests of the powerful are pitted against the poor and
the many; the administration of justice is weighed on the side of the politi-
cally connected; appointments to government posts serve as payment for
political debts; there has been a rise in sophisticated methods of subverting
the electoral processes; and the political culture is marred by political dynas-
ties, as if political power is a private/ family property.
While there have been signs of hope as expressed in the 1978, 1986 and
1992 elections, Archbishop Lagdameo emphasized that “Christian Catholics
have the duty to transform politics through the Gospel. God’s people must
evangelize politics.” There is a need for concerned “participation of all Fili-
pinos of goodwill to battle against human sinfulness lodged in Philippine Couples for Christ New Jersey and New York participated in the Philippine American Friendship Parade and Festival held in Jersey City last June
politics.” 28. CFC Jersey City served as liturgical services team. ANCOP-GK set up a booth at the festival after the much-applauded parade.

Know Your Council

HERE is a brief profile of the seven men recently elected to the 2009-2011 CFC
International Council:
JOEY ARGUELLES
A Management graduate; formerly executive assistant
to the provincial governor of Batangas; a full time worker
at CFC; married for 45 years to Tess with 5 children and
9 grandchildren. A member of the Knights of Columbus;
a member of CFC since 1987; a second termer at the IC;
as IC member, now Home Office Director
JOE TALE
A lawyer, was Deputy Secretary at the Office of
the President of the Philippines prior to being fulltime
worker; married for 32 years to Babylou with two
daughters. A member of CFC since 1986; immediate
past CFC Director, now CFC Chairman and in charge
of ANCOP.
LITO TAYAG
A CPA, recently retired as senior partner from a ma-
jor accounting firm; married for 32 years to Linda with
3 children. A CFC member since 1984. As IC, is CFC
Treasurer.

MANNY GARCIA MELO VILLAROMAN, JR.

A member of CFC since 1981, A Business Economics gradu-
part of the original 16 couples but now the only surviving mem- ate and Marketing expert; left lucra-
ber of the original group still in CFC. An electronics engineer, tive job to work as full time mission volunteer for GK; married
a full time worker for the past 18 for 20 years to Nini with 2 sons.
years; married for 32 years to Ditas CFC member since 1989. As IC,
with whom he has 5 children. As IC
is in charge of Family Ministries.
member, now CFC Secretary.

ROUQUEL PONTE JOE YAMAMOTO

A mechanical engineer, fulltime worker since 1990; mar- A doctor specializing in cardiothoracic surgery; also a
ried for 33 years to Nina with whom he has one daughter. university professor; married for 31 years to Mila with 3
CFC member since 1982; As IC member, is International children. Now CFC Director; also in charge of Philippine
Missions Director. Missions.
 C4 Ugnayan CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 14
July 6 - 19, 2009

CFC AT 28
THE grounds at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta became, once
again, a sea of people as more than 50,000 CFC members from all
over the Philippines and around the world gathered for Couples for
Christ’s 28th anniversary.
It was a cacophony of sounds and a kaleidoscope of colors as the
day’s activities unfolded – the first-ever Amazing Race (won by the
Big West sector); the Olympic-themed parade which lasted more
than two hours; the exhibits at the “villages” scattered around the
grounds; the concert featuring Mayumi Morales, The Angelos, Ramil
Omosura, the Canadian Idol and Dulce; the Holy Mass celebrated
by a cardinal, an archbishop, a bishop and two dozen priests set
against a backdrop of colored, pulsating and changing lights; a most
spirited praisefest and fireworks.
The photos speak for themselves – it was indeed a wonderful anni-
versary. It was truly a glorious day punctuated by sunshine, laughter,
prayer, games, and most of all, permeated by God’s presence.

CFC holds 1st Migrants’ Congress

Shok Ariola
COUPLES for Christ welcomed 280 participants
from all over the Philippines and selected coun-
tries in the world, to the first ever CFC Migrants
Congress.
The first session, entitled Faith and Migration,
was given by Fr. Fabio Baggio (see photo below),
Director for the Scalabrinian Migration Center and
a Professor of Migration Theology at the Loyola
School of Theology. Fr. Fabio stressed that the very
core of our mission is to recognize Jesus in every
person that we meet. Sarah Balabagan, an OFW who
was jailed in the UAE and suffered 100 lashes as part
of a punishment for defending herself against the
abuses of her employer, shared how she found the
Lord through her life as an OFW and in the suffer-
ings thereafter. Ambassador Grace Princesa, newly
appointed Ambassador to the UAE, also shared how
she struggles to live as an Ambassador of Christ and
how the Lord arranges everyday miracles for her to
fulfill her mission as witness for Him.
The second session, Our Mission as Ambassadors
of Christ, was given by CFC International Missions Director, Rouquel Ponte. This session focused on the blessings and resources
given by God to us individually and as a community and how we should use them to actively campaign for our faith wherever
we may be. Manny Lector, a CFC leader from the Middle East and an OFW for 22 years, also shared how he and his family serve
in CFC and in the Family Ministries.
The afternoon session featured testimonies from people who serve migrants. The first sharer, Fr. Edwin Corros, Executive Sec-
retary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant Peoples, called on Couples for Christ to support families of
migrant workers saying we are well-placed to do so, being present in many countries. Ambassador Belen Anota, Asst. Secretary
of the Department of Foreign Affairs, also echoed this stand as she relayed how CFC as a lay organization can really make a dif-
ference, through the family ministries, in the lives
of family members left behind. Nick and Norma
Borja, CFC Canada Country Coordinator, shared
their successes in conducting Migrant Values Re-
orientation, as part of the Family Reunification
process and orientation in Canada. Jess Ferrer,
owner of JM International, a manpower placement
agency, and who regularly provides the Christian
Life Program to outgoing migrants, shared his belief
that the CLPs his company conducts plants a seed
that allows the participants to continually seek a
personal relationship with the Lord wherever they
are deployed.
The day ended with valuable output from the
group discussions on how CFC can promote the
work with the migrants.
The Congress highlighted an important role that
CFC can play with migrant families, and presented
to the community the challenge as well as a Chris-
tian responsibility to take on this role, through the
guidance of God.