Monitor

CBCP

FEBRUARY 18 - MARCH 3, 2019, VOL 23, NO. 04 CBCPMONITOR@AREOPAGUSCOMMUNICATIONS.COM

PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE

Catholics from across Metro Manila participated this year’s ‘Walk for Life’ at the Quezon City Memorial Circle on Feb. 16. Led by the Council of the Laity of the Philippines, the organizers called the gathering, which was also simultaneously held in
various other cities, an “act of solidarity to uphold the dignity of life”. ROY LAGARDE

Church keeps up building Dioceses ban

campaign

houses, communities of materials

in church

Yolanda survivors
properties
AS the campaign period
for the May 13 elections
starts, a number of
By Roy Lagarde dioceses imposed
a directive banning
political materials in
THE Catholic church properties.
Church continues In the Diocese of
to be a community Balanga, posting of
developer by campaign materials
and political rallies are
building thousands
prohibited in church
of houses more over premises.
five years as it builds “We have pastoral
social communities. directive that there will no
The latest batch of new political tarpaulins in any
tenants moved recently to church patio and fences,”
the Pope Francis Village in said Bishop Ruperto
Tacloban City, which was Santos of Balanga.
ravaged by super typhoon He said that lay
Yolanda in November 2013. parish officials who are
At least 263 families working for a candidate
benefited from the project must also take a leave
and about same number of absence from their
more are will occupy the church duties.
village once construction “And no political
of other housing units are candidate (will be
completed by June this year. allowed) to offer during
The project was constructed offertory processions,”
the bishop added.
Building / A6 The Pope Francis Village will be the home of 566 survivor-families of Typhoon Yolanda in Leyte province. CARITAS PHILIPPINES
Last October,
Archbishop Rolando
Child detention centers ‘worse Get kids vaccinated, parents urged Tria Tirona of Caceres
also imposed the same

than animal cages’ – bishop ARCHBISHOP Rolando

Tria Tirona of Caceres called
on parents to submit their
measure to safeguard
the non-partisanship of
the archdiocese.
A CATHOLIC bishop has lamented live in far better conditions,” he children to vaccination In his directive,
the poor conditions in government lamented. against measles which has he said that even
“shelters” for children in conflict The bishop made the statement as recently plagued several the conduct of mass
with the law. he reiterated his opposition to draft parts of the country. weddings and baptisms
Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of law to lower the minimum age of In a pastoral letter read sponsored by any
Kalookan said he had been to the criminal liability from 15 to 12. in all Masses in Caceres’ 92 political candidate or
typical shelters for young offenders The House of Representatives has parishes on Sunday, he said party is prohibited.
and the lack of adequate facilities is approved its version on Jan. 28, while the only way to address the “It is also prohibited
a major challenge. two measures are still pending with problem is to have children to solicit from political
“They are worse than cages for the Senate justice committee. vaccinated. candidates or political
animals,” said David, who is also the President Rodrigo Duterte has The Department of parties donation for
Vice President of the Catholic Bishops’ called for lowering the age of criminal Health reported that there church renovation
Conference of the Philippines. liability to stop criminal syndicates were more than 20,000 and constructions or
He said that the facilities were from using children to commit measles cases recorded as other church or other
supposedly built to rehabilitate CICL crimes. of December 2018, a 500 projects,” Tirona said.
but their conditions are hindering In a pastoral statement issued on precent increase from 2017. The Church, he said,
efforts to transform child offenders. Jan. 28, the CBCP urged lawmakers to The outbreak has also can only exercise its
“Believe it or not, our house-dogs Cages / A6 Vaccinated / A6 Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona. PHOTO FROM THE CACERES ARCHDIOCESE mandate of promoting
a peaceful elections by
“Society needs good hands, says Cardinal Tagle at ‘Walk for Life’ embracing “impartiality,
independence and non-
TO have a better society the upcoming midterm a walk to have in our he said. commitment of bread, if handled by partisanship”.
as the “womb of life”, elections. society a womb where Reflecting on solidarity for other greedy people, will Tirona instead urged
Cardinal Luis Antonio The church leader people, the community, the day’s Gospel of people. not be enough for four parishes to organize
Tagle of Manila said was speaking during the leaders would all multiplication of the Cardinal Tagle said persons, accentuating voters’ education
that what the country Mass at this year’s share,” Tagle said in his loaves and fishes, he that a small amount the Gospel story about activities and participate
needs is good hands. “Walk for Life” at the homily. said that Jesus showed of bread, if it passed Jesus multiplying 7 in fora for candidates to
This was the cardinal’s Quezon City Memorial “I hope that our the logic of giving. through good hands, loaves of bread for 4 showcase their political
take on the state of Circle on Saturday. society becomes a This action of will multiply. thousand people. platform and agenda.
affairs in the country as “The election is womb that gives life proximity and charity, On the other hand, “So it’s the hands that (Roy Lagarde /
he warned against those coming. I hope that because the hands are he said requires a he said that even kill,” Tagle said. “And it CBCPNews)
with “greedy hands” in this walk for life will be generous, not greedy,” hand with generous a 7,000 loaves of Society / A6
A2 WORLD NEWS February 18 - March 3, 2019, Vol 23, No. 04 CBCP Monitor

Vatican Briefing Eucharist desecrated, statues smashed

Pope lifts suspension imposed on Nicaraguan priest 34
in series of French church attacks
years ago
Pope Francis has lifted the canonical penalties imposed 34
years ago on Father Ernesto Cardenal, 94, the Nicaraguan
poet and former member of the Sandinista government.
In a statement Feb. 18, Archbishop Waldemar Sommertag,
the Vatican nuncio in Nicaragua, said Pope Francis had
“granted with benevolence the absolution of all canonical
censures” imposed on the ailing priest after he had made
the request through the nunciature. St. John Paul II had
suspended Father Cardenal and several other priests from
active ministry in 1985 for joining the Marxist-influenced
Sandinista government. Father Cardenal resigned from the
Sandinista Front in 1994. (Cindy Wooden/CNS)

Need to change hearts, not just books, to improve liturgy,

pope says
The sacred liturgy is meant to help the people of God
conform their heart, mind and actions more closely to Christ,
Pope Francis said. “We know that it is not enough to change
liturgical books to improve the quality of the liturgy. To just
do this would be a deception,” he said. “For life to truly be
a prayer that is pleasing to God, a change of heart is in fact
necessary,” he said Feb. 14 during an audience with members This May 2014 file photo shows caregivers push pilgrims in wheelchairs at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in southwestern France. PAUL HARING/CNS
of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.
The pope encouraged the congregation to continue helping
PARIS, France— At least on Intolerance and according to La Croix. the church before regular
the church and noted how the Vatican and individual bishops’
10 incidents of vandalism Discrimination Against “God will forgive. Not Masses can continue, and
conferences are meant to work together through dialogue,
and desecration of Catholic Christians in Europe, a me,” the city’s mayor noted that local religious
cooperation and synodality. (Carol Glatz/CNS)
churches have been Christian watchdog group, Bernard Carayon said of orders of the diocese had
reported in France since documented another attack the vandalism, La Croix already offered to observe
Pope names Dallas’ former bishop to serve as chamberlain
the beginning of February, at St. Nicholas Church on reported. days of fasting and prayer
Pope Francis has named Cardinal Kevin Farrell, 71, the
according to French news February 10, when the On February 6, just a in reparation for the act. He
prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life, to serve
sources and watch groups. tabernacle was found day after the Saint-Alain encouraged lay Catholics to
as the camerlengo or chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church
Vandals in Catholic thrown to the ground. Cathedral incident, vandals join in acts of prayer and
on Feb. 14. Farrell, born in Ireland, was incardinated in the
churches throughout the A 35 year-old man later at a Catholic Church in reparation.
Archdiocese of Washington and served as bishop of Dallas
country have smashed confessed to committing Nimes broke into the The Observatory
from 2007 to 2016; as camerlengo, he fills the post left vacant
statues, knocked down the act to police. tabernacle and scattered on Intolerance and
by the death in July of French Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran.
tabernacles, scattered or On February 5, an altar the hosts on the ground, Discrimination Against
While the pope is alive, the job is basically just a title. But
destroyed the Eucharist, cloth was found burnt and drew a cross on the wall with Christians in Europe
when a pope dies or resigns, the chamberlain is charged with
burnt altar cloths and crosses and statues torn excrement and damaged documented another
sealing the papal apartments, chairing consultations about
torn down crosses, among down or disfigured at Saint- other religious items in the incident on February 9
the papal funeral, making the practical preparations for the
other acts of desecration of Alain Cathedral in Lavaur, church, according to local at the Church of Notre-
conclave to elect the next pope, and chairing a committee
religious items. in south-central France. reports. Dame de Dijon in Côte-
of cardinals taking care of the ordinary affairs of the church
According to La Croix The fire was found early In a statement posted d’Or, about 175 miles to the
until a new pope is elected. (Carol Glatz/CNS)
International, one of the by a parish secretary and to the Diocesan website, south and east of Paris.
earliest incidents occurred did not spread, though the Bishop Robert Wattebled Again in this incident, the
Thirst for profit threatens humanity, Vatican official says
February 4 at St. Nicholas smoke damaged the altar of Nimes denounced the tabernacle was opened and
Left unchecked, unbridled greed and a thirst for profit
Catholic Church in Houilles, and adjacent walls. desecration, which “greatly the Eucharist scattered. An
leads down a slippery slope that endangers the earth and all
Yvelines, where a statue of The 800 year-old affects our diocesan altar cloth was also stained
who live on it, especially indigenous populations, a Vatican
the Blessed Virgin Mary building had also recently community. The sign of and a missal book was torn.
official said. Msgr. Fernando Chica Arellano, the Vatican’s
was found smashed on undergone renovations, the cross and the Blessed Father Emmanuel Pic
permanent observer to the U.N. Food and Agriculture
the ground. The church local sources reported. Sacrament have been from Notre-Dame parish
Organization, the International Fund for Agricultural
had experienced earlier “I strongly condemn the subject of serious told La Bien Public news
Development, and the World Food Program, called on world
incidents of vandalism the vandalism of Lavaur injurious actions. This act that since nothing of
leaders to make human beings, and not material gain, as
just weeks prior, when Cathedral and I share of profanation hurts us all great monetary value was
their primary concern. “If this priority is not clear, we will
the altar cross was found the outrage aroused by in our deepest convictions,” damaged, it seems the
leave withered lands, depleted seas, polluted air, wastelands
thrown to the ground and this intolerable act,” Jean he said. vandals wanted to attack
where beautiful orchards used to flourish as an inheritance
the celebrant’s chair was Terlier, a local district The Bishop also the “heart of the Catholic
to future generations,” Msgr. Chica said Feb. 13 at the Fourth
damaged. deputy, said in a statement announced that a Mass of faith.” (CNA/EWTN
Global Meeting of the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum. (Junno
The Observatory following the incident, reparation must be said in News)
Arocho Esteves/CNA)

‘Cardinal virtue’ of justice must be protected, pope tells

judges
South Korean bishops call for an end to the death penalty
Justice, along with prudence, fortitude and temperance, is SEOUL, South Korea— The South
a virtue that must be defended for the good of society, Pope Korean bishops’ conference has called
Francis told a group of Italian judges. A world without justice for an end to the death penalty, and
risks weakening the very fabric of society and can transform asked the nation’s Constitutional
it into “a breeding ground for illegality,” the pope said Feb. Court to consider whether capital
9 during a meeting with the Italian National Association of punishment violates South Korea’s
Judges. “Without justice, all social life remains jammed, like constitution.
a door that can no longer open or ends up screeching and “The capital punishment system
creaking in a cumbersome movement,” he said. (Junno treats criminals not as human beings
Arocho Esteves/CNA) capable of moral reflection and
improvement, but simply as a means
Pope tells prison staff they must help inmates find hope of defending society. If the aim were
A prison sentence without hope serves no purpose other to permanently segregate criminals to
than to stir feelings of revenge and anger in inmates who protect society, that could certainly be
are looking for a second chance in life, Pope Francis said. achieved through life imprisonment or
Speaking to staff members of Rome’s Regina Coeli prison penal servitude without the possibility
Feb. 7, the pope said that both prison staff and inmates of parole, which represent less of
always must look forward to the inmate’s reintegration in a restriction on basic rights,” the
society, including prisoners serving life sentences who can bishops said in their constitutional Korean bishops in Rome. SCREEN SHOT/EWTN
still make positive contributions from within the prison walls. appeal, filed Feb. 12.
“A punishment without hope does not serve a purpose, it does “All individuals’ lives possess the South Koreans requesting that capital has been executed in the country
not help, it arouses in one’s heart feelings of resentment, same value, and that life is of absolute punishment be replaced by life since 1997.
many times of revenge, and the person leaves worse than he significance to each individual,” a imprisonment, Hankyoreh reported. Pope Francis has been an outspoken
entered,” the pope said. (Junno Arocho Esteves/CNA) spokesman for the bishops’ campaign The nation’s Constitutional Court opponent of the death penalty,
told the Hankyoreh newspaper. has ruled previously, both in 1996 revising the Catechism of the Catholic
To ignore trafficking is to be complicit in the crime, pope says “It is no different even for criminals and in 2010, that the death penalty Church in 2018 to call execution
To be indifferent to or ignore human trafficking and who have committed atrocious acts does not violate the South Korean “inadmissible.”
modern-day slavery would be to become an accomplice to that violate and harm the life and constitution. There are nearly 6 million Catholics
those crimes, Pope Francis said. “Although we try to ignore human rights of others.” 61 people await execution on South in South Korea, comprising more
it, slavery is not something from other times,” he said in The South Korean bishops have Korea’s death row, according to death than 10 percent of the country’s
a video explaining his prayer intention for the month of collected the signatures of 102,517 penalty abolition groups, but no one population. (ACI Prensa)
February. “We cannot ignore the fact that there is as much
slavery in the world today as there was before, or perhaps As population plummets, Hungary to end income tax for moms of at least four
more,” he said in the one-minute video, published online at
www.thepopevideo.org Feb. 7. The video was presented at a BUDAPEST, Hungary— reports that Hungary’s the population trends are in the next 10 years, so
Vatican news conference underlining the importance of the In an effort to encourage fertility rate is currently not reversed. “less and less women need
International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Hungarians to have 1.45 children per woman, Orban stressed that an to have more and more
Trafficking. The day of prayer, encouraged by Pope Francis, more babies, the prime well below the replacement increase in “Hungarian babies,” she said. The goal
is celebrated every Feb. 8, the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita. minister of the country has rate of 2.1 children per children”—and not an is for the fertility rate to hit
(Carol Glatz/CNS) announced that women woman. increase in immigrants—is 2.1 in the next decade.
with four children or more According to Eurostat the solution to the nation’s The policy comes as birth
Witness, discipleship are key to missionary work, pope says will be exempt from paying data, Hungary saw some demographic problems. rates continue to decline in
Proclaiming the Gospel is not the same thing as proselytism income tax for life. 94,000 live births in 2017, “Migration for us Europe, with every country
and often means simply being a neighbor and friend to In a speech over the compared to 131,900 is surrender,” he in the European Union
someone while living an authentically Christian life, Pope weekend, Prime Minister deaths. said, according to the currently seeing fertility
Francis said. Mission “is that dynamic that leads you to be Viktor Orban also promised The low birth rate Washington Post. rates below the replacement
a neighbor to others to share the gift you have received: to reduce mortgage combined with some of the State Secretary for rate.
the encounter of love that changed your life and led you to payments for those with continent’s most stringent Families Katalin Novak told France and Germany are
consecrate your life to the Lord Jesus, good news for the life children, offer state aid immigration policies and the BBC that “Increasing among the other countries
and salvation of the world,” the pope said Feb. 8. Pope Francis in purchasing larger a rush of young workers the number of births is that have created policies
spoke about mission and witness during a meeting with the family vehicles, include leaving the country to very difficult, because we to incentivize couples
Missionaries of Africa and the Missionaries of Our Lady of grandparents on maternity seek better wages abroad have less and less women to have more children,
Africa, men’s and women’s religious orders founded 150 years leave, add day care options, has put Hungary on the of child-bearing age.” but have still struggled
ago by Cardinal Charles Lavigerie of Algiers, Algeria. (Cindy and introduce new loans verge of a demographic Women of child-bearing to substantially increase
Wooden/CNS) available for families. crisis, threatening serious age are expected to decline the national fertility rate.
The Washington Post economic consequences if in number by 20 percent (CNA/EWTN News)
CBCP Monitor February 18 - March 3, 2019, Vol 23, No. 04 NEWS FEATURES A3

Bishop receives invitation he could not refuse

THE letter arrived at the bishop’s
residence in Kalookan, a diocese
north of Manila, a few days after
the New Year celebrations ended.
The handwritten message came
from a group of boys who asked
their bishop’s “permission” to
celebrate Mass in their community.
“We are asking permission for
you to celebrate Mass at Market 3
... because that is where we live,”
read the letter, which was written
in Filipino and addressed to Bishop
Pablo Virgilio David.
“We believe that if you bless our
community peace will be granted
from God,” wrote the children. They
then promised to introduce the
bishop to their “parents, siblings
and the community who are all
seeking peace.”
The children said “lives would
change a lot, especially those of
people addicted to illegal drugs,”
if the bishop would come and
celebrate Mass.
They expressed hope that no more
lives would be lost due to drugs and
that drug-related killings would
stop because many innocent lives
had already been lost.
Market 3, Navotas
Market 3 in the coastal city of
Navotas, north of Manila, is a
sprawling slum where about 5,000
people live in a maze of sheet metal,
crumbling concrete and wooden
boards that people call their homes.
Crimes, from petty to serious,
are rampant, and illegal drugs
proliferate in the community of
workers at the nearby fish port
who believe that using “shabu,” a
slang term for methamphetamine,
will help them survive hunger and
sleepless nights.
The Market 3 area was thrust to
the forefront of the government’s
bloody war on illegal drugs after
President Rodrigo Duterte came to
power in 2016 promising to rid the
country of narcotic-related crimes.
After that, police began knocking
on doors more calling on drug
dealers to surrender. There are
times when these police operations
end in tragedy with suspects
reportedly fighting back, according
to the authorities.
There are nights too when, instead
of policemen, masked men roam
alleys and drag away suspected drug
users and dealers, only for them to
be found later with a bullet in the
head.
In January 2017, the entire slum
almost burned to the ground.
Authorities said the blaze started
inside a drug den that caught fire.
In a matter of days, people rebuilt
their community, but the killings
and abductions have continued.
‘War zone in disguise’
A report released in January by
the U.S.-based non-government
group Armed Conflict Location
and Event Data Project labeled
the Philippines as a “a war zone in
disguise.”
The organization cited the killings
of over 1,000 people in 2018,
attributing them to the Duterte
administration’s war on drugs as
proof of its claim.
The same report placed the
Philippines alongside Syria, Nigeria,
Yemen and Afghanistan as among
the deadliest countries for civilians
in 2018.
Syria topped the list with more
than 7,100 civilians killed, while
a combined total of about 7,600
were slain in Nigeria, Yemen,
Afghanistan and the Philippines,
which occupied the next four slots,
according to the report.
The Philippine government
described the report as ignorant and
Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan celebrates Mass in a makeshift chapel in the middle of an urban
poor community in the city of Navotas in the outskirts of Manila on the invitation of a group of children
on Jan. 13. VINCENT GO/UCAN
biased and accused local and foreign
media of disseminating fake news.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement
Agency, however, said that 5,104
“drug personalities” had died
between July 1, 2016, and Dec. 31,
2018, during police operations.
Figures from the government’s
#RealNumbersPH report also
showed that 167,135 people had
been arrested during the same
period.
In December 2018 alone, 54 drug
suspects were killed while 2,870
were arrested.
The Philippine National Police
admitted to 4,540 deaths during
anti-drug operations since 2016. It
added that another 23,000 deaths
remained under investigation.
Most of the killings and arrests
occurred in urban poor communities
like Market 3 in Bishop David’s
diocese.
A bishop’s story
The children’s letter was “an
invitation that could not be refused”
by the bishop. He himself admitted
that he felt the children’s strong
desire for peace and an end to
violence and killings in their
community.
A week after receiving the letter,
Bishop David decided to accept the
children’s invitation and visit the
community.
On a pleasant afternoon in the
middle of January, the children
finally welcomed their bishop. They
led him to a makeshift chapel in the
middle of the shanties that they call
home.
In his homily, Bishop David
shared the story of an eagle that
grew up believing he was a chicken
because he was brought up by one.
At the end of the story, the eagle
realized he was an eagle after seeing
another eagle, and soared up high
into the skies.
When the bishop asked the
community about the moral of the
story, one of the children said “How
to be an eagle?”
It drew laughter from the crowd.
“We are like the eagle that fell from
the nest,” Bishop David answered.
“Christ is the soaring eagle that
landed and stayed to show us how
to fly and soar into the vast skies.”
He reminded them not to act
with cruelty to others amid the
challenges they face. Cruelty and
persecution turn perpetrators into
animals, he said. “It is easy to be
human but it is difficult to act as
one,” said Bishop David.
Days after his visit, armed
Philippine Drug Enforcement
Agency agents swooped on Market
3 and arrested 16 suspected drug
users and dealers, including 12
minors.
Authorities said drug syndicates
were using children as “runners”
to transport drugs from sellers to
clients.
“Children should never be treated
as criminals, not even when they get
caught doing errands for pushers
and suppliers,” the prelate posted
on his social media account on
learning of the arrests. “They should
rather be treated as victims who
need to be rescued from adults
who use them for their criminal
activities.”
In a media briefing during the
last week of January, government
officials claimed that 927 children
aged 10-17 were rescued in drug
operations last year.
Not included in the report were
the 54 children reported killed
during operations since 2016
based on data gathered by the non-
government Children’s Legal Rights
and Development Center.
Also not listed were the 32,395
children who lost their parents to
the drug war, according to a study by
the Ateneo School of Government.
(Joe Torres/UCAN)

Great expectations: Vatican abuse summit McCarrick laicized by

has key, realistic goals
VATICAN— All eyes and ears
will be on the Vatican during
an unprecedented gathering
Feb. 21-24 to discuss the
protection of minors in the
Catholic Church.
When Pope Francis
announced the international
meeting in September, it
sparked an optimistic note
that the global problem
of abuse finally would be
tackled with a concerted,
coordinated, global effort.
The breadth of the
potential impact seemed to
be reflected in the list of those
convoked to the meeting: the
presidents of all the world’s
bishops’ conferences, the
heads of the Eastern Catholic
churches, representatives
of the leadership groups of
men’s and women’s religious
orders and the heads of major
Vatican offices.
But the pope tried to
dial down what he saw as
“inflated expectations” for
the meeting, telling reporters
in January that “the problem
of abuse will continue. It’s a
human problem” that exists
everywhere.
Many survivors and
experts, too, have cautioned
that it was unrealistic to
assume such a brief meeting
could deliver a panacea for
abuse and its cover-up.
So, what should people
expect from the four-day
meeting? The following five
points hit the highlights:
1. It will be first and
foremost about raising
awareness, including that
the scandal of abuse is not
a “Western” problem, but
happens in every country.
To make that point clear,
the organizing committee
asked every participating
bishop to sit down with a
survivor of abuse before
coming to Rome and hear
that “Me, too,” from a person
of his own country, culture
and language.
Jesuit Father Federico
Lombardi, who is moderating
the meeting, said there
would be between 160 and
180 participants. He told
reporters Feb. 12 to expect
Pope Francis
the presidents of about
115 bishops’ conferences,
a dozen heads of Eastern
churches, prefects of Vatican
congregations directly
involved with Vatican
norms regarding abuse and
negligence, eight delegates
from the men’s Union
of Superiors General, 10
delegates from the women’s
International Union of
Superiors General, three
members of the pope’s
Council of Cardinals who
are not presidents of their
bishops’ conference and four
members of the organizing
committee.
Everyone invited will be
expected to learn what his
or her responsibilities are as
a leader or a bishop and to
know the church laws and
procedures that already exist
to protect the young.
2. Organizers hope that by
listening to victims and leaders
who have learned things
the hard way, participants
will be inspired to adopt a
culture of accountability and
transparency.
Hearing what abuse and
negligence have done to
people has the power to
transform the listener, “to
truly open the mind and
heart,” Jesuit Father Hans
Zollner told reporters Feb. 12.
Just to be sure those voices
are heard, the meeting will
also feature testimonies from
survivors from countries
where the reality of abuse
is still largely ignored, said
the priest, an abuse expert
who is part of the meeting’s
organizing committee.
He said the word
“accountability” doesn’t even
exist in many languages,
which often means that
culture might lack a clear or
coherent understanding of
this key concept.
For that reason, the
summit will devote a day to
discussing accountability and
“what structures, procedures
and methods are effective”
and viable in the Catholic
Church, he said.
Church leaders must know
what the norms are, he said,
but the meeting also will
stress that the procedures
themselves “will not magically
solve a problem.”
For example, he said, it
was “a source of delusion”
for U.S. Catholics when the
2002 Dallas Charter did not
fix everything.
In fact, the meeting will
not be about producing any
documents, but pushing
people to take the needed steps
toward greater transparency
and accountability, Father
Lombardi said.
Those steps already are
spelled out, he said, in Pope
Francis’ 2016 document, “As
a Loving Mother,” on the
accountability of bishops and
religious superiors.
“It must be put into practice
effectively,” he said, adding
that he was “convinced
and firmly hope that this
meeting will give a push in
that direction.”
3. There will be a kind of
“parallel assembly” as large
numbers of survivors and
advocacy groups converge
on Rome to call for greater
accountability, action and
reform.
A variety of events are
planned, including an
evening “Vigil for Justice”
near the Vatican and a
“March for Zero Tolerance”
to St. Peter’s Square, but a
major focus will be media
outreach and getting the
voice and recommendations
of laypeople and victims --
many who had gone unheard
for years—listened to.
4. Pope Francis will be
present throughout the
meeting, which will include
plenary sessions, working
groups, prayer, a penitential
liturgy and a closing Mass.
In letters to the bishops of
Chile and the United States,
Pope Francis has made clear
what he thinks the church
needs to do to respond to the
abuse crisis.
Administrative solutions
involving new policies and
norms are not enough, he
has said.
He told Chile’s bishops that
abuse and its cover-up “are
indicators that something is
bad in the church body.”
Therefore, they must not
only “address the concrete
cases,” but also “discover
the dynamics that made it
possible for such attitudes
and evils to occur.”
Those attitudes are
driven by the temptation
“to save ourselves, to save
our reputation,” he told the
Chilean bishops.
In his letter to the U.S.
bishops, he warned against
the tendency to play the
victim, to scold, discredit,
disparage others and point
fingers.
5. Expect the meeting to
be one critical step along
a very long journey that
began decades ago and must
continue.
Further measures will
be taken after the meeting,
Father Zollner has said. For
instance, a task force made
up of child protection experts
“will probably be instituted
in the various continents”
to help bishops create,
strengthen and implement
guidelines.
The different “teams” of
the task force should be able
to help “for years to come to
measure the success of this
exercise of realizing one’s
own responsibility, even on
the global level, in the face
of public expectations,” he
told the Vatican newspaper
in January.
Even though the church is
well aware of larger, related
problems of abuses of power,
conscience and abuse and
violence against seminarians,
religious women and other
adults, the meeting will focus
exclusively on protecting
minors from abuse, Fathers
Zollner and Lombardi said.
The idea is that the attitude
and spirit needed to protect
the most vulnerable of the
church’s members are the
same that will protect and
promote respect for the
integrity and dignity of
everyone.
In fact, Father Lombardi
said, “I see this as a test of the
Goals / A6
VATICAN— Pope Francis
and the Congregation for
the Doctrine of the Faith
ordered this week the
laicization of Theodore
McCarrick, a former cardinal
and archbishop emeritus of
Washington.
Once a powerful figure in
ecclesiastical, diplomatic,
and political circles in the
U.S. and around the world,
McCarrick, 88, is now
removed from the clerical
state. He was publicly accused
last year of sexually abusing
at least two adolescent
boys, and of engaging for
decades in coercive sexual
behavior toward priests and
seminarians.
The CDF conducted an
administrative penal process
which found McCarrick
guilty of “solicitation in the
Sacrament of Confession,
and sins against the Sixth
Commandment with minors
and with adults, with the
aggravating factor of the
abuse of power,” according
to a Feb. 16 Vatican
communiqué.
An administrative
penal process is a much-
abbreviated penal
mechanism used in cases
in which the evidence is
so clear that a full trial is
unnecessary.
Because Pope Francis
personally approved the
guilty verdict and the penalty
of laicization, it is formally
impossible for the decision
to be appealed.
According to a Feb. 16
statement from the Vatican,
the CDF issued the decree
Jan. 11 finding McCarrick
guilty. This was followed by
an appeal, which the CDF
rejected Feb. 13.
McCarrick was notified
of the decision Feb. 15 and
Pope Francis “has recognized
the definitive nature of this
decision made in accord
with law, rendering it a res
iudicata (i.e., admitting of
no further recourse.)”
CNA contacted McCarrick’s
canonical advocate, who
declined to comment on the
case.
The allegations of sexual
abuse against McCarrick
became public in June 2018
when the Archdiocese of
New York reported that it
had received a “credible”
allegation that McCarrick
sexually abused a teenage
boy in the 1970s, while
serving as a New York
priest. McCarrick stepped
down that same month from
all public ministry at the
direction of the Holy See.
In July, Pope Francis
accepted his resignation
from the College of Cardinals,
ordering McCarrick to a
life of prayer and penance
pending the completion
of the canonical process
concerning the allegations.
Since the end of September,
McCarrick has been residing
at the St. Fidelis Capuchin
Friary in Victoria, Kansas.
Key among McCarrick’s
accusers is James Grein,
who gave evidence before
specially deputized
archdiocesan officials in New
York on Dec. 27.
As part of the CDF’s
investigation, Grein testified
that McCarrick, a family
friend, sexually abused
him over a period of years,
beginning when Grein was
11 years old. He also alleged
that McCarrick carried out
some of the abuse during
the sacrament of confession
- itself a separate canonical
crime that can lead to the
penalty of laicization.
The CDF has also
reportedly received evidence
from an additional alleged
victim of McCarrick—13 at
the time the alleged abuse
began—and from as many
as 8 seminarian-victims in
the New Jersey dioceses
of Newark and Metuchen,
where McCarrick previously
served as bishop.
As emeritus Archbishop
of Washington, D.C., and
also as Bishop of Metuchen
and Archbishop of Newark,
McCarrick occupied a place
of prominence in the US
Church.
He was a leading
Laicized / A6
A4 OPINION February 18 - March 3, 2019, Vol 23, No. 04 CBCP Monitor

EDITORIAL

Vatican summit on sex abuse

POPE FRANCIS has called to Rome Catholic leaders from over
a hundred bishop’s conferences throughout the world for a
landmark meeting on sexual abuse. Gathering from February
21- 24, 2019, this will be the first time in history that a pope has
convened senior bishops to discuss clergy sexual abuse after
decades of scandals that have finally brought the Church to her
knees or so it seems.
In June 2016, Pope Francis issued Motu Proprio an Apostolic
Letter titled “As a Loving Mother” (Come una madre amorevole)
which underlines in 5 articles the possibility of removal from
ecclesiastical office for “grave reasons”, especially “in the negligence
of a bishop in the exercise of his office, and in particular in relation
to cases of sexual abuse inflicted on minors and vulnerable adults.”
But it seems the provisions of this apostolic letter have been
over taken by the heavy scandals that lately surfaced. Among
hundreds recent cases, the most outrageous is the one of Theodore
McCarrick who have been sexually abusing children and adults,
including seminarians and priests all the way from being a mere
priest in the Archdiocese of New York to being Archbishop of

ILLUSTRATION BY BLADIMER USI

Washington D.C. and finally to being elevated to the college of
cardinals. It escapes comprehension how was he able to rise to
the highest echelon of ecclesiastical stature undetected. Or was
he? Latest reports showed that Church leaders in the US and
Vatican officials were aware of McCarrick’s behavior, or at least
his proclivities, for decades. On February 16, 2019, the Holy See
has convicted McCarrick on charges of sexual abuse of minors
and adults and imposed on him a penalty of laicization.
Cover-ups and the seeming culture of silence within the Church
may have become the seedbed that fanned the proliferation of
We speak for the Panaghoy
sexual abuses among priests and bishops. Several years back, the
attitude was to keep things under the rug in order to possibly children on the MACR Bp. Broderick Pabillo
arrest the spread of scandal or protect the reputation of the priest. (Minimum age of criminal responsibility)
But at the end of the day, it has bred more scandals. Moreover,
as some church leaders tried to shield the priest they ended up
betraying the reputation of the Church and even the work of THE House of Representatives under rehabilitation centers and not to be by syndicates and adults to do crimes.
evangelization—and, of course, the sense of justice for the victims. the Speakership of Gloria Macapagal mixed with other prisoners. They should This means that they are victims.
This Vatican summit maybe a big step towards a cleansing Arroyo, is now rushing for the approval undergo rehabilitation programs in Criminalizing them will not solve
journey within the church. But people are praying that this of the act amending and expanding these centers. The whole purpose of the the problem unless we go after the
will focus on making Church leaders seriously aware of their the RA 9344 “The Juvenile Justice JJWA for CICL and for CHILDREN AT syndicates. The Police shows its failure
responsibilities, accountability, and transparency.
and Welfare Act of 2006” which will RISK (CAR) is Prevention, Diversion, to get the syndicates and instead would
LOWER DOWN THE MINIMUM AGE Rehabilitation, Re-integration, run after victims of these syndicates.
Faith and science OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY OF Aftercare. When this bill becomes a law, the police
CHILDREN FROM 15 YEARS OLD The law is not property implemented will tap its shoulders for having put
THESE two should go together. They are not meant to go separate TO 12 YEARS OLD. This is House Bill since 2006. children in jail and not bother to look for
ways and, worse, to go against each other. A faith without science No. 8858, which has been approved on • There are not enough rehabilitation the syndicates and adults who use the
is prone to fall into superstitions, and a science without faith can
2nd reading by the Lower House last centers and those that have are not children, as they tap their shoulders for
only go nowhere.
January 23, 2019 properly staffed and there is not enough having killed small time users of drugs
Faith without science can only provoke suspicion, disbelief and
criticism. And a science without faith might give an appearance
The proposed bill was introduced with program to rehabilitate the children. instead of getting at the big drug lords!
of sophisticated achievement but it will certainly lead to getting the following objectives: • The DSWD does not have enough 3. Science tells us that children
confused and lost in itself, and can pose as a grave danger to us. • To protect minors from personnel to handle the CICL and CAR below age 18 are not fully developed
All of this because faith and science in the end come from the being exploited by syndicates and in the municipalities. intellectually, emotionally and
same source—God the Creator. This is what the Catechism says unscrupulous persons that use minors • The barangay officials are not psychologically. This is why they are not
about faith and science: to escape liability for crimes and other oriented or are not doing anything to allowed to vote and are not allowed to
“Though faith is above reason, there can never be any real illegal activities. take care of the CAR although they have enter into legal contracts. The argument
discrepancy between faith and reason. Since the same God who • To provide adequate intervention a mandate for this. that the bill will act as a deterrent does
reveals mysteries and infuses faith has bestowed the light of and diversion measures for children in not hold water because the kids do not
reason on the human mind, God cannot deny himself, nor can conflict with the law. The government has a very poor see the full implications of the law nor
truth ever contradict itself. Consequently, methodical research • To increase the penalties for record of implementing laws. We call of their actions. The users of these kids
in all branches of knowledge, provided it is carried out in a truly the exploitation of children for the for full implementation of this law will continue to use them since there are
scientific manner and does not override moral laws, can never commission of crimes. which already addresses many concerns many vulnerable kids anyway because of
conflict with the faith, because the things of the world and the brought out by the new bill. If the widespread poverty.
things of faith derive from the same God. The humble and We oppose this bill on the following government now is not able to build 4. Once a child of 12 is criminalized,
persevering investigator of the secrets of nature is being led, as grounds: rehabilitation centers of CICL since his/her record for life is already a
it were, by the hand of God in spite of himself, for it is God, the 1. We now have the Juvenile Justice 2006, what guarantee we have the that criminal. We destroy his/her future
conserver of all things, who made them what they are.” (159) Welfare Act (JJWA) or RA 9344 proposed Bahay Pangarap of this bill without him/ her knowing fully what he/
Faith actually needs science to be able to demonstrate its truths, In this Law the CHILDREN IN will be built and properly staffed? she has done. This brand or stigma as a
though faith transcends the powers of science and its scope goes far CONFLICT WITH THE LAW (CICL) 2. CICL account for less than 2% criminal in his/her records will close a
beyond what science can reach and cover. Thus, being a sharing of
who are below 15 years of age should of criminality in the country and lot of doors for his/her future.
what God the Creator knows about us and the world, faith is meant
have age - appropriate interventions many of these are petty crimes due to 5. The Philippine government is party
to give light and direction to science. We need to acknowledge this
principle and allow our scientific work to be guided by faith.
from the DSWD. Those who are 15 hunger, influence of peers and lack of to the United Nations Convention on
A faith that is not aided by science is a faith that is out on a years old till 18 years are to be put in parental guidance. CICL may be used Panaghoy / A6
limb. It tends to fall into the anomaly of fideism. And a science

And That’s The Truth No fast forwards for me

that is not guided by faith is blind, or is blinded by its own light.
It cannot cope with all the issues and questions in life and the
realities of the spiritual and supernatural world. It tends to fall
into the anomaly of scientism and technologism. Teresa R. Tunay, OCDS
A faith without science tends to build an ivory tower, unable
to have any impact on the things of the world. Its relevance and
practicability in the world tends to fade away. Its spread and
transmission, its viability in the world would be greatly hampered. MY passion for truth won’t is your source?” When the I could name a few netizen- so… let it be. But lately I
Faith does not undermine the objectivity and realism of science. tolerate forwarded social answer is “it’s forwarded by friends who are in the habit got two posts on the same
A science without faith can become a loose cannon. It is vulnerable media messages that sound a friend”, I first verify and of thoughtlessly forwarding day that raised the alarm
to be exploited by ideologues, to get entangled in partisan politics, too good or too bad to be validate it if I think it’s worth such unchecked posts, and bell several notches higher.
and to come out with biased data, etc. It would not know how to true—whether they’re plain the trouble. And almost I used to respond to each The first one is plain text
play along the providence of God, since it would be oblivious of God.
news items or videos from always, the post is fake news, and everyone of them once with a photo of Pope Francis
Faith and science should go together. Scientific studies, for
netizens. I won’t forward propaganda in disguise, I got the facts straight, but titled “Gentle reminders from
example, about the origin of the world and of life in general
reinforce the truths of faith about these questions. Of course, there
messages just because they religious intolerance masked now I’ve grown tired of it, Pope Francis”; the second is
are differences in the language used by faith and science, but they make me feel noble, or even as righteous indignation, or because they don’t seem a video accompanied by a
somehow are in agreement about the core of these questions. just useful, as I suspect many hatred posing as a cry for to learn, or care, or care to caption “Hindu girl burned
It is important that we always maintain the strong and intimate Facebook friends of faith justice. My nose for news learn. Sometimes I even fear alive in Madhya Pradesh for
relation between faith and science. We have to avoid the extremes do. While I appreciate the usually warns me, and I heed they resent me for bursting attending Christian prayer
of “too much faith” with hardly any reference and support from senders’ good intentions it because I know that once their bubble. Maybe the old service”.
science, and of “too much science” that practically ignores the light in spreading supposedly I carelessly hit the forward adage “you cannot teach Reading the “Gentle
of faith. Sad to say, these two extremes can be found in many informative or uplifting button, I’d be caught in the old dogs new tricks” applies reminders…” I saw that some
places today. We need to correct the situation by undertaking posts, my kneejerk reaction viral spiral to spread lies—a here. I’d hate to be known advice made sense, but as a
an abiding catechesis, adapted to the different mentalities of the is to ask them, “What/who mortal sin for a writer. as “Pambansang Kill Joy”, And That’s the Truth / A7
people, about the mutual relation between faith and science.

The narrative of faith Candidly Speaking

Monitor
CBCP
Fr. Roy Cimagala

PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE

THE word, ‘narrative,’ today has and the conservatives defending their divorce, same-sex marriage, etc.
Pedro Quitorio acquired a bad connotation because views according to the narrative of their This is, of course, a blatant
Editor-in-Chief it now is made to refer to attempts ideological and political position. misconception of faith, regarding it
to conform our views according to Of course, this is a very understandable as one more man-made ideology and
Nirva’ana E. Delacruz Ron Ramos, Sky Ortigas a preconceived storyline that would phenomenon. One sees and understands political platform. To be sure, all man-
Associate Editor Design Artists already suggest bias and prejudice. It’s things according to how he is, conditioned made ideologies and political platforms
like things are scripted and controlled, as he is by so many factors and elements. have many things that can do good to all
Roy Lagarde Mercedita Juanite and as a consequence objectivity is A gospel passage somehow says as of us. But they cannot capture everything
News Editor Circulation Manager
compromised. much. “The heart speaks out of the that is proper to us. To be sure also, they
Christine Paguirigan Marcelita Dominguez This is especially so in the area abundance of the heart.” (Mt 12,34) cannot by themselves bring us to our
Managing Editor Comptroller of public opinion where different Unfortunately, the word, ‘narrative,’ spiritual and supernatural goal.
ideological and political groups defend with its negative connotation is also Yes, it can be said that the word,
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the
CBCP - Media Office with editorial and business offices
their views according to their ideological applied by many people today to the ‘narrative,’ can also be applied to our
at 3rd Floor, CBCP Compound, 470 General Luna and political principles and doctrines. Christian faith. They say that because Christian faith. But it is a narrative
Street, Intramuros, Manila. Email Address: cbcpmonitor@ Those concerned simply have to stick of some people’s faith, they cannot that should not be understood the way
areopaguscommunications.com, Business: (632) 404 - 1612.
ISSN 1908-2940. to the narrative of their ideology and be objective, and thus, cannot see the we understand it with respect to our
politics. Thus, you can have the liberals wisdom behind the things like abortion, Candidly Speaking / A7
CBCP Monitor February 18 - March 3, 2019, Vol 23, No. 04 OPINION A5

Along the Way EDSA: An unfinished Collection Box

Fr. Amado L. Picardal, CSsR, STD revolution Fr. Jerome R. Secillano, MPA

THIRTY-THREE years ago, a corrupt

dictator—Ferdinand Marcos—was
scot-free in spite of being convicted by
the Sandigan Bayan. It is believed that
attack while false news proliferate in
the cyberspace. The clergy – including Condemning terror:
deposed in a matter of four days without
bloodshed. It was an event that was
the Marcos billions financed the vice-
presidential candidacy of Bongbong
bishops - continue to receive death
threats and three priests have already ‘What has happened to
totally unexpected. It happened three
years after the assassination of Ninoy
Marcos and the senatorial candidacy
of Imee Marcos who is being endorsed
been assassinated.Meanwhile, majority
of the people remain poor. The prices humanity?’
Aquino which consequently heightened by Rodrigo Duterte out of gratitude of goods continue to rise. The poor are (First of two parts)
the resistance against the dictatorial for having supported his presidential victims of violence, injustice, violation
regime. It happened two weeks after a candidacy. of human rights. They are the most
I WAS wrong when I thought that the world’s strongest
snap election which was denounced by We have a president who idolizes the vulnerable to calamities due to the
condemnation of terror will put an end to terrorist acts.
the CBCP as fraudulent. It was triggered former dictator and has followed his destruction of the environment and
When the most brutal and destructive terrorist attack
by bungled coup attempt and the call of example by exercising hegemony and climate change.
destroyed the twin towers in New York and claimed thousands
Cardinal Sin for the people to come to total control not just over the executive Looking back over the years after
of American lives, America, I thought, will not take it sitting
EDSA to prevent loyalist troops from branch but also the legislative and EDSA, we realize that there was no
down. That a more vicious annihilation of terrorists is in the
going after the coup plotters holed up judiciary branches of government. He genuine revolution. There was a
offing.
in Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo. has imposed perpetual Martial Law in restoration of democracy – but only in
The whole world was on the side of the United States, and
It came to be known as the People Mindanao. He acts as if he is above the form but not in substance. What was
for all of America’s faults and shortcomings, she couldn’t go
Power revolution which installed as law and can say anything he likes. The restored was elitist democracy – with
wrong if she decided to retaliate. World leaders, nations, and
president Cory Aquino—the widow of extrajudicial killings already claimed a self-serving political class motivated
institutions strongly condemned the act that had exposed
Ninoy Aquino. that lives of over 30,000 people in less by wealth, power and privilege –
Americas’ vulnerability and seeming weakness.
For many, it was indeed a miraculous than three years—casualties on the so- perpetuated by an electorate most of
For years, US authorities hunted down Osama Bin Laden.
event. It was our Exodus. It was a called War on Drugs and the counter- whom lack conscience and intelligence,
The end of the most hated terrorist was imminent. In one fell
manifestation of God’s intervention in insurgency war. This has surpassed the easily fooled by empty promises, that
swoop, Bin Laden was cornered in a compound at Abbottabad,
our country’s history. God was revealed EJK that took place in 14 years of the can easily be bought and that can
Pakistan just yards from a military compound and mercilessly
as liberator, on side of the poor, who Marcos dictatorial rule. Peace remains be captivated by candidates who are
killed by US Navy Seals.
“cast the mighty from their thrones and an elusive dream in spite of the peace popular (boxers, entertainers, actors)
Bin Laden’s end happened on May 2, 2011, but the end of
lifted up the lowly.” It was time when we agreement with the MILF and the even if they are incompetent. Fifteen
terror is from over. Terror attacks from all over the world
were proud to be Filipinos. EDSA was BOL. The peace negotiations with the years after EDSA, there was another
continued.
touted as our gift to the world, a proof NDF/CPP/NPA which started 32 years EDSA II which ousted a corrupt and
During the annual Boston Marathon on Apr. 15, 2013, two
that it was possible to peacefully end ago have not prospered and have once incompetent president. But things
homemade pressure cooker bombs detonated 12 seconds and
despotic regimes. Thus, it became an again collapsed and this has led to the remain the same. Why is this?
210 yards (190 m) apart, killing three people and injuring
inspiration for non-violent resistance escalation of the armed hostilities. We lack genuine selfless leaders
several hundred others, including 16 who lost limbs. During
all over the world. Several years later, We continue to be led by corrupt and who have integrity, principles and
questioning, one of the suspects said he and his brother
we witnessed the collapse of the Iron incompetent politicians whose only competence. We lack compassionate
were motivated by extremist Islamist beliefs and the wars
Curtain, the emergence of democratic concern is to enrich themselves and and courageous servant-leaders, with
in Iraq and Afghanistan, that they were self-radicalized and
regimes in Eastern Europe, in Latin their families and perpetuate themselves vision and wisdom, capable of inspiring
unconnected to any outside terrorist groups.
America and in South Africa. in power, making a mockery of the everyone to work for the common good
In 2015, married couple Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik
Yet, over three decades later, we look anti-dynasty law in the constitution. and with a program of transforming
shot and killed 14 people and injured 22 others in a killing
at our country and ask, was it really The opposition has been intimidated our political and economic system and
spree that the FBI was investigating as an”act of terrorism”.
a revolution? Did EDSA change and and emasculated. Those who dared to structures and bringing about genuine
This was called the San Bernardino attack.
transform our country? stand up to the president – like Leila justice, peace and progress.But we
On the morning of March22, 2016, three coordinated
The Marcoses are still around. DeLima and Antonio Trillanes III have cannot blame everything on the kind
suicide bombings occurred in Belgium: two at Brussels
Ferdinand Marcos, Sr., has received been harassed and arrested by false of leaders that we have. We deserve the
Airport in Zaventem, and one at Maalbeek metro station in
a hero’s burial. Imelda Marcos is still charges. The media is constantly under Along the Way / A7
central Brussels. Thirty-two civilians and three perpetrators
were killed, and more than 300 people were injured. Another
Together, let us Duc in Altum
bomb was found during a search of the airport. The Islamic
State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claimed responsibility for
all walk for life Atty. Aurora A. Santiago
the attacks.
On Palm Sunday, Apr. 9, 2017, twin suicide bombings took
place at St. George’s Church in the northern Egyptian city of
Tanta on the Nile delta, and Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox
Cathedral, the principal church in Alexandria, seat of the
THE Sangguniang Laiko ng inspired by St. Pope John death and violence. Human any walk for life that does Coptic papacy. At least 45 people were reported killed and
Pilipinas (Laiko) initiated the Paul II’s Christifideles Laici life is sacred and with dignity; not affirm the dignity and 126 injured. Amaq News Agency said the attacks were carried
Walk for Life in 2017; it was a on the vocation and mission it should never be abused and humanity of every woman out by a security detachment of the Islamic State of Iraq and
huge success. In 2018, more of the Lay Faithful or Laity: must be protected while in who is chosen by God to Syria (ISIS).
church organizations and “The inviolability of the the womb. Prisoners should give life. The womb where On the afternoon of Aug. 17, 2017, 22-year old Younes
ministries joined the event. person, which is the reflection not be given inhumane life is nurtured is not just Abouyaaqoub drove a van into pedestrians on La Rambla in
This year, thousands and of the absolute inviolability of treatment, even if they were the mother’s womb. There Barcelona, Spain, killing 13 people and injuring at least 130
thousands more participated. God, finds its primary and involved in illegal drugs; they is also the womb where life others, one of whom died 10 days later on Aug. 27. Nine hours
The Walk for Life, indeed fundamental expression in are sick and need care and continues to be nurtured like after the Barcelona attack, five men thought to be members
has become a tradition of the inviolability of human compassion. the family, neighborhoods, of the same terrorist cell drove into pedestrians in nearby
the faithful to express their life... the common outcry, In his homily during the schools, parishes, BECs (Basic Cambrils, killing one woman and injuring six others. The
advocacy to support the which is justly made on Walk for Life, Luis Antonio Ecclesial Communities). night before the Barcelona attack, an explosion occurred in a
culture of life as against the behalf of human rights—for Cardinal Tagle invoked that They are the spaces of house in the Spanish town of Alcanar, destroying the building
culture of death. example, the right to health, we should give thanks to God compassion, tenderness and killing two members of the terrorist cell, including the
Laiko is the lay arm of CBCP to home, to work, to family, to for the gift of life, the gift and love, especially in the 40-year old imam thought to be the mastermind. The group
Episcopal Commission on the culture— is false and illusory that needs to be treasured; family, which is not only accidentally detonated the bomb they were making.
Laity (ECLA). Its President if the right to life, the most that we accept the mission the place where biological The long arm of terror did not spare the Philippines. On May
Marita Wasan, Ph.D, affirmed basic and fundamental right to celebrate life, to nurture it, life is nurtured, the life of 23, 2017, the Battle of Marawi also known as the Marawi siege
that the walk is not only to and the condition for all to defend it and to promote faith is also nurtured where commenced. It became the longest urban battle in the modern
condemn the wrong that is other personal rights, is not it. He encouraged the youth we recognize God and obey history of the country lasting five months. Government
being done, but also to pray defended with maximum to pass onto their future God. When “the relationship security forces battled Muslim militants affiliated with the
for the conversion of those determination.” children and grandchildren with God is abandoned and Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) including the Maute
who committed the wrong. Weeks before the event, that every year, they should instead of obedience to God and Abu Sayyaf Salafi jihadist groups. The war devastated the
The purpose of the walk is to some bishops supported wait and join the Walk for Life rebellion towards God sets city, razing it to ground zero with properties, houses, churches
uphold the truth and uphold the event and called on the because there would come in, life is curtailed, death and mosques destroyed at epic proportions.
that human life is a choice faithful to join the Walk for the time when this generation enters.” The third womb is Then came the bombing of a Catholic Church in Mindanao. On
that must be made by all. Life, among them, Bishop of youth will also grow old the wider society which must the morning of Jan. 27, 2019, two bombs exploded at the Roman
In its press statement, Pablo Virgilio David of the and they must bequeath give life instead of wasting Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu.
Laiko aims for a “choice Diocese of Kalookan. He to the next generation the life; “making society a tender Twenty people were killed and 102 others injured. It is believed
to uphold human life and pointed out that every person value of life. Cardinal Tagle compassionate womb where that the attacks were carried out by the Abu Sayyaf, and the Islamic
human dignity” It was must fight every forces of also stated “There cannot be Duc in Altum / A7 Collection Box / A7

Spaces of Hope ‘Sakyanan sa Kaluoy’

Fr. Carmelo O. Diola

WITH a thumbs-up sign, Umberto
emerged from the shower with a
huge smile. This was no ordinary
shower but one of four mounted
on the left side of a 17-foot long
body of an Isuzu Elf. “Sakyanan sa
Kaluoy” (“Vehicle of Mercy”) or SSK
is a mobile service of “Abtanan sa
Kaluoy” (“Oasis of Mercy”) or ASK,
inaugurated and blessed on Jan.
29, 2019 inside the compound of
the St. Joseph the Patriarch Parish,
Mabolo, Cebu City.
Umberto Silensi, an Italian
deacon, decided to try out the
shower service as the vehicle parked
in front of the Cebu Metropolitan
Cathedral a day after the opening
of ASK. The idea to build Sakyanan
had come from Ronald Diola,
an ASK volunteer, but it was the
good deacon who pushed the idea
forward.
He was with his local ordinary,
Bishop Carlo Bresciani of the
Diocese of San Benedetto del
Tronto-Ripatransone-Montalto,
representing the Italian Bishops’
Conference. As she viewed her
husband emerge from the shower,
Umberto’s wife, Nicoletta, cried
out as she shook her head with
endearment, “Matto, matto”.
“Matto” (“nuts”) describes the
beginnings of the project well.
With no blueprint to work on—a
Google search for “bus for street
children” yields pictures of either
toy buses, school buses, or buses
for the homeless—and no budget to
speak of, it was providence-inspired
joyful persistence that led from
the drawing board to the finished
product.
Like ASK, the Sakyanan is a fruit
of the 51st International Eucharistic
Congress and its effort to ensure the
dignified participation of the poor.
When the actual construction of the
activity center for street children
began in February 2018, the idea for
constructing the aforementioned
vehicle once more surfaced.
A team began conceptualizing and
designing. Architect Dante Morales,
who designed the activity center,
once more shared his creative
juices with a local team who had
worked with street children. Initial
designs were then presented before
a local vehicle body-builder in
collaboration with two engineering
professors from a local university.
A final design emerged.
Sakyanan offers shower, new
clothes, a hot meal, haircut, and
other services in collaboration
with a parish, the local barangay,
the police, and other sectors in
the parish. A system of hydraulics
allows the sides and the back of
the vehicle to open up and serve
the children. A big video screen
at the back allows short animated
films and instructional video to be
shown. There is a holding tank for
the water to be used in the showers
and another one to keep the used
water before it is discharged in an
appropriate place.
A good shepherd goes out in
search of the lost sheep.
***
The vehicle’s visit to a parish
results from active networking.
A team is formed beforehand,
bringing together representatives
from UBAS (Ugnayan ng Barangay
at Simbahan) and other sectors. A
counterpart arrangement is agreed
upon, with certain fixed tasks. The
barangay brings in the children and
registers them. Sakyanan provides
the shower facilities and food. The
parish provides parking space and
toilets for use before showering.
Other tasks are negotiable, like
recruiting volunteer barbers and,
perhaps, medical and dental teams.
Agreement is secured beforehand
on snacks for volunteers, washing
of soiled clothing of children,
name tags, chairs and tables, a tent
for shade, potable water, sound
system, music, etc. In due time, a
certain “payment” will be asked
of the children for them to avail of
services: the bringing in of garbage
for recycling or proper disposal.
Street children shall have values
formation. But these shall be
caught, rather than taught. As
a teaching methodology puts it,
“Show, don’t tell.” The basic values
shall have the acronym, “TLIG” or
True Love Inspired by God. More
concretely, “come on Time”; “fall
in Line and stay in line;” “read,
listen to, and follow Instructions”;
and “manage your Garbage well”.
The large video screen shall play
a big role in securing the attention
of children and keeping them
Spaces of Hope / A7
A6 LOCAL NEWS
Borongan bishop: ‘Distorted
values’ destroy elections
Bishop Crispin Varquez of Borongan urged Catholics to shun vote-buying and selling this coming May
13 elections. FILE PHOTO
A CATHOLIC bishop has called on
his flock to vote responsibly in the
upcoming midterm polls to correct
“distorted values” that reigned in
the past elections.
Bishop Crispin Varquez of
Borongan said it’s about time
people use their votes with visionary
leadership and good governance in
mind.
“It’s high time to demand for
real change. This coming elections,
choose good candidates,” he said
emphatically in a video message.
The bishop lamented how
previous elections in one of the
country’s poorest provinces were
marred by rampant vote buying
and selling.
This “systemic corruption”, he
Building / A1
under a consortium of Development
and Peace – Caritas Canada, Caritas
Philippines, Archdiocese of Palo,
Redemptorist Congregation, and the
Urban Poor Associates.
Canadian delegation led by Bishop
Noel Simard along with church and
government officials graced the
turnover ceremony on Feb. 10.
Simard said the event was “a
manifestation of us in Canada
responding to the great need and
suffering you have experienced in
2013”.
“D&P cannot help but respond
in the best way we can, despite the
many difficulties we have to face in
building the Pope Francis Village,”
he said.
“And now seeing the happy faces
of the families, of the children in
their new homes, we can only say
that D&P did the right thing pushing
for this project,” Simard said.
Fr. Edwin Gariguez of Caritas
Philippines reiterated the church’s
commitment to help the Yolanda
survivors.
“The way we were able to organize
the survivors and mobilize all
resources available were a reflection
of our commitment to better the lives
of the most vulnerable,” he said.
The P187.8 million project will
have about 566 housing units, six
Cages / A1
consider the “greater harm” posed
by their controversial proposal to
children.
“There is no way we can call
ourselves a civilized society if we
hold children in conflict with the law
criminally liable,” the bishops said.
They noted that most young
offenders came from poor families
and were raised in an “environment
of abuse”. (CBCP News)
Society / A1
is a disservice not only to the society
but to creation.
“Creation that generously, that
takes care of us, is not able to do
its mission because of the hands,”
he added.
Although no crowd estimate
was given to the media by police
authorities, the cardinal noted the
Laicized / A3
participant in the development
of the 2002 Dallas Charter and
USCCB Essential Norms, which
established procedures for
handling allegations of sexual
abuse concerning priests.
Though laicized, McCarrick
does not cease to be a bishop,
sacramentally speaking, since
once conferred the sacrament
of ordination and episcopal
consecration cannot be undone.
The penalty of reduction from
stressed, has undermined the
emergence of credible candidates.
“I am disturbed by what is
happening in our society today
because of the distorted values of
many people,” Varquez said.
Echoing the call of the Philippine
bishops’ conference, he urged the
public to be discerning and elect
candidates who have the common
good as their top concern.
“If corruption continues, nothing
will happen to our country and to
the lives of Filipinos,” he added.
He also called on the people
to participate actively during the
elections and “stand for what is
right, no matter how unpopular it
may become”. (Roy Lagarde /
CBCPNews)
multipurpose classroom, a chapel,
village market, and waste water
treatment and materials recovery
facilities.
Jess Agustin, country manager of
D&P, said that Pope Francis Village
is “truly an integrated, community-
driven model community that is
reflective of the people’s aspirations”.
“Our work in providing alternatives
like Pope Francis Village’s model
community has been an expression of
solidarity and hope, despite despair,
hatred and division,” he said.
The construction of Pope Francis
Village is expected to be completed
in June 2019.
In November 2018, Caritas
Philippines has reported that it has
built more than 30,000 homes,
benefiting thousands of Yolanda
survivors.
The church’s over-all Caritas
response has amounted to over P3.2
billion.
Aside from housing projects, the
Church also focused on livelihood
programs, community organizing,
community-managed disaster risk
reduction, ecosystems recovery,
and institutional capacity building,
among others.
“This is our Church not giving up
on her people,” Gariguez said.
Goals / A3
profundity of the reform” of the
church called for by Pope Francis.
In other words, the pope wants
people “to examine how we live out
our mission, with what coherence
and how we can convert our attitudes,
both in regard to our attention and
compassion for those who suffer, as
well as our consistent witness to the
dignity of children, of women, and
so on.” (Carol Glatz/CNS)
presence of many young people at
the event.
Simultaneous walk for life were
also held in the cities of Dagupan,
Tarlac, Cebu, Ormoc and Cagayan
de Oro. Lay groups also gathered
in the towns of Palo and Palompon,
in Leyte. (Roy Lagarde /
CBCPNews)
the clerical state - often called
laicization—prevents McCarrick
from referring to himself or
functioning as a priest, in public or
private. Since ordination imparts a
sacramental character, it cannot be
undone by an act of the Church; but
following laicization he is stripped
of all the rights and privileges of
a cleric including, in theory, the
right to receive financial support
from the Church. ( H a n n a h
Brockhaus/CNA)
February 18 - March 3, 2019, Vol 23, No. 04 CBCP Monitor
Ozamis prelate backs martial
law extension in Mindanao
“MINDANAO needs martial law.” as peacekeepers in Mindanao. in Mindanao until the end of 2019.
Without reservation, Archbishop Archbishop Jumoad also This is the third time that the SC
Martin Jumoad of Ozamis supported expressed hope that everybody, affirmed the legality of the martial
the third martial law extension in regardless of religion, will work for law, dismissing the petitions filed
the southern region. peace. by four different groups.
“This is good for us here. Others “May the people of Mindanao – In 2017, most bishops in the south
may not understand us but if you Muslims, Lumads and Christians backed martial law in Mindanao
live in Mindanao then your eyes will – work for peace and harmony,” following an attempt by Islamic
be opened why,” he said. he added. State-linked rebels to seize Marawi
So far, he said that the military “Let us respect one another City.
rule has helped ensure peace regardless of faith convictions,” But they said that martial law
and stability at least in his Jumoad also said. “must be temporary”, as they vowed
archdiocese. Voting 9-4, the Supreme Court on to condemn any abuses and “if it
The prelate said they continue to Feb. 19 upheld the constitutionality goes in the way of evil as in the
trust the government security forces of the extension of the martial law past”. (CBCPNews)
Green groups pay tribute to Bishop Gutierrez
BISHOP Dinualdo “We will miss the sober actions and even street the struggle against the
Gutierrez, who died from guidance and joyful marches to highlight copper and gold project in
a lingering illness, has inspiration that Bishop the peoples’ issue,” the Tampakan,” it said.
been hailed for working Gutierrez has extended group added. PMPI is a social
tirelessly to protect the to us while championing Faith-based group, development network of
environment. environmental awareness Philippine Misereor people’s organizations,
The retired bishop of and protecting the Partnership Inc., also said faith-based groups and
Marbel died in a hospital integrity of creation,” it that Gutierrez’s death is a Misereor, the overseas
in General Santos City on said. sad loss for environmental development agency of
Feb. 10. He was 79. The bishop, according advocates. the Catholic Church in
The Alyansa Tigil to them, played a crucial Gutierrez was the bishop Germany.
Mina (ATM), a coalition role in the fight against convenor of PMPI cluster Bishop Gutierrez will
of mining-affected mining projects and coal- for Kidapawan, Marbel be laid to rest after a
communities, said that fired power plants. and Cotabato when it was funeral Mass at the
Gutierrez “popularized” “Our alliance will formally organized. Christ the King Cathedral
the focus of environmental never forget the many “He was an outspoken in Koronadal City on
struggle in South times Bp. Gutierrez has critic of big mining projects Feb 20, his birth date.
Cotabato. personally led creative in the diocese particularly (CBCPNews)
Bishops urge youth to join fight vs human trafficking
CATHOLIC officials said that
combating human trafficking is
everybody’s business as they urged
the youth to join in the fight against
modern slavery.
In statement, Balanga Bishop
Ruperto Santos of the CBCP
Migrants’ Commission said that the
Church sees the youth as partners
in fighting the menace of human
trafficking.
“We call for a more active
involvement of the youth as partners
to also learn together crosscutting
all other issues related to human
trafficking,” said Santos in a joint
statement with the Association of
Major Religious Superiors in the
Philippines.
He said that young people must
Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo (left) and Bishop Ruperto Santos of the CBCP’s Commission
take concrete actions and advocate on Migrants and Itinerant People celebrate Mass to mark the International Day of Prayer and Awareness
policies that make children more against Human Trafficking at the Manila Cathedral, Feb. 8. NICEFORO BALBEDINA
vulnerable to human trafficking and
other crimes. who was kidnapped and sold into strengthen network among
The bishop made the call during slavery as a child in Sudan and Italy. ministries to prevent human
a Mass at the Manila Cathedral on Attended by a number of trafficking,” he said.
Friday to mark the International advocates, he also said that The bishop also encouraged
Day of Prayer and Awareness religious communities must step parishes and church organizations
against Human Trafficking. up the plate and do more to stop to continue providing a home for
The annual day is celebrated Feb. the problem. victims and survivors of human
8, the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, “Let us form committees and trafficking. (CBCP News)
Vaccinated / A1
caused at least 70 deaths, parents to have their fear of the vaccine affect on the growing number
with majority of the children vaccinated by the lives of our children,” of measles cases in the
fatalities having no history going to the barangay Tirona said. region.
of vaccination. health centers,” Tirona “We are saddened by The archdiocese also
In Bicol region, at least said. the many reported deaths urged the cooperation of
54 new cases of measles Health officials of our children, mostly all concerned agencies,
were recorded from Jan. attributed the low from poor families and NGOs, civil society and
1 to Feb. 2, 2019. vaccination rate to the communities,” he added. churches to work together
“The archdiocese joins scare caused by the He also commended in response to the measles
the health department Dengvaxia controversy. efforts by the DOH Bicol in outbreak. (Melo Acuña
in Bicol in appealing to “Let not the unfounded raising public awareness / CBCP News)
Panaghoy / A4
the Rights of Children (UNCRC) WILFULLY OR THROUGH GROSS to stop corporal punishment.
which prohibits criminalization INEXCUSABLE NEGLIGENCE, • We set up programs for
of children. According to the THE RECORDS OR ANY the protection of children and
Committee on the Rights of the INFORMATION RELATION TO vulnerable adults. Programs on
Child General Comment No. THE PROCEEDINGS INVOLVING this kind are already in place, such
24 replacing General Comment CHILDREN IN CONFLICT WITH as the one being promoted by
No. 10 of 2007 (Child Rights’ in THE LAW, SHALL SUFFER THE the Salvatorian Sisters which the
Juvenile Justice), “State parties PENALTIES IMPOSED IN TITLE diocese of Novaliches has adopted
are encouraged to increase their VII, CHAPTER 3 OF THIS ACT.” and pursues.
minimum age to at least 14 years, Simply put, once a child has been • Most important is the effort to
while those with 15 or 16 years of arrested, the court, within 72 hours, end poverty. Poverty is the reason
age are commendable. Further, has to make a decision for the petition why many children are out of
the Committee recommends that for an involuntary commitment school, are not cared for by their
State Parties should under no to these specialized facilities. The parents, resort to substance abuse,
circumstances reduce the minimum initial period of the placement of and are easily lured by human
age of criminal responsibility, if its the child shall not be less than one traffickers and syndicates.
current penal law sets the minimum year. After that 72 hours, no person • We should raise our voice
age of criminal responsibility at an can have access to the records or against this amendment to MACR
age higher than 14 years.” any information in relation to the as Church. Our strong devotion to
6. Lastly, a very dangerous section proceedings. Therefore, No DSWD, Sto. Niño urges us this. If we make
(Section 43-A) was inserted which NGO or Charitable Institution can enough noise this bill will not be
in effect will prevent any appeal or help these children because NO ONE considered by Senate which in
reconsideration or correction in the WILL GIVE OUT ANY RECORD OR general is very sensitive to public
judgements given to these young INFORMATION UNDER THE PAIN opinion and public clamor. This is
offenders, to wit: OF STIFF PENALTIES. part of our advocacy to protect the
SEC 43-A. PENALTY What should we do as Church? least, the last and the lost and to
FOR VIOLATION OF • We promoted Positive Discipline speak for those who are voiceless.
CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS- and Responsible Parenting in our This is another piece of legislation
ANY PERSON WHO HAS BEEN family ministries. that is against the poor and the very
FOUND GUILTY OF DIVULGING, • We should also join the advocacy vulnerable.
CBCP Monitor February 18 - March 3, 2019, Vol 23, No. 04 DIOCESAN NEWS A7

La Union coal plant faces Church reaches out to

people with HIV, depression
Church opposition in Puerto Princesa
A CATHOLIC diocese has urged
the government to drop its plan to PUERTO PRINCESA City— The Ventura, City Health Officer Dr.
construct an P80-billion coal-fired Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Ricardo Panganiban, HIV Program
power plant in La Union province. Princesa launched on Feb. 13 an Coordinator Re gine Villapa,
Bishop Daniel Presto of San advocacy apostolate program for Hayalee Vicente (ONP) represented
Fernando diocese expressed persons living with the human their respective offices in a signing
concern that the project will immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) of commitment to the program.
negatively impact on the health of and depression, following a Panganiban said the increasing
locals and the environment. Holy Mass presided over by Fr. number of HIV cases in Palawan is
He said those temporary Eugene Elivera at the Immaculate alarming.
economic benefits are not Conception Cathedral. “Based on data, and research, the
an acceptable trade-off for “This is very timely, I cause of increase is not tourism-
long-term degradation of the am aware of the increasing related, it does not come from sex
environment. numbers of HIV in Palawan, workers, people affected are mainly
“We could not in conscience of people who are suffering MSMs or males having sex with
recommend said plan,” Presto said from depression that resulted males,” he said in Filipino.
in a manifesto read in all masses in [in] committing suicide. On
the diocese recently. the part of the Church, we ‘Unrecorded cases’
The 670-megawatt plant project wanted to spearhead awareness There are 338 recorded cases
This July 2018 file photo shows various groups gather in San Fernando City, La Union to protest the
will be built in a 41-hectare property planned coal-fired power plant to be built in Luna town. PHOTO COURTESY OF DIANE MENDOZA ORPILLA campaign, to reach out… let of HIV in Palawan, only 246
across the coastal villages of us embrace them without are undergoing anti-retroviral
Carisquis and Nalvo Sur in Luna between the rich and the poor and As alternative, the church judgment and discrimination,” therapy at ONP’s Red Top Center,
town. would cause higher electricity rate. encouraged the exploration of said Bishop Socrates Mesiona based on the data presented by
In October 2018, the project’s Instead of job opportunities, he other ways of cheaper sources of in an interview. Panganiban.
proponent, Global Luzon Energy said that it would also deprive the energy. According to Elivera, the “Where are the others? We need
Development Corp., has obtained marginalized their only source of “We still have time to overcome program, which aims to eliminate to reach them out, to come out and
an environmental compliance livelihood and will have a negative our failures in the past, convert discrimination and stigma against be treated,” he said, adding that
certificate from the government. impact on the local tourism industry. from our sins against creation due PLHIV and those undergoing there may still be many “unrecorded
Presto also warned that the “The promised benefits are plain to abuse, misuse or overuse,” Presto depression, is in partnership with cases” of HIV in Palawan.
project “would further the gap” deceptions,” he asserted. said. (CBCP News) the local government through He also lauded the effort of the
the City Health Office (CHO), Catholic Church in helping address
Candidly Speaking / A4
Ospital ng Palawan (ONP), and the stigma and discrimination
ideologies and politics, Catechism teaches us, our us in full by Christ. It a living thing that knows with the support of different against PLHIVs.
etc. faith is meant to bring us has been entrusted to the how to adjust and adapt volunteer-workers from civil society Elivera also said the public’s
The narrative of faith back to where we came Church for its integral to the different situations organizations. support is important in ensuring
does not control and from, that is, to be with transmission to the we can find ourselves that people living with HIV or
script things the way the God for all eternity. different generations until in. Being divine and MSMs depression are not discriminated
narrative of the ideologies “It pleased God, in his the end of time. Its light redemptive in nature and Mesiona, Vice Mayor Nancy against or alienated. (Katya A.
and politics does. It is goodness and wisdom,” is constant and always purpose, it has infinite Socrates, Councilor Roy Gregorio Santos/CBCP News)
not something that is says the Catechism, “to relevant possibilities of adapting to
And That’s the Truth / A4
limited the way the latter reveal himself and to But we have to all our possible situations
are limited. It has infinite make known the mystery understand the Christian and conditions and of whole, I thought, “No, this couldn’t was this from the bloodthirsty
ways of adapting itself of his will. His will was faith is not so much pure giving us the means to have come from the Pope. The crowd gathered around the woman
to any situation we can that men should have doctrine alone as a vital attain our ultimate goal style, the content, the references— caught in adultery? There is no
find ourselves in, so that access to the Father, union with Christ. The in life. it may have been written by a Jesus in this video—just men
it can help us to attain through Christ, the Word doctrine serves as a path It does not get lost along woman aching to be liberated brutally beating the unresisting
our ultimate end which is made flesh, in the Holy to be with Christ, but it the way, no matter how from drudgery and with no strong girl, and people who looked not
not only natural but also Spirit, and thus become does not replace Christ. It messy we make our life religious affiliations. Why for quite Indian, but more like…. South
supernatural. sharers in the divine is not one more ideology here on earth. In good heaven’s sake would the Pope Americans? Even the girl’s facial
And what is the nature nature.” (51) whose light is not constant times and bad, it shows advise us to “Look for the person features didn’t look Indian. And
and purpose of our The Christian faith is and not always relevant. us the way to attain our that makes you happy. If you make did she really come from a church
Christian faith? As the revealed and taught to The narrative of faith is ultimate goal. a mistake, let it go and keep seeking service wearing short shorts and
your happiness…. Don’t save your spaghetti-strapped blouse?
Along the Way / A5
favorite perfume, use it to go out So I Googled again, accessing fact-
leaders we have elected. They reflect Exodus – it was a moment in to be accompanied by moral, inner with yourself; wear out your favorite checkers and major international
who we are – the worst version of our history that we as a people revolution and transformation. The sport shoes,” etc.So unbiblical. news sources and came upon the
ourselves. Change and revolution experienced God’s liberating present authoritarian regime that So I went to Snopes.com, my go- real news item. The incident is real,
begins in each one of us. What is intervention. But as the biblical came to power with the promise of to verification site, and combining it happened in Guatemala, and the
required is a moral revolution. To story reminds us, the people of God change – pagbabago - will not last, my findings there with more Google victim is a 16-year old girl whom
be able to recognize good and evil had to journey across the desert it will surely come to an end. But results and other fact-checking the mob captured as she tried to
within and outside ourselves, to for forty years before reaching the unless we undergo inner change sites, my hunch was validated. run away from the murder of a
overcome our selfishness and greed, promised land.Why did it have to as a people, we will have more of The original release was written 68-year old taxi driver. The police
to undergo a process of conversion, take that long? Because liberation the same. in Portuguese and posted by one reportedly could not get past the
to reject all forms and manifestation from Pharaoh’s oppressive rule There was a time when we were Marcela Tais (the Brazilian singer?) 250-strong mob that cheered as the
of evil, to become more honest and was the easy part. The inner proud to be Filipinos. Now many in April 2016, and only after several girl screamed and writhed in pain
compassionate. We need to undergo liberation – the spiritual-moral of us are ashamed to be Filipinos. I months was the attribution to until she died. Guatemala is almost
a process of purification. liberation takes time. Structural hope that someday, we will be proud Pope Francis added. Then it went 100 percent Christian (65 Catholic, 35
I believe that EDSA was our revolution or transformation has once again of who we are. viral. This happens often—when Protestant), with but 1,200 Muslims
a meaningful text by a nobody is (0.008percent of the population).
Duc in Altum / A5
attributed to a celebrity, it gets How can this heinous crime happen
a share boost; meanwhile, no one in a Christian country? How this
cares to check its veracity. Later on sickening video got to be spread
life will flourish, where proposal to lower the in 12 years, there is 1.5 achieved. Vote Power to
it was posted by a pilgrimage agency, around as being about a Hindu
the promise of Jesus life minimum age of criminal degrees of point of no reflect on who should be
perhaps capitalizing on the line “Enjoy, girl killed for attending a Christian
in abundance could really responsibility; the loss return; imposition of elected during the May
travel, enjoy your journeys, see new service—no one yet knows. But
happen.” of job opportunities taxes in the name of Elections; study what bills
places, give yourself the pleasures the accompanying text—“Please
Bishop Broderick for Filipinos giving development but at the they passed and pray on it.
you deserve...” to sell package tours. send this around so that the whole
Pabillo, Auxiliary preference to millions expense of the poor; lack He quoted Pope Benedict
When a Catholic community posted world may see India, the real Hell
Bishop of Manila, the of Chinese labourers; of housing projects for XVI who said that the
the “Gentle Reminder…”, and it got on planet Earth. Just see the ugliest
National Spiritual increase use of substance the poor. participation of the laity in
Director of Laiko and the abuse that lead to Bishop Pabillo also politics is an essential way so many “Amens” from faithful FB face of Incredible India!!!”—may be
Chairman of the CBCP addiction; proposal to announced that the Walk to evangelize society. friends, the lie was sealed, so to speak. something worse than just slinging
ECLA, proclaimed that re-impose death penalty; for Life had achieved three Cardinal Tagle was Snopes.com added that the “Gentle mud on India’s tourism campaign.
recent local and global abortion including things: People Power the Main Celebrant with reminders” could not be found in any Could it have been deliberately
development must the use of artificial because people voluntarily Concelebrants Apostolic of Pope Francis’ writings. So you see— distorted to foment hatred between
motivate the laity to contraceptives that have came together to express Nuncio to the Philippines that’s one way the Catholic catechism Hindus and Christians? It is not an
action: the extrajudicial abortifacient effects; their advocacy against the Archbishop Gabrielle gets bungled up. impossibility.
killings brought about human trafficking; culture of death. Prayer Giordano Caccia, Bishop The second one, the video that If you care to look at the two
by the anti-drug war; mining and development Power which are resorted David, Bishop Pabillo and says a Hindu girl was burned alive websites best representing the
the bombing in Jolo projects that destroy the by people in the hope that Bishop Antonio Tobias of for attending a Christian prayer results of my search, please go to
and Zamboanga; the natural resources, that the culture of life will be Novaliches. service in Madhya Pradesh (India), https://www.snopes.com/fact-
is simply heart-wrenching. It was check/did-pope-francis-write-the-
Collection Box / A5
a lynch mob that actually led to gentle-reminder-message/ and girl
a young girl’s being burned alive https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/
State claimed responsibility. President Bin Laden’s death, that getting Bin war on terror. to death—a nightmare almost article-3093163/Shocking-moment-
Rodrigo Duterte responded by issuing Laden would weaken terrorism. Today’s al Qaeda merely offers a five minutes long. I watched it girl-16-surrounded-beaten-mob-
an “all-out war” directive against the Yet after Bin Laden’s death, we diminished threat and Bin Laden’s intently against my better judgment burned-death-involved-murdering-
Abu Sayyaf. The bombings have been have seen the rise of ISIS (earlier killing certainly contributed to it. for it showed how beastly and 68-year-old-taxi-driver-Guatemala.
widely condemned, with local groups known as al Qaeda in Iraq). Bin But the emergence of the Islamic murderous humans can become. htmlAnd please, I invite you to share
and other countries issuing statements Laden was a dangerous man but it State has in many ways filled the I wanted to believe it was a movie my passion for truth. Share this
about the attacks. is the movement that is deadlier. terrorist void. With thousands of clip, but no, it looked real from column with your soc-med friends,
As in the past, the spiteful Focusing on one individual is not Western nationals in its ranks, every angle. Despite the pain I felt especially those who like to “fast-
condemnation of terrorists and the way to win a war. Just as killing Filipinos included, homegrown experiencing the violence in the forward” things. Spreading the truth
their activities only embolden them Admiral Yamamoto, famous for the terrorism around the world now entire video, reason didn’t desert won’t cost you anything—but it can
to inflict more terror upon hapless Pearl Harbor attacks, in a daring poses an even bigger and more me. I heard familiar-sounding bring priceless rewards from The
and unsuspecting individuals. raid in 1943 did not end World War immediate threat to our safety and words—puta, fuego—which evoked Way, The Life, and The Truth we
War critics often argued, before II, killing Bin Laden did not end the security. scriptural visions. How different serve. And that’s the truth.
Spaces of Hope / A5

entertained even as values
are inculcated, not lectured,
by volunteers providing a
disciplined yet supportive
environment.
Exploratory talks with
the police point to their
involvement in the good-
citizenship aspect of the
outreach. ngalan?” (“Can you change
It takes a community to my name?”), Jose (not his
raise a child. It also takes real name), one of the 70
a vehicle to bring the street children requested
community together. a volunteer who was
registering the children.
*** He wanted his complete
name to be recorded, not
“Mahimong usbon akong just his nickname. However
fleetingly, 10-year old Jose
had a glimpse of his innate
dignity.
Ordinarily, names and
birthdays are not of great
concern to many children
in the streets. They are used
to the sharp, hissing sound
(Cebuano “sitsit”) from
strangers who view them
with annoyance, indifference,
or disgust. But this day was
different. The community
had come together for them.
Soon a playful and colorful
graphic sticker will cover
the vehicle. It is based on a
doodle made by their Manang
Maggi, and two graphics
volunteers, Cris Maestrado,
and Kinwing Lou. A music
jingle is in the works.
It takes a community to
raise a child. Sometimes,
though, it takes a vehicle
to bring the community
together.
A8 PEOPLE, FACTS, AND PLACES February 18 - March 3, 2019, Vol 23, No. 04 CBCP Monitor

Bishop Antonio takes possession

of northern diocese
STANDING before a huge
crowd, Bishop David
William Antonio vowed “to
abandon his own good for
the sake of his flock” as he
took the helm of the Diocese
of Ilagan.
Antonio was installed
bishop of Ilagan in Isabela
province during a Mass at
the Saint Michael Cathedral
on Feb. 12.
More than 3,000
Catholics and church
officials gathered to
welcome Antonio, 55, who
asked for prayers as he
began his new ministry.
“I wish to be a shepherd
who is not afraid in taking
up the cross for the sake of
the sheep,” Antonio said.
At one part of his
message, he reiterated his
commitment to working
with the people in their
collective vision for “a
renewed church”.
“I am with you as one who
serves,” he said.
Bishops from throughout
the country traveled to Ilagan
for the two-hour Mass with
retired Cardinal Orlando
Quevedo of Cotabato as
homilist.
Archbishop Giordano
Caccia, the Apostolic
Nuncio to the Philippines,
also traveled from his office
in Manila to attend the
celebration.
The cardinal told
congregants that “when
William was ordained he was
configured to Christ, head
and shepherd of the Church”.
“What does he do and
how is he going to do this?
In the same way Jesus was…
the one who came not to be
served but to serve,” he said.
Quevedo, who was then
Archbishop of Nueva
Segovia, ordained Antonio
to priesthood in 1988.
Appointed by Pope
Francis in November 2018,
Antonio is the fifth bishop of
Ilagan, succeeding Bishop
Joseph Nacua who resigned
for health reasons in 2017.
He was first named
Auxiliary Bishop of Nueva
Segovia in 2011, making him
Pope Benedict XVI’s last
appointee to the episcopate
in the Philippines before he
resigned in 2013.
Antonio was also serving
as administrator of the
Apostolic Vicariate of San
Jose in Occidental Mindoro
when Pope Francis assigned
him to Ilagan.
In the Catholic Bishops’
Conference of the
Philippines, he is the current
chairman of the Commission
on Vocations. (CBCP
News/with reports from
Benigno Jose Carag) Crowd surrounds Bishop David William Antonio after his installation at the St. Michael Cathedral as the head of the Diocese of Ilagan, Feb. 12, 2019. BENIGNO JOSE CARAG

Digos’ first bishop-son ordained Youth Cross, St. John Paul II relic
THE first bishop from the clergy of embark on pilgrimage
the Diocese of Digos was ordained
on Feb. 11.
Bishop Ronald Lunas received the
sacrament through the laying on of
hands of ordaining prelate Bishop of
Digos Guillermo Afable during the
rites of ordination held at the Mary
Mediatrix of All Grace Cathedral in
Digos City.
Bishop of Ipil Julius Tonel, his
former rector served as homilist.

Relying on prayer
“The bishop is God’s continuing
Emmanuel to us,” he said, referring
to Lunas’ motto, ‘Emmanuel’.
He said Lunas should consecrate
himself to the Lord, adding “As
bishop, it is our first duty to pray.”
“Ampo ra gyud atong saligan
(We can only rely on prayer),” said
Tonel.
Bishop Emeritus of Pagadian
Manuel Cabajar, CSsR and
Archbishop of Ozamiz Martin
Jumoad served as co-ordaining
prelates.
Mary, ‘designer of ministry’
“This episcopacy is not about me,
in the first place. It is about the mercy
of God on me his unworthy servant,”
said Lunas during his message of
thanks after his profession of faith
and oath of fidelity, Feb. 10 at San
Isidro Labrador Parish where he
once served as parish priest.
Lunas said his episcopacy is about
God preserving his faith in him
despite his weaknesses and always
being faithful to him despite his
sinfulness.
Bishop Ronald Lunas of Pagadian smiles as the crowd cheers following his episcopal ordination at the
Mary Mediatrix of All Grace Cathedral in Digos City on Feb. 11. PHOTO FROM RJ DE LA CRUZ/SUGID
“The Lord expects me not to
be successful but to be faithful
in keeping pure and teaching
pure and teaching in word and in
deed the faith contained in the
Sacred Word of God, written or
handed on, and the teachings and
discipline of the Church as well,”
Lunas added.
He said this new ministry is a
difficult task, but he is consoled by
the thought that he will not be alone
in his mission, saying “Together we
keep the faith; together we live out
this faith.”
As a Marian devotee, the new
prelate attributed his ministry to
the Blessed Mother.
“Mary is the designer of my
ministry and life,” Lunas said.
He thanked the faithful of
Pagadian who were present during
the rite of profession of faith and
oath of fidelity and also during the
rite of ordination.
“To my brothers and sisters here
in the Diocese of Digos, thanks
for accompanying me with your
prayers. Please continue praying
for me that I may remain faithful
to God and to His Church,” he said.
The first bishop from Digos in its
40 years of existence, Lunas was
appointed bishop of Pagadian, Nov.
22, 2018.
He will be formally installed
the fifth bishop of Pagadian on
March 25, succeeding Cabajar
who resigned after reaching the
mandatory age of retirement of 75.
(John Frances Fuentes/CBCP
News)
Priests bless with holy water the National Youth Cross and the relic of Saint John Paul II during a send-off
Mass at the CBCP chapel in Manila, Feb. 13. CBCP NEWS
THE National Youth Cross is making
its way across the Philippines for the
second time along with the relic of
Saint John Paul II.
It left Manila on Wednesday,
Feb.13 and through the rest of the
year until Nov. 20 will be displayed
in different parishes across the
country.
The pilgrimage is one of highlights
for the Year of the Youth, which is
part of a nine-year preparations for
the 500 years of Christianity in the
Philippines that will be celebrated
in 2021.
Dozens of people turned out for
the send-off Mass in Manila presided
over by Fr. Conegundo Garganta of
the Episcopal Commission on Youth
(ECY).
“We encourage all people to
receive these important symbols of
faith and open their hearts to the
Lord,” said Garganta in his homily.
The first cross ever created for
the Philippine Catholic youth
ministry, it embarked on its first
nationwide pilgrimage during the
25th anniversary of ECY in 2011.
The relic is a piece of cloth stained
with the blood of Pope John Paul II,
who is regarded as a saint for young
people, and kept by the Diocese of
Balanga.
Garganta said the pilgrimage
also endeavors to be a meaningful
moment to gather entire Church
communities and pray with and for
young people.
“We are invited to respond in
Jesus’ call for all us to be saints and
share the works of Christ to bring
the Good News to all,” he added.
The ECY urged diocesan youth
ministries to let the pilgrimage
“reach and transform more young
souls” especially those in the
“peripheries”. (CBCP News)

2 senior bishops die on same day

TWO Catholic bishops passed
away on the same day on
Feb. 10.
Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez,
retired prelate of Marbel in
Mindanao, died early in the
morning at the age of 79.
In Western Visayas diocese
of San Carlos, Bishop Nicolas
Mondejar, died in the afternoon.
He was 94 and the country’s
second oldest bishop.
He died as the diocese
marked the 31st anniversary
of the prelate’s installation
as the pioneer bishop of San
Carlos in Negros Occidental
province.
Green champion
Gutierrez, former head
of the Church’s National
Secretariat for Social Action
(Nassa), served the diocese
for 35 years.
He stayed on after the
retirement age of 75 until his
successor was appointed in
April 2018.
Gutierrez was a strong
advocate for the environment
in South Cotabato, a province
threatened by mining interests.
Under his leadership,
the diocese led the struggle
against the copper and gold
project of the foreign-backed
Sagittarius Mines, Inc. in
Tampakan town.
Bishop Gutierrez was laid
to rest after a funeral Mass at
the Christ the King Cathedral
in Koronadal City on Feb 20,
his birth date.
He also established the he was named as Auxiliary
St. John Mary Vianney Bishop of Cebu.
College Seminary that has Four years later, he was
produced 41 priests in the appointed to head the
past 25 years. Diocese of Romblon, a post
“He promoted a more he held until 1987 when
participatory church he was transferred to San
through the building and Carlos.
strengthening of the basic He served San Carlos for
ecclesial communities,” said 12 years until his retirement
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, in 2000 during which he was
the current bishop of San able to ordain 23 priests.
Carlos. Bishop Mondejar was
Mondejar was also known buried following a funeral
for his pioneering work service at the San Carlos
in promoting the tithing Borromeo Cathedral on Feb.
Bp. Dinualdo Gutierrez Bp. Nicolas Mondejar
system in many dioceses in 18.
the country. Both Mondejar and
A native of Iloilo province, Gutierrez served as chairman
BEC advocate remembered for laying down Mondejar was ordained a of the Church’s National
Bishop Mondejar, the foundation of the San priest in 1953. In 1970, he Secretariat for Social Action.
meanwhile, is being Carlos diocese. entered the episcopacy when (CBCP News)
CBCP Monitor
Pope Francis speaks at an interreligious meeting at the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 4, 2019. PAUL HARING/CNS
Religions should be the voice of the least
and should stand on the side of the poor
Address of His Holiness Pope Francis at the Interreligious Meeting held at the Founder’s Memorial,
Abu Dhabi on February 4, 2019, on the occasion of the His Apostolic Journey to the United Arab Emirates
AS-SALAMU alaykum! Peace be
with you!
I give heartfelt thanks to His
Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum and Doctor
Ahmad Al-Tayyib, Grand Imam
of Al-Azhar,  for their words. I am
grateful to the Council of Elders for
the meeting that we have just had at
the Grand Mosque of Sheikh Zayed.
I also cordially greet Mr. Abd Al-
Fattah Al-Sisi, President of the Arab
Republicof Egypt, land of Al-Azhar. I
cordially greet the civil and religious
authorities and the Diplomatic
Corps. Allow me also to thank you
sincerely for the warm welcome that
you all have given to me and our
delegation.
I also thank all those who have
contributed to making this journey
possible and who have worked
with dedication, enthusiasm and
professionalism towards this event:
the organizers, those in the Protocol
Office, the security personnel, and all
who have made their contribution in
various ways “behind the scenes”.
A special word of thanks also to
Mr Mohamed Abdel Salam, former
Adviser to the Grand Imam.
From your country, my thoughts
turn to all the countries of this
peninsula. To them I address
my most cordial greetings, with
friendship and esteem.
With a heart grateful to the Lord,
in this eighth centenary of the
meeting between Saint Francis of
Assisi and Sultan al-Malik al Kāmil,
I have welcomed the opportunity to
come here as a believer thirsting for
peace, as a brother seeking peace
with the brethren. We are here to
desire peace, to promote peace, to
be instruments of peace.
The logo of this journey depicts a
dove with an olive branch. It is an
image that recalls the story—present
in different religious traditions—of
the primordial flood. According
to the biblical account, in order to
preserve humanity from destruction,
God asked Noah to enter the ark
along with his family. Today, we
too in the name of God, in order
to safeguard peace, need to enter
together as one family into an ark
which can sail the stormy seas of the
world: the ark of fraternity.
The point of departure is the
recognition that God is at the origin
of the one human family. He who is
the Creator of all things and of all
persons wants us to live as brothers
February 18 - March 3, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 4
and sisters, dwelling in the common
home of creation which he has given
us. Fraternity is established here at
the roots of our common humanity,
as “a vocation contained in God’s
plan of creation”.[1] This tells us
that all persons have equal dignity
and that no one can be a master or
slave of others.
We cannot honor the Creator
without cherishing the sacredness
of every person and of every human
life: each person is equally precious
in the eyes of God, who does not
look upon the human family with a
preferential gaze that excludes, but
with a benevolent gaze that includes.
Thus, to recognize the same rights
for every human being is to glorify
the name of God on earth. In the
name of God the Creator, therefore,
every form of violence must be
condemned without hesitation,
because we gravely profane God’s
name when we use it to justify hatred
and violence against a brother or
sister. No violence can be justified
in the name of religion.
The enemy of fraternity is an
individualism which translates into
the desire to affirm oneself and
one’s own group above others. This
danger threatens all aspects of life,
even the highest innate prerogative
of man, that is, the openness to
the transcendent and to religious
piety. True religious piety consists
in loving God with all one’s heart
and one’s neighbor as oneself.
Religious behavior, therefore, needs
continually to be purified from
the recurrent temptation to judge
others as enemies and adversaries.
Each belief system is called to
overcome the divide between friends
and enemies, in order to take up
the perspective of heaven, which
embraces persons without privilege
or discrimination.
I wish to express appreciation for
the commitment of this nation to
tolerating and guaranteeing freedom
of worship, to confronting extremism
and hatred. Even as the fundamental
freedom to profess one’s own beliefs
is promoted—this freedom being
an intrinsic requirement for a
human being’s self-realization—we
need to be vigilant lest religion be
instrumentalized and deny itself by
allowing violence and terrorism.
Fraternity certainly “also
embraces variety and differences
between brothers and sisters, even
though they are linked by birth
and are of the same nature and
dignity”.[2] Religious plurality is
an expression of this; in such a
context the right attitude is neither a
forced uniformity nor a conciliatory
syncretism. What we are called
to do as believers is to commit
ourselves to the equal dignity of
all, in the name of the Merciful
One who created us and in whose
name the reconciliation of conflicts
and fraternity in diversity must be
sought. Here I want to reaffirm the
conviction of the Catholic Church:
“We cannot truly call on God, the
Father of all, if we refuse to treat in
a brotherly way any man, created as
he is in the image of God”.[3]
Various questions, however,
confront us: how do we look after
each other in the one human family?
How do we nourish a fraternity
which is not theoretical but
translates into authentic fraternity?
How can the inclusion of the other
prevail over exclusion in the name of
belonging to one’s own group? How,
in short, can religions be channels
of fraternity rather than barriers of
separation?
The human family and the courage
of otherness
If we believe in the existence of
the human family, it follows that it
must, as such, be looked after. As
in every family, this happens above
all through a daily and effective
dialogue. This presupposes having
one’s own identity, not to be
foregone to please the other person.
But at the same time it demands the
courage of otherness,[4] which
involves the full recognition of
the other and his or her freedom,
and the consequent commitment
to exert myself so that the other
person’s fundamental rights are
always affirmed, everywhere and
by everyone. Without freedom we
are no longer children of the human
family, but slaves. As part of such
freedom, I would like to emphasize
religious freedom. It is not limited
only to freedom of worship but
sees in the other truly a brother or
sister, a child of my own humanity
whom God leaves free and whom,
therefore, no human institution can
coerce, not even in God’s name.
Dialogue and Prayer
The courage of otherness is
the heart of dialogue, which is
based on sincerity of intentions.
Dialogue is indeed compromised
by pretence, which increases
distance and suspicion: we cannot
proclaim fraternity and then act in
the opposite way. According to a
modern author, “The man who lies
to himself and listens to his own lie
comes to such a pass that he cannot
distinguish the truth within him, or
around him, and so loses all respect
for himself and for others”.[5]
In all this, prayer is essential:
while sincerely intended prayer
incarnates the courage of otherness
in regard to God, it also purifies
the heart from turning in on
itself. Prayer of the heart restores
fraternity. Consequently, “as for the
future of interreligious dialogue,
the first thing we have to do is pray,
and pray for one another: we are
brothers and sisters! Without the
Lord, nothing is possible; with him,
everything becomes so! May our
prayer—each one according to his
or her own tradition—adhere fully to
the will of God, who wants all men
and women to recognize they are
brothers and sisters and live as such,
forming the great human family in
the harmony of diversity”.[6]
There is no alternative: we will
either build the future together or
there will not be a future. Religions,
in particular, cannot renounce the
urgent task of building bridges
between peoples and cultures. The
time has come when religions should
more actively exert themselves,
with courage and audacity, and
without pretence, to help the human
family deepen the capacity for
reconciliation, the vision of hope
and the concrete paths of peace.
Education and Justice
Let us return, then, to the initial
image of the dove of peace. Peace,
in order to fly, needs wings that
uphold it: the wings of education
and justice.
Education—in Latin it means
“extracting, drawing out”—is to
bring to light the precious resources
of the soul. It is comforting to note
how in this country investments are
being made not only in the extraction
of the earth’s resources, but also in
those of the heart, in the education
of young people. It is a commitment
that I hope will continue and spread
elsewhere. Education also happens
in a relationship, in reciprocity.
Alongside the famous ancient
maxim “know yourself”, we must
PASTORAL CONCERNS B1
uphold “know your brother or
sister”: their history, their culture
and their faith, because there is no
genuine self-knowledge without the
other. As human beings, and even
more so as brothers and sisters, let
us remind each other that nothing of
what is human can remain foreign to
us.[7] It is important for the future
to form open identities capable of
overcoming the temptation to turn
in on oneself and become rigid.
Investing in culture encourages a
decrease of hatred and a growth of
civility and prosperity. Education and
violence are inversely proportional.
Catholic schools – well appreciated
in this country and in the region –
promote such education on behalf
of peace and reciprocal knowledge
in order to prevent violence.
Young people, who are often
surrounded by negative messages
and  fake news, need to learn not
to surrender to the seductions of
materialism, hatred and prejudice.
They need to learn to object to
injustice and also to the painful
experiences of the past. They need to
learn to defend the rights of others
with the same energy with which
they defend their own rights. One
day, they will be the ones to judge
us. They will judge us well, if we have
given them a solid foundation for
creating new encounters of civility.
They will judge us poorly, if we
have left them only mirages and the
empty prospect of harmful conflicts
of incivility.
Justice is the second wing of peace,
which often is not compromised by
single episodes, but is slowly eaten
away by the cancer of injustice.
No one, therefore, can believe in
God and not seek to live in justice
with everyone, according to the
Golden Rule: “So whatever you wish
that men would do to you, do so to
them; for this is the law and the
prophets” (Mt 7:12).
Peace and justice are inseparable!
The prophet Isaiah says: “And
the effect of righteousness will be
peace” (32:17). Peace dies when it is
divorced from justice, but justice is
false if it is not universal. A justice
addressed only to family members,
compatriots, believers of the same
faith is a limping justice; it is a
disguised injustice!
The world’s religions also have the
task of reminding us that greed for
profit renders the heart lifeless and
Religions / B7
B2 FEATURE
The Ministry of the Word
By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso, J.C.D.
The last two decades have
witnessed the proliferation of so-
called evangelical groups in the
Philippines. Many of these are
well-meaning Christians who want
to share the Gospel—the Word of
God—with their listeners; a few are
self-proclaimed prophets who use
the Gospel to attack the Catholic
Church or other Christian sects.
While theology is quite clear as
regards the authority to proclaim
the Word of God being invested on
the sacred ministers—especially the
bishops—I was wondering whether
juridically that same authority is
protected. In other words, does
Canon Law establish anything as
regards the teaching authority of
the Church?
THE aim of the munus docendi,
which is incumbent upon the whole
People of God but each one according
to his own state and charism, is to
spread the Gospel truth. But this
task cannot be reduced to the mere
transmission of a body of truths,
like an ossified deposit of faith, but
should rather be a true education
in the living faith of the Church. A
concrete form of doing this is the
so-called ministerium verbi—i.e., a
technical expression that basically
includes preaching and catechesis,
although it may also be used in a
wider sense to include any type of
Christian instruction.
The Ministry of the Divine
Word
The ministry of the Word—as a
technical expression—refers to the
work that strives to interpret the
present in the light of those salvific
“words and deeds” contained in the
Gospel. Its aim is to shed light and
give meaning to all the situations and
all the problems that a person meets
with in his personal and family life,
as well as in his environment, social,
political and professional, in order
that he may listen to, understand
and live according to the teaching
of Christ.
The ministry of the word can
take many forms, according to the
different conditions under which it is
practiced and the ends that it strives
to achieve. Nevertheless, the Code
specifically deals with basically two
forms of exercising the ministerium
verbi: preaching (cc.762-772) and
catechesis (cc.773-780).
The ministry of the word affects
all the faithful—bishops, priests,
religious and laymen—and all of
them have the duty of spreading
the good news of salvation. Thus,
Instrumental Music after Communion
(Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university, answers the following query:)
Q: I would like to inquire whether
after communion, while the priest
is purifying the vessels, and the
communion song/hymn is finished,
is it proper to play instrumental
music while waiting for the priest to
finish? I observed in some churches,
after communion, and after the
communion hymn ended, the
organist ad-libs a music instrumental
until the priest is finished purifying
the vessels and is ready for the
prayers after communion. Isn’t it
appropriate to observe silence since
the communion hymn has already
finished? – F.X.D.R., Cotabato City,
Philippines
A: The norms regarding
instrumental music found in the
General Instruction of the Roman
Missal are the following:
“32. The nature of the ‘presidential’
texts demands that they be spoken
in a loud and clear voice and that
everyone listen with attention.
Thus, while the priest is speaking
these texts, there should be no other
prayers or singing, and the organ or
other musical instruments should
be silent.
“142. After this, as the minister
presents the cruets, the priest stands
at the side of the altar and pours
wine and a little water into the
chalice, saying quietly: Per huius
aquae (By the mystery of this water).
He returns to the middle of the altar,
takes the chalice with both hands,
raises it a little, and says quietly:
Benedictus es, Domine (Blessed
are you, Lord). Then he places the
every member of the Church should
employ all the means available
to him to carry out this mission,
according to the grace (charism) he
has received, putting the latter at the
service of the others.
Proper subjects of the
Ministerium Verbi
The teaching office is exercised
by those who are authorized by
divine or ecclesiastical Law to
publicly teach—with the potestas
docendi—in the name of the Church.
Both the function and the power
of magisterium entailed would
differ depending on the office and
the act being exercised. Thus, the
following are the proper subjects of
the ministerium verbi:
1) Roman Pontiff and College of
Bishops: As regards the universal
Church the duty of proclaiming the
gospel has been especially entrusted
to the Roman Pontiff and to the
college of bishops (c.756, §1).
Not only the existence but the
primacy of this duty has deeply
evangelical roots. Thus, faced with
the temporal needs of the early
Christian community, “the Twelve
called together the multitude of the
disciples and said, ‘It is not desirable
that we should forsake the Word of
God and serve at tables […] we will
devote ourselves to prayer and to the
ministry of the Word” (Act 6, 2-4).
2) Local Ordinary—in whose case
the following distinctions can be
made:
a) Right-duty - As regards the
particular church entrusted to them
the individual bishops exercise this
responsibility since within it they
are the moderators of the entire
chalice on the corporal and covers
it with a pall, as appropriate.
“If, however, there is no Offertory
chant and the organ is not played,
in the presentation of the bread
and wine the priest may say the
formulas of blessing aloud, to which
the people make the acclamation:
Benedictus Deus in saecula (Blessed
be God forever).
“313. The organ and other lawfully
approved musical instruments
should be placed in a suitable
place so that they can sustain the
singing of both the choir and the
people and be heard with ease by
everybody if they are played alone.
It is appropriate that before being
put into liturgical use, the organ
be blessed according to the rite
described in the Roman Ritual.
“In Advent, the use of the organ
and other musical instruments
should be marked by a moderation
suited to the character of this
time of year, without expressing
in anticipation the full joy of the
Nativity of the Lord.
“In Lent, the playing of the organ
and musical instruments is allowed
only in order to support the singing.
Exceptions, however, are Laetare
Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent),
Solemnities, and Feasts.
“393. … While the organ is to
be accorded pride of place, other
wind, stringed, or percussion
instruments may be admitted into
divine worship in the Dioceses of the
United States of America, according
to longstanding local usage, in so far
as these are truly suitable for sacred
ministry of the word; sometimes,
several bishops simultaneously
fulfill this office jointly for various
churches at once in accord with the
norm of law (c.756, §2; cf. c.763).
The local Ordinary is the proper
teacher of his flock and the
authoritative preaching of the Word
constitutes his primordial function.
Thus, it is neither valid nor licit for
him to transfer this function and
responsibility to another person
or body (e.g., to the Episcopal
Conference, to an episcopal or
diocesan commission), beyond
certain narrow limits established
by the law.
b) Right - Furthermore, since
every bishop—together with all
bishops and in communion with
the Pope—is co-responsible for
the whole Church, he has the
right to preach the word of God
everywhere, including churches
and oratories of religious institutes
of pontifical right, unless the local
bishop has expressly refused this
in particular cases (c.763).
3) Presbyters: It is proper of
presbyters who are co-workers
with the bishops to proclaim the
gospel of God (c.757, in principio).
Nevertheless, we can make the
following distinctions:
a) Right-duty for pastor of souls:
Pastors and others entrusted with
the care of souls are especially
bound to this office as regards the
people entrusted to them (c.757,
in principio). They exercise their
duty towards the ministerium verbi
by being especially responsible
in explaining the word of God
in a public way to those faithful
entrusted to them.
use, or can be made suitable.”
With respect to silence the GIRM
states:
“45. Sacred silence also, as part
of the celebration, is to be observed
at the designated times. Its nature,
however, depends on the moment
when it occurs in the different
parts of the celebration. For in
the Penitential Act and again after
the invitation to pray, individuals
recollect themselves; whereas after
a reading or after the Homily, all
meditate briefly on what they have
heard; then after Communion,
they praise God in their hearts and
pray to him.
“Even before the celebration
itself, it is a praiseworthy practice
for silence to be observed in the
church, in the sacristy, in the
vesting room, and in adjacent
areas, so that all may dispose
themselves to carry out the sacred
celebration in a devout and fitting
manner.”
With respect to silence after
communion it says:
“88. When the distribution of
Communion is over, if appropriate,
the Priest and faithful pray quietly
for some time. If desired, a Psalm
or other canticle of praise or a
hymn may also be sung by the
whole congregation.
“164. After this, the Priest may
return to the chair. A sacred silence
may now be observed for some time,
or a Psalm or other canticle of praise
or a hymn may be sung (cf. no. 88).”
In 2007 U.S. bishops published
a document called “Sing to the
February 18 - March 3, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 4
b) Faculty for all priests:
Presbyters and deacons possess
the faculty to preach everywhere,
to be exercised with at least the
presumed consent of the rector of
the church, unless that faculty has
been restricted or taken away by
the competent ordinary or unless
express permission is required by
law (c.764).
4) Deacons: Deacons also
are to serve the people of God
in the ministry of the word in
communion with the bishop and
his presbyterate (c.757, in fine;
cf. c.764). Together with ordinary
presbyters (i.e. not pastor of souls),
deacons possess the faculty to
preach everywhere, subject to the
same limitations as the former (cf.
c.764 supra).
Cooperators in the
ministerium verbi
1) Non-ordained can be invited
(admitti possunt). Since this
function is not inseparably united
to Sacred Orders, in collaboration
with the proper subjects of the
office of magisterium the following
can also exercise the ministerium
verbi in a suppletory way:
a) Religious: In virtue of their
consecration to God, members
of institutes of consecrated life
give testimony to the gospel in
a special manner, and they are
appropriately enlisted by the
bishop to assist in proclaiming the
gospel (c.758).
b) Lay persons: In virtue of their
baptism and confirmation, lay
members of the Christian faithful
are witnesses to the gospel message
Lord.” While not binding in any
way for other countries, some of its
reflections can prove useful. With
respect to instrumental music it
says:
“43. Those with the requisite
talent and training should
be encouraged to continue the
musical tradition of improvisation.
The liturgical action may call for
improvisation, for example, when a
congregational hymn or choral piece
concludes before the ritual action is
completed. The art of improvisation
requires its own special talent
and training. More than mere
background sound is called for.
When worthy improvisation is not
possible, it is recommended that
musicians play quality published
literature, which is available at all
levels of difficulty.
“44. There are also times when
the organ or other instruments may
be played alone, such as a prelude
before the Mass, an instrumental
piece during the Preparation of the
Gifts, a recessional if there is no
closing song or a postlude following
a closing song.
“91. Although instruments
are used in Christian worship
primarily to lead and sustain
the singing of assembly, choir,
psalmist, and cantor, they may
also, when appropriate, be played
by themselves. Such instrumental
music can assist the gathering
assembly in preparing for worship
in the form of a prelude. It may
give voice to the sentiments of the
human heart through pieces played
CBCP Monitor
FILE PHOTO
by word and by example of a
Christian life; they can be called
upon to cooperate with the bishop
and presbyters in the exercise of the
ministry of the word (c.759).
An Instruction, co-authored
by no less than eight dicasteries,
explains this point: “The non-
ordained faithful, according to
their proper character, participate
in the prophetic function of Christ,
are constituted as his witnesses
and afforded the sensus fidei and
the grace of the Word…Therefore,
the faithful, especially members of
Institutes of Consecrated Life and
Societies of Apostolic Life can be
invited to collaborate, in lawful ways,
in the exercise of the ministry of the
Word.”1
2) This is neither a right nor a
faculty. It must be pointed out that
religious and lay persons cannot be
grouped with the previous proper
subjects of the ministerium verbi,
since even if they are exercising
a public function, the relation of
superior-subject and of teacher-
disciple that characterizes the
magisterium does not arise,
among other things because they
do not have the sacra potestas,
the possession of which implies
sacred ordination (except of course
in the case of members of clerical
institutes). In any case, it is up to
the Episcopal Conference, with
the recognitio of the Holy See, to
provide for this possibility.2
1 VV.Sacred Congregations, Instruction Ecclesia
de Mysteriis (15.VIII.1997), Art.2, §2.
2 Ibid., Art.2, §3; cf. c.766. For example, the
bishops of the U.S. recently approved amendments
to Canon Law —first proposed in 1999—outlining
when laymen can preach in church. Obviously such
revisions need the approval of the Holy See before
they can be implemented.
during the Liturgy and postludes
after the Liturgy. Instrumentalists
are to remember that the Liturgy
calls for significant periods of silent
reflection. Silence need not always
be filled.
“92. Instrumentalists are
encouraged to play pieces from
the treasury of sacred music by
composers of various eras and
cultures. In addition, those with
the requisite talent and training
are encouraged to improvise, as
described in no. 43.”
With all of the above in mind, I
think we can draw the following
conclusions regarding the precise
question at hand.
None of the documents mention
the use of instrumental music
during the silence after communion.
The only options given are silence
or the singing of meditative hymns
or psalms.
It is probably possible to have
some brief instrumental music in
the case that the communion song
has finished but the distribution of
Communion itself is not over. This
would usually be an instrumental
version of the communion song
rather than a new melody.
Even this limited option would
be excluded during Lent and best
avoided during Advent.
Should the priest not return to the
chair after distributing Communion,
the moment of silence or the singing
of a hymn or psalm begins with
the conclusion of distribution of
Communion while the sacred vessels
are being purified.
CBCP Monitor February 18 - March 3, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 4
FROM the Jordan, John had assigned
several among us to serve as team
leaders in order to lead groups of
disciples assigned to various cities
for a mission. He had also assigned
Andrew and Philip in my company.
Since that time that he had shared a
midrash on Isaiah’s mysterious poem
about the Servant who suffers and
dies like a lamb for the redemption
of sinners (Isaiah 53), he had code-
named me “Lamb of God”. He was
aware that I took this passage very
seriously and that I was not very
convinced about his earlier prophetic
oracles of judgment and his threats
of a looming damnation that hanged
like a sword of Damocles above
the heads of sinners unless they
repented.
I had argued with him several
times about this passage and he
knew that I preferred to preach
oracles of hope about a just but
merciful God who intends to save
not just the righteous but sinners
as well, and that he was willing
to pay the price for it with his
own blood—like a sacrificial lamb.
Despite John’s vehemence towards
sinners, he kept quiet whenever I
spoke about the work of redemption
as being ready to “pay the price with
our own blood”. The last time I saw
him, before we parted ways, he
intimated to me that, maybe I was
right... that we would have to pay for
the redemption of Israel “with our
own blood”. That was before he was
arrested by Herod’s soldiers.
And so as the appointed team
leader for the Galilean mission, I
decided to take a different path in our
mission as itinerant preachers, from
that of John. I had no intention at all
of disrespecting John’s asceticism
and his insistence on fasting and
acts of righteousness as proofs of
conversion. It’s just that I felt really
sad and disappointed when some
of his avid followers, especially
the converts from Phariseism,
instead of proclaiming a good
news of conversion tended towards
moralizing, making sinners and
those they regarded as “unclean”
simply feel bad for themselves
rather than inspiring them and
drawing them to conversion.
It was like we were back to the
same old notion of a God who
automatically rewarded only the
righteous and punished the wicked.
Something inside me revolted
against such an idea, even if it all
sounded correct. I couldn’t reconcile
it with the God who spoke to my
heart at the river Jordan, the God
who wants to say the same thing
to all humankind: “you are my
beloved children!” I couldn’t get
myself to ascribe so easily to the
idea that we could be either saved
or damned only through our own
acts of righteousness or lack of
them. What the Father desires is the
salvation, not just of some but of all,
of everyone—saints and sinners alike.
My own team-mates became
really passionate about our “Gospel
of Mercy” and my suggestion that
we embark on a different kind of
mission, learning how to proclaim—
not a threat of damnation but a good
news redemption—for both the
clean and the unclean, the righteous
and the unrighteous, the law-
abiding and the law-breakers alike.
I shared with my team members the
anointing that I experienced at the
Jordan, which convinced me from
deep within that the mission was
about fighting a spiritual battle.
Nothing could convince me that
there are people in this world who
are innately evil, even if it was
perfectly obvious to me that there
are people in this world who are
capable of so much wickedness. I
taught my companions that by our
anointing in the Spirit, we would
learn to hate sin but love sinners.
They understood quickly what I
meant when I said all people are by
nature good, but all good people are
vulnerable to the infection of evil.
What we were to treat as enemies
were not the people themselves
(for whatever wickedness they are
capable of doing) but the evil one
who is at work in them.
They were all euphoric about the
power of the Spirit when they came
back after we regrouped ourselves.
Some were beyond themselves
when they spoke about the worst
sinners they had met, who also
experienced the power of the Spirit
at work in their conversion. We were
all in a celebration mode when the
tragic news came—that John had
been executed. Some of us were so
overtaken by grief, they vomited all
the good food they had just eaten on
hearing about the cruel way John
had been tortured and killed by the
executioners of Herod.
Like I usually did, I left the group
and sought some solitude and wept
all by myself. I sought the Father’s
company and cried my heart out like
a little toddler. I imagined how my
uncle Zechariah and aunt Elizabeth
would take this news. I thought of
the man I had regarded as my best
friend and brother, and our happy
years together at Bar Mitzvah,
how we soaked in Scriptures at the
Rabbinical school. I could see him
in my mind, languishing in jail,
suffering the brutality of Herod’s
soldiers. I knew somehow, how his
anguish was further aggravated
by the intrigues that had been
sown by some of his disciples who
questioned my ways, who accused
us of capitulating to sin because
they had heard about us eating and
drinking with tax collectors and
sinners and being massaged by
prostitutes and women of ill-repute.
His loyalists had accused me of
being disloyal to John’s cause, that I
had been corrupted by the company
of sinners.
The words of John, as
communicated by his messengers,
struck into the very core of my being
like a sharp dagger. “Are you really
the one who is to come or shall
The Galilean
Mission
(The Gospel retold)
By Bishop Ambo David
we look for another?” I couldn’t
get myself to imagine John saying
anything like that. I was amazed
at how evil could work its way
even in our company through the
malicious rumors spread by fellow
disciples who had been defeated
by the unclean spirit of jealousy
for John’s special regard for me.
How efficiently they had twisted the
facts into toxic lies, claiming that
I had turned immoral, that I had
compromised the reputation of the
whole movement, that I had given
in to the temptation of money, wine,
and loose women.
I wonder how John took my
words. I meant what I said, but
I knew that they could twist my
words again and make them sound
sarcastic. I meant them more for
them than for John himself: “Go
tell John what you hear and what
you see. The blind see, the deaf
hear, the lame walk, the lepers are
cleansed, the dead are raised back
to life, and the poor have the good
news preached to them. Blessed
is the one who takes no offense at
me.” Looking back, I realize how
my words could have made his
suffering much worse. The coldness
with which his emissaries treated
me was enough to convince me that
they had made up their minds about
me, that they were the very ones who
had poisoned John’s heart over my
insistence on the Gospel of Mercy.
They would rather stick to the God of
wrath, the God who rewards only the
righteous and inflicts punishment
on sinners.
These were the very men who also
sowed intrigues about me competing
with John’s baptism and putting
up my own movement, teaching
people to depart from John’s call
to conversion and rebirth. Oh how
they had allowed themselves to be
blinded with envy by Satan! But I am
sure John did not ask the question
that way. I had wanted so much to
visit him in prison but I had been
dissuaded by my team mates who
told me that such a move would
be suicidal. Should I have followed
my instincts? Should I have faced
the fox and allowed myself to be
arrested by him as well? It saddened
me deeply that John had suffered
and died alone.
As I went on with my silent
lamentation, I suddenly became
conscious of the presence of
somebody, who, I realized had
been watching me from nearby.
“Who’s there?” I shouted. Out came
our youngest companion, John, the
brother of James, son of Zebedee.
“It’s me, Rabbi,” he said as he
emerged from a bush. “I had been
asked by Peter to look for you. He
wanted us to tell you that Andrew
had been in touch with your other
Baptist brothers who are here and
are seeking some help in order
to arrange for your cousin John’s
funeral. They are with a big group of
other people who are also mourning
the death of John. They want to
hear from you.” I stood up and
went with them. As we descended
the hill, this idealistic young man,
John, asked, “Can you also teach
us how to pray, Rabbi?” I looked at
him and forced a smile despite the
grief that I was feeling in my guts.
“I hear that John taught his own
disciples how to pray.” He looked
at me like he expected the lesson on
prayer immediately. With a hushed
voice, I said, “Yes, the prophet John
was a man of prayer. Do not forget
to remind me of your request after
we’ve finished grieving his death.”
We were met by John’s other
disciples who had also returned
from their respective missions.
There were groups that came from
Samaria, and others from Tyre,
Sidon, and the region of the ten
cities. I was surprised that they had
come to mourn and together pay
their respects to the man we had
all regarded as our teacher. I also
found out that most of them had
been abandoned by their own team
leaders after John was arrested.
I was moved to tears again when
I saw them weeping. They looked
helpless and exhausted in their
collective grief, like sheep without a
shepherd...like a body that had lost
its head. The movement had indeed
been decapitated.
Surprisingly, even those who were
not very fond of me were there. One
of them came to me and begged my
forgiveness for having entertained
malicious gossip about me and
passing them on to John in prison.
He said none of the intrigues about
me could change John’s great esteem
and love for me. Since their group
had been abandoned by their leader,
he was asking for them if they could
join mine. I thanked him for his
humility to admit his wrongdoing. I
gave him a handclasp of Shalom but
he embraced me instead, crying and
thanking me. The rest of them drew
near and created the biggest web of
group hug I had ever experienced.
We were both crying and laughing at
the same time like little kids.
After we fulfilled the requirements
of the Torah for the burial of John,
although I was still grieving myself,
I felt I needed to console John’s
followers in their grief. And the
best way to do it, I thought, was
by doing exactly what John used
to do—engage them at length in a
midrash on the Torah. Since the sons
of Zebedee were right there at the
forefront listening intently, I thought
I might as well address Johnny’s
request for a special lesson on prayer.
I told them that prayer was about
making sure at all times that we’re
aligned with God’s vision and
mission—that heaven and earth, God
and humankind, be reconciled in a
covenant bond that alone can make
us experience LIFE ON EARTH AS
IT IS IN HEAVEN. I taught them
what I myself had experienced at
the Jordan after John had immersed
me in the water: that we were called
to be Adonai’s children. That, in
FEATURE B3
response to him who loves us with
the love of a father, we must learn
to hallow God’s name, let God’s
Kingdom come, let God’s will be
done among ourselves. That for us
to truly grow into God’s children,
we need to find in God’s Word our
daily bread, learn to seek forgiveness
for our own sins and be ourselves
forgiving of others’ shortcomings.
That since we seek deliverance in the
midst of a spiritual battle, we must
learn to deal with the deceptions of
the Evil One. That we need not wait
for the end-time to experience the
power, the kingdom and the glory of
Adonai. That he is the Eternal Now,
the Great I am, who invites us also
to live fully in the now, to experience
Adonai’s rule already present right
here and right now.
It was getting dark already by the
time I concluded the midrash. Peter
had asked Johnny to remind me
that many of these people had come
from far away and that I should be
sending them home already. I asked
if we could feed them ourselves from
the meager resources of our team.
Philip said, “We have nothing but
five barley loaves and two pieces of
smoked fish, which a lad had asked
me to hand over to you... But what
good is that for so many?” I smiled at
Philip and I said, “Philip, what you
just called ‘nothing’ is everything
that these people have. If only
everyone can be as generous as that
boy, you can have a huge banquet
of God’s kingdom. Haven’t I just
said a while ago, “Give and gifts will
be given to you; a good measure,
packed together, shaken down, and
overflowing, will be poured into your
lap. For the measure with which you
measure will in return be measured
out to you.” Because I had said this
within everyone’s hearing, soon,
everyone started unpacking his
own provisions. There were dried
dates, figs, prunes, and apricots;
there were loaves of bread and lots
of fermented olive paste, dried fish,
smoked fish, even cheese and wild
honey! Instead of asking them to
queue for the food, I instructed them
to sit down on the grass in clusters
of fifty and we divided up the food.
I said the blessing, broke the bread
and the fish, and asked my team
to distribute the food per cluster.
Not only had the food satisfied
our hunger; it also soothed our
grief. The somber tone with which
we began was quickly changed by
cheerfulness. I knew that the ever-
ascetical John would have resented
this, but, as before, whenever it was
I who prodded him to eat, he readily
obliged and broke his fast. I noticed
that it was only in my presence that
he laughed out loud and shifted to a
celebratory mode. John would often
tease me for that and say, “Perhaps
you should be in this company more
often so we don’t overdo our praying
and fasting.”
(This article is sourced from
Facebook page of Bishop Pablo
Virgilio David)
B4 STATEMENTS
‘You are not the future of God,
you young people are the now of God’
Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis during his Apostolic Journey to Panama on the occasion of the 34th World Youth Day, in a mass
held at the Campo San Juan Pable II – Metro Park, Panama, on January 27, 2019
“THE eyes of all in the synagogue
were fixed on him. And he began to
say to them: ‘Today this Scripture
has been fulfilled in your hearing’”
(Lk 4:20-21).
With these words, the Gospel
presents the beginning of Jesus’
public ministry. It started in the
synagogue that saw him grow up;
he was in the midst of neighbors and
people he knew, and perhaps even
some of his childhood “catechists”
who had taught him the Law. It
was an important moment in the
life of the Master: the child who
was educated and grew up in that
community, stood up and took the
floor to proclaim and put into action
God’s dream. A word previously
proclaimed only as a future promise,
but now, on the lips of Jesus alone,
could be spoken in the present tense,
as it became a reality: “Today it has
been fulfilled”.
Jesus reveals the now of God, who
comes to meet us and call us to take
part in his now of “proclaiming good
news to the poor… bringing liberty to
the captives and recovering of sight
to the blind, setting at liberty those
who are oppressed, announcing the
year of the Lord’s favour” (Lk 4:18-
19). This is the now of God. It
becomes present with Jesus: it has
a face, it is flesh. It is a merciful love
that does not wait for ideal or perfect
situations to show itself, nor does it
accept excuses for its appearance.
It is God’s time, that makes every
situation and place both right and
proper. In Jesus, the promised
future begins and becomes life.
When? Now. Yet not everyone who
was listening felt invited or called.
Not all the residents of Nazareth
were prepared to believe in someone
they knew and had seen grow up,
and who was now inviting them to
realize a long-awaited dream. Not
only that, but they said, “Is not this
Joseph’s son?” (Lk 4:22).
The same thing can also happen
with us. We do not always believe
that God can be that concrete and
commonplace, that close and real,
and much less that he can become so
present and work through somebody
like a neighbor, a friend, a relative.
Consecrated life is not about survival, it’s about new life
Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis on the occasion of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord,
the 23rd World Day for Consecrated Life; at the Vatican, February 2, 2019
Pope Francis celebrates Mass during the World Day for Consecrated Life in St. Peter’s Basilica at the
Vatican Feb. 2, 2019. VATICAN MEDIA
TODAY’S Liturgy shows Jesus who
goes out to meet his people.  It is the
feast day of encounter: the newness
of the Child encounters the tradition
of the temple; the promise finds
fulfillment; young Mary and Joseph
encounter the elderly Simeon and
Anna.  Everything, therefore, meets
as Jesus arrives.
What does this mean for us?  is the source.  It is important then
Above all, that we too are called to
welcome Jesus who comes to meet
us.  To encounter him: the God of
life is to be encountered every day
of our lives; not now and then, but
every day.  To follow Jesus is not a
decision taken once and for all, it is
a daily choice.  And we do not meet
the Lord virtually, but directly, we
encounter him in our lives, in the
concreteness of life.  Otherwise,
Jesus becomes only a nice memory
of the past.  When we welcome
him as the Lord of life, however, as
Pope Francis greets the crowd before celebrating Mass for World Youth Day pilgrims at St. John Paul II Field in Panama City Jan. 27, 2019. PAUL HARING/CNS
We do not always believe that the
Lord can invite us to work and soil
our hands with him in his Kingdom
in that simple and blunt a way. It is
hard to accept that “God’s love can
become concrete and can almost be
experienced in history with all its
painful and glorious vicissitudes”
(BENEDICT XVI, General Audience,
28 September 2005).
Often we too behave like the
neighbors in Nazareth: we prefer
a distant God: nice, good, generous,
well depicted, yet far-off, and above
all a God who does not inconvenience
us, a “domesticated” God. Because a
close and everyday God, a God who
is friend and brother, demands
that we be concerned with our
surroundings, everyday affairs and
above all fraternity. God chose not
to reveal himself as an angel or in
some spectacular way, but to give us
a face that is fraternal and friendly,
concrete and familiar. God is real
because love is real; God is concrete
because love is concrete. Indeed,
this “concrete manifestation of love
is one of the essential elements in
the life of Christians” (BENEDICT
XVI, Homily, 1 March 2006).
We can also run the same risks
the centre and the beating heart of
everything, then he is alive and lives
anew in us.  And what happened
in the temple also happens to us:
around him everything meets, and
life becomes harmonious.  With
Jesus we find again the courage to
carry on and the strength to remain
firm.  The encounter with the Lord
to return to the source: to retrace in
our mind the decisive moments of
encounter with him, to renew our
first love, perhaps writing down
our love story with the Lord.  This
would be good for our consecrated
life, so that it does not become a time
that passes by, but rather a time of
encounter.
If we call to mind our original
meeting with the Lord, we become
aware that it did not arise as
something private between us and
God.  No, it blossomed in the context
as the neighbors at Nazareth,
when within our communities the
Gospel seeks to be lived concretely.
We begin to say: But these young
people, aren’t they the children
of Mary, Joseph, aren’t they the
brothers and sisters of… related
to…? Are these not the youngsters
we saw grow up? They should keep
quiet; how can we believe them?
That one over there, wasn’t he the
one who kept breaking windows
with his ball? What was born as
prophecy and proclamation of the
kingdom of God gets domesticated
and impoverished. Wanting to
domesticate the word of God is a
daily temptation.
You too, dear young people, can
experience this whenever you think
that your mission, your vocation,
even your life itself, is a promise far
off in the future, having nothing to do
with the present. As if being young
were a kind of waiting room, where
we sit around until we are called.
And in the “meantime”, we adults or
you yourselves invent a hygienically
sealed future, without consequences,
where everything is safe, secure
and “well insured”. We don’t want
to offer you a laboratory kind of
of a believing people, alongside
many brothers and sisters, at precise
times and places.  The Gospel tells
us this, showing how the encounter
takes place within the people of
God, in its concrete history, in its
living traditions: in the temple,
according to the law, in the context
of prophecy, in young and old
together (cf Lk  2:25-28, 34).  It is
like this too in the consecrated life:
it blossoms and flourishes in the
Church; if it is isolated, it withers.  the Spirit, who does new things in
It matures when the young and
elderly walk together, when the
young rediscover their roots and the
elderly welcome those fruits.  When
we walk alone, however, when we
remain fixated on the past or jump
ahead in trying to survive, then the
consecrated life stagnates.  Today,
on the feast day of encounter, we ask
for the grace to rediscover the living
Lord amid a believing people, and to
allow the charism we have received
to encounter today’s graces.
The Gospel also tells us that
God’s encounter with his people
has both a starting point and a
destination point.  It begins with
the  call in the temple and arrives
at the vision in the temple.  It is
a call that is twofold.  There is a first
call “according to the law” (v. 22).  It
is the call of Joseph and Mary, who
go to the temple to fulfill what the
law prescribes.  The text emphasizes
this almost as a refrain, even four
times (cf. vv. 22, 23, 24, 27).  This is
not something forced: Jesus’ parents
are not constrained to go or merely
to perform an external duty.  They
go in response to God’s call.  Then
there is a second call, according to
the Spirit.  It is the call of Simeon
and Anna.  This too is stressed with
insistence: three times, in the case of
Simeon, it refers to the Holy Spirit
(cf. vv. 25, 26, 27) and it concludes
February 18 - March 3, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 4
future. This is a “make-believe”
happiness, not the happiness of
today, of what is concrete, of love.
And so, with this “make-believe”
happiness, we “tranquilize” you,
we numb you into keeping quiet, so
that you don’t make too much of a
nuisance, so that you don’t question
yourselves or question us; and in
that “meantime” your dreams lose
their buoyancy, they seem to move
slowly, they begin to become flat and
dreary, petty and plaintive (cf. Palm
Sunday Homily, 25 March 2018).
Only because we think, or you think,
that your now has not yet come, that
you are too young to be involved in
dreaming about and working for
the future. And that’s how we keep
procrastinating… And do you know
something? A lot of young people
like this. Please let us help them to
not like this, to rebel, and to want to
live the “now” of God.
One of the fruits of the last Synod
was the enrichment that came
from being able to meet and above
all to listen to one another. The
enrichment of intergenerational
dialogue, the enrichment of
exchange and the value of realizing
that we need one another, that we
with Anna the prophetess, who
was inspired to give thanks to God
(cf. v. 38).  Two young people run
to the temple, called by the law;
two elderly people moved by the
Spirit.  What does this twofold
call, by the law and by the Spirit,
mean for our spiritual life and our
consecrated life?  It means that we
are all called to a twofold obedience:
to the law – in the sense of what
gives order to our lives – and to
our lives.  And so the encounter
with the Lord is born: the Spirit
reveals the Lord, but to welcome
him we need to persevere every
day.  Even the greatest charisms, if
lacking an ordered life, cannot bear
fruit.  On the other hand, even the
best rules are not sufficient without
the freshness of the Spirit: the law
and the Spirit go together.
To better understand this call,
seen today in the temple in the first
days of Jesus’ life, we should move to
the first days of his public ministry,
at Cana, where he transforms water
into wine.  There too there is a call to
obedience, with Mary, who says: “Do
whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5).  Do
whatever.  And Jesus asks for
something particular; he does not
suddenly do something new, does
not produce the missing wine out of
nothing – he could have done so –
but he asks for something concrete
and demanding.  He asks them to
fill six great stone water jars for the
ritual purification, which recalls the
law.  That means pouring around
six hundred litres of water from the
well: time and effort, which seemed
pointless, because what was missing
was not water but wine!  And yet,
precisely from those jars filled “up
to the brim” (v. 7), Jesus draws forth
new wine.  And so it is for us: God
calls us to encounter him through
CBCP Monitor
have to work to create channels and
spaces that encourage dreaming of
and working for tomorrow, starting
today. And this, not in isolation,
but rather side by side, creating a
common space. A space that is not
simply taken for granted, or won in
a lottery, but a space for which you
too must fight. You young people
must fight for your space today,
because life is living for today. No
one can make promises to you about
a day in the future. Your life today
is today. Your taking risks is today.
Your space is today. How are you
reacting to this?
You, dear young people, are not
the future. We like to say, “you are
the future”. No, you are the present.
You are not the future of God, you
young people are the now of God.
He invites you and calls you in your
communities and cities to go out and
find your grandparents, your elders;
to stand up and with them to speak
out and realize the dream that the
Lord has dreamed for you.
Not tomorrow, now, for wherever
your treasure is now, there will your
heart also be (cf. Mt 6:21). Whatever
you fall in love with, it will win over
not only your imagination, it will
affect everything. It will be what
makes you get up in the morning,
what keeps you going at times of
fatigue, what will break open your
hearts and fill you with wonder,
joy and gratitude. Realize that you
have a mission and fall in love;
that will decide everything (cf.
PEDRO ARRUPE, S.J., Nada es
más práctico). We may possess
everything, but, dear young friends,
if we lack the passion of love, we
will have nothing. The passion of
love today! Let us allow the Lord to
make us fall in love and let him take
us into the future!
For Jesus, there is no “meantime”,
but only a merciful love that wants
to enter into and win over our
hearts. He wants to be our treasure,
because Jesus is not a “meantime”,
an interval in life or a passing fad;
he is generous love that invites us to
entrust ourselves.
He is concrete, close, real love,
Future / B7
faithfulness to concrete things—God
is always encountered in concrete
things: daily prayer, Holy Mass,
Confession, real charity, the daily
word of God, closeness, especially
to those most in need spiritually or
physically.  Concrete things, such as
obedience to one’s superior and to
the rule in the consecrated life.  If we
put this law into practice with love
– with love! – then the Spirit will
come and bring God’s surprise, just
as in the temple and at Cana.  Thus
the water of daily life is transformed
into the wine of newness, and our
life, which seems to be more bound,
in reality becomes more free.  This
reminds me now of a humble sister
who really had the charism of being
close to priests and seminarians. 
The other day the cause for her
beatification was introduced here
in the Diocese [of Rome].  She was
a simple sister, not well known, but
she had the virtue of obedience, of
faithfulness and of not being afraid
of new things.  We ask the Lord,
through the intercession of Sister
Bernardetta, to give all of us the
grace to walk on this path.
The encounter which is born
of the call culminates in vision. 
Simeon says: “My eyes have seen
your salvation” (Lk 2:30).  He sees
the Child and he sees salvation.  He
does not see the Messiah who works
miracles, but a small child.  He does
not see something extraordinary, but
Jesus with his parents, who bring a
pair of turtledoves or two pigeons
to the temple, which is the most
humble offering (cf. v. 24).  Simeon
sees God’s simplicity and welcomes
his presence.  He is not looking
for anything else, is not asking or
wanting for something more; it is
enough to see the Child and take
him in his arms: “nunc dimittis,
Consecrated / B7
CBCP Monitor
“You received without payment; give without payment” (Mt. 10:8)
DEAR Brothers and Sisters,
“You received without payment;
give without payment” (Mt 10:8).
These are the words spoken by Jesus
when sending forth his apostles
to spread the Gospel, so that his
Kingdom might grow through acts
of gratuitous love.
On the XXVII World Day of the
Sick, to be solemnly celebrated
on 11 February 2019 in Calcutta,
India, the Church—as a Mother
to all her children, especially the
infirm—reminds us that generous
gestures like that of the Good
Samaritan are the most credible
means of evangelization. Caring for
the sick requires professionalism,
tenderness, straightforward and
simple gestures freely given, like a
caress that makes others feel loved.
Life is a gift from God. Saint Paul
asks: “What do you have that you did
not receive?” (1 Cor 4:7). Precisely
because it is a gift, human life cannot
be reduced to a personal possession
or private property, especially in the
light of medical and biotechnological
advances that could tempt us to
manipulate the “tree of life” (cf. Gen
3:24).
Amid today’s culture of waste and
indifference, I would point out that
“gift” is the category best suited to
challenging today’s individualism
and social fragmentation, while
at the same time promoting
new relationships and means of
cooperation between peoples and
cultures. Dialogue—the premise of
gift—creates possibilities for human
growth and development capable of
breaking through established ways
of exercising power in society. “Gift”
means more than simply giving
presents: it involves the giving of
oneself, and not simply a transfer
of property or objects. “Gift” differs
from gift-giving because it entails
the free gift of self and the desire
to build a relationship. It is the
acknowledgement of others, which
is the basis of society. “Gift” is a
Pastoral Letter on Vaccination
(To be read in all Masses on Saturday afternoon and Sunday,
Feb. 16-17,2019)
Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona of Caceres
Dear Parishioners, Parents and LGU
officials,
Peace of Jesus be with you all!
The measles outbreak in our country
is the breaking news of our tri-
media. Everyday we read in the
newspapers, watch on TV and listen
to the radio the disturbing gradual
spread of the measle virus in our
provinces, municipalities, barangays
and sitios.
We see shocking images of many
affected children in crowded
hospitals and clinics.
We are saddened by the many
reported deaths of our children,
mostly from poor families and
communities.
As reported by Sec of Health, Dr
Francisco Duque , the registered
deaths as of Feb 12, is NCR :18;
Calabarzon:25; Central Luzon:
3; Western Visayas: 4; Northern
Mindanao:5.
In a press release of DOH-CHD
Bicol, February 8,2019 it states that:
“As of January 1 to February 2,
2019, records from Bicol Region
revealed 54 new cases of measles
with 2 laboratory confirmed cases.
Reports show that Sorsogon has the
highest number of measles cases
at 21 cases, followed by Masbate
– 12, Camarines Sur – 12, Albay –
5, and Camarines Norte – 3, and
Catanduanes – 0.”
We commend the tireless and strong
efforts of our DOH-CHD Bicol in
informing and raising awareness of
our fellow Bicolanos on the growing
number of measle cases in the
region, and its campaign to parents
to have their children immunized as
soon as possible.
The Bicol, DOH OIC - Regional
Director, Dr. Ernie V. Vera assures
February 18 - March 3, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 4
Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the 27th world Day of the Sick 2019
reflection of God’s love, which
culminates in the incarnation of
the Son and the outpouring of the
Holy Spirit.
Each of us is poor, needy and
destitute. When we are born, we
require the care of our parents
to survive, and at every stage
of life we remain in some way
dependent on the help of others.
We will always be conscious of our
limitations, as “creatures”, before
other individuals and situations.
A frank acknowledgement of this
truth keeps us humble and spurs us
to practice solidarity as an essential
virtue in life.
Such an acknowledgement leads
us to act responsibly to promote
a good that is both personal and
communal. Only if we see ourselves,
not as a world apart, but in a fraternal
relationship with others, can we
develop a social practice of solidarity
aimed at the common good. We
should not be afraid to regard
ourselves as needy or reliant on
others, because individually and by
our own efforts we cannot overcome
our limitations. So we should not
fear, then, to acknowledge those
limitations, for God himself, in Jesus,
has humbly stooped down to us (cf.
Phil 2:8) and continues to do so; in
our poverty, he comes to our aid and
grants us gifts beyond our imagining.
In light of the solemn celebration
in India, I would like to recall, with
joy and admiration, the figure of
Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta—a
model of charity who made visible
God’s love for the poor and sick. As
I noted at her canonization, “Mother
Teresa, in all aspects of her life,
was a generous dispenser of divine
mercy, making herself available
for everyone through her welcome
and defense of human life, of those
unborn and those abandoned and
discarded… She bowed down before
those who were spent, left to die on
the side of the road, seeing in them
their God-given dignity; she made
us that:
“The measles vaccines that we are
using have been around since 2010
and there have been no reported
deaths from the vaccines ever
since. We urge the parents to trust
the DOH because we review our
medicines thoroughly to ensure that
they are safe.”
The Archdiocese of Caceres joins the
DOH BICOL in appealing to parents
to have their children vaccinated by
going to the barangay health centers.
Likewise rhe Archdiocese of
Caceres enjoins cooperation of all
government agencies, NGOs , Civil
society, and Churches to work hand
in hand for the success of the fight
to contain and eventually eradicate
the measles outbreak in the Bicol
area in particular.
Let not the unfounded fear of
the vaccine affect the lives of our
children.
We commend the Provincial DOH
Office of Camarines Sur, and the
DOH-CHD Bicol with the health
workers in all levels for their
tenacious and dedicated service
in this fight against the measles
outbreak in Camarines Sur.
Jesus says:”Let the children come to
me.” Let our children come to our
health centers for protection and
medical attention.
O DIVINO ROSTRO and Our Lady
of Penafrancia, our INA, protect us
and our children from the measles
outbreak!
God bless you all!
In Jesus,
+ROLANDO J. TRIA TIRONA, OCD
Archbishop of Caceres
Naga City, Cam Sur
her voice heard before the powers
of this world, so that they might
recognize their guilt for the crime—
the crimes!—of poverty they created.
For Mother Teresa, mercy was the
‘salt’ which gave flavour to her work;
it was the ‘light’ that shone in the
darkness of the many who no longer
had tears to shed for their poverty and
suffering. Her mission to the urban
and existential peripheries remains
for us today an eloquent witness to
God’s closeness to the poorest of the
poor” (Homily, 4 September 2016).
Saint Mother Teresa helps us
understand that our only criterion of
action must be selfless love for every
human being, without distinction
of language, culture, ethnicity or
religion. Her example continues to
guide us by opening up horizons of
joy and hope for all those in need of
understanding and tender love, and
especially for those who suffer.
Generosity inspires and sustains
the work of the many volunteers
who are so important in health care
and who eloquently embody the
spirituality of the Good Samaritan.
I express my gratitude and offer
my encouragement to all those
associations of volunteers committed
to the transport and assistance of
patients, and all those that organize
the donation of blood, tissues and
organs. One particular area in which
your presence expresses the Church’s
care and concern is that of advocacy
for the rights of the sick, especially
those affected by pathologies
requiring special assistance. I would
also mention the many efforts made
to raise awareness and encourage
prevention. Your volunteer work
in medical facilities and in homes,
which ranges from providing health
care to offering spiritual support, is
of primary importance. Countless
persons who are ill, alone, elderly
or frail in mind or body benefit
from these services. I urge you
to continue to be a sign of the
Church’s presence in a secularized
Defending
Press
Freedom
Memo to: The University Community
Ateneo de Manila University
13 February 2019
IN my statement of 13 October
2017, I had occasion to “call
on everyone in the community
to defend our democratic
institutions” and to state that “[t]
his call to defend our democratic
institutions is not even a matter
of political partisanship or
persuasion. It is a call that is
borne out of our conviction
about what is right and just and
truly democratic.”
While such pronouncements
then pertained to government
institutions in particular, the
same should be said with
regard to freedom of speech,
of expression and of the press.
No less than the Philippine
Constitution recognizes “the
vital role of communication and
information in nation-building”
(Constitution, Art. II. Sec. 24)
and “the freedom of speech,
of expression, or of the press”
(Constitution, Art. III, Sec. 4).
There are several rights and
freedoms necessary for a
democratic society to function.
The right to life, the right to due
process, the sweet freedoms
of speech and of the press—all
of these were once considered
sacred, inviolable. But as of
late these have been called into
question; mocked, attacked,
degraded.
Rappler, and its brave leader
Maria Ressa, have consistently
held the line against the erosion
of these liberties. It is journalists
like her who keep us all informed
about the state of our nation,
Pope Francis visits poor, sick people at a center run by the CasAmica Onlus organization on the outskirts of
Rome Dec. 7, 2018. The visit continued the pope’s tradition of doing Friday works of mercy. VATICAN MEDIA
world. A volunteer is a good friend
with whom one can share personal
thoughts and emotions; by their
patient listening, volunteers make
it possible for the sick to pass from
being passive recipients of care
to being active participants in a
relationship that can restore hope
and inspire openness to further
treatment. Volunteer work passes on
values, behaviors and ways of living
born of a deep desire to be generous.
It is also a means of making health
care more humane.
A spirit of generosity ought
especially to inspire Catholic
healthcare institutions, whether in
the more developed or the poorer
areas of our world, since they carry
out their activity in the light of the
Gospel. Catholic facilities are called
to give an example of self-giving,
generosity and solidarity in response
to the mentality of profit at any price,
of giving for the sake of getting, and of
exploitation over concern for people.
I urge everyone, at every level, to
promote the culture of generosity
and of gift, which is indispensable
for overcoming the culture of profit
covering different areas of
our national life, contributing
immeasurably to the wealth
and value of our country. Too
often these days, it is they who
wage daily battles against fake
news, expose corruption and
bring to light illegal practices
and wrongdoing by those who
lead us.
We all say we want the truth. It
is easy to say we want the whole
truth, but we easily forget how
difficult it is to find and convey
the truth and we do little to
defend those of us who put their
careers, reputations and lives on
the line to give us truth.
Thus, the University expresses
alarm over both, on the one
hand, the filing of tax evasion
charges against Rappler and
the concomitant process of
the need to arrest her (without
prejudice to securing liberty
through bail), and on the other,
the filing of cyber libel charges
against her and a researcher
and their being actually
arrested. The tax charge stems
from a complicated legal theory
that Rappler is not a news
organization and is instead a
dealer in securities. In turn,
the cyber libel charge is for
an article that was published
before the passage of the law
which punishes the act charged
against them. Beyond the legal
arguments is government’s
troubling practice of silencing
critics through the filing of
questionable cases. The pattern
of political persecution casts
STATEMENTS B5
and waste. Catholic healthcare
institutions must not fall into the trap
of simply running a business; they
must be concerned with personal
care more than profit. We know that
health is relational, dependent on
interaction with others, and requiring
trust, friendship and solidarity. It is
a treasure that can be enjoyed fully
only when it is shared. The joy of
generous giving is a barometer of the
health of a Christian.
I entrust all of you to Mary, Salus
Infirmorum. May she help us to
share the gifts we have received in
the spirit of dialogue and mutual
acceptance, to live as brothers and
sisters attentive to each other’s
needs, to give from a generous heart,
and to learn the joy of selfless service
to others. With great affection, I
assure you of my closeness in prayer,
and to all I cordially impart my
Apostolic Blessing.
Vatican City, 25 November 2018
Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ,
King of the Universe.
FRANCIS
a chilling effect on legitimate
opposition and criticism.
As a university, we are committed
to using our resources as
educators to make the truth
come to light. As citizens, it is
our obligation to defend the
truth. In an atmosphere of fear
and silence, we are obliged to
speak when we see things which
are not right, even if doing
so can bring individuals and
institutions to peril. Speaking
truth can be daunting but the
greater imperative is to stand our
ground against those who sow
fear when the truth is spoken.
In 2015, Maria Ressa was our
Loyola Schools commencement
speaker. She reminded our
graduates that, “Power does
corrupt, and the way we hold it
accountable is to shine the light.
We need to see the way things
really work, the corrupted values
that make wrong seem right…
Do not accept the world you see
today.”
“Do not accept the world you see
today.” The University shares
Maria’s challenge to shine the
light on power and be brave in
witnessing to the truth. Veritas
liberabit vos. As God is our
witness, we believe that the truth
does lead to freedom. The lies
and false promises of unbridled
power, when met with silence,
will only make us a nation of
slaves.
JOSE RAMON T. VILLARIN, SJ
President
B6 REFLECTIONS February 18 - March 3, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 4 CBCP Monitor

Challenged to love even What makes us what

we are
the unlovable
7th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, (Luke 6:27-38)
8th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, (Luke 6:39-45)
March 3, 2019

February 24, 2019 By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB

WHAT makes us what we are is not all its misery.

By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB
JESUS does not seem tired of shock-
ing his disciples. He has already
jolted them with the “beatification”
of the poor, the hungry, the despised
and the persecuted, and the four
“woes” addressed to the rich, the
well-fed, the satisfied and those
who enjoy the favor of the people.
Now his shocking power reaches
its climax, as he demands that his
disciples love their enemies and do
good to those who hate them.
This injunction is far more de-
manding than the well-established
commandment to love one’s neigh-
bor as oneself. No leader has ever
asked so much of his followers. Jesus
the simple answer is: Because the
command to love one’s neighbor
includes also one’s enemies. Every
human being, in fact, and not just
my friends, or the members of my
club, or my team or my race . . . , is
my “neighbor.” We are expected to
love all human beings, for they are
all children of God and our brothers
or sisters in Christ.
“Do to others what you would
have them do to you,” continues
Jesus in his “Sermon on the Plain”
thereby proclaiming the “Golden
Rule” which covers all aspects of our
relationship with our neighbor. (See
Lk 6:31.) And since everybody wants
our income, our physical strength,
our success in business, and not
even our IQ or our EQ. What makes
us what we are is our “heart” – the
“core” of our personality, the inner
sanctuary where we decide what
sort of person we want to become.
This means: our value system, our
deep dispositions, our ideals, and
our priorities in life.
But how do we know what is in-
side the “heart” of a person? How
can we know whether our “heart”
is fully part of the Kingdom of God
or has been already laid waste by
the hordes of the evil one? The
first means to ascertain this is our
WORDS. Whether spoken or writ-
ten, our words are what enables us
to express our internal feelings, our
intentions, or needs, our plans and
aspirations . . . .
But it is especially our ACTIONS
that reveal what is deep inside us.
Just as each tree is known by its
yield, so is every person known by
his or her actions. That is why Jesus
stated that “a good man produces
tempted to do is “to sever our dip-
goodness from the good in his heart;
lomatic ties,” and learn to live as if
while an evil man produces evil out
that person did not exist.
of his store of evil.” (See today’s
Jesus is not satisfied with our
Gospel, v. 45.)
refraining from belligerent actions,
Our experience, however, teaches
for a “cold treatment” fails to meet
us that there are people who use
the demands of love. “Do good to
their words to hide the truth rather
those who hate you,” he presses us.
than to manifest it. We call these
“Bless those who curse you and pray
people liars and cheaters. Their lack
for those who maltreat you.” Herein
of sincerity in speech is a sign that
is the challenge to be heroic by lov-
their heart is no longer close to the
ing in a practical manner even the
truth—no longer close to God. But
“unlovable.”
sooner or later the truth is going
This is the challenge to follow in
to come out and the ugliness of the
the footsteps of our Model, Jesus
reality of what is nested in liars and
himself, “the New Man” and “the
cheaters hearts will be revealed in
life-giving spirit.” (See today’s Sec-
People can lie also through their
actions. They do certain things in
order to appear to be good, while
their hearts are full of evil intents.
Jesus called these people frauds
and hypocrites, for their good ac-
tions are only a pretense that has no
corresponding disposition in their
hearts. Their external good actions
are like beautiful masks used to hide
a disfigured face. Their hypocrisy,
too, cannot conceal for ever their
spiritual misery and corruption.
God cannot be cheated. His looks
penetrate deep beyond appearances
and clever pretenses. What He
wants is not just “nice words” and
“seemingly good actions.” He wants
that these be rooted in a “heart” that
is imbibed with the VALUES that
those words and actions are meant
to manifest externally. God wants
“substance” and reality, rather than
a vain show.
This is why our main concern
should be not so much to say good
words and perform good actions, but
to have a “good heart”—A HEART
that is constantly set on seeking the
Kingdom of God and its demands.
This is the basic condition to become
a “good person”—to be a “good tree”
that will constantly bear “good fruit.”
Once the right foundation is in
place, we will be well on our way to-
ward attaining a good resemblance
with our Teacher-Jesus Christ! Hav-
ing removed the big “plank” from
our eyes, we will be able to lead the
“blind” and attempt in all honesty
to remove the “speck” that is in the
eye of our neighbor. Then will we
be able to make the world a better
place to live in.

Lent: an opportunity
did. And his whole life (and not just to be treated with respect, honor, ond Reading.) Being new creatures
his praying for those who were insult- care, understanding, and love, the in him, we must love the way he did.
ing him on Calvary) was a constant conclusion is that we should treat In so doing, we will be learning to

to set our priorities

living out of the command to love
one’s enemies and do good to them
for, as the Son of God, he had become
a human being exactly to give his life
for his very enemies—all sinners!
But now this command to love
one’s enemies is addressed by him
to frail human beings who already
find it hard to constantly love even
their own relatives and friends! .
. . Hence the question: How can
Jesus make such a demand? And
everybody—including those who
have deliberately hurt us—not the
way they treat us, but the way we
would like to be treated.
This, as well all know very well, is
not a spontaneous reaction. Instinc-
tively, when we have been hurt, we
tend to retaliate and get even, or at
least to withhold from those who
have offended us those signs of love
that we used to have for them. If we
do not go to war, the least we are
live and love in a God-like manner,
for our common Father is always
compassionate and continues to love
even those who offend and reject
Him. (See v. 35.)
This is a tall order, indeed, but
if we really want to go to heaven,
we do not have any alternative, for
right
“the measure with which we mea- Ash Wednesday, Year C, (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18)
sure,” says Jesus, “will in return be Beginning of the Lenten Season
measured out to us.” (See today’s March 6, 2019
Gospel, v. 38.)
By Fr. Sal Putzu, SDB

Some Aphorisms of
the Lord
8th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, (Luke 6:39-45)
March 3, 2019
By Msgr. Joseph A. Pellegrino

THIS is the Eighth Sunday of
Ordinary Time. Usually, Lent would
have begun by now, but this year
it is late. Also, when we return to
ordinary time in June, we usually
begin with the 9th or 10th Sunday
of the year, so poor number 8 rarely
is celebrated.
The readings for today are full
of aphorisms. An aphorism is
an adage, or a tersely phrased
statement of the truth. Let’s look at
three of the aphorisms found in t he
Gospel of Luke.
“Can a blind man act as a guide
to a blind man. Will they not both
fall into a ditch?”
People cannot teach until they
have learned. This is true in every
aspect of life, but particularly in the
Church. In the Catholic Church we
are blessed with a teaching authority.
This authority is often given the
Latin word for teacher and called
the magisterium. The magisterium
consists in the Pope, the Bishops,
theologians and consultants. The
duty of the magisterium is to set the
course for us to relate our faith and
morals to the evolving times. We
take this for granted because most
of us have always been Catholic and
have always had the body of our faith
presented in a rather neat package.
But dogmatic statements didn’t just
happen. They evolved over many
centuries as the Church continues
to grow in its understanding of itself.
The magisterium does not just
exist among the hierarchy. It also
exists in the home among the
confirmed. Those who have received
the sacrament of confirmation have
received the gift of the Holy Spirit
to grow in their understanding
of the faith. When, as all human
beings, we have times of doubt,
or times that we have difficulty
understanding what we believe or
why we believe, we have to go to
books and knowledgeable people
in the area. We also have to go to
our knees and pray to Holy Spirit
to help us grow in faith. The blind
cannot lead the blind. That is why
we have been gifted with the Holy
Spirit. That is why we have the
magisterium.
“Why look at the speck in your
brother’s eye when you miss the
plank in your own?”
Psychologist might restate this
second aphorisms in these terms:
we tend to transfer our irritation
over our own failings to others. So
we decry another person’s faults
as a way of hiding our own. The
Lord was quite a psychologist when
he said, “First deal with your own
faults.” When we go through those
negative days when everything other
people do irritates us, we have to
take a step back and consider what
we are doing that upsets others, and,
even more, what we are doing that
upsets ourselves.
“A good tree does not produce
decayed fruit any more than a
decayed tree produces good fruit.
Each tree is known by its yield.”
The final aphorism is that each
tree is known by its fruit. When
THERE is in each of us a potential Many of the Pharisees in the time
a person does good things, we
“actor” who can transform our lives of Jesus had become victims of the
know this is a good person. When
into a show of vanity and hypocrisy. temptation to become hypocritical
a person is continually stirring up
Though in different degrees, we all and ostentations. Much of their re-
trouble, we know that this person
experience the desire for praise and ligious practices were just an empty
is troubled. The fruit reveals the
approval from as many people as show. Jesus called those people
person. In the same way, it is not
possible . . . . “frauds” and “whitewashed tombs.”
enough for us to say we are saved
If this yearning is not checked on (See Mt 23:27.)
and then live as pagans. In fact, it
time, soon it may turn into an insa- At the very beginning of his min-
is not enough to say we are saved.
tiable craving which will reduce us istry, he warned his disciples not
What we need to say is that we are
to a situation of moral slavery. For a to commit a similar error. (See Mt
being saved, in the process of being
time, we may still like to believe that 6:2.5.16.) His warning is ever-valid
saved. Our actions must reflect
we are “free” and can do all that we and applies to us, too. Jesus wants
God’s gift to us. If they don’t,
like. The sad reality, though, is that all his disciples to be honest and
then we are in fact rejecting his
we have become “compulsive exhi- sincere, single-minded and eager
salvation. Yes, we always depend
bitionists” who act to please the eyes to please God, rather than crave for
upon the mercy of God, but we have
and arouse applauses, but suffer the praises of people.
to respond to this mercy by doing
painful frustration if people do not Lent is, for us, a unique op-
our best to live the Christian life. If
seem to notice our “good deeds,” our portunity to mount a campaign
we don’t than our fruits, our actions
“generosity,” our “achievements”. . against any form of self-exaltation
will demonstrate the insincerity of
. . All this shows that we no longer or praise-seeking. Through his
our conversion.
enjoy that internal freedom which example, Jesus himself teaches us
This Wednesday Lent begins. I
is the fruit of authenticity, sincerity, how to achieve the splendid result
need this Lent. Perhaps you do too.
consistency . . . . of seeking only God’s glory in all
Lent is a time for us to grow in our
“Good deeds,” such as acts of re- we do. It is a matter of living in His
faith life, let the magisterium and
ligious piety and ritual penance are presence every minute of our life
Holy Spirit guide us. Lent is a time
not free from the risk of hypocrisy and of doing our duty with the clear
for us to look into ourselves. How
and ostentation. Actually, they con- intention of pleasing Him—a mat-
is the upset we have with others a
stitute an even more subtle danger, ter of not just “doing good” but of
reflection of our own faults? Lent
for these actions are good in them- “becoming good,” rather than just
is a time to consider our living of
selves. As such, they are supposed to appearing to be such. It is a matter
the Christian life. Do our actions
be done in order to please God and of setting our priorities right and
demonstrate Christ’s continuing
not in order to elicit the applause of acting accordingly. Then will the
conversion in our lives?
the people. God does not want that Lenten season begin in the right
May you and I allow God to take
we make a show of our good deeds, way and the Lord will show us his
control of every aspect of our lives.
and religious observances. merciful countenance.
CBCP Monitor February 18 - March 3, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 4 FEATURE B7

The beaches of San Antonio, Zambales

By Msgr. Bernie Pantin escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. reach. It was indeed serenely
I wanted to go camping in Nagsasa Cove beautiful. It had a wide expanse
A NATURAL disaster has a way of reshaping having read in blogs that the place is much of white sand made from lahar.
a landscape which may in the beginning There were several pine trees
cause so much havoc and suffering but on the beach and the mountains
later on would be a source of blessing and surrounding the cove were already
abundance. This is the case of the eruption of covered with cogon grasses.
Mt. Pinatubo in 1991. The eruption caused so We pitched our tent near the
much disaster and suffering to many towns of end of the cove where our boatmen
Pampanga, some of them being submerged in docked. I learned the following day
the ensuing lahar flow. However, the lahar has that the cottages where we stayed
belonged to the owner of the boat.
Being quite far from Pundaquit,
an hour and a half away by boat,
there were few campers. About
a half kilometer long, the other Anawangin Cove camp site
Capones Island
campers were just far from our
place. There was a videoke for rent walk far in order to swim. The Aeta said that
better than Anawangin. Being farther, one in one of the cottages and a sari-sari store in before the Pinatubo eruption, that place was
passes by Anawangin and other islands in the middle part of the cove. At the back of the deep. They would spear fish in that area. There
going to Nagsasa thus one can visit all the cove near the foot of the mountain, we were was no sandy shore for that matter.
others in just one trip. My decision was told that there was a settlement of the Aetas. The clouds were forming as
justified when we found the day after, passing One of the workers in the next cottage where we left Nagsasa cove that morning. It was
by Anawangin on our way back that it was we were was an Aeta, but the wife was from drizzling when we passed by Anawangin cove.
The beach area in Pundaquit. Just across are the Camara and jampacked with campers who, just like us, Manila who settled there. After we had our There were indeed plenty of people there
the Capones Islands. wanted to get away from the traffic in Manila. camping. The front of the
We had a rather glorious and quiet night in beach and the campsite
now become a primary source of income to the Anawangin amidst the serenity and beauty at the back across the
province. Although found in the province of of the place. stream was filled with tents.
Zambales, Mt. Pinatubo did not cause much Brgy. Pundaquit in San Antonio is the Anawangin cove is smaller
damage in the province as it did in Pampanga. jump off point to the islands and coves of than Nagsasa. Since it is
The thick ashfall which covered the mountains Zambales. After having our lunch in one of the nearer to Pundaquit, it is
of Zambales, after several years flowed down resorts in Pundaquit we took off for our island the more popular besides
the hills and down to the seacoasts giving birth hopping. We first visited the island of Camara having a cheaper boat fare.
to new beaches out which was just across For a small boat for four
of rugged coastlines Pundaquit. Then we persons, the round trip fare
especially in the visited the island of for the boat to Anawangin
town of San Antonio. Capones. Capones is 1,000, add another 500
Anawangin and has a lighthouse in if it includes a trip to the
Nagsasa coves were the other end of the Camara and Capones
never heard before. island, but we did islands. We were asked
Ten years after the not have time for it. 2,400 for Nagsasa cove and
eruption of Mt. We just contended in that included the side trip
Pinatubo, Anawangin Nagsasa Cove
swimming in its white to Camara, Capones and
has gained notice and sand beach. Then off dinner with tuba for drinks which still came Anawangin cove. The boat owner provided free
has become a good we went to Nagsasa from Leyte, I spent the night stargazing. I saw for us materials for cooking our meals from
camping ground for Just behind the beach was a stream which led to another camping cove which took us plenty of shooting stars that night. It was low the kalan, kaldero, thermos and other utensils.
those who like to area more than an hour to tide the following morning and one had to (Visit: https://beachanatic.blogspot.com)

Religions / B1

that the laws of the current market,
demanding everything immediately,
do not benefit encounter, dialogue,
family—essential dimensions of
life that need time and patience.
Religions should be the voice of
the least, who are not statistics but
brothers and sisters, and should
stand on the side of the poor. They
should keep watch as sentinels of
fraternity in the night of conflict.
They should be vigilant warnings to
humanity not to close our eyes in the
face of injustice and never to resign
ourselves to the many tragedies in
the world.
The desert that flourishes
Having spoken of fraternity as an
ark of peace, I now want to take
inspiration from a second image,
that of the desert which surrounds
us.
Here, in just a few years, with
farsightedness and wisdom, the
desert has been transformed into
a prosperous and hospitable place.
From being an unapproachable and
inaccessible obstacle, the desert has
become a meeting place between
cultures and religions. Here the
desert has flourished, not just for
a few days in the year, but for
many years to come. This country,
in which sand and skyscrapers
meet, continues to be an important
crossroads between the West and
East, between the North and South
of the planet: a place of development,
where once inhospitable spaces
supply jobs for people of various
nations.
Nonetheless, development, too,
has its adversaries. If the enemy
of fraternity is the individualism
referred to above, I want to point
to indifference as an obstacle to
development, an indifference which
ends up converting flourishing
realities into desert lands. In fact,
a purely utilitarian development
cannot provide real and lasting
progress. Only an integral and
cohesive development provides a
future worthy of the human person.
Indifference prevents us from seeing
the human community beyond
its earnings and our brothers and
sisters beyond the work they do.
Indifference, in fact, does not look
to the future; it does not care about
the future of creation, it does not
care about the dignity of the stranger
and the future of children.
In this context I am delighted that
here in Abu Dhabi last November
the first Forum of the Interreligious
Alliance for Safer Communities
took place, whose theme was child
dignity in the digital world. This
event recalled a message issued
a year before in Rome during an
international congress on the same
theme, a congress to which I had
given my complete support and
encouragement. I thank, therefore,
all the leaders who are engaged in
this field, and I assure them of my
support, solidarity and participation
and that of the Catholic Church, in
this very important cause of the
protection of minors in all its forms.
Here, in the desert, a way of
fruitful development has been
opened which, beginning from
the creation of jobs, offers hope
to many persons from a variety
of nations, cultures and beliefs.
Among them, many Christians
too, whose presence in the region
dates back centuries, have found
opportunities and made a significant
contribution to the growth and well-
being of the country. In addition
to professional skills, they bring
you the genuineness of their faith.
The respect and tolerance they
encounter, as well as the necessary
places of worship where they pray,
allow them a spiritual maturity
which then benefits society as a
whole. I encourage you to continue
on this path, so that those who either
live here or are passing through may
preserve not only the image of the
great works erected in the desert,
but also the image of a nation that
includes and embraces all.
It is with this spirit that I look
forward to concrete opportunities
for meeting, not only here but in
the entire beloved region, a focal
point of the Middle East. I look
forward to societies where people of
different beliefs have the same right
of citizenship and where only in the
case of violence in any of its forms
is that right removed.
A fraternal living together,
founded on education and justice;
a human development built upon
a welcoming inclusion and on the
rights of all: these are the seeds of
peace which the world’s religions
are called to help flourish. For
them, perhaps as never before, in
this delicate historical situation,
it is a task that can no longer be
postponed: to contribute actively
to demilitarizing the human heart.
The arms race, the extension of its
zones of influence, the aggressive
policies to the detriment of others
will never bring stability. War
cannot create anything but misery,
weapons bring nothing but death!
Human fraternity requires of us,
as representatives of the world’s
religions, the duty to reject every
nuance of approval from the word
“war”. Let us return it to its miserable
crudeness. Its fateful consequences
are before our eyes. I am thinking
in particular of Yemen, Syria, Iraq
and Libya. Together, as brothers
and sisters in the one human
family willed by God, let us commit
ourselves against the logic of armed
power, against the monetization of
relations, the arming of borders,
the raising of walls, the gagging of
the poor; let us oppose all this with
the sweet power of prayer and daily
commitment to dialogue. Our being
together today is a message of trust,
an encouragement to all people
of good will, so that they may not
surrender to the floods of violence
and the desertification of altruism.
God is with those who seek peace.
From heaven he blesses every step
which, on this path, is accomplished
on earth.
[1] Benedict XVI, Address to the New Ambassadors to
the Holy See, 16 December 2010.
[2]  Message for the Celebration of the World Day of
Peace, 1 January 2015, 2.
[3]  Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Declaration
on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian
Religions Nostra Aetate, 5.
[4]  Cf.  Address to Participants at the International
Conference for Peace, Al-Azhar Conference Centre, Cairo,
28 April 2017.
[5] F. M. Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov, II, 2.
[6] Interreligious General Audience, 28 October 2015.
[7]  Cf. Terence,  Heautontimorumenos (The Self-
Tormentor) I, 1, 25.

Future / B4 Consecrated / B4

today. He is festive joy, born of
opting for and taking part in the
miraculous draught of hope and
charity, solidarity and fraternity,
despite the paralyzed and paralyzing
gaze born of fear and exclusion,
speculation and manipulation.
Brothers and sisters, the Lord and
his mission are not a “meantime”
in our life, something temporary,
they are not only a World Day of
Youth, they are our life today, our
life of journeying ahead!
In a special way throughout
these days, Mary’s fiat has been
whispering like a kind of music
in the background. She not
only believed in God and in his
promises as something possible,
she believed God himself and
dared to say “yes” to taking part in
this now of the Lord. She felt she
had a mission; she fell in love and
that decided everything. May you
feel that you have a mission, may
you fall in love; the Lord will decide
everything.
As in the synagogue of Nazareth,
the Lord stands up again among
us his friends and acquaintances;
he takes the book and says to us
“Today this Scripture has been
fulfilled in your hearing” (Lk 4:21).
Dear young friends, do you want
to live out your love in a practical
way? May your “yes” continue to
be the gateway for the Holy Spirit
to give us a new Pentecost for the
Church and for the world.
Farewell
At the conclusion of this
celebration, I thank God for
having given us the opportunity
to share these days together and to
experience once more this World
Youth Day.
In particular, I want to thank the
President of Panama, Juan Carlos
Varela Rodríguez, the Presidents
of other nations and the other
political and civil authorities for
their presence at this celebration.
I thank Bishop José Domingo
Ulloa Mendieta, Archbishop of
Panama, for his generosity and
hard work in hosting this World
Youth Day in his diocese, as well
as the other bishops of this and the
neighboring countries, for all they
have done in their communities
to provide accommodation and
assistance to the great numbers of
young people.
My thanks also go to all those
who have supported us with their
prayers, and who have helped by
their efforts and hard work to make
this World Youth Day dream come
true in this country.
And to you, dear young people,
a big “thank you”. Your faith and
joy have made Panama, America
and the entire world shake! As we
have heard so many times in these
days in the song of this World
Youth Day: “As your pilgrim people
we are gathered here today from
every continent and city”. We are
on a journey, keep walking, keep
living the faith and sharing the
faith. Do not forget that you are
not the tomorrow, you are not the
“meantime”; you are the now of
God.
The venue for the next World
Youth Day has already been
announced. I ask you not to let
the fervor of these days grow cold.
Go back to your parishes and
communities, to your families
and your friends, and share what
you have lived, so that others can
resonate with the strength and
concrete enthusiasm that is yours.
And with Mary, keep saying “yes” to
the dream that God has sown in you.
And, please, do not forget to pray
for me.
now let me depart” (cf. v. 29).  God,
as he, is enough for him.  In God he
finds the ultimate meaning of his
life.  This is the vision of consecrated
life, a vision that is simple and
prophetic in its simplicity, where
we keep the Lord before our eyes
and between our hands, and not
to serve anything else.  He is our
life, he is our hope, he is our future.  counter the temptation to reduce
Consecrated life consists in this
prophetic vision in the Church: it is
a gaze that sees God present in the
world, even if many do not notice
him; it is a voice that says: “God is
enough, the rest passes away”; it
is praise that gushes forth in spite of
everything, as the prophetess Anna
shows.  She was a woman of great
age, who had lived for many years
as a widow, but was not gloomy,
nostalgic or withdrawn into herself;
on the contrary, she arises, she
praises God and speaks only of him
(cf. v. 38).  I would like to think that
this woman knew how to “talk in a
good way”, and she could be a good
patroness to call us to conversion
from the evil of gossip, because
she went from one place to another
saying only: “That’s him!  That’s the
baby! Go and see him!”  I imagine
her like this, the woman next door.
This then is the consecrated
life: praise which gives joy to
God’s people, prophetic vision
that reveals what counts.  When
it is like this, then it flowers and
becomes a summons for all of us
to counter mediocrity: to counter a
devaluation of our spiritual life, to
God’s importance, to counter an
accommodation to a comfortable and
worldly life, to counter complaints—
complaints!—dissatisfaction and
self-pity, to counter a mentality of
resignation and “we have always
done it this way”: this is not God’s
way.  Consecrated life is not about
survival, it is not about preparing
ourselves for ars bene moriendi:
this is the temptation of our days, in
the face of declining vocations.  No,
it is not about survival, but new
life.  “But… there are only a few
of us…”—it’s about new life.  It is
a living encounter with the Lord
in his people.  It is a call to the
faithful obedience of daily life and
to the unexpected surprises from the
Spirit.  It is a vision of what we need
to embrace in order to experience
joy: Jesus.
B8 ENTERTAINMENT
Mary Poppins Returns
DIRECTOR: Rob Marshall
CAST: Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel
Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Emily
Mortimer, Colin Firth, Julie Walters,
Meryl Streep, Angela Lansbury, Dick
Van Dyk STORY‎: David Magee‎,
R
‎ ob Marshall‎, John DeLuca, based
on Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers
SCREENPLAY: David Magee
PRODUCERS: Rob Marshall, John
DeLuca, Marc Platt
GENRE: Musical Fantasy
MUSIC: Marc Shaiman
EDITING: Wyatt Smith
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Dion Beebe
PRODUCTION COMPANY:
Walt Disney Pictures, Lucamar
Productions, Marc Platt Productions
DISTRIBUTORS: Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures
COUNTRY: United States
LANGUAGE: English
RUNNING TIME: 2 hours 10
minutes
Technical assessment: 4.0
Moral assessment: 4.0
CINEMA rating: VA
Twenty five years after the
enigmatic nanny Mary Pop-
pins (Emily Blunt) left her
wards, siblings Jane and Mi-
chael Banks, she returns,
literally from out of the
blue — kite in one hand, lug-
gage in the other. Jane and
Michael (Emily Mortimer
and Ben Whishaw), are now
grown, and in danger of los-
ing to foreclosure the family
home where they reside with
Michael’s children Annabelle,
John and Georgie (Pixie Da-
vies, Nathanel Saleh, and Joel
Dawson) and their house-
keeper Ellen (Julie Walters).
And now Mary Poppins must
be their nanny —  a heaven-
sent fairy godmother doing
the impossible with the co-
operation of lamplighter Jack
(Lin-Manuel Miranda).
Baby boomers who grew
up singing “Supercalifra-
gilisticexpialidotious” may
be tempted to compare Mary
Poppins 1964 to Mary Pop-
pins 2019, but there is really
no need to. The latter could
easily be a stand-alone story
that’s both a fantastic treat
for children and a caution-
ary tale for adults. Chucking
One Great Love
DIRECTOR: Enrico S. Quizon
LEAD CAST: Dennis Trillo, Kim
Chiu, JC de Vera, Eric Quizon
STORY and SCREENWRITER:
Gina Marisa Tagasa
PRODUCER: Lily Monteverde
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mo Zee
MUSIC: Miguel Mendoza
EDITING: Chrisel Galeno-
Desuasido
GENRE: Drama, Romance
DISTRIBUTOR: Regal Films
LOCATION: Manila
RUNNING TIME: 115 minutes
Technical assessment: 3.0
Moral assessment: 2.5
CINEMA rating: A14
MTRCB rating: PG13
Mula sa failed marriage
ay bibigyan ni Zyra Paez
(Kim Chiu) ng pagkakataon
February 18 - March 3, 2019 Vol. 23 No. 4 CBCP Monitor
Buhay San Miguel Brothers Matias
TERIBOL OG Bladimer Usi
Buhay Parokya
FIND 3 MISSING THINGS:
1. HOLY BIBLE
2. ST. JOHN PAUL II
3. JESUS CHRIST
the use of excessive CGI,
director Rob Marshall (Oscar
Best Picture Chicago) clev-
erly combines live action with
“old-fahioned” hand-drawn
animation for some sequenc-
es, resulting in a nostalgic bit
for parents and a “novelty”
for the younger set. Technical
details are carefully attended
to so that color, lighting, mu-
sic, lyrics, action, and others
work together to create moods
and reveal meanings as the
story unfolds. Blunt has been
known to be an actor of wide
range, yet she still comes
as a delightful surprise as a
singing, dancing wonder of a
nanny. The child actors stand
shoulder to shoulder with
the cast, too, that includes
big names like Meryl Streep,
Colin Firth, etc.
Mary Poppins Returns
makes it very easy for chil-
dren  —   a nd all viewers  —   t o
see the difference between
right and wrong by its simple
story told clearly, and its
elementary lesson taught
unequivocally. Even the lyr-
ics (particularly of the songs
Trip a Little Light Fantastic,
The Cover is Not the Book,
The Place Where Lost Things
Go, and Nowhere to Go But
Up) brimming over with op-
timism and childlike faith in
the benevolence of life. If you
read between the lines you’ll
spot references to the impor-
tance of clarity of one’s vision,
of a naked belief that nothing
is impossible, of being free
and pure in heart always, of
remaining a child at whatever
age. Even the villain — for all
his greed and duplicity — is
dealt with justly but not cru-
elly: his balloon won’t take off
while others are having the Vera). Aakalain ni Zyra na nagampanan ni Chiu dahil Ano nga ba talaga ang pamilya ay kaloob ng Diyos
time of their life going up, up, malulubos ang kaligayahan may mga kinilig, natuwa, tanging dakilang pag-ibig o na maaring gawing sandigan
up. (Is it telling him that bad sa pasya niyang ito subalit naawa at nainis sa karakter one great love, at meron ba sa panahon ng pagkalito at
boys don’t go to heaven?) In masusumpungan niya nya. Subalit ang lalong talaga nito? Sinagot naman ito pasakit. Ang isang tunay
the end, Mary Poppins returns ang sarili na puno na pag- epektibo sa naging pagganap ng pelikula sa pamamagitan na kaibigan ay naglalaan
to where she came from — um- aalinlangan kung tama o ay si Trillo; sadyang nararapat ng karakter na buong husay ng oras para makinig nang
brella in one hand, luggage in mali ba ang mga desisyon siyang tanghaling Best Actor na ginampanan ni Trillo. walang paghuhusga sa halip
the other. Definitely a most ginawa niya sa kanyang buhay dahil sa kanyang pagganap Ang Dakilang Pag-ibig ay ay hahangarin ang kabutihan
enjoyable family movie. katulad ng pakikipagbalikan dito. Mahusay niyang naihatid tunay na pagmamahal dahil para sa kaibigan. Sa kabuuan
sa dating nobyo. Sa gitna ang karakter ni Ian bilang nagpaparaya, nagpapaubaya, ay simple man ang kwento
na pagkagulumihanan ay nabigong asawa, maunawaing nagsasakripisyo, umaako ng One Great Love ay may
magiging confidante ni kaibigan, at mapagparayang sa lahat ng kasalanan, malalim itong mensahe
Zyra ang dating asawa at nagmamahal. Magaling ang nananatiling tapat, tungkol sa pagmamahal
matalik na kaibigang doctor pagkakadirehe ni Quizon nagpapalaya, nagpapatawad at pakikipagrelasyon.
na si Ian Arcano (Dennis at mainam na naipabatid at patuloy na tumatanggap Gayunpaman, tumalakay din
Trillo). Dito siya magsasabi ang mensahe ng pelikula sa minamahal. Pinakita ito ng mga nakababahalang
ng kanyang mga saloobin sa kabila ng kapayakan ng din ng pelikula ang tema katulad ng casual pre-
at nararamdaman niya sa kuwento. Nakapaghatid din dakilang pagmamahalan marital sex sa mga kabataan
sarili at sa relasyon niya ilang makabuluhang linya na sa pamilya kung saan at ng pangangalunya
kay Carl. Samantala higit posibleng tumatak sa mga may pagmamalasakit, ng taong may-asawa.
sa pagkakaibigan ay may manonood bilang mga hugot pagpapatawad, pagtanggap, Samakatwiran mas akma
nararamdaman pa din si tungkol sa kahulugan ng “one pagtutulungan, kahandaang ang panoorin ito sa mga
Ian para kay Zyra na lalong great love”. Tama lamang magsakripisyo at paglalaan ng taong may hinog na kaisipan.
magdudulot ng kalituhan ang mga kuha ng kamera at panahon kung kinakailangan. Mapanganib panoorin ito ng
dito. nakakagiliw panoorin ang Ito ay sa pagitan ng magulang mga kabataan nang walang
Bagamat simple ay kapani- ilang detalye ng food and at anak, stepmother at gumagabay, pagkat maaaring
paniwala ang daloy ng organic gardening business stepchildren, sa magkapatid, tularan nila ang asawang
ang sarili na tanggapin muli kwento ng One Great Love nina Zyra. Samantala walang at kahit sa magkaibigan. Ang nagtaksil sa pag-aakalang
ang dating kasintahan na na nakasentro sa karakter ng lumutang na iba pang pagkakaroon ng matapat at patatawarin naman sila ng
si Carl Mauricio (J.C. De ni Zyra. Maayos itong aspetong teknikal ng pelikula. mabuting kaibigan katulad ng kanilang asawa.
 THE CROSS
A Supplement Publication of the Order of the Knights of Columbus and KCFAPI
CBCP Monitor Vol. 23, No. 04 February 18 - March 3, 2019

Philippine State Deputies receive

Council of Honor Awards
ONCE again, the Philippine
State Deputies were given
the prestigious Supreme
Knight’s Pinnacle Award.
As a tribute to them, they
were feted to join the other
State Deputies as guests of
SK Carl A. Anderson at the
Renaissance Indian Wells
Resort and Spa in California,
USA. This happened last
February 3-8, 2019. Other
Philippine State Officers
specifically Membership
Directors joined the trip for
the awardees as they were
very instrumental in over-
achieving their targets.
During the 136th
Supreme Convention
held last August 7-9,
2019 held in Baltimore,
Maryland, the Philippine
State Deputies were
already recognized for
their contribution in the
growth of membership of
the Order of the Knights In Photo (L-R): Membership Director Luzon North Jose Cuaresma, Mindanao State Deputy Gerry Eutemio T. Mission, Luzon North Deputy Jose C. Reyes, Jr, Visayas State Deputy Anthony P. Nazario, Senior VP for Membership
of Columbus. Mark McMullen, Former Mindanao Membership Director Rogelio Tadura, Former Visayas Membership Director Antonio Bunda and Luzon South Membership Director Conrado Dator, Jr. during the Council of Honor Awards.

KC Philippines Update:
Luzon South District Deputies hold
Mid-Year Meeting
WITH the theme “Faith in Action”,
the Luzon South Jurisdiction led
by its State Deputy and Knights of
Columbus Fraternal Association
of the Philippines, Inc.’s (KCFAPI)
President Ramoncito A. Ocampo
held its Mid-Year Meeting of District
Deputies last January 26 to 27, 2019
at the Bellevue Manila, Northgate
Ave, Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro
Manila.
Participated by the District
Deputies from the jurisdiction, the
two-day seminar was started with
the celebration of the Holy Eucharist From L to R: Bro. Arthur Balmes, Family Director, Bro. James Layaoen, State Auditor, Sis. Ma. Theresa
Curia, EVP of KCFAPI, Hon. Justice Jose Reyes, Jr., Luzon North Deputy, Bro. Pascual Carbero,
offered by Rev. Fr. Stephen C. State Secretary, Bro. Armando Gonzales, State Membership/Retention Chairman and Bro. Alex
Villanueva. On the other hand, Alvaira, Ways and Means Chairman during the Luzon North 2nd Raffle draw last February 18, 2019.
as its State Deputy, Bro. Ocampo
gave the Welcome Remarks &
Introduction to the State Officers
and distinguished guests. He also
made a report about the projects of
the jurisdiction. In the afternoon, Luzon South State Deputy and KCFAPI President Ramoncito A. Ocampo during the Luzon South Midyear
DD’s meeting held at the Bellevue Manila, Northgate Ave, Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila last January
being KCFAPI’s President, he gave 26 to 27, 2019.
the insurance and benefits report.
He also encouraged everyone to foundations of KCFAPI. Also given and KCFAPI Spiritual Director,
promote the Association and be a on the first day were the reports of was celebrated. Bro. Ocampo then
part of it by means of having their the different State Officers. recognized the awardees of the
own personal protection. Parts of During the second day a Fraternal Founder Award. After series of talks
his reports are the wholly-owned Mass led by Rev. Msgr. Pedro C. from other officers, he adjourned the
and majority-owned companies and Quitorio III, Assistant State Chaplain meeting. (JSServiento)

KC Foundations:
FR. GLENN P. CANTOS
was appointed as new Board
of Trustee of the Knights of
Columbus Fr. George J. Willmann
Charities, Inc. (KCFGJWCI)
for Columbian Year 2018 to
2019. He hails from Lipa City,
Batangas and graduated his AB
Philosophy from St. Francis de
Sales Major Seminary in 1988.
He finished his Bachelor of
Sacred Theology in St. Alphonsus
Regional Seminary, Lucena City,
in 1992 as a Knights of Columbus
Seminarian Scholar. Currently,
he is a taking up his Master of
Educational Leadership and
Management at the De La Salle
University, Manila.
At present, he the Parish Priest
of the Queen of All Saints Parish in
Tanauan City, Batangas and is the
incumbent AD HOC Committee
Chairman on Year of the Youth.
Prior to his current roles, he Visayas State Deputy Anthony P. Nazario during the Visayas Midyear DD’s meeting held at the Diamond
Suites and Residences Cebu City last January 26 to 27, 2019
served as Assistant Parish Priest
of St. John the Evangelist Parish
in Tanauan City from 1993 to
1995 and Parish Priest of Sr.
Nicholas of Tolentine Parish,
San Nicolas, Batangas. He was
appointed as the Director of the
Archdiocesan Youth Commission
for the Archdiocese of Lipa from
1995 to 2005 wherein he authored
a formation module for the youth
called “Parable of the Pencil”
which was adopted and promoted
by the Episcopal Commission on
the Youth – National Secretariat
for Youth Apostolate. He also
became the Rector of St. Francis
De Sales Minor Seminary, Lipa
City from 2005 to 2008. From
2012 to 2016, he served as Rev. Fr. Glenn P. Cantos
Executive Secretary at the Lipa
Archdiocesan Pastoral Council
(LAPC). (JDPALAFOX)
Mindanao State Deputy Gerry Eutemio T. Mission during the Mindanao DDs meeting held at Hotel Oazis,
Butuan City last January 26 to 27, 2019.
C2 February 18 - March 3, 2019, Vol 23, No. 04 THE CROSS
Ramoncito A. Ocampo Jose C. Reyes, Jr.

President’s Chairman’s Message

Message
Love in a Christ-like manner

2019: Year of the Youth THE title of my article might seem to criterion is what we have done for others. among many other qualified applicants.
be more appropriate for Easter. But What is referred to here are those acts My brothers and sisters in the Knights
AS we look forward to 2021, which marks the 500th anniversary actually, loving in a Christ-like manner done to help people in need out of love, of Columbus, among other communities
of Christianity in the Philippines, Catholic Bishops’ Conference is a command that we should be doing and not those done to get something in I serve, prayed long and hard for my
of the Philippines (CBCP) has declared 2019 as Year of the every day. In the material world we live return. And when we help people, we appointment. Religious congregations
Youth, with the theme “Filipino Youth in Mission: Beloved, in, people automatically think of love should as Jesus will do, help people in granted my request for prayers and they
Gifted, Empowered” It started last December 2, 2018 the first and in fact, have labelled February as need without any discrimination. Jesus obliged untiringly even if they did not
Sunday of the Advent and will end November 24, 2019, the the month of love. This is not a bad loves to help people from all walks of know me personally. My family and
Feast of Christ the King. idea or practice, because early on, we life, from different religions, races, relatives all prayed relentlessly, inspite of
Activities both in the national and diocesan levels are can be guided and reminded that loving and beliefs, so long as they are humble occasional moments of discouragement.
aimed on at least four objectives: youth in formation, youth is not confined to dating your wife and enough to ask for help. But God saw what was in my heart –
in community, Church and society, youth in mission, and giving her flowers, or for sweethearts to In doing good, let us not forget that how sincerely I wanted to be back in the
youth ministry and youth ministers according to CBCP News, spend the day in a special way – see a God will always be ready to give us the Supreme Court where I started as a legal
November 15, 2018. movie, go to the park and indulge on fine grace to do wonders such as helping researcher and where I eventually came
That the youth of today needs guidance and inspiration so chocolates, make a personalized card to people who have hurt us in the past, close enough to dream being one of the
they could respond and serve God in the years to come. That, say “I love you” to our parents, or simply forgiving people who are too proud to ask SC Justices. God rewarded my patience
despite them being “chaotic” or “messy” in their own ways, we wear a bright red dress or shirt and greet for forgiveness, praying for people who and humility, and how I continued serving
can and we will walk with them as they, as well, are children everybody “Happy Valentine’s Day.” have done injustice to our family, and the Church faithfully without expecting
of God. “My friends, Jesus is the Lord of risk, he is the Lord of After doing any or all of these things, other situations that we need the grace reward and quick answers to my prayers.
the eternal “more”. Jesus is not the Lord of comfort, security it would be good to go deeper into the of God to succeed. God pours graces to In His time, after nine nominations to two
and ease. Following Jesus demands a good dose of courage, a meaning of LOVE beyond Valentine’s everybody because He loves everybody, Presidents, I got appointed.
readiness to trade in the sofa for a pair of walking shoes and day. Being conscious about God’s sinner or saint. All we have to do is to ask That is why up to this time, I wear
to set out on new and uncharted paths. To blaze trails that commandment to love every day is the with humility and patience. the cross of Christ around my neck as a
open up new horizons capable of spreading joy, born of God’s way to salvation. Life is like a journey I myself can testify on God’s goodness witness of Christ’s victory over evil-doers
love and wells up in your hearts with every act of mercy. To and that journey here on earth will and generosity during my pursuit for a and Christ’s justice and compassion to
take the path of the “craziness” of our God, who teaches us to determine where we will spend life seat in the highest Court of the land – those like me who remain faithful. The
encounter him in the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the sick, eternally. Love for people in need is the the Supreme Court, where I am now an real symbol of love of Christ is the cross,
the friend in trouble, the prisoner, the refugee and the migrant, criterion on which we will be judged. It is Associate Justice since my appointment who died to save us and will continue to
and our neighbours who feel abandoned. To take the path of not enough to give glory to God through last August 9, 2018. God sent me loyal give his life for us.
our God, who encourages us to be politicians, thinkers, social worship and prayer. The ultimate friends who sincerely helped me shine Viva’t Jesus!
activists.”- Pope Francis, World Youth Day Vigil with Young
People, 30 July 2016. Ma. Theresa G. Curia
Youth, as vital members of the Church, are beloved, gifted,
empowered and are in a mission which was profoundly
discussed in an excerpts from the official pastoral letter of the
Curia Settings
CBCP through His Excellency, Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, DD
(CBCP President) addressed to the Youth of the Philippines. The Youth Needs Exposure To Real Love
As one of the major fraternal religious organizations here in
the Philippines—the Knights of Columbus is pleased to state
that through our Councils and Squires we are able to reach the
youth of today and guide them towards the core and beliefs of
the Knights of Columbus. Safe environment, which is a must,
is also guaranteed with the instigation of the Supreme Office. I am sure that this article they know that these are the friends, even your co-workers must be experienced by the
on Love and the Youth will people who can honestly tell at the office. They must see young people and they must
Arsenio Isidro G. Yap not be read by young people. them their mistakes and still the people you hung out see their parents experiencing
So, although the topic is love them. These are the with, what kind of friends that connectedness and
about them and for them, people who will give them you keep, and how enriching relationships and rootedness.
A Brother’s Insight I think my suggestions are second chances, third and they can be. These connections will fill the
really primarily directed more. 4. Initiate them to vacuum in their hearts that
to parents. I think that 3. Expose them to wider community realities and constantly need assurance
for young people to situate family and clan. Introduce involvement in church, in that they are not alone. In the
their understanding of love them to the wider clan the barangay, in the street absence of these relatedness,
at a plane beyond mutual connections and interactions where they live, in national they will be longing to know
attraction with another during holidays. Attend issues and even during who they are and where they
Right to Life of The Unborn person, or beyond physical clan reunions, fiestas, calamities. Make families stand in the world. In such a
magnetic energy that draws weekend and summer visits. save money together for state of neediness, they can
LAST January 23, 2019, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo them towards each other, Christmases and All saints outreach program. If they be misled by the shower of
signed into Law NY State Senate Bill S240 also known as the they need to have a broad Days are huge traditions that set a time when they will attention by those who lure
“Reproductive Health Act”. This law pertains to removing all exposure to Love in general. children must feel and smell share to a common fund their them to a false love.
restrictions to have an abortion. Their previous law limits the I refer to an exposure that and taste. Go to funerals, savings for the less fortunate, 2. It will teach them that
“Choice” up to twenty four weeks of pregnancy and a whole goes beyond knowing love weddings, baptisms and the the kids at a young age get to love is not merely an ecstatic
lot of limitations that having an abortion then is a complicated as an intellectual knowledge like so that at a very young be part of something bigger kind of physical joy. If the
and a tedious process. Now all of these were removed. and beyond an awareness age they know that they than themselves, bigger than kids know the expanse of
In the new law all “Health Care Practitioners” or “Health of the reality on an abstract are known and accepted. the family. Watch news their beings, they will have
Care Providers” can perform an abortion if this is “Within the level. Make them go to the relatives together, discuss needy areas wide interests and concerns.
Scope of their Practice”. Other than Medical Doctors, Nurses, not only in times of joy and and people. Pray the Rosary They will not be merely
Midwives and Physician Assistants can perform an abortion. True love needs a prepa- celebrations, but also in grief or light candles together for obsessed with personal
The worst thing about this murderous law, all who performs ratory exposure. and in necessity. Lead them the victims of calamities. needs and satisfaction. They
them can no longer be held criminally liable if they acted in 1. Expose the kids to you, to help relatives in need Set aside used clothes and will not be mesmerized by
“Good Faith”. parents, as you shower them for shelter, share extra food supplies for fire and a person or two who show
Murder (Abortion) can be done even after twenty four with enough love in terms of food, clothes, educational flood victims in nearby affection for selfish and even
weeks if the baby (fetus) is “Not Viable” (I don’t know what bonding, holding, and having possibilities. communities. Regularly go to evil motives. If they have
that means) or if the baby is not likely to live. The mother can quality time with each other. Trace family trees. Roots the same church, at the same been exposed to various
commit Murder with the aid of the so called “Health Care 2. Initiate them to tight are important for a sense time, to meet regular church sentiments, emotions, and
Providers”. She does not need the consent of her parents nor family bonding that gives of identity. The youth mates. Volunteer in church affection from and among
of the biological father. She does not have to have time to them a sense of security and will surely discover their activities, go as a family. many relatives, they will
think it over, a “Cooling Off” period required before to weigh belonging. It is basic to every wings over a wide spread of know what is genuine and
the consequences. She can now commit murder at anytime of human person to know who relatives across towns and What will this exposure which is not. Since they know
course with the aid of the so called “Health Care Providers”. It belong to them and to whom continents. It will always to connection with family the depth of the love of their
is also now legal without any criminal liability for the mother they belong. They should put smiles on their faces and community teach the parents, their filial love of
to take drugs or medicines that will induce a miscarriage. know who are the people who when they see distant cousins young? their olds, and their fraternal
The Democrat proposed Bill had passed on several occasions accept them unconditionally, bearing resemblance to their 1. This exposure to bonding, they will not be
the Democrat controlled congress of the New York State for the who will love them despite facial features, body builds, people from whom they can easily carried away by selfish
last ten years or so. However it was always stymied on every their imperfections, and mannerisms and tone of experience caring, bonding, offer of companionship. They
occasion by the Republican controlled senate. who even find their mistakes voices. These are reasons that interaction, common roots, can judge when a genuine
Now that the Democrats are in control of the New York State cute. It is only when siblings make the heart grow fonder mutual attention and offer of friendship comes
Senate, the bill was finally passed into law. The sad thing about huddle and cuddle each other and warmer. Soon they will appreciation will expand the along and they will not be
it is that the bill was hastily passed not out of necessity but that they feel a very deep trust start to feel the love that horizon of the young people. deceived because they have
because the Democrats felt that the US Supreme Court would and even commitment to flows through generations They will see that close family a wider range of sources of
overturn entirely or in greater part the Roe vs. Wade ruling each other. In fact even when and horizontal relations. ties create waves of love love and affection. Their
which paved the way for the right to kill an unborn child which they fight and argue and Let them meet your friends, and care, but this cannot be family experience will give
they termed as abortion. throw pillows at each other, your high school and college merely told in stories. This Curia Settings / C3
The next step they are taking is the right of the mother
to terminate the life of an unwanted baby born alive or Karlo Serviento
Brother’s Insight / C3

Pondering the Words

THE CROSS
A Supplement Publication of the Love the Needy
Order of the Knights of Columbus and KCFAPI

Editorial Board
ANOTHER season in the liturgical year let me rephrase the word “enemies” to Him. Despite all of this, our Lord gave us
Jose C. Reyes, Jr. Ramoncito A. Ocampo is about to start. This March 2019, Ash “needy”, thus, “love the needy.” The the teaching of forgiveness and humility.
Chairman President Wednesday falls on its 6th day, marking very reason is that I believe that those Those two are the greatest challenges
the beginning of Lenten Season for us people who live a life of hatred, curse, of our times, to forgive and to be
Ma. Theresa G. Curia Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III
Catholic Faithful. The season gives us false judgement and mistreated are humble. How can you forgive those who
Executive Vice President Spiritual Director
the time/reason to stop, look back and those who are really in need. They are in hurt you, those who curse you, those you
Mary Magdalene G. Flores reflect on how our lives had been for need of love that comes from the Lord. judge falsely and those who mistreat
Editor-in-Chief the past days, weeks or even year. After We go back to the time of Jesus when you? How can a person keep silent out
the exultation of the Christmastide, we the whole town plotted against His of all these tribulations? The human
Jhon Lyndon D. Palafox, Juan Karlo S. Serviento are now about to ponder on the Glory death. They are all in need of a Messiah, nature is to retaliate what has been given
Associate Editors
of Lent. the one who will be a beacon on their and shown to us but to forgive and to be
Jerome P. De Guzman, Erwin John B. Mallari, Kris Jay Rolex A. Yngco The Gospel account of Luke states dark days and nights in which they live humble is divine.
Contributors an instance on Jesus’ public ministry in mischief. Jesus was. But the time He In silence, our Saviour becomes one
in which He taught the people about was not able to meet their expectation with us in our own sufferings and pain.
The Cross is published monthly with its business at KCFAPI, General Luna cor. Sta.
“loving your enemies”. As Jesus said to be an earthly king and ruler, after As Catholics, we are always under the
Potenciana Sts., Intramuros, Manila with tel. no. (02) 527-22-23 to 27 (trunk line) local to His disciples (Lk 6:38): Be merciful, all what He had done, they all became throne of Jesus, and His throne is the
200, 201. Email Address: kcfraternal@kofc.org.ph. Website: http://www.kofc.org.ph just as your Father is merciful.” But first unsatisfied. They wanted more from Pondering the Words / C3
THE CROSS February 18 - March 3, 2019, Vol 23, No. 04 C3

We Do Not Stand Alone

A message from Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson about the Order’s history of charity and opposition to religious prejudice
by Supreme Knight
Carl A. Anderson
Dear Brother Knight:
There have been times
in our country‛s past when
uninformed or prejudiced
people questioned whether
Catholics could be good
citizens or honest public
servants. That‛s why Father
McGivney chose the name
“Columbus” for our Order
— the discoverer was the
Catholic figure from American
history most admired and
the Knights of Columbus
worked to counter such
prejudice.
Sadly, it seems that in
some quarters this prejudice
remains.[i] First, in 2017, a
Notre Dame law professor
was deemed unfit for a federal
judgeship by a U.S. senator
who feared that “the dogma
lives loudly within you.”
Now, two more senators have
questioned a brother Knight‛s
fitness for the federal bench
precisely because our Order
holds firm to the Church‛s
teachings on the sanctity of
life and marriage.
Such attacks on the basis of
our Catholic faith are hardly
new. The Knights of Columbus
was formed amid a period of
anti-Catholic bigotry. We
stood against that then, and
we do so now. We have spoken
out against persecution
around the world for nearly
a century. At the same time,
here at home we stood against
the Ku Klux Klan, including
its attempts to ban Catholic
education, and we published
books on the black and Jewish
contributions to American
administrations — and both
sides of the aisle in Congress
— to help Christians, Yazidis
and Shi‛a Muslims targeted
for genocide by ISIS.
From our very beginning,
the Knights of Columbus
has been an organization
adhering to the teachings
of the Catholic Church. As
with the Church, our primary
motivation in everything is
Christ‛s great commandment
— that we love God completely
and our neighbor as ourselves.
As the Compendium of the
Social Doctrine of the Church
explains, “Jesus Christ reveals
to us that ‘God is love‛ (1
Jn 4:8) and he teaches us
that ‘the fundamental
law of human perfection,
and consequently of the
transformation of the world,
is the new commandment of
love.‛”[ii]
This love impels us to our
great charitable endeavors on
behalf of those in need. From
inner cities in the United
States to refugee camps in
the Middle East, our Order‛s
donations over the last decade
— more than $1 billion and
around the world. Our charity
helped typhoon victims in
the Philippines rebuild
their lives and livelihoods;
it brought prosthetics and
rehabilitation to thousands
of Haitian youth after the
earthquake there; it puts coats
on children in some of our
country‛s most impoverished
neighborhoods each winter;
it gives wheelchairs to those
who otherwise could not
afford them in countries like
Vietnam and Mexico; and it
provides education, housing
and medical care to AIDS
orphans in Africa.
This love also motivates
us to stand with the Church
on the important issues of
life and marriage, precisely
because the Church‛s teaching
is based on and reflects that
love. We stand with our
Church because we believe
that what our faith teaches
is consistent with reason, is
timeless and transcends the
changing sentiments of any
particular time or place.
We do not stand alone.
In his first message to our
international convention,
of human sexuality.”
And our positions on life are
not new. My two predecessors
as supreme knight spoke
out forcefully to defend the
rights of the unborn. In
1973, Supreme Knight John
McDevitt wrote that Roe v.
Wade was “a mortal blow to
all who consider human life
sacred.” He urged the Order
to “to initiate or increase
efforts to offset the harmful
effects of this lamentable
decision.”
My immediate predecessor,
Virgil Dechant, said in 1977:
“With some 1.2 million
unborn babies being killed
by abortion each year in the
United States alone, we are
confronted with an outrage
against human life paralleled
only by the ravages of a bloody
war.”
Simply put, our positions
are now, and have always
been, Catholic positions.
We must remember
that Article 6 of the U.S.
Constitution forbids a
religious test for public office,
and the First Amendment
guarantees our free exercise
violates those constitutional
guarantees.
Let us continue to express
our love of God and neighbor
by helping those in need
and by standing with our
Church, regardless of the
popularity of doing so. Let us
remember that our “Christian
witness is to be considered a
fundamental obligation.”[iii]
Let us also remember that,
from our founding, we have
embodied the truth that a
good Catholic is a good citizen
who shows civility and dignity
even in the face of prejudice.
As we begin 2019, Dorian
and I wish you a new year
filled with the joy and wonders
of His love. Thank you as well
for all the many ways in which
you have brought joy into the
lives of millions around the
world. May the inspiration
of our founder prompt us to
greater confidence in that
love and encourage us to even
greater works of charity.
Fraternally,
Carl A. Anderson
[i] See the excellent study by historian Philip

accepted at the time. In fact,
from our founding in 1882
until the election of Brother
Knight John F. Kennedy in
1960, many still held that
Catholics were unfit for public
office. Throughout that time,
history decades before the
Civil Rights movement. More
recently, we stood with the
Little Sisters of the Poor
in their fight for religious
liberty and have worked with
both the Obama and Trump
hundreds of millions of hours
in volunteer work — are the
result of this faith.
These works of charity
have practical impacts that
transform lives as we help
people here at home and
Pope Francis asked “each
Knight, and every Council, to
bear witness to the authentic
nature of marriage and the
family, the sanctity and
inviolable dignity of human
life, and the beauty and truth
of religion, freedom of
association and freedom of
speech. Any suggestion that
the Order‛s adherence to the
beliefs of the Catholic Church
makes a brother Knight unfit
for public office blatantly
Jenkins, The New Anti-Catholicism: The Last
Acceptable Prejudice, (Oxford University Press,
2003).
[ii] Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace,
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church,
(Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2005), no. 54.
[iii] Ibid., no. 570.

The Gentle Warrior An INVITATION to become a

FR. GEORGE J. WILLMANN, SJ
By James B. Reuter, SJ FELLOW
THE “Fr. George J. Willmann Fellows” was launched by the Knights of
CHAPTER FOUR Columbus Father George J. Willmann Charities, Inc. last June 29, 1997
during the Centennial Birth Anniversary celebration of Rev. Fr. George
J. Willmann, S.J. This fund-raising campaign finances the theological
The War Years of sanitation. Row of tires, the flour that research expenses necessary to possibly raise Fr. Willmann to the honors
row of bodies, row of tires, they could of the altar. Last December 7, 2015, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio
G. Cardinal Tagle has officially opened the Archdiocesan Process for
This was the occasion for row of bodies. Soaked with load onto the
the Causes of Beatification and Canonization of Fr. George J. Willmann.
much passionate oratory from gasoline, or kerosene, and truck. Membership to the Fr. Willmann Fellows is open to all Knights of
the Philippine newscasters. burned. The pillars of black This was Columbus councils, members, their families, friends and even to business
One announcer said: “The smoke went up for days. a m a z i n g institutions. As of December 2018, more than 1,100 individuals and 36
Japanese claim that they There was a pall over the city. foresight! institutions all over the country have already joined this fellowship. Father
are bombing only military The American Armed M a n y Willmann Fellows serve as co-sponsors in the work of spreading the
objectives. Bombs fell on Forces decided to evacuate. people were good news about Fr. Willmann’s life, works and holiness. Their donation
Santo Domingo Church! Is They burned the oil tanks. prophesying is a lifetime subscription to the initiative of the Knights of Columbus of
promoting awareness on Father Willmann in order that authentic devotion
Santo Domingo Church a They threw open their a short war.
to him may be encouraged among the faithful, especially those who need
military objective? One bomb bodegas to the people. When It would his intercession for God’s grace.
landed on the high altar, the the oil burned, it billowed be all over We therefore cordially invite you and your loved ones to join the Fr.
altar of the Blessed Virgin over the city in great black soon. They Willmann Fellows. Aside from being an advocate in spreading the sanctity
Mary! Is the Blessed Virgin clouds, and it rained oil on were saying: of Father Willmann and the graces that come with it, each Fellow is
Mary a military objective?” the people in the streets. “Apple pie, by entitled to receive the following items as memorabilia: (1) a Certificate
George was philosophical George was wearing a white the fourth of of Membership, (2) a lapel pin and (3) a pamphlet entitled “A Quest for a
about this. He said: “We soutana. It was stained with July!” But the Cause of Fr. George J. Willmann, S.J.”. We further urge you to fervently
seek Fr. Willmann’s intercession in all your petitions for God’s graces and
should not get excited about oil. And the oil would not Jesuits had
to report to the Foundation all blessings you may have received with the
a near miss. At least they are come out, when the soutana the terrible intercession of Fr. Willmann.
not trying to bomb innocent was washed. premonition
civilians!” The poor of Manila that it would KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
But many innocent civilians rushed to the storehouses be a long war. FR. GEORGE J. WILLMANN CHARITIES, INC.
were killed, even though the of the Americans, when T h e Gen. Luna cor. Sta. Potenciana Sts., Intramuros, Manila
chalice with an eye dropper. Tel. Nos. 527-2223 local 221 & 527-2244 (Fax)
bombing was controlled. they heard that the excursion they made, in Seven drops of wine. And
Trucks went around the military was giving away the truck, to the American then the water with another APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
city. Bodies were piled on everything, free! What storehouse, was providential. eye dropper. Two drops of to FATHER GEORGE J. WILLMANN, S.J. FELLOW
street corners. The trucks the people wanted most They were able to supply water. But the hosts and 1. Name of Applicant (individual or institution):
took them away. George was food — turkeys, sides hosts and wine for Mass to the wine lasted through the _________________________________________________
went with the trucks to give of beef, canned goods, priests and religious — to long years of concentration, 2. Address: _________________________________________
conditional absolution, to cereals. all who came and asked – Tel. Nos. ______________________________________
through the days of starvation 3. Office Name & Address: ______________________________
look for the living among the The Jesuits went to the for the next three years and in the prison camp, until Tel. Nos. __________________________________________
dead. store houses also, in a truck. three months. The Jesuits the paratroopers jumped on 4. K of C Council Number and Location: ____________________
The heaviest destruction But they wanted only two themselves, rationed the the American Jesuits in the 5. Enclosure: _________________________________________
was in the shipping yards, at things: wine and flour. The flour. The priests said Mass [ ] Cash P ____________ [ ] PMO/check No.___________
prison camp at Los Banos, (Note: Please make check payable to KC Fr. George J. Willmann Charities,
Cavite. There were so many soldiers offered them the with a small host. The people and they were liberated from Inc.)
dead, and so few able to take turkeys and the beef, but received a fragment of a small the Japanese.
care of the bodies, that they they preferred the wine, in host, in Communion. The (to be continued on the Date: ______________________________________________
Signature: __________________________________________
burned them, for the sake huge wooden barrels. And all altar boy put the wine into the next issue)
Brother’s Insight / C2
Curia Settings / C2
survives an abortion. This is there are people who would
them tools for discernment and for people of varied interests. I have this theory that at a young very disheartening to say the promote abortion and have
judging which offers of friendships are 4. Hopefully, they will see that love is age, they should not be left alone with least. What kind of mother no qualms whatsoever on how
liberating and which are dangerously not about me –and- you exclusively. Not the nannies, with television, with would allow her unborn baby despicable their stand is.
selfish, lustful and enslaving. of the present sensation and immediate gadgets. They must feel the presence, to be dismembered while still “Reproductive Health Act”,
3. They will realize that love begins gratification that does not take into the cuddles, the laughter of the parents alive in her womb? Yes, you “Health Care Practitioners”
with rootedness and connection with consideration their responsibilities to and family. read it right, dismembered. or “Health Care Providers”,
something bigger than themselves. a wider reality and the future. My final thoughts are these: The limbs of the baby are torn “Within the Scope of their
That love is not measured by being So before our children come to a Make them discover that good apart from their body and Practice”, “Choice”, “Good
fixated on the present sensation point of falling in love with another relationships need investment of time, the head is crushed before Faith” and “Not Viable”
and with people who just want to person, they should be exposed by the resources and care. Make them see being delivered in bits and are terms they are using to
chill without being connected at parents to the other and more basic that you provide them the time to build pieces. What cruelty. It is not camouflage their hideous
a deep level. They will see what love realities even from a young age. such relationships. These do not happen only a cold blooded murder intent to murder an unborn
their connectedness to relatives at They must experience being important overnight, or magically without any but a very cruel and painful baby. And like Pilate, they
a level which spans generations can to many people so that their world does effort and some sacrifice. death an unborn child would washed their hands of guilt
do for them. They will long for a not get tiny and focused on themselves Friends and deep connections are have to suffer. What is their by passing into law NY State
connectedness with a wide range of and their selfish interests alone. made, not born. crime to suffer such a horrific Senate Bill S240 also known
death, with the consent of as the “Reproductive Health
the mother who is protected Act”. It frees all parties
Pondering the Words / C2
by a law? The poor, hapless, concern of any liability on
cross of suffering. There He offers. Let us not make our affliction. In time, tears will those persons in need, that defenseless baby mutilated to the death of an unborn child.
is, wounded, bleeding indeed own selves the lords of our become joy. In God’s perfect we become instruments of death by a heartless and cruel And yet we call ourselves
and slowly dilapidating. As lives. Let us not use our own time. With the gifts of the Your mercy as You alone society. “Humans” and our ways
the Gospel tells us, whatever measures, let the Divine use Holy Spirit, in forgiveness is merciful as we enter the We have laws to protect the “Humane”. Could their
we give, we will also receive. His own. Let us be slaves and humility, the mercy of Lenten Season to be worthy rights of animals from cruelty conscience be really free of
When we give forgiveness of the Gospel. The Lord God remains. partakers of the fruits of the but we don’t have laws to any liability with themselves,
and humility, we receive knows how we are hurt. He Heavenly Father, may resurrection of Our Lord and protect the rights of a baby to with their families and with
the honour only our Lord knows our pains. He feels our we always see Your face to Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. be born. It is sad to note that God?
C4 February 18 - March 3, 2019, Vol 23, No. 04 THE CROSS

KCFAPI welcomes
new officers
Rev. Fr. Arc Ryll C. Bureres of Leyte visited the KCFAPI office. He is just one of the many Benefit
Certificate Holders of KCFAPI who are priests. In photo are the BRO Assistant Manager Gloria
Alegre (left) and the VP for Treasury, BRO & HRCC Magdalene G. Flores (right). The background
is the Sto. Nino Exhibit held annually at the KCFAPI office at Intramuros.

From L to R: Alvin S. Rino, Financial Management and Accounting Manager, Jhon Lyndon D. Palafox, Human Resources and Corporate Communications Manager
and Gloria A. Alegre, BC Relations Officer Assistant Manager

WE would like to welcome Mr. Alvin
S. Rino, the Financial Management
and Accounting Services Department
Manager. Alvin is a Certified Public
Accountant (CPA) and is a graduate
of Polytechnic University of the
Philippines. He is married to Mefly,
also a CPA. He is a licensed real
estate broker. He is also a Knights
of Columbus member.
Next is our new Human Resources
and Corporate Communications
Department Manager, Mr. Jhon
Lyndon D. Palafox. He is a graduate
of the University of Sto. Tomas with
a degree in BS Psychology with over
12 years HR practice across different
industries including Banking,
Financial Services, Information
Technology, Retail, Engineering
and Real Estate. He is married with
three lovely children. He is a former
Columbian Squire and is currently an
active Knights of Columbus member.
The other is Ms. Gloria O. Alegre
the new Assistant Manager of BC
Relations Office. Ms. Glo is an
Accounting graduate from Bicol
University. She has been with
KCFAPI since 1994 and has handled
the BC Relations Office as Supervisor
for 15 years. Prior to her current
role she also held various positions
within the Association such as
Assistant Cashier, Investment Fraternal Service Training held last February 12 to 13, 2019 at the KCFAPI Centre, Intramuros Manila
joined by new Fraternal Counselors.
and Budget Assistant, Accounting
Assistant and Internal Auditor. She
is a Fellow, Life Office Management
and Professional, Customer Service.

KCFAPI joins the K of C Prayer

Triduum for Persecuted Christians
IN solidarity with the K of
C Order in the Philippines
and in the entire world,
The KCFAPI employees
joined the Prayer Triduum
for Persecuted Christians
around the world which
started last February 16,
2019 and culminated on
February 18, 2019. The
liturgy included a short
bible service and reading
of the Catechesis of
Pope John Paull II, Pope
Benedict XVI and Pope
Francis who all talked
about the persecution of
Christians in the older
times and in the modern
era. The recitation of the
Holy Rosary was also done
followed by the prayer to
Our Lady of Persecuted
Christians. This prayer
triduum was a response
of the Order against Jolo
bombings and persecution
of all Christians in the
Middle East and around
the world. As a catholic
order, the Knights of
Columbus are very active
in responding to the call
of the church as part of
its mission as soldiers
of Christ to put our faith
into action. The entire
liturgy revolved around
one of eight beatitudes,
“Blessed are those who are
persecuted for the sake of
righteousness, for theirs
is the kingdom of heaven.
(Mt 5:10)”.