CBCP

Page 3Monitor Page 5 Page 11 Page 12

Vol. 10 No. 17
Cause of
December Beatification
4, 2006 of
Fr. Peyton in Progress
Notes: The Bible and the
Environment
The Zamboanga Sibugay
Experience
“Family be Strong with the
Strength of God!”
1
www.cbcponline.net/cbcpmonitor cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net

Manila City gov’t

Bishop Hits Back
anti-abortion steps
Over “Anti-
lauded
population” Claims
A campaign launched by the Manila
A senior member of the Catholic City government to root out rampant
bishops’ hierarchy has registered his selling of abortion drugs was lauded
reaction to the position of former by the Media Office of the Catholic
President Fidel Ramos on the popu- Protagonist of Truth, Promoter of Peace Bishops’ Conference of the Philip-
lation policy issue. pines (CBCP).
Bishop Hits / P4
December 4, 2006 Vol. 10 No. 17 Php 16. 00 Manila City / P4

More Help Needed for

typhoon victims, says Church
By Roy Lagarde

THE Catholic Church in the Philip- “All donations will be properly

pines continues to make urgent ap-
peals for aid on behalf of more than
a million people devastated by the
last two typhoons.
Typhoon Reming, the fourth Pa-
cific storm to hit the country in four
months, has claimed lives and de-
stroyed, houses, roads and bridges,
brought down electric and telephone
polls, and swept away thousands of
hectares of crops.
In the Diocese of Legazpi in
Albay alone, the official death toll is
368, but emergency services say the
figure could be as high as 1,000 after
mudslides caused by the powerful
typhoon engulfed whole villages.
The deadly mudslides were trig-
gered by torrential rains from typhoon
acknowledged. We will be deeply
grateful for your solidarity with the
suffering people of Albay.”
Officials say damage to property
also rose abruptly to over P600 mil-
lion and more than one millions oth-
ers have been affected by the disas-
ter. Damage to infrastructure was
placed at P357 million, damage to ag-
riculture at P251 million.
In the province of Camarines Sur
which comprises the Vicariate of
Libmanan and Archdiocese of Nueva
Caceres, church officials reported of
about 5,000 typhoon-affected fami-
lies.
The National Secretariat for So-
cial Action—Justice and Peace
(NASSA) of the Catholic Bishops’

Photo credit: Ma. Jhona B. Acuña, PNU

Reming, which mixed with volcanic
ash on the slopes of the Mount
Mayon..
Legazpi Auxiliary bishop Lucio
Quiambao, said their diocese had
been mortally wounded and desper-
ately needed help.
“Please do extend your support
to alleviate the plight of those most
affected and least to served,” the prel-
ate said in a letter.
Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)
said many areas remain inaccessible.
Many roads and bridges were seri-
ously damaged while storm debris is
not yet cleared, making it difficult to
transport goods to the affected ar-
eas.
As of press time, the Diocesan
Social Action Centers working in af-
fected areas are finding it hard to
More Help / P4
AWASHED BUT UNSWEPT by typhoon Reming, the Our Lady of the Gate parish church in Daraga, Albay, considered as one the
country’s best church architectures, stood indomitable providing hope and relief to thousands of victims and destruction brought

Day of Persons with Disabilities Marked by the killer typhoon.

…As Pope sends condolences for typhoon victims

IN a “telegram of condolence”
sent to the Philippines through
Papal Nuncio Archbishop
Fernando Filoni, the Pope said
Photo credit: Nestor Guevarra
for strength and comfort of sistance to the victims of this di-
those who were injured. saster, encouraging them to per-
Pope Benedict XVI has asked severe in their efforts to bring re-
the Philippine rescue and relief lief and support,” the letter read.

he was “deeply saddened” by
the tragedy in which the death
toll is feared to hit more than
1,000.
The Pope assured the vic-
tims of his “closeness in prayer”
for mercy of the departed, and
workers of the victims of the
deadly typhoon ‘Reming’ to
“persevere in their efforts to
bring relief and support.”
“His Holiness likewise prays
for the rescue workers and all in-
volved in providing practical as-
The Catholic Bishops Con-
ference of the Philippines (CBCP)
has also appealed to all the faith-
ful to help generously those af-
fected by the disaster. Contribu-
tions may be channeled through
As Pope / P4

THE Archdiocese of Manila
marked the Persons With Disabili-
ties (PWD) Day on December 3
with calls for their full equality and
integration into social life and
development.
Fr. Alexander Thomas of the
Archdiocese of Manila Office for
Persons with Disabilities Minis-
tries (AMO-PDM) said this year’s
PWD Day gives societies an op-
portunity to hear disabled people
speak in a voice of their own.
“PWDs are persons that are
entitled with the same right and
privileges that we have,” Thomas
said.
Thomas said that there is so
much to be done in order to raise
awareness in society about dis-
abled persons, their rights, their
needs, their potential and their Christians, Muslims march for peace in Mindanao Diocese Offers Masses
contribution. There are now
about 4 million people in the coun-
try suffering disabilities.
Zamboanga — More than 30,000
people gathered in the capital of the
For more than 40 years, MILF has
been fighting against the government for Surigao Sea Victims
He also stressed the impor- southern archipelago on November to win autonomy for the Muslim mi-
tance of providing public sensi- 29 to celebrate the opening of the ninth nority that largely inhabits the South MOVED by the tragedy of the ill-
tivity to the problems of disabled “Week of Peace”, an event that “in the of the Philippines. In the past two fated ferry MV Leonida, which
persons who are mostly stuck at name of God, the merciful, calls for an years, armed clashes have decreased sank November 25 causing at least
home due to the handicap. end to all hostilities”. significantly after peace negotiations 16 deaths, Surigao Bishop
“They knock on us saying The Bishops-Ulama Conference were launched with the government Antonietto Cabajog sent a mes-
that we must give a lending hand (BUC) of the Philippines, composed of Manila. However, these stalled some sage of condolence to the victims’
to them,” he said. of 24 Catholic bishops, 18 Protestants months ago. families.
About 2,000 individuals with and 24 Ulamas, sponsored the event Fr Angel Calvo, a Claretian mis- “ We sympathize with the
disabilities joined in Catholic and decided on the theme. sionary and president of the Peace families whose loved ones per-
PWD day led by the AMO-PDM. Christians from different churches, Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ), a ished in the incident. We deeply
The theme for this years celebra- Muslims, teachers, students, human group that promotes peace in the south empathize with the families of
tion, taken from a biblical passage rights activists and government offi- of the Philippines, said the people those who are still missing,”
“I have called your friends” (Jn cials marched together to call for an end marching were like a “colorful tapes- Cabajog said.
15:15), states “TGIF Thank God I to the war between Manila and rebels try of peace, joining those afflicted by The ferry, overloaded with
have PWD friends”. of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front the war and calling for its end.” cargoes, mostly baggages and 300
Day of / P4 (MILF), which is calling for autonomy Zamboanga Mayor, Celso sacks of cement, aside from pas-
for the Muslim majority region. Christians, Muslims / P4 Diocese Offers / P4

2 World News
Pope Benedict XVI meets with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayip Erdogan at
Ankara airport shortly after his arrival. (Corbis)
Benedict XVI: “My trip is not political but pastoral”
VATICAN CITY, Nevember 28, 2006—
At 9.20 a.m. today, the Holy Father
departed from Rome’s Fiumicino air-
port bound for Turkey, where he
landed three hours later at Ankara’s
Esemboga airport. Thus began
Benedict XVI’s fifth apostolic trip out-
side Italy.
Speaking to the journalists ac-
companying him on his flight, the Pope
affirmed that his visit to Turkey “is
not political but pastoral,” and that its
aim is “dialogue and the shared com-
mitment to peace.”
As he descended from his aircraft,
the Holy Father was greeted by Recep
Tayyip Erdogan, prime minister of Tur-
key, by the governor of the local re-
gion, and by the military commander
and the mayor of Ankara, the capital
of Turkey, a city of some five million
inhabitants. Also there to greet him
was Archbishop Ruggero
Franceschini O.F.M. Cap., of Izmir,
president of the Catholic Episcopal
Conference of Turkey.
The Holy Father then went to a
room within the airport building where
he held a meeting with the prime min-
ister.
Following this meeting, which
lasted 20 minutes, the Pope traveled
by car to the Mausoleum of Ataturk
some 45 kilometers from the city. Built
between 1944 and 1953, it holds the
earthly remains of Mustafa Kemal
“Ataturk” (Father of the Turks),
Pope sends condolences for typhoon
victims in the Philippines
VATICAN CITY, December 1, 2006—
Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio
Bertone S.D.B., sent a telegram of con-
dolence, in the Pope’s name, to Arch-
bishop Fernando Filoni, apostolic nun-
cio to the Philippines, for a typhoon that
hit the country yesterday, causing nu-
merous victims:
“Deeply saddened by the tragic
loss of life resulting from the recent ty-
phoon in the eastern Philippines, His
Holiness Pope Benedict XVI assures all
Web Page Dedicated to Justice and Peace
VATICAN CITY, November 23, 2006—
The Holy See has started a Web page
dedicated to information about, and
formation in, justice and peace.
The initiative, www.justpax.it, was
launched by the Pontifical Council for
Justice and Peace, whose president is
Cardinal Renato Martino.
For now, the Web page will pub-
lish information in Spanish, Italian, En-
glish and French on ecclesial docu-
ments, congresses, statements of rep-
resentatives of the Church.
En route, Pope sends greetings to heads of state
VATICAN, December 1,
2006—Pope Benedict XVI
thanked the people of Tur-
© KAYHAN OZER POOL/epa/Corbis
key for their hospitality,
and sent a special greet-
ing to the nation’s youth,
in a telegram sent to Presi-
dent Ahment Necdet Sezer
as the Pope’s plane flew
back toward Rome on De-
cember 1.
Following the usual
custom of the Holy See,
the Pope sent telegraphs
Pope ends Turkish visit
founder and first president of the Turk- ISTANBUL, December 1,
ish Republic (1923-1938). Within the 2006—Pope Benedict
building, which resembles a Greek XVI underlined the im-
temple and is reached by a flight of portance of dialogue
steps, the walls are covered in green among different religious
marble and the ceiling decorated with groups, as he concluded
gold mosaics. The cenotaph to Ataturk his 4-day visit to Turkey
is made from a single block of marble on December 1.
weighing 40 tons. After celebrating
At 3 p.m. local time (2 p.m. in Mass at the Istanbul ca-
Rome), Benedict XVI was received by thedral on Friday morning,
Ahmet Necdet Sezer, president of the the Holy Father was
Republic of Turkey, in the presidential driven to the city’s airport.
palace. Subsequently he met with one There he met briefly with
of the country’s two vice prime minis- local government offi-
ters in the “Guest House” of the presi- cials, thanking them for
dential palace. their hospitality during his
This afternoon, the Pope is sched- visit. He also said his
uled to meet with Ali Bardokoglu, goodbyes to the Turkish
Turkey’s president for religious affairs, Catholic bishops, the Ecu-
in the “Diyanet,” the headquarters of menical Patriarch
his department.
Turkey has 72 million inhabitants,
of whom 99.8 percent are Muslims. The
Negative reactions in Iranian press over Pope’s Turkey visit
remaining 0.20 percent is made up of
Christians of various rites (Greek-Or-
thodox, Syro-Orthodox,Armenian-Or-
thodox, Protestants and Catholics)
and Jews.
Catholics number some 32,000,
about 0.04 percent of the total popula-
tion. The Catholic Episcopal Confer-
ence of Turkey is made up of six bish-
ops. Currently, there are 47 parishes,
68 priests, 98 male and female religious,
four permanent deacons, five major
seminarians and 28 catechists. (VIS) TEHRAN, Iran, December
2, 20—Discretion but also
negative tones character-
ize coverage of the Pope’s
trip to Turkey in the Ira-
nian press. By contrast,
victimhood and
triumphalism (“The Pope
apologizes”) had been
front and centre in almost
every Iranian paper fol-
lowing Benedict’s speech
in Regensburg and his
quote of Manuel II
Palaiologos. “Spontane-
© Philip Villamin
ous” street demonstra-
tions were organized with
some Muslim leaders criti-
cizing the Pope’s
“Islamophobia”. Only
affected of his closeness in prayer. The former President Kathami
Holy Father commends the deceased and his successor
to the loving mercy of Almighty God, Ahmadinejad had chosen
and upon their grieving families and all
those injured he invokes divine
strength and comfort. His Holiness like-
Benedict XVI Hopes Turkey Trip Sparks Dialogue
wise prays for the rescue workers and VATICAN CITY, Decem-
all involved in providing practical as- ber 3, 2006—Benedict
sistance to the victims of this disaster, XVI hopes that the “un-
encouraging them to persevere in their forgettable experience”
efforts to bring relief and support.” of his trip to Turkey will
(VIS) contribute to further co-
operation and dialogue
with Orthodox Christians
and followers of Islam.
The Holy Father
said this today when ad-
dressing thousands who
gathered in St. Peter’s
Square to take part in the
first Angelus since his
return from Turkey.
Speaking from the
window of his study, the
The Web page also gives informa- Pontiff gave thanks to God
tion about the Pontifical Council for and everyone around the
Justice and Peace, as well as its mem- world who prayed for his
bers. (Zenit) pilgrimage to Turkey,
to the heads of state of
each country over which
his plane passed: Turkey,
Greece, Albania, and
Italy. The Holy Father had
wired greetings to each
leader on Tuesday, No-
vember 28, as he made the
trip from Rome to Ankara.
In his message to
Sezer, the Pope said that
he had been touched by
his contact with the
people of Turkey and their
Bartholomew I, Armenian
Patriarch Mesrob II, and
Syrian Orthodox Metro-
politan Filuksinos Cetin—
all of whom traveled to
the airport to see him off.
Pope Benedict com-
mented that he had felt
“great serenity and great
joy” during his trip, and
said that he hoped the
visit would have a last-
ing influence as “a sign
of friendship among
peoples, among reli-
gions.”
“A part of my heart
will remain in Istanbul,”
the Pontiff said. He said
that he hoped to see “a
communion between Eu-
not to criticize the speech.
This time the visit by
the Supreme Pontiff in
neighboring Turkey re-
ceived a limited coverage.
Editorial pages, closely
monitored by the Minis-
try of Culture and Islamic
Guidance, rehashed what
the Pope said in
Regensburg but failed to
report his clarifications
(“the so-called apolo-
gies). The general impres-
sion conveyed by the
press is that Benedict XVI
is indeed “Islamophobic”,
or even worse.
Even though the
Pope no longer calls him-
self by the traditional title
of “Western patriarch”,
the Iranian press treat him
which took place from Nov.
28 to Dec. 1.
The Pope expressed
his hopes that the trip
“will bear good fruits for
an ever more sincere co-
operation among the dis-
ciples of Christ and for a
fruitful dialogue with
Muslim believers.”
The Bishop of Rome
renewed his gratitude to
all “those who organized
the trip and contributed
in different ways to its
peaceful and fruitful un-
folding.”
Benedict XVI men-
tioned in particular
“Turkey’s authorities”
and the friendly Turkish
people, “who offered me
CBCP Monitor
hospitality. He sent his
best wishes “in particular
to the young, who are the
future of the country.”
The Pontiff sent brief
messages to Greek Presi-
dent Karolos Papoulias
and Albanian President
Alfred Moisiu. To Italy’s
Giorgio Napolitano, he re-
ported that he had been
able to meet with many
different representatives
of the Turkish people, and
Pope Benedict XVI (L) and Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew
I arrive at the St. George Church in Istanbul. Pope Benedict
XVI arrived in Istanbul today to pursue a key goal of his
papacy: healing a rift between the two feuding branches
of Christianity that dates back nearly 1,000 years. (Corbis)
rope and this city, which
is so profoundly Euro-
pean, and which ties the
two continents.”
Offering his last fare-
as a clone (or ally) of Bush
and Blair as if every US-
British political move was
in and of itself “Christian”
or the Catholic Church
only Western.
For reformist news-
paper Iran News, “Is-
lamic-Christian relations
are at their lowest point
since the
Crusades” and the
Pope’s visit seen as “con-
troversial and sensa-
tional”, scorned by Turk-
ish society.
In its front page, the
Conservative Tehran
Times wrote: “Dialogue
with Islam or Christian al-
liance against Muslims?”
Both papers stressed
the fact that Benedict
XVI’s visit was designed
to strengthen Christian
unity and gain greater
room for Christians vis-à-
vis the Turkish state.
The perplexity ex-
pressed in Iran’s press to-
wards Christian
ecumenism and the whis-
pered charges of anti-Is-
lamic coalition can be in-
terpreted in many ways.
a welcome worthy of
their traditional spirit of
hospitality.”
The Holy Father also
remembered “with affec-
tion and recognition the
beloved Catholic commu-
nity, which lives on Turk-
ish soil” in conditions
“that are often difficult.”
“It is truly a small,
varied flock rich in enthu-
siasm and faith which, so
to speak, lives the Ad-
vent experience con-
stantly and intensely,
supported by hope,” said
the Pope.
The Pontiff had al-
ready mentioned his trip
to Turkey on Saturday
afternoon, in the homily
Vol. 10 No. 17
December 4, 2006
to express his affection
particularly for the Chris-
tian minority—who, he
pointed out, live in a com-
munity with a rich Chris-
tian history, even if the
country is now over-
whelmingly Muslim.
The Pope’s plane ar-
rived at Rome’s Ciampino
airport at 2:45 local time;
from there he was drive
back to the Vatican.
(CWNews)
© PATRICK HERTZOG POOL/epa/Corbis
wells, the Pope boarded
his Boeing 737 at 1 in the
afternoon, local time. The
flight was expected in
Rome at 2:45. (CWNews)
But perhaps it is some bit-
ter jealousy. Unlike Chris-
tians, there is no
ecumenism between
Sunnis and Shiites, no at-
tempt to bring about some
kind of union; instead,
there is a real and open war
of religion amongst Mus-
lims as Iraq shows.
In Tehran the situa-
tion is not much better.
Christians have some
churches, Jews have a few
synagogues but Sunnis
have no mosque that they
can call their own.
For Sunnis who do
not want to attend an un-
derground mosque, the
only possibility to wor-
ship is to attend Friday
prayers in a foreign em-
bassy (Indonesia, Saudi
Arabia).
This might explain
why Iran’s Shiite leaders
were not particularly
pleased to see the expres-
sions of brotherhood be-
tween Catholics and Or-
thodox or hear Benedict
XVI’s speech about the
rights of religious minori-
ties. (AsiaNews)
he delivered in St. Peter’s
Basilica in the Vatican
during vespers of the first
Sunday of Advent.
“Peace is the goal to-
ward which humanity as-
pires. For believers, peace
is one of the most beauti-
ful names of God, who
wants understanding
among all his children, as
I had the occasion to re-
call on my pilgrimage of
these past days in Tur-
key,” Benedict XVI said.
As the Pope an-
nounced at the Angelus,
next Wednesday he will
offer an evaluation of his
visit during the weekly
general audience to pil-
grims. (Zenit.org)
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 17
December 4, 2006 News Feature 3
NCR Holds 2 nd Regional VOCFEST
By Rev. Fr. Joel Francis Victorino

© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media

Cause of Beatification of
Fr. Peyton in Progress
By Pinky B. Barrientos, FSP
“THE family that prays to-
gether stays together.” The
slogan has become a house-
hold phrase not only in the
United States where it origi-
nated but in every corner of
the world. It has become a
rallying motto for Fr. Patrick
Peyton, CSC, founder of Fam-
ily Rosary Crusade; now Ser-
vant of God. People dubbed
Peyton as the Rosary Priest
because of his profound de-
votion to the Blessed Mother
and the Rosary.
The Philippine rogatory
trial for the cause of beatifi-
cation of the Servant of God,
Patrick Peyton has been de-
clared officially closed with
a thanksgiving mass at the
Manila Cathedral last No-
vember 24, 2006. The closing
rites and thanksgiving mass
was presided by His Emi-
nence Gaudencio Cardinal
Rosales and concelebrated
by some members of Manila
clergy, and friends of Fr.
Peyton.
The cause of beatifica-
tion of Fr. Peyton was for-
mally opened on June 1, 2002
in Massachusetts, USA. But,
due to the presence of many
witnesses in the Philippines
who knew and met Fr .
Peyton during his frequent
visits in the country, a roga-
tory commission was opened
to hear the testimony of wit-
nesses.
The Philippine rogatory
trial, which was started Oc-
tober 30 of last year, took all
of one year and two weeks
to complete.
“The rogatory trial is
part of the cause of beatifi-
cation,” explains Pie
Mabanta, Vice-Postulator of
the cause. Mabanta is in
ABOUT five thousand young people from
Metro Manila and Rizal province gathered
on November 24-25, 2006 for the 2nd Re-
gional Vocation Festival at “The Arena” in
San Juan, Metro Manila. Dubbed as “God’s
charge of the office of the Dream Academy – Jesus: Heart 2 Heart”
cause and has been ap- the festival was celebrated to create an
pointed as vice-postulator awareness among young people that life is
for the Philippines by the a school where people are formed not only
Postulator General Dr. An- to seek Jesus but to be His loving presence
drea Ambrosi, who is based in the world today. Concretely, the festival
in Rome. sought to inspire and capture the hearts of
“The first phase of the the youth towards a purposeful life direc-
beatification process is to tion, forming real values in life and chal-
determine the sanctity of the lenging them in their journey through life
person, the Servant of God,” by choosing God as their only good.
continues Mabanta. “So A joint activity of the Directors of Vo-
we’re trying to get witnesses cations in the Philippines – National Capi-
to his virtues and holiness. tal Region (DVP-NCR), the Ministry for
Given the number of wit- Youth Affairs (MYA) of the Archdiocese of
nesses in the Philippines, a Manila, and the Heart of Jesus Jubilee Sec-
rogatory trial is conducted retariat, this was a follow-up of the first
here for his life and reputa- vocation festival held in 2004 which was
tion of holiness.” hosted by the Diocese of Antipolo. At the
Mabanta assumes other first festival held in Marikina, more than
rogatory trials are being held 6,000 youths celebrated the “culture of vo-
in other parts of the globe cations” through an acquaintance party-
considering that Peyton was style event called “Godstruck.” During that
a citizen of the world during youth gathering, the participants reflected
his lifetime. on the prevailing mentality of being “star-
Cause of / P9
struck” by what the world is offering. With
the battle cry “Dream, Believe, Serve,” the
challenge was not only to survive in the
world but to serve God and the Church in
the most concrete expressions of life—per-
haps even to the priestly and religious life.
This year’s edition was hosted by the
Archdiocese of Manila in celebration of the
Year of Social Concerns (proclaimed by the
CBCP), the first encyclical “Deus Caritas
Est” (God is Love) of Pope Benedict XVI
and the fiftieth anniversary of Pope Pius
XII’s encyclical, “Haurietis Aquas” (on the
devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus).
Youth delegates from the Archdiocese
of Manila, the Dioceses of Antipolo, Cubao,
Kalookan, Novaliches, Paranaque, Pasig
and the Military Ordinariate of the Philip-
pines started coming in as early at four
o’clock in the afternoon. A large number of
priests, seminarians, religious men and
women, lay vocation promoters and youth
leaders were also at hand to facilitate the
said activity.
The program of the said festival was
divided into three parts. The first part put
the participants into the context of social
issues being faced by Filipinos today. The
political, economic, environmental and moral
NCR Holds / P9

Sunday: Primordial Nucleus of the Liturgical Year

Pastor’s Heart Takes VATICAN CITY, December 1, 2006—Made pectation of His glorious return.”

Benedict XVI to Turkey public today was a Message from Benedict

XVI to Cardinal Francis Arinze, prefect of the
Congregation for Divine Worship and the Dis-
cipline of the Sacraments, for a study day or-
By Elizabeth Lev ganized by that dicastery, which takes place
today and is dedicated to the theme of: “Sun-
ROME, NOV. 30, 2006—As the day Mass for the sanctification of Christian
papal visit to Turkey grew people.”
closer, it seemed that the Turk- In the text, which is dated November 27,
ish tug-of-war between the the Pope recalls how the study day falls on the
Vatican and the media inten- anniversary of the promulgation of the Con-
© PATRICK HERTZOG / POOL/ep a/Corbis
“Today,” the Holy Father continues, “it is
more than ever necessary to reiterate the sa-
cred nature of the Lord’s day and the need to
participate in Sunday Mass. The cultural con-
text in which we live, often marked by religious
indifference and secularism that obscure the
horizon of transcendence, must not cause us
to forget that the People of God who came into
being with the events of Easter must return [to
those events] as an inexhaustible spring, in
order to better understand ... their own iden-

sified. stitution “Sacrosanctum Concilium,” and is tity and the reasons for their existence.”
Newspapers, television the third of its kind following one dedicated to “Sunday was not chosen by the Christian
and radio harped on the sig- the Roman Martyrology and another to sa- community,” he writes, “rather by the Apostles,
nificance of Benedict XVI’s cred music. indeed by Christ Himself Who on that day,
visit to a Muslim country, stri- “Sundays,” writes the Pope, “remain the “the first day of the week,” arose and appeared
dently announcing the pro- fundamental seedbed and the primordial before the disciples. ... Each Sunday celebra-
tests and politics of the trip. nucleus of the liturgical year; ... a fragment of tion of the Eucharist enacts the sanctification
The Vatican, on the other time pervaded by eternity, because its dawn of Christian people, until that Sunday without
hands, kept gently repeating saw the Risen Christ enter victoriously into end, the day of the definitive encounter of God
that the “trip” was really a pil- eternal life.” with His creatures.”
grimage, and that long before “For the first Christians, participation in Benedict XVI closes his message by ex-
the European Union or even Pope Benedict XVI (R) is greeted by Turkish president Ahmet Necdet Sunday celebrations was the natural expres- pressing the hope that the study day “may
Islam existed, Constantinople Sezer at the presidential palace in Ankara . The pontiff expressed sion of their belonging to Christ, of their com- help to recover the Christian meaning of Sun-
was established as the first 'confidence and hope' for a challenging four-day visit to Turkey, where munion with His mystical Body, in joyous ex- day in ... the life of all believers.” (VIS)
his remarks in September linking Islam and violence still rankle. (Corbis)
Christian city.
If one pays attention to the historical and Europe and Asia, Constantinople also linked
cultural context of this papal voyage, the dates the northern and southern areas of the empire
and places will reveal more about the Pope’s through the Black Sea on one coast and the
Holy Father’s Prayer
plans than any sensationalizing headline. Mediterranean on the other. This great cross- Intentions for December
Constantinople, or “Secunda Roma” (the roads of the known world geographically exem-
second Rome), was founded by Emperor plified the universality of the Christian Church. VATICAN CITY, December 1, 2006—The Holy
Constantine in 330 on the site of an earlier Greek Constantine conceived of the city as a Father’s general prayer intention for Decem-
city, Byzantium. Constantine, after uniting the new Rome, and an even better Rome, because ber is: “That Christ, meek and humble of heart,
empire and legalizing Christianity, had built six it would be Christian. Like Rome itself, may inspire those responsible for nations to
churches in Rome, but soon realized that he Constantinople was spread across seven hills. use power wisely and responsibly.”
would never be able to realize his dream of a The visit of the Roman Pontiff to Turkey, His mission intention is: “That in every
Christian city in a town still dominated by pa- the center of the world in which Christianity part of the world missionaries may live out
gan gods. was born, represents a papal agenda con- their vocation with joy and enthusiasm, faith-
So he founded this new city on the cerned more with his own flock than the media fully following in Christ’s footsteps.” (VIS)
Bosporus. Ideally situated at the juncture of might imagine. (Zenit)

4 News
Archdiocese of Tuguegarao
Marks Jubilee Year
In a Decree issued October this
year, Archbishop Diosdado
Talamayan formally declared Oc-
tober 19, 2006 to October 19, 2007
as a Year of Jubilees for the Arch-
diocese of Tuguegarao. (See
Decree in page 12)
His archdiocese has taken
special initiatives to help lay
people to better understand the
significance of the year, said
Talamayan.
Other celebrations in line
with the declaration of the Jubi-
lee Year include the prelate’s
golden anniversary of his priest-
hood on November 30, 2006; 20th
year of his appointment and in-
stallation as archbishop of
Tuguegarao.
Talamayan asked the faith-
ful to rejoice and give thanks
with him as he also celebrate his
20th year of appointment and
installation as Archbishop of
Tuguegarao which falls on Janu-
ary 31, 2006 and April 10, 2006
respectively.
He is encouraging visits to
adoration chapels and pilgrim-
ages to diocesan or parish
shrines during the year.
More specifically, the arch-
More Help / from p1
gather data needed in the relief and
rehabilitation efforts due to inacces-
sibility of some areas.
Fearing outbreaks of disease, the
NASSA has called for international
aid for medicine, potable water and
food.
NASSA’s relief operations are
underway, giving special priority to
those whose farms and livelihood
have been lost.
“Majority of the damages dur-
ing the incidents involved their
sources of livelihood. Now that ev-
erything is all gone, people have noth-
ing but their precious life,” it said.
In an initial report, the NASSA
has initially released 900 sacks of rice
to nine DSACs through the National
Food Authority (NFA).
The NASSA assured close moni-
toring of the areas hit by the super ty-
phoon to keep track and help sustain
the immediate needs of the victims.
Day of / from p1
“All of us are called to be
friends of Christ and the PWD’s
are also friends to everyone,” said
Fr. Alexander Thomas, AMO-PDM
minister.
He said the main objective of
the Catholic PWD Day is to
gather students, parish youth and
adults with disabilities and allow
them to build camaraderie and
friendship with one another and
with dedicated volunteers and
friends.
The AMO-PDM was estab-
lished under the watch of the late
and former Manila Archbishop
Jaime Cardinal Sin. The PWD day
Christian, Muslim / from p1
Lobregat, said he was “overwhelmed”
by the huge attendance: “The people
of Zamboanga are sending a strong
message that we all want peace, we
want an end to hostilities.”
Romeo Abela, a man with a dis-
ability who took part in the march, said:
“I just want to show to the whole world
that despite our condition, we are long-
ing and working hard to build peace.”
Marx De Cruz is a member of the
Little Drummer Boys, a group of boys
who beg on the streets, singing and
dancing. The boy said: “We took time
off from asking money to perform here
but we are happy and proud to be part
of this rally.” (AsiaNews)
diocese has prepared discus-
sions, moments of meditation,
prayers, seminars and cultural
activities that involve priests,
religious, parents, youth and
children.
A convention for the Indig-
enous Peoples was on the occa-
sion of his 50th sacerdotal cel-
ebration where Talamayan gave
a talk on the “Dignity of Human
Rights of IPs and the Message
of Jesus: Deus Caritas Est.”
Other activities in line with
the celebration of the Jubilee
Year are: the groundbreaking cer-
emony and construction of the
Clergy Retirement of the archdio-
cese; implementation of Basic
Ecclesial Communities as the
pastoral thrust of the archdio-
cese; the erection of two new
parishes—the Divine Mercy Par-
ish in Pengue and the Holy Par-
ish in Gadu, both in Cagayan;
mass confirmations in parishes;
and other activities of spiritual
import.
“Let this be a year of thanks-
giving to God for all the bless-
ings bestowed upon me and my
pastoral ministry,” said
Talamayan. (Miami Ebilane)
As Pope / from p1
the Social Actions Centers of the
every diocese nationwide or
through the National Secretariat
for Social Action (NASSA) at the
CBCP Headquarters in
Intramuros.
Jaro Archbishop Angel
Lagdameo, CBCP president, said
the people should try to live their
Christian faith by extending their
help to the typhoon victims.
“May we be strong in our
faith, hope and love of God and
of our neighbor in these times of
difficulties,” he prayed. “May we
read correctly the signs of the
times of salvation and grow in
our maturity and openness.”
The National Disaster Coor-
dinating Council (NDCC) placed
the latest death count in areas
heavily affected by the typhoon
at 425, while 599 were still miss-
ing as of December 4.
celebration was started by Fr.
Nonette Legazpi, who was the
former AMO-PDM director.
“We will continue the pro-
gram until there are PWDs,” said
Thomas. “I hope that the partici-
pants will feel that they want to
see each other again and they can
show their talents so other people
will appreciate them.”
The priest thanked the volun-
teers for the support and for ex-
tending their hands to the differ-
ently-abled brothers and sisters as
he encouraged them to invite and
convince more volunteers. (CBCP
News)
Diocese Offers / from p1
sengers, sank in rough seas off
Surigao del Norte province.
As of press time, authorities are
still determining how many are
missing including Del Carmen
Mayor Arlene Navarro, who ac-
cording to Cabajog has been a
strong supporter of the local
Church.
The bishop, who just arrived
from Israel, also called on the gov-
ernment for a thorough investiga-
tion of the tragedy.
He said the clergy in Surigao will
offer Masses for the eternal repose
of the souls of those who perished
in the incident. (Miami Ebilane)
Conference to Discuss Family and Bioethics in Manila
PBS Marks 107 Years, Inaugurates New Facility
THE Philippine Bible Society (PBS)
celebrated two milestones last No-
vember 23 with the commemoration
of 107 years of formal Bible work in
the country and the inauguration of
their new ministry facility and Bible
House.
As the Bible Society celebrated
these landmark events in their his-
tory, PBS Secretary General Nora G.
Lucero announced that the Bible
Society has renewed its commitment
to the vision of a transformed Phil-
ippines through the Word of God.
“We reaffirm our goal of reach-
ing out to every Filipino household,
spreading the Good News to them,
in the hope of making all of us true
Christians in our thoughts, words,
and deeds,” Lucero said.
The festivities united the dif-
ferent stakeholders in the Bible
cause. Apart from the different lead-
ers of the Roman Catholic and Prot-
estant churches, the PBS members,
partners from Bible ministries, and
other friends of the Bible Society
also graced the occasion.
PBS’s foreign partners were
also present and were among the
occasion’s special guests: United
Bible Societies Asia-Pacific Area
Secretary David Thorne, Korean
Bishop Hits / from p1
Lingayen-Dagupan Arch-
bishop Oscar Cruz said it is wrong
to claim that population is the cause
of social adversities in the country
today.
The reaction came after
Ramos, speaking at a forum on fam-
ily planning in Makati City, blamed
Arroyo’s “unwarranted subservi-
ence” to the Catholic Church which
consequently jeopardized the
country’s future.
He said the strong influence
of the church is to blame for the
“runaway” population growth
which had put the nation in peril.
This has drawn criticism from
those working on the church’s
family and life ministries, who op-
posed to artificial methods of birth
control.
Without naming Ramos, a
strong supporter of Arroyo, Cruz
said “certain politicians again loudly
and proudly proclaim their old-time
favorite thesis: population is the
culprit for the poverty of the people
and the misery of the nation.”
“(Politicians) complaint that
there are too many mouths to feed
with too little food to eat. There are
too many people without work,
without education, without health
care. There is too much crime in the
streets, too much garbage around,
too much air pollution.”
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 17
December 4, 2006
THE Catholic Church in
the Philippines, in col-
affect every pastor, ev-
ery congregation and
laboration with the every family.
Vatican-based Pontifical Addresses and
Academy for Life, has or- panel discussions will
ganized an International focus on issues such as
Conference on Bioethics stem-cell research, clon-
and the Family on Janu- ing, and marriage and
ary 9-10, 2007. family issues.
The Office on Bioet- Priests, nuns, semi-
hics of the Catholic Bish- narians, students and lay
ops’ Conference of the people will be attending
Philippines (CBCP) an- the conference.
nounced that the theme Founded by the late
of the event is “The Chal- Pope John Paul II in 1994,
lenge of Bioethics to Hu- the Pontifical Academy
man Life and the Family” of Life includes 51 ordi-
which will be held at the nary members from
EDSA Shangri-La Hotel around the world, all ap-
in Mandaluyong City. pointed by the Pope, who
The speakers, some are experts in various
of them coming from biomedical sciences and
abroad, will deal with those related to the pro-
various topics and is- motion and defense of
sues that are going to life. (CBCP News)
Bible Society General Secretary Dr. said.
Young Jin Min, and Rev. Makoto The old Philippine Bible House,
Watabe of the Japan Bible Society. established in 1912 along Isaac Peral
The celebration also com- Street, had to give way to a new UN
memorated the establishment of a BibleHouse. It would be from this
Bible depot by American Bible So- very facility that the Bible Society
ciety representative Rev. Jay C. would direct their growing work in
Goodrich in Manila on November Bible advocacy, translation, pro-
30, 1899, signaling the start of for- duction, marketing, and
mal Bible Society work in the Phil- fundraising.
ippines. Apart from the offices of the
Another highlight of the various departments, and the book-
thanksgiving program was the rec- store, this new facility will also
ognition of past board members, house a Bible Museum that will pro-
former translators, and volunteers vide interactive learning facilities
of the Bible Society. Lucero, who and experiences for visitors, espe-
handed out tokens of appreciation cially children and youth to enable
for the honorees, also gave tribute them to engage the life-changing
to PBS Executive Consultant Dr. power of God’s Word.
Medarlo Rivera. She credits the The new building facility was
former General Secretary for push- dedicated prior to the thanksgiving
ing for the realization of PBS’ long- program. Bishops from different de-
time dream of establishing a new nominations also joined the floor-
“BibleHouse” at their permanent by-floor dedication of the 8-storey
address at 890 United Nations Av- building after the ribbon-cutting
enue, Manila. ceremonies at the main entrance and
Lucero also underscored that the bookstore.
it was “only through God’s grace” During the celebration, PBS
that they were able to construct a also hosted Bible Extravaganza, a
new building for the Bible cause. “It program with fun-filled activities
is a fitting testimony to God’s ever like storytelling, Treasure Hunt, and
abounding grace, faithfulness, and a Bible quiz for elementary and high
love for the Filipino people,” she school students. (Herbert Osio)
Manila City / from p1
“Translation: population is the CBCP spokesman Msgr. Pedro
enemy of the state,” said Cruz, a Quitorio said authorities should strictly
former president of the Catholic enforce the ban and make sure no
Bishops’ Conference of the Philip- abortifacients are sold in the city.
pines (CBCP). “We encourage law enforcers in
Arguing that is not necessar- their campaign because abortion is il-
ily the cause of poverty, he com- legal. It is both considered illegal by
pared wealthy and thickly populated the Constitution and by the Church,”
countries like China, Japan and he said.
Hongkong to the African continent Manila Mayor Lito Atienza or-
which has a small population but dered police operatives to conduct a
“not an affluent place.” citywide crackdown against herbal
“This means that population traders which use their business as
itself—big or small—does not nec- fronts for selling abortion pills.
essarily translate to poverty or af- Atienza, Pro-Life Philippines
fluence,” he said. chairman, confirmed the presence of
The prelate has instead put illegal vendors in several Quiapo
the blame to political leaders and streets.
the kind of governance the coun- The National Bureau of Investi-
try has as the reason why many gation (NBI) operatives recently
people suffer in the country. nabbed six people peddling abortion
“When political leaders lie, pills outside near Quiapo Church.
cheat and steal, when public offices Confiscated from them were 20
become a common public curse es- tablets of Cytotek (generic name
pecially in terms of graft and cor- Misoprostol) and other herbal prepa-
ruption, when public funds from big rations being openly sold as
direct and many indirect taxes go to abortifacients.
the private pockets—all these im- The drug was formulated to treat
poverish the nation, violate the gastric ulcers but commonly misused
population,” Cruz added. as an abortifacient.
“Population is the wealth of a The arrested face criminal cases
nation! A government may be the under Executive Order 175 amending
enemy of the state! The kind of gov- Section 11 of Republic Act 3720 or the
ernance can be the curse of the citi- Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics Act, with
zens! Not the population!” (CBCP a prison term of one to four years and a
News) fine of P5, 000 to P10, 000. (CBCP News)
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 17
December 4, 2006
Notes: The Bible and the Environment
“In the Name of the Almighty, God the Creator, God of Harmony, Care for the
Earth!” (Theme of the 2006 Mindanao Week of Peace).
(This piece was delivered at the Bishops-Ulama Conference held in Davao City on November 29, 2006)
By Archbishop Orlando B. Quevedo, O.M.I
MAY I thank our three distinguish
convenors, Governor Mahid
Mutilan, Bishop Gomez of the UCCP
and Archbishop Capalla for invit-
ing me to reflect with you on the
environment in the light of the Bible.
Professor Hamid Barra, I under-
stand, will reflect on the same topic
in the light of the Qu’ran.
First, some preliminary notes:
a. The Bible consists of the books
considered by Christians as in-
spired by God and can, therefore,
be called “the word of God.” It is
divided into two sections—the
Old Testament (or the Hebrew
Scriptures) and the New Testa-
ment (those that pertain to the rev-
elation of Jesus the Christ, Lord
and Savior).
b. The Environment—I shall use the
term interchangeably with the
word “creation” or everything cre-
ated by God.
The specific issues I would like
to reflect on are:
a. God and Creation/Environment;
b. The Human Person’s Place in Cre-
ation;
c. The Human Person’s Role and
Responsibility regarding Creation/
Environment.
I shall treat the above in terms
of the three general stages of what
Christians call “the history of salva-
tion.”
A. At the Beginning of Time.
There are two stories of Cre-
ation. The first story is in Chapter 1
and the second is in chapter 2, both
in the first book of the Bible, the Book
of Genesis. I shall use only the first
story. [The second story of creation
explains the creation of man and
woman and they are to be in total
unity— “bone of my bone, flesh of
my flesh.”]
God Created All Things, Entrusted
them to Man in Responsible Stew-
ardship.
• “In the beginning God created the
heavens and the earth “ (v. 1). God
said, ‘Let there be light’, and there
was light” (v. 2). In six days God
created in succession light, day
and night, water, sea, land, veg-
etation, plants, and trees, stars,
sun, moon, fish, animals. God
rested on the seventh day. There
is a theological meaning to this
series of creative activities. One
day is not to be understood ac-
cording to our time measurement.
What is taught is simply theologi-
cal—that in the week there are
days of work and a day of rest
called the Sabbath. “God blessed
the seventh day and made it holy,
because on that day he rested af-
ter all his work of creating” (Gen
2:3). It would also seem that the
story of creation refers only to our
earth, but the theological meaning
of “light” refers to the whole uni-
verse, known and unknown. God
created “all things.”
• And God saw how good every-
thing was that came from his cre-
ative power. This is repeated like a
refrain in Gen 1: 10, 12,18, 21, 25. It
is repeated for yet one last time in
v. 31: “God saw all he had made,
and indeed it was very good.”
• Then finally created Man—the fi-
nal product of creation, at the pin-
nacle of creation. Man is the only
one described as made into the im-
age of God. “God created man in
the image of himself, in the image
of God he created him, male and
female he created them” (Gen.
1:27).
• Finally God gave to Man and
Woman everything that he has
created. All creation belongs to
them. It is entrusted to them. “Be
fertile and multiply; fill the earth
and subdue it. Have dominion
over the fish of the sea, the birds
of the air, and all the living things
that move on the earth” (Gen.
1:28; see Psalm 8: 6-10)
Thus the Lord entrusted all cre-
ation to man’s responsibility, charg-
ing man to care for its harmony and
development (Gen. 1: 26-30). This is
the collective responsibility of the
human race. Man is simply God’s
steward. And all things are given for
the good of ALL. In Catholic social
teaching this is the principle of “the
Universal Destination of all Created
Goods.”
B. The In-Between Time: i.e.
up to the Second Coming of
Christ.
Between now and the end of
time, what is the significance of cre-
ation and man’s responsibility over
it?
Creation Declares God’s Glory and
Love.
• Creation is a reason to praise God!
(see Psalm 104:24 – “O Lord, how
manifold are your works! In wis-
dom you have made them all!”).
Feature
7 QUESTIONS for
Bp. Filomeno G. Bactol
Most Rev. Filomeno G. Bactol, D.D., who cel-
ebrated his 25 th episcopal ordination anniversary last
October, was installed in 1989 as the first bishop of
Naval (Biliran). Recently, he talked to CBCP Monitor
about the 17-year old Naval diocese’s current profile
and programs on catechesis, vocations, laity, social
concern and ecology.
Photo credit: Ma. Jhona B. Acuña, PNU
What is the current status of
your diocese?
Well, we are about 280,000
Catholics. We’re just a small dio-
cese compared to other dioceses
which have some over a million
population. We have only 15 par-
ishes and the total number of our
priests is only 28. We’re certainly
a young diocese, barely 17 years
old since our inception in 1989.
Even so, in 1999, only 10 years
after our foundation as a dio-
cese, we already held our dioc-
esan synod, where we gathered
not only the clergy and the reli-
gious but also the lay people all
over the diocese and discussed
the direction that we wanted to
have as a Church. And one of
the significant or tangible after-
maths of that synod was the cre-
• All of creation is itself praising God, ation and implementation of the
because creation manifests the Basic Ecclesial Communities
love of God for man. See Psalm (BEC) in 2001. So our BECs are
19:1—”The heavens declare the just 5 years old by now.
glory of God, and the firmament
proclaims his handiwork!” Or the With only 28 priests in the
beautiful Hymn of all creation to whole diocese, it appears
7
the Almighty Creator, Psalm 148:2- that there’s a lack of
4, 7-12 — “Let heaven praise priestly vocations in
Yahweh: praise him heavenly your area. Why is
heights, praise him, all his angels, this so?
praise him, all his hosts! Praise
him, sun and moon, praise him, Well, I think
shining stars, praise him, highest there’s no such diocese
heavens…. Let earth praise that has more than
Yahweh: sea-monsters and all the
deeps, fire and hail, snow and
enough priests. Defi-
nitely, with only 28 QUESTIONS
mist, gales that obey his decree, priests, we’re certainly
mountains and hills, orchards lacking in priests vis-à-vis our
and forests, wild animals and population. Perhaps one reason
farm animals, snakes and birds, for such lack of priestly voca-
all kings on earth and nations, tions is poverty. This was actu-
princes, all rulers in the world, ally verified according to our
young men and girls, old people findings. Most of our people are
and children too!” poor and they can’t send their
sons to enroll in the seminary due
Creation is a “Garden” to be “Cul- to financial reasons. Although
tivated” now we conduct second collec-
• In a true sense, the world and its tions during fiesta masses for
environment is a “garden” (like the purposes of supporting the semi-
Garden of Eden) that man is sup- nary. But still, this is just a mi-
posed to “cultivate” (Gen 2:15). nuscule amount compared to the
This is the meaning of God’s com- financial requirement needed to
mand to Adam and Eve: “…fill the support a seminarian until his or-
earth and conquer it. Be mas- dination.
ters….” (Gen. 1: 28).
• Because the world is God’s cre- How is lay empowerment or
ation, a good relationship to the participation being realized
world is a good relationship to in your diocese?
God.
In order to bring people to
Sin Creates Disharmony in the an active participation in the
Garden Church, we have this BEC. The
• Original sin, the sin of our first BEC is really a life of the Church
parents, according to the bible that gives empowerment to the lay
has compromised our relation- faithful. You see, every baptized
ship with the environment. Sin Catholic is a member of the
is like a wilderness which has Church, and we are therefore the
covered what should be a fruit- Church. The BEC is a new way of
ful field—a life of grace with being a Church.
God. In the Old Testament, envi-
ronmental and human disasters How is your program on
were attributed to sin, e.g., catechesis?
drought and famine, floods (as
in the time of Noah). Well, this is one of the most
• Sin has created disharmony be- visible apostolate that we have.
tween man and God, between
man and his world, between the
world and God.
Christ Restores Harmony—a “new
Creation.”
• Our time on earth is a time of pu-
Visit us online at
rification from the wilderness of
sin, a time of restoring harmony • www.cbcponline.net/cbcpmonitor
The Bible / P10
5
In the diocese, we have around
520 volunteer catechists. We di-
vided ourselves into 3 vicariates,
and a religious sister handles the
catechetical apostolate for each
vicariate. They work really hard
together with some lay leaders.
How is the Church’s social
concern agenda being ob-
served in your diocese?
Again, our social concern
program is implemented though
the BEC, where our pastoral pro-
grams of WESTECFLY (Worship,
Education, Social Services, Tem-
poralities, Ecology, Clergy, Fam-
ily, Life, and Youth) are already
incorporated. To respond to the
Church’s social concern agenda,
we have already integrated that
into our BEC’s program areas.
For instance in the areas of so-
cial services, our social action
commission is very busy in at-
tending to the concerns and
needs of the poor people like live-
lihood micro-financial assistance
for the poor populace.
You mentioned ecol-
ogy as one area of
your pastoral pro-
grams. How is this
particularly carried
out?
You see, Biliran is
an island province. Its
main product is rice and
it is likewise rich in forest re-
sources. In such an agricultural
community the forests are very
important to assure the needed
supply of water for the rice
fields. So we see to it that we pro-
tect our forests by planting more
trees. In fact, the diocese has re-
cently undertaken the initiative
of planting trees in a forest re-
serve area some 6 kilometers
away from Naval to spearhead
in our ecological advocacy of
saving our forests.
What about the problem of
illegal logging? Do you
have such problem in your
area?
You know, there will always
be illegal logging everywhere.
But in our area, it is not as ram-
pant as in other places. Really,
illegal logging cannot be com-
pletely eradicated because these
illegal loggers know very well
that it is one of the best sources
of money. In our place however,
we try to teach them that if they
cut down our trees then we elimi-
nate our principal source of wa-
ter needed for our irrigations and
rice fields, and even for drinking.
In Biliran they say we have the
sweetest water. That’s why we
included ecology as a particular
area in our pastoral programs.
 CBCP Monitor
6 Opinion Vol. 10 No. 17
December 4, 2006

Editorial

Morality and Politicians

THERE are certain politicos who vehemently protest
the intervention of morality in their political options
and agenda. They do not only fume with anger but are
also consumed with hatred when they are reminded of
the right or wrong in their options and actions—and,
clearly at that, over national TV. They vehemently and
adamantly proclaim that morals are altogether irrelevant
in their political plans, programs and projects.
They want their political intentions and actuations
to be over and above the ethical norm of good and bad,
beyond what morals consider as virtuous or vicious.
That is why they fume with disgust when they are
censured for their corrupt ideals, deceptive moves and
unjust machinations. In plain language, they claim and
want morality and politics to be altogether separate
realities such that the former has altogether nothing to
do with the latter.
This dangerous and insidious stance of some
politicos ultimately finds its premise on the tenure of
power. They become intoxicated with power thus
making them feel omnipotent, invincible and eventually
corrupt. For these powerful politicos, the norms of
ethics and the imperatives of morals are immaterial and
inconsequential.
If such mentality or culture, if you may, of certain
politicos were true, the consequences would be to their
own ridicule and shame.
One: They would neither be members of humanity
nor constituents of human society that are precisely
ruled by ethical standards and moral principles—
considering that even law itself must be founded on
what is right, good and just
Abp. Angel N. Lagdameo, DD Please. No to Con-
Ass, yes to Con-Con
Two: They should divest themselves of human
dignity, do away with their conscience, switch off their In and Out of Season
innate sense of right or wrong—similar to irrational
creatures, mere robots and machines.
Three: They should be shunned and avoided “THE church values the democratic sys- disapprove a Constitution fabricated by POSTPONENENT OF MAY ELECTION.
whereas they would be either futile to reason with or tem in as much as it ensures the partici- only the House of Congress. O God, please deliver our elected
exasperating to deal with—and probably even pation of the citizens in making political Understanding the gravity of CHA- officials from such temptation; give them
dangerous to relate with. choices, guarantees to the govern the CHA and its perceived consequences, the humility and courage to accept the
The truth of the matter is that politicians should possibility both of electing and holding the CBCP, in several Pastoral Statements demands of genuine democracy. And
instead appreciate being reminded of their obligation to accountable those who govern them, and this Year of Social Concerns, has ex- God, please deliver our country from the
live an upright personal life, to make good moral of replacing them through peaceful means pressed its negative judgment on the evil of Martial Law, never again Martial
judgments, to exercise their public office according to when appropriate.” (Pope John Paul II, proposal of the House of Representatives Law. We pray: NO TO MARTIAL LAW.
Centessimus Annus, Encyclical # 46). converting itself into a Constituent As- As CBCP earlier has said: while we
what ethics say and what morals dictate. This way,
“The local churches are heavily sembly (CON-ASS). agree that certain aspects of our Consti-
they may become a blessing to this country. involved in the formation of a civil con- We sense through the media that the tution may need amendments and/or revi-
science and in the education of citizens highest leadership of the land and of sion, we do not support hasty effort to
Con-Ass and Reming to a true democracy. Episcopal confer-
ences of many countries have made in-
Congress in particular seem to be so “des-
perate” that they would even change the
change this fundamental law without wide-
spread discussion and participation of
terventions against corruption and on Constitutional Rules of Congress in or- people who are not in congress but knowl-
THE seeming obsession, if pell-mell rush, to pursue the behalf of a society that is governed by der to speedily pursue and accommodate edgeable in law. We continue to believe
Constituent Assembly as a mode of Changing the law” (Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, the Constituent Assembly (CON-ASS). that major shifts in the form of govern-
Philippine Constitution has admittedly become a major President of Pontifical Council for Jus- If the term of our elected officials could ment require widespread participation of
concern more than the devastation brought about by tice and Peace, # 11). be extended by six months to one year to civilian society, and relative serenity al-
typhoon Reming to our people in Bicol. The Social Doctrine of the Church institute the CHA-CHA by CON-ASS, lowing national discussion and debate.
There may be no truth to the whispers that so (as stated above) behooves the Church such could further encourage a longer This is best done through a Constitutional
much logistics and machinations have been pumped in to intervene in behalf of true democracy. and longer term. The saying goes “when Convention (CON-CON) where the mem-
to make sure that the Con-Ass will deodorize the troubles The subject matter of Charter Change power corrupts, it corrupts absolutely.” bers are elected by the people precisely
of the day. People in the lower House of Congress are (CHA-CHA), is far more serious a matter NO TO CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY. for the purpose of framing a new Consti-
expected to burn candles for a night or two to make the than changing the names of streets and If the election would be postponed tution. We have many illustrious and cred-
magic wand in place. But there is sure truth to the cries the creation of provinces which require to accommodate the CHA-CHA by CON- ible non-politicians who can help frame a
for help among victims of Reming who only got crumbs both the House of Representatives and ASS, what will stop congress to post- new Constitution. A CON-CON might be
for their food and relief. the Senate to separately vote for ap- pone it for another time and again for very expensive, but it is worth spending
With the way things have been going, pray proval. Far more serious, because it will another time? We sense here a serious much for something that is good for the
that Con-Ass and those behind it would not end up determine the future of our government temptation to our elected officials to per- greatest number. And so we say: YES, TO
devastating this country more than Reming did. and of the Filipino people. Hence, we petuate themselves in power. NO TO CHA-CHA through CON-CON.

ISSN 1908-2940
On the Book Ambassador Henrietta T. de Villa

“I, A Fellow Shepherd” Faith and F ir

Fir
iree
CBCP Monitor
P r o ta g o n i s t of T ruth, Promoter of Peace RECENTLY Time Magazine carried a fea-
ture on 60 Years of Asian Heroes—a trib-
could they have missed His Eminence
in their roster of Asian heroes. But then
you are the problem!” In spite of the
world of problems, the Cardinal has re-
ute to men and women of Asia “who I guess their criteria of high visibility tained his sense of humor, and remains
Pedro C. Quitorio Pinky Barrientos, FSP have shaped our destiny and our times.” and loud proclamation would not find a minister of joy. How can this be so?
Editor-in-Chief Production Manager
And I thought of the Philippines, a na- comfortable fit into the nature of the Because Cardinal Vidal has found joy in
tion beloved by the Lord. Yet a nation author-bishop. In his own words, in the the Cross—Gaudium in Cruce.
Baltazar R. Acebedo Marcelo T. Dalanon
Managing Editor seemingly bent on tearing itself to selection, Truth That Sanctifies, Cardi- The homilies in “I, a Fellow Shep-
Circulation Manager
pieces because its sons and daughters nal Vidal points out “that the bishop herd,” are replete with what defines a
Dennis B. Dayao Ma. Lourdes G. Ebilane are becoming more and more estranged must proclaim the Person of Jesus him- bishop, what should move him, what is
On-Line Editor Marketing Supervisor from friendship with Christ and with self”—Jesus and not his own person. the hundredfold he can look forward
each other. Where are our heroes? The book enunciates in very clear to. To cite some—Love is the founda-
Roy Q. Lagarde Leah Cariaso “I, a Fellow Shepherd” the book terms the challenges each and all bish- tion of Shepherdhood … love your
News Editor Comptroller which compiles selected homilies of His ops must be prepared to respond to. In people with the love of God … allow
Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal, so fact the author with such disarming can- yourself to be loved by God through
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP
Communications Development Foundation, Inc., with very thoughtfully sent to me by Fr. dor states, “Ever since I was ordained the affection of his people … the
editorial and business offices at 470 Gen. Luna St., Agustin Ancajas, answers my question. Bishop, I have had problems for break- bishop is truly a person who touches
Intramuros, Manila. P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO. Edito- A hero of our times, a Good Shepherd fast, and gone to bed with them. Wel- the lives of others … he visits his
rial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612. who among other good shepherds as come to the world of problems … wel- people, he feels for them, he lends his
Email: cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net Website: first among equals, is the author of the come to the world of bishops, where half presence to them.
www.cbcpworld.net/cbcpmonitor homilies—Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal. I the population thinks you can solve How true what he says. A month
wanted to email Time Magazine how their problems, and the other half thinks Faith / P8
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 17
December 4, 2006
Oscar V. Cruz, DD
Vie ws and P
iews oints
Points
CERTAIN politicians once again loudly
and proudly proclaim their old-time fa-
vorite thesis: population is he culprit for
the poverty of the people and the misery
of the nation. Translation: population is
the enemy of the state.
As usual, they complain that there
are too many mouths to feed with too
little food to eat. There are too many
people without work, without education,
without health care. There is too much
crime in the streets, too much garbage
around, too much air pollution. Popula-
tion is synonymous with disaster.
The population is primary cause of
all social adversities. Population is the key
in all the present local and national socio-
economic reversals taking place all over
the country. Conclusion: down with the
population! Population is the curse of the
nation. Depopulate the country by all
Focus on Albay
PICTURE this: the sun rises at half past
six in the morning along the southern por-
tion of the 2,462-meter Mayon Volcano
from the Daang Maharlika at Barangay
Matacon, Polangui, Albay. You get to see
trees along the horizon minus its smaller
branches and eye-soothing green leaves.
These images would remind one of people
seeking all possible help, prayers included,
to get them back to their feet, comparable
with men, women and children asking for
deliverance. The sight seems to send a
message up there for a much-needed break
from the series of natural calamities. From
a safe distance one wouldn’t notice the
severe damage brought about by Reming
in terms of lives, properties and a merry
celebration of Christmas.
First to hit the province was Mayon
Volcano’s abnormal activities which sent
thousands to government-run evacuation
centers. Then came Milenyo which
brought government infrastructures down
and now, the full wrath of Reming.
Along the stretch, one will see
wooden and concrete houses without
galvanized iron roofs. A great number of
nipa huts have been flattened by the su-
per howler.
Going farther south to Oas and Ligao
city, coconut trees without their valued
crowns could be seen from a distance. In
Rev. Euly B. Belizar, SThD
By the Roadside
Roadside
TO be Human. Once one of the leading
college women’s basketball teams suffered
a shocking defeat at home in 2003. It was
their first. A newspaper reported how their
loss made them realize they’re “human”.
They were not the first. Virtually all of us,
ordinary people, celebrities, people with
authority who fail—husbands, wives,
priests or religious, when committing any
wrongdoing—invoke variations of the
same theme: “I’m only human.” Why is
our being human often made an excuse
for our weakness, failure, defeat, fault, sin?
When we are succeeding, when we do
virtuous acts, are we less human? We need
to retrieve a truth we often put under the
rug, namely, that it’s good to be truly hu-
man. In fact, it’s so good that God himself
decided to become human too. To be hu-
man is to be God’s image and likeness (Gen
1:26). Every Christmas we celebrate God
becoming human. That, St. Athanasius
teaches, happened so that we might be-
come like God. In Christ Jesus we see not
only someone perfectly God but also per-
fectly human. In Christ our being human
goes beyond being “image and likeness
of God”. We become sons and daughters
in the Son (Gal 4:6-7). Which is why St.
Irenaeus urges us to become fully human
Opinion
Population: Enemy of
the State
means. The lesser the people, the better.
Big population equals want. Small
population means abundance. More
population spells indigence. Less popu-
lation brings wealth. Anti-population poli-
ticians conveniently forget that they
themselves, their parents and siblings
plus their own children and grandchil-
dren, add to the population of the coun-
try. Should people also shout: Down with
politicians! Away with politicos!
Anti-population politicians presum-
ably well know that the country now has
but a service economy. This simply
means that the national export is people.
Domestic helpers, laborers, care givers,
nurses and millions of other Filipinos
abroad are those keeping the nation fi-
nancially afloat through their big and
regular dollar remittances. Even call cen-
ters ultimately mean people helping the
Melo M. Acuna
Issues and Concerns
Guinobatan town, one could see cadaver
bags along the road, in front of Nuestra
Senora de Salvacion Funeral Homes.
These victims were all buried during the
mudflows that immediately followed the
466 millimeter rains (a rainfall record in
Albay). Public school buildings, Catholic
churches and other facilities took a very
big beating.
At the village of the late Bishop
Teotimo Pacis, a place for the rural poor in
Guinobatan, modest homes disappeared
as the ground fell due to rampaging flood
waters. Even the concrete/steel bridge
was cut in half.
In Camalig, Guinobatan and Daraga,
rice lands and coconut orchards would
take years to recover. Farmers would have
to find other ways to survive. Where
would they go?
In Albay’s most trying times, local and
national government officials, along with
Church leaders have all agreed to focus
on those whose houses have been buried
under tons of volcanic debris. They will
also send relief goods to all victims and
assist in rebuilding homes.
Albay Governor Fernando Gonzales
asked everyone to help. He has practi-
cally stayed at the Provincial Capitol and
Disaster Coordinating Council offices
along with disaster expert Cedric Daep.
To be Human, to be
Filipino, to be Catholic
for the glory of God—it is when we realize
the fullness of our humanity. St. Ignatius
of Antioch, as he was on the brink of mar-
tyrdom, said that his goal was to die for
Christ because by then he would become
“a man”. So as we succeed at loving when
it is too difficult to love, in forgiving when
it’s well nigh impossible to do so, to do
good when doing wrong is so much easier
and even more fashionable, why don’t we
also say: “Well, that’s because I’m human
after all”?
To be Filipino. It struck me when I
first got hold of a copy of a New York-
based newsmagazine named “The Filipino
Catholic”. I seldom think of myself in those
terms. The phrase reminds me of the late
Tom Dooley’s retort to someone who
asked him if he was a Roman Catholic.
“No,” he said. “I am a Chicago Catholic.”
How right. So why can’t you and I also
say, “I am a Filipino Catholic”? Usually
we say we are Filipino to distinguish our-
selves from other nationalities, and that
we are Roman Catholic when asked about
our religious affiliation. But have we ever
thought that putting the two together is
crucial for our identity? Two experiences
made me ask serious questions about iden-
tity. Once in Rome a Japanese tourist
national economy survive.
China, Japan, Hong Kong all have
big population. And they are wealthy
countries. The African continent has a
small sum total of population. Yet is not
an affluent place. This means that popu-
lation itself—big or small—does not nec-
essarily translate to poverty or affluence.
The question is—as it has always
been—the kind of governance a country
has. When political leaders lie, cheat and
steal, when public offices become a com-
mon public curse especially in terms of
graft and corruption, when public funds
from big direct and many indirect taxes go
to the private pockets—all these impov-
erish the nation, violate the population.
Population is the wealth of a nation!
A government may be the enemy of the
state! The kind of governance can be the
curse of the citizens! Not the population!
Fr. Jovic Lobrigo, the Diocese of Legazpi’s
Social Action Center director and DWBS-
CMN Manager Fr. Pau Barandon have
coordinated to attend to the needs of the
affected evacuees. The Philippine Na-
tional Red Cross along with volunteers
from Southern Leyte (of St. Bernard fame),
Makati City, SBMA and the Armed Forces
of the Philippines along with recruits from
the Philippine National Police have joined
in the retrieval operations.
It is also in these trying times that we
get to see the best and the worst in people.
Self-sacrificing leaders and volunteers
have always been seen in the forefront.
The worst has come out in the alarms that
sent thousands to “safer grounds” due
to disinformation and not-so-funny prac-
tical jokes.
May the patroness of Bicol, Our Lady
of Pe‘&ñafrancia and Albay’s Nuestra
Senora de Salvacion come to the aid of
our less fortunate victims in Albay. By
the way, donations may be sent to Sagip
Reming Fund and Rehab Campaign c/o
DZRV-Radyo Veritas 846 with Ms. Lanie
Cabral. You may also send your dona-
tions to SPM 0851-0067-37 BPI-Albay. Frs.
Jovic Lobrigo and Pau Barandon will surely
acknowledge your support.
Feedbacks through
acunamelo@yahoo.com.
picked me out from the crowd and began
asking me questions in Japanese. I said,
“I’m sorry. I don’t understand Japanese.
I’m Filipino.” In New York City a Chinese
lady approached me at a subway station
and started asking questions in Chinese.
I said, “I’m sorry, Ma’am. I don’t under-
stand Chinese. I’m Filipino.” Whenever I
remember them to kabayan friends it sur-
prises me how quite a few come up with
similar experiences. I find it remarkable that
people of Asian roots often see us from
their point of view. So do people of Cau-
casian roots. And we, with no little help
from our colonial past, compare ourselves
with them more often than not. In our Asian
neighbors we see the discipline and pa-
triotism we wish we had. In the U.S. and
Europe we see the affluence and the po-
litical and social stability we envy. But
comparing ourselves with others does not
make us a better people. We should rather
compare ourselves with the best of our
race. We should compare ourselves with
our Jose Rizals, our Andres Bonifacios,
our national heroes. We should especially
compare ourselves periodically with our
heroes of the faith, St. Lorenzo Ruiz and
Blessed Pedro Calungsod. They are the
Roadside / P8
7
Bp. Leonardo Y. Medroso, JCD, DD
Tidbits
The Dress Code of
the Priests
THE Time magazine in its anniversary issue of the 13th No-
vember 2006 carried among others an article that highlights
the danger of global warming and the need to come out with
pro-active laws and worldwide consultation to put a stop to
climate change. The proponent of this refreshing move is J.
McAllister. He cites as one of the main causes of global
warming the distorted value that human beings have gradu-
ally imbibed in the course of their long relationship with
nature. They have formed the attitude of discrimination, tak-
ing good care of one and abusing the other. For one, “we”,
the author of the article continues, “tend not to look after
what isn’t, strictly speaking, ‘ours’, so resources used in
common get abused”. Legal scholars, so he says, call this
tendency “the tragedy of the commons.” The author is not
just speculating for this can readily be observed in the way
man mistreats with abandon the environment, particularly,
the atmosphere, the air, the water.
A similar negative tendency has also been observed in
the Church in the ordained minister’s attitude regarding the
clerical dress. Clerical attire is the official garb that is to be
used by the clergy in his social life, the ecclesiastical uni-
form supposed to be worn by them in their public appear-
ances. This is an attire that should distinguish the clergy
from the rest of the faithful. The universal law came out with
specific regulation obliging those who receive the sacred
orders to wear this uniform in public as an integral part of his
external decorum. Canon 284 expresses it this way: “Clerics
are to wear suitable ecclesiastical dress, in accordance with
the norms established by the Bishops’ Conference and le-
gitimate local custom.” In compliance with the mandate of
the universal law the Philippine hierarchy issued specific
norms regarding the ecclesiastical uniform that could serve
at the same time as an executory decree enjoining all the
ordained ministers in the Philippines to follow. It states:
“The proper clerical attire approved by the Catholic Bish-
ops’ Conference of the Philippines are as follows: 1. cassock
or religious habit; 2. clergyman’s suit; 3. trousers of dark
one-tone color, with the clerical collar. The shirt may also be
either polo-barong or barong tagalong, with a distinctive
cross” (Testera, Florencio, Canon Law Digest of the Philip-
pine Catholic Church, Manila, 1987, pp. 13-14).
The reason for the obligation of wearing the clerical
dress code, however, is not at all based on the intention of
setting up an elitist class in the Church, a sort of a status
symbol for the clergy, installing them not only apart from the
rest of the faithful in the ecclesiastical community but also
as possessing a higher stateliness and dignity. The real pur-
pose of the ecclesiastical garb is to serve as a public testi-
mony, a manifestation to one and all that the one wearing an
ecclesiastical dress is a cleric that he belongs especially to
God. It is an outward manifestation of the uniqueness of the
priestly ministry.
Unfortunately, history has somehow warped the per-
ception of the ecclesiastical garb. There was a time when the
Church has experienced the tragedy of ecclesiastical elitism,
the tendency, that is, of the clerics to be granted special
treatment in the community, to be exempted from some obli-
gations, and to be favored with more and more privileges
than the rest of the members of the ecclesial community. To
be a cleric at that time was to possess a privileged position
in society; to be a cleric was to be considered as one special.
The Second Vatican Council tried to eliminate these clerical
privileges. It did so by introducing the concept of the People
of God, leveling thereof the dignity, rights and duties of all
the faithful in the Church. In this concept all the baptized are
considered equal. That should have settled the problem of
elitism in the Church until another reactionary movement
came to the fore. This time it emphasized on what was com-
mon to all. Steeped with Vatican II theology and doctrine,
some members of the Church made that generalization which
states: everything ecclesiastical is elitist. Applying this con-
clusion to the ecclesiastical dress code, some clerics shirk
from wearing the clerical uniform, stating that to wear the
official dress is to pose as one who is an ecclesiastic and,
therefore, exclusive, snobby, elitist. Hence, they prefer to
go in public in t-shirts or in ordinary clothes. It is not that
they are necessarily ashamed of their identity as priests or
that they have a weak sense of their clerical identity. Rather,
they do not like to get the attention of people, who because
of the uniform give them privileged treatment, or else be
looked at with suspicious and leery glances. They prefer to
be left alone, free and unperturbed.
In spite of all these, the Church is insistent that her or-
dained ministers wear the ecclesiastical garb. The reason is
simple. The ecclesiastical dress is an external sign, a symbol
that is replete with meaning. The clergy who wears it is send-
ing a message to the community of believers as well as to the
people in general. The message of the Gospels that the clergy
is commissioned to transmit is expressed with words and com-
municated effectively with external signs, easily understand-
able to the world of today that is so sensitive to the language
Tidbits / P8
 CBCP Monitor

8 Commissions Vol. 10 No. 17

December 4, 2006

The AMRSP is represented in sion

the commission by three men and
three women religious superiors,
usually by the co-chairpersons and
by the other members of the AMRSP
board.
Objectives
The CBCP Constitutions and
by-laws state the objectives of the
ECMR as follows:
• Generate communication between
the CBCP and AMRSP
• Foster mutual esteem and close
collaboration between bishops
and religious working in the Phil-
ippines to achieve unity and har-
mony as demanded by their
apostolate
• Make studies and research and dis-
cuss problems of common inter-
est and shall formulate concrete
proposals for a joint coordinated
plan of action
• Facilitate the implementation of
provisions stated in the Mutuae
Relationes and other resolutions
• Encourage dialogue at the local and
regional levels between bishops,
religious and priests through the
initiative of the local ordinary and/
or the religious superiors
• Submit to the CBCP Permanent
Council a report of its activities
together with its recommendations
The Visa Desk
The Commission also handles
the ECMR-AMRSP Visa Desk, a
project of AMRSP which was set up
to:
• Endorse Catholic foreign mission-
aries, religious and lay, for their
visa application with the Bureau
of Immigration
• Function as an accredited body of
the Bureau of Immigration
Thus the visa desk assists for-
eign Catholic missionaries in their
official dealings with the bureau on
matters such as applications for pre-
arranged employment (religious)
visa, grace period extensions, emi-

Mixed Commission on Mutual Relations and tasks decided upon by the

CBCP that pertains to the commis-
gration clearance, re-entry and other
permits.

Between Bishops and Religious (ECMR)
AS the name of the commission im-
plies, there is a need to clarify, co-
ordinate and ultimately unite the
purposes and programs of the Bish-
ops and Major Religious Superiors
in the Philippines. The decree on
the Vatican II document Renewal
of Religious Life states emphati-
cally that “suitable coordination
and cooperation ought to be inau-
gurated between them (the reli-
gious) and the Episcopal Confer-
ences with regard to the exercise
of the apostolate” (#23).
Guidelines for the decree were
supplied in the document Mutuae
Relationes. This document was the
cradle of the Episcopal Commis-
sion on Mutual Relations or ECMR
(between Bishops and Religious).
The commission therefore is an off-
shoot of the Vatican II document.
The Second Plenary Council of
the Philippines has urged the
implementation of three basic con-
cepts concerning the religious in
the local Church namely: integra-
tion, participation and coordina-
tion. These fundamental ideas ac-
knowledge the authority of the lo-
cal bishops as Shepherd of the
Flock and the charism of the reli-
gious in building up the People of
God.
The orientation given by both
the Second Vatican Council and the
PCP II considers the needs of the
faithful as the focus of both au-
thority and charism. Consequently,
integration, coordination and col-
laboration have become essential
in the face of pastoral plans, dioc-
esan or national. These then form
the basic focus of the commission.
(cf. Orlando Quevedo, OMI, DD,
Archbishop of Nueva Segovia,
CBCP’s 50th year as stated in the
Souvenir Book pp. 328-329)
Nature of the Commission
ECMR is an Episcopal Commis-
sion. It is also called Mixed Commis-
sion since it is composed and repre-
sented by two separate bodies with
their own separate Statutes and By-
Laws, the CBCP and the AMRSP.
In the 89th CBCP PlenaryAssem-
bly in July 2003, the Bishops ap-
proved that the Commission will be
called Episcopal Commission on
Mutual Relations (between bishops
and religious) without changing its
composition and representation.
Membership
There are four Bishop members
of the Episcopal Commission. The
ECMR Chairman is elected at large
by the CBCP Plenary Assembly and
has a term of two years and maybe
reelected for another term.
Members of the Episcopal Commission on Mutual Rela-
tions
Chairman: Bishop Sofronio A. Bancud
Vice Chairman: Bishop Leo M. Drona, SDB
Members:
Bishop Isabelo C. Abarquez
Bishop John F. Du
Bishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona, OCD
AMRSP Members
Co-Chairpersons:
Sr. Ma. Luz Mijares, OSA;
Bro. Edmundo Fernandez, FSC
Vice-Co-Chairman:
Sr. Mary John Mananzan, OSB
Members:
Sr. Bernardita Zatarin, RVM
Fr. Daniel Patrick Huang, SJ
Bro. Joel Ponsaran, FC
ECMR Executive Secretary:
Sr. Ma. ConsueloA. Rosales, RVM
Visa Desk In-Charge:
Sr. Norma C. Roque, FMA
AMRSP Co-Executive Secretaries:
Sr. Estrella Castalone, FMA
Bro. Briccio Baynosa, FMS

Faith / from p6 Tidbits / from p7

before I left to begin my life
and mission in Rome ten
years ago, His Eminence
without any previous notice
came knocking at my office
in Pius XII Catholic Center.
He said he came to visit me
because he might not be
able to see me off when I
leave. I was so aghast that
he had to climb 3 flights of
stairs—my office was on
the third floor of the build-
ing. And I knew that he re-
cently had an andioplasty. I
told him, “Naku Eminence,
ang taas-taas ng inakyat
niyo, nagpasabi na lang
sana kayo at ako na ang
bumaba.” He said very sim-
ply, “O, ano ba naman yon,
hagdanan lamang ang
inakyat ko. Eh, ikaw ang
dami-damimg akyat panaog
ang ginagawa mo para sa
S i m b a h a n .
Magpapasalamat lang
ako.” That gesture of love
accompanied my years in
Rome, and will continue to
fill my heart for the rest of
my days.
Reading the homilies of
Cardinal Vidal during Epis-
copal ordinations of bish-
ops—I think he delivered the
homily for almost all the bish-
ops ordained in the last 20
years—during their installa-
tions and anniversaries, I
came upon an astonishing
truth. With Cardinal Vidal,
word and happening are
one—just like the Lord. No
wonder forgiveness is not
only preached by him, but he
also lives it—giving eloquent
witness to what Jesus mani-
fested on the Cross—he
loves us even in our sins.
Forgiveness, as His Emi-
nence lives it and gives it and
asks for it, is his creative act
of healing. With Jesus at the
Last Supper as model, for
Cardinal Vidal forgiving is
loving, which makes forgive-
ness not just a private abso-
lution but a way of building
a new community. A new
community with all the pos-
sibilities of a future with God.
Cardinal Vidal can write
with such profound knowl-
edge about what a bishop is
because he not only knows
Christ whom he represents,
but his whole ministry re-
volves around and is rooted
on his intimate friendship
with Jesus.
The presentation of the
book, “I, a Fellow Shep-
herd,” is actually a presen-
tation of the life of THE
Bishop—Ricardo J. Cardinal
Vidal. A life totally given to
God, a life totally at the ser-
vice of the Church, a life to-
tally proclaiming with such
faithfulness: Dominus Est—
It Is The Lord!
Ricardo J. Cardinal
Vidal—our hero, our good
shepherd—has contributed
much in shaping the rising
and dying rhythm of our
Christian life.
of images. To quote the words
of the late Pope John Paul II,
“Ecclesiastical dress, there-
fore, is a sign which makes it
easier for others to approach
the ministry that the priests
represent. In the present soci-
ety, in which the sense of the
sacred has become so dimin-
ished, people have even more
need of those calls to God,
which cannot be disregarded
without a certain impoverish-
ment of our priestly service”
(John Paul II, Letter to the
Vicar of Rome, 8 September
1982, in L’Osservatore
Romano, October 18-19, 1982).
The clergy is an ordained
minister and he must be known
as such. It is true that the
transformation effected by the
Sacrament of Ordination is
something spiritual. It config-
ures the one called to partici-
pate in the priesthood of Christ
Roadside / from p7
best expressions of who we
were and who we can be. Are
our mindsets and lifestyles in
sync with theirs?
To be Catholic. If being
Filipino invites us to look more
deeply inside us, being Catho-
lic makes us look outside the
confines of our race. It makes
us get in touch with the full-
ness of the presence of Christ
that he also extends to other
peoples of other races. As the
Catholic faith reminds us, it’s
really because the whole Body
of Christ “subsists” (exists, is
the Head of the Church, con-
ferring on him the spiritual
power to act in the name and,
oftentimes, in the person of
Christ. As such the priestly fea-
ture and power of the ordained,
although ontologically real, is
spiritual. It therefore goes be-
yond physical appearances
and cannot be fully expressed
by mere external signs and
symbols, much less can it be
truly and faithfully articulated
by a mere dress or garb. The
priestly character of the or-
dained minister can only be
expressed by the authentic life
of the minister, his sincerity to
live up to the demands of the
priesthood and his faithfulness
to the mission to which he is
called to. The ecclesiastical
dress is not an external sign of
his priesthood; it is his spiri-
tual and priestly life.
But the reasoning suffers
present) in her that makes the
Church Catholic, giving her
the fullness of the means of
salvation (Catechism of the
Catholic Church, n 830). We
cringe at the thought of put-
ting ourselves above other
Christians. We’re not. We’re
acknowledging rather the truth
of a surpassing gift given not
only to us but to all mankind.
This is because ‘Catholic’ also
means that Jesus has en-
trusted to us a universal mis-
sion when he says to his
apostles: “All authority has
some flaws. The Church who
legislates on the proper dress
for her clergy is not purely
spiritual. She is a realist, sacra-
mental in its language as it is
incarnational in its view of re-
ality. The spirit can be ex-
pressed in something physical;
God can be experienced in the
burning bush; the Word can
be seen and can be touched in
the flesh; the child can be trans-
formed into a son of God
through the pouring of water
with the Trinitarian invocation;
the ordained can be known by
the ecclesiastical dress he
wears. Through the centu-
ries the Church has believed
in the value of physical signs
and external symbols that
point to something that is oth-
erwise imperceptible to the
human senses. It has contin-
ued on to its practice of pour-
ing water to a child to show
been given me in heaven and
on earth. Go, therefore, and
make disciples of all nations.
Baptize them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:18-19).
‘Catholic’ describes God’s plan
to save all nations and make
them sharers of his very life,
the life of the one God in three
Persons. Our baptism is proof
of that. We are Filipino because
God loves us as a nation. We
are Catholic because he loves
all nations. This means two
things. One is that we can’t call
the power of the Holy Trinity
cleansing the creature from its
inherited sin and transforming
it into a true child of God; of
taking on the species of bread
and wine into the altar of sacri-
fice to make of them the sacra-
mental presence of the Body
and Blood of Christ for the re-
demption of man.
The spiritual reality of the
priesthood imprinted in the
person of the ordained minis-
ter has to be expressed and
communicated to the commu-
nity to which he is called to
serve. His life, his behavior,
his prayer life, his decorum, his
language, all of them have to
communicate and articulate the
reality of the priesthood he had
once been configured. To be
known as such, so the Church
enjoins, the ordained minister
has to wear the proper ecclesi-
astical attire.
ourselves Christians and reject
our Filipino roots. That is a re-
jection of God’s particular love
for our people. Two, neither
can we be Christian and stay
clannish or parochial. That is a
rejection of God’s universal
love or love for all peoples of
all nations. In fact, any form of
racism or prejudice even
against fellow Filipinos of other
linguistic or cultural back-
grounds can be said to be a
denial of the Catholic faith.
Filipino Catholic. Are you
one? Better be.
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 17
December 4, 2006
Historical Background
ONE of the enduring legacies of the
late His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin
was his recommendation to the Holy
See that the Archdiocese of Manila
be divided into smaller dioceses to
better serve the growing population
of Metro Manila. To prepare for this
eventuality, new Ecclesiastical Dis-
tricts were created namely:
Parañaque, Cubao, Caloocan,
Novaliches and Pasig. Pasig was
placed under the supervision of
Bishop Nestor Cariño, D.D., who was
then the Secretary General of the
CBCP. Under his able leadership, he
challenged the clergy, the religious
and lay leaders to start thinking, plan-
ning, working for the creation of a
new ecclesiastical reality comprising
the cities of Pasig , Taguig and the
town of Pateros .
Pope John Paul II created the
Diocese of Pasig on June 26, 2003
and appointed Most Rev. Francisco
C. San Diego D.D. as its first bishop.
On August 21, 2003 in the presence
of His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin,
His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal
and His Excellency, Most Rev. An-
tonio Franco, D.D., Apostolic Nun-
cio and other Bishops, Bishop San
Diego was solemnly installed as the
first bishop of the newly-created
Diocese of Pasig.
Immediately Bishop San Diego
organized the chancery office and
appointed the key persons to the
different posts. Msgr. Rodolfo
Gallardo was appointed Vicar Gen-
eral, while Fr. Roy Rosales was as-
signed as the Chancellor. Fr. Ramil
Marcos was designated as Bishop’s
Important Facts
Name: Dioecesis Pasiginae (Suffragan of Manila)
Population:
Pasig 525,100
Pateros 69,100
Taguig 622,910
Catholics 1,040,400
Area:
Pasig 3,100 hectares
Pateros 184 hectares
Taguig 4,538 hectares
Clergy & Religious:
Bishop 1 High Schools
Priests 31
Sisters 42
Deacon 1 Website:
Guest Priests 25
Cause of / from p3
“After all the witnesses have
been interviewed worldwide, that’s
the time it would be forwarded to
Rome for the proper “decision”. If
Rome approves that he lived a he-
roic life, then he would be declared
Venerable. Then it would need a
miracle for his beatification and
another miracle for his canoniza-
tion,” Mabanta says.
So far, testimonies by people
who claimed to have been cured
by praying to Fr. Peyton are cur-
rently being investigated for au-
thenticity.
“The one being investigated
right now is the one from Africa.
It’s a double AIDS miracle, mother
and child sick of AIDS, and then
they were cured,” says Mabanta.
Several cases of healing here
in the Philippines have also been
attributed through the intercession
of the Servant of God. “All of them
are health-related because that is
what is normally accepted,” ex-
plains Mabanta. “But I cannot talk
about them, because they are still
under investigation.”
Mabanta says her office is
conducting preliminary talks with
the doctors to determine the valid-
ity of the case. Doctors have to at-
test in writing that medical interven-
tion is not possible to cure the sick
person, before healing can be con-
Diocese
Private Secretary. The role of the
economus was given to Fr. Orlindo
Ordoña and the Judicial Vicar ’s po-
sition was entrusted to Rev. Fr. Pedro
Enrique Rabonza IV. Rev. Fr. Orlando
Cantillon was appointed Director of
Pastoral Ministries. Rev. Paulino
Balagtas was tapped as the Episco-
pal Vicar for guest priests. Fr.
Amando Litana was designated Su-
perintendent of Catholic Schools.
The Diocesan Pastoral Council and
the Council of the Laity were also
organized to enhance the participa-
tion of the laity in the Diocesan Pro-
grams and Activities.
As early as November 2003,
Bishop San Diego created a Dioc-
esan Pastoral Planning Commission
to start the consultation process
among the different sectors of the
Diocese. On February 21, 2004, the
First Diocesan General Assembly
was held, graced by the presence of
parish priests, parish Pastoral Coun-
cil Officers, religious and youth Rep-
resentatives who all gathered for the
momentous event. The assembly
agreed to give priority to four chal-
lenges: (1) The family as the focal
point of evangelization, (2) The ac-
tive presence and participation of the
Poor in the Church, (3) Integral faith
formation, and (4) Journeying with
the youth.
To realize these four priorities,
the ministry of Family and Life, So-
cial Service and Development Min-
istry, Formation Ministry, and Dioc-
esan Youth Ministry were created.
Immediately they launched a series
of meetings and consultations and
came up with their respective plan
of actions. Family and Life opened a
Seminarians:
In Theology 5 The diocesan Pastoral Planning
In Philosophy 5
Diocesan Divisions:
Vicariates 4 sion statement be substantially short
Parishes 27
Chaplaincy 1
Personal Parish 1 ful. The diocese’s pastoral vision is
Educational Centers:
College 1 tal trust in God’s love, envision our-
11
Elementary Schools 11
Kindergarten 11
http://www.pasigdiocese.com
sidered miraculous.
As a young priest, Fr. Peyton
spread the devotion to the Blessed
Mother and the Rosary not only in
the United States but in many coun-
tries of the world. He used mass me-
dia to spread the devotion and
boldly rallied Hollywood stars to
support his cause. His campaign
slogans “The family that prays to-
gether, stays together; A world at
prayer is a world at peace,” caught
like bushfires and inspired mam-
moth rallies in big cities through-
out the world.
Miraculously healed of tuber-
culosis (an incurable illness during
his time), Fr. Peyton attributed the
miraculous healing through the in-
tercession of the Blessed Mother.
He vowed to spend his whole life
propagating the devotion to Mary
and the recitation of the rosary.
Fr. Peyton had been in the Phil-
ippines several times during his life-
time to promote the Family Rosary
Crusade. He first came in 1965 and
been coming back and forth several
times. He stayed for three years in
the country during the 70’s.
The Family Rosary Crusade
ministries are found in seventeen
countries worldwide. In the Philip-
pines, the Family Rosary Crusade
is shown at least 40 hours a week in
four channels on national television.
“Ut Unum Sint”
by Fr. Orlando Cantillon
“Domus Familiae Center” and cam-
paigned for the establishment of Par-
ish Family and Life Ministry and
worked hand to oppose HB #3773
by bringing the issues to all the par-
ishes. SSDM-Pasig, in coordination
with Caritas Manila, launched liveli-
hood programs, job fairs, Hapag-asa
Feeding Program, medical and den-
tal clinics and conscientization pro-
grams. The Diocesan Youth Minis-
try organized youth camps, vicari-
ate assemblies, parish youth en-
counter, and sport fests. The Minis-
try of Formation organized the litur-
gical celebrations, the Eucharistic
and Marian Congresses and likewise
strengthened the catechetical in-
structions in all the public schools.
From April 29 to May 1, 2004,
the Pastoral Planning Commission
together with Bishop San Diego, the
four Vicars Forane, two religious and
several lay leaders sat down to for-
mulate the Diocesan Vision, Mission
and Goals for the next three years.
Pastoral Vision-Mission and
Direction
Commission appropriately resolved
then that the diocese’s pastoral vi-
for easy comprehension by the faith-
stated thus: “We the people of God
in the Diocese of Pasig, with the to-
selves as a community of disciples
of Jesus Christ proclaiming the Gos-
pel of Life and Love.”
Carved from this pastoral vi-
sion, the mission statement of the
NCR Holds / from p3
concerns were put into focus
through songs and dances. The sec-
ond part tackled Pope Benedict
XVI’s encyclical on God who is
Love. Two young charismatic speak-
ers, George Gabriel and Bobby
Quitain spoke on the topic that set
the mood of the participants to con-
tinue believing in the love of God in
the midst of the seemingly difficult
situations and harsh realities people
are faced with. A group sharing and
Holy Hour (led by Bishop Deogracias
Iniguez of Kalookan) were also held.
His Eminence, Cardinal
Gaudencio Rosales of Manila also
graced the vigil and challenged to
the young people to make concrete
steps in being true to God’s calling
for them. He further asked them to
be protagonists in today’s society
through real service and love for oth-
ers.
The last part of the program was
a celebration of vocations. Seminar-
ians and religious women took turns
in sharing their lives through vari-
ous production numbers. It set forth
an invitation to the participants to
respond to the particular call of God
in the midst of a highly individualis-
tic and materialistic world.
The event culminated with the
celebration of the Holy Mass at 5:00
in the morning. The Most Rev.
Broderick Pabillo, Auxiliary Bishop
9
diocese was formulated following then aptly identified its pastoral core
the challenges and decrees of the Values etched fittingly according to
Second Plenary Council of the Phil- its name, P A S I G, to signify, namely:
ippines or PCP II: “To realize our P = Prayer, A = Availability, S = Sim-
Vision under the guidance of the plicity, I = Integrity, G = Generosity
Spirit of God, through the interces- And finally for its diocesan
sion of Our Lady of Immaculate Con- motto, the three-year old diocese has
ception, we shall embark on a re- adopted the priestly prayer of Jesus,
newed evangelization by integral “Ut Unum Sint” (That they may be
faith formation, making the family as one). Indeed, a young and fledgling
a focal point of evangelization, jour- diocese it is, the Diocese of Pasig
neying with the youth, seeking the yet undauntedly treks along its pas-
active participation of the poor, and toral journey of always being one—
building and strengthening of the one flock under one Shepherd, a
participatory church through Basic church of communion despite or
Ecclesial Communities.” amid differences, a church of unity
Faithfully conforming to its pas- based on the Mystery of the Holy
toral vision and mission, the diocese Trinity.
of Manila, was the main celebrant of The next Regional Vocation Fes-
the mass concelebrated by vocation tival will be hosted by the Diocese
and youth directors from the differ- of Cubao. It is hoped that more
ent dioceses in the Metro Manila young people will be able to encoun-
area. The festival ended at 6:00 a.m. ter God and His calling for them in
with a burst of songs and applause the next youth gathering that will be
from all those gathered. held in the last quarter of 2008.
The overnight gathering was
(Rev. Fr. Joel Francis V ictorino is the
truly an experience of joyous cel- Coordinator of the Directors of Voca-
ebration of prayer, recollection, shar- tions in the Philippines-National Capital
ing, songs and dances. Region)
www.cbcpworld.com | training@cbcpworld.net | +632 4041612, 4042182
The CBCPWorld Network
A network of Dioceses, Parishes, Catholic Schools and
religious groups. Today, over a hundred of them nation-
wide. Pursuing one mission, linked under one nationwide
satellite system. Connected together with the same pas-
sion for the Gospel.
Our Broadband Connectivity is delivered to our network
members through a VSAT system on a C-band or through
a wireless IP system on a microwave platform, originat-
ing from our network operations center in Clark Special
Economic Zone in Angeles City.
Our Content Department aims at saturating the cyberspace
with wholesome contents that are faith-related, educa-
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sourcing and editing, and video production.
Our Traning Department conducts the following trainings:
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 CBCP Monitor
10 Feature Vol. 10 No. 17
December 4, 2006

It is possible that no area of recommendations by which, it in appreciating her as the dis- sides focusing on Mary’s vir-
disagreement between Catho- is hoped, Catholics and Prot- ciple par excellence whose tues of faith and motherly
lics and Protestants today is estants might begin to appre- “fiat” (let it be done) not only love, the song points beyond
as hostile and emotional as ciate together the great beauty changed the course of human Mary to God himself in the
that concerning Mary, the and worth of the blessed history but who is also a pe- refrain: Be our yes to God as
mother of Jesus. A typical mother of our Lord. rennial model of complete we offer our all / To the Fa-
Protestant opinion is that of surrender to God. Our Catho- ther Creator / To the Son the
the influential Reformed theo- 1. “Jesus is Lord” ( 1 lic understanding of Mary as Redeemer / To the Spirit
logian, Karl Barth, who de- Corinthians 12:3) “intercessor” must be seen in Consoler.
clared: “In the doctrine and the light of her “Do whatever
worship of Mary there is dis- Christians can be united He tells you” (John 2:5). 5. “Above all these put
closed the one heresy of the to the extent that Christ’s on love” (Colossians
Roman Catholic Church which lordship is proclaimed and 4. “All things are lawful, 3:14)
explains all the rest.” lived out in their lives. When but not all things are
What are some of the Christ becomes more and helpful. All things are John Wesley, the
most common Protestant ob- more the center of their the- lawful, but not all things founder of the Methodist
jections to Marian doctrine ology and spirituality (not build up” (1 Corinthians church, wrote a striking sen-
and devotion? One could cite just in theory but in actual 10:23) tence in his Letter to a Ro-
three: (1) Mary is perceived practice), the more he be- man Catholic: “If we cannot
to surpass and overshadow comes the point at which the The Second Vatican as yet think alike in all
Christ; (2) Mary is seen to be various Christian commun- Council has decreed that things, at least we may love
in competition with Christ; (3) ions can meet in fraternal love Catholics must “carefully re- alike.” This call for mutual
Mary is thought to be wor- and solidarity. One Lutheran frain from whatever might, by respect and fraternal charity
shipped or treated as some- friend of mine remarked that word or deed, lead the sepa- even in the face of disagree-
one divine. The upshot of all he would have no problem if, rated brethren or any others ment is not new. Scripture
this is that Mary seems to be when speaking of Mary, one whatsoever into error about instructs us to “above all
loved, remembered, prayed began with Jesus, continued the true doctrine of the these put on love, which
and related to more than on with Mary, but ended Church” regarding Mary. binds everything together in
Christ. Her statues and images again with Jesus. Cardinal Marian doctrines and devo- perfect harmony” (Col 3:14),
proliferate and are handled in Newman, the great English tions must somehow be and a common saying in the
such a way as to evoke suspi- theologian, wrote that one judged upon the bar of ecu- early Church was “In
cions of superstition and could not love Mary too menical sensitivity. Is this necessariis unitas, in dubiis
idolatry. To the casual ob- much if one loved Jesus a devotional practice helpful, libertas, in omnibus caritas”
server, Mary, invoked under great deal more. or potentially scandalous, to (unity in necessary things,
her title of “Mother of Per- our separated brethren? liberty in doubtful things, and
petual Help” or “Queen of 2. “I am the handmaid of How can we understand and love in everything).
Heaven,” appears to be far the Lord” (Luke 1:38) explain this Marian belief in Christians dialoguing
more popular and powerful a more ecumenically accept- with one another about Mary
than Jesus himself. It must be remembered able manner? The story is should strive to focus more
Yet now more than ever that Mary, for all her told of a parish priest in a pre- on what unites them, rather
the Catholic Church is excellences, is a human being dominantly Protestant village than on what divides them.
strongly urging Christians to and a creature of God. It is in France who wanted to Beginning with this position
find ways to become more significant that Mary’s re- dedicate its new parish of unity and consensus
united. Faced with growing sponse in Luke 1:38 identifies church to Mary. His reason about Mary, they can then
secularism and hostility to- herself not simply as a human was that Catholics should discuss the differences that
wards the Christian faith, all creature but as a female slave not hide their beliefs but remain. When we speak
followers of Jesus Christ must (doulç, feminine of doulos). rather give witness to them. about Mary across denomi-
close ranks and join forces. In There is something appropri- His parish committee, on the national lines, let us be “quick
1995, Pope John Paul II mat- ate that he who “emptied him- other hand, wished to dedi- to hear, slow to speak and
ter-of-factly wrote: “At the
Second Vatican Council, the
Catholic Church committed
self, taking the form of a ser-
vant” (Phil 2:7) should be
born of a handmaid. Remem-
Mary Is For All cate the church to Christ the
Redeemer or Christ the King.
The Vatican, when asked for
slow to anger” (James 1:19).
Let us “seek first to under-
stand, rather than to be un-
herself irrevocably to follow- bering that their Protestant advice, sided with the parish- derstood.”
ing the path of the ecumeni-
cal venture.” In that same en-
cyclical, Ut Unum Sint , John
brethren are extremely aller-
gic to any suggestion that
Mary might be “divine,”
Christians ioners (adding, diplomati-
cally, that perhaps one of the
principal side altars in the
I have written this article
with the strong conviction
that Mary is for all Chris-
Paul listed five areas which Catholics must keep her com- By Dr. Jake C. Yap church might be dedicated to tians. Catholics are united
require fuller theological plete humanity in mind. Like the Blessed Virgin Mary). with Orthodox believers in
study “before a true consen- her Son, she is fully human; ior, true God and true Man, imprint.” The more the Bible This is ecumenical sensitiv- our high regard and devotion
sus of faith can be achieved.” unlike her Son, she is only ought to be the last end of all becomes the basis and guide ity at work. to Mary, but we remain sepa-
One of these is “the Virgin human. Louis de Montfort, our devotions, else they are of Christian doctrine and de- Popular Marian hymns rated from our Protestant
Mary, as Mother of God and often seen as a Marian devo- false and delusive.” votion, the more it serves as sung in the Philippines often brothers and sisters. I feel
Icon of the Church, the spiri- tee of the first degree, wrote the common language which say nothing about Christ. that both sides must exert a
tual Mother who intercedes (in True Devotion to Mary): 3. “What does the scrip- unites us with our Protestant One song has the words: greater effort to understand
for Christ’s disciples and for “I avow, with all the Church, ture say?” (Romans 4:3; brothers and sisters. All Inang sinasamba, ang Diyos one another concerning this
all humanity.” that Mary, being a mere crea- Galatians 4:30) Christians stand to gain from sa ‘yo nagpala (Mother who very important area of our
ture that has come from the a fresh look at the scriptural is worshiped, God has faith, and to appreciate to-
Some Ecumenical Prin- hands of the most High, is in Pope Paul VI (in portrait of Mary. One Prot- blessed you). This can be gether this very important
ciples with Regards to comparison with his infinite Marialis Cultus) reminded estant writer observed: very misleading, both to person who is Jesus’ mother
Marian Doctrine and De- majesty less than an atom; or us: “Today it is recognized as “What she lacks in quantity Catholics and Protestants. and our mother. As a conclu-
votion rather, she is nothing at all, a general need of Christian of appearance in Scripture, Compare this with the song sion, it is perhaps fitting to
because only he is He Who piety that every form of wor- she makes up for in quality.” by Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo, quote Pope Benedict XVI
The following are some Is…. Jesus Christ, our Sav- ship should have a biblical All Christians can be united “Mary, Mother of All.” Be- who, in first encyclical letter
On Christian Love, ends his
reflections by invoking
The Bible / from p5 Mary, in a manner that is ecu-
between man, creation and God. death, and no more mourning or sadness. The creation and our natural environment, devel- menically sensitive, theologi-
• Christ came to restore harmony through his world of the past has gone” (vv. 3-4). oping them, cultivating them, using them for cally sound, and devotionally
passion death and resurrection to reconcile our material and spiritual benefit. sincere:
man, creation and God—a “new creation” Conclusion (7) God gave us dominion over them but only
results from this saving event (2 Cor 5:17 as responsible stewards. We depend on Holy Mary, Mother of
“And for anyone who is in Christ, there is a them. In a true sense, if we destroy creation God, you have given
Thus the Bible teaches fundamental principles
new creation; the old creation has gone, about the environment and creation: and the environment, then we destroy our the world its true
and now the new one is here.”) life-support system and ourselves. Here the light, Jesus, your Son
(1) All creation and the natural environment come
from God the Creator; they manifest God’s issues of environment emerge, e.g., illegal – the Son of God. You
logging, irresponsible mining and fishing, abandoned yourself
C. The End-Time, the Return of Christ, power, wisdom, and love. In themselves, they
“New Heavens, New Earth”. declare and praise the glory of God and his love. waste management, pollution, ozone layer, completely to God’s
GMO products, and biotechnological and call and thus became
(2) They are God’s gifts to us. They are humanity’s
Definitive salvation is not only the salva- collective good. As God’s gifts they are to be bioethical issues, etc. a wellspring of the
(8) Therefore, in so far as we exploit the envi- goodness which flows
tion of souls but also the beginning of a “new respected. forth from him. Show
creation,” “new heavens and a new earth.” See (3) But sin has destroyed our relationship to cre- ronment and life-support systems and de- us Jesus. Lead us to
Is. 65:17 – “For now I create new heavens and ation and to God. This relationship had to be stroy them, we no longer act as responsible
him. Teach us to know
a new earth”. It will be a time of peace, of har- restored. stewards of God and will not be part of the and love him, so that
mony: “The wolf and the young lamb will feed (4) Christ, therefore, came. Through the sacrifice new heavens and new earth. In so far as we
we too can become
together, the lion eat straw like the ox” v. 25). of his life offered to God, i.e., through his suf- respect them and use them responsibly for capable of true love
See also Rev. 21:1: “Then I saw a new fering, death and resurrection, he has restored our integral benefit, we work towards har-
and be fountains of
heaven and a new earth.”—this is a symbol of this relationship of harmony and peace. mony and justice, toward the new heavens living water in the
a new relationship of harmony, peace, justice, (5) Christ has made us again a “new creation.” and the new earth, that God has promised to
midst of a thirsting
between man, creation, and God. “God will (6) Between now and the end-time, we cooperate the righteous, the just. world.
make his home among the people; they shall with God by doing our own share toward restor- What remains till the end of time is our
be his people, and he will be their God; his ing, preserving and fostering the harmonious re- collective responsibility: “In the Name of the (Dr. Jake Yap is a member of the
name is God-with-them. He will wipe away lationship that was there at the beginning. We Almighty, God the Creator, God of Harmony, lay institute Servant of the Word.
all tears from their eyes; there will be no more do so by means of responsible stewardship of Care for the Earth!” He teaches Theology, Scriptures
and Mariology at Loyola School
of Theology)
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 17
December 4, 2006
SILINGAN KA! means in English,
“You are my neighbor!” In Bisaya,
the acronym stands for Sibugaynon
Lihok Ngadto sa Nagpakabanang
Katawhan, or “Sibugaynons Move-
ment for a Concerned Citizenry.”
Primarily, this movement is for
the citizens of Zamboanga Sibugay
to collectively and conscientiously
vote for political candidates based
on their qualifications and accom-
plishments. Through this strategy,
the people would not be powerless
in exercising their right to vote.
The SK! movement grew out of
the reflections of several lay work-
ers in the Prelature of Ipil who were
ill at ease with the strictly neutral
stance of being NAMFREL volun-
teers in earlier elections. They rec-
ognized their responsibility as
Catholic laity to make partisan—or
transpartisan—choices of candi-
dates in electoral contests.
Organizing Activities
In February 2004, a 15-member
convenor group was organized repre-
Social Concern 11
a series of seminars on political edu-
cation, values formation and elec-
toral reform conducted among BEC
members. At the start, there were
only ten registered members.
In choosing the best candi-
dates, SILINGAN KA! came up with
a set of criteria based on conscience,
confidence and commitment. SK!
decided to choose and support can-
didates based on a consensus build-
ing of 80% of the members’ collec-
tive decision and approval. It was
not necessary for SK! to fill out all
positions in the locality. SK! would
only choose candidates whom they
considered qualified for the position.
The group’s decision was not man-
datory for all members; instead it still
respected the right of every indi-
vidual to vote according to his/her
conscience.
Before the election time,
SILINGAN KA! conducted a dia-
logue-forum between SK! members
and the chosen candidates. Presen-
tations of their platform of gover-
nance were presented by the candi-
dates while the concerns of the
BEC Participation in Good Governance:

The Zamboanga Sibugay

senting various sectors and religious
communities in the province. This
group was tasked to formulate the
movement’s policies and primer for
choosing the candidates to be sup-
ported for the elections in May 2004.
Initially, through political edu-
cation activities, the movement was
able to organize seven municipalities
among the 16 municipalities of the
province. These were the municipali-
ties of Ipil, Naga, Siay, Payao,
Malangas, Diplahan, and titay with
143 registered members. There were
individuals who chose not to register
for personal and security reasons but
committed to support the movement.
Before the selection process of
the candidates, their profiles and
platforms were disseminated to the
parishes and BEC members. Several
criteria were formulated. Based on
these, candidates could be selected
with an 80% consensus of the
movement’s members. Subse-
quently, those who were chosen
were called for a dialogue. On April
19, 2004, a provincial level dialogue
was held. This was followed up by
dialogues at the municipal level. The
people were also discussed.
After elections, SK!—Payao
had several winning candidates
(Mayor, Vice Mayor and three coun-
cilors). For the second time a dia-
logue-forum was held to discuss is-
sues and concerns and to establish
a support system for the elected of-
ficials and to monitor the activities
of the local government.
Recently, SK! has included all
sectors in the community to have a
more representative and meaningful
dialogue between the local officials
and the community itself. At its 4th
dialogue-forum held last September
5, 2005, several pressing issues were
brought up and discussed—like il-
legal fishing, infrastructure projects,
corruption allegations from the pro-
vincial down to the barangay level,
smuggling and kidnapping. It was
also pointed that the Barangay as-
sembly was not being called in ev-
ery barangay in Payao.
ARE the people themselves responsible
for this sad situation?
Experience
By the Social Action Ministry, Prelature of Ipil
Learning
• Due to the late preparation of the
movement, political education on
electoral reforms did not ad-
equately reach all the BECs. For
such a movement, preparations
must be done one or two years
before the elections, as politicians
are doing.
• The vote-buying and vote-selling
dilemma is not just a matter of poli-
tics but is also tied to poverty and,
just as important, to spiritual prin-
ciples and values. Detractors of
SK!, in one way or another, are
indications that some politicians
are being threatened by a potent
force of collective decision-mak-
ing.
• People aspiring for government
positions are now aware that
there are existing groups of indi-
viduals who will endorse candi-
dates for government office with
good political platforms.
• Awareness of public officials that
they are being watched and moni-
tored by the group has become
noticeable.
• Through dialogues, SK! members
can easily bring to concerned par-
ties the existing situation of people
from the different sectors. This is
also partly due to the willingness
of the LGU to listen to the church.
• This initiative fosters a good rela-
tionship between the local gov-
ernment and the church.
• Support from church leaders is a
crucial factor. The endorsement
of an inter-faith coalition of reli-
gious leaders also strengthens the
movement and promotes a culture
of peace.

Certainly, at least in part, because people have

dialogues aimed to establish an
agreement between the candidates
and the movement—that there
should be no vote-buying, and that
the movement would not merely
support them before the election, but
would also be vigilant with regard to
their governance, should they win.
In preparation for the organiz-
ing of the SILINGAN KA! move-
ment, good governance and electoral
reform principles were discussed in
different parishes, ministries,
schools and sectoral groups with a
total of 1,137 participants. The Good
Governance program of the Social
Action Ministry gave inputs even
to high school students so that they
would somehow be optimistic about
the political and electoral system of
the country. These inputs were also
broadcast over the weekly radio pro-
gram. As the election month was
approaching, a number of political
criticisms against the movement were
aired which the desk’s commentators
properly answered.
The organizing effort did not
come easy. The movement had
started organizing for the elections
during the first month of 2004 while
the politicians had started a year or
two earlier. Nonetheless, the move-
ment was able to pressure the politi-
cians to the point that many became
cautious of their actions. Of the
movement’s chosen candidates 57%
won at the national level, 82% at the
provincial level and 86% at the mu-
nicipal level (in 5 municipalities
only).
SK! – Payao Experience
The birth of SILINGAN KA! in
Payao municipality was the result of
become fatalistic and cynical regarding poli-
tics and have often consented to its evil fea-
tures. They say that is the nature of politics
and cannot be changed. People have become
so accustomed to seeing the above evils in the
world of politics that many seem to have sur-
rendered to this reality. In fact many become
participants by asking donations from candi-
dates, by willingly selling their votes, by ex-
pecting to be entertained during the campaign
period, by being agents in buying votes and
tampering with election results, etc. This is why
by participating in or tolerating the evils of the
electoral process, we reap the corresponding
evil of having bad people to govern us.
Is it alright to accept money as long as
one votes according to one’s con-
science?
No, it is not alright. If the source of the
money is clean, accepting it without voting for
the candidate who gave it makes you a liar.
And if you vote for the candidate, you have
actually sold your vote.
If the source of the money is not clean,
then you become a cooperator in evil because
you accept it.
By accepting any money from candidates,
no matter from what source and with what in-
tention, you are perpetuating a form of dirty
politics which encourages graft and corrup-
tion, for today’s vote buyers are tomorrow’s
grafters.
Are there no signs of hope that politics
can change for the better?
There are many signs of change. We had
the brightest example of how people acted as
one to protest against the widespread fraud in
the 1986 Snap Election. We saw the courage of
men and women walking out of their jobs as
computer personnel so that they would not be
CATECHISM ON THE CHURCH AND POLITICS
(Editor’s Note: The CBCP’s declaration of 2006 as Year of Social Concerns has veritably brought to fore once
again the burning question of the Church’s engagement in politics as being part of the Church’s social
concern agenda. CBCP Monitor is serializing the following document issued by the CBCP in 1998 with such
end of providing a catechetical perspective to the continuing discourse.)
(Last of a series)
accomplices in the manipulation of election re- competence is the ability to do the expected
sults. We saw many lay volunteers, priests, and work well and not necessarily to be able to
religious men and women who guarded the polls speak well nor to be popular. They said that
at the risk of their lives in the 1984 and 1986 elec- integrity means respect for the human rights
tions. And, of course, there was the 1986 People of others, honesty in public office and fidelity
Power revolution at EDSA that successfully ex- to marital commitment (to wife or husband),
pelled a dictatorship and restored democratic free- and to family commitments (the loving care of
doms. Since then, non-government organizations the family). This means that a good moral char-
and peoples’ organizations have sprouted in great acter is fundamentally necessary in aspiring
numbers to express the peoples’ desire for partici- for public office. To be trusted in politics and
pation and solidarity in the socio-economic and entrusted by people with the common good,
political fields. one has to be trustworthy in the moral and
religious fields. These are intimately and in-
What qualifications should we look for in separably intertwined.
political candidates?
Since politics is seen as “dirty”, should
In many previous statements, the Bishops not Catholic leaders stay away from
have insisted on certain qualifications that candi- politics?
dates must have. Among these are the following:
Those seeking public office must be pro-God No, on the contrary they should involve
(maka-Diyos) rather than materialistic and secu- themselves directly in partisan politics so that
laristic; pro-people (maka-tao) rather than pro- they can renew it and make it work for the com-
self; pro-nation (maka-bayan); pro-common good mon good. PCP-II itself has encouraged such
rather than pro-special groups; and pro-environ- participation (see PCP-II, 348-50). It urged the
ment (maka-kalikasan) rather than ecologically following: “Catholics in politics have to work
insensitive. in favor of legislation that is imbued with these
Other qualifications are those that have been [Christian] principles. Knowing that the wrong
enumerated by PCP-II, namely: they must be per- behavior and values are often rewarded or left
sons who truly pursue the common good, defend unpunished, Catholic politicians have to put
and promote justice, have a spirit of service, love teeth to good legislation by making certain that
of preference for the poor, and are eager to em- the correct system of rewards and punishment
power people (see PCP-II, 351). All these have to be strictly enforced in public life” (PCP-II, 352).
be verified from their past histories and records. Examples of criminal actions often remaining
In their pastoral exhortation on the 1998 elec- unpunished are those that are committed by
tions, the bishops underlined the following quali- powerful people, including politicians them-
fications: competence and integrity. They said that Catechism / P12

12
Pastoral Statement on the Celebration of National Family Week
“Family be Strong with
the Strength of God!”
Beloved People of God:
AS the Church joins the nation in
the celebration of National Family
Week, we call on all families to a
deeper reflection on the identity and
mission of the Filipino family as the
basic cell of the Church and Society
and the point of reference for the
social, political, economic and reli-
gion-based ideal relationships of the
Filipino people and the Philippines
as a nation.
The family does not owe its
foundation to any organization, but
directly to the will of God. It is a natu-
ral institution, antecedent to any po-
litical or juridical organization. The
authentic development of the human
person reveals in each of us the im-
age of a child of God. No living be-
ing on earth except man was created
“in the image and likeness of God”
(Gen 1:26).
Human fatherhood and mother-
hood, though biologically similar
to that of other living beings in na-
ture, contain in an essential and
unique way a “likeness” to God
which is the basis of the family as a
community of persons united in love.
(Letter to Families, John Paul II,
February 22, 1994, n. 6). The mar-
riage covenant established between
a man and a woman is a symbol of
God’s love for His people and Christ
for His Church (Eph 5:25-26). Be-
cause the transmission of divine life
presumes the transmission of human
life, marriage not only brings about
the birth of human children, but also,
through the power of Baptism, the
birth of adopted children of God,
who live the life received from Christ
through his Spirit. (Letter to Fami-
lies, n.18)
The family is the true origin of
human and Christian development,
and the renewal of society. To the
family is entrusted the task of un-
leashing the forces of good, the
source of which is found in Christ
alone. Every family needs to make
these forces their own so that Phil-
ippine culture may be “evangelized
in depth, true values acknowledged,
the rights of men and women de-
fended, and justice promoted in the
very structures of society”. (Apos-
tolic Exhortation, Familiaris
Consortio, The Role of the Christian
Family in the Modern World, No-
vember 22, 1981, n. 8). To use a
phrase spoken on the occasion of
the Millennium of Christianity in
Poland, the family must be “strong
with the strength of God”. (Cardinal
STEFAN WYSZYNSKI, Rodzina
Bogiem silna, Homily delivered at
Jasna Gora, August 26, 1961).
Message
- John Paul II, Letter to Families
It is in the family where living
stones are formed for that spiritual
house spoken of by the Apostle Pe-
ter (1 Pet 2:5). The bodies of the hus-
band and wife are the dwelling-place
of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19).
The family is placed at the cen-
tre of the great struggle between
good and evil, between life and
death, between love and all that is
opposed to love. Christian parents
must build a moral universe rooted
in the will of God, where the child
grows in the human and Christian
values that give life its full meaning.
And so the Second Vatican Council
teaches that “Christian married
couples and parents, following their
own way, should support one an-
other in grace all through life with
faithful love, and should train their
children, lovingly received from God,
in Christian doctrine and evangeli-
cal virtues. (Second Vatican Ecu-
menical Council, Dogmatic Consti-
tution on the Church, Lumen Gen-
tium, n.41).
The family however, as an insti-
tution is the object of numerous
forces that seek to destroy it or in
some way to deform it (FC, n.3) and
is experiencing a radical and wide-
spread crisis (Novo Millennio
Ineunte, January 6, 2001, no. 47).
To protect the family “every
governing authority, whether na-
tional, regional or local, owes it to
itself to have a family policy which
enables families freely to assume
their responsibilities in contempo-
rary society” (Ethical and Pastoral
Dimensions of Population Control,
May 13, 1994, n. 82). Family policy
would include programs for liveli-
hood assistance, providing access
to housing and education and other
programs to assist the family.
Family policy should protect
and preserve a nation’s sovereignty
in the struggle against “contracep-
tive imperialism” which the delega-
tion of the Holy See denounced in
1974 during the International Con-
ference on Population held in
Bucharest. This “contraceptive im-
perialism,” violates religious and
cultural traditions of family life and
harms families and nations. (Ethical
and Pastoral Dimensions of Popu-
lation Control, May 13, 1994, n. 82).
Furthermore in their implemen-
tation, population control programs
utilize government money, laws, in-
centives and force to pressure people
to have fewer children using popu-
lation growth as a reason to coerce
changes in people’s intimate beliefs
and childbearing practices.
Based on moral principles the
The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Tuguegarao
Decree on the opening of the
Year of Jubilees of Most Rev.
Diosdado A. Talamayan, D.D.
I, DIOSDADO TALAMAYAN,
in the grace of God and of the
Holy See, Archbishop of
© Jose Luis Pelaez, Inc./CORBIS
Tuguegarao, have the great
honor and joy to formally de-
clare October 19, 2006 to Oc-
tober 19, 2007 as Year of Jubi-
lees. Let the faithful of the
Archdiocese of Tuguegarao
rejoice and give thanks to the
Lord Almighty for the follow-
ing jubilees that I, His unwor-
thy servant, celebrate:
a. the golden Anniversary of my
which will make illegal the use of
abortifacient drugs and devices;
House Bill 1245 of Congressman
Rozzano Rufino Biazon, limiting mar-
riage to natural-born men and
women; House Bill 216 of Congress-
man Rozzano Rufino Biazon, offer-
ing free marriage counseling for en-
gaged couples; and House Bill 5327
Church strongly opposes the “Re- of Congressman Eduardo Zialcita,
productive Rights/Sexual Rights” offering pregnancy care centers sup-
Agenda (inclusive of abortion) in ported by the government.
Congress and its integration in The family is fundamental to
school textbooks. what Pope Paul VI called the “civili-
St. Augustine says that “laws zation of love” (Letter to Families,
which threaten the family and the n.13). In discovering the family as
sacred gift of life create the most se- the “sanctuary of life” (John Paul II,
rious distortions in the social fabric Evangelium Vitae, On the Value and
that weakened societies.” (De Civ. Inviolability of Human Life, March
Dei 4.:4) 25, 1995, n. 92) men and women can
The Filipino family is blessed in be freed from the “culture of death.”
that so far it has preserved its reli-
gious practices that allow the light
of faith to continue to shine on fam-
ily life. But the faith of young people
Catechism / from p11
is endangered by the massive spread selves.
of sexual rights / reproductive rights
propaganda in the legislature, by lo- In general, how should
cal government and in particular, in Catholics participate effec-
school textbooks. tively in elections?
The Church is firmly opposed
to an often widespread form of im- By volunteering to work in
parting sex information dissociated a non-partisan way with non-
from moral principles. (FC, 37). The government organizations such
Pontifical Council on the Family, un- as NAMFREL, or Church move-
der the guidance of the late Pope ments such as PPC-RV and
John Paul II, has provided a practi- NASSA VOTE-CARE in helping
cal guide for parents and educators raise the awareness of people re-
entitled “The Truth and Meaning of garding responsible voting, and
Human Sexuality” which summa- in keeping elections honest,
rizes and defines the obligations of clean, peaceful, and orderly.
Catholics and Catholic parents. By working for and joining
Families should be the first to a political party in order to get
take steps to see that the laws and elected into public office or to
institutions of the State not only do support truly qualified candi-
not offend but support and positively dates and to help ensure that the
defend the rights and duties of the political party itself abides by
family (FC, 44). There are four bills the values of integrity, honesty,
that pose serious threats to our fami- Living the / from p14
lies due to their emphasis on popula-
tion control disguised as “reproduc- open to his eyes, to whom our
tive health”. These bills are: House speech is.” (4,12-13).
Bill 3773, where the government would I know there are some people
make the two-child family the ideal who get upset when talks like this
size and thereby discriminate against are made. They say that faith and
larger families; House Bill 5285, where religion are at best purely private,
the aspects of so-called “reproduc- personal affairs that have no
tive health,” or birth control, are added place in public, because these
to the civil and political rights of can’t be “scientifically” ac-
women; House Bill 634, where same- counted for and verified.
sex unions could be allowed; and The idea of God revealing
House Bill 5012, where companies himself to us in a dynamic way
would be required to provide free an- can taste like poison to them.
nual seminars on “reproductive They consider it a gratuitous and
health” to indoctrinate our people. extravagant claim, completely
We need to act with vigilance baseless and bereft of any con-
against these Bills and support those vincing reasons.
proposals pending in Congress that That’s the problem we have.
are pro-family and pro-life which pro- The deepest yearning we have in
mote the authentic good of the fam- our hearts is made to stay down
ily. Among them are: House Bill 5028 deep there, not allowed to show
of Congressman Hermilando itself externally. There are people
Mandanas, which will grant our pub- who get an indigestion when any
lic and private health workers their talk of God is made.
conscience rights, so that they can But in spite of the supernatu-
protest against any birth control pro- ral character of the Christian faith,
gram imposed on them; House Bill we have more than enough rea-
4643 of Congressman Rene Velarde,
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 17
December 4, 2006
Priestly Ordination on Novem-
ber 30, 2006;
b. the 20th year of my appointment
as Metropolitan Archbishop of
Tuguegarao on January 31,
2006;
c. the 20 th Year of my installation
as Metropolitan Archbishop of
Tuguegarao on April 10, 2006;
d. the Ruby Jubilee of the Foun-
dation of the Lyceum of Aparri
on July 5, 2007; and
e. my 75th birthday on October 19,
2007.
Together with efforts aimed at
establishing family policies, the in-
herent value of each child as a hu-
man being must be proclaimed. In
the face of population trends, every-
one is invited to put to good use the
talents given by the Creator to real-
ize personal development and to
contribute in an original way to the
development of the community. In
the final analysis, God created man
to make him a partner in his Divine
Plan of Life and Love.
Fraternally in the Lord, our Life and
Truth,
Most Rev. Paciano B. Aniceto, D.D.
Chairman, CBCP Episcopal Com-
mission on Family and Life
September 25, 2006
and issue-oriented electoral
campaign.
By working for the passage
and implementation of electoral
laws that will help make elections
honest and peaceful.
Above all, a Catholic voter
must vote wisely and honestly,
in accordance with a properly
formed conscience and not be-
cause of monetary consider-
ations, family connections or
utang na loob.
For the Catholic Bishops’ Confer-
ence of the Philippines:
+OSCAR V. CRUZ, D.D.
Archbishop of Lingayen-
Dagupan
President, CBCP
February 1998
sons to justify why the faith can
and even should be a public affair.
In the case of the Bible, there
are strong reasons to discuss its
validity and relevance not only
in our personal lives, but also in
our social life. In fact, it always
has something to say in every
aspect of our life.
The need, for example, of
how to read and interpret it de-
mands that it be discussed in
public. These points just cannot
be left to purely personal and in-
dividualistic interpretations.
There are principles, derived from
faith, that need to be followed.
Being both a human and di-
vine document, it requires also
both human and supernatural
means to savor its juice, so to
speak, and to make it alive.
To know the precise literal
meaning of its text, to discern its
spiritual sense, to learn how to
relate it to our present circum-
stances, etc.
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 17
December 4, 2006 Statements 13
On Charter Change and
the Common Good
(A Pastoral Exhortation)
FROM the moral standpoint, we, much for something that is good for participation, total transparency
your Bishops, continue to express the greatest number. A Constitutional and relative serenity that allows
our concern over the kind of de- Convention will be a better political for rational discussion and de-

mocracy that we are practicing,
whether this leads us to attain the
common good. The Compendium
of the Social Doctrine of the
Church states:
“The Church values the
democratic system inas-
much as it ensures the par-
ticipation of the citizens in
making political choices,
guarantees to the gov-
erned the possibility both
of electing and holding
accountable those who
govern them, and of re-
placing them through
peaceful means when ap-
propriate.” (Centessimus
Annus, #46)
Charter Change, changing our
Constitution, is such a serious
matter for the entire country, be-
cause it will determine the future
of our people. Thus we must make
the widest consultation on it for
adequate information, discussion
and education. That is why we
disagree with the so-called
“people’s initiative” which ap-
peared only as a “signature cam-
paign” without focus on the real
intention. The CBCP subscribes
to the allegation that the “people’s
initiative” is an initiative of the rul-
ing power, and not genuinely of
the people. From the moral stand-
point, it is clothed with suspicion.
And so we ask: is it really for the
people and the common good? We
leave to our well-informed lawyers
the legal arguments.
Holding a Constitutional
Convention will be very expensive,
as it will cost several billion pe-
sos. But it is worth spending that
exercise than convening congress-
men as a Constituent Assembly
which is something that can easily
become self-serving. The govern-
ment has spent enormously to cheat-
ing and graft and corruption.
We maybe spending or losing
much more than that through gov-
ernment overspending and cheating
and graft and corruption, which are
very difficult to assess and account.
If it is worth several billion pesos, it is
worth spending in an honest way. A
Constitutional Convention will be a
better political exercise than the
present powers-that-be, our Con-
gress, making themselves a Constitu-
ent Assembly that can easily become
self-serving.
It is said that the presidential form
of government is a source of corrup-
tion among other things. We should
ask a different question: Is it the presi-
dential form that is the source of cor-
ruption, or the people in authority
who corrupt and abuse the system?
Any form of government will have its
positive and negative characteristics;
but the people who run the govern-
ment are very crucial; they can either
corrupt it or make it serve the com-
mon good. Any system or form of
government in the hands of honest,
just and incorruptible people will be a
source of good for the governed. Will
the parliamentary- unicameral form of
government not be corrupted by the
people who will create it?
It is in this light that we have
made our position clear on Charter
Change from the moral standpoint,
and we reiterate it:
“Changing the Constitution,
involving major shifts in the form of
government, requires widespread
bate. This is best done through a
Constitutional Convention. ”
(CBCP, January 2006)
Heeding the exhortation of
Pope Benedict XVI in Deus Caritas
Est that the Church “is called to
contribute to the purification of
reason” (# 29), we would like to
ask these and similar questions to
guide the discussion, discernment
and debate on the charter change.
Are you convinced that the Char-
ter Change as presently presented
by our governing politicians is re-
ally for the common good? Are
you convinced that the “people’s
initiative” is genuinely the
people’s activity, and has its real
source in the people? Do you
want our legislators to convert
themselves into a Constituent
Assembly where they alone will
rewrite our Constitution, and have
it only approved by us in a plebi-
scite? Is it enough to say YES to
Charter Change?
We are in a democracy.
Should not then the citizenry be
made to participate by electing
their delegates to a Constitutional
Convention?
These are the questions we
would like our people in our dio-
ceses and parishes to participate
in answering regarding so serious
a matter as Charter Change.
For the Catholic Bishops’ Confer-
ence of the Philippines,
+ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO, D.D.
Archbishop of Jaro
President, CBCP
September 14, 2006
24th ECIP
CONVENTION
STATEMENT
…”now the dwelling of God is with humankind, and he will with
them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them
and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There
will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old
order of things has passed away.” (Revelations 21: 2-4)
We, indigenous peoples and justice, peace, love and unity;
workers of Indigenous Peoples where indigenous values and
Apostolates (IPA) who partici- way of life are lived and shared,
pated in the 24th ECIP-IPA Na- guided by the Word until the
tional Convention themed “Work- reign of God’s Kingdom.
ing Together Against the Devel- To make this vision a reality,
opment Aggression: A Continu- we are united in the following
ing Work of Faith” and held in resolutions:
Tahanang Nazareth, Infanta, We strongly suggest that the
Quezon last Nov. 20-24, 2006 are CBCP discuss the removal of
one in declaring that: company chaplains in corpora-
In the midst of oppression tions whose activities destroy our
and injustice that indigenous God given natural resources.
peoples face – militarization, min- We accept and fully support
ing, illegal and commercial log- the organizational directions and
ging, uncertainty in their ances- agreements defined during this
tral domain, cultural erosion, in- convention.
appropriate education, and lack Signed this 23rd day of No-
of basic social services especially vember, 2006 in Tahanang
for health – we IPs and IPA work- Nazareth, Infanta, Quezon.
ers journey together as partners
in carrying out our vision of IP + Bishop Sergio Utleg, DD., ECIP
communities where each one ex- Chairman
periences the fullness of life and + Bishop Rolando Tirona, DD.,
lives in dignity; whose goal is to bishop of Prelature of Infanta,
push for the recognition of their and the 79 participants (IPs/IPAs
rights to their ancestral domain workers) representing 37 dio-
and self-determination, based on ceses.

Your Eminences,
Venerable Brothers in the Episcopate
and in the Priesthood,
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
YOUR visit gives me great pleasure
and I greet you all with affection. In
the first place, I greet Cardinal Jozef
Tomko, whom I thank for expressing
your common sentiments and for tell-
ing me about your Plenary Assembly,
which has been taking place in the past
few days.
I cordially greet the Members of
the Pontifical Committee for Interna-
tional Eucharistic Congresses and the
National Delegates who have taken
part in this Meeting in order to pre-
pare together for the upcoming 49th
International Eucharistic Congress. It
Address of His Holiness Benedict XVI to the Participants in the recall how helpful the rediscovery of
Eucharistic Adoration is for many
Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Committee for the Christians.
In this regard, I am pleased to think
International Eucharistic Congresses back to my experience last year with
the young people in Cologne on the
Clementine Hall / 9 November 2006 occasion of World Youth Day, and in
St Peter's Square with the children pre-
paring for their First Communion ac-
companied by their families and cat-
echists.
How great is humanity's need to-
day to rediscover the source of its
hope in the Sacrament of the Eucha-
rist! I thank the Lord because many
parishes, as well as celebrating Holy
Mass devoutly, are educating the faith-
ful in Eucharistic Adoration, and I
hope also in view of the upcoming In-
ternational Eucharistic Congress that
© PAWEL KULA/epa/Corbis

is scheduled to take place in Quebec this practice will continue to spread.

in June 2008.
I next greet the representatives of
the Local Preparatory Committee of
this great ecclesial event, as well as
the small but significant group of
Adorers of the Eucharist.
You come from various parts of
the world and the purpose of your
Meeting is to prepare for this Interna-
tional Eucharistic Congress: a celebra-
tion of special importance to the whole
of the Church. As Cardinal Jozef Tomko
has just recalled, it constitutes a unani-
mous response of the People of God to
the Lord's love, supremely manifested
in the Mystery of the Eucharist.
It is true! The Eucharistic Con-
gresses that take place from time to
time in different places and on differ-
ent continents are always a source of
spiritual renewal, an opportunity to be-
come better acquainted with the
Blessed Eucharist, which is the most
precious treasure Christ has be-
queathed to us. They are also an en-
couragement to the Church to spread
Christ's love in every social milieu and
to witness to it unhesitatingly.
Moreover, ever since your praise-
worthy Pontifical Committee was es-
tablished, its proposed goal is "to make
ever better known, loved and served
Our Lord Jesus Christ in his Eucharis-
tic Mystery, the centre of the Church's
life and of her mission for the world's
salvation".
Each one of these Eucharistic
Congresses therefore represents a
providential opportunity to solemnly
show to humanity: "The Eucharist, a
gift of God for the life of the world", as
the basic text for the upcoming Con-
gress says.
This Document was presented
during your Meeting by Cardinal Marc
Ouellet, Archbishop of Quebec, to
whom I address a special greeting. Not
only those who have the opportunity
to take part in person but also the vari-
ous Christian communities who are
invited to join it in spirit will be able to
benefit from the special graces that the
Lord will dispense at the International
Eucharistic Congress.
In those days, the Catholic world
will keep the eyes of its heart on the
supreme mystery of the Eucharist in
order to draw from it a new apostolic
and missionary impetus. This is why it
is important to prepare oneself well and
I thank you, dear brothers and sisters,
for the work you are carrying out to
help the faithful on every continent to
understand ever better the value and
importance of the Eucharist in our lives.
Furthermore, the presence among
you of several representatives of the
Adorers of the Eucharist and the men-
tion that you made, Cardinal Tomko,
to the "Federación Mundial de la
Adoración Nocturna", enables me to
Dear brothers and sisters, as you
well know, the next Post-Synodal Ex-
hortation will be dedicated to the Eu-
charist. It will present the suggestions
that were made at the last Synod of
Bishops, dedicated precisely to the
Eucharistic Mystery, and I am sure that
this Document will also help the
Church to prepare and to celebrate with
interior participation the Eucharistic
Congress that will be taking place in
June 2008.
From this moment, I entrust it to
the Virgin Mary, the first and incompa-
rable adorer of Christ in the Eucharist.
May Our Lady protect and accompany
each one of you and your communi-
ties and make the work you are doing
fruitful, with a view to the important
ecclesial event in Quebec.
For my part, I assure you of my
remembrance in prayer and warmly
bless you all.
 CBCP Monitor
14 Reflections Vol. 10 No. 17
December 4, 2006

Bo Sanchez

Stop for Directions

IN my life, I have found
three places that give me a
deep sense of the presence
of God: 1) A scenic moun-
tain with lovely forests; 2)
A tranquil beach under a
blue sky; 3) And the pas-
senger seat of Roger’s red
‘86 Corolla.
You see, my friend
Roger drives like a mad
man. Once he starts driv-
ing, those riding with him
instinctively reach for their
halt, asked around, got
info, and turned back: We
were efficiently and swiftly
driving towards the oppo-
site direction. At 140 kph!
I realize that’s no iso-
lated incident among hu-
man beings. We’re prone
to commit the same idiocy:
We get busy, do a million
things, hop here and there,
move fast, get efficient.
But gosh, efficiently
going where?
What are your high-

© Denz Dayao / CBCP Media

wallets and tearfully kiss
the photos of their loved est dreams, anyway?
ones. Your deepest aspira-

Jeepneys
by John Jay C. Magpusao, OSC
ONE day I decided to have
my early morning walk along
the road leading to Tam-
awan Village straight to La
Trinidad, Benguet.
On our first week here in
Baguio City, Fr. Rey and Fr.
Bobby let us visit some
spots in this Philippines’
Summer Capital. These
places were among them. The
time we went there, since it
was already in the outskirts,
I observed that only few ve-
hicles were passing through
the road leading to these ar-
eas. Thus, after having expe-
rienced walking on the roads
going to Lourdes Grotto and
Burnham Park, I surmised this
side of the city is much
healthier for my new passion.
Minimal smog, that is!
I was walking ahead of
my companions (co-Novices)
who also decided to go with
me. They did a leisure walk
while I did a brisk walk since
my goal was to sweat out my
body. They were behind me
more than a hundred meters
thus I wasn’t aware that most
of them had stopped at Tam-
awan Village and then went
back home. But I never mind,
since it was my passion, I
trailed the road to La
Fair.”
Jeepneys as well express
various Filipino characters
on their mudguards.
Hardworking: “ Katas ng
Saudi,” devout: “Jesus the
Name Above Every Other
Name,” mischievous: “Eat
My Dust!”, regionalistic:
“Pride of Bohol,” colonial
mentality: “I Love New York,”
naughty: “Hubagang Ate,
Uy!”
However, the jeepney
that passed by at Long Long
carried a signage, “Live,
Laugh, Love.”
While walking, savoring
the coldness of the morning
while trying to sweat out, I
brought myself into a reflec-
tive mood. Surprisingly, the
jeepney effortlessly offered
me a point for reflection. Live,
Laugh, Love. Oh, the basics
of life…
In my Theology of Voca-
tion with Fr. Evan, he said that
our primordial calling is to
live (10 points ‘yon sa quiz!).
But it is not just to live but to
live meaningfully. And life is
only meaningful if it is lived
for others. In other words, all
of us are called to live mean-
ingfully for others.
My acceptance to the
God is Love. I also saw
this being printed boldly on
some jeepneys. What a great
revelation!
So much to thank for to
God is this grace of feelings
that I have. With this grace I
am able to love and be loved.
My parents, friends, relatives,
and other surprise persons in
my life have become God’s
instruments to let me feel His
great love for me. Especially
now here in the Novitiate, with
the silence, prayer, and very
soothing environment, what
more could I ask for? All that I
pray now is that I may be able
to deepen more my relation-
ship with Him, to feel more His
great love for me, to see his
works and guidance in the
simple events of my life, and
in return, I may be able to also
share His great love to others
through my selfless service to
His sick and healthy people.
Indeed, jeepneys are also
instruments of Filipino good-
ness. When I decided to halt
(I had not reached La Trinidad.
Malayo din s’ya ‘no?) and
went back to the Novitiate, the
time was already 5:50 AM.
Meaning, I only had 40 min-
utes to make it to the house.
Mass is at 6:30 AM and I
Every time I ride with
him, my prayer life is en-
hanced. Deepened. In-
vigorated. It feels as
though Heaven becomes
so near to my soul.
One fateful day, I was
riding with him again. We
“Walang anuman.” Well, it were blazing through a
was OK. Never mind. What highway like a cruise mis-
mattered was that he has sile. Roger looked at me
shown goodness to me that and said, “Bo, I have good
morning and hindi n’ya ako news and bad news for
pinahiyang singilin and I you.”
was safe. I was then only a “What’s the good
couple of minutes away from news?” I inquired between
the house. By running fast I my Hail Mary’s.
was relieved to be in the sala “We’re efficiently
at 6:10 AM! moving at an average
Much gratefulness filled speed of 140 kph.”
my heart, for the goodness of Involuntary spasms
the jeepney and the driver, as shot through my body.
I attended the morning prayer “Are you trying to tell me
and the Holy Eucharist at 6:30 that we’ll be arriving at our
AM. destination in no time?”
It was the Solemnity of “That’s the bad
the Sacred Heart of Jesus. news...”
“What?”
(John Jay C. Magpusao, OSC, is now
in Baguio City for his one whole “We’re lost. I have no
year of Novitiate Formation in the idea where we are.”
Order of St. Camillus, a congrega- “Stop this car NOW!”
tion of religious priests and broth-
ers who dedicate their life in the ser-
I screamed.
vice to the sick. He may be contacted We screeched to a
at www.orderofsaintcamillus.org)
Living
the
tions?
What do you think will
give you gut-level, soul-
deep joy?
Stop for awhile.
Take a break.
Retreat.
Listen well.
Pray desperately.
Read a map of life.
Know His dreams for
you.
When I was thirteen
years old, I saw myself
doing two things: preach-
ing to a crowd of people
and helping the poor. Af-
ter many years, those two
dreams are reality.
I’m a preacher.
And I built
ANAWIM, a home for the
abandoned elderly and a
few orphans.
I’ve made a decision.
I’m not riding with
Roger again until I’m 80.
(No matter how much he
assists me with my spiri-
tual life.)
Because I think I still
have a few more God-
Dreams to fulfill.

Trinidad.
When I was already
winding through the place
called Long Long, a jeepney
passed by.
Jeepneys are truly a
manifestation of Filipinos’ in-
genuity. These vehicles
show how creative and skill-
ful Filipinos are. They are
“Only in the Philippines.”
They busied the streets in the
cities and serviced even in the
remotest area of the archi-
pelago. They bring people
and products to offices,
schools, churches, markets,
and farms.
Some jeepneys are big,
new, shiny, well-kept, clean,
and fast. There are even air-
conditioned ones with
videoke! On the other hand,
other jeepneys are small, an-
tiquated (manufactured in
nineteen kupong-kupong!),
rusty (nakaka-tetano na!),
messy, dirty, and slow
(mabuti pang maglakad ka
na lang!).
In the jeepneys you can
also find natural jokes on
their signage. “Full the String
to Staff,” “Jesus Knows Ju-
das Not Pay,” “Kung Buntis,
Libre Isa,” “7.50 Minimum
Novitiate enhances my con-
sciousness of how beautiful
it is to live. Challenges may
be great, self-confrontations
are many, but the lessons
learned in every failure and
mistake make my existence
worthwhile.
As a wisdom goes, “It is
in being broken that we be-
come whole.”
It is during sick visita-
tions in the hospitals that I
see more my life being lived
meaningfully for others. Ap-
proaching, talking, and listen-
ing to the patients may take
much of my energy but surely
the experiences are spiritually
energizing.
There may also be heart-
breaking experiences in my
journey towards religious life
but making a good laugh out
of these jeepney signage
bloopers is enough for me to
freshen up my sometimes
weary soul and realize later
on that life, after all, is still
simply beautiful. Simple joys
and happiness are certainly
just around the corner.
Thanks be to God that giv-
ing out a good laugh even to
mababaw experiences is also
my expertise!
should not be late! Or else,
patay ako kay Master! I
walked faster and ran faster
but I was still a couple of kilo-
meters away and the road was
mostly going up! My chest
was already painstakingly
grasping for air. I passed by a
sari-sari store and its wall
clock said it was already 6 AM!
“God, let me fly!”
God never replied, “Yes,
I’ll let you fly,” but, there
came an empty jeepney head-
ing for downtown. It was go-
ing slowly, eyeing for pas-
sengers. Without even a
single coin in my jogging
pants’ and jacket’s pockets
(Novitiate is depriving me of
money!), with all courage, I
put on my pachyderm face
and told the driver, “ Kuya,
pa-hitch naman. D’yan lang
po sa unahan.” Without wait-
ing for his reply I immediately
hopped in at the front seat.
To my heart’s delight, we
sped up (I must be flying!)
and instantly reached Middle
Quezon Hill. More passen-
gers were riding in and it was
my time to alight (parang
LRT!). “Salamat Kuya,” I
told him. I never saw his re-
action nor heard him say,
Bible
Fr. Roy Cimagala
THE Bible should always be by our side. If
we still think we are Christian believers and
really know what the Bible is, then we should
realize it’s something indispensable in our life.
It should not be considered just like
any book. It’s not merely some religious
literature, or a scholar’s material, or an ob-
ject of social curiosity, etc. No, no, the Bible
is much more than these. Its relevance has
not expired.
For Christian believers, it is “the” book.
It is where one meets Christ, the living
Christ, no less. It is not only a human docu-
ment. In spite of its human limitations, it is
foremost a divine document, needing a liv-
ing faith for its use.
Sad to say, to many Catholics today,
the Bible suffers a painfully reduced sta-
tus. That it’s an inspired book, written in
some mysteriously harmonious way by God
and man, and thus, in some way, a living
book, is lost in the minds of people.
In fact, the very concept of inspiration
today is painfully devalued. Its original re-
ligious meaning is now replaced by poor,
cheap if glittering imitations, geared more
to petty romances and other expressions of
mundane creativity.
Modern man’s concept of inspiration
is actually an empty shell, a gravy without
the meat, stuck with the accidentals but
missing the substance. It has become a
soulless creature, emasculated and cas-
trated, a victim of the prevailing crisis in
religion.
Forgotten is the fact that being an in-
spired book, it contains God’s self-revela-
tion to us, made full in Christ. With faith,
the divine self-revelation takes the leap from
written word to living word.
Reading it, again with the proper dis-
positions, is entering into a vital dialogue
with God, bringing us to a deeper level of
reality. That’s when what is described in
the Letter to the Hebrews becomes a beau-
tiful event:
“For the word of God is living and ef-
fectual, and more piercing than any
two-edged sword, and reaching unto
the division of the soul and the spirit, of the
joints also and the marrow, and is a dis-
cerner of the thoughts and intent of the
heart.
“Neither is there any creature invisible
in his sight but all things are naked and
Living the / P12

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 17
December 4, 2006
Title: HAPPY FEET
Running Time: 95 mins
Lead Cast: Robin Williams, Hugh Jackman, Elijah Wood, Nicole
Kidman, Brittany Murphy, Hugo Weaving
Director: George Miller
Screenwriters: Warren Coleman, John Collee, George Miller, Judy
Morris
Music: John Powell
Genre: Comedy/Fantasy
Distributor: Warner Bros
Technical Assessment:
Moral Assessment:
CINEMA Rating: For viewers of all ages
Nang mamatay si Lola (Caroline
Mangosin), kinailangang umuwi
ng magkapatid na Johnny (Darrel
Gamotin) at Anna (Nadine
Villasin) sa Pilipinas upang
kumatawan sa kanilang ina sa
pagbabasa ng "Last Will and
Testament" at pagpaparti-parti ng
mga ari-arian ng yumao. Napunta
sa magkakapatid at kanilang
pinsan na si Vanessa (Phoemela
Baranda) ang malawak na lupain
sa San Miguel, Bulacan.
Pagkatapos ng libing ay
pinuntahan ng tatlo ang kanilang
bagong ari-arian. Makikilala ng
magkakapatid si Tommy (Nicco
Lorenzo Garcia), isang retarded
na anak ng yaya na kahuhulugan
ng loob ni Johnny. Sa gitna ng
pagliliwaliw, bisyo at pagtuklas s
mga misteryo ng kanilang pamilya
ay magagambala ang ilang
ispiritung itim, maligno, at iba pa.
Matutuklasan ni Johnny at Anna
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CINEMA Reviews
Mumble (voiced by Elijah Wood) is
a no-penguin penguin chick gifted
with irrepressible tap dancing feet but
cursed with a croaky voice not even
his mother can love. His father Mem-
phis (Hugh Jackman) is upset be-
yond belief while his mother Norma
Jean (Nicole Kidman) tries to accept
Mumble as he is. They are worried
that Mumble can't have his own
"heart song"--that which in penguin
land is sung to find one's soul mate.
He is therefore an outcast, being the
only one in whole of Antarctica who
can't sing. He goes off to places
where he can be alone and dance to
his heart's content, and soon comes
upon a bunch of Latino penguins
who call themselves Adelie Amigos,
led by Ramon (Robin Williams). The
much smaller Adelie Amigos take a
liking for the outcast Emperor pen-
guin Mumble and learn to tap dance
from him. Feeling accepted for the
first time in his life, Mumble joins the
Amigos in a series of adventures that
lead to his awareness of environmen-
tal abuses.
Title: ANG PAMANA: THE INHERITANCE
Running Time: 111 mins
Lead Cast: Darrel Gamotin, Caroline Mangosin, Nadine Villasin,
Phoemela Baranda, Nicco Lorenzo Garcia, Angel Aquino, Tirso
Cruz III, Jaclyn Jose, Victor Neri
Director: Romeo Candido
Producers: Pui Yin Chan, Titus Ho, Saw Yam Seah
Screenwriters: Romeo Candido, Ria Limjap, Carmen de Jesus
Music: Romeo Candido
Genre: Horror
Cinematography: Odyssey Flores
Distributor: Toronto Candido Film
Location: San Miguel Bulacan
Technical Assessment:
Moral Assessment: ½ Location: U.S.A.
CINEMA Rating: For mature viewers 18 and above
na ang mga kwento ng kanilang lola Mahirap kakitaan ng halaga
ay totoo kung masususbukan ang ang mga pelikulang ganito dahil
kanilang tatag ng loob at ugnayan habang nakahilig ito sa
bilang magkakapatid. katutubong kultura at yaman ng
Ang istorya ay halos karaniwan alamat ay tinutuligsa naman nito
ngunit sa malikhaing paghawak ni ang buod ng ating
Candido interesanteng kuha na pananampalatayang Katoliko.
ginamit ang istilo ng "hand held cam- Ang paniniwala sa aswang, kapre,
era", nabigyan ng bagong mukha ang duwende at iba pang ispiritu na
kwento at matagumpay naman na nananakit kapag may hindi
nagbigay ito ng takot at kaba sa mga nagustuhan sa tao, ang paggamit
sumusunod. Lamang, medyo sabog ng tawas at kulam at iba pang
ang daloy ng istorya dahil sa ritwal at pagmumulto ng mga
napakaraming maliliit na kwentong kaluluwa upang manakot ay hindi
ipinapasok. Habang lumalaon din ay tanggap ng simbahan. Sa
nawawalan na ng disiplina ang "vi- kabuuan, walang sinabi ang
sual treatment" nito dahil sa labis na pelikula kundi ang mga kwentong
paglalaro ng camera at editing. katutubong ito ay totoo. May
Maganda ang musika at disenyong mga elemento sa pelikula na hindi
pamproduksyon at malaki ang kaiga-igaya sa mga bata tulad ng
naitulong nito sa pagbuo ng kilabot. droga, pagpapahiwatig na
Mahusay ang pagganap ng mga sekswal sa isang pinsan usapin
baguhang aktor. Malaki marahil ang ng pagpili ng aborsyon at
ikapupulido ng pelikula kung hindi paghihiganti. Dahil wala namang
lamang iisang tao ang humawak ha- malinaw na direksyon ang istorya
los lahat ng aspetong teknikal at maliban sa magbigay kilabot at
pansining. Masasabi na ring sa takot, mas mainam ng mga nasa
aspetong teknikal, sulit nang hustong gulang na lamang ang
panoorin ang pelikula magsipanuod nito.
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CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above
Happy Feet has its good and
bad moments. It's beautifully ani-
mated--the ice-loving creatures look
real down to the last feather, so that
watching Happy Feet makes it hard
for one to imagine if they can't really
and actually dance or sing. The el-
ephant seals, too, come across as
just too real. Happy Feet is delight-
ful to watch although in the back of
the viewer's mind the credit goes to
the animators, the computer wizards,
those whose names roll on among
the hundred other unknowns in the
credits. Happy Feet is a production
meant to capture the musical ear of
the movie-going public, with tunes
like Somebody to Love, Kiss, Do It
Again, I'll Make Love to You and You
Don't Have to be Rich being per-
formed by the actors themselves.
Brittany Murphy as Gloria, Mumble's
lady love, is a discovery, a veritable
"Antarctica Idol", although it's not
easy to understand why Kidman as
Mumble's mother must sound like a
phone sex operator--it just isn't cool
for a penguin mommy.
Casino Royale opens with a
spectacular chase scene where
James Bond (Daniel Craig)
makes some death-defying
leaps only to end up with 007
killing the wrong person, a
costly mistake magnified the
next day in newspaper head-
lines. Bond, who has just re-
ceived his license to kill status,
gets a strong reprimand from M
(Judy Dench), but goes on just
the same to follow his nose, be-
lieving the man he just killed to
be a bomb-maker. On his own,
Bond does some sleuthing in
the Bahamas and comes face to
face with Le Chiffre (Mads
Mikkelsen), a poker genius who
finances terrorism not out of
some ideology but for money.
Bond smells Le Chiffre out to
be a bluffer at the poker table
and practically vows to beat Le
Chiffre at Casino Royale, Le
Chiffre's hangout in
Montenegro. An accountant--
the fragile, innocent Roman
Catholic girl with a name to
match, Vesper Lynd (Eva
Green)--is assigned as Bond's
accomplice. Bond is smitten by
Vesper's purity, and so as not
to further burden her con-
science, he decides to resign
from the service.
Although the film is based
on Ian Fleming's first Bond
novel, Casino Royale (2006) is
a far cry from Casino Royale
(1967) which was a forgettable
spoof. The 1967 version, how-
ever, doesn't have the iconic
Sean Connery, which is good
because then there is no basis
for comparing Craig with the
iconic Connery, the James Bond
with whom no other James
Bond player can compare. Re-
member Bond is supposed to
be neophyte here, having just
15
The lesson in the story has
been told hundreds of ways be-
fore: it's not your fault that you're
different, find your own gifted-
ness, accept yourself for what
you are, make a go of it and re-
deem yourself. There's a
conscientisizing message here
about global warming and how
humans have been abusing the
environment but it is not as well-
pronounced as the message of
tolerance and acceptance reso-
nating throughout the whole
movie. Perhaps because the
penguin performers catch one's
attention more than anything
else. Or perhaps all that singing
and dancing with but ice in the
background mesmerizes the
viewer to sleep, thus missing the
other vital message. Generally,
Happy Feet is wholesome
enough for everyone, but cover
the eyes of the small children
when the elephant seals stalk
Mumble--that could be pretty
scary for tots.
Title: CASINO ROYALE
Running Time: 140 mins
Lead Cast : Daniel Craig, Eva
Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Judi
Dench, Jeffrey Wright,
Giancarlo Giannini, Caterina
Murino
Director: Martin Campbell
Screenwriters: Neal Purvis,
Robert Wade, Paul Haggis
Music: David Arnold
Genre: Action/Suspense
Cinematography: Phil Meheux
Distributor : MGM
Technical Assessment: ½
Moral Assessment: ½
CINEMA Rating: For mature
viewers 18 and above
been issued his license. The
story calls for Craig's James
Bond to be a different Bond,
focusing on the person of the
agent, not on the sophisticated
and murderous gadgets his job
affords him. He is as M says
"a blunt instrument", not quite
at home in a job that pays him
to kill; besides, he has yet to
hone his instinct for smelling
out fakes. As might be ex-
pected, any Bond film's suc-
cess would depend on who
plays Bond, and Craig on his
first outing as the British agent
plays it marvelously well. Do-
ing most of his stunts himself,
Craig does in 30 minutes more
jumping and tumbling and
bleeding than Roger Moore has
ever done in his entire Bond
career. Great, too, is the acting
of Green as the vulnerable
woman Bond falls for, and
Mikkelsen as the compleat
poker player.
Bond movies offer amuse-
ment and entertainment, and
while Casino Royale seems to
make a statement for love--when
in a bind where he has to choose
between his job and his woman,
Bond singlemindedly chooses
the woman--it is nonetheless
amoral where human life is con-
cerned. But of course, one
might say, it's a spy movie, and
spies kill and are killed as part
of the job. Sometimes they also
fall in love, or pretend to, and
that's why a discerning mind is
called for when viewing such
movies. One shouldn't simply
shrug a shoulder and say "C'est
la vie!" Bond gadgetry and
devil-may-care lifestyle offer no
more than an escape. Be aware,
lest you get entrapped in an il-
lusion from which there is no
more escape.

16 People, Facts & Places
Diocese of Malaybalay Holds 34 th
Priests and Religious Assembly
THE Diocese of Malaybalay held its 34th Priests
and Religious Assembly from 27 to 29 Novem-
ber, 2007, at the Diocesan Formation Center 1
The CBCP personnel and staff, headed by CBCP Secretary General Msgr. Juanito Figura (2nd row, 3rd from left),
pose with Balanga (Bataan) Bishop Socrates Villegas (2nd row, 4th from left) during their advent recollection
held last November 25 at Sienna College, Hermosa, Bataan.
CELEBRATED.
His Eminence
Ricardo Cardi-
nal Vidal , 75,
archbishop of
Cebu; 35th epis-
copal ordination
anniversary; No-
vember 30, 2006.
A native of
L u c e n a
(Quezon), Vidal was ordained priest on
March 17, 1956, and as bishop in Novem-
ber 30, 1971. He was elevated to the college
of cardinals on April 24, 1985. Among his
other ministry works were: 1956-1957 as
assistant parish priest of Mogpog,
Marinduque and likewise as formator and
professor at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
Seminary, Lucena City; 1957-1965 as pro-
fessor, spiritual director at the diocesan
minor and major seminaries, diocese of
Lucena; 1965-1971 as rector of the Our Lady
of Mt. Carmel Seminary, also in Lucena.
Before becoming archbishop of Cebu in
September 18, 1982, earlier he was installed
archbishop of Lipa (Batangas) on August
26, 1973. In 1986-1987, he served as presi-
dent of the CBCP, and in 1989 became the
chairman of CBCP’s Episcopal Commission
on Clergy. From 1985-1994 he was the
Convenor of the Standing Committee of the
Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences
(FABC) and was concurrently the president
of Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome. At
present, he is a member of the Roman Curia
particularly of the Congregation for the
Evangelization of Peoples, Congregation for
Catholic Education, and the Pontifical
Council for Health Care Workers. Vidal re-
ceived the following honoris causa de-
grees: Doctor in Sacred Theology, Honoris
Causa, from the University of Santo Tomas,
Manila; Doctor of Human Letters, Honoris
Causa, from Manuel S. Enverga Founda-
tion University, Lucena City; Doctor of Hu-
man Letters, Honoris Causa, from the
Ateneo de Manila University; and Doctor
of Humanities, Honoris Causa, from the San
Carlos University, Cebu City.
with the theme “Priests and Religious: Com-
munity of Disciples Committed to Integral
Evangelization (Moral, Political, Social, etc.)
of Society.”
Around 122 participants came, composed
of 53 priests, 64 nuns, and 5 brothers.
The event kicked off with an overview of
last year’s assembly which was given by Sr.
Janet Norombaba, Fd. C.C. It was then followed
by the recollection which was facilitated by
Malaybalay bishop Honesto Ch. Pacana, S.J.
The bishop gave the challenge of what he
calls the “In-between times”—the time be-
tween the Ascension of the Lord, and his sec-
CELEBRATED.
Bishop Christian
V.F. Noel, 69, Bishop
of Talibon (Bohol);
25th episcopal ordina-
tion anniversary; De-
cember 2, 2006. Born
in Asturias, Cebu,
Bp. Noel entered the
seminary at an early
age in year 1950 at
Seminario Menor de San Carlos, Cebu City. He
was ordained priest on March 18, 1961 in
Davao City. His former pastoral ministries in-
clude: as assistant parish priest of St. Francis
of Assisi parish in Balamban, Cebu in 1962-
1964; assistant parish priest of San Vicente
Ferrer Parish, Bogo, Cebu in 1964-1966; parish
priest of San Vicente Ferrer parish, Buanoy,
Balamban, Cebu in 1966-1976; and in 1976-1982
as parish priest and vicar forane of San Vicente
Ferrer parish in Bogo, Cebu. He was ordained
bishop on November 30, 1981, as was ap-
pointed auxiliary bishop of Cagayan de Oro
on January 19, 1982. Finally on September 6,
1986, he was appointed as the first bishop of
Talibon (Bohol).
CELEBRATED.
Archbishop Pedro
Dean, 76, arch-
bishop emeritus of
Palo (Leyte), 50t h
sacerdotal ordina-
tion anniversary;
November 30, 2006.
A native of
Calbayog, Samar,
Dean first served as
priest in the arch-
diocese of Cebu and subsequently as bishop
of Tagum, Davao del Norte. Ordained priest in
1956, his erstwhile priestly ministries include:
as private secretary to the archbishop of Cebu
in 1957-1978; as diocesan aeconomus of Cebu
in 1958-78; as Cebu’s vicar forane in 1975-1978;
and as parish priest of San Nicolas parish,
Cebu in 1976-1978. He then served as auxiliary
bishop of Davao in 1978-1980, and subse-
quently as bishop of Tagum (Davao del Norte)
ond coming. He likens these times as a desert
experience—as marked by our experiences of
finitude like failures and disappointments.
On the second day, inputs on various ur-
gent issues were given. The first talk, given by
Fr. Joe Schwegmann: “Uprooting the Ugly
Head of Feminism” presented the history and
efforts of deception in order to control the
number of children in families.
It was followed by the input of Sr. Lucy
Lucine, RVM “Hidden Danger in the Class-
room: Sex Education”.
Input on Political Situation and Election
2007, meanwhile, was delivered by Dr. Ben-
jamin Tolosa, Jr., Chair, Department of Political
Science, Ateneo de Manila University and Mr.
Jess Paul Pacibe, project head of Simbahang
Lingkod ng Bayan.
The planning session then followed by
groups or deaneries. It came out that the major
The Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe Music
Ministry Presents “Marcsongs”
“Marcsongs” is a CD album of inspira-
tional songs that can be used in spiritual
gatherings, such as recollections, or sim-
ply in personal meditation. The singer-
songwriter Igorot priest, Fr. Marcial
Lloyd Cariño Castañeda, or sim-
ply Fr. Marcs to friends, com-
posed the songs contained
in the album, thus the title
“Marcsongs”. Some songs
in the album are biblical in
content and can be used
during liturgical celebra-
tions. Others are love
songs written from the
depths of human relation-
ships.
We invite you to listen to the
beautiful biblically inspired “Marcsongs”
and also to spread the word among your
friends. In this way you support the Bontoc-
Lagawe Music Ministry in its objective to
inspire people through the power of music.
Proceeds from this project will help in
Markings
in 1980-1985. Finally, in 1985, he was installed
archbishop of Palo (Leyte) until his retirement
last year. Dean is a former member of the CBCP’s
Episcopal Commissions on Liturgy, Family Life,
Social Action, Doctrine of Faith, as well as the
CBCP’s Permanent Council. Dean earned his
Philosophy (Bachelor and Licentiate) and The-
ology (Bachelor and Licentiate) degrees from
the UST Central Seminary. His motto is
OBEDIENTA ET PAX (Obedience and Peace),
two virtues inherent to the person of Christ
based on the scriptural passages, viz. – “He,
who came in ‘obedience’ to the will of the Fa-
ther (Lk. 22,42) and who, in leaving, bequeathed
to His followers His ‘peace’ (Jn. 14,27)”.
ELECTED. Fr.
Baltazar Obico,
OFM, 59; as Minister
Provincial of the
Franciscan Order of
Friars Minor; October,
2006; at the 9th OFM
General Assembly. As
the new Minister Pro-
vincial, Obico will of-
fer his ministry of ser-
vice to the OFM friars
for six full years from 2007-2013. Born on De-
cember 22, 1947 in Liliw, Laguna, the newly
elected Minister Provincial is well immersed,
oriented and adept at administrative matters
and leadership. He was elected and has served
the Friars as Provincial Definitor for two terms
from 1995-1997 and from 1998-2000. After serv-
ing as Provincial Definitor for six years, he was
elected as Vicar Provincial of which he served
with dedication, diligence and special solici-
tude for the friars for another six years. With
full trust and confidence in his competence
and administrative aptitude, he was appointed
by the Minister General Fr. Jose Rodriquez
Carballo, OFM last 2002 as Visitator General to
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 10 No. 17
December 4, 2006
concern of every deanery is the coming elec-
tions, if ever it will push through.
Fr. Biven Belderol, Vicar General of the
Diocese pushed for the amendment of the di-
ocesan policy regarding church workers inter-
ested to vie for a government position.
At present, church workers in the diocese
are asked to either resign or take a leave of
absence if they run in the elections.
The priest’s proposal is for the church to
scrap the said policy and even go as far as
supporting worthy candidates who are church
workers.
During the discussions, issues like the
possibility of abuse of the pulpit for campaigns,
and the possible division this will create among
the lay faithful were discussed.
Deaneries then were assigned to study
and formulate guidelines on said issues. (Fr.
Jonathan C. Tianero)
the construction of the church of Sadsadan
(Holy Family Mission Station) at Bauko,
Mountain Province, and in the renovation
of the barrio chapels of Sadanga (Our Lady
of Assumption Mission Station),
Mountain Province.
Enjoy the music. Help
build our churches. Order
your copies of
“Marcsongs” from the
Bontoc-Lagawe Music
Ministry, care of the
Bishop’s Residence,
Bontoc, Mountain Prov-
ince, telephone / fax num-
ber (074) 462-4292. Copies of
“Marcsongs” are also available
at the Our Lady of Atonement Par-
ish Office, Baguio Cathedral, Baguio City,
telephone number (074) 442-4256, or email
Fr Marcs Castañeda at
marc_songs@yahoo.com or cp# 0918-536-
3980. (The Music Ministry of the Vicari-
ate of Bontoc-Lagawe)
the Franciscan Province of St. Thomas the
Apostle in India. In the middle of that year,
he was again appointed General Visitator to
the Franciscan Province of the Holy Mar-
tyrs’ in Japan. For his educational prepara-
tion, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in
ecclesiastical studies at the Our Lady of the
Angels Seminary, Quezon City. He later ob-
tained his Master’s degree in Franciscan
Studies at St. Bonaventure University in
New York, New York. His past assignments
in the Province include: Pastor of St. John
the Baptist Parish in Camalig, Albay; Rec-
tor of St. Anthony Shrine, Sampaloc, Ma-
nila; National Spiritual Assistant to the Secu-
lar Franciscan Order in the Philippines; Post
Novitiate Director, Secretary for Formation
and Studies, Lecturer, and as chairperson
for Ministry and Promotion as well as of
OFM Financial Board. Aside from his regu-
lar assignment, he has been a regularly
sought after lecturer at the Franciscan In-
stitute of Asia, and at the Correspondence
Course for Franciscan Missionary Charism
as well as at the Our Lady of the Angels
College Seminary and Graduate School in
Novaliches, Quezon City.
CELEBRATED. YOUNGSTER Magazine,
published by the Society of St. Paul con-
gregation; 50th year of publication; Novem-
ber 25, 2006; at SSP compound, San Anto-
nio Village, Makati City. The publication
anniversary celebration began with a eu-
charistic celebration, followed by bible quiz
bee, pep-talks on personality development,
cartooning and school organ layouting,
participated by selected youngsters from
over 25 Catholic schools in Metro Manila
and neighboring provinces. The event was
capped with the awarding rites attended by
young celebrities and performers from the
showbiz industry.