•A3 Pope’s second

encyclical invites
•A7 •B1 •C1
people to personally The Human Family, a
encounter Jesus Community of Peace Christmastide The CROSS

cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net
The more fortunate
www.cbcponline.net/cbcpmonitor

Bishop warns vs. toy gun

should renounce their
rights—Lagdameo
“THE more fortunate should renounce some of
their rights (even over material possessions they
justly possess) so as to place their goods more
generously at the service of others,” said CBCP
president and Jaro archbishop Angel Lagdameo
in his blog (www.abplagdameo.blogspot.com).
This he said in the spirit of the celebration of
International Human Rights Day and in the con-
The more / A6
Protagonist of Truth, Promoter of Peace
December 10 - 30, 2007
gifts
A RANKING Catholic Church official has issued
a stern caution against giving toy guns to chil-
dren as Christmas gifts.
Bishop Joel Baylon, chairman of the CBCP
Episcopal Commission on Youth, discouraged
such presents because it doesn’t match up with
the message of peace.
“I had been negative towards that (giving toy
guns) because of its possible bad effects to chil-
Vol. 11 No. 25 Php 20.00 dren,” he said. Bishop / A6

Attack on the family undermines

world peace, says Holy Father
Pope Benedict XVI called upon the international community
to protect the family at all costs because it is “the first and
indispensable teacher of peace.” He also insisted that who-
ever undermines the family, attacks peace in the entire com-
munity.
The Holy Father’s message was made public in prepara-
tion for the upcoming 41st tion from society and the
World Day of Peace, which State.
will be celebrated on Janu- “Consequently,” the Pope
ary 1, 2008. said, “whoever, even un-
Before launching into his knowingly, circumvents the
explanation of why the fam- institution of the family un-
ily must be protected, the dermines peace in the entire
Pope defined the family say- community, national and in-
ing that it is “ ‘a divine insti- ternational, since he weak-
tution that stands at the foun- ens what is in effect the pri-
dation of life of the human mary agency of peace.”
person as the prototype of The Holy Father also
every social order’.” stressed that “everything that
Benedict XVI insisted that, serves to weaken the family
“the family is the first and in- based on the marriage of a
dispensable teacher of peace,” man and a woman, every-
and it is also, “the foundation thing that directly or indi-
of society ... because it enables rectly stands in the way of its
its members in decisive ways openness to the responsible
to experience peace. It follows acceptance of a new life, ev-
that the human community erything that obstructs its
cannot do without the service right to be primarily respon-
provided by the family,” the sible for the education of its
Pope emphasized. children, constitutes an ob-
Referencing the Universal jective obstacle on the road
Declaration of Human to peace.”
Rights, Pope Benedict re- While some people live with
minded everyone that the the attitude that mankind lives “Jesus must be experienced at Christmas, not simply as a great prophet, a religious founder or genius but as God’s ultimate Word to mankind. In him concrete human life is
family is entitled to protec- Attack / A6 found in its most basic and radical form.” -- Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo

Volume of child CBCP head: Put God at the heart of Christmas

trafficking
overwhelming
in Asia
THERE have been over four mil-
lion women and children who
have fallen prey to human traf-
fickers in the Philippines and
other southeast Asian countries
over the past few years.
According to the Asia Against
Child Trafficking, an interna-
tional non-government organiza-
tion, the figures are “overwhelm-
ing.”
Sr. Rosanne Malillin, SPC,
NASSA executive secretary, said
child trafficking and sexual ex-
ploitation of women and minors
occur frequently in the poorest
regions of the country. She de-
scribed the illegal activities as
“most severe form of abuse”
against women and children.
“The figures should send a
strong signal to make all sectors
help abate the incidence of child
trafficking and exploitation,” Sr.
Rosanne added.
Along with NASSA’s and its 54
Diocesan Social Action Centers’
commitment to spearhead com-
munity mobilization for effective
and efficient delivery of basic so-
cial services and implement pro-
grams on healthcare and educa-
tion, the concerted efforts will
further be strengthened by its
linkages with the consortium of
Volume / A6
JESUS should be at the core of our Ad- But he lamented saying that in the gritty of human existence, so that man mas nonetheless instills hope in the
vent and Christmas celebration, a high-
ranking Church official said.
midst of frenetic activities people tend
to forget the reason for the celebration.
may learn from him how it is to become
fully human.
hearts of the faithful.
The Advent season—four weeks of
Jaro Archbishop and Catholic Bishops’
Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)
“Jesus seems no longer a part of our
Christmas parties during the Advent and
“He lived among us, laughed and
cried like us, showing us how it is to be
preparation before Christmas—is a pe-
riod of waiting for the coming of the
President Most Rev. Angel Lagdameo
stressed it is important to put Jesus at
Christmas season,” Lagdameo noted.
“And yet without Jesus, all our festivi-
truly human yet totally attuned to God,”
said Lagdameo.
Lord.
“We always ask God to come and
the center of our festivities during the ties, gift-giving, decorations, Christmas change the world… to free our world
Christmas season. carols are without meaning,” he added. Glimpse of hope from poverty, violence and war…to
The Advent season, although a time We celebrate Christmas every year, make us more concerned of other people,
of waiting for the coming of the Lord is the prelate said, to remind us of God In the face of natural calamities and our environment and country,”
being celebrated as if it is already Christ- who decided to be with us (Emmanuel). social ills people have to endure nowa- Lagdameo said
mas, observed Lagdameo. He said Jesus had embraced the nitty- days, the season of Advent and Christ- CBCP Head / A6
United front vs child pornography needed Cubao bishop warns flock of ‘anti-life’ bills
Community, Congressman “As your shepherd, I admon-
Bienvenido Abante and ish you to defend the sanctity of
Gabriela among others. human life and family that are
Manzano said his group now in tremendous dangers,” he
will try to replicate the cara- said.
van in various regions where The proposed laws, he said,
child pornography is preva- “cleverly crafted” under the
lent. guise of Reproductive Health
In a statement, CBCP Presi- and Population Management
dent and Jaro (Iloilo) Arch- pushes “safe” abortion and the
bishop Angel N. Lagdameo use of abortifacients.
said the advocacy and cam- The same policies, he said,
paign against child pornog- will make compulsory the
raphy “must be supported by teaching of contraceptive meth-
Bishop Honesto Ongtioco
civil society to protect the ods to students from elemen-
moral welfare of future gen- A CATHOLIC bishop has re- tary up to high school.
erations.” He added civil au- newed his alarm over two pend- What’s worse, Ongtioco ex-
OPTICAL Media Board Chair- expressed his thanks to the thorities have the duty to pre- ing “anti-life” health measures claimed, is that recipients of said
man Eduardo Manzano called CBCP Ad-Hoc Committee vent the production and dis- filed before the local govern- policies, if approved, are under
on every sector of society to Against Child Pornography, tribution of pornographic ment of Quezon City. a punitive provision of impris-
come together and form a MTRCB under Chairperson materials. In a circular to his flocks, onment and fines if they are not
united front against child por- Ma. Consoliza P. Laguardia, CBCP Media Director Cubao Bishop Honesto followed.
nography. Office of Muslim Affairs, Na- Pedro C. Quitorio said while Ongtioco warned that the pro- “They use the name of the
Speaking at the kick-off tional Commission on the the country celebrated Hu- posed ordinances by Councilor poor on the issue of poverty to
rites before the Metro Ma- Role of Filipino Women, man Rights day yearly, the Joseph Juico imperil the sanctity push their deadly intent of pro-
nila-wide caravan, Manzano Iglesia ni Cristo, Jesus Is Lord United / A6 of human life and family. Cubao / A6

Impact magazine is 41. It may

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magazine for human
transformation in the region.
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 CBCP Monitor
A2 World News Vol. 11 No. 25
December 10 - 30, 2007

Burma bishops: Fewer parties Holy See delegation at

and more prayers for Christmas
YANGON, Myanmar, December 7, 2007—The
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar
(CBCM) exhorted the faithful to cut down on
“external” Christmas celebrations—games,
songs and parties—in order to focus on
“prayer and adoration until the country finds
peace and prosperity”. The statement was
referring to the Advent and Christmas cel-
ebration.
According to UCA News during a special
announcement on December 3rd, the bishops
of Myanmar invited lay people, priests and
the faithful to focus all their energy to pro-
mote peace. The country formally known as
Burma, has experienced unrest since Septem-
ber after a violent government crack down on
peaceful protests led by Buddhist monks. At
least 15 people were killed and several mon-
asteries were forced to shut down.
“We would like to exhort all the faithful of
the dioceses,” the message said, “to cut down
on the external forms of celebrating the feast
such as carol singing, Christmas parties and
similar gatherings, and spend much time in
prayer, fasting, contemplation, and in adora-
tion of the Eucharistic Lord.”
The letter signed by Archbishops Paul
Zinghtung Geawng, president of the CBCM,
and by Charles Bo, secretary general, arrived
after a meeting on November 30th between
the bishops of Myanmar in Yangon and the
Apostolic Nuncio of Myanmar, Archbishop
Salvatore Pennacchio.
Father Joseph Soosay, secretary of the Na-
tional Liturgy Commission, likewise sug-
gested Catholics “need to celebrate Christ-
mas after realizing its essence.” He explained
that the call for more low-key celebrations
derives from the need to “guide the people’s
spirituality to celebrate Christmas meaning-
fully.” (AsiaNews/Ucan)
climate change conference
VATICAN CITY, December 4,
2007—The 13th session of the con-
ference of States parties to the
United Nations Framework Con-
vention on Climate Change is
being held on the Indonesian is-
land of Bali from December 3 to
14.
A communique made public
yesterday afternoon affirms that
the Holy See will be present at
the Bali meeting with a delega-
tion led by Archbishop Leopoldo
Girelli, apostolic nuncio to Indo-
nesia, and composed of Msgr.
Andrew Thanya-anan Vissanu,
nunciature counsellor in Jakarta,
and of three local experts from
the Philippines and Indonesia: Fr.
Benito B. Tuazon, Fr. Alexius
Andang Listya Binawan S.J., and
Vera Wenny Setijawati.
“Given that the sessions of the
Convention on Climate Change
are held once a year in various
countries,” the communique
reads, “the Holy See is usually
represented at such meetings
with a delegation led by the ap-
ostolic nuncio and made up of
experts from the area, so as to
take advantage of local resources
and to achieve a broader and
more differentiated vision of the
questions being examined.”
(VIS)

Cancer is my ‘angel,’ says

New director for Vatican newspaper
ROME, November 26, 2007—The recent nam-
ing of Catholic intellectual Giovanni Maria
Vian as the new director of L’Osservatore
Romano, means the opening of a new era for
the Vatican publication, which will include
its complete publication online.
L’Osservatore Romano was founded in 1861
at the request of Pope Pius IX in order to give
a public voice to the Vatican, just months af-
ter the Pontifical states were lost in the wake
of Italian unification.
The Vatican daily, which is currently pub-
lished daily in Italian, has a limited circula-
tion of around 3,000 with only about 1,000
actually sold. The actual impact of the paper
is much larger though because it reflects the
position of the Vatican on critical issues.
Although the Vatican daily will never be
profitable, as it rarely prints ads, Vian has
proposed not only creating greater interest
in the newspaper but also expanding its read-
ership.
The day after becoming director, Vian in-
stituted a significant change in the format and
content of the newspaper: pages two and
three, usually full of Italian news, have be-
come international pages, with Italy covered
as just another country.
More importantly, the new director has
begun providing space for extensive opin-
ion articles by renowned experts addressing
cardinal
such sensitive subjects as the future of the
liturgy, the dialogue between faith and cul-
ture and the reform of the curia. Taiwanese prelate spreads message of courage
One such article by Valentin Miserach
Grau, current president of the Pontifical In-
of the Gospel” at the last stage of
stitute of Sacred Music, criticized the state of
his life.
liturgical music at the Vatican.
A contribution
Vian has also allowed international ana-
The cardinal said he had visited
lysts of L’Osservatore Romano to sign their own
a drug abuse center in Taitung and
articles, a decision that has pleased the paper’s
met 300 inmates there Nov. 22. He
editors and motivated them to work harder.
told them, “The cancer let me
According to Vatican sources, the refur-
know that as I am entering the last
bished newspaper has the support of Vatican
stage of my life, I should try my
Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.
best to contribute to society.”
In addition, while editors prepare to pub-
He prayed for the inmates and
lish the complete newspaper online, Vian has
appealed that people should use
begun sending articles out via email to sub-
“love” to settle the problems in
scribers and to the editors of the principal
their daily life.
Italian news agencies in Rome.
Cardinal Shan Kuo-hsi was di-
Although there are currently no plans to
agnosed with lung cancer in July
make changes to the weekly editions in other
2006. He shared with those he
languages, sources at L’Osservatore Romano are
met on the tour that he was
looking into the possibility of translating
shocked with the diagnosis, and
these opinion columns into English and Span-
with the prospect of only having
ish. The idea of publishing some of the ar-
HONG KONG, December 7, a life expectancy of 4 to 5 months.
ticles online that are not normally featured 2007—After being diagnosed “At first I asked the Lord, ‘Why
in the weekly editions has also been floated.
with lung cancer last year, Car- me?’ When I calmed down, I rec-
(CNA) dinal Paul Shan Kuo-hsi didn’t ognized that it is the will of the
wait to die, but rather got up to Lord,” the cardinal said. “He
inspire others to face life with wanted me to help the others by
courage. sharing my personal experience

Holy See extols respect for immigrants’ rights
Archbishop addresses Migration Organization
GENEVA, December 7, 2007—
Migrants who know their rights
and have them respected can be a
positive force for their new coun-
tries, as well as their nations of
origin, says the Holy See.
Archbishop Silvano Tomasi,
permanent observer of the Holy
See to the Office of the United
Nations and Specialized Institu-
tions in Geneva, said this Nov.
29 when he addressed the 94th
Council Session of the Interna-
tional Organization of Migration.
The session was held Nov. 27-30
in Geneva.
Archbishop Tomasi, speaking in
English, said: “Estimates now give
more than 200 million persons in
the world living and working in
countries different than the one in
which they were born or were citi-
zens and the 90 million workers
among them are almost 3% of the
3 billion strong labor force.
“Migrant workers, skilled and
unskilled, have taken central
place in many current debates.”
“This type of migration,” he
continued, “is looked at as a posi-
tive force for development of
countries of origin, especially
through the billions of dollars in
remittances sent home by the
migrants—$167 billion sent to
developing countries in 2005—as
well for the economy of receiv-
ing countries.”
“In fact, for a growing number
of countries, immigrants have
become a necessity to compen-
sate for the dwindling work force
and for their demographic defi-
cit,” Archbishop Tomasi ex-
plained. “Fairness in recognizing
the contribution immigrants
make can serve as a good base
for their integration.”
Human priority
However, the 67-year-old prel-
ate added, “two important di-
mensions of contemporary mi-
grations are not adequately dis-
cussed and paid attention to in
the formulation of policies: the
victims of migration flows and
the priority that persons have
over the economy.
“Present political trends ap-
pear clear and slanted in the di-
rection of responding to the more
emotional and vocal demands of
public opinion for control and
integration.
“In the long run, however, a
fair and effective solution will
come from a comprehensive ap-
proach that embraces all policy
components: the rights of the
state and of the receiving com-
munity, of the migrants, and of
the international common good.”
“In a parallel way,” Arch-
bishop Tomasi emphasized, “the
social teaching of the Catholic
Church, and in fact that of all re-
ligious traditions, looks at mi-
grants as human beings in the
first place and then as citizens or
guests, or as economic and cul-
tural agents.”
“Education can play a major
role,” concluded the archbishop.
“Migrants, aware of their rights,
can be more secure in offering
their services and talents and the
receiving community, well in-
formed and respectful of these
rights, will feel freer in extend-
ing its solidarity in order to build
together a common future.”
(Zenit)
The Jesuit cardinal, who is the
retired bishop of Kaohsiung and
former president of the Chinese
regional episcopal conference in
Taiwan, began his “Farewell to
My Life” tour in October.
His first visit was to Hsinchu,
located on the northwestern coast
of Taiwan, and since then has vis-
ited the six other dioceses of the
island.
“I treated the cancer as my ‘little
angel,’” the cardinal told ZENIT
in a telephone interview. “It
guides me to tell people that we
should have the courage to face
the challenges in our life.”
The tour came to completion
Wednesday when the prelate vis-
ited Fu Jen Catholic University
in Taipei. The university offered
him an award to honor his love
for life.
Cardinal Shan Kuo-hsi turned
84 on Sunday.
The Chinese cardinal said he
was “very happy to be a witness
with them.
“And now, I will confirm that
‘Why it is not me?’ A cardinal does
not have a privilege to stay
healthy forever!”
He said that after his death, his
body will be turned into fertil-
izer for the land of Taiwan, but
his soul will be returned to the
Lord.
The Chinese cardinal also
praised the heroic example of the
late Pope John Paul II, who tried
his best to live out the last min-
utes of his life with dignity.
Cardinal Shan Kuo-hsi is a na-
tive of Hebei province, northern
China. He left mainland China
after he joined the Jesuits in 1946.
He was ordained priest in the
Philippines in 1955.
He was named bishop of
Hualien, Taiwan, in 1979, and
bishop of Kaohsiung in 1991. He
was elevated to cardinal in 1998,
and retired in January 2006.
(Zenit)

Australian Catholic Church

Let us defend the human dignity of North Koreans, says prelate
SEOUL, Korea, December 7,
2007– In a message released on
the occasion of the 26th Human
Rights Sunday scheduled for 10
December, Msgr. Boniface Choi
Ki-san, bishop of Incheon and
chairman of the Committee for
Justice and Peace of the Catho-
lic Bishops’ Conference of Ko-
rea, writes that “[t]rue effort for
the reconciliation of the Korean
people should include defend-
ing the human dignity of [our]
North Korean brethren as well
as giving material aid to them.
We should struggle to im-
prove the human rights situa-
tion and to make the freedom
of faith and of missions recog-
nized in North Korea.”
In “our society,” he adds, “the
dignity of human life is not val-
ued sufficiently, so the poor and
vulnerable life is not properly
protected.” Indeed, in his opin-
ion, suicide, abortion, cloning
of human embryos and capital
punishment are currently the
greatest threats to the dignity
of human life.
For this reason, “[w]e must
strengthen our effort to protect
the weaker members and mi-
norities of society” like unborn
children so that they do not pay
for our weaknesses.
running ads in movie theaters
SYDNEY, Australia, December 6, to translate their Christmas ex-
In his 2007—The Catholic Church in perience into lasting peace by
message, Australia on Wednesday debuted finding out more about Jesus
titled Hu- its first ever movie advertising Christ through the Catholic
man dignity campaign, CathNews reports. Church.
is the high- The advertising targets those The timing of the advertise-
est value, who might be more open to God ments was no accident.
the prelate during the Christmas season. “Boxing Day is the biggest
also urges The cinema ad is brief and non- movie-going day of the year and
Catholics intrusive, showing a montage of we are excited about this new
to get images of Catholic life. It asks, method of taking the message of
ready con- “Have you ever wanted to know Christ and the Church out to the
s c i e n - what Catholics believe?” broader Australian community,”
tiously for The ads will run during the the archbishop said. He noted
the presidential election on 19 dent a candidate who respects animated film “The Bee Movie” that the New Year was a time
December. human dignity and takes it as from December 6-19, and during when people reassess their lives
Given the fact that every “citi- the supreme value in making showings for the movie “Atone- and look for what is missing from
zen has the right and duty to decisions and carrying out poli- ment” from December 26 to Janu- them.
vote, we should elect as presi- cies.” (AsiaNews) ary 9. “Perhaps… they will be
Archbishop John Bathersby, prompted to find out more about
Chairman of the Bishops Com- how the Catholic faith can help
mission for Mission and Faith them find the peace they are

CDF to release important document on evangelization and catechesis Formation, said the goal of the
advertisements is to invite people
searching for,” Archbishop
Bathersby said. (CNA)

Catholic population growing in

Cardinal William Levada
VATICAN CITY, December 6,
2007—The Congregation for the
Doctrine of the Faith (CDF),
headed by Cardinal William Jo-
seph Levada, is about to release
an important document on evan-
gelization and catechesis,
Vatican sources told CNA this
week.
According to the Vatican
sources, the document, which
could be made public this Ad-
vent, “can be regarded as an ap-
plication of the principles of the
document “Dominus Iesus” to
the way evangelization is trans-
mitted and catechesis is taught
within the Catholic Church.”
In “Dominus Iesus” the CDF,
then under the leadership of Car-
dinal Joseph Ratzinger, clearly
established the differences be-
tween the Catholic Church and
other religions including other
Christian denominations. “Domi-
nus Iesus” states that only the
Catholic Church possesses the
fullness of the Christian faith.
According to sources con-
sulted by CNA, the new docu-
ment on evangelization will
stress the need to make the per-
son of Jesus Christ, in his role as
God incarnated to bring the full
revelation of God’s plans
through the Catholic Church, the
corner stone and center of every
program of evangelization and
catechesis.
The intention of the docu-
ment, according to the source, is
“to bring back the centrality of
Jesus to the programs aimed at
transmitting the faith to future
generations, since several of
these programs are centered on
feelings or confused ideas about
the teachings of the Church on
the nature of Jesus.” (CNA)
United Arab Emirates
DUBAI, UAE, December 7, 2007—
The KAI news agency reports that
the number of Catholics in the
United Arab Emirates (UAE) is
steadily growing.
Forty-five priests serve 20 par-
ishes and 1.3 million Catholics in
the UAE. The largest parish is
spiritual home for 65,000 Catho-
lics—nearly all of them workers
from India, the Philippines,
China, and Africa.
In May, the Holy See estab-
lished diplomatic relations with
the United Arab Emirates, which
honor a constitution that guaran-
tees freedom of religion.
(CWNews)
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 25
December 10 - 30, 2007
Pope’s second encyclical invites
people to personally encounter Jesus
VATICAN CITY, December 3, 2007—It’s diffi-
cult to select a single summarizing line in Pope
Benedict XVI’s encyclical “Spe Salvi”, but a fun-
damental point is found in its first few pages.
Christ’s sacrifice, the pope said, overturned
the pagan worldview of the early Christian
era. In Christianity’s new vision, the universe
was governed not by the laws of matter but
by a personal God who revealed himself in
the person of Jesus Christ.
“And if we know this person and he knows
us, then truly the inexorable power of mate-
rial elements no longer has the last word; we
are not slaves of the universe and of its laws,
we are free,” he said.
Throughout its 76 pages, the pope’s encyc-
lical on hope is not just an exposition of philo-
sophical and theological arguments, but an
invitation for people to personally encoun-
ter Jesus Christ.
That invitation has been the core of Pope
Benedict’s mission over the last two and a
half years.
In his first encyclical, “Deus Caritas Est”,
News Features
the pope said Christianity’s main purpose
was to help people accept God’s love and
share it—beginning with love “in its most
radical form,” the sacrifice of Christ.
In “Spe Salvi,” the pope argued that faith in
Christ brings well-founded hope in eternal
salvation, the “great hope” that can sustain
people through the trials of this world.
In presenting Jesus Christ as the source of
love and hope for contemporary men and
women, the pope has tried to explain the
Church’s beliefs in ways that are convincing
without being authoritarian.
Certainly he has been a critic of contempo-
rary culture in these pages, warning against
the exaltation of science and technology, eco-
nomic and individual selfishness, ideologi-
cal excesses and misconceptions about free-
dom.
But his critique is based on reasoned analy-
sis, reflecting the pope’s conviction that Chris-
tianity, more than just an exercise in faith,
does and must make sense to the modern
mind.
A3
The pope also has shown sympathy for
people who may doubt, or who are no longer
attracted by the Church’s traditional arguments.
In “ Spe Salvi,” for example, the pope ac-
knowledged that many people today may
find the idea of eternal salvation monoto-
nous and “more like a curse than a gift.” He
went on to say that “eternal life” is an inad-
equate term and suggested that people think
of salvation more in terms of a supreme
moment of satisfaction or joy.
Some readers of “Spe Salvi “ were struck by
the fact that the pope did not mention the Sec-
ond Vatican Council or cite its documents.
Pope Benedict in general appears to prefer the
writings of individual Christians—ancient and
contemporary—to illustrate his points.
In this encyclical, the pope quoted early
Church fathers and contemporary saints,
making powerful arguments for hope that
drew from centuries of Christian experience.
Both the sermons of St. Augustine and the
diary of a 19th-century Vietnamese martyr
were at home in this text. (CNS)

Lights and shadows of Church life in Asia

Fr. Renato Manubag, CMF Provincial, assists Papal Nuncio Archbishop
Edward Joseph Adams cut the ribbon at the opening of Hope Center.
VATICAN CITY, December 7, 2007—The 11th
Meeting of the Special Council for Asia of
the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bish-
ops was held in Rome on November 20, un-
der the presidency of Archbishop Nicola
Eterovic, secretary general of the Synod of
bishops, according to a communique made
public today.
During the meeting, attention was focused
on “the situation of the Church in the nations
of Asia, ... the implementation of the post-
Synodal Apostolic Exhortation ‘Ecclesia in
Asia,’ ... the influence exercised by the recent
post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation ‘Sacra-
mentum caritatis’ on the various Churches of
Asia, and proposals and suggestions for the
Twelfth Ordinary General Assembly which
ethnic strife, violence, terrorism, repression
and the various limits placed on freedom of
conscience.”
“The primary victims of persecutions are
minorities,” the communiqué notes, “among
them Christian minorities who are often
forced to abandon their countries of origin,
suffering violence also at the hands of funda-
mentalist groups. The lack of religious lib-
erty takes various forms: limits to communi-
cation among bishops and between them and
the Holy Father, ... the impossibility of creat-
ing episcopal conferences, difficulties in ob-
taining visas for pastoral card workers, lim-
its on the building of places of workshop,
and impediments to [religious] presence in
public life.”
consecrated life, so that now Asians them-
selves have become missionaries to other
particular Churches in Asia and on other con-
tinents.”
Moreover, “the Church remains open to
dialogue with the great religions of Asia,
making a notable contribution to tolerance
and civil harmony, to reinforcing the State of
law and the process of the democratization
of society.” The Church also exercises an im-
portant influence “through her social activi-
ties in schools and hospitals, and in favor of
human promotion.”
The communiqué also notes how the post-
Synodal Apostolic Exhortation “Ecclesia in
Asia” is “producing abundant fruits above
all through programs of diocesan activities

Claretians launch will have as its theme ‘The Word of God in

Hope Center
MANILA, December 8, 2007—
Claretian Missionaries
opened its first Hope Center
at Aurora Boulevard, Quezon
City in a simple but meaning-
ful ceremony led by Papal
Nuncio to the Philippines,
Archbishop Edward Joseph
Adams.
The Hope Center, a com-
munication center that caters
to various spiritual and pas-
toral needs of people through
spiritual books and other
means, has a specific thrust—
to be a place where hope is
nurtured and shared.
Fr. Benedict Dilag, CMF,
CHCFI Executive Director ex-
plained the Center’s mission,
saying it aims to be a place
where young people can come
together and feel accepted and
cared for.
“We desire to make it pos-
sible for them to feel that they
belong in our center’s com-
munity, which does all things
at all times in a loving, digni-
fied, Christ-like manner,” said
Fr. Dilag.
According to Fr. Dilag,
people today especially the
youth have this desire to
deepen their spirituality,
strengthen their relationship
with God, and find solutions
to their problems.
“Our heart is for the center
to be a blessing on the secular
marketplace, to infuse the
lives of young people and
their generation with hope,
and to help them realize that
our love-in-action approach is
a reflection of God’s life-
changing love,” he added.
In the Hope Center, young
people both Catholic and non-
Catholic can have the oppor-
tunities to explore various
means available for receiving
and communicating the Word
of God. Spiritual books, maga-
zines, periodicals, audio-vi-
sual materials, software and
the internet are available to
satisfy one’s quest for wisdom
and knowledge.
The Center also has an au-
dio-visual display, coffee
lounge, an internet café, e-
loading counter, and religious
giftshop. It has a private cor-
ner for counseling and a
prayer room where one can
pray and meditate.
With the launching of the
Hope Center, the Claretians
are not merely opening a new
bookstore but going beyond
the usual way of proclaiming
the Good News, Fr. Dilag said.
Present during the launch-
ing were the CMF Provincial,
Fr. Renato Manubag, the Pro-
vincial Council, the Board of
Directors of Claretian Com-
munication Foundation Inc.
(CCFI) and Claretian Hope
Center Foundation Inc.
(CHCFI), and Religious Men
and Women, friends and col-
laborators of Claretian Mis-
sionaries. (Pinky Barrientos,
FSP)
the Life and Mission of the Church.’
“The debate,” the communiqué adds,
The communiqué also notes a number of
positive aspects such as “the fraternal wel-
come shown to Christians who have fled in
and bishops’ pastoral letters,” while the post-
Synodal Apostolic Exhortation “ Sacramentum
caritatis” is being “effectively disseminated,
“made it possible to create a broad overview fear of their lives; the increase in the num- and translated into local languages such as
of ecclesial life in Asia, and of the living con-
ditions in civil society, which in many ways
are favorable to Church activity. Nonethe-
ber of Catholics in regions where they have,
up to now, been scarce; the faithfulness even
unto the giving of life, as in the case of the
Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Thai.”
The next meeting of the Special Council
for Asia of the General Secretariat of the
less, various areas of concern were identi- four priests killed in Asia in 2006, ... an in- Synod of Bishops will be held on December
fied, ... deriving from wars, the arms race, crease in vocations to the priesthood and to 11 and 12, 2008. (VIS)
Pope OKs plenary indulgence for Lourdes’ 150th anniversary
requirements for receiving it clude the person going to confes-
Dec. 5. sion within a reasonably short pe-
An indulgence is a remission riod of time, receiving the Eucha-
of the temporal punishment due rist and praying for the intentions
for sins committed. A plenary in- of the pope, all in a spirit of total
dulgence is the remission of all detachment from the attraction of
punishment. sin.
Cardinal Stafford said the in- Those who make a pilgrimage
dulgence can also be applied to to Lourdes must visit the follow-
the souls of the faithful in purga- ing sites, preferably in this order:
tory. • The parish where St. Bernadette
Catholics can receive the indul- was baptized.
gence during two time frames. • The Soubirous family home.
Pilgrims visiting the • The Massabielle grotto.
Massabielle grotto, where Mary • The chapel where St. Bernadette
appeared to St. Bernadette, can received her first Communion.
receive the indulgence during the At each location the faithful
Lourdes jubilee year, which runs should end their meditation by
from Dec. 8, the feast of the Im- praying the Lord’s Prayer, the
maculate Conception of the creed and the special jubilee
Blessed Virgin Mary, until Dec. prayer or a prayer to Mary.
8, 2008. Those visiting a holy place
VATICAN CITY, December 5, court dealing with indulgences Pilgrims who visit any public dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes
2007—To mark the 150th anni- and matters of conscience. sanctuary, shrine or other wor- in another part of the world Feb.
versary of Mary’s appearance to As Christians strive to become thy place dedicated to Our Lady 2-11 also should pray the Lord’s
St. Bernadette Soubirous near more holy, they can look to Mary of Lourdes may receive the in- Prayer, the creed and the special
Lourdes, France, Pope Benedict who “calls the faithful to her Son dulgence Feb. 2-11. Feb. 11 is the jubilee prayer or a prayer to
XVI authorized a special indul- and his sacrifice and to the love day the first of 18 apparitions oc- Mary.
gence to encourage renewed ho- of the Father,” said the cardinal, curred and is the feast of Our Lady Catholics who cannot visit
liness. quoting from “Lumen Gentium,” of Lourdes. Feb. 2 is the feast of Lourdes or join a communal ser-
Catholics can receive a plenary the Second Vatican Council’s the Presentation of the Lord. vice dedicated to Our Lady of
indulgence for taking part in any Dogmatic Constitution on the Cardinal Stafford said that to Lourdes because of illness or other
public or private devotion to Our Church. obtain the special indulgence one serious reason could still earn the
Lady of Lourdes, said U.S. Cardi- The Vatican published the must fulfill the normal require- indulgence “in their own home
nal J. Francis Stafford, head of the cardinal’s statement announcing ments set by the Church for all or wherever they are” Feb. 2-11,
Apostolic Penitentiary, a Vatican the indulgence and outlining the plenary indulgences; these in- Cardinal Stafford said. (CNS)

Local TV program features Caceres archbishop

NAGA CITY, December 10,
2007— Simbanwaan, Caceres
Commission on Communica-
tions’ television program; aired
its first season’s final episode on
November 24 featuring the Arch-
bishop of Caceres, Most Rev.
Leonardo Legaspi as Shepherd
and Teacher.
The final episode also showed
the parishes and its services, and
individuals who have been fea-
tured earlier on the show’s seg-
ment Tao.com.
The program was launched
August 18 and has aired 13 epi-
sodes since then.
The 30-minute television show
tackles the programs and activi-
ties of the archdiocese of Caceres
and discusses issues that are pre-
sented in different segments. The
TV show has already gained a
following even in such a short
time it has been on air.
Wow Simbahan, Tao.com, Tabang
Komunidad, Simbareta, Isyu and
VOX POP are just few of the seg-
ments of the program.
Wow Simbahan introduces se-
lected parishes with its special
programs and services. Some
memorable segments include a
feature story on St. Jude Parish,
considered as a “Wedding Capi-
tal”, subtitled Sikat sa Karasalan.
Another hit is the Resurrection
Garden where the remains of the
priests of the Archdiocese were
buried.
Tabang Komunidad, a feature on
various religious institutions of the
Archdiocese introduces viewers to
Hospital Apostolate, the Holy Ro-
sary Seminary and the seminary
life, the contemplative life and
mission of the Carmelite nuns, and
Gualandi-Center for the Deaf.
Simbanwaan also has a feature
on protecting the environment
with Mount Isarog Integrated
Area Development Program
(MIADP) of CASAFI, an NGO
which has programs for the con-
servation of Mt. Isarog;
Hablondawani, an institution that
offers integrated services for girls
and women; and the Altersheim,
the home of the retired priests.
Some of the issues discussed
under the Isyu segment are the
challenges being faced by surviv-
ing marriages, preparing for
death, modernization and its ef-
fect on vocation and the impor-
tance of prayer. Isyu is a segment
that discusses pressing concerns
of society and clarifies various
doctrinal teachings of the Catho-
lic faith.
Tao.com on the other hand fea-
tures persons whose lives pro-
vide inspiration. Mother John of
Jesus of the Carmelite Sisters, Fr.
Jomar de Hitta and Msgr. Gerardo
Espedido were featured in this
segment.
Skycable Channel 20 broadcast
a replay of the program every
Sunday at 8:00 PM after Misa nin
Banwaan.
Manindogan, a radio program
aired at RMN-Naga, 91.1 FM at
9:00-10:00AM on Sundays cel-
ebrated its fist anniversary last
November 26. Manindogan tack-
les and features important and
timely issues affecting family and
society. It also presents some
light and heartwarming stories
of people from all walks of life;
success stories of individuals;
love stories of married couples;
and other informative and help-
ful topics and issues. (Pides
Orata)
 CBCP Monitor
A4 Opinion Vol. 11 No. 25
December 10 - 30, 2007

EDITORIAL

The Womb of Peace

“Everything that serves to weaken the family based on the
marriage of a man and a woman, everything that directly or
indirectly stands in the way of its openness to the responsible
acceptance of a new life, everything that obstructs its right to be
primarily responsible for the education of its children, constitutes
an objective obstacle on the road to peace,” says Pope Benedict
XVI in his message for the 41st World Day of Peace that will be
observed on New Year’s day.
The Roman military writer Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus had
kept us at bay with his famed adage, “si vis pacem, para
bellum”—if you want peace prepare for war. So that, come to
think of it, peace have been best discussed in war rooms or in the
august halls of the United Nations or even around the provisions
of the Geneva Convention.
But real and lasting peace goes beyond the ambit of socio-
political structures which immediately divide the parameters of
power that, albeit temporarily and exteriorly, imposes peace
according to the autocratic terms of the powerful. There is
relative peace around the vortex of power—but what of it?
Real peace and the path to it are, of course, within—as the Gospel
points out. This is where the thoughts of the Holy Father come
in handy because, indeed, the road to peace goes inwards and
not the other way around. It is the heart that builds the blocks
to peace. Hence, the exigency of protecting the family where
every heart is nurtured and grown. And it is not by accident that
the Prince of Peace had to be born in the context of a family.
Says the Holy Father: “Whoever, even unknowingly, circumvents
the institution of the family undermines peace in the entire
community, national and international, since he weakens what
is in effect the primary agency of peace.”
In fact, the family is the womb of peace. Destroy that womb and
you destroy the possibilities of peace.

Abp. Angel N. Lagdameo, DD

International Human
Human Rights Today In and Out of Season Rights Day
We appear to have progressed significantly regarding civil and
political rights since the days of Martial Law. Yet when we survey
our country today we are gravely disturbed and dismayed by ON Human Rights Day our attention, proc- what one no longer needs. Philippines. If there has been any deficiency
seemingly unending violations of human rights. It is a long litany lamation and prayer reach out naturally to When leaders are hounded by unresolved or neglect in the Comprehensive Agrarian
of injustice against civil, political, economic, social, and cultural the victims of human rights violation, v.g. anomalies and litanies of graft and corrup- Reform Law of 1998, we recommend that its
rights, including the right to development. the child in the womb, violated children and tion, it is difficult, almost impossible, to re- cure be addressed in successive implementa-
women, the abandoned, harassed and ex- gain trust, credibility and respect which are tion. Chronic rural poverty is linked to the
We name some major violations: kidnappings, disappearances,
deep-seated and rampant corruption, electoral frauds, de facto ploited, the disadvantaged poor, the unjustly critical ingredients to effective governance. rural poor’s lack of control over access to basic
disenfranchisement of voters, arbitrary arrests, detention in secret evicted from their land, etc… Unfortunately If civil society wants to effect moral trans- productive resources, such as land, water and
places, torture and other inhuman treatment, extra-judicial killings in our country with a democratic form of formation in governance, they must be rea- forest resources.
by both government and rebel forces. government, the rights of the people are not sonably angry, articulate, and persevering in In the light of the social doctrine on agrar-
always fully respected. And the culprits: effecting the change they want to see. Most ian reform, there is moral obligation to grant
Hundreds of families see their homes demolished because of among others, public servants and elected important is the element of spiritual trans- the rural workers their legitimate desire to
economic projects and are not provided with substitute housing. officials. formation, whose key is conversion to God participate in the ownership of the land they
Sexual harassment, rape of women and domestic violence are very Human rights and the duty to respect, pro- which starts with ourselves. till and in the profits of their toil. Sharing of
serious recurring problems, aggravated by a “macho culture” and claim and obey them are mutually compli- Agrarian Reform land as well as of goods and goodness is a
by a sense of shame to report incidents. When perpetrators are mentary, indissolubly linked and inextrica- This year we celebrate the 40th year of the demand of the principles of human dignity,
powerful, justice for the victims is dim. We also consider government bly connected. On the one hand, the human issuance of “Populorum Progressio—Develop- equality and stewardship. According to the
policies regarding population control and their manner of most recent poverty report by the Asian De-
right of an individual imposes some duty on ment of People” by Pope Paul VI. There the
implementation as highly objectionable in light of religious freedom
the part of others. On the other hand, one Pope states that a redistribution of land as velopment Bank, three fourths of the Philip-
and freedom of conscience. Family rights are violated as well as the
who claims his own rights, yet altogether part of sound policies of agrarian reform is pines remained poor and rural. This means
rights of unborn children.
neglects to carry out his duties, is a person indispensable for genuine economic devel- that they have limited access to food, educa-
Many Overseas Filipino Workers are exploited and abused. In some who builds with one hand and destroys with opment (PP no.23). tion, health security, housing and employ-
countries, Filipino Christian risk severe punishment, including the other (cf. John XXIII, Pacem In Terris, no. According to the Pontifical Council for Jus- ment.
death, when they practice their faith in accordance with the freedom 264). tice and Peace: “Agrarian reform therefore In the current discussion and debate on the
of religion. In our country where millions radically becomes a moral obligation more than a po- agrarian reform program, I hope and pray
lack the basic necessities of life, such as food, litical necessity, since the failure to enact such that the concerned sectors will be able to come
Poverty hinders thousands of children from going to school and
shelter, education, employment and health reform is a hindrance in developing coun- up with needed monitoring schemes, support
forces many of them to work, thus inhibiting their proper development.
security, “the more fortunate should re- tries to the benefits arising from the opening services, and assistance from related of the
Indigenous peoples face the loss of their ancestral lands and the
destruction of their cultures, as projects of development aggressively nounce some of their rights (even over mate- of markets and, generally, from the abun- rural poor—on whose work on the land de-
attack their traditional environment. Their rights to meaningful rial possessions they justly possess) so as to dant growth opportunities offered by the pends the life of the nation—a reform, an
participation and development are often ignored. They suffer place their goods more generously at the ser- current process of globalization” (Compen- improvement of and extension of the Com-
greatly from lack of basic services, health, and education. vice of others” (Compendium of the Social dium of the Social Doctrines no. 300). prehensive Agrarian Reform Program will
Doctrine No. 158). It means going beyond Premised on the above, we view the con- need the support of the legislative and ex-
As the economic situation worsens, the rights of workers to mere charity, alms giving, and giving only tinued relevance of agrarian reform in the ecutive arms of government.
association, to strike, to security or to bargain collectively are
increasingly being restricted, legally and illegally. “Labor only”
subcontracting is sometimes used by employers to evade their
obligations to workers and to break unions. On the other hand it is
popularly believed that many union leaders, for their own self- Rev. Fr. Euly B. Belizar, SThD
Christmas is about communicating true
interests, have enriched themselves and have exploited their own
members. Further, the right of farmers and other agricultural workers
to development is neglected or, at best, has been subordinated to
the drive toward industrialization and global economic
(that is, ‘from Him who is truth) love By the Roadside
competitiveness. Many tenants suffer, as in the case of the
MAPALAD Bukidnon farmers, because of contrary claims to land
by powerful people and because of massive land conversions in the
name of development. In such cases, true agrarian reform is SEVERAL years ago I went for a morning created relationships, Filipino families are Scripture experts say of this verse as tell-
deliberately ignored. Large scale fishing, often by foreign companies, jog in a park close to my auntie’s place exposed to a wide market of ideas on love ing us that the coming kingdom has no
considerably deprives small fisherfolk of their only means of where I took a short vacation. As I ran I and loving. The result is not always good boundaries in time and territory. For us,
livelihood. Irresponsible media reporting is known to have destroyed saw a teen-aged couple (something be- or even worth our while. reading these words with Christian eyes, it
the fundamental right of persons to their good name. tween thirteen-to fifteen-year-olds) kissing Let me illustrate. It is told that a boy was becomes obvious that the fulfillment of this
and necking on a stand by the race track. I once asked by his father to get him some prophecy is Christmas Day when Jesus, the
The above situation of human rights today calls for our strong moral
denunciation. We call upon our government to do everything that felt a bit nonplussed by my own reaction. I water. When the boy returned with a glass Son of David, the quintessential Israelite king
it can legally do to bring to justice those who violate human rights, was startled less by what they were doing of water, the father drank it and spat it out. descended from Judah, will be born.
to correct the social structures that allow human rights violations than by when they were doing it. It was “Why does this taste foul?” he asked his Now, how does this relate to our reflec-
to be perpetrated especially against the poor, the indigenous only five forty-five A.M. I casually men- son. “I got it from our garden pail. I thought tion on love and loving? Let me put it this
peoples, women and children, and to make sure that violations are tioned the incident during our breakfast you were just going to water the plants or way. This coming kingdom, ultimately
not committed by our own security forces. conversation in my auntie’s place. One of wash your hands or something.” founded on a descendant of Judah, is pre-
my nephews heard my remark about how The water was foul because its source was cisely borderless and timeless because it is
- (A Pastoral Letter on Human Rights. 1998) surprised I was to see those young people foul. Our ideas of love or loving are some- the kingdom that manifests and communi-
freely indulging themselves early in the times foul or, at best, incomplete because cates the real face of God who is Israel’s
morning. they come from wrong sources. The right true king. God’s face is revealed precisely
ISSN 1908-2940 I wondered loudly if their parents knew source of love and loving is the coming in and by Jesus Christ as LOVE. We see it in
or cared to know where they were and what Messiah, Jesus Christ, about whom Christ- Jesus giving himself to us, by no merit on

CBCP Monitor
P r o ta g o n i s t of Tr u t h , Promoter of Peace
they were up to. My nephew said: “Don’t
worry about it, Uncle. It’s just early love.”
I suddenly realized the generation gap be-
tween me and my nephew, between me and
those teen-agers. This may be the age where
mas is what it is. In an ancient text we hear
the words predicting the Messiah indirectly
through the picture of Judah as the tribe
out of which the kingly dynasty of Israel
will emerge (Gen 49:2, 8-10). Considering
our part, totally and without reservations
from the very start of the Nativity story.
He abandons heaven, takes up our condi-
tion as slaves when he becomes human,
suffers and dies for us in obedience to the
Pedro C. Quitorio free expression of feelings and desires is that King David is a descendant of Judah Father (Phil 2:5-11).
Editor-in-Chief the in-thing (was there any age when it was and so is the coming Messiah, the words I find Matthew the evangelist’s simple
not?) among young Filipinos. This may be are unmistakably significant to you and genealogy account of Jesus’ birth com-
Pinky Barrientos, FSP Kris P. Bayos the age where the repression or suppres- me: “You, Judah, shall your brothers pletely astounding when brought to closer
Associate Editor Feature Editor sion is frowned upon directly or indirectly praise—your hand on the neck of your en- inspection. In the text read on a day before
as a sign that our social mores are (to quote emies, the sons of your father shall bow Christmas we hear of how among the an-
Melo M. Acuña Rosalynn Garcia the so-called ‘liberated ones’) “maturing”. down to you” (Gen 49:8). It is a reference to cestry of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Most
Managing Editor Marketing Supervisor I doubt, though, if we can call that a sign of leadership issuing from his tribe, some- High, are women known as sinners or hav-
real maturation in the ways of our society. thing affirmed by the text’s description of ing irregular marital unions: Tamar,
Dennis B. Dayao Ernani M. Ramos
On-Line Editor At least, as far as my nephew was con- “Judah, like a lion’s whelp…He crouches Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba.
Circulation Manager
cerned, I was sure there was confusion—a like a lion recumbent, the king of beasts— Let’s consider them one by one. Tamar
Roy Q. Lagarde Marcelita Dominguez confusion reflected in those teen-agers— who would dare rouse him” (verse 9). It is was Judah’s widowed daughter-in-law
News Editor Comptroller about what love is all about. especially remarkable since the lion is, even who, disguised as a harlot, deliberately se-
Love being rarely discussed openly in our in ancient times, the acknowledged univer- duced and fooled him so as to sire descen-
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP families, especially in its many faces and sal symbol of leadership. dants from him (Gen 38). Rahab, who was
Communications Development Foundation, Inc., with manifestations, some of which are false, is Then, more significant for our consider- not even Jewess, was a harlot from Jericho
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one big misfortune in modern Pinoy cul-
Intramuros, Manila. P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO.
Editorial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612. ture. Because of the influence of media to
Email: cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net current attitudes and views, what with the
Website: www.cbcpworld.net/cbcpmonitor flood of telenovelas, fantasy television se-
ries or movies, the internet and cell-phone-
ation are the words: “The scepter shall
never depart from Judah, or the mace from
between his legs, while tribute is brought
to him, and he receives the people’s hom-
age” (verse 10). I find it quite logical that
who aided the Israelites against their en-
emies (Joshua 2:1ff). Ruth, another Gentile
woman from Moab, a widow of a Jew
named Mahlon, married Boaz, a distant
Roadside / A5
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 25
December 10 - 30, 2007
Jose B. Lugay
Laiko Lampstand
CHRISTMAS dawn masses are celebrated in
the Philippines and nowhere else in the
Catholic World. Historians say this started
when Pope Sixtus V declared that dawn
masses would be held starting December 16
to allow farmers to attend the novena mass
of Christmas before they go to work in the
field. Since then the “simbang gabi” or “misa
de gallo” is celebrated in gala style inside the
church—lanterns, a big belen, and specially
trained choirs.
The Diocese of Cubao, the Immaculate
Conception Cathedral, is blessed with a
world-renowned choir, the Hail Mary the
Queen Children’s Choir, which won a gold
medal and 2 silver medals in the first Asian
Choir Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia last
November 2–10, 2007—gold medal in the
Gospel and Spiritual categories, and silver
medals in the Musica Temporanea and
Musica Sacra categories. In 2004, they also
won a gold medal in Music of the Religions
Category in the 3rd Choir Olympics held in
Bremen, Germany. This coming year, 2008,
there is a standing invitation from the Sis-
ters of Social Service (SSS), California to host
Natural Family Planning
to alleviate poverty
THE practice of Natural Family Planning
among married couples can alleviate pov-
erty, not because they have less children, but
because they become responsible, motivated,
caring and industrious parents, no matter
how many children they have, through the
value-orientation seminars that all learners
of NFP should undergo.
Beth Lozada is a Natural Family Planning
teacher in the Cagayan de Oro Diocese. She
learned the Billings Ovulation Method (BOM
or cervical mucus method) ten years ago from
the Family and Life workers in her parish.
Her four children are spaced three or four
years apart and her youngest, a girl, she
proudly claims, was planned according to
sex, since her three elder ones are all boys.
Lately, she has been keeping track of her
monthly cycles through the Standard Days
Method (SDM) of natural family planning as
she fits the criteria of regular cycles. She
knows when to shift from BOM to SDM or
back to BOM as needed because she is well
versed in both. Her husband is very coop-
erative and can teach the methods himself.
Both are often invited to share their experi-
ences in promoting natural versus the artifi-
cial methods. Beth is a grade school teacher
in a nearby public school and she has been
teaching NFP to many of the teachers there.
She also talks about it to the market women
and to her neighbors. She eagerly invites
them to come to her house for more detailed
explanation and to get a copy of the chart, if
the choice is for the BOM, or the beads, if the
woman prefers to use the SDM. She reports
regularly to the Diocesan Family and Life
Center and attends updates on the “All NFP
Methods Program” whenever it is offered.
She is very strict with the learners that they
should not be using any artificial methods
since the Diocesan Program is Pro-life, she
Abp. Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, DD
Populorum Progressio –
Pastoral Companion 40 years hence
ON November 22-24, 2007, in Rome the Pon-
tifical Council for Justice and Peace convened
the Second World Congress of the Ecclesial
Organizations Working for Justice and Peace.
More than 250 delegates from the Church’s
social action centers throughout the world
came together to commemorate the “40th An-
niversary of Populorum Progressio: the Devel-
opment of the Whole Man and of All Men.”
Pope Paul VI issued his landmark letter on
“The Development of Peoples” in 1967, just
two years after the completion of the Second
Vatican Ecumenical Council. Many of the con-
ference speakers pointed out the relevance
and continuing challenges raised by the so-
cial encyclical.
There is first of all the challenge to be hu-
man—in a world where violations of human
rights are still rampant, especially against
women and children, tribal minorities, and
the weaker sectors of society.
There is also the challenge of pluralism and
different cultures, even as modern means of
communication and transportation have
brought the four corners of the world closer
than ever before.
Finally, there is the challenge of global-
ization—which can be viewed either from
the perspective of those countries that domi-
nate the global market or from the perspec-
Roadside / A4
ancestor of David and Jesus (Ruth 4:10).
Then the famous Bathsheba committed
adultery with King David who literally
stole her from her husband Uriah (2 Sam 11
and 12).
In this mere genealogy the footprints of
God’s love is visible. One, that love zips
the boundaries between the holy and the
sinful. The all-holy God resolves the dis-
tance by simply embracing and saving the
sinful. God it is who embraces you, me and
Opinion
Hail Mary the Queen Children’s
Choir—Gold Medalist
the Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir
in singing for the fund support of the Novi-
tiate House of the SSS young sisters. This will
be the choir’s second trip to the United States.
They performed in 6 counties in Los Ange-
les, San Francisco and Sacramento Califor-
nia, U.S.A. in 2005.
There is always a good organization, lead-
ership and management behind the success
of any undertaking. It is a demanding chal-
lenge for the choir master and support group
to develop young school children from 8 to
18 years old to go through choral practice
interspersed with the demands of school-
work and disqualifying them if they have
failing grades. We give credit for the success
of this undertaking to the following person-
alities: Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, Bishop
of Cubao, Choir Coordinator, husband and
wife Ulan and Dinna Sarmiento, Music Di-
rector Jude Roldan and Choirmaster Teresa
Roldan and accompanying pianist Melissa
Tuqeban and of course to the parents of 40
children members of the choir. As a doting
grandfather to choir members Cheli and
Angel San Luis, I give thanks to all those
Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS
says.
CFLA, the Christian Family and Life
Apostolate of the Diocese of Cagayan de Oro
held their Coral or 35th Anniversary last Dec.
1 at Christ the King College, Gingoog City.
It was attended by over 700 CFLA workers.
Fifteen parish priests concelebrated with
Archbishop Antonio Ledesma and quite a few
more parish priests were around to show
their support for these parish volunteers who
have been conducting pre-cana, marriage
validation and enrichment seminars, all
methods of natural family planning pro-
grams and human sexuality teachings to the
youth in their own areas.
I was invited to give the Keynote Address.
I began my talk by telling them that I ac-
cepted the invitation in order to gain inspi-
ration from them because there was not much
more that I could add to their motivation
and information except to encourage them
to continue to be “Persistent, Insistent, and
Consistent in being Persons In Christ” for
the sake of Life and Family.
The afternoon was spent with songs and
dances from each of the districts. Winning
first prize in best presentation and costume
was the group from Cagayan de Oro East
District. These CFLA workers¯ twenty
women were in flaming red and yellow cos-
tumes of the Tiganon tribe and fifteen men
in blue and red silk attires brandished their
spears. It was amazing and amusing to see
these couples, many in their fifties and six-
ties, swayed and danced in unison to the eth-
nic beat. Much can be said about the grace-
fulness of their chosen Muslim Princes and
Datu. Of course, the other groups gave very
good performances as well and were given
recognition in their own way.
My trip to CdO was indeed very memo-
rable. Day One was in Xavier University
tive of the many more countries that remain
underdeveloped.
It is in this light that Pope John Paul II
pointed out the originality of Populorum
Progressio in his commemorative encyclical,
Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, twenty years later.
First, Populorum Progressio emphasizes the
ethical-moral and cultural character of devel-
opment. “Development which is merely eco-
nomic is incapable of setting man free,” notes
Pope John Paul II.
Secondly, the social question has now ac-
quired a worldwide dimension. The transfer
of capital and technology has gone beyond
national borders without much regulation.
On the other hand, the mobility of labor has
been restricted.
Thirdly, development is closely linked to
justice and peace. “The new name for peace is
development,” writes Paul VI, even as the
earlier notion of peace includes justice as a
pre-requisite.
During the second day of the conference,
continental-wide reports were given on the
challenges of development in Africa, Europe,
America, Asia, and Oceania. Working groups
by languages were then asked to discuss the
interrelated themes of: conflicts, poverty and
inequality, democracy, and environment.
In the midst of all these sharings on devel-
all sinners when he intentionally allows his
Son to be born into a family tainted by sin
in its many faces (David’s story alone suf-
fices as an illustration, not to say the
abovementioned women). Two, God’s love
destroys the divisions between peoples. In
the family of his Son, Jew and Gentile are
permanently mixed (Jesus was not a pure
Jew, as no one is really pure Filipino).
Doesn’t this give us a picture of what true
love is? If all mankind learns this lesson,
responsible for their development—the
School of the Holy Spirit and the Immaculate
Conception Parish for their venue practice—
into accomplished participants of the Hail
Mary the Queen Children’s Choir.
As of today they have been invited to guest
in some TV programs. One big affair is sched-
uled on December 15—a TV show of GMA 7,
SING FOR JOY—sponsored by the Depart-
ment of Social Welfare, to raise funds for dis-
abled children. This will be participated in
by 23 choirs, 6 of the world-champions in-
cluding Hail Mary the Queen Children’s
Choir, Coro de Santa Cecilia, and the U.P.
Madrigal Singers.
We give our congratulations also to 10 Fili-
pino choirs which bagged a total of 20 med-
als in the First Asian Choir Games in Jakarta
Indonesia. They are the Davao Himig Sing-
ers, the Cebu Chamber Singers; the Coro de
Santa Cecilia, a gold medalist; the Xavier Uni-
versity Glee Club, The Southridge Boys’
Choir, the Mandaue School of Arts Children’s
Choir, also a gold medalist.
Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New
Year to all patrons of the CBCP Monitor!
Love Life
Theology Department on the invitation of
Fr. Poulin, SJ and Mrs. Love Naces. I was
tasked to brief the student leaders on how to
organize a pro-life youth program in their
university. The next two days was spent with
the Family and Life workers for a Training
on how to conduct Pro-life Orientation Semi-
nars, Counseling, Lobby and Organizing.
The day before I returned to Manila, I vis-
ited the natural family planning teachers.
That was when I met Beth Lozada, her hus-
band and children. I was accompanied by Sr.
Ludy, MSHP, the CFLA Coordinator and Ann
Pielago, the NFP Coordinator. I also inter-
viewed Agnes Banisula and her daughter-
in-law whom she taught NFP soon after she
delivered her second child. The NFP teach-
ers attest to the satisfaction of the couples
regarding the value of NFP in their married
life—how they have learned to be respon-
sible not only in their sexual relations, but
in caring for their children as well.
The men are more challenged to do better
at work, seeking ways to increase family in-
come, while the mothers seem to have more
time too to bring in some extra income. Their
children are better behaved as they see their
parents caring and respecting each other un-
like in the past when they were often dis-
traught and overburdened. How true that
artificial contraceptives were never the an-
swer to their problems. What they really
needed were concerned people who would
show them God’s good news of life, love,
marriage and family.
To all of you in CdO Diocese—Xavier U,
CFLA, and the Serve Life members whom I
had a chance to connect with on my last day—
my heartfelt congratulations! May many
more Diocesan and Parish Family and Life
Apostolates flourish and touch peoples’ lives
as you have done these past 35 years!
opment issues today, perhaps the most strik-
ing was that of Cardinal Telesphore Toppo,
Archbishop of Ranchi in India. Speaking in
the first person as a tribal himself in his key-
note address, he asserted: “What I am today
and what my people of Chotanagpur are to-
day, is almost entirely because of the Social
Teaching of the Church.”
He went on to cite the evangelizing work
of a pioneer missionary, Fr. Constant Lievens,
a Belgian Jesuit, who came to India in the late
19 th century. Noting the mass exploitation of
the tribals and land usurpation by landlords,
Fr. Lievens took up legal cases in defense of
the tribals’ lands.
Because of this, Cardinal Toppo continued:
“A great number of them accepted Christian-
ity, as they came to understand that it en-
abled them to regain their human dignity.
Within seven years there were eighty thou-
sand Catholics. Today there are over a mil-
lion Catholics from this tribal region… While
Fr. Lievens is called the Apostle of
Chotanagpur for bringing Christ to our
people, he is also popularly known as Nyay
Ka Masiha, i.e., ‘the Messiah of Justice’ for
bringing justice to our people. Faith and Jus-
tice always go together. This happened to my
people, and for this reason, I am here with
you today.”
would there be wars or even any reason to
pick a fight against anyone?
Christmas is a big statement of love. It
says that we don’t truly love unless we love
the way God loves us in and through the
babe born in a manger. This babe who be-
came a man shows us that true love goes
beyond looking for the lovely and lovable
for we were absolutely unlovely and un-
lovable when he started embracing us. Ev-
ery time tragedy strikes, a crime or misde-
A5
Nicolo F. Bernardo
Lifeguard
Santa and virtue
BESIDES the story of the child Jesus, the enchanting mystery
of Christmas has much to do with the fabled Santa Claus—
partly the person of Bishop St. Nicolas, partly the Russian-
German-American construct of a universal godfather who
favors the “good.”
Why is Santa Claus alive and popular despite its myth?
Perhaps one reason is our frivolity for fantasy, which is our
break from the hard blows of reality, such as having no gift
for Christmas unless a Santa comes to town. Santa’s tale ex-
cites children’s hope (and perhaps frustration too, if they do
not get their wish list), just like the generous Three Kings.
Yet there are unwrapped truths behind the character of
this bearded man. Santa is every child’s (and even adult’s)
symbolic archetype of the giver—whether parent, godpar-
ent, friend, or relative—being generous enough to grant one’s
life-wishes. Santa is the model of liberal giving, and so one
is considered “Santa” who bears prized gifts. At a closer
look, Mr. Claus enshrines the Aristotelian virtue of rightful
giving and rewarding. And as you already know, St. Tho-
mas Aquinas’ virtue ethics is full throttle Aristotle’s.
“Santahood” shares a secret that politicians know: gener-
ous giving is ticket to fame. How else could one paint memo-
ries of good will if not by giving what people wish? “Gener-
ous people are loved more than practically any others,”
Aristotle himself says in his Nicomachean Ethics.
However, Santa is no user unlike some “charitable” men.
In fact, he likes to give in secret, not in broad daylight. He
does not even care to write in the gifts “Courtesy of Santa
Claus.” For him, a gift is only given to one who deserves pe-
riod. In legend, it has always been the child who has been
good for the rest of the year, who passes the final test of
patience and obedience of sleeping early on Christmas Eve.
All these qualities play the theme of innocence and con-
stancy. Only when character is proven that the reward could
be had, and the reward need not benefit the giver —Santa—
except perhaps for a bite of some leftover chocolates. His
good tidings go to the deserving. As we heard the angels on
high say, “Peace to men of good will.”
Santa is an example of a virtues giver, one who in
Aristotle’s terms “gives to the right people, in the right
amount, at the right time, and all other things that are im-
plied by correct-giving.” Santa knows well that it is better to
give than to receive, “for it is more proper to virtue to do good
than to receive good.” He knows the right use of wealth: it is
for rightful spending, not mere possessing.
Unlike crook “benefactors,” Santa does not take his re-
sources from people’s taxes, or from hoarded goods, or the
likes of Robin Hood, but from his year-long labor to make toys in
the freezing Atlantic. Santa fits Aristotle’s description of an
honest provider, one who “acquires wealth from the right
sources, e.g., from his own possessions, regarding taking
not as fine, but as necessary to provide something to give.”
Santa’s liberality explains why he and his childless wife have
no wealth to own but live simply with the elves, because, as
Aristotle tells, “it is not easy for a generous person to grow
rich, since he is ready to spend, not to take or keep, and
honors wealth for the sake of giving, not for itself.” Here,
Aristotle would approve Santahood’s ethics of doing good for
itself not for anything else.
Perhaps an Aristotelian reading could also explain why the
elves chose Santa as their partner in producing children’s toys.
“The generous person,” said Aristotle, “is an easy partner to
associate with in dealings that involve money for he…is more
grieved to fail to spend for what is right.” Meaning, the gen-
erous person would not let lose any opportunity to do good
even if he has to give what he earned, and would do as much
good as possible. In this sense, Santa is not only generous but
as Aristotle would describe characters of his like, “magnifi-
cent.” Magnificent is he who “spends the worthy amount for
a large purpose,” much like Santa who gives to all good chil-
dren despite the long cold night of Christmas Eve.
Santa’s fable proves a human truth to shun the two ex-
tremes (or viciousness) of being stingy (deficient giver) and
lavish (prodigal giver). Both have selfish ideas of using
wealth. This is a “truth” men of wisdom sensed even before
Santa ever came to town and a “truth” that shall persist even
as every child outgrows the jolly old saint and become a
wise man himself. One who outgrows Santa realizes yet
Aristotelian-Christian points behind this myth: that good-
ness is worth one’s wealth and that to do good until the end is
virtue, itself the reward where all goodness come.
If it is correct that the legend of Santa was of pagan origin,
and since Aristotle recognizes the educational purpose of
myths unlike his teacher Plato, then we can imagine the
philosopher (and his follower Aquinas) giving an affirma-
tive “ho-ho-ho” to the fabled old fellow.
This Christmas and New Year, I wish blessings of peace to
you dear reader and to all men of good will! To all men of good
will.
Exploitation of Children
CLEARLY the exploitation of children is a morally deplorable and
criminal act. Because of the immense damage, oftentimes irreparable,
it brings to children Exploitation robs children the dignity of life, the
enjoyment of life that is their inherent right It deprives them of educa-
tion that could secure for them a stable future. Children who have
been sexually abused suffer the pain and trauma of their experience
throughout their lives and are vulnerable to more abusive behavior and
relationships later on in life.
As a social phenomenon, the exploitation of children in the Philip-
pine context can be traced mainly to poverty.
This condition of poverty has emboldened unprincipled employers
and moneyed foreign pedophiles to use children. Incest and rape, on
the other hand, have been known to breed most in environments marked
by unemployment, alcohol and drug abuse, and the lack of proper and
decent housing. These pressing concerns demand immediate atten-
tion and concerted response from all sectors, if the problem of sexual
abuse of children is to be addressed in a comprehensive manner.
—(“Welcoming Them For My Sake” (Mt. 18:5)—Pastoral
Letter on the Exploitation of Children, 1998)
meanor, you could spot the source quite easily: an unloved person
with an unloved life trying to desperately let its voice be heard.
Christmas says that it is not what separates us human beings
that we must see but what brings us together in the true condition
of our humanity. To paraphrase Gandhi, beneath the different col-
ors of our skin is the same color of our blood. It’s the same God we
are from, whose only Son saves us from the same sorry, sorry
darkness we are in. He never distinguishes us as black or white,
brown or yellow, red or olive. He calls and treats us as brothers
and sisters by letting us share the highest life that knows God
only as—Father.
 CBCP Monitor
A6 Local News Vol. 11 No. 25
December 10 - 30, 2007

Think green this Canon law prelate says involvement

on social issues is part of mission

Christmas, bishop urges

CATHOLIC priests and bishops
may become unpopular should
they talk about social issues but
“that is part of our prophetic role,
our responsibility to tell the
people that what is morally
wrong has to be rectified.”
CBCP Episcopal Commission
on Canon Law Chairman and
Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Y.
Medroso said the bishops and
priests may get into the picture if
they see “there is something
wrong with governance” and
hastened to add “his conscience
would tell him to get out and be
heard, to speak out if there’s
something wrong with the au-
thorities.”
Bishop Medroso said limiting
priests and bishops to spiritual
matters is wrong. “It is a very,
very wrong concept of the mis-
sion of priests, bishops and reli-
gious for we do not exist in this
world as spirits, we are living in
this world with body and soul and
precisely because of that the in-
volvement is so close and sim-
ply we cannot separate one from
the other,” the prelate from
Tagbilaran said.
Asked about various and at
times conflicting opinions from
bishops and priests, Bishop
Medroso said his brother prelates
and priests have different views
and convictions on political issues.
“We have to consider the real-
ity that even priests and bishops
have different perceptions and
appreciation of events,” the 69
year-old prelate concluded.
(CBCPNews)

Bishop not surprised RP on top 10

AS the song goes, it’s “the most wonderful
time of the year.” But what most people
don’t realize is that yuletide season is also
one of the toughest times of the year for
the environment.
A Catholic prelate and an environment
organization have joined forces to urge
householders to think green this Christmas
to veer away from generating wasted en-
ergy and millions of tons of trash.
Kalookan bishop Deogracias Iñiguez has
called the faithful “to hew closer to the es-
sence and simplicity of the first Christmas.”
Iñiguez and the EcoWaste Coalition are
appealing to the people to “refuse crass
consumerism and rejoice in a simple and
ecological celebration of Christmas.”
Environmentalists observed that the cel-
ebration of Christ’s birth has transformed
into a pageant of unbridled consumerism
and has become the most wasteful and
most energy-consuming festivity in the
Christian calendar.
“Following the example of the Babe in
the Manger, Christmas should be a time of
strengthening His light within us so that
we can give, receive and spread the real
gifts of Christmas—hope, love, charity,
peace and joy,” he said.
“We pray that we will have more of this
inner radiance and less of the store-bought
glitter and pomp that quickly fade away at
the end of the season,” added Iñiguez, who
is also the chairman of the Committee on
Public Affairs of the Catholic Bishops’ Con-
ference of the Philippines.
EcoWaste Coalition youth advocate LJ
Pasion, meanwhile, said any action towards
protecting the environment will go a long
way in conserving our “depleted” resources
and in curbing climate change.
The group claimed that over-the-top deco-
ration, marketing gimmicks, shopping ex-
travaganzas, and the ubiquitous trash cre-
ated by the holiday frenzy have increasingly
shrouded the real essence of Christmas.
In Metro Manila alone, trash generation
of about 8,000 cubic meters daily is expected
to go up by one-third during the Christmas
season due to the consumption spree.
“Let us all pay attention to the ecological
and health costs of the choices we make this
Christmas time,” Pasion said. (Roy
Lagarde)
list of petty bribery
A SENIOR bishop said he is not
surprised the Philippines is
among the top 10 nations with
corrupt government institutions.
“That is not news anymore,”
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop
Oscar Cruz told Church report-
ers.
A recent survey by global anti-
corruption body Transparency
International has found that more
than one in ten people have paid
a bribe in the past 12 months.
The report showed that the
world’s poor were the hardest hit
by the bribery while authorities
and public officials were the
worst offenders.
By region, Africa experiences
the most demands for bribes. The
study also found that the coun-
tries with the highest level of
petty bribery were Cameroon,
Cambodia, Albania, Kosovo,
Macedonia, Pakistan, Nigeria,
Senegal, Romania, and the Phil-
ippines
The group contradicted the
popular notion that bribes are
paid by rich people to gain power
and influence.
They said that poor people are
victimized by bribery just to en-
sure they get basic public ser-
vices.
“It has been like that and worst
since the assumption of leader-
ship of the present administra-
tion,” said Cruz.
In the country, he said, the poor
and the helpless are always the
victims of the extortion done by
corrupt and corrupting govern-
ment officials.
The government, he said, is
truly economically and morally
bankrupt.
“If it becomes truthful, honest
and just, then that is news,” Cruz
added. (CBCPNews)

Attack / A1 CBCP Head / A1 Volume / A1

alongside one another purely by
chance, the Pope explained that the
Christian worldview is one in
which society is “progressing
along a common path as men and
women, and thus as brothers and
sisters.” Without the family,
Benedict said, “society is a mere
aggregation of neighbors, not a
community of brothers and sisters
called to form one great family.”
Needs of the family must be
protected
The earth is the home of the
human family, says the Holy Fa-
ther, highlighting the need “to
care for the environment” which
“has been entrusted to men and
women to be protected and culti-
vated with responsible freedom,
with the good of all as a constant
guiding criterion.”
The Pope was careful to ex-
plain that, contrary to the attitude
of some environmentalists, “hu-
man beings, obviously, are of
supreme worth vis-à-vis creation
as a whole.” “Respecting the en-
vironment does not mean con-
sidering material or animal na-
ture more important than man,”
the Holy Father said.
Out of concern for those coun-
tries that struggle to afford pro-
tecting the environment, Pope
Benedict said, “if the protection
of the environment involves
costs, they should be justly dis-
tributed, taking due account of
the different levels of develop-
ment of various countries and the
need for solidarity with future
generations.”
Critiquing unbridled capital-
ism, the Holy Father said that “the
moral obligation to ensure that
the economy is not governed
solely by the ruthless laws of in-
stant profit,” must be noted.
The More / A1
text of present situation of the
Philippines “where millions radi-
cally lack the basic necessities of
life, such as food, shelter, educa-
tion, employment and health se-
curity.”
The prelate said human rights
victims include “the child in the
womb, violated children and
women, the abandoned, harassed
and exploited, the disadvantaged
poor, the unjustly evicted from
their land.” He, however, added
“unfortunately in our country
with a democratic form of gov-
ernment, the rights of the people
are not always fully respected.”
He lamented that the culprits
“among others are public ser-
vants and elected officials.”
Human rights and the duty to
respect, proclaim and obey them
are “mutually complimentary,
indissolubly linked and inextri-
cably connected,” he said. Quot-
ing from Pope John XIII’s Pacem
Natural law must become
the international norm
Benedict XVI writes: “A fam-
ily lives in peace if all its mem-
bers submit to a common stan-
dard: this is what prevents self-
ish individualism and brings in-
dividuals together, fostering
their harmonious coexistence
and giving direction to their
work. ... For the sake of peace, a
common law is needed, one
which would foster true freedom
rather than blind caprice, and pro-
tect the weak from oppression by
the strong. ... Power must always
be disciplined by law, and this
applies also to relations between
sovereign States.”
This law, the Pope suggested,
should be “the moral norm
grounded in nature itself.” He
also insisted that knowledge of
this natural moral norm is pos-
sible if men strive to reflect on
the “deepest inclinations present
in their being.”
Pope Benedict XVI explained
that in the increasingly global-
ized society of today, establish-
ing an international moral law
depends on “a constant commit-
ment to strengthen the profound
human content of international
norms, lest they be reduced to
mere procedures, easily subject
to manipulation for selfish or
ideological reasons.”
We must respond to difficult
times
“Humanity today is unfortu-
nately experiencing great divi-
sion and sharp conflicts which cast
dark shadows on its future,” the
Pope observed.
In this context, the Pope under-
lined how “the danger of an in-
crease in the number of countries
in Terris, No. 264, the Archbishop
said the human right of an indi-
vidual “imposes some duty on
the part of others.” He added
“one who claims his own rights,
yet altogether neglects to carry
out his duties, is a person who
build with one hand and destroys
with the other.”
Meanwhile, Lingayen-
Dagupan Archbishop Oscar V.
Cruz said the intrinsic attributes
of basic human rights are “uni-
versal, inviolable and inalien-
able.” In his blog
(www.ovc.blogspot.com), the prel-
ate said these rights are univer-
sal “because they are inherent in
every human person, irrespective
of race, color and creed.”
Archbishop Cruz added human
rights are inviolable for “they are
essential accompaniments of the
human person independent of
time, place and circumstances.”
These rights are inalienable for
possessing nuclear weapons
causes well-founded apprehen-
sion,” while in Africa there are
still “many civil wars” and “the
Middle East is still a theatre of
conflict and violence, which also
affects neighboring nations and
regions and risks drawing them
into the spiral of violence. On a
broader scale, one must acknowl-
edge with regret the growing
number of States engaged in the
arms race.”
“In difficult times such as
these…At a time when the pro-
cess of nuclear non-proliferation
is at a stand-still, I feel bound to
entreat those in authority to re-
sume with greater determination
negotiations for a progressive
and mutually agreed disman-
tling of existing nuclear weap-
ons,” Benedict XVI exhorted.
Pope Benedict concluded his
message by recalling three spe-
cial anniversaries: “Sixty years
ago the United Nations Organi-
zation solemnly issued the Uni-
versal Declaration of Human
Rights. ... This year also marks the
25th anniversary of the Holy See’s
adoption of the Charter of the
Rights of the Family and the 40th
anniversary of the celebration of
the first World Day of Peace.”
“In the light of these signifi-
cant anniversaries, I invite every
man and woman to have a more
lively sense of belonging to the
one human family, and to strive
to make human coexistence in-
creasingly reflect this conviction,
which is essential for the estab-
lishment of true and lasting
peace. I likewise invite believers
to implore tirelessly from God
the great gift of peace,” the Holy
Father said. (CNA)
“no human person may be legiti-
mately deprived of any basic hu-
man right.”
The prelate further said that
“exploiting the human person or
trampling upon dignity or vio-
lating human rights is in effect
one and the same abominable
reality.”
“Disdain for one of them is dis-
dain for all three, in the same
manner that respect for one of the
three is respect for all of them,”
he said.
“No public official irrespective
of his or her immense wealth and
great power, no despotic and dic-
tatorial leader with all his or her
command of the military with the
latter’s deadly weaponry, no roy-
alty dressed in silk and gold, is
essentially over and above any
single human person no matter
how poor, weak and helpless he
or she is,” he concluded. (Melo
M. Acuña)
“Our prayer for the season of
advent is come Lord Jesus, be
with us… heal our land,” he
added.
Materialistic mentality
Not a few Church leaders have
called on the faithful not to lose
sight of the reason for the season.
Without understanding the
reason of the celebration, then it
become shallow and materialis-
tic, Lagdameo said.
Kalookan bishop Deogracias
Iniguez earlier noted how com-
mercialized the celebration of
Christmas has become.
Just recently the Holy Father
United / A1
existence of child pornography
shows outright violations
against children. “The right of
the child prevails over the right
of entrepreneurs,” Msgr.
Quitorio added.
MTRCB Chairperson Ma.
Consoliza P. Laguardia said
child pornography destroys the
moral fiber of the country.
“We have to protect our chil-
dren from evil things such as ex-
posure to pornography,”
Laguardia added. She expressed
Cubao / A1
moting contraceptives and
abortifacients,” he said.
The said Quezon City ordi-
nances, reportedly endorsed by
Councilor Diorella Sotto-De
Leon, are already set for public
hearing.
Ongtioco told CBCPNews that
his concern was based not only
just on Church opposition to
contraception but on the lives
at stake that will adversely be
affected by the use of contra-
ceptives.
He said the Church cannot re-
main silent on the issue, given
Bishop / A1
Baylon said there are studies
indicating that war toys have
harmful effects in normal chil-
dren playing with violent toys.
He said children should never
be allowed to play violence, any-
more than they should be al-
lowed of pretending to kill each
other or other types of play fight-
ing.
He said that giving children
with gun replicas are “very inap-
propriate” because it’s somehow
teaching them to be fierce.
The bishop said toy guns and
it’s associated “behavioral train-
ing” effects could push children
to become violent.
Unfortunately, he said, parents
and even godparents have be-
come so desensitized that they
don’t realize that children play-
made the same observation in his
address to the pilgrims gathered at
St. Peter’s Square on December 9.
He urged them to open their
hearts to welcome God and not
allow the materialistic mentality
to dominate their hearts. Reflect-
ing on the day’s gospel, he said:
“Through the Gospel, John the
Baptist continues to speak through
the centuries, to each generation.”
“His clear and harsh words, I
agree, are much healthier for us,
men and women of our time,
where the way of life and fre-
quent perception of Christmas
unfortunately suffers from a ma-
terialistic mentality,” the pope
said. (Pinky Barrientos, FSP)
optimism the advocacy cam-
paign would succeed as various
groups manifested support.
“Everyone should help and
with the CBCP supportive of the
campaign, we can all put illegal
activities to a stop,” she further
said. She appealed to all parents,
teachers and local government
officials to support the campaign
against pornography.
She further said pornography
is not limited to movies as there
are magazines and reading ma-
the gravity of what is being
proposed. The bishop has urged
the faithful to make a consci-
entious right of objection.
“We need to be vigilant now
as Catholics, firmly and faith-
fully believing in the truth
handed down to us from Lord
Jesus Christ through the Catho-
lic Church,” Ongtioco said.
“Let us be ready to hold
prayer rallies if and when so
needed to prevent the passage
of this deadly ordinance.”
The prelate also called on his
priests, to deliver homilies
ing toy guns is not healthy fun.
“Parents should act like censors
here,” said Baylon, who is also
the bishop of Masbate, a prov-
ince that has a long track record
of political violence. “They
should be more careful in pro-
viding gifts to children.”
Besides, he said, there are other
ways to make children happy and
not by teaching them, in a way,
violent acts.
He said there are other modes
of celebrating the spirit of giv-
ing during Christmas. The prel-
ate suggested giving children
books and other educational gifts
that they could enjoy too.
“There are other things we can
provide that’s something worth-
while,” he said.
The Church official also called
Caritas member countries under
the Asia Partnership for Human
Development (APHD).
The partnership rallied every
member countries’ support for
the Pan Asia Program to trace the
whereabouts of victims, uncover
new routes in human trafficking
and possibly lead to the appre-
hension of criminal characters
deeply involved in the nefarious
and illegal trade.
The annual “Day Against
Child Trafficking” celebration
has been observed nationwide
today through symposia on child
trafficking and dissemination of
awareness-raising materials.
(Melo M. Acuña)
terials that feature obscene ma-
terials. “The police should go af-
ter these materials openly sold
in the streets,” Laguardia con-
cluded.
The caravan went around
malls where pornographic mate-
rials have been confiscated. Ap-
peals from Chairman Manzano
and school children to cease and
desist from selling pornographic
materials were relayed to mall
owners and video store owners.
(Melo M. Acuña)
about Juico’s ordinances every-
day as soon as possible espe-
cially on Saturday and Sunday.
“We strongly oppose these
proposed ordinance(s) for
Quezon City because it kills the
unborn children, cause deadly
cancers, destroys the Catholic
educational formation of our
youth and take away from us
our intrinsic inalienable right
to the free exercise of a correct
conscience and our right to free-
dom of worship in the Catho-
lic faith,” he said. ( R o y
Lagarde)
on the young Catholic faithful to
rejoice at the “real essence” of
Christmas and that is by “shar-
ing and giving”.
“We give gifts at Christmas to
celebrate the birth of Christ and
His gifts to us of eternal life
through his life, death and resur-
rection,” he said.
Baylon said there is a “great
upheaval” in terms of values in
today’s youth and this coming
Christmas is a “great time” for
them to pause and reflect what
the birth of Christ is all about.
“It’s a great time to pause and
listen then give real meaning to
life,” he also said.
“Even though you have noth-
ing to share, just being with the
one you love is enough,” the
bishop added. (Roy Lagarde)
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 25
December 10 - 30, 2007
The Human Family, a Community of Peace
1. At the beginning of a New Year, I
wish to send my fervent good wishes
for peace, together with a heartfelt mes-
sage of hope to men and women
throughout the world. I do so by offer-
ing for our common reflection the theme
which I have placed at the beginning of
this message. It is one which I consider
particularly important: the human family,
a community of peace. The first form of
communion between persons is that
born of the love of a man and a woman
who decide to enter a stable union in
order to build together a new family. But
the peoples of the earth, too, are called
to build relationships of solidarity and
cooperation among themselves, as be-
fits members of the one human family: “All
peoples”—as the Second Vatican Coun-
cil declared—”are one community and
have one origin, because God caused the
whole human race to dwell on the face
of the earth (cf. Acts 17:26); they also have
one final end, God”(1).
The family, society and peace
2. The natural family, as an intimate
communion of life and love, based on
marriage between a man and a
woman(2), constitutes “the primary place
of ‘humanization’ for the person and soci-
ety”(3), and a “cradle of life and love”(4).
The family is therefore rightly defined
as the first natural society, “ a divine insti-
tution that stands at the foundation of life of
the human person as the prototype of every
social order”(5).
3. Indeed, in a healthy family life we
experience some of the fundamental el-
ements of peace: justice and love be-
tween brothers and sisters, the role of
authority expressed by parents, loving
concern for the members who are
weaker because of youth, sickness or old
age, mutual help in the necessities of life,
readiness to accept others and, if neces-
sary, to forgive them. For this reason,
the family is the first and indispensable
teacher of peace. It is no wonder, there-
fore, that violence, if perpetrated in the
family, is seen as particularly intoler-
able. Consequently, when it is said that
the family is “the primary living cell of
society”(6), something essential is being
stated. The family is the foundation of
society for this reason too: because it en-
ables its members in decisive ways to experi-
ence peace. It follows that the human com-
munity cannot do without the service
provided by the family. Where can
young people gradually learn to savor
the genuine “taste” of peace better than
in the original “nest” which nature pre-
pares for them? The language of the family
is a language of peace; we must always
draw from it, lest we lose the “vocabu-
lary” of peace. In the inflation of its
speech, society cannot cease to refer to
that “grammar” which all children learn
from the looks and the actions of their
mothers and fathers, even before they
learn from their words.
4. The family, since it has the duty of
educating its members, is the subject of
specific rights. The Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, which represents a land-
mark of juridic civilization of truly univer-
sal value, states that “the family is the
natural and fundamental group unit of
society and is entitled to protection by
society and the State”(7). For its part, the
Holy See sought to acknowledge a spe-
cial juridic dignity proper to the family
by publishing the Charter of the Rights of
the Family . In its Preamble we read: “the
rights of the person, even if they are ex-
pressed as rights of the individual, have
a fundamental social dimension which
finds an innate and vital expression in
the family”(8). The rights set forth in the
Charter are an expression and
explicitation of the natural law written
on the heart of the human being and
made known to him by reason. The de-
nial or even the restriction of the rights
of the family, by obscuring the truth
about man, threatens the very foundations
of peace.
5. Consequently, whoever, even un-
knowingly, circumvents the institution
of the family undermines peace in the
entire community, national and inter-
national, since he weakens what is in
effect the primary agency of peace. This
point merits special reflection: every-
thing that serves to weaken the family
based on the marriage of a man and a
woman, everything that directly or in-
directly stands in the way of its open-
ness to the responsible acceptance of a
new life, everything that obstructs its
right to be primarily responsible for the
education of its children, constitutes an
objective obstacle on the road to peace.
The family needs to have a home, em-
ployment and a just recognition of the
domestic activity of parents, the possi-
bility of schooling for children, and ba-
sic health care for all. When society and
public policy are not committed to as-
sisting the family in these areas, they
deprive themselves of an essential re-
source in the service of peace. The social
communications media, in particular,
because of their educational potential,
have a special responsibility for promot-
ing respect for the family, making clear
its expectations and rights, and present-
ing all its beauty.
Features
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI
FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE WORLD DAY OF PEACE
Humanity is one great family
6. The social community, if it is to live
in peace, is also called to draw inspira-
tion from the values on which the fam-
ily community is based. This is as true
for local communities as it is for national
communities; it is also true for the inter-
national community itself, for the hu-
man family which dwells in that common
house which is the earth. Here, however,
we cannot forget that the family comes
into being from the responsible and de-
finitive “yes” of a man and a woman,
and it continues to live from the con-
scious “yes” of the children who gradu-
ally join it. The family community, in
order to prosper, needs the generous
consent of all its members. This realiza-
tion also needs to become a shared con-
viction on the part of all those called to
form the common human family. We need
Diorama of the Nativity at the Vatican
to say our own “yes” to this vocation
which God has inscribed in our very
nature. We do not live alongside one
another purely by chance; all of us are
progressing along a common path as men
and women, and thus as brothers and sis-
ters. Consequently, it is essential that we
should all be committed to living our
lives in an attitude of responsibility be-
fore God, acknowledging him as the
deepest source of our own existence and
that of others. By going back to this su-
preme principle we are able to perceive
the unconditional worth of each human
being, and thus to lay the premises for
building a humanity at peace. Without
this transcendent foundation society is a
mere aggregation of neighbors, not a
community of brothers and sisters called
to form one great family.
The family, the human community and
the environment
7. The family needs a home, a fit envi-
ronment in which to develop its proper
relationships. For the human family, this
home is the earth , the environment that
God the Creator has given us to inhabit
with creativity and responsibility. We
need to care for the environment: it has
been entrusted to men and women to be
protected and cultivated with respon-
sible freedom, with the good of all as a
constant guiding criterion. Human be-
ings, obviously, are of supreme worth
vis-à-vis creation as a whole. Respect-
ing the environment does not mean con-
sidering material or animal nature more
important than man. Rather, it means
not selfishly considering nature to be at
the complete disposal of our own inter-
ests, for future generations also have the
right to reap its benefits and to exhibit
towards nature the same responsible
freedom that we claim for ourselves.
Nor must we overlook the poor, who
are excluded in many cases from the
goods of creation destined for all. Hu-
manity today is rightly concerned about
the ecological balance of tomorrow. It is
important for assessments in this regard
to be carried out prudently, in dialogue
with experts and people of wisdom, un-
inhibited by ideological pressure to
draw hasty conclusions, and above all
with the aim of reaching agreement on
a model of sustainable development ca-
pable of ensuring the well-being of all
while respecting environmental bal-
ances. If the protection of the environ-
ment involves costs, they should be
justly distributed, taking due account of
the different levels of development of
various countries and the need for soli-
darity with future generations. Prudence
does not mean failing to accept respon-
sibilities and postponing decisions; it
means being committed to making joint
decisions after pondering responsibly
the road to be taken, decisions aimed at
strengthening that covenant between
human beings and the environment,
which should mirror the creative love
of God, from whom we come and to-
wards whom we are journeying.
1 JANUARY 2008
8. In this regard, it is essential to
“sense” that the earth is “our common
home” and, in our stewardship and ser-
vice to all, to choose the path of dialogue
rather than the path of unilateral deci-
sions. Further international agencies
may need to be established in order to
confront together the stewardship of this
“home” of ours; more important, how-
ever, is the need for ever greater convic-
tion about the need for responsible co-
operation. The problems looming on the
horizon are complex and time is short.
In order to face this situation effectively,
there is a need to act in harmony. One
area where there is a particular need to
intensify dialogue between nations is
that of the stewardship of the earth’s energy
resources . The technologically advanced
countries are facing two pressing needs
in this regard: on the one hand, to reas-
sess the high levels of consumption due
to the present model of development,
and on the other hand to invest suffi-
cient resources in the search for alterna-
tive sources of energy and for greater
energy efficiency. The emerging coun-
ties are hungry for energy, but at times
this hunger is met in a way harmful to
poor countries which, due to their insuf-
ficient infrastructures, including their
technological infrastructures, are forced
to undersell the energy resources they
do possess. At times, their very political
freedom is compromised by forms of
protectorate or, in any case, by forms of
conditioning which appear clearly hu-
miliating.
Family, human community and economy
9. An essential condition for peace
within individual families is that they
should be built upon the solid founda-
tion of shared spiritual and ethical val-
ues. Yet it must be added that the family
experiences authentic peace when no one
lacks what is needed, and when the fam-
ily patrimony—the fruit of the labor of
some, the savings of others, and the ac-
tive cooperation of all—is well-managed
in a spirit of solidarity, without extrava-
gance and without waste. The peace of
the family, then, requires an openness to
a transcendent patrimony of values, and at
the same time a concern for the prudent
management of both material goods and
inter-personal relationships. The failure
of the latter results in the breakdown of
reciprocal trust in the face of the uncer-
tainty threatening the future of the
nuclear family.
10. Something similar must be said
for that other family which is human-
ity as a whole. The human family,
which today is increasingly unified as
a result of globalization, also needs, in
addition to a foundation of shared val-
ues, an economy capable of responding
effectively to the requirements of a
common good which is now planetary
in scope. Here too, a comparison with
the natural family proves helpful. Hon-
est and straightforward relationships
need to be promoted between indi-
vidual persons and between peoples,
thus enabling everyone to cooperate on
a just and equal footing. Efforts must
also be made to ensure a prudent use of
resources and an equitable distribution of
wealth . In particular, the aid given to
poor countries must be guided by sound
economic principles, avoiding forms of
waste associated principally with the
maintenance of expensive bureaucra-
cies. Due account must also be taken of
the moral obligation to ensure that the
economy is not governed solely by the
ruthless laws of instant profit, which can
prove inhumane.
The family, the human community and
the moral law
11. A family lives in peace if all its
members submit to a common standard:
this is what prevents selfish individu-
alism and brings individuals together,
fostering their harmonious coexistence
and giving direction to their work. This
principle, obvious as it is, also holds true
for wider communities : from local and na-
tional communities to the international
community itself. For the sake of peace,
a common law is needed, one which
would foster true freedom rather than
blind caprice, and protect the weak from
oppression by the strong. The family
of peoples experiences many cases of
arbitrary conduct, both within indi-
vidual States and in the relations of
States among themselves. In many situ-
ations the weak must bow not to the
demands of justice, but to the naked
power of those stronger than them-
selves. It bears repeating: power must
always be disciplined by law, and this
applies also to relations between sov-
ereign States.
12. The Church has often spoken on
the subject of the nature and function of
law: the juridic norm , which regulates
relationships between individuals, dis-
ciplines external conduct and estab-
lishes penalties for offenders, has as its
criterion the moral norm grounded in
nature itself. Human reason is capable
of discerning this moral norm, at least
in its fundamental requirements, and
thus ascending to the creative reason of
God which is at the origin of all things.
The moral norm must be the rule for
decisions of conscience and the guide
for all human behavior. Do juridic
norms exist for relationships between
the nations which make up the human
family? And if they exist, are they op-
erative? The answer is: yes, such norms
exist, but to ensure that they are truly
operative it is necessary to go back to the
natural moral norm as the basis of the ju-
ridic norm ; otherwise the latter con-
stantly remains at the mercy of a frag-
ile and provisional consensus.
13. Knowledge of the natural moral
norm is not inaccessible to those who,
in reflecting on themselves and their
destiny, strive to understand the inner
logic of the deepest inclinations present
in their being. Albeit not without hesi-
tation and doubt, they are capable of
discovering, at least in its essential lines,
this common moral law which, over and
above cultural differences, enables hu-
man beings to come to a common un-
derstanding regarding the most impor-
tant aspects of good and evil, justice and
injustice. It is essential to go back to
this fundamental law, committing our
finest intellectual energies to this quest,
and not letting ourselves be discour-
aged by mistakes and misunderstand-
ings. Values grounded in the natural
law are indeed present, albeit in a frag-
mentary and not always consistent way,
in international accords, in universally
recognized forms of authority, in the
principles of humanitarian law incor-
porated in the legislation of individual
States or the statutes of international
bodies. Mankind is not “lawless”. All the
same, there is an urgent need to perse-
A7
vere in dialogue about these issues and
to encourage the legislation of indi-
vidual States to converge towards a rec-
ognition of fundamental human rights.
The growth of a global juridic culture
depends, for that matter, on a constant
commitment to strengthen the profound
human content of international norms,
lest they be reduced to mere procedures,
easily subject to manipulation for self-
ish or ideological reasons.
Overcoming conflicts and disarmament
14. Humanity today is unfortunately
experiencing great division and sharp
conflicts which cast dark shadows on its
future . Vast areas of the world are
caught up in situations of increasing
tension, while the danger of an increase
in the number of countries possessing
nuclear weapons causes well-founded
apprehension in every responsible per-
son. Many civil wars are still being
fought in Africa, even though a num-
ber of countries there have made
progress on the road to freedom and
democracy. The Middle East is still a
theatre of conflict and violence, which
also affects neighboring nations and
regions and risks drawing them into the
spiral of violence. On a broader scale,
one must acknowledge with regret the
growing number of States engaged in the
arms race : even some developing na-
tions allot a significant portion of their
scant domestic product to the purchase
of weapons. The responsibility for this
baneful commerce is not limited: the
countries of the industrially developed
world profit immensely from the sale
of arms, while the ruling oligarchies in
many poor countries wish to reinforce
their stronghold by acquiring ever
more sophisticated weaponry. In diffi-
cult times such as these, it is truly nec-
essary for all persons of good will to
come together to reach concrete agree-
ments aimed at an effective demilitariza-
tion , especially in the area of nuclear
arms. At a time when the process of
nuclear non-proliferation is at a stand-
still, I feel bound to entreat those in au-
thority to resume with greater deter-
mination negotiations for a progressive
and mutually agreed dismantling of exist-
ing nuclear weapons. In renewing this ap-
peal, I know that I am echoing the de-
sire of all those concerned for the fu-
ture of humanity.
15. Sixty years ago the United Na-
tions Organization solemnly issued the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(1948-2008). With that document the
human family reacted against the hor-
rors of the Second World War by ac-
knowledging its own unity, based on
the equal dignity of all men and
women, and by putting respect for the
fundamental rights of individuals and
peoples at the centre of human coexist-
ence. This was a decisive step forward
along the difficult and demanding path
towards harmony and peace. This year
also marks the 25 th anniversary of the
Holy See’s adoption of the Charter of the
Rights of the Family (1983-2008) and the
40 th anniversary of the celebration of the
first World Day of Peace (1968-2008). Born
of a providential intuition of Pope Paul
VI and carried forward with great con-
viction by my beloved and venerable
predecessor Pope John Paul II, the cel-
ebration of this Day of Peace has made
it possible for the Church, over the
course of the years, to present in these
Messages an instructive body of teach-
ing regarding this fundamental human
good. In the light of these significant
anniversaries, I invite every man and
woman to have a more lively sense of
belonging to the one human family,
and to strive to make human coexist-
ence increasingly reflect this conviction,
which is essential for the establishment
of true and lasting peace. I likewise in-
vite believers to implore tirelessly from
God the great gift of peace. Christians,
for their part, know that they can trust
in the intercession of Mary, who, as the
Mother of the Son of God made flesh
for the salvation of all humanity, is our
common Mother.
To all my best wishes for a joyful New
Year!
From the Vatican, 8 December 2007
BENEDICTUS PP. XVI
 CBCP Monitor
A8 People, Facts & Places Vol. 11 No. 25
December 10 - 30, 2007

Markings
LAUNCHED. VERITAS 846
KAPANALIG, a caring, shar-
ing and listening radio commu-
nity comprising of Veritas st aff,

ŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒ³
anchors, and listeners who
pool resources of time, talent
and treasure for common ad-
vantage and mission; at St.
Peter’s Church, Common-
Delegates to the 13th South East Asian Congress representing 7 Asian Conferences that include Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, wealth Avenue, Quezon City,
Cambodia, East Timor and the Philippines. December 2, 2007. Most Rev.

South East Asia Major Superiors

Bernardino Cortez, DD, Execu-
tive Secretary of the Episcopal Commission on Social Communication
led the Eucharistic celebration with Fr. Anton Pascual, President and
Chief Operating Officer of Radio Veritas, and some clergy who an-
chor programs at Veritas.

hold congress in Tagaytay

THE South East Asia Major Superiors
(SEAMS) representing six South East Asian
countries held its XIII congress in St.
Scholastica’s Center of Spirituality, Tagaytay
City last November 19-25 reflecting on the
theme “Religious Formation for Asia Today.”
The congress provided a venue for del-
egates to assess their own current forma-
tion programs and led them to a greater
awareness on the challenges of religious for-
mation in Asia today. Likewise, the congress
gave participants the chance to find out vari-
ous means available to formators to develop
effective formation programs.
Most Rev. Luis Antonio Tagle of Imus dio-
cese delivered the keynote address at the
religious gathering. Other resource persons
were Bro. Aidan Kilty, FSC who spoke on
“Initial Formation: Inculturated Formation
– an ‘affair of the heart’”, and Sr. Leticia
Garcia, DC on “On-Going Formation: Ac-
companying Religious in Life’s Develop-
ment Stages.”
Organized by the Association of Major Re-
ligious Superiors of the Philippines
(AMRSP), the congress was attended by 111
participants, 31 of which were official del-
egates from the Major Superiors’ Confer-
ences of South East Asia. Other participants
were observers from major superiors and
formators of member countries.
SEAMS is composed of seven Conferences
that include Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore,
Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia,
East Timor and the Philippines. Smaller coun-
tries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei
are grouped into one Conference.
The organization acts as a coordinating
body of men and women major superiors of
religious congregations in South East Asia.
It serves as a support group for the major
superiors of the region through sharing and
updating, expression of common aspirations
and finding effective means and ways to
spread the Gospel of justice, peace and love
to the people they are called to serve.
The one-week congress concluded with
delegates expressing through a common
statement their renewed commitment to
their specific mission of “animating initial
and on-going formation in the hope that the
religious may reveal the Asian face of Jesus
Christ today.”
SEAMS holds congress every three years
to establish course of action for the fulfill-
ment of its goals and objectives. (Pinky
Barrientos, FSP)
LAUNCHED. TV MARIA, the television sta-
tion of the archdiocese of Manila; Decem-
ber 8, 2007 by His Eminence, Gaudencio
Cardinal Rosales who blessed the produc-
tion studio of TV Maria located in the com-
pound of Caritas Manila in Pandacan, Ma-
nila. The blessing marked the official
launching of TV Maria, which has been on
test broadcast since January 1, 2006. The
programs of TV MARIA are currently being
carried over 300 cable networks in the Phil-
ippines including Channel 96 of Destiny
Cable. Eventually, it will have its own chan-
nel on Sky cable. TV MARIA is also seen
and heard in the United States, Canada and the Middle East through
the Dream Satellite. The only national television network of the Catho-
lic Church in the country, TV MARIA aims to bring the Word of God, to
each and every Filipino in any part of the world.
LAUNCHED. HOPE CENTER of the
CLARETIAN COMMUNICATIONS FOUN-
DATIONS, INC. (CLARETIAN MISSIONAR-
IES) by His Excellency Archbishop Edward
Joseph Adams, Papal Nuncio to the Philip-
pines, December 8, 2007, Aurora Boulevard,
Quezon City. A friendly gathering-place for
young Catholics, the Hope Center provides
unique opportunities for all Christians to ex-
plore various means available for receiving
and communicating the word of God. The
center offers religious and spiritual books

Jaro celebrates Vocation Awareness month
THE Archdiocese of Jaro marked November
as vocation awareness month highlighted
with an overnight Vocation Jamboree held
last November 23-24 at the University of San
Agustin, Iloilo.
A grand parade kicked off the highlight of
this year’s vocation animation activities. Six
thousand young people jam-packed the gym-
nasium of the University of San Agustin dur-
ing the jamboree.
Vocation promoters representing different
communities of Men and Women Religious
of the archdiocese joined the affair. Their pres-
ence showed their sincere desire to inculcate
in the hearts and minds of our young people
the seed of priestly, religious, and mission-
ary vocations.
Guest vocation promoters coming from
Luzon, Mindanao and other parts of the
Visayan island also joined the celebration.
Together, they all became living examples
of happy lives following the “Good Shep-
herd.”
The happy life journeying towards answer-
ing the “call” was affirmed by Mr. and Mrs.
Joel Adrias who emphasized the important
role of every family in the growth and care
for vocations.
Moreover, the young crowd was captivated
by the life story shared by the guest speaker,
Rev. Fr. Jason H. Laguerta, the National Co-
ordinator of the Directors of Vocations in Phil-
ippines (DVP). His deep personal experiences
showed how he found God. His calling in life
served as an inspiration to the young men and
women who were also in search for meaning
in their lives.
The Vocation Jamboree created a renewed
enthusiasm among the youth of Jaro to con-
tinue their search for a more meaningful life
by responding to the “call” of the Lord of the
Harvest. It also offered an opportunity for the
clergy and lay faithful to strengthen the active
participation of the different parishes, Catho-
lic schools and lay organizations.
The event provided a venue for coopera-
tive endeavor in the various fields of pastoral
ministry. The Vocation Jamboree created
awareness in the hearts of our young people
the value of a life dedicated to God and ser-
vice to His Church.
The jamboree ended with a solemn Eucha-
ristic Celebration presided by Most Rev. An-
gel N. Lagdameo, D.D., Archbishop of Jaro
and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Con-
ference of the Philippines (CBCP). In his hom-
ily, Archbishop Lagdameo, challenged the
young crowd to be generous in responding to
the “call”. He gave special emphasis on the
need for generosity in answering the priestly,
religious and missionary life.
This year’s celebration was part of the voca-
tion promotion activities programmed by the
archdiocese of Jaro with the support of Rev.
Fr. Richard S. Pinongcos, Director of the
Archdiocesan Commission on Vocations, with
the collaborative endeavor of Rev. Victor F.
Gonzaga, OSA, President of the Council of Vo-
cation Promoters. (Fr. Richard Pinongcos)
and magazines, audio visual materials and the internet. The communi-
cation center also has a coffee lounge, an internet café, e-loading
counter, religious giftshop, counseling corner and a prayer room where
one can spend time to meditate.
CULMINATED. YEAR OF ST. EZEKIEL
MORENO, December 7, 2007, at San
Sebastian Auditorium in Quiapo, Manila on
the theme: The Holy Eucharist: Focal
point of St. Ezekiel’s life and sanctifica-
tion and the driving force in promoting
vocations. The event was highlighted with
a concelebrated Mass presided by His
Excellency Most Rev. Cirilo Almario, D.D.,
with Most Rev. Federico Escaler, D.D.,
Most Rev. Benjamen Almoneda, D.D. and
Recollect priests headed by the Prior Pro-
vincial, Rev . Fr. Lauro Larlar, OAR,
concelebrating. The momentous day was celebrated by the OAR,
A.R., Secular Fraternity, collaborators and students on December 5
and 7, 2007 respectively, simultaneously in places where the Recol-
lect s have parishes and school apostolates. St. Ezekiel Moreno is a
Spanish missionary born in La Rioja, Spain. He was ordained in
Intramuros, Manila on June 2, 1871 and was assigned to the Mission
Center in Calapan, Mindoro Oriental. He also served in the parishes of
Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Las Piñas, Sto Tomas, Batangas, Intramuros
and Sta. Cruz, Manila. On August 19, 1906, St. Ezekiel Moreno died of
cancer of the palate which affected his throat, nose, ears and eyes.
He was beatified by Pope Paul VI on November 1, 1975 and was
canonized by Pope John Paul II on October 11, 1992. Today, St. Ezekiel
Moreno is a Patron saint of cancer patients.
CELEBRATED. MOTHER GEMMA ABUNDA
SILVERO, MSH, 50th anniversary of religious
profession among the Missionary Sisters of
the Sacred Heart, which she founded; De-
cember 14, 2007. Mother Silvero pronounced
her first profession of vows on May 25, 1957
and made her final commitment on May 18,
1963 while member of the Augustinian Recol-
lect Sisters. Most Rev. Crispin Varquez, DD,
bishop of Borongan presided the Thanksgiv-
ing Mass of her Golden Jubilee at the Cathe-
dral of the Nativity of Our Lady, Borongan City.

ORDAINED. REV. ROMAN L. SANTOS, REV. IVAN PAUL N. OBANDO,

REV. LAURO G. DE DIOS, REV. CHRISTOPHER JEFFREY L. AYTONA,
REV. CECILIO VLADIMIR E. MAGBOO, REV. NORMAN I. QUILAQUIL,
REV. RODEL S. CANSANCIO, REV. JULIU PAUL C. FACTORA, REV.
LOUIE R. CORONEL AND REV. NILO A. LARDIZABAL to the Order of
Presbyters among the Order of Preachers, Dominican Province of the
Philippines. Most Rev. Socrates Villegas, DD, bishop of Balanga pre-
sided the ordination rites on November 30, 2007, Feast of St. Andrew,
Apostle at Sto. Domingo Church, Quezon City.

DIED. November 2007: Most Rev. Juan Nilmar, Kalibo; December

2007: Msgr.. Jaime San Andres, Caceres; Msgr. Pablo Alcarez, Cebu;
Fr. Ciriaco Sevilla, Gumaca; Fr. Jovencio Sanchez, Tagbilaran; Fr. Efren
Sanchez, Daet.

Salesians spend early

Christmas with handicapped
th
Rev. Fr. Anton CT Pascual (standing, 4 from left) with the staff of Radio Veritas 846 at the launching of Veritas846Kapanalig at St. Peter’s Parish, Commonwealth,
Quezon City last December 2.

THIS holiday season, spending experience,” a Salesian said.

time with the “most forgotten”
was worth it for a group of
would-be priests.
The pre-novices of the Salesian
seminary helped spread the joy
of the Yuletide Season by spend-
ing special time with the handi-
capped last week.
They joined the Manila
archdiocese’s ministry for people
with disabilities in a Christmas
party held for the disabled and
poor children: the deaf, mute,
blind, and crippled, among oth-
ers.
The occasion was held at the
Don Bosco Technical Institute in
Makati City where handicapped
from the metropolis gathered
together to enjoy early spirit of
Christ’s natal day.
The cooperation and help of
various non-government organi-
zations, charitable institutions
and schools added to the success
of the yearly event.
In a statement, the Salesians
said working for marginalized
youth and with the local Church
are two significant Salesian ap-
ostolic activities.
“For the aspirants and pre-nov-
ices concerned it was a first hand
The seminarians acted as
caregivers, assistants in health
services, and entertainers during
the program, and even being
loving elder brothers for at least
a day.
“As they prepare themselves
to be future brothers and priests
for the youth of the Philippines,
it was a very rich and rewarding
experience,” the congregation
added.
The Episcopal Commission on
Health Care of the Catholic Bish-
ops’ Conference of the Philip-
pines (CBCP-ECHC), meanwhile,
has earlier been appealing for
help for the disabled.
Fr Luke Moortgat, CBCP-
ECHC executive secretary, urged
the faithful not to forget the
needs of the handicapped.
There are about four million
disabled people in the country.
Sadly, he said, they are not prop-
erly cared for and many people
do not even know how to attend
to them.
“Let us care for the people who
will never know what day of the
week it is and much more the
name of the benefactors,” said
Moortgat. (Roy Lagarde)
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No.Monitor
CBCP
CBCP Monitor
December
25
Vol. 11 No. 25
December 10 - 30, 2007
December 10
10 -- 30,
30, 2007
2007
B2 Updates
Baby Jesus in the Crèche
Pastoral Concerns
Christmastide
The Christmas Novena
The Christmas novena began as a
means of communicating the riches
of the Liturgy to the faithful who
were unable easily to grasp it. It has
played a very effective role and can
continue to play such a role. At the
same time, in current conditions
where the faithful have easier access
to the Liturgy, it would seem desir-
able that vespers from the 17-23 of
December should be more solemn
by adopting the use of the “major
antiphons”, and by inviting the faith-
ful to participate at the celebration.
Such a celebration, held either before
of after which the popular devotions
to which the faithful are particularly
attached, would be an ideal “Christ-
mas novena”, in full conformity with
the Liturgy and mindful of the needs
of the faithful. Some elements, such
as the homily, the use of incense, and
the intercessions, could also be ex-
panded within the celebration of
Vespers.
The Crib
As is well known, in addition to
the representations of the crib found
in churches since antiquity, the cus-
tom of building cribs in the home
B3 Diocese
Prelature of Batanes
B5
B5 Statements
Statements
Christmas
Christmas reflection
reflection
was widely promoted from the thir-
teenth century, influenced undoubtedly
by St. Francis of Assisi’s crib in Greccio.
Their preparation, in which children
play a significant role, is an occasion for
the members of the family to come into
contact with the mystery of Christmas,
as they gather for a moment of prayer
or to read the biblical accounts of the
Lord’s birth.
Christmastide
During Christmastide, the Church cel-
ebrates the mystery of the Lord’s mani-
festation: his humble birth in Bethlehem
which was made known to the shepherds,
the first of Israel to welcome the Savior;
the Epiphany to the three wise men who
had “come from the East” (Mt 2,1), the
first of the Gentiles who recognized and
adored Christ the Messiah in the child of
Bethlehem; the theophany at the river
Jordan in which the Father declares that
Jesus is His “well-beloved Son” (Mt 3, 17)
at the outset of his messianic mission; the
miracle of Cana in which Jesus “mani-
fested his glory and his disciples believed
in him” (John 2,11).
In addition to these celebrations re-
calling the primary meaning of Christ-
mas, there are also other celebrations
closely connected with the mystery of
B6 Reflections
The Holy Family of Nazareth
the Lord’s manifestation: the martyrdom
of the Holy Innocents (28 December)
whose blood was shed because of ha-
tred for Jesus and because of Herod’s
rejection of his lordship; the memorial
of the Holy Name of Jesus, 13 January;
the feast of the Holy Family (Sunday in
the octave of Christmas) celebrating the
holy family in which Jesus “grew in wis-
dom and grace before God and men” (Lk
2, 52); the solemnity of the 1st of January
which recalls the divine, virginal and
salvific motherhood of the Blessed Vir-
gin Mary; and, although outside of
Christmastide, the feast of the Presenta-
tion of the Lord (2 February), celebrat-
ing the encounter between the Messiah
and his people, represented by Simeon
and Anna, and the prophecy of Simeon.
Much of the richness and complexity
of the mystery of the Lord’s manifesta-
tion is reflected in displays of popular
piety, which is especially sensitive to the
childhood of Christ which reveals his
love for us. Popular piety intuitively
grasps: the importance of the “spiritual-
ity of gift”, which is proper to Christ-
mas: “a child is born for us, a son is given
to us” (cf. Is 9, 5), a gift expressing the
infinite love of God, who “so loved the
world that he gave his only Son” (John
3, 16); the message of solidarity con-
B4
B4 Commissions
Commissions
TV
TV program
program aims
aims to
to unite
unite
families through the bible
families through the bible
B7
B7 Social
Social Concern
Healing poverty: A
Grameen experience
veyed by the event of Christmas: soli-
darity with sinful man, for whom, in
Christ, God became man “for us men
and for our salvation”(118); solidarity
with the poor, because the Son of God
“who” was rich but became poor for
your sake, to make you rich out of your
poverty” (2 Cor 8, 9);
the sacredness of human life and the
wonderful event that is every birth,
since the Word of life came amongst
men and was made visible through his
birth of the Virgin Mary (cf. 1 John 1, 2);
the messianic joy and peace to which
man has aspired in every age: the An-
gels announce the birth of the Saviour
of the world to the shepherds, the
“Prince of Peace (Is 9.5) and proclaim
“peace on earth to men of good will”
(Lk 2, 14); the spirit of simplicity and
poverty, humility and trust in God, sug-
gested by the events surrounding the
birth of Christ.
Popular piety, precisely because it can
intuit the values inherent in the mys-
tery of Christ’s birth, is called upon to
cooperate in preserving the memory of
the manifestation of the Lord, so as to
ensure that the strong religious tradi-
tion surrounding Christmas is not secu-
larized by consumerism or the infiltra-
tion of various forms of neopaganism.
B1
B1
Concern
Christmas Eve
In the space of time between the
first Vespers of Christmas and Mid-
night Mass, both the tradition of
Christmas carols, which are potent
means of conveying the Christmas
message of peace and joy, and popu-
lar piety propose certain forms of
prayers, differing from country to
country, which should be cherished
and, where necessary, made conso-
nant with the celebration of the Lit-
urgy: These would include:
“live cribs” and the inauguration
of the crib in the homes of the faith-
ful which is an opportunity for fam-
ily prayer: this prayer should include
a reading of St. Luke’s account of the
birth of Christ, the typical Christmas
carols, as well as prayers of petition
and praise, especially those of chil-
dren who are the protagonists in such
family moments; the inauguration of
the Christmas tree. This event also
offers an opportunity for family
prayer. Apart from its historical ori-
gins, the Christmas trees have be-
come a potent symbol today and is
very diffuse amongst Christians; it
evokes both the tree planted in the
centre of Eden (Gen 2, 9), and the tree
Christmastide / B7
 CBCP Monitor
B2 Updates Vol. 11 No. 25
December 10 - 30, 2007

Baby Jesus in the Crèche

Father Edward McNamara, profes-
sor of liturgy at the Regina
Apostolorum university, answers
the following question:
Q: In setting up the outdoor or
indoor Nativity scene, I am un-
der the impression that the statue
of the Infant is to be placed there
“ab initio,” not placed there at
midnight on Christmas Eve. Is
there documentation which sup-
ports that view? — M.H.,
Woodside, New York
A: Here we are in the region
of custom, and customs can vary
from place to place. The choice
might also depend on circum-
stances.
There are very few mentions
of this theme in official docu-
ments. No. 111 of the Directory
of Popular Piety contains the fol-
lowing indication:
“At Midnight Mass, an event
of major liturgical significance
and of strong resonance in popu-
lar piety, the following could be
given prominence: [...] at the end
of Mass, the faithful could be in-
vited to kiss the image of the
Child Jesus, which is then placed
in a crib erected in the church or
somewhere nearby.”
Although this is more of a pas-
toral suggestion rather than a
strict law, it would indicate the
preference that the Christmas
crib in or near a church should
not be formally unveiled until
the Christmas Midnight Mass.
It is also technically possible
to set up the crib on the evening
of Dec. 24 if a parish celebrates
the Christmas vigil Mass. This
possibility, while liturgically
correct, is probably less effective
from the point of view of popu-
lar piety, which tends to associ-
ate Christ’s birth with the mid-
night Mass.
In some places the custom ex-
ists of using a different (usually
larger) statue than that used in
the crib; and the faithful are in-
vited to kiss the image of the
Child Jesus at the end of all
Masses on Christmas Day.
Outside of the liturgical am-
bience the practice of Catholic
households and schools varies
widely. One family I know has
the charming custom of setting
up the crib in the family room
but placing the Holy Family, the
shepherds and the three wise
men in various corners. Each
day the family members move
the statues a few steps closer.
They place the figures in the
crèche on returning from mid-
night Mass (except for the wise
men, who arrive on Jan. 6).
There may, however, be very
valid reasons for setting up the
full Nativity crib before Christ-
mas Day. For example, a Catho-
lic store owner, school, or even
a parish located in a busy thor-
oughfare might desire to remind
busy shoppers what Christmas
is really all about.
The crib thus combines the
representation of a historical
event with a testimony of Chris-
tian conviction that this event is
a central and defining moment
in human and salvation history.
In such a case, having the im-
age of the Infant Jesus from the
beginning is almost certainly to
be preferred. It makes little
sense to have the images of
Mary, Joseph, sundry shepherds,
three wise men and the occa-
sional choir of angels gazing
adoringly upon an empty hay-
stack.
While already committed
Christians might perceive the
empty crib as the expectation of
Christmas, the symbolism could
be lost on many for whom the
familiar representation of the
complete Nativity scene might
ignite a spark of true light amid
the flimsy tinsels proclaiming
“Happy Winterval.” (Zenit)

Hope, an encounter
with love
By Fr. Juan Pablo Ledesma
7
QUESTIONS

Most Rev. Martin S.

Jumoad, DD
THE two wings with which the human an image of hope in Christ, our advo-
spirit arises toward the contemplation cate.
of truth, taught John Paul II, are faith Hope develops itself in two dimen-
and reason. Using an image of St. Isidore sions, like the two arms of a cross: They
of Seville, we can describe in a stroke do not stay in themselves, but project Appointed prelate of Isabela, Basilan in November 21, 2001, Bishop Jumoad was installed third bishop of the Prelature in January 12,
the content of this second encyclical of themselves into the other, like salvation 2002. In this issue of CBCP Monitor, Bishop Jumoad talks about the challenges of his Episcopal ministry among the Muslims,
our Benedict XVI. Hope is “the foot” one or sin, which is not individual. No one stressing that respect for other cultures is essential in achieving peace. He goes on to share his insights on the active presence of the
uses to advance toward future goods. lives alone. No one sins alone. No one laity in the Prelature through their participation in various diocesan and parish programs, as well as in BEC’s; the Prelature’s firm
The opposite is despair. And the one redeems himself alone. stand in upholding the Church’s teachings against contraception; the threat of materialism on the lifestyle of people and the Clergy’s
without feet despairs. That vision of Benedict XVI stands ongoing formation.
Throughout the whole of the encyclical out in close relation and interaction
the question arises always new and al- between virtues and life. Faith is not How do you find your Episcopal fices for the welfare of their neighbors. life... our material possessions must
ways current: Why do we hope? The im- only a tending of the person toward ministry in a diocese that is predomi- When people are selfish, then the gos- not be a source of scandal to others...
age of the path, of the foot, synthesizes what is to come, and that is already nantly Muslim? pel values have not yet fully penetrated
and crystallizes the integral vision of totally absent; faith gives us something. My Episcopal ministry in this pre- in the hearts of the people. Another sign Do you think consumerism has af-
Christian hope that Benedict XVI offers Between the lines, the reader can sum- dominantly Muslim place is very that the community is truly BEC is when fected our sense of values, especially
us, because hope and salvation are insepa- mon those thoughts which the then challenging. I have to understand and the people are no longer “Priest” cen- the young?
rable. professor Joseph Ratzinger taught in respect their culture. I must not be tered. They can proceed in their meet- Yes, consumerism has affected
I am astonished in the first place at his his “Introduction to Christianity”: a judgmental. Oftentimes I have to dis- ings and prayers even if the priest is not people’s sense of values especially
theological intuition in order not to en- faith that is hope, which places its trust cover the reasons why our brother/ yet around. They decide for their own the young. This philosophy teaches
close hope in the chains of a conceptual or in God the Father, who can neither be sister Muslim acts in a particular welfare in the community. They are ma- that good is found only on what is
static definition. On the contrary, he pre- deceived nor deceive us. way. That is why my Episcopal ture in faith. convenient and comfortable... what
sents hope in its dynamism, in a personal- The hope to which Benedict XVI invites motto is: “Fides Et Spes” (Faith and is new and fashionable. This frame
ized, comprehensible form, and in open us is personal, because it is born of the Hope). This Faith must give me How does the diocesan family and life of thinking affects the values of the
and current dialogue with everyone. encounter with a person, who is love, truth, strength to exercise the ministry of apostolate respond to the threats against individual especially the concept of
Perhaps the most original aspect of this liberty. In a word: God. A hope revealed presence in this Muslim territory. family and life? the Divine. The young with this
encyclical is the fact that it demonstrates and witnessed by the first Christians. One expression of this ministry of Our Muslim brothers have released mentality would say that the con-
hope in its integrity, embracing all It is thrilling to reread this encyclical presence is our service rendered to and declared their FATWAH; that means cept of God is out of touch in reality.
spheres. First, it addresses time, includ- through the prism of false hopes: from the children of Muslims, Christians some forms of contraceptives are now New inventions can replace the con-
ing the past, the present and the future, the revolutionary ideas of Barabbas and and Indigenous People—through allowed in their faith. The local Church cept of the Divine like cellphones
looking toward eternal life. Then, it talks Bar Kokhba, the subjugation to fatal des- the Isabela Foundation, Inc. (acting in Basilan remains firm in its stand with and other forms of technology. Con-
of the various schools where one can at- tiny, the unsuccessful attempts of the as the Intermediary office for Chris- the Catholic Church’s teaching against sumerism makes a person adore
tain hope: prayer; action, because all se- French Revolution to establish the do- tian Children’s Fund) that cater to contraception. We have disengaged and that which gives the individual in-
rious and right action of man is hope in minion of reason and of liberty, the Eu- their to needs such as education, wa- severed our connections with funding stant gratification which is not last-
act; suffering, and here it’s fitting to point rope of the Enlightenment, the false idea ter and sanitation, health and hous- agencies that slips in the promotion of ing. That is why there are so many
out how suffering forms part of human of human progress, up to the disastrous ing. contraceptives. unwanted pregnancies, pre-marital
existence and constitutes his greatness. consequences of the Marxist errors, for- Reaching out to them creates har- We also have intensified our campaign sex, drugs and substance addiction.
Additionally, God is joined to and is getting that man is always man. mony although sometimes I am mis- for natural family planning and have Consumerism has distorted our ca-
near to our pain. Christianity teaches that Hope, therefore, transforms all per- understood. There were times that I strengthened covenanted communities pability to discern what is essential
God—truth and love in person—partici- sonal, social and religious spheres. was called Muslim Bishop by the to promote Catholic teachings in family and vital in one’s life. Our convic-
pates in and joins our suffering, because Christian hope is invoked in a prayer to Catholics because of my concern for life. We talked to covenanted communi- tion and commitment are affected.
he wanted to suffer for us and with us. Mary, the “Star of the Sea,” which shines the welfare of the Muslims. ties that are Trans-Parochial by nature This mentality is also present in the
Citing St. Bernard, Benedict XVI says, above us and guides us on our path; a Showing concern to people of to become parish-based and help their Church. We need to anchor our val-
“God cannot suffer, but he can suffer path that should be run with the feet of other cultures manifests our respect community organize liturgical activities ues in Jesus and in Scriptures.
with.” hope. to their faith and culture. Respect is after having been undergone the some
The Pope also speaks of hope in con- the stepping stone to understanding formation. How is the ongoing formation of
nection with the Final Judgment. Souls (Father Juan Pablo Ledesma is the dean of which hopefully leads to peace and your clergy in the Prelature?
have hope of salvation in the resurrec- theology at the Regina Apostolorum Univer- reconciliation. What is your take on the threat of mate- I have to be honest. There is no
tion of the body. The image of the Final sity in Rome. This article is taken from Zenit rialism creeping into our lifestyle due structured on-going formation of the
Judgment is not a terrifying image, but with permission) How does the Prelature carry out the to globalization? priests in the Prelature because we
vision of PCP II as regards the laity’s After the May 2007 election, I, together lack financial capability to send
greater participation in the life of with the clergy and religious men and priests to specialize on certain field

The CBCPWorld Network

the Church? women, have at least seen indicators that or undergo a month or year for on-
Empowerment of the Laity is given materialism is slowly creeping in the going formation. However, in the
www.cbcpworld.com | training@cbcpworld.net | +632 4041612, 4042182

emphasis in the Prelature of Isabela
de Basilan. The laity’s presence is felt
A network of Dioceses, Parishes, Catholic Schools and religious in almost all programs and minis-
groups. Today, over a hundred of them nationwide. Pursuing tries. In fact all eight parishes in my
one mission, linked under one nationwide satellite system. Con- diocese have lay Parish Pastoral Co-
nected together with the same passion for the Gospel. ordinator who is tasked to plan,
implement, monitor, and evaluate
Our Broadband Connectivity is delivered to our network the programs and ministries in the
parish. However, her/his role is to
members through a VSAT system on a C-band or through a
recommend to the Parish Priest. Ul-
wireless IP system on a microwave platform, originating from timately, the Parish Priest has the fi-
our network operations center in Clark Special Economic Zone nal say in the implementation of the
in Angeles City. programs of the Parish.
Our Content Department aims at saturating the cyberspace How active are the basic ecclesial
with wholesome contents that are faith-related, educational communities in the Prelature?
and social-advocacy oriented. Its services are: web designing, Only few chapels have remained
web maintenance, web hosting, content sourcing and editing, active. When leaders are good and
and video production. committed, the community is strong.
One authentic sign that the commu-
nity is truly BEC is when people in
Our Traning Department conducts the following trainings: that locality are generous to one an-
EdTech, IT Awareness, WebArt, SysAd Training. other. They are ready to make sacri-
lifestyle of some of the Basileños. A great
number of the populace have compro-
mised their values for economic reason
and have lost their sense of transcen-
dence. There was a very obvious incli-
nation to focus more on the material as-
pect at the expense of human dignity and
spiritual values.
I called the clergy and the sisters to sit
down for common reflection. We have
resolved that we need to intensify more
the values formation and education, both
in the parish and in academic institu-
tions—to promote Christian values for-
mation among parishioners, both young
and old not, only during Alay Kapwa
seminars but whole year long.
At the same time, we evaluated our
lifestyle as Church leaders. At the end of
the day, we also realized that we were
lacking in a life of austerity and simplic-
ity. As Church leaders we must be ex-
amples of what it means to be simple in
diocesan level, we try to look for
ways as we invite speakers that
would help deepen the spiritual, in-
tellectual and pastoral life of the
clergy. From time to time, human
formation is also given attention.
I am happy with the clergy in the
Prelature of Isabela de Basilan. I am
transparent to them as a Father-
Brother, I have to listen to what they
say and if there are areas of relation-
ship that need to be improved then I
am willing to do it for the sake of
unity and harmony in the Prelature.
This is also true with the presence
of religious priests, sisters and
brothers in the Prelature. We work
as a team in this Prelature. There are
times that we do not agree but we
always support one another. I am
glad and happy with their presence
here in the Prelature as mission part-
ners.
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 25
December 10 - 30, 2007 Diocese B3
ON BACKGROUND: Procession in honor of Blessed Jesus Villaverde OP missionary in Sabtang who
was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on October 25 2007. LOWER RIGHT: Bishop Camilo D. Gregorio, DD

The Prelature of
Batanes
By Fr. Brigido Casas

THE Prelature of Batanes was estab-

lished on November 30, 1950 as Territo-
rial Prelature of Batanes and Babuyanes.
skimming the waves below; village of
stone houses huddled on more tractable
coasts; an island inchoate still warm with
Jose Basco y Vargas Valderrama sent an
expedition to undertake the formalities
of getting the consent of the Ivatans to
In February 6, 2002, the Prelature was force of creation. It is the land of the become subjects of the King.
reduced to comprise only the Province Ivatan (referring both to the person and The Cross was officially planted on
of Batanes and is now known as the Ter- the language). Ivatan, like most Filipi- Ivatan soil on June 26, 1783 when Batanes
ritorial Prelature of Batanes with the nos, are of Malay stock. But they also was annexed to Spain in a solemn public
Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia (Vigan) trace their roots to early immigrants ceremony witnessed by Joseph Huelva
as Metropolitan. Babuyanes was ceded from Formosa as well as Spaniards who y Melgarejo, first governor of Batanes,
to the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao. The came to the island in the 16th century. and Dominican Fathers Bartholome
province lies on the northernmost tip of Being an insular people, the Ivatans have Artiguez and Baltazar Calderon.
the Philippines, on vast expanse of wild kept the purity of their gene pool. To Since fires and typhoons routinely de-
waters where the Pacific Ocean merges this day, they bear the features of their stroyed the government and mission
with the South China Sea. Basco, its capi- forebears—the Formosan’s almond eyes buildings, lime and stone churches be-
tal town and where the seat of the and the Spaniard’s aquiline nose. gan to be built around 1795 with the help
Prelature is located, is about 280 kilo- Life is hard—and generally unevent- of imported masons, stone cutters, and
meters north of Aparri (the northern- ful. What is surprising is that the pro- carpenters from Cagayan. First to be con- vigor coupled with their enthusiastic later on some members who have edu-
most point of Luzon Island) or some 860 vincial jail is always empty and the folks structed was the church of Santo spirit since most of this diocesan clergy cational background on teaching were
kilometers north of Manila, and about never lock their door or windows ex- Domingo at Basco, then San Jose in Ivana. were newly ordained ranging from one asked to teach at St. Dominic College.
190 kilometers south of Taiwan. cept during typhoons. In the Ivatan’s The priest-engineer-architect Fr. to three years in the ministry. When the Spanish Dominican Fathers
It is bounded on the north by the Bashi uncertain universe, only God is certain. Nicolas Castaño constructed the impos- In 2003, when Bishop Camilo left Batanes in 1997, they voluntarily en-
Channel, on the east by the Pacific Ocean, Having God on their side also lessens ing façade of the Santo Domingo church Gregorio took over the position as trusted the Dominican Residence to the
on the west by the South China Sea, and the pang of their isolation. Thus the at Basco in 1812, the convent in 1814, and Bishop-Prelate of Batanes, the clergy serv- Sisters who continued to help in the mis-
on the south by the Balintang Channel. Ivatans are an intensely religious people the stone bridges which to this day are ing the Prelature were of mixed affilia- sion by establishing a pre-school.
Batanes is the country’s smallest prov- and in every town, no matter how small, still in use in San Vicente and Tuhel in tions; two diocesan, two SOLT Mission-
ince both in terms of population which has a church of its own. Ivana, and probably the one at Basco and aries and the only remaining Spanish Lay Organizations and Movements
numbers to roughly 17,000 as of latest San Felix. He also wrote a catechism in Dominican who had been serving the Heeding the call of the Second Vatican
census, and in land area which measures The Dominican mission and evangeli- Ivatan which eventually got printed in Prelature for more than 39 years in Council and Second Plenary Council of
209.3 square kilometers. It is composed zation of Batanes 1834—the first known printed Ivatan text Itbayat in addition to being appointed the Philippines, the Prelature started to
of 10 relatively small islands in which According to researches and studies (extant today in the reprint of Retana), Episcopal Vicar. In 2003, the Ivatans foster a more active role of the laity in
only three are inhabited namely; Batan, made by Dr. Florentino Hornedo, Ph.D., and which also suggests some literacy witnessed the first diaconal ordination the Church. Every parish tries to imple-
Sabtang and Itbayat Islands. The entire the first Dominicans who started a mis- of the Ivatan of his time in the and in 2004, the first ordination to the ment programs and foments the collabo-
province has only 29 barangays that en- sion in Batanes were Fr. Mateo Gonzales Romanized orthography. This literacy priesthood in the prelature. These his- ration of the lay faithful in all aspects of
compasses the six municipalities of and Fr. Diego Piñero who came to was the result of schools established in torical religious events propelled more ecclesial life. Having introduced liturgi-
Basco, Mahatao, Ivana, Uyugan, Sabtang Batanes in 1686. Another missionary the towns basically for catechesis; prac- vocations from the natives since most cal reforms through local seminars and
and Itbayat. It has five parishes plus a joined them in 1688 by the name of Fr. tical skills were also taught. Ivatans who studied for the priesthood other formations, the faithful are appre-
soon to be erected parish in Uyugan, a Juan Ruiz. When Frs. Gonzales and Ruiz In 1853, Fr. Vicente Araujo, O.P., was and became priests belong to religious ciative of the orthodox initiative of their
Marian Shrine dedicated to Our Lady of died and Fr. Piñero returned to Luzon, assigned to Itbayat and by 1855, the congregation particularly the Domini- pastors. A number of lay organizations
Miraculous Medal which the Ivatans Batanes was left without missionaries Itbayat mission was formally recog- cans. In May 13, 2006, the first native di- came and collaborated with the church
have a strong devotion to, and 12 until 1720 when Fr. Juan Bel and Fr. nized. Around 1873, stone school houses ocesan priest, Rev. Fr. Algerico Andrew hierarchy of the Prelature. Every organi-
barangay chapels. Alonso Amado reopened the Domini- for boys and girls were made: the San Gonzales was ordained and was as- zation or movement has its own priest-
Batanes is a pastoral mountain bear- can mission. The difficult circumstances Vicente church in Sabtang was decorated signed to Itbayat to help Fr. Domingo spiritual director.
ing down on the savage sea; seabirds forced the missionaries to resettle in by the priest artist Fr. Rafael Cano, O.P., Deniz, OP. At present, there are 13 Dioc- Many lay faithful are also given the
Calayan with over a in splendid Baroque polychrome and esan Clergy under the Prelature serv- opportunity to work together in per-
hundred Ivatans gilt; a beautiful new church in San Carlos ing in different capacities and some on forming liturgical activities. They work
who went with was built by Fr. Crescencio Polo, O.P., study leave. as extraordinary ministers of commun-
IMPORTANT FACTS them. But many died on the site of an old church ruined by a ion, lectors, acolyte, cantors, etc. Some
because of disease typhoon in 1872. Its decoration was also Religious Missionaries of St. Dominic have endeavored to become full time
Bishop-Prelate …………………………………. 1 and lack of food and in Baroque style. (Dominican Sisters) church worker with very minimal al-
Priests: eventually, went In 1953, three Sisters from the Reli- lowance. Others have rendered their ser-
Diocesan (working in the Prelature) …...…… 3 gious Missionaries of St. Dominic came vices for free to help the Prelature attain
back to Batanes. From Dominican Missionaries to Dioc-
Guests …………………………………………. 1 financial stability, at the same time wit-
(Working outside the Prelature) ……...……… 3 More missionaries esan Clergy to Batanes to start their pastoral mission
came and went, oth- Since the evangelization of Batanes through catechetical instruction in the nessing by their life experiences and re-
Religious:
Filipino …………………………………………. 2 ers died; and once and the establishment of the Prelature, public schools. flections, in order to inspire other mem-
Foreign ………………………………………… 1 more, the mission the Spanish Dominicans of the Holy When their contract ended in 1970, the bers of the faithful.
Sisters ………………………………………….... 5 was abandoned. Rosary Province and a handful Filipino Sisters went back to Manila. However,
Seminarians: The Dominican Dominicans were at the forefront of the after many years, moral decadence had Pastoral Thrusts
Philosophy …………………………………..… 8 Chapter of 1771 re- missionary activities and held various seeped through the Ivatan values. Upon The main thrust of the Prelature is cen-
Theology …………………………………...….. 8 quested the King of positions and capacities in running the the request of the Ivatans, the Sisters tered on the construction and renova-
Post-Theology ……………………………….... 4
Spain to establish a Prelature—from Bishop-Prelate, Parish came back in 1982 and established a Mis- tion of centuries-old churches ravaged
Prelature Divisions: sion house. Their pastoral activities did by natural calamities. Financially, the
Parishes ………………………………….……. 5 government on the Priests and some key assignments. Most
islands and assign a of the Spanish Dominicans had served not focus only on catechetical instruc- Prelature does not receive any monetary
With Resident Pastor ………………………... 5
Entrusted to Diocesans ………………...……. 24 military detachment zealously the Prelature for more than tion but also included home and hospi- remuneration from the Holy See but it
Entrusted to Religious ……………………….. 1 in Batanes for secu- half of their lives and had become pil- tal visitations; Bible enthronement; does obtain a yearly token subsidy from
Chaplaincies/Missions ………………...…….. 3 rity so that lars of the Ivatan culture whom they con- Marriage encounter seminars; basic for- the CBCP which is also shared with
Educational Center: Christianization sidered as revered figures. The coming mation for receiving the sacraments of Babayunes. Most clergy of the Prelature
College ………………………………………... 1 could be facilitated. of diocesan missionaries from the Arch- baptism and confirmation as well as pre- have to source funds outside of the
Population ………………………………...... 16,467 Thus in 1782, then diocese of Caceres was a welcome ges- paring children for first communion. Prelature since generation of funds is so
Catholics …………………………………… 14,618 Governor-General ture and they worked for the betterment They also ventured in helping distrib- limited given the economic status of the
of the Philippines of the Prelature with their youthful ute Holy Communion to the sick and Batanes / B6
 CBCP Monitor
B4 Commissions Vol. 11 No. 25
December 10 - 30, 2007

TV program aims to unite

families through the Bible
Fr. Luis Supan

The question box

Questions on the Holy Bible

1. What does “Word of God” mean?
In its broad sense, it refers to Divine Revelation—the manifestation of God’s
loving plan of salvation for mankind. It was prepared in the Old Covenant and
fulfilled in the New, in the Person of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The
beginning of the Letter to the Hebrews says: “At many moments in the past and
by many means, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; but in our
time, the final days, he has spoken to us in the person of his Son”. For this
reason, “Christ, the Son of God made man, is the Father’s one, perfect, and
unsurpassable Word. In him he has said everything; there will be no other word
than this one” (CCC 65). This is no mere metaphor. The “Word of God” prima-
rily refers to the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. “In the beginning was the
Word: the Word was with God and the Word was God” (Jn 1: 1). The same
eternal Word (true God, consubstantial with God the Father) “was made flesh”
(Jn 1: 14), taking on a true human nature—Jesus Christ. Finally, “Word of God”
refers to Holy Scripture. So the priest says at the conclusion of the gospel read-
ing in the Holy Mass: “Verbum Domini” (the Word of the Lord).

2. Is the Word of God found only in Holy Scripture?

The Word of God (Divine Revelation) is found not only in Sacred Scripture
but also in Sacred Tradition. The Second Vatican Council explained the har-
Program host Elvira Go interviews Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle in one of the program's episodes.
mony of these two channels of Revelation in the Dogmatic Constitution Dei
Verbum. It says: “Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture make up a single Sacred
Deposit of the Word of God, which is entrusted to the Church” (DV 10). They are A TELEVISION program aimed at evan- ily life and social issues based on Chap- to pursue the project. Wanting to put
like two branches of a river, but coming from the same source: “There exists a gelizing the family on the power of the ter 13 of St. Paul’s letter on the her idea to the test Go presented her
close connection and communication between sacred Tradition and Sacred Scrip- Word of God to transform a person’s Corinthians, which is love. project to different bishops asking their
ture. For both of them, flowing from the same divine well-spring, in a certain life is currently on broadcast in two ma- The show features different bishops opinion and guidance.
way merge into a unity and tend toward the same end” (DV 9). In sum, “the jor TV stations, NBN Channel 4 and RPN who expound on the theme of each epi- She said she was able to come out with
Church does not draw her certainty about all revealed truths from the Holy 9. sode. Families who won the NCFBQ also the bible quiz because “the Holy Spirit
Scriptures alone. Hence, both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and “Power to Unite,” as the program title appear as guests not only to showcase used these people to guide me,” Go said,
honored with equal feelings of devotion and reverence” (ibid.). suggests, also aims to unite people of their singing prowess but also to give referring to the bishops.
In its strict sense, Sacred Tradition is the body of teachings (mainly oral) different persuasions through common testimony to God’s providential love as Forty-four dioceses joined the first
coming from our Lord Jesus Christ handed down by the Apostles to their suc- understanding of the Bible. they experience it in their lives. national bible quiz in 2004. The 2007 quiz
cessors (i.e., the bishops, in union with the successors of St. Peter). In his letter to “We are all one, we have the same Go admits having no background at had 67 dioceses with 384 families.
the Thessalonians, St. Paul upheld the authority of the spoken word as a valid God, why should we fight?” asked Elvira all in production and broadcasting, none- “Why is my advocacy the family? Be-
source of Christian teaching: “So then, brethren, stand firm, and hold the teach- Go, host of the program. theless, she accepted the challenge of pro- cause I always believe everything starts
ings that you have learned, whether by word or by letter of ours.” (2 Th 2:15). In Go who is also the chairperson of the ducing a TV show as a ministry inspired with the family,” explained Go, when
its broad sense, we can consider Sacred Tradition all of Divine Revelation that National Catholic Family Bible Quiz by God. asked why she specifically thought of in-
has been transmitted to us, such that it also embraces Sacred Scripture. We read (NCFBQ), says the show is the fruit of And indeed, despite the lack of mate- volving the family in the bible quiz.
in Dei Verbum: “Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. rial resources, the good will was never NFBQC is in close partnership with
writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit. And Tradition transmits in its Conceptualized by the NCFBQ Secre- lacking. Go said friends just came for- the Episcopal Commission on Biblical
entirety the Word of God which has been entrusted to the Apostles by Christ the tariat, the program made its maiden ward and offered their services for free. Apostolate (ECBA) in organizing the
Lord and the Holy Spirit” (DV 9). debut on NBN Channel 4 September of A deeply religious woman, Go sees families of champions to become deeply
This is so because Sacred Tradition was prior in time to the writing of the holy this year with a weekly episode aired the hand of God in every decision she rooted in the Bible.
Gospels. Our Savior did not write a book containing what we need to believe in every Tuesday evening at 7:00-7:30. made. She conceptualized the bible quiz The goal is to organize 20 families of
and what we must do to be part of His Kingdom. Our Lord’s command to the Meanwhile, RPN 9 is airing the pro- and ventured to produce a TV show later champions who will later on become
apostles was to preach the gospel. As mentioned in the last issue of Question gram with two episodes each the whole on to make families become aware of evangelizers of the Word to other fami-
Box, the books of the New Testament were written between 50 and 100 AD. “The month of December three times a week, the power of the Word. lies.
first generation of Christians did not yet have a written New Testament, and the Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at To date, eight families of champions
New itself demonstrates the process of living Tradition” (CCC 83). 4:30-5:30 PM. Family Bible Quiz have already undergone a retreat facilitated
In magazine format, the program The idea of organizing a bible quiz by ECBA Executive Secretary Fr. Oscar
3. What is the role of the Church’s teaching office (Magisterium) with regard to tackles relevant topics that concern fam- came from a friend who encouraged Go Alunday, SVD. (Pinky Barrientos, FSP)
Sacred Scripture and Tradition?
The Magisterium, assured of the assistance of the Holy Spirit, judges which
books deserve to form part of the Canon of the Bible. The Magisterium (the Angelita Miguel-Aquirre, M.D.
Pope and the bishops in union with him) relies on Sacred Tradition in order to
define authoritatively which books are divinely inspired and canonical. (The
earliest formal declaration being made in the Synods of Hippo of 393 A.D., and
of Carthage, 397 A.D.) This Tradition is contained in the teaching of the univer-
Health and life
Reproductive Health
sal Magisterium of the Church, in the writings of the Fathers and Doctors of the
Church, in the law of the Church, in the Liturgy, as well as in the beliefs and
practices of the lay faithful. Thus, the Church gives importance to what the
previous Popes and Councils had taught about the Holy Scriptures, as well as to
how the Fathers and the saints used and commented on them, since Sacred
Tradition is part of Divine Revelation, as mentioned above. Both Tradition and REPRODUCTIVE health has pay a high price for tamper- they upset the delicate hor- Washington D.C., published
Scripture have been entrusted to the Church, and within the Church, only the been a byword for a number ing with nature. monal balance in the womb, her book entitled The Great-
Magisterium has the role of interpreting them authentically and of preaching of years. Most people think Hormonal contraceptives it also works by preventing est Experiment Ever Per-
them with authority. that this is for the best inter- (pills, injectables (DEPO-Provera, implantation of the newly formed on Women (Explod-
est of women. However, implants and patches) containing conceived human embryo. ing the Estrogen Myth) a
4. What recent teaching of the Magisterium illustrates this? there are a number of scien- estrogens and progestins have (US Physicians Drug Refer- documentation and research
In order to settle once and for all the question on the possibility of ordaining tific facts that are not well been classified as carcinogenic ence, 1978, p. 1817; 1997 p. 2746; on the adverse effects of this
women to the priesthood, Pope John Paul II issued an Apostolic Letter in May propagated and must be (Group 1 category—which is Pharmacology of Drugs, Up drug on the health of women.
1995 bearing the title “On Reserving Priestly Ordination to Men Alone”. The known by all. In tri-media we used when there is sufficient evi- To Date Online 15.1, 2007) What is unfortunate is that
Pope said: “I declare that the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer often hear about the right to dence of carcinogenicity in hu- Product literature of these most of these adverse effects
priestly ordination on women and that this judgment is to be definitively held “informed choice” but is the mans) raising breast cancer, cer- drugs and devices also warn have been recognized early at
by all the Church’s faithful” (italics added). The Congregation for the Doctrine information given complete, vical, and liver cancer risk about heart and blood abnor- the time of its development in
of the Faith further clarified the nature of the Pope’s teaching: “(this) is founded truthful and factual? (World Health Organization In- malities such as thromboem- 1938 by the British Biochemist
on the written word of God and from the beginning constantly preserved and Here are, for instance, some ternational Agency for Research bolic complications, prema- Sir Edward Charles Dodds. But
applied in the Tradition of the Church”. Further, that “the Roman Pontiff … facts that will show that birth on cancer (IARC), Bulletin 167, ture hypertension and coro- this was not disseminated well
handed on this same teaching by a formal declaration … as belonging to the control products can be fatal: July 29, 2005). nary heart disease. In 2003 to women and their spouses.
Deposit of the Faith” (italics added). Every member of the Church could now Contraceptives inhibit and Hormonal contraceptives Barbara Seaman, Fellow of Together with its spiritual and
enjoy the certainty that the practice of calling only men to the priesthood was an interfere with normal and do not always prevent ovula- the Columbia University moral dimensions, the truth
explicit will of our Lord Jesus Christ himself. health reproductive processes tion. In case of breakthrough School of Journalism and a co- about reproductive health
resulting in serious compli- ovulation and subsequent fer- founder of the National must be known. It is a serious
cations and side effects. We tilization, however, because Women’s Health Network in responsibility.

Congress on deafness held

A CATHOLIC Congress on Deaf-
ness focusing on the issue of ac-
cessibility to promote an en-
abling and inclusive environ-
ment for the deaf was held at Pili
Capitol Convention Centre,
Naga City, on November 23-26.
More than 400 delegates com-
posed of DHH, LGUs, doctors,
SPED teachers, service providers
and parents came from different
parts of the country to attend the
event.
Centered on the theme: “WE
CARE: Creating an Enabling and
Inclusive Environment for the
Deaf”, the gathering committed
delegates from different sectors
to become partners in creating
an inclusive and enabling envi-
ronment for the deaf.
Now on its 18th year, the Phil-
ippine Catholic Congress on
Deafness (PCCD) was first initi-
ated in 1989 as National Catholic
Congress of Deafness (NCCD) by
Fr. Luke Moortgat, CICM, Execu-
tive Secretary of the Commission
on Health Care of the Catholic
Bishops’ Conference of the Phil-
ippines (CBCP).
The Annual Philippine Catho-
lic Congress on Deafness is focused
on the presentation of Missionary
works of various deaf organiza-
tions coming from different parts
of the country. Insights and sto-
ries of the delegates are shared in
this occasion, thus an event where
exchange of ideas and sharing of
experiences happen.
With vast experience of work-
ing with deaf and hard of hear-
ing (DHH) people, the keynote
speakers expounded on the sub-
ject with authority.
Leeanne Seaver, M.A., Execu-
tive Director for Hands and
Voices Foundation, Illinois, USA,
delivered the keynote speech. A
mother of three, Seaver’s eldest
son is profoundly deaf.
Cherryl DeConde Johnson,
Ed.D, a member of Fellow Ameri-
can Academy of Audiology
(FAAA), is currently working as
supervisor of the Exceptional Stu-
dent Services Unit of the Colorado
Department of Education where
she oversees services for low-in-
cidence disabilities including the
areas of deaf and hard of hearing
disabilities. She is also raising a
daughter with hearing loss.
Local speakers on the other
hand discussed the state of the art
in deaf advocacy, systems and
trends, the Biwako Millenium
Framework, Protection and Free-
dom Rights and educational
rights for the deaf in the Philip-
pines.
PCCD Consultant, Veronica
Ester “Boots” Mendoza facilitated
the congress.
Archbishop of Caceres, Most
Rev. Leonardo Z. Legaspi, fully
supported the event. Various or-
ganizations also lent their sup-
port by serving as foster parents
to DHH participants: The Na-
tional Council for Welfare for
Persons with Disabilities, the
Liliane Foundation Philippines,
a special foundation for the chil-
dren with disabilities in devel-
oping countries; the Couples for
Christ-Camarines Sur, and
Knights of Columbus.
The families also prepared
themselves and studied basic sign
language to communicate with
their foster children. The local
government and the whole prov-
ince of Camarines Sur likewise
offered their assistance to the said
congress.
The Sisters of the Little Mis-
sions for the Deaf (SLMD) and St.
Francis de Sales Hearing Im-
paired Foundation, Inc. Naga
City Chapter hosted the event.
It is estimated that there are
126,225 deaf and hard of hearing
out of 84 million Filipinos.
Roughly there is one deaf for ev-
ery six children with disability.
There are no available statis-
tics at present for DHH in the
Bicol region. Sr. Nora Patlonag,
SLMD, in an interview, said. Al-
though there are statistics of
DHH in schools they are not reli-
able since hearing-impaired stu-
dents also attend regular classes
because there are no SPED classes
available, she clarified.
First to be held in Bicol, PCCD
was organized in time for the
100th death anniversary of Ven-
erable Joseph Gualandi, founder
of the Sisters of the Little Missions
for the Deaf, a religious congre-
gation that takes care of the hear-
ing impaired. (Pides Aura J.
Orata)
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 25
December 10 - 30, 2007 Statements B5

Christmas reflection The Roman Catholic

Bishop of Cubao
CHRISTMAS is the celebration of an event of God “going outside
of himself,” becoming man in Jesus Christ. In Jesus Christ, God
has assumed the everyday in order that through him and with
him man may learn to be fully human. Jesus in his human life—
as described in the Gospels—is the word, the address, the mes-
sage of God to humanity.
Jesus must be experienced at Christmas, not simply as a great Circular Letter No. 12
prophet, a religious founder or genius but as God’s ultimate Word
to mankind. In him, concrete human life is found in its most basic TO: ALL PARISH PRIESTS, SCHOOL DIRECTORS, RELIGIOUS
and radical form. Through his earthly life Jesus showed how the MEN AND WOMEN, LAY ORGANIZATIONS, AND
absolutely distant God is likewise absolute near. Through his TRANSPAROCHIAL COMMUNITIES
incarnation, Jesus Christ reveals the deepest meaning of being
human… that in every human being there is the ability to be God My Dear People of God in the Diocese of Cubao:
in the world or to be infinitely open to God’s self-communica- The Love and Peace of Jesus our Life!
tion. As shepherd, I admonish you to defend the sanctity of hu-
man life and family that are now under tremendous dangers,
+ANGEL LAGDAMEO, DD being threatened by two proposed Quezon City Ordinances
Archbishop of Jaro cleverly crafted under the guise of Reproductive Health Popu-
President, CBCP lation Management. These proposed ordinances affect adversely
contraception, abortifacients and “safe” abortion. The same
ordinances will make compulsory the teaching of contracep-
tive methods to pupils from Grade V up to Fourth Year High
School students under a punitive provision of imprisonment
and fines if they are not followed. They use the name of the
poor on the issue of poverty to push their deadly intent of
promoting contraceptives and abortifacients.
An ordinance establishing a Quezon City Population and
Reproductive Health Management Policy introduced by Coun-
cilor Joseph “SEP” Juico and endorsed by Councilor Diorella
“Lala” G. Sotto-De Leon.
We need to be vigilant now as Catholics, firmly and faith-
fully believing in the truth handed down to us from the Lord
Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church. We need to defend
millions of lives at stake who will be killed because of the
cancerous effects of the pill, the abortifacients effects of the
IUD and the lie about condom as a deterrent to AIDS.
Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation To our brother priests, include this mission in your homilies
everyday as soon as possible especially on Saturday and Sun-
day. We strongly oppose this Reproductive Health and Popu-
Order of Carmelites lation Management proposed ordinance for Quezon City be-
cause it kills the unborn children, cause deadly cancers, de-
Come let us walk in the light of the Lord!” (Isaiah 2:5). stroys the Catholic educational formation of our youth and
take away from us our intrinsic inalienable right to the free
“Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put the armor of light…” (Rom. 13:11) exercise of a correct conscience and our right to freedom of
AS we prepare and celebrate the season of ery, including the anomalous NBN- ZTE deal tims of extra-judicial killings, enforced dis- worship in the Catholic faith.
Advent, we are invited to be awake and pre- and distribution of “early Christmas gifts” appearances and other human rights viola- Let us be ready to hold prayer rallies if and when so needed
pared. Advent means, “coming or arrival,” to win over the loyalty of congressmen and tions, the Glorietta and Batasan bombings and to prevent the passage of this deadly ordinance.
thus we must be ready to receive the mes- governors for the administration. The multi- massive militarization that brought massive Praying for your full cooperation and immediate action on
sage of God’s coming through the Messiah. million anomalies leave our people ever displacement to civilian communities. this grace and urgent matter concerning our faith and the lives
We need advent to remind us that justice and more dispossessed, including the 728 million Guided by our Carmelite Constitutions of our flock. With my paternal blessings.
peace will be achieved in the future amid the fertilizer scam, the $2-million Impsa power 111: “We live in a world full of injustice and
signs of the times. plant pay-off, the P28-billion Northrail disquiet. It is our duty to contribute to the +MOST REV. HONESTO F. ONGTIOCO, DD
The Order of Carmelites Justice and Peace project, the P200-million Jose Pidal bank ac- search for an understanding of the causes of Bishop of Cubao
and Integrity of Creation shares the call of count, the P1.3-billion Mega Pacific Comelec these evils.” November 9, 2007
prophet Isaiah and Apostle Paul “that people computerization scam, and the P1.1-billion The morally bankrupt regime that has gov- Feast of Dedication of the Lateran
will come together in the Lord’s name. Wars Macapagal Boulevard overpriced contract. erned with fraud and violence is clearly the
will cease and there will be peace. While prices of basic commodities steadily cause of evils in our nation today. We thus
We respond to this challenge as we face increase, no substantial wage and salary hikes join the Filipino people in the pursuit of truth
the darkness brought by the glaring issues of
large-scale corruption, human rights crisis
have been implemented and excessive taxes
continue to burden the poor. While disasters
and justice. To save our people from the dark
powers of this corrupt-ridden administra- Rural Missionaries of the
and economic plunder that still await truth- and ever deepening poverty continues to grip tion, for the good of the nation, Gloria
ful and just resolution. the nation, Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Macapagal Arroyo must step down now! Philippines
We lament the death of poor 11-year-old and several administration lawmakers to-
Marianet Amper who ended her life by hang- gether with their families are spending pub- Fr. Jerry Sabado, O.Carm.
ing because of extreme poverty. We are scan- lic funds for their trip abroad. National Convenor Order of Carmelites-JPIC
A Mission Partner of the Association of Major
dalized by the wave of corruption and brib- We join the cries for justice for all the vic- 26 Acacia St., Barangay Mariana, Quezon City Religious Superiors in the Philippines

Military Operations Threaten

Lumad Communities

SINCE the start of this month, around 500 military men, some
belonging to the 58th IB PA have arrived in Lumad communi-
ties in Diatagon, Lianga and San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. They
brought with them two 6x6 military trucks, one of which was
loaded with rice and other food stuff, two armored personnel
carriers (APCs) and two 105 howitzer cannons. The military
men stayed in the houses of civilians, and occupied Lumad
Literacy Schools. They also put up makeshift tents near the
houses of the residents. Checkpoints to monitor the activities
of the residents were set up. When passing these checkpoints,
residents are asked to present their IDs or cedulas, their names
and mobile phone numbers are listed, and their belongings
are inspected. The military men interrogated teachers and stu-
dents of tribal community schools, telling them that if they
have relatives who joined the NPA, they must surrender.
The ongoing military operations have greatly affected the
lives of residents in 12 Lumad communities. They have stopped
going about with their normal daily activities for fear of their
safety. Classes in 7 Lumad Primary Literacy Schools with more
than 500 pupils, and a Lumad High School with 177 students
have been disrupted as the military also stayed in these schools.
More than 200 families have already fled their homes, and are

XII South East Asia Major Superiors Congress
I am the vine, you are the branches;
whoever remains in me bears fruit in
plenty. (John 15:5)
WE, Religious men and women
from six South East Asian coun-
tries (Thailand, Indonesia, Ma-
laysia, Vietnam, Myanmar and
the Philippines) came together to
share and assess Religious For-
mation today.
Cognizant of the uniqueness of
each country, we were unani-
mous in identifying a multi-cul-
tural and multi-religious envi-
ronment that has certainly been
influenced by violence, materi-
alism, individualism and an in-
creasing climate of secularism.
Initial Formation
Among the many concerns re-
garding Initial Formation, two
main areas call for urgent atten-
St. Scholastica’s Center of Spirituality, Tagaytay City
November 19 - 25, 2007
Christ at the service of the mis-
sion of the Church”1 in Asia to-
day and COMPETENT
FORMATORS who are in them-
selves models of happy, mature
and committed Religious ca-
pable of loving and accompany-
ing formands to “wholiness” and
implementing a Relevant, Inte-
grated and Balanced Formation
Program.
Ongoing Formation
The Challenges of On-Going
Formation identified the lack of
a Systematic and Integrated Pro-
gram that would address needs
that will arise in Life’s Develop-
mental Stages2.
There is a common concern for
those who hold leadership posi-
tions in ministry. An On Going
Formation towards Responsible
Stewardship is seen to be neces-
reinforced the value of working
together in the work of forma-
tion. Collaboration and inter-
congregational initiatives need
to be supported, encouraged and
sustained as it continues to be at
the service of the Church today.
In the context of 21st Century
South East Asia, in the face of all
the challenges and opportunities,
we affirm the importance of the
integration of the Human, Pro-
fessional, Intellectual, Psycho-
Spiritual, Social and Cultural di-
mensions with special attention
to DIALOGUE, COMMUNION
IN DIVERSTIY, INTER-CON-
GREGATIONAL COOPERATION
and PARTNERSHIP WITH THE
LAITY as essential elements of
relevant Religious
Formation today
Energized by our experi-
now staying in evacuation centers set up by Karapatan in the
town proper of Lianga, some 15 kilometers away from the
Lumad communities. According to Karapatan, 1,512 persons
mostly women and children who braved the heavy rains, and
endured the long walk to the town proper, are now housed in
the evacuation centers. No action has been taken by the local
government units up to this time, while Col. Jose Vizcarra,
and ongoing formation.
commander of the Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade, has declared
Seized by the Passion of
that operations allegedly in pursuit of NPAs will continue until
Christ, we, the South East Asian
necessary.
Major Superiors and Formators
The Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) strongly
renew our commitment to live
denounces this unwanted intrusion to the once peaceful com-
the Paschal Mystery and to put
munities of our indigenous brothers and sisters, and calls for
on the mind and heart of Jesus
the immediate withdrawal of military troops in the above-
Christ and so rekindle the fire
mentioned areas. Military operations have always posed great
within as we undertake the
danger to the lives of helpless civilians. We must not wait until
mission of formation today, re-
someone is hurt or even killed in the course of these opera-
vealing the Asian face of Jesus
tions before concrete actions are taken to normalize the situa-
Christ, our unique gift to the
tion. We call on Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, as Commander-in-
Church and our world, today.
Chief of the Armed Forces to immediately look into the plight
I live now not with my own
of the affected residents, and to order that the military opera-
life but with the life of Christ
tions be stopped. The safety of civilians is already at risk, and
who lives in me. (Galatians 2:20)
turning a deaf ear will surely aggravate the situation. The RMP
also calls on all church people to voice out their concern in the
(Footnotes) light of these developments, and hold GMA and the military
accountable for any and all violations of human rights.
1
Taken from the Keynote Address of His
Excellency Most Reverend Luis Anto-
nio Tagle, DD SR. ELENITA BELARDO, RGS
– Opening of the XIII SEAMS Congress, RMP National Coordinator
20 November 2007
Taken from the Talk of Sr. Leticia FR. JESUS MALIT, SSS
2

tion: the EFFECTIVE SCREEN-
ING OF CANDIDATES that will
enable and ensure the formation
towards one’s “total consecration
to God in the following of Jesus
sary. There is also a need to ad-
dress the reality of aging and di-
minishment among Religious.
The VISIT to the Inter-Congre-
gational Formation Centers has
ences and our newfound
friendships and the renewal of
old acquaintances, we take
courage in taking up anew our
vital task of animating initial
Garcia, DC
AMRSP Co-Chairperson
–“Accompanying the Religious in Life
’s Developmental Stages” November 29, 2007
– 21 November 2007
 CBCP Monitor
B6 Reflections Vol. 11 No. 25
December 10 - 30, 2007

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Cultivating
the Christmas
spirit
AGAIN it’s Christmastime, which, Pinoy style, starts way earlier and ends
much later than what the Church calendar says, and expresses itself more
elaborately than liturgically indicated.
I don’t know whether it’s age catching up or due to external causes that I
don’t seem to notice much Christmas décor around nowadays and to feel
that palpable excitement I as a kid used to pair the season with.
I remember suggesting to the janitor to put new decors in my office, since
I’ve been seeing the same ones for years now. He told me that they may look
old to me but they all appear new and beautiful to the new students.
Rather than arguing, I chose to be happy with that smart reply, actually a
cover for some budgetary limits. I just have to find a way to make the old
look new. Problem is I’m creativity challenged in this area.
Anyway, I felt high when the other day a priest-friend, who has a raging
passion and with matching skills for making Christmas crèches, showed me
his latest version.

The Holy Family of Nazareth

It’s a very beautiful “belen” done in cool architectural artistry and land-
scaping, with playing fountains and dancing lights, with angels floating on
air, and together with the usual cows and sheep, little pet dogs and cats
accompany Mary and Joseph to adore the infant Jesus.

The Christian alternative to the dysfunctional All of a sudden, I became a kid again, launched in a sparkling flight into
the world of Christian mysteries, but still inflated by childish fantasies.
Then I remember the duty we all have every time Christmastime comes

(Feast of the Holy Family, 30 December 2007) around.

By Rev. Fr. Redentor
M. Molina
TODAY’S feast centers on the
family of Nazareth: the cradle
of love, the stronghold of fi-
delity and a beacon of hope. It
was through the guidance of
Joseph and Mary that Jesus
“increased in wisdom and in
stature, and in favor with God
and man” (Luke 2: 52). Such
loving parental presence be-
came a human expression of
that Divine love which accom-
panied the Child Jesus in
manifesting the full embodi-
ment of the Reign of God in
every stage of his entire
earthly existence. It was in
Christ that the human and di-
vine became one, and in him
and through him, the human
family embraced and experi-
enced the Divine.
The Holy Home of
Nazareth was a spiritual pow-
erhouse. It was where God
made His dwelling, where
work became prayer and
where every human activity
was elevated as a means to
holiness. The presence of Jesus
in that home made it a sanctu-
ary of perpetual adoration. It
brought God so close to the
human family.
In an age where fidelity is
challenged, good role models
are wanting and parentless
children abound, the Holy
Family of Nazareth becomes a
ray of hope shining through
the darkness of indifference,
isolation and parental neglect.
While living in the context of
harsh Roman rule, widespread
poverty and growing discon-
tent among the Jews, the Holy
Family cherished the happi-
ness of being together. Their
home became a solace and a
consolation for their tired bod-
ies and a shield against anxiety
and worldly allurements. It
was in the simplicity of life, in
the candor and warmth of their
relationships, and in their open-
ness to the needs of one another
that they were able to experi-
ence the presence and provi-
dence of God in their daily
lives. Though poor, they were
never wanting. Though far
away from Jerusalem, their
home was God’s own temple.
Though in the midst of a sinful
environment, their lives were
a living witness to God reign-
ing in the heart of humanity.
The Holy Family of
Nazareth, therefore, stands as
the Christian alternative to the
dysfunctional. While many
breadwinners would leave
their families here in the coun-
try, in search of better oppor-
tunities abroad, Joseph and
Mary will make them realize
that presence and togetherness
accompany the duty to pro-
vide for their children.
While media and technol-
ogy bombard our youth with
ideas and values that are often
alien, if not contrary to our
own culture and faith, the
Teen-age Christ will show our
young people that humility,
purity, respect and obedience
are still valid paths to integ-
rity and wisdom. And while
modern-day families are ab-
sorbed by the vicissitudes of
daily life which may take away
some quality time together, the
Holy Family of Nazareth will
teach them that prayer, open-
ness, honesty and dialogue are
values that will keep the mem-
bers of the Catholic family
happy and one.
May the Holy Family of
Nazareth be our model and
guide as we continue to face
the challenges of our time.
The Christmas story is actually a very beautiful story worth repeating
endless times. Of course, each time it is considered, we are meant to plumb
deeper into its significance and relevance, and to incarnate the lessons.
The Christmas story is about God who loves us so much that he sends his
own Son to be like us to save us. And the Son’s work of our redemption is the
best that any attempt at saving anyone or anything can ever be.
For the redemption Jesus does is not simply personal but also social, not
only material but also spiritual, not only in the human level but also in the
supernatural level. It’s a redemption complete, total, and forever. He gives
us the fullness of life.
This is all because we are God’s children, created in his image and like-
ness, and meant to participate in God our Father’s supernatural life. But in
achieving that, our redemption presumes the fulfillment also of our human
potentials.
We cannot fully attain our supernatural goal without being fully human.
Of course, what is to be fully human is something not quite easy to know,
since it is part of the mystery of Jesus’ life. We have to continually deal with
our Lord to get insights of this mystery.
In other words, Christmas is a reminder that Christ wants to be born not
only in the world, but also in the heart of each one of us. He wants to take
hold of us, of course, with our cooperation, in order to reconstitute us, since
we have been deformed by our sins.
He wants to be born and to live in our mind, our heart and even in our body.
He wants to be in our thoughts, desires, feelings, words and deeds. He wants
us to make us like him, precisely to recover God’s image and likeness in us.
The true spirit of Christmas can only take place when we allow our Lord
to be truly born in us. This requires tremendous effort and the full exercise of
our freedom. This is because Christ cannot enter into our life if we don’t
want him.
And wanting him is not just a matter of feeling and desire. It has to involve
the whole of us: our mind, heart, body and everything else.
Thus, Christmas invites us to make our faith more and more theological,
and to incarnate that theological faith in our life. Every time Christmas comes,

The Virgin without sin

we need to make a step further in this direction, such that with St. Paul we can
say: “It is no longer I who lives but Christ who lives in me.” (Gal 2,20)

Gospel Commentary for Feast of Immaculate Conception

Bo Sanchez
God, who is the eternal; the all-powerful; thought of death, or worrying about bring-
By Father Raniero
ing down the fever rather than curing the

A tiny human
love. Jesus says, however, not to be afraid
Cantalamessa, OFM Cap of those who kill the body, but only of sickness when the fever is only a provi-
him who after he has killed has the power dential revelatory symptom of the sick-
WITH the dogma of the Immaculate Con- to cast into Gehenna (cf. Luke 12:4-5). ness. St. John says that if we claim to be
ception, the Catholic Church affirms that
Mary, on account of a singular privilege
bestowed by God and in view of the merits
This way of thinking exercises a tremen-
dous influence even on believers who want
to live according to the Gospel. It produces
without sin, then we deceive ourselves and
we make God a liar (cf. 1 John 1:8-10); God,
in fact, says the contrary, he says that we
being in my arms
of Christ’s death, was preserved from con- a sleep of conscience in them, a kind of spiri- have sinned.
tracting the stain of original sin and came tual anesthesia. There is a drug that skews Scripture says that Christ “died for our
into existence already completely holy. our understanding of sin. The Christian sins” (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3). If you take
“MY son.”
Four years after being defined by Pope people no longer recognize its true enemy, away sin, then Christ’s redemption itself These two words didn’t roll off my tongue easily. The first time I said it,
Pius IX, this truth was confirmed by the the master that enslaves it; this is because is made futile, you have destroyed the
it felt awkward. As if something didn’t fit.
Madonna herself at Lourdes in an appari- what we have is a gilded slavery. meaning of his death. Christ would then “My son.”
tion to Bernadette with the words: “I am Many who speak of sin no longer have have been tilting at windmills, he would
It felt strange. As though I was reading a script of a play. I had to practice
the Immaculate Conception.” an entirely adequate idea of it. Sin becomes have spilled his blood for nothing. saying it a thousand times.
The feast of Mary Immaculate reminds depersonalized and is projected only onto But the dogma of Mary Immaculate also
“My son… My son… My son…”
humanity that there is only one thing that institutions; we end up identifying sin tells us something very positive: God is I started saying it the day I found out that I had a baby boy through my
truly lowers man—sin. It is a very urgent with the position of our own political and stronger than sin and where sin abounds
wife’s ultrasound test, and I kept saying it to myself daily.
message to repeat. The world has lost the ideological adversaries. An investigation grace abounds even more (cf. Romans 5:20). Finally, on the morning of January 21, my son was born.
sense of sin. We joke as if it were the most about what people think sin is would prob- Mary is the sign and guarantee of this.
The nurse came out of the delivery room, holding a tiny human being
harmless thing in the world. The world ably have frightening results. The whole Church, after her, is called to wrapped in a white sheet, his chubby face screaming to the entire world, his
presents its products and spectacles as sin- Instead of liberation from sin, all efforts become “glorious, without spot or
small hands and delicate fingers shaking nervously. “Baby Sanchez?” the
ful to make them more attractive. It talks today are focused on liberation from re- wrinkle, or any such thing, that she might lady in the green surgical robe asked, looking at the room full of expectant
about sin, even the gravest sins, in terms gret over sin; instead of fighting against be holy and immaculate” (Ephesians 5:27).
fathers.
of endearment: peccadilloes, little vices, sin we fight against the idea of sin, replac- A text of the Second Vatican Council says: I stood up, holding my breath.
etc. The expression “original sin” is used ing it with something very different, “But while in the Most Holy Virgin the
She showed me my baby.
in the advertising world to indicate some- namely, “guilt feelings.” We do precisely Church has already reached that perfec- “My son,” I whispered—the line I’ve been rehearsing for months now.
thing very different from the Bible: A sin that which in every other sphere is con- tion whereby she is without spot or
The little guy screamed, “Waaaaaaaaaah!”
that confers a bit of originality on the one sidered the worst thing of all, that is, we wrinkle, the followers of Christ still strive But in my heart, I heard him cry out, “Daaaaaaaaaad!”
who commits it! deny the problem rather than resolve it, to increase in holiness by conquering sin.
I’m sure that everyone in that room will swear to their graves that they
The world is afraid of everything but we push back and bury evil in the uncon- And so they turn their eyes to Mary who didn’t hear my baby say that. But I don’t care. I called him, “my son,” and he
sin. It is afraid of pollution, the obscure scious instead of removing it. shines forth to the whole community of
called me “Dad”, and that’s that. End of story.
maladies of the body, nuclear war, terror- It is similar to believing that we can the elect as the model of virtues” (“Lumen People ask me, “What did you feel at that precise moment?” and I cannot
ism; but it is not afraid of the war against eliminate death by eliminating the Gentium,” 65). (Zenit)
even begin to answer. I’m supposed to be a writer and therefore a master of
words—yet I grope with my adjectives. More than that, I grope with my
emotions.
Batanes / B3 “Joyful” isn’t powerful enough.
“Bliss” isn’t sweet enough.
cially in the Cathedral of Sto. “Peaceful” isn’t calm enough.
Province which solely de- visitation during Christmas tain favor from God. These are
pends on inadequate trade season which every Ivatan just some of the values that Domingo in Basco. Thus, the “Happy” isn’t intense enough.
Prelature continues to After my baby was whisked away to the nursery, I got back to my seat in
and commerce. The Cathedral family looks forward to cel- have been inculcated in the
of Sto. Domingo which had ebrate as the highlight of the lives of every Ivatan faithful. traverse and test the mettle of the waiting room. I shut my eyes. But tears escaped them anyway.
evangelization finding more And then out of the blue, my eighty-year old father lumbered in.
been greatly affected by the season. Novena Masses in
2000 earthquake is still an un- honor of their beloved Patron Blessed Jesus Villaverde avenues where the Gospel of As we always do, we embraced.
Christ can prosper and soar “Dad,” I whispered.
finished edifice. is an experienced worth keep- The Prelature is inspired by
But the most beautiful ing and for the Ivatans is their the example of Blessed Jesus to greater heights in its mis- “My son,” I heard his heart say to mine.
sionary quests to bring the And suddenly, the past thirty-three years folded up into the present and I
thrust of the Prelature lies in own special way of sharing Villaverde, OP, who was re-
the development and their blessings and being cently beatified by Pope Christian faithful of Batanes was now the baby bundled in white, and my father was standing over me.
more closely to God with the “My son,” he said.
strengthening of the age-old grateful to God. The Batanes Benedict XVI in Rome on Oc-
traditions, cultural practices, Day Celebration is celebrated tober 25, 2007. He worked as motherly help of the Im- “Daaaaaaaaaaaad!” I cried my little lungs out.
maculate Conception, Pa- At that point, for some reason, I knew I was going to be great father.
and recently introduced reli- with a nine-day procession on a Missionary in Sabtang from
gious practices which form foot carrying the respective 1915-1916. His beatification troness of the Province–and The eighty-year old man in front of me seemed to agree. He smiled and
the intercession of St. we both walked out of the room in search of the tiny human being that will
the core values of the Ivatan Patron of every parish on was celebrated with much joy
faithful. We take pride in hav- bare shoulders of volunteers and enthusiasm by the Clergy Dominic, Patron of the change our lives forever.
ing preserved the Sto. Niño as a form of sacrifice to ob- and people of Batanes espe- Prelature.
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 25
December 10 - 30, 2007
Healing poverty: A Grameen experience
By Fr. Albert Mecaydor
WORKING with the poor and liv-
ing with them provided me with
the experience that to be poor does
not always mean to live in mis-
ery. There are many challenges
and opportunities that are wait-
ing to be tapped and harnessed.
One of the ways to do it is through
the Grameen or village banking.
While undergoing a regency
program in the last quarter of
2004, I was sent to Sorsogon by
my parish priest, Msgr. Peter
Garces; with the blessings of
Archbishop Carmelo DF Morelos
to learn the Grameen, which
Bishop Jesus Varela has success-
fully implemented in the Dio-
cese of Sorsogon,
In Sorsogon, I was billeted at
El Retiro, in Cabid-an, Sorsogon,
which housed the Bishop Emeri-
tus, and the Sisters Servants of the
Divine Healer, a religious com-
munity Bishop Jesus Varela
founded. Their apostolate is
mainly healing poverty, the
Grameen way. They are the force
behind the success of Peoples’ Al-
ternative Livelihood Foundation
of Sorsogon, Inc. (PALFSI).
The exposure
Learning Grameen through the
very efficient Chief Executive
Officer, Sr. Del Oling, SSDH, pro-
vided me with the orientation of
concepts and process of Grameen.
My two-month exposure in-
clude the program concepts and
processes, on field observation on
seminar training, loan release,
loan utilization check, center
meetings and evangelization.
I was so impressed with the
flow of center meetings that
could last over an hour which
begins and ends with a prayer. In
between are roll call, gospel and
faith sharing, collections, group
reporting and common concerns,
planning and evaluation. In oth-
ers words, we are empowering
the poor at the center level. At
the head office, I saw people
queuing for loan applications
and loan releases. There is a good
records management, strict ob-
servance of policies and firm but
courteous staff.
On field provided me with first
hand experience where the clients
of Pilar, Gubat, and other areas to
name a few, work hard and are
helped by the program. Their in-
come level increases, and with the
additional capital provided, they
can expand their business activities.
Recipients of the Grameen pro-
gram are screened on the basis of
income level, where the poorest
are prioritized, given their will-
Social Concern B7
ingness to work and pay their
small loans in weekly install-
ments. They are the sari-sari store
owners, the fish vendors, the tri-
sikad drivers, among others. We
conducted on house visitations,
to help determine their worthi-
ness to be included in the pro-
gram based on their housing and
living conditions.
Once approved by the loan ap-
praisers who employ point sys-
tem in rating the prospective ap-
plicants, they undergo a 15-hours
seminar where the policies, the
benefits, and the rules are ex-
plained well to the participants.
After which they are required to
pass the Group Recognition test
prior to loan release of the mini-
mum amount of P3,000.00 pay-
able in 6 months with P140
weekly payments in two percent
interest.
Grameen Banking System (GBS)
Grameen Banking was in-
vented by Prof. Mohammad
Yunus, a Bangladeshi Economics
professor who received the Nobel
Peace Prize in 2006. He was able
to prove that through peer pres-
sure and discipline with a group
of some 30-50 unemployed
women given with micro loans
financing; start their own business
and pay light weekly premiums;
could help alleviate poverty
through the eradication of middle
men in the buy and sell business.
Indeed, Grameen has helped
millions of poor in the world be- Zamboanga experience ing seminar-workshops doing Roque for example has 10 centers logue of faith and life.
cause it is so simple and so relevant After two month-long exposure group dynamics and team build- now sponsoring Mass every sec-
and has undergone innovations with PALFSI, I came home enthu- ing exercises? These clients are ond Sunday of the month. Healing continues
both by the private sector and the siastic and deeply moved to rep- elementary and high school When we got started only three As we continue to address pov-
Church especially in the hope to licate the livelihood program. I graduates who are struggling of us were there, now the program erty, we in the Church through
evangelize the poor through live- believe given the basic knowl- parents, trying to survive each has over forty staff serving the the Doctrine of Social Justice,
lihood programs during the edge and with a meager capital to day to provide the basic needs of program. I call it a ‘grace’ because open our minds and hearts to
weekly center meetings. start with, the program will grow. their families. But life must go somehow God allows things to what Mother Teresa said: “No
Each center meeting is com- Along with fellow volunteers, on. Something in me has to die. I happen because He has a purpose. one is so poor that cannot give
posed of a center chief, a secre- Susana Morgia and Errol Salva- have to relinquish the post and and no one is so rich that cannot
tary and a treasurer. Their meet- dor, we dared to start despite the respond to a higher calling which Breaking barriers receive.” Aware of the problems
ing lasts over an hour wherein odds. The program was replicated is the ministry of priesthood. As we tried to focus our liveli- and threats, we open our eyes,
they start and end with a prayer. in Zamboanga through its own hood program to effectively help minds and hearts of the strengths
In between, there is gospel and Ayudahan Livelihood Founda- The Ayudahan Program the poor, and promote evangeli- and opportunities it brings. Our
faith sharing, group concerns, tion of Zamboanga, Inc. (ALFZI) Merging resources, both hu- zation at the center level or the mission is to proclaim and to
collection and assignments for the with the wholehearted support of man and financial, make the pro- grassroots, our program does not build the Kingdom of God
succeeding meetings. A project Msgr. Peter Garces and encour- gram strong. Thanks to PALFSI, exclude those of other religion. through the program. The poli-
coordinator presides, imple- agement of Bishop Jesus Varela. with its able and proficient tech- As a matter of fact, Prof. Yunus is cies and rules are designed to
ments discipline, initiates evan- A number of good hearted well- nical staff led by Ms. Ditas a Muslim. In this way, we are try- achieve the objective of Grameen.
gelization and catechisms, and to-do parishioners responded to Ravanilla. Qualified ALFZI staff ing to heal not only poverty but We respect the right of the cli-
collects the payments. the investors meeting called to were absorbed into the program. also the wounds of prejudices ents to a livelihood, under equal
One of the best things I ob- raise funds to propel the liveli- Livelihood loan programs are over other kinds of religious af- opportunity.
served during center meetings is hood program. Due to the increas- upgraded along with insurance filiations. It is very consoling to Doing Grameen may not be
the recitation of the 10-point de- ing number of clients who need benefits and made available to see when we pray together in a easy but it is a proven way to help
cisions which include helping to avail, there is a need to find the clients. At present, Ayudahan center meeting where members the poor in our midst. We are try-
and encouraging each other, to additional sources. The Knight of Program is serving almost 10 are of various religious orienta- ing to balance prayer and action,
plant vegetables in their back- Columbus, through the able lead- thousand households and ex- tions. What a wonderful world dialogue and brotherhood. We are
yards, to respect their individual ership of Mr. Pete Rodriguez, also panding. Several parishes at would it be if we could cultivate only but instruments to a great
differences and promote dia- invested a substantial amount on present have a number of centers. this practice of building bridges purpose. Jesus said in Luke 17:15,
logue among faith and culture, a reasonable interest rate. These centers now sponsor a Sun- and breaking barriers in response “you have just done your duty.”
encouraging the culture of sav- Learning Grameen, and imple- day mass in a parish where mem- to the call of building up the King- And this is our duty, to help the
ings through their weekly center menting it in Zamboanga is quite bers of Ayudahan attend mass dom of God. This is what my pro- less fortunate. For whatever we
savings deposit to help defray an experience. How could I for- with their simple yet heartily fessors in Ecumenism and do with the least of our brothers
common expenses. get the happy faces of clients dur- given offerings. The parish of San Missiology classes called dia- and sisters, we do it for Jesus!

Christmastide / B7

of the Cross, which lends it a
Christological significance: Christ is the
true tree of life, born of human stock, of
the Virgin Mary, the tree which is always
green and productive. In the Nordic coun-
tries, the tree is decorated with apples
and hosts. “Gifts” can be added; but
among the gifts placed under the tree,
something should be included for the
poor since they belong to every Chris-
tian family; the Christmas supper. The
Christian family, which traditionally
blesses the table and gives thanks to the
Lord for the gift of food, performs this
ceremony with greater intensity at the
Christmas supper which gives potent
concrete expression to the joy of family
ties.
Where possible, the Church desires
that the faithful should prepare for the
celebration of Midnight Mass on Decem-
ber 24 with the Office of Readings(119).
Where such is not possible, it may be
opportune to arrange a vigil of hymns,
readings, and elements drawn from
popular piety.
At Midnight Mass, an event of major
liturgical significance and of strong reso-
nance in popular piety, the following
could be given prominence: at the be-
ginning of Mass, the proclamation of the
Savior’s birth according the formula con-
tained in the Roman Martyrology could
be made in song; the prayer of the faith-
ful should really be universal, and where
appropriate, use several languages; and
the poor should always be remembered
in the presentation of the gifts; at the
end of Mass, the faithful could be invited
to kiss the image of the Child Jesus, which
is then placed in a crib erected in the
church or somewhere nearby.
The Feast of the Holy Family
The feast of the holy family of Jesus,
Mary and Joseph (Sunday in the Christ-
mas octave) is a festive occasion particu-
larly suitable for the celebration of rites
or moments of prayer proper to the
Christian family. The recollection of Jo-
seph, Mary and Jesus’ going up to Jerusa-
lem, together with other observant Jew-
ish families, for the celebration of the
Passover (cf. Lk 2, 41-42), should nor-
mally encourage a positive acceptance
of the pastoral suggestion that all mem-
bers of the family attend Mass on this
day. This feast day also affords an op-
portunity for the renewal of our entrust-
ment to the patronage of the Holy Fam-
ily of Nazareth(120); the blessing of chil-
dren as provided in the ritual(121); and
where opportune, for the renewal of
marriage vows taken by the spouses on
their wedding day, and also for the ex-
change of promises between those en-
gaged to be married in which they for-
malize their desire to found a new Chris-
tian family(122).
Outside of the feast, the faithful have
frequent recourse to the Holy Family of
Nazareth in many of life’s circum-
stances: joining the Association of the
Holy Family so as to model their own
families on the Holy Family of
Nazareth(123); frequent prayers to en-
trust themselves to the patronage of the
Holy Family and to obtain assistance at
the hour of death(124).
The Feast of the Holy Innocents
Since the sixth century, on 28 Decem-
ber, the Church has celebrated the
memory of those children killed because
of Herod’s rage against Christ (cf. Mt 2,
16-17). Liturgical tradition refers to them
as the “Holy Innocents” and regards
them as martyrs. Throughout the centu-
ries Christian art, poetry and popular
piety have enfolded the memory of the
“tender flock of lambs”(125) with senti-
ments of tenderness and sympathy.
These sentiments are also accompanied
by a note of indignation against the vio-
lence with which they were taken from
their mothers’ arms and killed.
In our own times, children suffer in-
numerable forms of violence which
threaten their lives, dignity and right to
education. On this day, it is appropriate
to recall the vast host of children not yet
born who have been killed under the
cover of laws permitting abortion, which
is an abominable crime. Mindful of
these specific problems, popular piety
in many places has inspired acts of wor-
ship as well as displays of charity which
provide assistance to pregnant mothers,
encourage adoption and the promotion
of the education of children.
The Solemnity of the Holy Mother of
God
us, sinners.”
116. In the West, January 1 is an inau-
gural day marking the beginning of the
civil year. The faithful are also involved
in the celebrations for the beginning of
the new year and exchange “new year”
greetings. However, they should try to
lend a Christian understanding to this
custom making of these greetings an ex-
pression of popular piety. The faithful,
naturally, realize that the “new year” is
placed under the patronage of the Lord,
and in exchanging new year greetings
they implicitly and explicitly place the
New Year under the Lord’s dominion,
since to him belongs all time (cf. Ap 1, 8;
22,13)(128).
A connection between this conscious-
ness and the popular custom of singing
the Veni Creator Spiritus can easily be
made so that on January 1 the faithful
can pray that the Spirit may direct their
thoughts and actions, and those of the
community during the course of the year
(129).
New year greetings also include an
expression of hope for a peaceful New
Year. This has profound biblical,
Christological and incarnational origins.
The “quality of peace” has always been
invoked throughout history by all men,

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 CBCP Monitor
B8 Entertainment Vol. 11 No. 25
December 10 - 30, 2007

Moral Assessment Technical

Assessment
Abhorrent
Disturbing Poor
Acceptable Below average
Wholesome Average
Exemplary Above average
Excellent

Title: The Golden Compass movie, it is because The Golden Com-

Running Time: 112 min
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig,
Dakota Blue Richards, Eva Green
Director: Chris Weitz
Producers: Bill Carraro, Deborah
Forte
Screenwriter: Chris Weitz
Music: Alexandre Desplat
Editors: Anne V. Coates, Peter
Honnes, Kevin Tent
Genre: Science Fiction/ Fantasy World,
Drama, Witches and Wizards
Cinematography: Henry Braham
Distributor: New Line Cinema.
Location: Norway
Technical Assessment:
Moral Assessment: ½ ligious circles in the United States prior
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and
above
THE plucky orphan Lyra (Dakota Blue
Richards) catches the fancy of the beauti-
ful ice queen Mrs. Coulter (Nicole
Kidman) who invites her to a trip to the
north. Lyra becomes wide-eyed with
excitement at the thought of seeing the
ice bears, but before she can depart, her
best friend Roger (Ben Walker) is abducted
by the mysterious “Gobblers” and disap-
pears. For the trip, she is in secret given
by the Master of Jordan College the
“alethiometer” which looks like a golden
compass. She is cautioned against letting
Mrs. Coulter know she possesses the
alethiometer as it reveals to her the truth
about things and will therefore become—
along with the armored ice bear Iorek
Byrnison (voiced by Ian McKellan)— her
indispensable companions in the adven-
ture. She soon discovers the bitter truth
about Mrs. Coulter and, armed with noth-
ing but guts, Lyra escapes.
One cannot help comparing The
Golden Compass with another trilogy,
The Lord of the Rings. It is the cinematic
adaptation of Philip Pullman’s novel
which earned for the author a certain de-
gree of fame among the literati. If you
find yourself dozing off through the
pass seems to suffer from an identity cri-
sis, so to speak. It’s supposed to be a fan-
tasy but it’s not fantastic enough; the
book’s claim to fame is its philosophy
and ideas but these can not be justly trans-
lated onto the screen. Besides the articu-
late ice bears (which are by the way to-
tally CGI), it offers no monsters, orcs, or
wizards. Its battle scenes are too puny
for the movie to be called an epic; the
costumes and the underdeveloped char-
acters are never too deliciously outland-
ish for the film to compare with the vis-
ceral fantasy that is The Lord of the Rings.
There was quite an uproar in some re-
to The Golden Compass’ premiere. It
was labeled “atheism for kids”, arousing
the interest of CINEMA to view and
evaluate the movie’s content. While it is
true that the novelist Pullman is an athe-
ist, and that the book may bear his athe-
istic leanings, the movie ignores religion
altogether and only makes of the book a
story of a child learning to accept what is
special about her. Even though the movie
bears certain references to morality, de-
mons or to the “dust” that is “not there at
childhood” but settles on a person later
on in life, these do not even overtly or
covertly come across as being colored
with atheism. If the book were indeed
“atheism for kids”, the screen adaptation
certainly fails to convey this, despite its
allusions to the designs of the
“Magisterium” to rob the people of free
will, or to the murderous tendencies of a
cleric who attempts to poison somebody.
Which reminds us of another much-ado-
about-nothing film, the Da Vinci Code.
Recall how the controversy surrounding
it merely filled the pockets of its author
and producers? The movie was booed at
Cannes because, after all that hoopla, it
wasn’t evil enough. The less said of how
evil The Golden Compass is, the less
people will want to see it. If they insist
on seeing it, let them be disappointed.

CHRISTMAS time in chilly Lon-
don is the setting of a brutal mur-
der in a barbershop and the death
from childbirth of a 14-year old
girl, Tatiana (Sarah-Jeanne
LaBrosse) in a North London Hos-
pital. The separate incidents have
drawn together the Russian-born
Nikolai Luzhin (Viggo
Mortensen) and Anna Khitrova
(Naomi Watts). The mysterious
Nikolai serves as driver and
doubles as undertaker of a noto-
rious family belonging to the
Vory V. Zakone criminal broth-
erhood of Eastern European ori-
gin, while Anna is a midwife in
the hospital where Tatiana has left
behind her baby girl and a per-
sonal diary written in Russian. In
her attempt to find the baby’s lin-
eage and relatives, Anna wants the
diary translated. Her mother,
Helen (Sinead Cusack) is support-
ive of her efforts while her Rus-
sian-born uncle Stepan (Jerzy
Skolimowki) who has been trans-
lating the diary, warns Anna of
its dangerous content which
might jeopardize her life. The
warning comes belatedly as Anna
has already followed her initial
lead, a business card which was
inserted in the diary, of a plush
restaurant in the city. She meets
the suave and charming owner,
Semyon (Armin Mueller-Stahl) to
whom she naively entrusts a copy
of the diary only to discover later
that she is dealing with the formi-
dable head of the crime family.
While the film has reportedly
been edited locally to delete
graphic portrayal of mutilation,
there are still many violent scenes
and sexual acts that are offensive.
In this aspect, the film may have
successfully portrayed the sordid-
ness of organized crimes and their
vile perpetrators in the Mafia
genre. Delivering a superb per-
formance, Viggo Mortensen has
given soul to the unraveling of the
mysterious Nikolai character. A
criminal that could show compas-
sion cannot be totally despicable.
Even Armin Mueller- Stahl as
Semyon gives a creditable perfor-
mance as he shifts roles from a
genteel proprietor of a a Trans-
Siberian restaurant to a ruthless
patriarch of a criminal group. The
cinematography is commendable,
and Howard Shore’s musical score
heightened the suspense and in-
tensified the mood in the film.
The open ending could be
Cronenberg’s way of inviting
viewers to compose their own
conclusions.
“Every sin leaves a mark” is the
movie’s tag line in posters and ad-
vertisements. Of course, this does
not refer only to the tattoos com-
monly branding criminals and
their cohorts but to sinful social
Title: Eastern Promises
Running Time: 100 min.
Cast: Virgo Mortesen, Naomi
Watts, Vincent Cassel,
Armin Mueller-Stahl,
Sinead Cusack, Donald
Sumpter, Jerzy
Skolomowski, Sarah-
Jeanne La Brosse
Director: David Cronenberg
Producers: Robert Lantos,
Paul Webster
Screenwriter: Steven Knights
Music: Howard Shore
Editor: Ronald Sanders
Genre: Drama/ Thriller/ Crime
Cinematography: Peter
Suschitzky
Distributor: Solar Entertain-
ment Corporation
Location: England
Technical Assessment:
Moral Assessment:
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14
and above
structures around us reminding
us that sin has a history and has
far-reaching effects on persons,
family, and nation. To those who
wallow in sin, human life is cheap
and only money has value. For
criminal groups who wield power
and money, women are objects of
pleasure that could be herded in
their “stable”. Warring families
in the Mafia tradition follow the
law of retaliation: “an eye for an
eye and a tooth for a tooth”, pro-
pelling a cycle of violence.

ANSWER TO THE LAST ISSUE:

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 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 25
December
December 10
25
10 -- 30,
30, 2007
2007
KCFAPI President SK Antonio Borromeo joins the pioneer Benefit Certificate holders under the Gold Series Plan, as Executive Vice-President Ma. Theresa Curia explains; the presentation of the certificates highlighted the launching ceremony of the
“KC Gold Series Plan” held at the Father George J. Willmann Center in Intramuros, Manila on November 29, 2007.
KCFAPI launches new insurance benefits
By Joseph P. Teodoro
ANOTHER piece of good news from the Knights of Columbus Fraternal
Association of the Philippines, Inc., mutual benefit society providing
life insurance needs of brother Knights and their families.
In a ceremony held at the Fr. George J.
Willmann Center in Intramuros, Manila last
November 29, 2007, KCFAPI launched its
newest benefit offerings, “KC Gold Series”.
The key features of the plan include ben-
efit payment for Capital Accumulator Plan,
Assurance Plan and Retire Plus Plan.
The insurance plans are part of the eight-
point program, which highlights the
golden jubilee of the fraternal association.
The launching was made more vibrant
with a variety show that also showcased
the talents of the company’s employees.
Present during the occasion were KCFAPI
President Sir Knight Antonio Borromeo,
KCFAPI Treasurer SK Antonio Yulo, KC
Luzon State Deputy SK Alonso Tan and
State Secretary SK Arsenio Isidro Yap, Spiri-
tual Director Msgr. Pedro Quitorio III and
Executive Vice President Ms. Ma. Theresa
Curia.
The present and potential benefit certifi-
cate holders of the new insurance programs
from various parts of Luzon also graced the
event.
SK Borromeo said that with the current
NOVEMBER 30, 2007 was a red-letter day
throughout the country in commemora-
tion of Gat Andres Bonifacio’s heroism,
also the feast day of St. Andrew, the
Apostle. For the Knights of Columbus
in the Visayas, the day was especially sig-
nificant because two sons of brother
knights were ordained to the priesthood.
Rev. Fr. IVAN PAUL NOEL OBANDO,
OP and Rev. Fr. RODEL SAVELLONA
CANSANCIO, OP received the sacrament
of the Holy Orders, together with eight
others, at Sto. Domingo Church in
Quezon City, Metro Manila. They over-
came the rigors of studying for the priest-
hood under the tutelage of the Domini-
can religious order.
His Excellency, Most Rev. Socrates
Villegas, DD, Bishop of Bataan, presided
the ordination, together with His Excel-
lency, Most Rev. Camilo Gregorio, DD,
Bishop of Batanes. In his homily, Bishop
Villegas called on the ten ordained priests
to: (1) acknowledge that they are not worthy,
(2) always strive to live up to their priestly
vocation, and (3) put Christ in the center of
their lives. He assured them of his prayers
and support, especially during those
times when they would feel that their re-
sponsibilities are difficult to bear.
More than eighty Dominican and dioc-
esan priests concelebrated during the or-
dination mass, among them Rev. Fr.
Trinidad “Daddy” Silva, Jr., Parish Priest
of the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Francis
of Assisi, Naga, Cebu, where both Fr. Ivan
(of Central Poblacion, Naga) and Fr.
Rodel (of Inoburan, Naga) are parishio-
ners.
Rev. Fr. Ivan Paul Obando
Rev. Fr. Ivan Paul N. Obando was a
former Chief Squire of St. Francis
Columbian Squires Circle 1994 under the
guidance of Naga, Cebu Council No. 3940.
He is the 2ndamong four siblings and the
only son of Sir Knight Vicente “Vic” and
Lady Lucena Obando. The elder Obando,
a silent and unassuming servant-leader
in the Knights of Columbus, was a Past
Grand Knight, former District Deputy
and former Visayas Columbian Squires
Chairman. In recognition of his valuable
service to the Order, the Worthy Visayas
Deputy has tapped Bro. Vic as the Visayas
Jurisdiction’s Vocations Chairman for
Columbian Year 2007-2008. After his or-
dination, Fr. Ivan will be assigned as a
Parochial Vicar of Sto. Domingo Church,
Quezon City, aside from his teaching as-
signment at the University of Sto. Tomas.
The Cross
A Supplement Publication for KCFAPI
and the Order of the Knights of Columbus
development, the KCFAPI has grown so
much from the time it was established. That
despite challenges, the company has been
able to create affordable insurance plans
“that we have been gearing to give to you
and to the public”.
“It is our pleasure and honor to present
the three new products that we thought will
help all other areas in their quest of serv-
ing our brother knights’ family,” he ad-
dressed to the association’s dedicated area
managers and fraternal counselors.
The new products are now available to
KC members to include in their benefit port-
folios as additional financial security.
Young professionals
The KC Capital Accumulator Plan is a
savings program with insurance protection
feature exclusively designed for KC mem-
bers and their family. It is ideal for young
professionals who are currently employed
but also desirous of becoming entrepre-
neurs. This plan will help them build up a
fund to start a small business or augment a
Sons of Knights. Rev. Fr. Ivan Paul N. Obando and Rev. Fr. Rodel S. Cansancio (front row, 2nd & 3rd from right,
respectively) with Parish Pastoral Council Of ficers from Naga City, Cebu, together with K of C Cebu Central
Provincial Deputy Carmelino N. Cruz, Jr. and Naga Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Trinidad “Daddy” Silva, Jr. (2nd row, 2nd
& 5th from right, respectively).
Two sons of Knights
ordained priests
Rev. Fr. Rodel S. Cansancio
Belonging to a family of Knights, Rev. Fr.
Rodel S. Cansancio, the youngest among his
siblings, was an active officer of St. Francis
Columbian Squires Circle 1994 during his
teenage years. His father, the late Sir Knight
Quirico Cansancio Sr., inspired by the wife
Lady Marcela, was a dedicated member of
Naga Council 3940, while his elder brother
Sir Raymundo Cansancio, and brother-in-
law, Sir Eduardo Navales Candia are active
knights and parish BEC (Basic Ecclesial Com-
munity) leaders. Fr. Rodel will be assigned
at the University of Santo Tomas to help ful-
fill the Dominican mission of Catholic edu-
cation.
True to their being Columbian Squires dur-
ing their teenage years, Fr. Ivan and Fr. Rodel
have lived up to the Squires’ motto “ESTO
DIGNUS” (Be Worthy). They have perse-
vered, through hard work, discipline and de-
votion, to attain their priestly vocation. Both
of them excelled in their academic studies,
finished their Philosophy degree Cum Laude
and Magna Cum Laude in their Theology, re-
spectively. They are currently pursuing post-
graduate studies.
Naga Council 3940 gave moral and finan-
cial support through the Knights of Columbus
Refund Support for Vocations Program (RSVP)
during their seminary years.
During the ordination in Quezon City, the
major investment in a not so distant future.
The plan may also be useful for purposes
of financing a personal purchase, funding
an important occasion or buying a ticket
for a much coveted trip abroad.
Easy to the pocket
The KC Assurance Plan affords the ben-
efit certificate holder growing for a KC
member’s family with a level amount of
insurance contribution up to six years.
Thereafter, a client is no longer required
to pay the same and remains to be insured
until his lifetime. Subscription to this plan
is easy to the pocket and affordable even to
those average income earners.
Wise decision
The fraternal association is also offer-
ing a new type of retirement saving pro-
gram.
The KCFAPI said retirement benefits
provided by other companies may be in-
adequate when the time comes that one
has to avail of them. Enrollment in the
KC Retirement Plus Plan may be a wise
decision to put up future to augment the
present established scheme. The insur-
ance contribution is affordable that even a
rank and file employee may find it easy to
slowly build up his retirement program.
Knights of Columbus shared in the joy of
this gift of priesthood and was represented
by KofC Visayas Public Relations Chair-
man and Cebu Central Provincial Deputy
Carmelino Navales Cruz Jr. and his Lady,
Hasmin. They were joined by Naga Par-
ish Pastoral Council (PPC) Officers: Sis.
Linda Largo, President; Sis. Fely Racaza,
Treasurer; Bro. Rocky Racaza, Worship
Chairman and philanthropist couple Bro.
Bert and Sis. Juliet Barrera. The Domini-
can Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena, who
were both priests’ mentors during their
high school years, were also in attendance.
Aside from the newly-ordained priests’
immediate family, many Naganians trav-
eled all the way from Cebu to cheer and
give moral support and prayers to Fr. Ivan
and Fr. Rodel.
A thanksgiving Mass, traditionally
known as “Canta Misa”, was celebrated
by Fr. Ivan and Fr. Rodel on Wednesday,
December 12, at 4:00pm, at the
Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi,
in Naga, Cebu, for the thousands of Naga
parishioners led by the City Mayor, Hon.
Valdemar M. Chiong.
KofC Visayas Deputy, Sir Knight
Dionisio “Jun” Esteban, Jr., was in atten-
dance during the mass, like a proud father
to the two new priests, BECAUSE TRULY,
THEY ARE SONS OF THE KNIGHTS OF
COLUMBUS. (Bro. Junjie Navales Cruz)
KofC Visayas leaders meet
for mid-year evaluation
ALL roads led to the DepEd
Ecotech Center, Lahug, Cebu City
on December 7-9, 2007, where
servant-leaders of the Knights of
Columbus Visayas Jurisdiction
convened for their Mid-Year
Evaluation Conference.
In his message to the Regional,
Provincial and District Deputies,
Sir Knight Dionisio “Jun”
Esteban, Jr., the Worthy Visayas
State Deputy, said that the gath-
ering is aimed at reviewing the
Visayas Jurisdiction’s perfor-
mance vis-à-vis membership and
service goals of the Order.
“It is a time to look back on
what had been accomplished dur-
ing the past six months of the
Columbian Year 2007-2008 and
what the Jurisdiction needs to
accomplish before the current fis-
cal year will end in June 2008”
said the Visayas Deputy.
The gathering came shortly af-
ter the Visayas Deputy Esteban’s
own trip to Washington DC,
U.S.A. last Nov. 17-18, 2007
where he joined other State Depu-
ties Orderwide meeting with Su-
preme Knight Carl Anderson and
staff for their own mid-year
evaluation and workshop. Dur-
ing that meeting in Washington,
the Supreme Knight urged all
State Deputies to tap the “tremen-
dous opportunities for growth”
in terms of membership, insur-
ance and charitable activities in
their respective State Jurisdic-
tions.
As an offshoot to the U.S. trip,
Bro. Jun gathered inputs from the
Visayas Jurisdiction’s Regional,
Provincial and District Deputies
in coming up with a VISAYAS
STATE STRATEGIC GROWTH
PLAN, one that will enable coun-
cils to attract new members
KC Foundation scholar passes
2007 Agriculturist Board Exam
A KC Foundation scholar,
Kathryn Ann E. Dominisac,
daughter of Bro. Daniel and
Sis. Corazon Dominisac from
Camp Philips, Bukidnon
(Council 5802) passed the 2007
Agriculturist Board Exam
given by the Board of Agri-
culture in Cagayan de Oro
City on July 2007.
She graduated last April 11,
2007 with a degree of Bach-
elor of Science in Agriculture
Ms. Dominisac receives her diploma from the CMU President during the
graduation ceremonies held at the University Convention Center, Central
Mindanao University, April 11, 2007.
C1
Photo by Dennis Dayao
through consistent and affective
programming in areas of Family
Life, Pro-Life Advocacy and ac-
tivities for the support of the
Church.
The ideal State Strategic
Growth Plan, as suggested by the
Supreme Council, should not
only address short-term goals
but long-term goals as well. This
way, there will be continuity and
sustainability of the Knights of
Columbus programs even if there
will be leadership changes in the
organization, thus ensuring the
bright future of the Order.
The humble and mild-man-
nered Visayas Deputy Jun
Esteban truly motivated other
KofC leaders to “Plan Their
Work” and “Work Their Plan”,
as goals and targets for achieve-
ment were set and consolidated
by the Regional Deputies.
Also subject of discussion dur-
ing the Visayas Mid-Year Evalu-
ation was the forthcoming
“Visayas State Convention”
slated for May 16-18, 2008 in Cebu
City, where Filipiniana/Barrio
Fiesta/Santacruzan fervor will
fill the air. A special feature of
the State Convention will be the
“renewal of marriage vows” for
Knights and Ladies married for
25 years and above. His Emi-
nence, Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal,
Archbishop of Cebu, will preside
the marriage renewal cum con-
vention opening mass.
After the Visayas Mid-Year
Evaluation, the Visayas Deputy
and his staff will make rounds to
the different regions for the pro-
vincial conferences to personally
ascertain the status and activities
of the more than 500 councils in
the Visayas Jurisdiction. (Bro.
Junjie Navales Cruz)
major in Plant Pathology at
the Central Mindanao Uni-
versity (CMU) in Musuan,
Bukidnon.
Ms. Dominisac, a consistent
honor student, took her Oath
of Professional at the Office
of Professional Regulation
Commission (PRC) in
Cagayan de Oro City. (Denise
C. Solina)
 CBCP Monitor
C2 The Cross Vol. 11 No. 25
December 10 - 30, 2007

The Fourth Degree Exemplification Joseph P. Teodoro

For Brother Knights by

By Paul Oblea Finally on Dec. 2, 1949, the Master Santidad. The team dates and seated at a place of lation of the Knights of Co-

THE Knights of Columbus,

the largest Catholic lay orga-
nization in the world, has four
levels of membership, the
first degree, the second de-
gree, the third degree and the
fourth degree.
Since it’s founding here in
the Philippines in 1905, the
members of the Knights of
Columbus have multiplied
rapidly. The members be-
longing to the Third Degree
are so numerous that they
clamored to be advanced to
the fourth degree.
Way back in 1949, The Fili-
pino knights, were so eager
to get the honors of the Fourth
Degree that they petitioned
the Supreme Council in Con-
necticut, USA to bring the ex-
emplification team here in
the Philippines. Then Su-
preme Master Mulligan was
not keen in bringing the 26-
man Exemplification Team to
Manila. In 1949, $60,000 was
needed to bring the Exempli-
fication Team to Manila. It
was a very huge sum then.
Bro. Ramon F. Campos
(who later became the Grand
Knight of Manila Council
1000) together with Bros.
Celso Jamora, Manuel Lim,
and Paul Versoza, persevered
and convinced Supreme Mas-
ter Mulligan and brought the
Fourth Degree to Manila.
Rev. Fr. George J.
Willmann, “that gentle war-
rior”, who loved the Filipino
knights so much, represented
them in the United States. He
was very instrumental in
bringing the Fourth Degree
in the Philippines. Finally,
Bro. Manuel Lim, then Grand
Knight of Manila Council
1000, together with Rev. Fr.
George J. Willmann, in-
formed Supreme Master
Mulligan, that there are now
17 Filipino knights who took
the honors of the Fourth De-
gree in the United States and
are now ready to take the
great responsibility.
Supreme Master Mulligan is-
sued specific instruction to
Rev. Fr. George J. Willmann,
“to approve applications for
the Fourth Degree, collect the
fees and act as the Master of
the Fourth Degree.” The Ex-
emplification took place at the
Holy Ghost College (now
College of the Holy Spirit)
and the first exemplification
of the Fourth Degree in the
Philippines became a reality.
On that fateful day, Dec. 2,
1949, the honors of the Fourth
Degree were received by the
Filipino knights.
Exemplification at
Bulwagan
Last Dec. 2, 2007, the District
Master of the National Capital
Region, Sir Knight Venancio
G. Santidad, conducted an ex-
emplification of the Fourth
Degree at the Bulwagan of the
Quezon City Hall. The date of
the exemplification coincided
with the first exemplification,
58 years ago.
There were 118 candidates
who took the honors of the
Fourth Degree. The Bulwagan
was teeming with Incumbent
and Past Faithful Navigators.
The staff of the Master was in
full force. Sir Knight Alex
Estabillo had his hands full
in the preparations. He coor-
dinated the whole affair.
From the registration of the
candidates up to the entrance
of the Bulwagan, SK Alex
Estabillo was busy as a bee in
the preparation of the Fourth
Degree exemplification.
Sir Knight Christian M.
Balis, the indefatigable
Marshall, was there as early
as one o’clock in the afternoon
to rehearse the ceremony
with the Honor Guards. Ev-
erything had to be in order
so as not to compromise the
dignity of the ceremony.
The Exemplification Team
looking resplendent in their
colorful uniforms arrived and
prepared for the arrival of
was composed of Fr. William
D. Araña, OSA as the Faithful
Friar, SK Antonio Ma. Sunga,
as Historian, SK Oscar
Rodriguez as Narrator, SK
Manuel Lopez as the Ex-
pounder of the Constitution,
SK (ret.) Judge Tirso Velasco
alternating with SK Boy
Arzadon as the Defender of
the Faith, SK Arsenio Isidro
G. Yap (the incumbent State
Secretary) as the Recorder, and
SK Chris Balis as the Marshall
of the Honor Guards.
Not to be outdone were the
Color Corps who were very
smart in their uniforms. The
commanders of the Honor
Guards were many that day.
Commander SK Ramon C.
Montes, Commander SK Cesar
Abad, Commander SK Rene
Ison and Commander SK Rizal
Valencia are the most visible
commanders of the Honor
Guards whose sense of duty
and commitment, unques-
tioned loyalty, and dedication
to their task, are very laudable.
The Master of the Fourth
Degree, SK Venancio G.
Santidad was very resplen-
dent in his uniform of yellow
cape and chapeaux. He con-
ducted the exemplification
with much dignity and honor.
The celebration of the Holy
Mass started at two o’clock in
the afternoon. Shortly there-
after, the ceremony started
and went smoothly.
The honoree, Luzon
Deputy SK Alonso L. Tan, to
which the class of the fourth
degree will be named, arrived
at 3:00 pm. He arrived look-
ing fresh, wearing a piña jusi
barong.
The ceremony was mo-
mentarily stopped and the
honor guards lined up and
did the cross swords forma-
tion. The Luzon Deputy was
accompanied by the Chair-
man of the Ways and Means
Committee, SK Mike Yu, Past
Grand Knight of Manila
Council 1000. He was es-
corted in front of the candi-
honor.
After the dubbing cer-
emony, SK Cesar Galang, the
State Retention Chairman of
the Luzon Jurisdiction, intro-
duced the honoree. He was
wearing his Faithful
Navigator’s uniform and was
seated also in front of the
class.
SK Alon Tan reminisced
and reminded them about the
history of the Fourth Degree.
He said he was greatly hon-
ored because that day was ex-
actly the same date the first
exemplification was con-
ducted at the Holy Ghost Col-
lege. Now he is the honoree
in the 58th anniversary of the
Fourth Degree.
He admonished all 4 th de-
gree knights not to forget the
perseverance and persistence
of those who labored hard
and long so that we may en-
joy the benefits and honors of
the Fourth Degree. He par-
ticularly mentioned Rev. Fr.
George J. Willmann who rep-
resented the Filipino knights
in the United States.
In his speech, he impressed
on all the privilege of being a
Fourth Degree member. With
that privilege comes great re-
sponsibility.
“We are tasked to do honor
to our country and to the
Church,” said Alon Tan. “The
Fourth Degree also known as
the Patriotic Degree is dedi-
cated to the primary purpose
of fostering the spirit of pa-
triotism and promoting re-
sponsible citizenship and love
and loyalty to our country,”
the Luzon Deputy continued.
The Luzon Deputy also
made it clear that “the Fourth
Degree is not a separate orga-
nization but a part, not apart,
of the third degree within the
Knights of Columbus.”
“Remember,” he said, “the
members of the Fourth De-
gree are also members of their
councils and as such, we are
all subject to the same Con-
stitution, laws, rules and regu-
lumbus, under the supervi-
sion of the same Supreme Of-
ficers and Supreme Board of
Directors as the other three
degrees.” By taking the oath
of the fourth degree, “we are
banded together by a com-
mon commitment to perform
conscientiously our duties as
Catholic gentlemen of the
Knights of Columbus.”
SK Alon Tan expressed his
admiration for the honor
guards.
“I am very proud of our
honor guards. Our color corps
or the honor guards are re-
quired to assist in religious
functions and other civic du-
ties. They lend color to any
ceremony,” he said.
The Luzon Deputy made a
strong appeal to the members
of the Fourth Degree not to
look down upon the third
degree members.
“Do not think yourselves as
higher than them. But look at
them as co-equal. Let us avoid
petty quarrels on who is
higher than whom. What
must always prevail is coop-
eration and good harmonious
relationship,” he said.
SK Alon Tan also exhorted
the brother knights about
maintaining proper decorum
and protocol.
“When it is a council activ-
ity, the Grand Knight is the
one in-charge. When the oc-
casion is a Fourth Degree af-
fair, it is the Faithful Naviga-
tor who is the one in-charge.”
The Luzon Deputy con-
gratulated the members who
just received the honor of the
Fourth Degree, while prais-
ing the Marshall, SK Chris
Balis for a job well done.
As a parting message to the
newly exemplified brother
knights he said: “As a Fourth
Degree member, you now
have the privilege to own a
sword, symbol of a prayerful
knight. Don’t let that sword
fall. Keep it bright and shin-
ing, untarnished, for liberty’s
sake.”
Brother Knights
Adjudicating
insurance
claims
expeditiously
THE death of a father especially if he is the
breadwinner of the family puts a great bur-
den to those he left behind. Immediately
upon the death of father the family is con-
fronted with the final expenses of the de-
ceased. This includes the cost of the last hos-
pitalization, the memorial service and the lot
whereon the remains will finally be laid to
rest.
After the burial, the widow and the chil-
dren will begin to feel the pains of the finan-
cial problems. Where will they get their daily
subsistence, the funds for the children’s edu-
cation and the money to pay for emergencies
and future needs? This problem is magnified
if the father in his lifetime failed to provide
for said contingencies. The wife will be forced
to find work and some of the children may
have to stop from their studies. In some in-
stances the mortgage of the house will be
foreclosed.
There are a lot of insurance companies and
financial institutions that provide the service
of securing the financial future of those in-
terested and capable of availing such services.
KCFAPI was organized almost 50 years to
cater to the insurance need specifically of
brother knights and their family members.
The people in the Board of Trustees and the
management officers belong to the Knights
of Columbus family.
KCFAPI is proud to announce its distinc-
tion of adjudicating insurance claims expedi-
tiously. A case in point is the case of the late
grand knight of Council 10738 in Damortis,
La Union, Bro. Romeo Geneta. He enrolled
himself under the SPEK plan on June 14, 2007.
Four months later, on October 5, 2007 Bro.
Romeo figured in a vehicular accident where
he died instantly. On the very day that all the
requirements was found to be in order,
KCFAPI issued a check in favor of his be-
reaved wife representing the death claim pro-
ceeds under the benefit certificate.

- - - - - KC Supreme News - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Knights of Columbus leaders deliver
check for $1.6 million to pope
VATICAN CITY, December 7, 2007—The su-
preme knight of the Knights of Columbus and
the fraternal order’s bishop-chaplain met pri-
vately with Pope Benedict XVI Dec. 6 and de-
livered a check for $1.6 million.
Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson and
Bishop William E. Lori of Bridgeport, Conn.,
handed the pope the check, which represents a
year’s interest from the Vicarius Christi Fund,
established in 1981 when the Vatican found it-
Reason for the season: keep Christ in
Christmas
The Knights have been producing Keep Christ
in Christmas public service announcements since
the 1980s.
self in the midst of a series of huge budget defi-
The Knights of Columbus Christmas announce-
cits.
ments reach more than 40 million television view-
While the Vatican’s annual budget deficits have
ers and up to 37 million radio listeners. Hundreds
been reduced or erased, the 1.7 million Knights
of billboards with the same message have also been
worldwide have continued to bring the pope a
put up by local Knights of Columbus councils, and
check each year to support his charities and spe-
many councils sell religiously-themed Christmas
cial projects.
cards as well.
The Vatican has received more than $43 million
“In the midst of an increasingly materialistic and
over the years from the Knights, whose members
secular society, it is all too easy to lose sight of what
are mostly in the United States. (CNS)
Christmas really means. We give gifts to each other
because it is the day on which we celebrate the ulti-
mate gift: the Christ child, the savior of mankind,”

Keep Christ in Christmas 2007 includes
telecasts of ‘The Birth of Christ’
THE Knights of Columbus contributed $100,000
toward the production of an extraordinary mu-
sical event on public television stations through-
out the United States. The new PBS special, The
Birth of Christ, prominently includes the pro-
fessional efforts of two individual Knights.
The program united Protestant and Catholic
musicians in Dublin for the recording of a
Christmas cantata composed by Andrew T. Miller,
a Knight of Columbus from Seattle. The executive
producer is Raymond Arroyo, a Knight of Colum-
bus and host of EWTN’s international news maga-
zine, The World Over.
The performers include the Christ Church Ca-
thedral Choir and St. Patrick’s Cathedral Choir—
the choirs that George Frideric Handel used to
unveil his Messiah in 1742—and are joined by St.
Mary’s Pro Cathedral Choir and the Christ Church
Cathedral Orchestra, to produce Miller’s contem-
porary classical works, which are based on St.
Luke’s Gospel
narrative of
the Nativity.
The program
is narrated by
Academy
Award-nomi-
nated Irish
Catholic actor
Liam Neeson
( Schindler’s
List, Star Wars: Raymond Arroyo, Liam Neeson and
The Phantom Andrew T. Miller.
Menace , and
The Chronicles of Narnia ).
“The Catholic and Protestant singers involved
in this project put aside their differences for ‘One
Blessed Night’ and raised their voices in unison
around the central mystery of their faith,” said
Neeson.
The program is scheduled to air on Public Tele-
vision nationwide throughout the 2007 Christmas
season, and the CD and DVD are available from
Sony BMG Masterworks. (KC News)
Crèches of Italy at the Knights of Columbus Museum
MILLIONS of people in North America will get the
message to “Keep Christ in Christmas” thanks to
public service announcements from the Knights of
Columbus that will be aired in the United States
and Canada during the Christmas season.
Radio spots encouraging people to “Keep Christ
in Christmas” in various ways—including by help-
ing the less fortunate—will be aired in English and
Spanish. A public service announcement for televi-
sion has been sent to TV networks and hundreds of
local broadcast stations and cable television systems.
Scholarships awarded to seminarians
THE Knights of Columbus has awarded 45 new $2,500
scholarships to seminarians for the current academic
year and renewed an additional 81 grants. The scholar-
ships are for men studying for the priesthood for dio-
ceses or religious institutes in the United States and
Canada and are renewable for up to four years.
The grants are made from the Father Michael J.
McGivney and Thomas V. Daily scholarship funds,
which were established in 1992. Since the funds were
established 850 seminarians have been helped. Prefer-
ence in awarding the grants is given to men who are
Knights or who are the sons of Knights. This year,
approximately half of new awards went to Knights or
sons of Knights.
Jonathan D. Raia is studying for the Diocese of Aus-
tin at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston and is recipient
of a Bishop Daily scholarship. In a thank-you letter to
the Knights, Raia wrote: “I am personally indebted to
several councils for finanPreference in awarding the
grants is given to men who are Knights or who are the
sons of Knights. This year, approximately half of new
awards went to Knights or sons of Knights.
Jonathan D. Raia is studying for the Diocese of Aus-
tin at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston and is recipient
said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson.
“Even those who do not share the Christian faith
can and do appreciate the message of peace and
hope that this Christian holiday—holy day—brings
to the world. It is a message that the world needs
now more than ever.”
This month the Knights kicked off the Christmas
season as councils nationwide—including the Su-
preme Council in New Haven—took part in the
“Light up for Christ” program. Councils are en-
couraged to hold a Christmas tree or Nativity scene
lighting ceremony on the first Tuesday of Decem-
ber to commemorate Christ’s birth. (KC News)
of a Bishop Daily scholarship. In a thank-you letter
to the Knights, Raia wrote: “I am personally in-
debted to several councils for financial support that
I have received faithfully every year of my forma-
tion.
This scholarship is a huge help to my diocese. …
I became a Knight in the parish of my pastoral year
this past year [Father James A. Donnelly Council
6658, Copperas Cove, Texas], so now I am proud to
be a member of an organization that has done so
much to support me personally and encourage vo-
cations in the Church.”
Bishop Fabian W. Bruskewitz of Lincoln, Neb.,
was among many bishops who wrote to thank the
Knights for supporting seminarians studying for
their dioceses. “Your gift demonstrates the deep
respect for the priesthood, which is a hallmark of
the Knights of Columbus.”
In his thank-you letter, Archbishop John J. Myers
of Newark, N.J., noted the support seminarians in
his state receive from the Knights. “The Knights
have continued to grow and thrive because they
are such an integral part of the communion of the
Church.” (KC News)
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 25
December 10 - 30, 2007
Living Stones
As Knights we should
witness to our belief that
God entered history in an
enduring way through his
Son, Jesus Christ
by Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
Over the last several years a number of
books have been published attacking the
idea of God: The God Delusion, God is Not
Great, God: The Failed Hypothesis, Atheist Uni-
verse and The End of Faith, to name a few.
Some have even become best sellers. The
authors of these books find no room for the
idea of God in their lives or the universe.
For them, God is an abstraction or the imag-
ined author of a universe controlled by im-
personal laws and mechanisms.
Of course, they are free to believe or not
believe in God. They are not free, however,
to reject history, nor those who have lived
and made history. And so they are not free
to easily dismiss the person who entered
history and who changed it forever. They
are not free to dismiss the person of Jesus
Christ: the one who has changed hearts and
changed lives for more than 2,000 years and
who loved – even to the cross.
This God is not an impersonal, abstract
or mechanical God. He is someone entirely
different. This is one reason why in cel-
ebrating the 125th anniversary of the
Knights of Columbus we have chosen to
do something to highlight the reality of
God in history in an enduring way. We have
made possible the creation of a beautiful
The Cross
new work of art in the Basilica of the Na-
tional Shrine of the Immaculate Concep-
tion in honor of the Incarnation.
Indeed, the new Knights of Columbus In-
carnation Dome testifies to the central te-
net of our faith: that God so loved the world
that he sent his only Son into it to redeem
it (cf. Jn 3:16). This is not the God of a delu-
sion or a hypothesis; it is the God who en-
ters history, who changes lives and who
changes the world. This is the message that
all those entering the great basilica in
Washington, D.C., will find as they walk
beneath the impressive Incarnation Dome.
While it may be easy to dismiss an ab-
straction, it is not so easy to dismiss the
millions of lives that have been changed
and the millions throughout history who
have chosen to suffer persecution and even
martyrdom because of that change. This
reality was brought home to me recently
when I was privileged to visit the bishops
attending the World Synod of Bishops of
Ukrainian Rite Catholics.
In remarks to those bishops, I said the
Knights of Columbus recognized that dur-
ing the last century their country had suf-
fered a form of “national crucifixion”—a
persecution of the Christian faith that has
had few precedents in history. Ukraine is
still recovering from this dreadful time and
it will continue to do so for many years.
But what is remarkable is the Ukrainian
people’s witness to the faith in the midst of
suffering and their choice to remain united
with the love of God expressed through the
Person of Jesus Christ. This history and a
personal witness by millions is not under-
stood by those who claim God is a failed
hypothesis.
Not all of us can write books to refute the
claims made by atheists or those who chal-
lenge God’s existence. But each of us can
make an even more compelling response
through the concrete and personal witness
of our own lives. Members of the Knights of
Columbus have a unique opportunity to do
so through our families, councils and par-
ishes—to build through our own lives an
Incarnation Dome from living stones.
Advent is the perfect time to take up or
renew this effort. Dorian and I wish you
and your family a blessed Christmas and a
great fraternal new year.
Vivat Jesus!
Christmas Messages
Advent and Christmas re-
mind us that we have a God
who decided to be with us
(Emmanuel), to participate in
our laughter and tears, our
struggles and strivings…
above all to help us translate
our faith into hope, and to
prove to us that indeed “God
is love,” and that we can love
like God.
To quote Pope Benedict XVI in his most recent En-
cyclical Letter “Spe Salvi” (Saved in Hope): “The Chris-
tian Message was not only informative but
performative ” (no. 2). That means that the “Good
MY sincere and heartfelt
congratulations and greetings
to all the members of the
Knights of Columbus…. in the
service of the Fullness of LIFE!
In life, we often travel. We
make many trips to see people
and places. We undertake jour-
neys to unknown places to ex-
plore, to discover and to admire
God’s creation. We travel for
various reasons. Traveling can be educational, enrich-
ing, relaxing, fulfilling, or just tiring. There is however
another important journey that we should undertake. It
is a journey that is difficult. It requires a lot of will power,
honesty and determination. It is the journey inwards, a
journey within ourselves.
During the advent and Christmas seasons, we are asked
to journey towards the Bethlehem in our hearts where
Christ is born anew. Although we notice silence, be calm.
Have no fear. Let us simply be present to Him and learn
“the things hidden from the wise and learned and re-
vealed to little children.” (Mt 11:25) He who created
heaven and earth becomes poor to show that in the hearts
of those who have nothing save God is where the true
Dear Brother Knights in the
Philippines,
The PEACE of Christ our
Savior be with you!
It is that time of the year
when our hearts burn with
greater love for others. Why
is this happening? Because
we are learning from God
our Father who loved the
IT is my privilege to greet
everyone a Merry Christmas
and a Prosperous New Year.
Let us be thankful to the Al-
mighty God, through the in-
tercession of the Blessed
Mother Mary to her Son, for
the bountiful blessings which
we in the Order of the Knights
of Columbus in the Philip-
pines, KCFAPI, Keys Realty,
Mace Insurance, and the KC Foundations have re-
ceived and enjoyed during the year.
C3
News not only gives new meaning but it is also life-
changing. That is what the Incarnation of the word of
God, Jesus Christ, has done: it taught us not only to be
genuinely human, but also to walk the divine path,
and become genuine image of God in the world. What
does Christmas challenge us to change in our life?
With this thought, I greet the Knights of Columbus
as I reiterate to them the gratitude we have for their
generous support and show of solidarity in some of
the Bishops’ undertakings in the ministry. Merry
Christmas.
+ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO
Archbishop of Jaro
CBCP President
treasure lies. The King of glory is born in obscurity, in
the company of the faceless, the nameless in society, to
show that man needs nothing more but to simply “Be,”
for true glory lies in our shared dignity with Christ.
Christmas is the Father in heaven, God living and
true, giving Himself to us in His Son Jesus, who is Son of
Mary, too. This divine gift is the very reason for all our
rejoicing on Christmas and throughout the New Year.
God is Emmanuel—a God who lives in the midst of His
people to share their struggles and burden, their pains
and sorrow. His love brings us blessings. He is our only
hope, our peace and joy! The renewal of our commit-
ment as Knights of Columbus to the mission of the
Church helps us make our advent journey more fruitful
and meaningful through our participation in the pro-
grams of our parishes especially in attending to the needs
of the least, the lost, and the poor, etc., enabling us to
dispose ourselves more to welcome Christ in our lives
amidst the noise that surrounds us.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New
Year!
+NESS F. ONGTIOCO, DD
Bishop of Cubao
Luzon State Chaplain
world so much that He gave us His only Begotten
Son.
May you continue to reach out in love to your
family, to your Brother Knights and to others, espe-
cially the poor and the humble. May you ever grow
in love for the Lord above all.
VIVAT JESUS!
+ROMULO T. DE LA CRUZ, DD
Bishop of San Jose de Antique
A voice in the wilderness has been calling us to
make the roads straight for the coming of the Lord
Jesus Christ. It is never late for us to make up for our
shortcomings in the past.
Let us make this a meaningful season by reaching
out to those who are less fortunate. Let us give our
positive response to the call of the Supreme Council
in the last State Deputies’ Meeting to share our bless-
ing to the poorest of the poor.
VIVAT JESUS!
ANTONIO B. BORROMEO
President, KCFAPI and Keys Realty Corp.

C4
SK Teodoro O. Arcenas, Jr.
As KCFAPI celebrates its golden anniver-
sary in 2008, SK Teodoro O. Arcenas, Jr. will
likewise celebrate his silver anniversary un-
selfishly serving the Association
Bro. Arcenas was elected member of the
KCFAPI Board in 1983 to 1986, also in 1989
to1992, and in 1995. He was elected Chair-
man and President of the Association from
1997-2005. He continues to serve the Asso-
Visayas Deputy Esteban:
“A Knight Through and Through”
By Bro. Junjie Navales Cruz
HE practically
“climbed the
organiza-
tional ladder”
of the Knights
of Columbus.
Joining the Or-
der as a char-
ter member of
Council 6681
in Marikina,
Metro Manila
32 years ago,
Sir Knight Dionisio “Jun”
Esteban, Jr.
the new Wor-
thy Visayas
Deputy, Sir Knight Dionisio “Jun” Esteban,
Jr. and his family moved to Cebu in the early
80’s, brought to the Queen City of the South
by reason of his work as Vismin Marketing
Manager of an industrial supply company.
From then on, his family got acculturated
with, and learned to like, the Cebuano way
of life. In between corporate work and tend-
ing to his three children and his wife, the
former Fe Rodrigo; Brod Jun (as he is known to
and fondly called by brother knights) did not
waver in his commitment to serve the
Knights of Columbus. He joined meetings of
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral Council 3106
where he met Sir Knight Panfilo “Filo” O.
Pacubas (who was then a pillar of the Knights of
Columbus prior to his appointment as Visayas Sec-
retary, then Visayas Deputy, and presently, Vice
Supreme Master of the 4 th Degree).
When his family eventually settled in
Consuelo Village, Mandaue City, Brod Jun
became a very active member of the K of C
Fatima Council 7101 based in Basak, Mandaue
KC Group of Companies hold annual retreat
Employees of KC Group of Companies with Msgr. Pedro Quitorio, III during their annual retreat held at the Mary Help of Christians
Center of S pirituality at Tagaytay City last December 7-8.
EMPLOYEES of KC Group of
Companies participated in this Spiritual Director of KC Group
year’s retreat held at the Mary of Companies facilitated the re-
Help of Christians Center of treat which ended with a Holy
Spirituality, Don Bosco Batulao, Mass in celebration of the Feast
Tagaytay last December 7-8. of the Immaculate Conception.
KCFAPI Golden Jubilee Logo
THE Knights of Columbus
epitomizes the ideal Catholic
gentleman. True to the objec-
tives of the Order, the life of a
Brother Knight is imbued with
faith, fraternity and concern
for the family.
The Cross
Bro. Arcenas: A
True Fraternalist
By Annie M. Nicolas
ciation as member of the Board of Advisors.
Bro. Arcenas is also the Chairman of the
Board of Keys Realty and Development Cor-
poration, a subsidiary of KCFAPI.
During his incumbency as Chairman and
President, Bro. Arcenas’ major thrust is for
KC Fraternal to be able to offer second-to-
none benefits to the members of the Order
of the Knights of Columbus. The
Association’s insurance program had re-
markably grown under his stewardship and
tutelage, enabling more families of Knights
of Columbus to enjoy the privilege KCFAPI
has to offer.
Bro. Arcenas is indeed a true fraternalist,
unceasingly giving his advice and sharing
his wisdom without expecting anything in
return. He always has an eye for charities,
as he would normally give out cash gifts
received to one of his favorite charities, our
very own KC Foundation and Fr. Willmann
City. There, he worked hard for the Order as
Council Membership Director until his brother
knights elected him as Grand Knight for two
terms in Columbian Years 1994-1996. After
that, Brod Jun was asked to join the Visayas
Jurisdiction work team of then Visayas Deputy,
Sir Knight Patrocinio “Pat” Baccay.
Brod Jun did not shirk from the various
endeavors assigned to him, namely: Provin-
cial Deputy—Cebu North, Color Corps
Commander and later on Faithful Navigator
of Lapulapu 4th Degree Assembly, District
Deputy V-12 and Visayas Recruitment and
Retention Chairman, through the Columbian
Years 1996 to 2001.
In recognition of his leadership capabilities
and achievements (he reactivated Council
9359—previously suspended for 8 years, organized
Council 12730, Canduman, Mandaue City, received
the Star District Award and the Very Important
Proposer’s Club-50 member level category, among
other achievements) Brod Jun became the
Visayas Membership Director in Columbian
Years 2001-2003, where he and the then
Visayas Deputy Pacubas received for the
Visayas Jurisdiction the prestigious “Circle of
Honor Award” from the Knights of Colum-
bus Supreme Council and they were feted to a
holiday—K of C style—in Cancun, Mexico.
When the prolific gentleman from Iloilo,
Sir Knight Eduardo “Eddie” Laczi was ap-
pointed Visayas Deputy in Columbian Years
2003 – 2007, he entrusted to Brod Jun the care
of Central and Eastern Visayas. Brod Jun be-
came Executive Assistant to the Visayas Deputy
for Central and Eastern Visayas and concur-
rently, Regional Deputy for Central Visayas. In
August 2006, he was part of the official del-
Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III, During the first conference,
Msgr. Quitorio said there are
many things that influence our
existence and one of the biggest
determinants is “sin”. He dis-
cussed matters related to sin, the
KC priests organize speakers bureau
IN a meeting held Novem- nourishment of all Knights of
ber 27, the KC Priests Asso- Columbus members through-
ciation decided to establish out the country.
a speakers bureau that will KC Priests Association Presi-
be composed of experts in dent Fr. Renato M. Sapungan,
various church discipline will gather members of the
coming from the members speakers bureau in an orienta-
of the association. tion seminar on February 13-
This initiative stemmed 14, 2008 in Tagaytay City.
from the request of the State Aside from propagating the
Deputies that KC priests teachings of the Church among
help in the catechetical the members of the Knights of
upliftment and spiritual Columbus in the three jurisdic-
Charities.
He joined the Order of the Knights of Co-
lumbus in 1977 and in his 30 years as a
knight—served as Grand Knight of KC
Council 5922 (Merville, Paranaque City) and
District Deputy of District M-66.
As a professional, Bro. Arcenas is pres-
ently the Chairman and President of one of
the biggest savings banks in the country,
Banco Filipino. He was a recipient of awards
and appreciation certificates from several
organizations and associations in the bank-
ing industry including “Leadership Award”
and “Outstanding Savings Banker”. He was
also a lecturer in various seminars on busi-
ness management and banking including
Central Bank Training seminars.
Bro. Arcenas is one of the pillars of the
Association. He has been generous with his
time and effort for which the Association
will be forever grateful.
egation of the Visayas Jurisdiction to the 124th
Supreme Council Convention in Orlando,
Florida, U.S.A.
With all that Brod Jun had done for the
Order, it came as no surprise to those who
know him well that the Worthy Supreme
Knight Carl Anderson appointed him as
Visayas Deputy for a two-year term starting
on July 1, 2007. In his speech marking his
formal assumption as Visayas Deputy, Brod
Jun recalled the challenges he overcame in
the past, accepted the responsibility to lead
the Visayas Jurisdiction and is banking on
the cooperation and support of his brothers.
Brod Jun has put to heart his being a knight,
as even his personal business endeavors have
the semblance of the nobility of the Knights
of Columbus: his first entrepreneurial ven-
ture was named “Knights Craft” and the well-
patronized bread and pastry products in Basak,
Mandaue City, courtesy of “Grandbake, Inc.”
where he is President and General Manager.
His experiences in the business sector, in
the engineering field (he earned his Bachelor’s
degree in Mechanical Engineering from Mapua
Institute of Technology), socio-civic involve-
ments (Kiwanis, Association of Ilocanos in
Cebu, Consuelo Villagers Association) and
most of all, his far and wide hands-on, task-
oriented leadership experience in the Knights
of Columbus will augur well in his new job
as Visayas Deputy.
Even if Brod Jun will be with a crowd, it
will be very easy to spot him, hands down.
After all, he is a knight in the true sense, the
Worthy Visayas Deputy, Sir Knight Dionisio
“Jun” R. Esteban, Jr.—”A Knight Through and
Through.”
seven capital sins and the things
that influence people to commit
sin.
He also dwelt on how impor-
tant Liturgy is and that every-
thing should be well-prepared
for the celebration of the Holy
Mass. Msgr. Quitorio stressed
that the sign of being a good
Christian community is loving
one another and working as one
body.
In his homily during the feast
of the Immaculate Conception,
he inspired the retreatants to be
strong and have faith in the Lord
Almighty. He also said they
should bear in mind that no mat-
ter what situation they are in
Jesus Christ will always be there
to give them love and protec-
tion.
The venue with its beautiful
landscape and clean surround-
ings provides a quiet place
where anyone can reflect, think,
pray or just find time to be alone
with God. The participants went
home smiling after that very
meaningful date with the Lord.
(Denise C. Solina)
tions, the Speakers Bureau
will give special emphasis
on the study and promotion
of the life and works of Fr.
George J. Willmann, SJ.
The KC Priests Associa-
tion is also planning to hold
a national symposium on
the life and works of Fr.
Willmann. It is tentatively
scheduled sometime in Sep-
tember 2008. (Denise C.
Solina)
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 11 No. 25
December 10 - 30, 2007
The KC Priests
Rev. Fr. Venes Paolo Matias
Parish Priests of Sto. Cristo Parish
Gen. Tinio, Nueva Ecija
Date of Ordination: November 27,
1997
I ENTERED the minor seminary at the
Maria Assunta Seminary. It was not my
intention to become a priest. But I tried it
since I needed to be in the high school system.
But there I discovered that I had a vocation. I went through
the regiment of seminary life—following the rules and regula-
tions of the seminary which in the end helped me become a
priest.
The support of my family members helped a lot in pursuing
my vocation. I think without it, I cannot imagine pursuing my
studies in the seminary.
I have also experienced to be acquainted with the opposite
sex so that when I decided to become a priest, I knew what I had
to leave behind.
The K of C was able to help me through the scholarship all
the way from Philosophy to Theology. The K of C provided
for all my books. I am very thankful for the help because the
books helped me a lot in my studies. Wherever I am assigned
today I always promote the Order of the Knights of Columbus.
(Source: www.youtube.com/kcpriests)
_________________________________________________
Rev. Fr. Juvelande S. Cabading
Parish Priest, Immaculate Concep-
tion Parish - Sablan, Benguet
Date of Ordination: Feb. 17, 2005
I believe that my vocation started in the
family. My parents are very religious and
they influenced me a lot. When I grew up
I reflected and discerned that God was call-
ing me through my family.
After I graduated from high school, I entered the seminary. I
had been through many apostolates in many places. And my
exposure to the different communities, different people, and
different activities related to the seminary formation helped a
lot to nurture my vocation.
When I was in college, in third year, I became a beneficiary
(scholar) of the K of C until I graduated from theology, until I
became a priest.
When I was in high school I was a member of the Columbian
Squires. The Columbian Squires in our parish was newly orga-
nized—until later on it wavered. I am thankful for the K of C.
I am thankful for being a member of the Columbian Squires
when I was in high school. I am thankful for the K of C for
helping me through my seminary formation especially finan-
cially.
(Source: www.youtube.com/kcpriests)
Knights of Columbus Philippines
Foundation, Inc.
Officers (2007-2008)
Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. – Chairman
Bro. Alonso L. Tan – President
Bro. Ruperto P. Somera - Treasurer
Bro. Francisco V. Tankiang – Corporate Secretary
Bro. Patrocinio R. Bacay – Member
Bro. Antonio B. Borromeo – Member
Bro. Estelito C. Casal - Member
Bro. Sofronio R. Cruz – Member
Bro. Dionisio R. Esteban, Jr. – Member
Other officers: Bro. Joselito E. Mañalac, General Manager; Atty.
Rizal V. Katalbas, Assistant Corporate Secretary; and Bro. Edwin B.
Dawal, Administrative Officer.
Knights of Columbus Fr. George
J. Willmann Charities, Inc.
Officers (2007-2008)
Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. – Chairman
Bro. Alonso L. Tan – President
Bro. Ruperto P. Somera - Treasurer
Bro. Mariano R. Sideco – Corporate Secretary
Bro. Patrocinio R. Bacay – Member
Bro. Antonio B. Borromeo – Member
Fr. Jerome J. Cruz - Member
Bro. Sofronio R. Cruz – Member
Bro. Dionisio R. Esteban, Jr. – Member
Bro. Arsenio R. Lopez – Member
Fr. Benjamin Deogracias M. Fajota - Member
Fr. Renato M. Sapungan – Member
Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III - Member
Other officers: Bro. Joselito E. Mañalac, General Manager; Atty.
Rizal V. Katalbas, Assist ant Corporate Secretary; and Bro. Edwin B.
Dawal, Administrative Officer.